Prices checked: 3 October 2026
What makes a VPN good for downloading
Not every VPN is built for big downloads or peer-to-peer traffic. We looked for five things:
- Speed on nearby servers. Downloads expose slow VPNs fast.
- P2P allowed on the network, ideally with dedicated P2P servers.
- Independently audited no-logs policy.
- Kill switch that cuts traffic if the VPN drops.
- Split tunneling, so only the apps you choose go through the VPN.
Quick comparison
| NordVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year, per month) | $3.49 | $2.49 | $2.99 |
| Monthly plan | $14.99 | $16.45 | $9.99 |
| Servers | 7,390 servers in 150 countries | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | Check site |
| Devices | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| P2P servers | Yes, dedicated | Yes, on most servers | Yes, on paid plans |
| Fast protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard based) | WireGuard | WireGuard, Stealth |
| Audited no-logs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
1. NordVPN: best overall
NordVPN is the fastest all-rounder we recommend. NordLynx, its WireGuard-based protocol, keeps speed loss low on nearby servers, and its P2P servers are tuned for large transfers. It has had its no-logs policy audited several times by independent firms, includes a kill switch, and offers split tunneling on Windows and Android.
Best for: people who want speed and features without fiddling.
Price: $3.49 per month on the 2-year plan, $14.99 month to month.
Full details in our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark: best value
Surfshark allows unlimited devices on one account, which makes it the cheapest option for families or anyone with lots of gadgets. Speeds are close to NordVPN on WireGuard, and P2P is allowed on most servers.
Best for: households, many devices, tight budgets.
Price: $2.49 per month on the 2-year plan.
How the top two compare in detail: NordVPN vs Surfshark.
3. Proton VPN: best for privacy-first users
Proton VPN comes from the Swiss team behind Proton Mail. It is open source and audited, and it offers port forwarding on paid plans, which helps P2P speeds. The free plan is a solid free VPN for browsing, but it does not allow P2P.
Best for: privacy-focused users who value open-source apps.
Price: from $2.99 per month.
Do you even need a VPN for downloading?
It depends on how you download:
| How you download | VPN needed? |
|---|---|
| Torrent client on your own PC | Recommended, your IP is visible to peers |
| Debrid service (LinkSnappy, AllDebrid) | Optional, see VPN with debrid |
| Seedbox or cloud torrent service | Optional, the server does the torrenting (what is a seedbox) |
| Usenet over SSL | Optional (Usenet vs debrid) |
| Public Wi-Fi, any method | Yes |
How to set up a VPN for downloads
- Install the VPN app and sign in.
- Turn on the kill switch.
- Choose a nearby server, or a P2P server if the app offers one.
- Use WireGuard or NordLynx for speed.
- If you use a debrid service with single-IP rules, stick to one server.
- Run a speed test with and without the VPN to confirm the loss is small.
Verdict
Choose NordVPN for the best mix of speed, features and audited privacy. Choose Surfshark if you want unlimited devices for less. Choose Proton VPN if open-source privacy matters most to you. All three have 30-day refunds, so you can test them on your own connection.
FAQ
Which VPN is best for P2P in 2026?
NordVPN is the best VPN for P2P in 2026 for most people, with dedicated P2P servers, fast NordLynx speeds and an audited no-logs policy. Surfshark is the best value with unlimited devices.
Do all VPNs allow torrenting?
No. Some VPNs block P2P traffic or only allow it on certain servers. NordVPN, Surfshark and paid Proton VPN plans all allow it.
Does a VPN slow down downloads?
A little. Good VPNs on nearby servers usually lose only a small share of speed, especially with WireGuard-based protocols. Distant servers slow things down more.
Is a free VPN good for downloading?
Usually not. Free VPNs often cap speed or data, and many do not allow P2P. Proton VPN’s free plan is trustworthy but blocks P2P.
What is a VPN kill switch?
A kill switch blocks your internet connection if the VPN disconnects, so your real IP is never exposed by accident. Turn it on before any download.
Is using a VPN for downloading legal?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal whether or not you use a VPN.
