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Is NordVPN Good and Safe For P2P Torrenting?

Of course. NordVPN is good for many things and among those is torrenting. Needless to say, this should not surprise you since the VPN provider is regarded by many to be the best that’s available.

Below is a list of drawbacks and selling points that you should know before using NordVPN for all of your torrenting needs:

Pros Cons
Excellent speed capabilities Not all servers are P2P enabled
Large server network
Competitively priced
Many security features
Wide compatibility

 

Does NordVPN Allow P2P Torrenting?

Yes. NordVPN is a torrenting-friendly VPN. It doesn’t mind when subscribers use its network to download content. With that said, the service does actively discourage the downloading of files that are subject to copyright restrictions.

 

How to Use NordVPN for Torrenting

Despite what you might be thinking, it’s not difficult to use NordVPN for torrenting. In fact, to do so, all that’s needed is for you to follow these basic steps:

1. Install NordVPN

Before anything else, you must install NordVPN on your device. How? First, the service has to be purchased and a user account has to be created. After that, you may then download its applications from its website. Once downloaded, they then need to be installed.

The installation process of NordVPN’s apps varies from OS to OS. Fortunately, regardless of what platform you’re using, it is super quick and easy. In fact, even those who are not versed with tech are guaranteed not to encounter any issues.

 

2. Start NordVPN Before Starting your Torrent Client

Once you’ve finally got NordVPN on your device, it’s essential to start it before opening your torrent client. Without doing this, you won’t be able to protect yourself when partaking in a downloading session. Also, you’ll be leaving yourself open to cybercriminals.

 

3. Activate Kill Switch

nordvpn-kill-switch

Unlike other VPN kill switches, NordVPN’s isn’t activated by default. Hence, right after opening the service’s apps, you must enable it. To do this, go to the settings menu and there’s a special kill switch tab wherein you can toggle it on or off on the device or app level.

What’s a kill switch in the first place? It is an essential VPN security feature that eliminates your device’s connection to the internet if its connection to the VPN server gets compromised. You’ll find it useful when downloading torrents as it’ll stop you from accidentally getting victimized by hackers, government monitors, and other kinds of malicious third-parties.

 

4. Connect to NordVPN P2P Server

After activating NordVPN’s kill switch, you may now connect to one of its P2P servers. Although its entire network is not P2P enabled, selecting a location is easy. That’s because the provider’s apps have a feature that automatically finds the best suitable server based on your location and then connects you to it. There’ll be no need for pesky manual selection.

Please note that you can also pick a P2P server by yourself when required to. Just click or tap the P2P button seen on the homepage of all of NordVPN’s native applications.

 

5. Verify for Leaks

Once you’ve finally paired your device to a suitable server, check for leaks using IPLeak.net. Do not think this step is optional. If anything, it’s very important as you’ll get to verify if the VPN you are using is truly safe for torrenting.

If NordVPN doesn’t pass IPLeak.net’s test and your IP address shows up, try pairing to another server. When that does not work, don’t ever proceed with torrenting.

 

6. Start Torrent Client and Download Torrent

The final step in using NordVPN for torrenting is to open your torrent client and then download a magnet link. Your client of choice won’t matter since NordVPN is perfectly capable of working alongside uTorrentqBittorrentDelugeVuze, and BitTorrent.

 

Is NordVPN Good and Safe for P2P Torrenting?

Indeed. NordVPN is good and safe for P2P torrenting. Apart from being equipped with all the necessary prerequisites to facilitate safe downloading, the service is also based in Panama. Hence, zero privacy and copyright laws hinder it from providing complete privacy to users.

No Logs Policy, Security Features

As you might’ve expected, NordVPN has a concrete no-logs policy.

To prove that it’s worthy of trust, the VPN provider has had itself subjected to multiple audits by PwC, which is the same security firm that audited ExpressVPN. With every check, the service proved that subscribers can trust it completely to not give away their private information.

Please note that NordVPN doesn’t have a perfect security record. The service was once hacked by a lone attacker. During the incident, data that could’ve been used to establish a fake server was obtained. Fortunately, the service was quickly able to address the breach and fix it.

Besides having a kill switch, NordVPN also maintains many other security features. Examples of which include a malware blockersplit tunneling, and double VPN. Additionally, the service has also implemented a bug bounty program and established support for WireGuard.

NordVPN does not support port forwarding, which can be a bummer for some.

The main reason why is because the service views it as a security risk. After all, every port that is opened can serve as an entryway for cybercriminals to your device. And, if anything, the last thing that NordVPN would want is another controversy on its plate.

 

Speed Capabilities

Lots of experts say that NordVPN is the fastest VPN in existence. I’d like to disagree as there are a handful of other services that have yielded better speed test results.

Despite that, you shouldn’t ever underestimate NordVPN as it’s incredibly fast. Using it, you’re guaranteed to have very quick torrent downloading times. Of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise given that the provider has unlimited bandwidth.

Compatibility, Simultaneous Connections

Below is a list of operating systems and browsers that NordVPN works on:

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

NordVPN has a native application for virtually all popular operating systems. Besides that, it can be installed on lots of routers and used with the Tor browser. Moreover, the service also has extensions for Firefox and Chrome. Finally, it’s compatible with all major torrent clients.

At present, NordVPN allows for a maximum of six simultaneous device connections. In the VPN industry, this amount is just slightly above average. Many other competing services allow for more same-time connections under one subscription.

Pricing

The prices of NordVPN are fair. While the service is a bit more expensive than most of its rivals on the market, it’s still suitable for anyone with a reasonable budget. Check out the table below to know how much each of the service’s plans costs:

NordVPN
Subscription Lengths $11.95/Month
1 Year ($4.92/Month)
2 Years ($3.71/Month)
Highest Price Per Month $11.95
Lowest Price Per Month $3.71
One Year Price $59.00
Special Offer 68% off for a 2-year plan;
58% off for a 1-year plan

Unfortunately, there’s currently no way to try NordVPN without spending money. However, you may give the provider a shot without risks. That’s thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee that it boasts. Just buy a subscription and avail of a refund if ever you’re not satisfied.

Putting It All Together

NordVPN is a wonderful VPN for torrenting. Even if it doesn’t have a fully enabled P2P network, most of its 5000+ servers can be used for downloading purposes. Apart from that, the service also has every necessary security feature that you’d need to have a safe download session.

While it was once hacked, I can confidently say that NordVPN is safe. After all, it has had itself independently audited and has made drastic changes to ensure that it doesn’t ever get hacked ever again. Using it, your personal data is certain to be safeguarded.

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.