Utorrent is one of the most popular and well established BitTorrent clients available. It is completely free and developed directly by BitTorrent inc, Utorrent is a major player in the word of torrent clients, and has an estimated install rate of 5% of on PCs using Windows. Utorrent is expected to gain even more popularity in the next few years.
With so many active users and installations, users can practically find anything they are looking for on this peer-to-peer network. However, as with all torrent clients, Utorrent users may be susceptible to having their activities tracked. This tracking can lead to users being penalized for copyright violations. This tracking is accomplished through the use of IP addresses.
An IP address is a unique number assigned to a computer, mobile device, or any technology that is connecting to the web or a network. An IP address can tell you where a user is, what type of device they are using, and other identifying information. Utorrent users can see other users IP addresses within the program. The key to staying anonymous on Utorrent is to conceal this IP address.
There are two main ways to use Utorrent anonymously: by using a VPN or an IP proxy. Let’s take a look at these two methods and how they are used to keep you safe and anonymous when using Utorrent.
Is Using an IP Proxy with uTorrent Safe?
An IP proxy is a connection to what is known as a proxy server, which is a type of server that routes connections through a network of different servers and connection pathways. In other words, it acts as a buffer between two connections.
IP proxies can be manually set up by a user within the Utorrent connection settings. A manual setup does require technical knowledge to work correctly and knowing all the correct settings (like port numbers) to input. Is also requires testing the connection to verify that it is, in fact, keeping the user anonymous.
There are however services that automatically do this set up correctly on behalf of the user. Services like Torguard (which also offers a VPN) enable the proxy to be set up through just a couple of mouse clicks. A user does not need to be a tech expert to use or set up IP proxies!
Is Using a VPN to Torrent Safe?
A Virtual Private Network works through encrypted tunnels that connect computers to a network or the public web. Data going in and out, including IP address data, is secured and privatized so it cannot be read by third party sources attempting to intercept this connection. Unlike a proxy set up, a VPN will encrypt multiple connections through one set up, meaning that a user doesn’t have to configure different set ups for each program they are using.
Unlike a proxy set up, a VPN will encrypt multiple connections through one set up, meaning that a user doesn’t have to configure different set ups for each program they are using.
These days VPNs and torrent clients go hand in hand. VPN companies, like TorGuard, have tailored their services specifically for the most popular torrent clients, like Utorrent. Many people who otherwise would not have heard of virtual private networks became regular users of these services because of the security they provide, not just when torrenting, but when accessing any part of the web.
Pros and Cons of Using VPN to Torrent with uTorrent
Pros of using a VPN
-One set up can secure a user’s entire Internet and network connections
-Higher encryption than proxies
-Services offer additional beneficial features
-Easy setup
Cons of using VPN
-Could be slightly slower than a proxy
-Some VPN services may still log data
Pros and Cons of Using Proxy to Torrent with uTorrent
Pros of using a Proxy
-May offer faster connections
-Settings can be customized to individual programs
Cons of using a Proxy
-Will not protect a user’s entire connection
-More complicated to manually set up
-Less encryption
Best VPNs to use With uTorrent?
So what are the best VPNs to use with uTorrent? Well, we already mentioned TorGuard and IPVanish, but there are also a few other good ones out there. Use this table!
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Multi-platform Compatible | ||
| 256-AES Encryption | ||
| PRICE | $5 for 1 month with code "best10VPN" | $6.95 a month |
| Website Rating | 9.9 | 8.8 |
| 24/7 Live Chat | ||
| Residential / Dedicated IP for permanent streaming access | ||
| Has Mobile App + PC / Mac Support | ||
| Stealth VPN / Advanced Obfuscation techniques | ||
| Visit VPN Provider | Visit TorGuard | Visit PIA |
How to Torrent Anonymously Guide Conclusion
A quick Google search on the subject of using Utorrent anonymously will reveal that VPN is the more popular method. While IP proxies are known for offering slightly faster connections than VPNs, a properly set up VPN through a dependable VPN provider will not cause latency or slow down connections. Also, as stated above, encryption is stronger and more reliable through a VPN than and a proxy server.
That is not to say that proxies do not work, but a user should consider their needs and what programs they will be accessing. Both VPNs and Proxy servers can work to keep users safe anonymous using Utorrent. Utorrent and other BitTorrent clients will keep growing in popularity, so will the availability of downloadable TV shows, movies, games, and more!
