Whether you want to binge your favorite shows abroad or download files privately, you need a VPN that does both well. We tested the top services to find the best VPN for streaming and torrenting — comparing unblocking ability, P2P support, speed, and price.
streaming and torrenting have opposite needs on paper — one demands raw speed and geo-unblocking, the other demands privacy and P2P-friendly infrastructure. but the best VPNs handle both without compromise. here's who does it best.
| pick | best for | starting price | streaming | torrenting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nordvpn | overall | ~$3.39/mo | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| proton vpn | privacy & torrenting | ~$4.99/mo | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| expressvpn | ease of use | ~$6.67/mo | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| surfshark | budget & unlimited devices | ~$2.49/mo | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| cyberghost | specialized servers | ~$2.19/mo | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
nordvpn tops our list because it does everything well. its proprietary nordlynx protocol (built on wireguard) delivers some of the fastest speeds we've seen, which matters for 4k streaming and large torrent files alike.1
streaming: nordvpn reliably unblocks netflix, hulu, amazon prime, disney+, and bbc iplayer across multiple regions. techradar calls its streaming performance "flawless."1
torrenting: while nordvpn supports p2p on many servers, it doesn't offer port forwarding — a feature some advanced torrenters want for better peer connections. still, its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and its kill switch is rock-solid.
proton vpn is the editors' choice winner for torrenting at pcmag, and for good reason.2 it's built by the same team behind proton mail, with a fierce commitment to privacy.
torrenting: proton vpn offers dedicated p2p-optimized servers and supports port forwarding, making it ideal for anyone who seeds torrents regularly. its strict no-logs policy has been audited, and it's based in switzerland — a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws.2
streaming: it unblocks major platforms reliably, though its server network is smaller than nordvpn's, so you may occasionally hit a region it doesn't cover.
expressvpn is the gold standard for simplicity. its apps are clean, fast, and work the same way on every device.
streaming: expressvpn is exceptionally good at unblocking streaming services. it works with netflix, hbo max, disney+, and more, often on the first try.
torrenting: p2p is allowed on all servers, and speeds are consistently high. the trade-off is price — expressvpn is the most expensive option here, and it doesn't offer port forwarding.
surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription — a huge win for households.
streaming: surfshark unblocks most major platforms, though its success rate can be slightly less consistent than nordvpn or expressvpn with trickier regions.
torrenting: p2p is supported on dedicated servers, and surfshark includes a cleanweb feature that blocks ads and trackers. no port forwarding, but the price makes it easy to recommend.
cyberghost takes a different approach: it pre-configures servers for specific tasks, so you don't have to guess which server works with netflix or which one supports p2p.
streaming: cyberghost has dedicated streaming profiles for netflix, disney+, amazon prime, and more. just pick what you want to watch and it connects you to the right server.
torrenting: dedicated p2p servers with good speeds. it's beginner-friendly, though advanced users may miss features like wireguard support (it uses its own protocol) and port forwarding.
| feature | nordvpn | proton vpn | expressvpn | surfshark | cyberghost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| streaming unblocking | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| p2p support | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| port forwarding | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| wireguard protocol | nordlynx | ✓ | lightway | ✓ | ✗ |
| no-logs audit | ✓ (pwc) | ✓ (securitum) | ✓ (pwc) | ✓ (deloitte) | ✓ (deloitte) |
| starting price | ~$3.39/mo | ~$4.99/mo | ~$6.67/mo | ~$2.49/mo | ~$2.19/mo |
| simultaneous connections | 6 | 10 | 8 | unlimited | 7 |
speed matters most. for 4k streaming and large torrents, you want wireguard (or a fast proprietary equivalent like nordlynx). avoid vpns that cap bandwidth or throttle p2p traffic.
p2p support isn't optional. not all vpns allow torrenting on all servers. look for services with dedicated p2p servers or explicit p2p permission across the network.
port forwarding is a bonus. if you seed torrents heavily, port forwarding helps you connect to more peers. proton vpn is the only pick here that offers it.
a verified no-logs policy. torrenting is only private if your vpn doesn't keep logs. look for independent audits, not just marketing claims.
geo-unblocking reliability. the best streaming vpns actively work to stay ahead of platform blocks. nordvpn and expressvpn are the most consistent here.
if you want one vpn that does everything well, nordvpn is the pick. it's fast, unblocks every major streaming service, and handles torrenting with solid privacy protections.
if torrenting is your primary use case and you want port forwarding plus maximum privacy, proton vpn is the better choice.
if you're on a budget or need unlimited device connections, surfshark delivers surprising value.
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