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Is ExpressVPN Good and Safe for P2P Torrenting?

Yes. ExpressVPN is one of the most coveted VPNs for torrenting. If anything, this should not come as a surprise, given that the provider has long been the favorite of many online security experts.

These are what we think are the advantages and drawbacks of ExpressVPN for torrenting:

Pros Cons
100% P2P server network Less affordable than competitors
Excellent connection speeds Zero exclusive features
Many advanced security features No built-in ad and malware blocker
Works in China Allows for fewer simultaneous connections than other top competitors
Operates many servers

 

Does ExpressVPN Allow P2P Torrenting?

Indeed. ExpressVPN does allow its users to torrent on its network. Needless to say, it does not encourage them to download any piece of content that’s copyrighted. The service’s ultimate goal is to simply make the internet a freer and much safer place for everyone using it.

How to Use ExpressVPN for Torrenting

Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually a breeze to utilize ExpressVPN for torrenting. Follow the steps explained below, and you’ll be downloading safely in no time:

1. Install ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Review Screenshot

To kick things off, you must install ExpressVPN on your device. How? Simply head over to the service’s website, then create a user account and purchase it.

After that, download the application and then install it on your device. Do not worry as there’s a native ExpressVPN app for every mainstream operating system currently available. On top of that, the installation process for these applications is beyond easy to do.

2. Start ExpressVPN Before Starting your Torrent Client

Although it may seem like an obvious thing to do, many people actually forget to start their VPN before starting their torrent client. With that in mind, always remember to do this to prevent yourself from being in a vulnerable state wherein cybercriminals can victimize you.

3. Activate Kill Switch

The kill switch of ExpressVPN doesn’t need to get activated because it’s on by default. With that being said, to enable it when it’s turned off, just head over to the options menu of the service’s application and then click the boxes under the “Network Lock” tab.

For those who aren’t aware, a VPN kill switch is an essential security feature that cuts off your device’s connection to the internet when your provider becomes compromised. It comes in handy when your ISP is unreliable or are trying to remain under the radar from prying eyes.

4. Connect to ExpressVPN P2P Server

Expressvpn servers

Luckily, the entire network of ExpressVPN is P2P enabled. Thus, any server you connect your device to is suitable for torrenting. You won’t have to go through the trouble of researching or guessing where to pair to before downloading torrents, which is great for convenience’s sake.

5. Verify for Leaks

To be on the safe side, make sure to perform a torrenting leak test using IPLeak.net after pairing to your VPN server of choice. You should be good to go if the website fails to discover your authentic IP address and instead detects the IP address of the server you’re connected to.

Don’t proceed if the testing software manages to find out your IP address. Rather, switch over to another server then redo the test. When things still don’t go as planned, do not even try to start downloading, as you’ll only put yourself in danger.

6. Start Torrent Client and Download Torrent

If all goes well and ExpressVPN passes your leak test, you can finally go forward and start your torrenting client. What you’re using won’t matter as ExpressVPN is completely compatible with popular clients such as VuzeDelugeuTorrentBitTorrent, and qBittorrent.

Following that, browse your preferred magnet link sources then download the content that you want to. Never turn ExpressVPN off until you’re done with downloading so you’ll remain 100% safeguarded and anonymous.

Is ExpressVPN Good and Safe for P2P Torrenting?

Yes. ExpressVPN is more than capable of meeting all your torrenting needs. Besides having all the necessary bells and whistles, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands. That means it is not required to follow obstructive copyright and privacy laws that may hinder its operations.

No Logs Policy, Security Features

ExpressVPN has a very firm zero-logging policy. The service has even had itself audited several times by PwC, which is an established security firm. Every time, it came out clean and proved to the world that it can be trusted to keep private user information secure.

The perfect security record of ExpressVPN is due in large part to its utilization of RAM-based servers. For anyone who doesn’t know, a VPN network that’s RAM-based is completely incapable of tracking, collecting, and storing subscriber data.

In addition to an automatic kill switch, ExpressVPN also maintains other security features that make it very safe to use. An example of this is split-tunneling, which lets you allow certain websites and online services to view your legitimate info while using your VPN.

Like most top-tier VPN services, ExpressVPN doesn’t support port forwarding. The reason why is because doing so would put its users at risk. How come? Because every port that’s opened serves as a loophole that cybercriminals can utilize to infiltrate your device.

Speed Capabilities

I have got nothing but good things to say about ExpressVPN’s speed capabilities. During my time with the service, not once did I have a bad internet connection. Its having unlimited bandwidth was able to let me download torrents with lightning speed.

Compatibility, Simultaneous Connections

Here’s a list of devices that ExpressVPN functions on:

  1. Windows
  2. macOS
  3. Android
  4. iOS
  5. Linux
  6. Chromebook
  7. Chrome
  8. Firefox
  9. Tor
  10. Selected Routers

ExpressVPN has an application for every leading operating system. Additionally, it boasts a web browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. Furthermore, the service can be used alongside Tor and installed on a wide range of routers. Lastly, it’s compatible with all major torrent clients.

Unfortunately, you can’t connect many devices simultaneously to ExpressVPN with a single subscription. It only allows for a maximum of five, which is an offering that most competitors have managed to already outmatch.

Pricing

Sad to say, the prices of ExpressVPN are slightly higher than the majority of its rivals. Be that as it may, the service can still be afforded by the average joe. Here’s a table breaking down the costs of each of the service’s subscription plans:

Subscription Lengths 1 Month ($12.95/Month)
6 Months ($9.99/Month)
1 Year ($8.32/Month)
Highest Price Per Month $12.95
Lowest Price Per Month $8.32
One Year Price $99.95 (12 Months +3)
Special Offer 3 months free with a 1-year subscription

Even if ExpressVPN doesn’t have a free trial, it’s still possible to try the VPN without any risks at all. How? By buying a subscription and then taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee policy if you’re ever unsatisfied. You may ask for it via their live chat support.

Putting It All Together

If you’re still wondering if ExpressVPN will suffice for all your torrenting needs, I’m once again going to say yes. Few other VPNs can match the provider in this regard. After all, its entire network is P2P enabled and RAM-based, making it 100% safe and trustworthy.

ExpressVPN also has many great security features and is independently audited. Moreover, it’s compatible with every leading web browseroperating system, and torrent client. On top of that, the VPN is very easy to use thanks to its well-developed native applications.

Only two things really set ExpressVPN back. The first is its prices which are more expensive than closely-ranked competitors. Meanwhile, the second is that it only allows for a maximum of five simultaneous connections, which is abysmal for today’s standards.

By: Erwin Caniba
Eric is the co-founder of VPNOnline. He has been an avid user of VPNs since 2012. He has tested all of the major VPN providers and shares his findings on this website. Follow Eric on Facebook.