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.

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:

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

Visit TorGuard

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

Visit PIA

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

Visit IPvanish

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

Visit ExpressVPN

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

Visit AirVPN

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:

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!