VPNs can be used to make the internet more secure. VPNs “mask” your IP address, so that final internet destinations can’t trace it. A VPN can disguise your IP address so that it appears you are browsing from Paris or New York. You can mask your IP address to add anonymity to your internet browsing. This also helps you hide torrenting.
VPNs are used frequently to protect sensitive data. VPNs have strong encryption and firewalls which may prevent users from connecting to them. Port forwarding is a solution to these problems.
Port forwarding is only available in a handful of VPNs. This can be a great way to boost your performance when seeding torrents. This would enable you to achieve faster speeds, customize your network and apps, as well as add an additional layer of security. Let’s look at port forwarding.
These are the top VPNs that offer Port Forwarding:
- PrivateVPN is the best VPN with port forwarding
- Private Internet Access – secure port forwarding VPN
- PureVPN – has extra port forward add-on available-
- TorGuard supports PF and has SSL based protocols
- Perfect Privacy Great alternative to the traditional
What is Port Forwarding?
A port is a number that controls how data is sent and received over the Internet. Conflicts can be avoided by using port numbers to identify distinct “roads” for internet traffic. Port 21 is an example. It is traditionally assigned to FTP requests data. Internet security is dependent on ports. All internet traffic to a port can be blocked by blocking one port.
Port forwarding is a technique that maps ports between local and remote computing devices. It redirects internet data from one port to another port. This can be used to create different routes to your network. Port forwarding can improve internet traffic speed and performance on a device.
What is Port Forwarding?
This is how port forwarding works. You send data packets to a website you visit from your computer. These packets contain information about the request. These packets include information about the destination of your request, including a port number.
A network router will recognize the port and send the packet to the correct destination. Port forwarding allows the signal to be intercepted by the application and rewritten. The data is then sent at the destination of the new port number.
Port forwarding can be used to prevent unwelcome access to servers, conceal sensitive information and open up new routes to increase download speeds.
Static vs Dynamic Port Forwarding
Port forwarding can be done with static ports or dynamic ports. Static ports maintain the same port number, while dynamic port forwarding changes port number every time they’re used. Every time a connection is made, dynamic ports assign a new number.
Static ports are the most convenient because you don’t need to change port number settings constantly. Static ports are generally more suitable for torrenting than port forwarding. Because you don’t need to establish new connections all the time, and your settings can be changed at any time, this is a better option for torrenting.
However, dynamic ports can be beneficial because they allow you to reuse and recycle ports that are not being used. However, remote access can be difficult when using dynamic ports.
Why don’t many VPNs offer port forwarding?
Security concerns are the main reason. VPN providers use NAT firewalls in order to block unwelcome connections. Port forwarding is a way to bypass firewall rules. This decreases privacy and security. Port forwarding is not allowed by many VPNs because it could lead to dangerous connections to the network.
NAT firewalls offer powerful protection. Sometimes, however, they can block connections that VPN users may want. You might find that your VPN connection is blocked by a firewall so you can’t download videos from your favorite website. It can also interrupt P2P connections. This can make it difficult to connect with peers and reduce download speeds.
Only a handful of VPNs offer Port Forwarding. It allows users to connect to dangerous connections that would otherwise be blocked. In 2015, it was discovered that VPN providers could sometimes leak IP addresses. Port failures can be easily fixed, but it is not guaranteed that VPN providers will eliminate the vulnerability.
Port Forwarding and Torrenting
Torrenting is one activity VPN firewalls could potentially block. Seeding is the key to torrenting. This means that you connect to others who are interested in downloading your files. To be able torrent any file, seeding is essential.
VPNs can limit your connection to peers and prevent you from contributing to the upload rate. This limitation can be circumvented by port forwarding. This allows connections to be made by many users and forwards them onto the torrent client. This has the downside that connections can pass through the NAT firewall.
Do you need port forwarding?
Port forwarding is not necessary if you do not want to contribute to the upload rate. If a VPN provider doesn’t support P2P traffic, torrenting will be impossible. Some torrenting sites won’t allow you to download files unless your upload rate is higher than the provider’s. A VPN with port forwarding may be required in these cases.
If used correctly, port forwarding can improve torrent download/upload speeds. This is how it works: Torrent applications require at least one peer to be there (user), with a publicly available port (also known as an active NODE). The majority of torrent users are passive nodes and the torrent client can only communicate with active nodes.
Port forwarding allows you to connect to more peers by enabling it. This significantly increases download/seeding speed. This means that port forwarding can be used to allow you to connect with more peers so that you can download from a greater number of nodes simultaneously.
Another way to put it: torrent clients must start every connection to other clients if there are no open ports. Port forwarding is a way for other clients to find your torrent client, which allows you to get more connections.
Usually, the VPN provider that allows port forwarding will provide instructions on how to activate it. Usually, you can enable port forwarding and set ports in the VPN user settings. Port forwarding may be limited to specific servers by the VPN provider.
5 Top VPNs that Allow Port Forwarding
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN offers a great option for a VPN that includes port forwarding. This provider is known for its security and privacy. It is simple to use and highly efficient, making it suitable for casual users as well as those who are serious about protecting their privacy online.
PrivateVPN makes port forwarding easy. You can see a random port number above the disconnect button when you connect to a server. The number can be manually changed to any port you choose. It is very simple and straightforward. Port forwarding does not have bandwidth limitations and strong security protects your activity.
The VPN does not log any data, provides torrenting support, has a solid security infrastructure and can be used for streaming services like Netflix to speed up. There are more than 150 servers located in 43 countries, with many locations in multiple countries.
PrivateVPN is able to connect quickly despite having a small network. PrivateVPN also features a connection guard that stops internet access and applications if the VPN connection drops. This prevents unwanted traffic from entering the encryption tunnel.
It also includes DNS leak protection and IPv6 protection, which significantly reduces the possibility of port failure attacks. You can use the “stealth blocking” to hide that you are using VPN. This allows you to access networks with difficult blocks.
PrivateVPNs servers come at a very affordable price. All plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can also request a 7-day free trial by contacting customer service.
- Port Forwarding configuration for torrenting is very simple
- More than 150 servers in 60 countries
- No-logs policy
- P2P traffic supported at high speeds
- Works with Win, Mac, iOS, and Android
- Maximum 6 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access allows port forwarding and is a reliable VPN provider. This feature is accessible from the settings tab. After the port has been configured, it will connect to the one that you have specified.
PIA currently has over 3200 servers located in 66 countries. It allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and offers advanced security options. You can find applications for every major platform, including Windows, macOS Android, iOS and Linux.
Private Internet Access includes an automatic kill switch that stops port forwarding if the VPN connection drops. This feature prevents unauthorized access to encrypted channels.
This VPN is torrent-friendly. They offer full P2P support, and not just to certain servers as with many VPN providers.
All plans are affordable and include a 30-day guarantee of your satisfaction.
- Allows port forwarding setup on certain servers
- Supports torrenting and P2P traffic
- No Request or Traffic logs
- You can use it with up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Unlimited Bandwidth at good speeds
- 3200+ Servers in 29 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PureVPN
PureVPN is a Honk Kong-based VPN provider. It has a large network of servers, strong security options and fast connection speeds. It became a “no-log” VPN provider in 2018. This means that they don’t keep any logs of any activity while you are connected to their VPN service.
Port forwarding is possible. You can forward and open any UDP/TCP port on any device. This port forwarding feature allows you to set up secure ports for torrenting and online gaming.
PureVPN supports Windows, macOS and Android across all platforms. It also works with Linux and other smart devices such as Amazon Fire TV. There are more than 2,000 servers in 140 countries.
This profile is dedicated to torrenting and connects to specific servers. P2P connections are fast and secure. They also protect your IP address from unauthorised viewing.
PureVPN provides port forwarding and is easy to use. PureVPN’s plans are very affordable compared to other VPN providers. They also offer a money-back guarantee of up to 31 days.
- Any device can open or forward any UDP/TCP port
- Port configuring allows for increased torrenting speeds
- No-log certified VPN provider
- Internet Kill Switch protects IP and DNS from leakage
- Ideal for streaming Netflix, Hulu and BBC
- 31-day money-back guarantee
- The cheapest dedicated IP addresses
TorGuard
TorGuardis an excellent VPN service for torrent seeders and leechers who require fast upload and downloading speeds. It is a rare VPN provider that prioritizes P2P traffic.
This VPN provider supports port forwarding of ports higher than 2048 only via OpenVPN. They don’t support port forwarding via L2TP, PPTP or SSTP protocols.
Port forwarding is a complicated process, especially for those who are looking to get their first VPN. First, you will need to request port forwarding access via the Management Action toolbar. After your request has been processed, you will receive an email with instructions for opening your ports. The static ports are ready for use in seeding or leeching once they have been set up.
You can connect up to 5 devices to the VPN network with the basic TorGuard plan. Additional devices can be added for $1 per month.
TorGuard offers additional features such as DDoS protection and dedicated IP addresses. It also provides access to TorGuard’s 100Gbit network. The VPN supports many VPN protocols, including the popular “Stealth”, which hides that you’re using a VPN.
- Port forwarding via OpenVPN for ports above 2048
- More than 3000+ servers in 50+ countries
- Double AES256 and SHA encryption
- Good No-logs policy
- Supports P2P traffic
- Wide range of dedicated IP locations available
- 7-day money-back guarantee
Privacy
Perfect privacy is a Swiss-based VPN provider with 39 locations in more than 20 countries around the globe. Perfect Privacy doesn’t have a large network of servers, but it offers unusual features like multi-step VPN passing and tracker blocking. They also offer anti-phishing software and IPv6 support for the majority of their servers.
The Settings table allows you to access port forwarding services. Here, you can also choose your VPN encryption method. You can set up multiple port sequences and create a table with port forwarding rules for perfect privacy. With the “Add” button, you can create new ports and configure torrent clients. It takes only a few minutes to set up static ports and requires very little technical knowledge.
Perfect Privacy’s port forwarding service is server-specific. This means that you can only use it on these servers. You can also opt for automatic port forwarding, which automatically forwards signals to a specific port. This is a great feature if you torrent a lot or use other services that need P2P connections.
Perfect Privacy is also aware of Port Fail vulnerabilities and claims that all users are safe. Perfect Privacy allows multiple IP addresses to be used and client-side firewalls are installed to prevent access from clients’ real IP addresses to port forwardings.
- Up to 5 ports can be forward
- Setup of Easy Port Forwarding
- Policy no-logs and RAM-disk servers
- Supports P2P at 10000 Mbps speeds
- Available in 26 countries
- Blocks malware and ads
- 7-day money-back guarantee
Conclusion
Port Forwarding is not allowed by many VPN providers due to security concerns. Port forwarding is a requirement for some applications, however, since a large portion of the internet ecosystem relies on information sharing between people. PrivateVPN is one of the most popular VPNs to offer this feature. It supports P2P traffic, and it is a reliable and fast VPN service. Port forwarding is simple to set up and it comes with additional security features like IP leak protection or an internet kill switch.
