When you use a BitTorrent program, you are leeching (downloading) and providing (seeding) files via a peer to peer protocol called BitTorrent. Each time you’re inside a download or providing one, you’re inside what is referred to as a “torrent swarm”. Each person in this swarm has a numerical value associated with their connection. This value is called an IP address. Like your home address, your IP address is your computer’s address. When you’re in a swarm, others can see your public IP address inside the torrent application–it’s not hidden like you might think it is. That’s why we’ve created this guide showing you how to check your torrent IP.
When your IP address is public, other users can monitor your activity and see what you’re doing. For example, many users downloading copyright protected content get copyright notices from media protection companies. These companies pay people to search for users downloading protected content and they identify users by their IP addresses.
Example of IP addresses in a torrent swarm
One sure way to hide your IP address and protect it from other users is to use a VPN to protect your torrent IP. Using a VPN can encrypt your traffic and change your IP address when you’re torrenting so that you remain anonymous.
Which VPN should You Use for Torrenting and P2P?
We’ve handpicked some of the best VPNs for torrenting and p2p for you to use here:
VPN Provider |
Price Per Month |
Review Rating |
Details |
Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$9.99 |
|
Visit TorGuard | |
 |
$6.95 | 
|
|
Visit PIA |
 |
$9.99 |
|
|
Visit IPvanish |
 |
$12.95 | 
|
|
Visit ExpressVPN |
 |
$7.47 | 
|
|
Visit AirVPN |
Torguard
Multiple service offerings like encrypted email, their own proxy, and a vast server network (over a thousand servers in hundreds of countries) with Stealth VPN and Stealth Proxy makes Torguard one of the safest and fastest VPN solutions for torrenting in ANY location. They have a strict no logging policy and the site has even written numerous articles on how to use their VPN to torrent with BitTorrent programs. While they have “Tor” in the name, there isn’t really meant to be much of a connection–but that doesn’t mean that Torguard isn’t a VERY strong pick for being the best VPN for torrenting.
Pros:
Best VPN for secure torrenting
Stealth Proxy provides a unique and highly secure double layered security approach in censored countries or elsewhere
Great Speeds
Easy to Use TorGuard Lite client
Five simultaneous use connections (great for streaming/torrenting on multiple devices around the house)
Various applications + browser extensions available with all encryption types
Cons:
None
Private Internet Access
One of the speediest and most affordable options there is, coming in at only $6.95, Private Internet Access VPN is a great pick for those looking to use a solid reliable VPN for torrenting. PIA doesn’t collect any logs or traffic use from their VPN torrent users. They have a minimalist app that makes its home on the task bar which makes it stay out of the way. You’ll find an equally simple phone application to complement their main application, as well as live chat on their site.
Pros:
Applications work well but remain simple to use
Very affordable to users
Options are very easy to tweak
Cons:
Missing some extra features for IP leaks
Doesn’t work well with geo-restricted streaming services
IPVanish VPN
IPVanish VPN is an easy VPN to recommend for BitTorrent applications. They have a background in content delivery which ensures that your torrent speeds will remain stable and fast on their server network. They also provide a no logging policy, decent pricing, great ticket response time, and plenty of custom features within their application suite.
Pros:
Great mobile app
Secure 256-bit encryption
Easy to use but powerful
Cons:
No windows kill switch
No live chat
Could have more IP leak protection features
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a great VPN to use for torrenting. Not only do they have some of the best speeds around, but their applications are also very quick, efficient, and designed with an intuitive purpose. ExpressVPN has amazing polish with it’s full featured mobile application, solid live chat, and easily navigable website.
Pros:
Amazing speeds
Applications are designed to be user-friendly
Best first time set up
Cons:
Weak encryption
Lacking security features for IP leaks
AirVPN
AirVPN has a reputation for openness that has to be admired. Their client is open source, and a lot of the information inside the client is refreshing to see and useful to use(information about servers for example). While their website and client offering might be basic (they also don’t have a mobile application), their speeds, no logging policy, and security make them a great choice for torrenting and P2P.
Pros:
Good security options
Open source design
Powerful speeds
Cons:
Basic website offering
No mobile app
No live chat
How to check your Torrent IP address
The best way to check if your IP address is hidden through a VPN effectively is to use this free tool from TorGuard VPN. It’s a free magnet link that loads into your BitTorrent program that shows what your IP is inside the torrent app.Simply download it, and load it like a normal tracker, and you’ll see your IP like this:
My IP address is now a VPN IP
That’s it! By using that free tool, and one of our top VPNs for torrenting and P2P, you can make sure your IP address is hidden from snoopers. Thanks for reading our guide on how to check your torrent IP!
