Neo said:
I use ExpressVPN but haven’t seen anyone else mention it here. Is there something I should know about them?
I think they are expensive.
For torrenting, I’d suggest skipping a VPN and just getting a cheap VPS that doesn’t care about copyright and set up WireGuard.
In my opinion, it seems like you are seeing the VPN service in a way it’s not meant to be.
A VPN isn’t meant to give you a concrete public IP. It is designed to keep your traffic hidden, mixing it with other users, so no one can tell which traffic is yours.
I’d recommend against using a static IP for torrenting. Having a static IP tied to your account and used for torrenting could get you noticed quickly and easily.
So what can you do? Here’s an example that works on both PC and server. You have a static IP that’s not through the VPN. You also have your VPN. Attach your static IP to your machine or VPS. Run VPN on it too. Most VPN protocols create a separate network interface for that connection, so you can set your torrent client to use that interface only, sending and receiving data through the VPN. Your VPN traffic will be routed through your static IP, but it goes through the VPN’s server first before reaching the internet.
So, what kind of VPN do you need? If you care about torrenting, at minimum you’ll need features that allow sharing back. You need port forwarding for this.
In short, a VPN with port forwarding lets you seed but anonymously, so you won’t get targeted as someone who is actively sharing torrent content.
Options like Azire, Proton, and AirVPN come to mind since they support port forwarding.
Mullvad was great in terms of speed and choices, but they discontinued port forwarding support.
You can download torrents with most privacy-oriented VPNs, but seeding is restricted with some.
@Kieran
You really took the time to explain this and I appreciate it. Thank you very much!
PIA.
I love using it because of Transmission.
I collect Linux ISOs.
Fintan said:
Windscribe
I signed up a while back when they offered an amazing lifetime deal for only 6 dollars. I’m so glad they still honor it and keep adding nice features. I’m really pleased with them, and their mobile app is great too.
I run my own VPN. It fits my needs perfectly when I’m out and about.
Vick said:
I run my own VPN. It fits my needs perfectly when I’m out and about.
[deleted]
I only download things that won’t lead to any trouble with the authorities. This is a forum about self-hosting, not piracy, where privacy concerns are much bigger. Also keep in mind that your name is linked to the VPN service and if needed, they might give your info to the authorities.
@Vick
If you truly care about privacy, you can find a provider that doesn’t ask for any personal details, and allows payment through anonymous means like Monero. In this case, it’s quite tough for Mullvad or others to track you down. Just stay away from anything that could be linked back to you, like logging into accounts that have your real email. Real privacy is hard to pull off but possible if you’re careful.
@Rafe
Total privacy and anonymity only happens offline.
Vick said:
@Rafe
Total privacy and anonymity only happens offline.
That is true, but it often comes down to poor operational security. For example, using your full name in an email defeats the purpose of using Tor. If you know about incidents where people got caught without bad opsec, I’d like to hear about them.
Bryce said:
[deleted]
I was starting to wonder if I was the only one still using Nord.
Bryce said:
[deleted]
I was starting to wonder if I was the only one still using Nord.
They were hacked in 2019 and kept quiet about it until someone revealed some private keys online, forcing them to admit it. I think that’s why a lot of users left.
Bryce said:
@Lyric
[deleted]
The management doesn’t matter. They were hacked and tried to ignore it until they had no choice. They were responsible for safeguarding those servers and they failed.
Bryce said:
[deleted]
It’s solid. I really like it. I don’t have to turn it off while gaming or watching videos.
VPN.ac
I’ve been very pleased with them for quite a few years. Before that, I tried several options.
Key reasons:
-
Romanian court has ruled against the EU’s six-month data retention rule.
-
They offer six connections with WireGuard.
-
It’s about €46 per year.
-
They are a small team of good people. I can’t deal with support from big companies.
I’ve been using CyberGhost for around five years and felt pretty good about them. They have an option for static IP as well.
Oli said:
I’ve been using CyberGhost for around five years and felt pretty good about them. They have an option for static IP as well.
They do, yes. I use CyberGhost too.
Oli said:
I’ve been using CyberGhost for around five years and felt pretty good about them. They have an option for static IP as well.
I used them as well, and back when I signed up they were independent. I recently learned they were bought by the same company that owns other major VPN services, so I’m considering switching.
Cyberghost