Surfshark for Torrenting Is it Safe for P2P in 2025?

Surfshark for Torrenting It’s dangerous to torrent. I always use a VPN when engaging in P2P activities since I don’t want snoops to intercept my traffic or limit my speed. However, picking the best service might be challenging. Although Surfshark looks like a decent VPN for torrenting, is it secure and quick enough?

To determine if the VPN is a good choice for torrenting, I examined its P2P compatibility, speeds, security, and privacy features. I also investigated which devices it works with and how simple it is to set up with various torrent clients. Following testing, my team and I evaluated Surfshark’s performance against 60 different torrenting VPNs.

Considering that you can test it out for free, Surfshark is a respectable torrenting tool overall. It does not, however, have certain essential torrent functions, so I have also suggested other VPNs that, in my opinion, work a little better for big downloads. Find out how Surfshark compares to other services and why I still believe it to be a decent mid-range torrent VPN by reading on.

Quick Guide: How to Use Surfshark for Torrenting in 3 Easy Steps

• Get Surfshark. Fast speeds and limitless bandwidth are provided by this service for unrestricted torrenting. Because Surfshark has a proven 30-day money-back guarantee, you may test it out for free.
• Establish a connection with a server. In your preferred location, you can manually connect to a P2P-optimized server. Alternatively, if you start your torrent client while using a VPN, Surfshark will automatically transfer you to a torrenting server.
• Get torrenting. Verify that your IP address is hidden on websites such as ipleak.net and activate the kill switch in Surfshark. Then, to download data quickly and securely, launch a torrent software like qBittorrent or uTorrent.

Is Surfshark Good for Torrenting?

P2P Support — Plenty of Torrenting Servers

Numerous P2P-optimized server locations are available on Surfshark. The Locations tab allows you to look for the P2P-optimized options. This made it simple for me to download things without limitations using a connection that could torrent.

There are P2P-optimized servers in the following locations:

Austria	Belgium	Bulgaria	Canada
Denmark	Finland	France	Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt)
Hong Kong	Italy	Japan	Luxembourg
Netherlands	Norway	Poland (Warsaw)	Serbia
Singapore	Slovakia	Spain	Switzerland
UK	US

Additionally, the VPN offers fairly strong coverage with 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries. I frequently travel around Europe, and I can usually locate a quick server close by.

I loaded torrent applications, including uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Deluge, and Transmission, throughout my tests, and everything operated without any issues. Additionally, when I used qBittorrent, the Surfshark program immediately linked me to a P2P-optimized server. If you don’t want to waste time manually searching for the ideal server, this is helpful.

The lack of port forwarding support in Surfshark is a drawback. Because it enables you to go over your router’s NAT firewall and let incoming traffic into your torrent client, this capability is useful for torrenting. This indicates that you will have problems with this VPN’s seeding. If all you want to do is download torrents, this is OK, but if you want to use the VPN with a private tracker that needs a decent ratio, that might be an issue. 

Speeds — Consistent Connection

Although it’s not the fastest VPN I’ve ever used for torrenting, Surfshark still provides a respectable bitrate for dependable downloads. The 5GB file I torrented took about 18 minutes to finish. Additionally, the VPN has limitless bandwidth, so you can download anything you want without worrying about data caps. It is still a bit slower than other similar VPNs, such as CyberGhost or ExpressVPN, though.

Servers	Download Speeds	Upload Speeds
Baseline Tests	60.64 Mbps	64.50 Mbps
US (New York)	44.74Mbps (26.22% drop)	53.28Mbps (17.39% drop)
UK (London)	43.74Mbps (27.86% drop)	57.76Mbps (10.44% drop)
Canada (Vancouver)	48.11Mbps (20.66% drop)	51.96Mbps (19.44% drop)

All of the P2P servers were reliable and had quick upload and download speeds (you can select the fastest server by using the built-in server speed test in the Windows software). My speeds are somewhat reduced in distant places (on average, by 26%), but my torrents were not significantly affected. 

Security and Privacy — Top-Tier Features For Torrenting

AES 256-bit encryption protects your connection. The strongest encryption available is this one. It implies that you can safely download files without being concerned about prying eyes watching you as you torrent.

Additionally, IPv4/DNS/WebRTC leak protection prevents other peers from seeing your actual IP address. This stops malevolent people in your swarm from launching cyberthreats (such as DDoS assaults) using your IP. However, it is sad because it lacks IPv6 leak protection. Because certain trackers utilize IPv6, unless you explicitly disable IPv6, using them with Surfshark may disclose your IP address.

In the event that the VPN tunnel fails, an automatic kill switch also disconnects your connection. This further shields you from unintentional data exposure to peers by preventing your traffic from defaulting to your usual ISP. However, only Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices can use the death switch. This extra degree of security is not available to Linux users.

The VPN provides three distinct protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), and IKEv2. While Wireguard provides dependable security and fast speeds, OpenVPN is the industry standard for safely downloading torrent files. Therefore, based on your torrenting requirements, you can select between quicker speeds or better security.

SOCKS5 is the only pertinent protocol that is absent from the list. Because SOCKS5 enables you to connect to multiple peers at once, increasing your download speeds, it can be helpful for torrenting. Since many VPNs come with a SOCKS5 proxy as an extra function, I hope Surfshark will provide the same.

The fact that Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a major player in the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances—a coalition of nations notorious for gathering and disseminating their citizens’ internet data—is a little more worrisome. Nevertheless, the RAM-only servers and the VPN’s no logs policy guarantee that your torrenting data is erased upon each reboot. Therefore, Surfshark won’t have anything to offer even if it is legally asked to share your data.

In addition to the standard VPN security features, Surfshark offers a number of special capabilities that are useful for torrenting. Avoiding dubious pirate websites is made easier with the CleanWeb function, which prevents cookies and advertisements and keeps track of data breaches. Obfuscation, often known as Camouflage Mode, prevents torrent trackers from detecting your VPN use. Additionally, if certain networks (such as those at work or school) restrict torrent services, the NoBorders feature enables you to access the legal torrent platforms in your nation.

Additionally, there is a MultiHop (double VPN) setting that uses two VPN servers rather than just one to route your information. Although I wouldn’t advise using it for torrenting because it significantly slowed down my connection, this is perfect for making your online activities even harder to track. 

Device Compatibility — Works Across All Major Operating Systems

You can connect an infinite number of devices simultaneously with Surfshark. I was able to torrent safely on my PC while browsing privately on my smartphone and unblocking content on my laptop. I also tried connecting all eight of my devices simultaneously and experienced no performance issues. The VPN is compatible with all major operating systems (OSs) (Windows, macOS, Linux), smartphones (Android and iOS), and routers. Additionally, Bypasser (formerly known as Whitelister)—the split tunneling feature—allows you to select which apps use the VPN tunnel so you can use the VPN to download files on your torrent client while still accessing local Google results using your regular IP.

How to Set Up Surfshark With Torrenting Clients

Installing Surfshark and using it with torrenting platforms is made quick and easy with my method below. After completing the steps, you will quickly be able to connect to a P2P server and begin downloading files.

Make sure you have a Surfshark subscription before downloading the app; pick the plan that best fits your needs. With Surfshark’s reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it out without taking any chances.

1. Download the Surfshark app installer for your device.
2. Run the installer, set up the VPN service on your device, and log in with your account details.
3. Connect to a P2P-optimized server. You can find these servers under the Locations tab.

4. Now, configure and use the OpenVPN protocol from the Settings panel to get the best protection while torrenting.

Note: It’s a good idea to ensure your IP isn’t leaking before torrenting. You can run an IP leak check online to see that your location information is masked.

5. Download a torrent client of your choice (uTorrent, BitTorrent, and qBitTorrent are all recommended) and install it on your device.
6. Run the client and start downloading securely.

Best Alternative VPNs for Torrenting — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds and Unlimited Bandwidth for Downloading Files Without Limitations

Best Feature	Impressive speeds for fast downloading and uploading
Server Network	3,000 servers to torrent quickly and safely
Security	Military-grade encryption and Network Lock for extra privacy
Can Access	The Pirate Bay, YTS, 1337X, LimeTorrents, EZTV, and more

Editor’s Note: Since openness is one of our guiding principles at vpnMentor, you should be aware that we share ownership with ExpressVPN. This has no bearing on our evaluation procedure, though.

You can torrent files fast thanks to ExpressVPN’s fast speeds. It can provide the fastest performance because its patented Lightway protocol uses very few resources. I had great download speeds with uTorrent during my ExpressVPN tests. With an average speed of 57.3 Mbps, I was able to torrent a 5GB file in less than 15 minutes.

To access torrent websites, the VPN provides a P2P-friendly server network spread across 105 countries. In addition to having limitless bandwidth, which means there is no data cap to limit your downloads, it offers port forwarding for seamless seeding—even on router connections.

When torrenting files, strong encryption protects your online activity. A kill switch called Network Lock cuts off your connection in the event that the VPN tunnel abruptly fails. By doing this, you can avoid having your identity revealed while torrenting. Additionally, I saw no IP/DNS leaks; therefore, other peers using the VPN were unable to determine my precise location.

Your information is protected from outside parties and governmental organizations by an audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN is unable to physically store your private data since TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers) erases all data upon reboot. Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, the VPN’s headquarters are located in the British Virgin Islands.

Because it protects against annoying popups on torrent websites and prevents accidental clicks on dangerous links, the Threat Manager is particularly helpful for torrenting activities. Additionally, you may choose which apps to transit through the VPN connection by using the split tunneling option. In order to avoid setting off any security alerts, I was able to use the VPN to run my torrent applications (uTorrent and BitTorrent) while keeping my normal connection for bank account access.

The pricey subscription plans, which start at $4.99 per month, are the sole drawback. ExpressVPN does, however, frequently provide discounts that can help you save money. For the greatest deal, I suggest purchasing the 12-month package. 

Useful Features

• Simple unblocking: ITV Hub, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more platforms can be unblocked with the aid of the extensive server list.
• Multiple device connections—ExpressVPN supports all major platforms, including iOS, Linux, and the Amazon Fire Stick, and you may connect up to 8 devices to it.
• 24/7 live chat assistance—ExpressVPN’s staff provides 24/7 assistance from any location. If you ever run into issues with any of the functions, this is fantastic.
• Money-back guarantee for 30 days—If you are not quite satisfied with the VPN service, you can easily get a full refund. After testing the procedure, I received my money back in three days.

ExpressVPN Offer February 2025: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 61% off! Don’t miss out!

2. CyberGhost — P2P-Optimized Servers Designed for Easy Torrenting

Best Feature	Specialized torrenting servers for smooth file downloads
Server Network	11,690 servers in 100 countries to bypass geo-blocks
Security	IP/DNS leak protection and a kill switch to secure your data
Can Access	The Pirate Bay, YTS, 1337X, LimeTorrents, EZTV, and more

Editor’s Note: We value transparency at vpnMentor, so we want to let you know that we are part of the same business group as CyberGhost VPN. This doesn’t change how we rate things.

CyberGhost has special computers for torrenting to give you the fastest upload and download speeds. Their high speed lets you download big files quickly without any delays. While using CyberGhost, I tested the P2P servers to download files quickly on BitTorrent. I used CyberGhost’s Spanish server to view The Pirate Bay while in the UK.

The Pirate Bay and similar websites have many files that are protected by copyright, and downloading them is banned in most places. Before joining a torrent group, make sure to check the link carefully so you don’t download anything illegal. The vpnMentor team and I do not support any illegal activities.

I got torrent files quickly and without pauses. On the P2P-optimized US server, my average speed was 51.9 Mbps. I downloaded free games and movies in just a few minutes. Also, I had no limits on data usage or internet speed.

AES 256-bit encryption scrambles your data to protect you from hackers and snoops. CyberGhost’s special ad-blocker stops annoying pop-ups and alerts you about harmful torrenting sites. You also get a kill switch and defense against IPv6/DNS leaks for extra safety when using torrenting sites.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. This means your torrenting activity is protected from government agencies that share data. There’s also an audited no-logs policy, so your sensitive information isn’t shared even if government authorities officially request it.

What are the disadvantages? Just like Surfshark, CyberGhost does not allow port switching. Monthly plans can cost a lot and usually have a shorter money-back promise. Long-term subscriptions begin at only $2.19 per month and offer a longer refund time. I picked the 2-year plan because it was the cheapest option. 

Useful Features

• Split tunneling means the VPN allows you to decide which apps will use the VPN connection and which ones won’t. This is good if you want to use your torrent program with a secure connection while keeping your normal IP address for browsing the internet.
• You can connect up to 7 devices, and the VPN works on all major platforms, including Linux and Kodi.
• You can get customer support through live chat anytime you want, 24/7. I tried the live chat, and the answers were quick and useful.
• You have a 45-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is easy if you’re not completely happy with your experience. I tried the process and received my money back in 4 days.

February 2025 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access — Proprietary MACE Tool to Block Ads and Trackers While Torrenting

Best Feature	Built-in blockers for ads, trackers, and malware
Server Network	29,650 servers to unblock torrenting sites
Security	MACE and AES 256-bit encryption to keep you safe online
Can Access	The Pirate Bay, YTS, 1337X, LimeTorrents, EZTV, and more

Editor’s Note: We value transparency at vpnMentor, so we want to let you know that we are part of the same business group as Private Internet Access. This doesn’t change how we rate things.

PIA has an ad-blocking tool called MACE that stops harmful websites and blocks advertisements. This means you can use torrenting websites without coming across unsafe sites that have bugs or viruses. When I tested PIA, I found it offers good leak protection and safe methods (OpenVPN and WireGuard) to keep my data secure while torrenting.

You also have several smart security features to keep your torrenting safe. The app allows you to pick between AES 256-bit encryption for better security or AES 128-bit encryption for faster speeds. There are a lot of settings to adjust, which can be confusing for people new to VPNs. However, I found that the basic setup works well for downloading torrents. You don’t need to change the security settings if you don’t want to.

Like CyberGhost, you also enjoy fast speeds on the P2P sites. I got average speeds of 49.8 Mbps, which is great for downloading big files, and the VPN allows port forwarding. Also, PIA offers unlimited bandwidth for downloading torrent files and viewing without interruptions.

You can subscribe for just $2.19 a month. I suggest choosing the 3-year plan for the best deal.

Useful Features

• Automatic kill switch—This feature stops your internet connection if the VPN stops working. This keeps your name and location safe when downloading files.
• SOCKS5 proxies—PIA has more SOCKS5 sites than Surfshark, which can help increase torrent speeds. It can also open services in China.
• We offer live chat support 24/7. Our friendly support team is especially useful for setting up complicated security settings.
• 30-day refund promise — Getting a return is simple if you’re not satisfied with the VPN. I tried the process and received my money back in 5 days. 

February 2025 Update: PIA doesn’t usually have deals or discounts (it’s already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!

Quick Comparison Table: Torrenting VPN Features

	Lowest Price	Headquarters	Multiple Device Connections	Global Server Network	P2P Servers	% speed drop while using a P2P server
🥇ExpressVPN	$4.99/month	British Virgin Islands	8	3,000 servers in 105 countries	Entire network	5.5% decrease
🥈CyberGhost	$2.19/month	Romania	7	11,690 servers in 100 countries	Some optimized servers	14.41% decrease
🥉Private Internet Access	$2.19/month	US	Unlimited	29,650 servers in 91 countries	Entire network	17.87% decrease
Surfshark	$2.19/month	Netherlands	Unlimited	3,200 servers in 100 countries	Some optimized servers	20.66% decrease

Editor’s Note: We appreciate our readers and work hard to earn your trust by being open and honest. We own several top goods mentioned on this site, including Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. This does not change our review process because we follow a strict testing method. 

Conclusion

Surfshark for Torrenting In 2025, Surfshark is still a popular option for torrenting because of its robust encryption, no-logs policy, and quick P2P-friendly servers. It guarantees speed and security for torrent users with features like a kill switch and WireGuard protocol. Surfshark is a great choice for safe and anonymous torrenting because of its low cost and limitless device connections, even though some rivals might have more sophisticated capabilities.

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