How To Download Torrents Anonymously, Safely & Securely

Downloading a file via a BitTorrent client is one of the most popular ways to get files online. However, it is not always the safest method.

If you get your files via torrent, there is always a chance that the files are corrupted and malicious. On the other hand, you may also get into legal trouble. A lot of torrented files are illegal to download. Also, hackers and intruders can track your IP address.

Because of all the risks of publicly downloading torrents, it is best to hide your IP as much as possible. The best way to do this is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This article will explain how to download torrents anonymously so that nobody can track you.

How Can Others Track Me?

When you’re using a BitTorrent client, you are sharing files through a peer-to-peer network. This means that your internet protocol (IP) address and metadata are visible to other network users.

Exposing your IP address makes you easily trackable. You may unknowingly engage in illegal activity and your government will know right away. But you can hide your IP address by using a VPN.

What Is a VPN?

Using the right VPN means that you create another IP address in place of your real one. Your real address and location are encrypted, and you are not exposing yourself. VPN also uses 265-bit encryption, which protects your information from hackers.

Choosing a Good VPN

Not all VPNs are good for torrenting. Some VPNs have features that will completely hide you while you use your BitTorrent client. However, there are VPNs that are openly against torrenting activities. For example, Hoxx VPN sanctions torrenting.

Some VPNs allow torrenting but don’t do a good job when trying to hide your identity. If you use an unreliable VPN, you risk exposing yourself.

Some of the essential factors for a good VPN are:

1. Rules: you want a VPN that allows torrenting.
2. Location: the VPN should be located outside of “Fourteen Eyes” countries – these are countries that belong to international surveillance alliances. They include the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Germany, and some more European countries.
3. Logging rules: the best VPNs are the ones that don’t gather logs and data.
4. Speed: the faster, the better.

Best VPN for Torrenting

Some of the best VPN services for torrenting safely are:

1. CyberGhost: This VPN ticks all the boxes of a good VPN. It allows torrenting, encrypts data and doesn’t gather any logs. Its monthly subscription is $2.75.
2. NordVPN: A quick and reliable VPN that secures your data and downloads torrents quickly. It offers military-grade encryption, so nobody can find your location. It costs $3 a month.
3. PrivateVPN: A VPN with a good reputation that is successful for over ten years. No user ever encountered a problem with this service. You can subscribe for a monthly fee of $1.9
4. Express VPN: This VPN is the most expensive on this list, at $6.67 a month. However, it offers the best service, as it is located offshore, doesn’t record logs, and locks your traffic if there is a chance your IP may leak. You can also use this VPN on any device.

Are there Alternatives to VPN Services?

If you don’t want to use a VPN, you may consider other alternatives. They can’t replace all the features of a VPN, but they will keep you anonymous.

Free Proxy Service

Proxy services like Hide My Ass hide your real IP address and let you download torrents somewhat safely. On the downside, they don’t have 256-bit encryption, so they leave you vulnerable to hacking and data leaking.

Because it lacks strong encryption and comes with a lot of security concerns, it’s usually better not to risk using only a proxy service.

Anomos

This is a peer-to-peer software like BitTorrent. It uses an extra layer of encryption that makes its users more secure. A notable negative feature is that this software doesn’t use normal torrent files but has its own ‘atorrent’ files instead.

Get Anomos Here.

Torrent Privacy and BTGuard

These two programs are alternatives to BitTorrent clients. They are pay-to-use, and they make you completely anonymous while downloading. BTguard is compatible with all devices and operating systems, while Torrent Privacy is only available for Windows.

Conclusion

If you frequently use a BitTorrent client, it is best to stay safe. When you expose your IP, you risk terrible consequences. You may engage in illegal activities without knowing it, and you are prone to cyber-attacks and data theft. By using a VPN or some of the alternatives, you can stay safe and avoid big problems down the line.