VPNs and Seedboxes are two commonly used security tools used to download torrents. You might think that BitTorrenting is fine as is, but we are living in the age of copyright notices, snoopers, evil internet service providers, and oppressive dictatorship-like governments after all. Powerful governments and corporations aren’t content with user control and thus Internet freedom. In this guide of VPN vs. Seedbox, we are going to help you decide which tool to use and why.

If you’re not using a VPN to browse the internet, websites can see tons of your information. Here’s just a simple script to display what you show to websites when you’re not encrypted:

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a must-have security tool. VPN stands for a virtual private network and it works by encrypting your internet through a tunnel to a remote server. This process masks and changes your IP address and makes it virtually impossible to track (depending on how good your VPN provider is–don’t worry we’ll help you with that in a little bit). VPNs are ideal for ensuring your anonymity when torrenting, protecting your data in public Wi-Fi spaces, or you can even use them to avoid geo-restricted content like Netflix, Hulu, or game betas.

How to use a VPN:

Most VPN providers make it easy to use a VPN. All you need to do is purchase a subscription (most run monthly, semi-quarterly, quarterly, or annually). From there you download your platform’s client and then choose your server to connect to the VPN.

Which VPN should I use?

TorGuard VPN is an amazingly powerful VPN with the best security features (all forms of IP leak protection like DNS leak protection, IPv6 protection, WebRTC, kill switches for app + network). Not only that, but TorGuard VPN gave us some impressive download speeds while torrenting, browsing, streaming, and gaming. They also have an extremely active support community in the form of live chat and forums.

Pros

Best security for a VPN bar none (256-bit AES, 2048 RSA key, security features)

High speeds

Reliable support

VPN extras and platform reach is considerable (even has browser extensions)

Cons

Not the cheapest VPN

TorGuard lite client is a bit bland on the eyes, needing a visual update

Best VPN for Netflix and Hulu

Visit TorGuard

Coming in at only $6.95, Private Internet Access, known as PIA, is one of the cheapest VPN options available. However, as a robust and reliable VPN provider, PIA doesn’t skimp on security features, speed, client usability, or even their mobile application. Each one of PIA’s offerings are stellar.

Pros

Apps are easy to use

Plenty of much needed security

Good price

Cons

Some users have reported speed issues

Not the best choice for media streaming for services like Netflix and Hulu

Visit PIA

IPVanish VPN is a powerful VPN provider that can give you incredible speeds with their extensive server network. Both of their applications (PC + mobile) are very user-friendly with tons of cool options. You can access your account, look at server information, change protocols–and with the mobile application, you can even customize how you connect to your VPN through location or internet website.

Pros

Good usability

High speeds

Reliable servers

Amazing mobile app

Cons

Missing kill switches on Windows

Needs more security features

Visit IPvanish

If you’re looking for a fast VPN that is incredibly intuitive and easy to use, ExpressVPN is it! ExpressVPN prides itself on an incredible user experience–proving it with first time setup that doesn’t require you to dig in your email for login details, helpful animations to illustrate load times, and even maps that visually show how your VPN is connecting.

Pros

High speeds and numerous server locations

Perfect for VPN noobs

Great website

Cons

More expensive

Visit ExpressVPN

Incredibly cheap at $4.95, CactusVPN is perfect for those that don’t want to sacrifice a stable VPN for some cash. CactusVPN comes with the VPN essentials, and while it might not be the most powerful or fast VPN, it’ll get the job done well.

Pros

256-bit AES encryption

Decent speeds for streaming/browsing

Easy to use

Has a kill switch

Cons

Live chat is intermittent

Mobile app needs improvement

Lacking IP leak protection features

Visit CactusVPN

What is a SeedBox?

A SeedBox is a remote server at a high-speed data center with a public IP address that provides a safe way to download and upload files using a BitTorrent application within your browser. You can access a seedbox to queue files and then download them directly to your computer. The basic idea is that you get a share of a remote computer with a fast internet connection that lets you download files from it, instead of a torrent that could give away your IP address to copyright snoopers or even other users. It’s pretty secure to use a seedbox since it works this way, but some seedbox hosters even implement VPNs to enhance your security.

Keep in mind, however, that this does mean that most Seedboxes don’t allow public trackers from sites like ThePirateBay since those are monitored (although all are public eventually). You’ll have to use the slightly more secure, and thus a more strict (private trackers often have communities and rules but higher speeds and selection as well ) private tracker, like something from What.CD (for music), BrocastTheNet (for television, PassThePopcorn (movie library).

How to use a Seedbox:

Seedboxes have a torrent interface that you log into where you can load torrent files and torrent URLs. Once your torrent downloads on the Seedbox, you’ll need to download it through FTP (network protocol that transfers files between client and server), SFTP, or use an FTP client like FileZilla. Some Seedbox vendors also let you download the files from an HTTP file browser.

VPN Vs Seedbox, which is better?

A seedbox could be useful if you like using private torrent trackers since a powerful Seedbox can beneficial to help you maintain a required upload/download ratio. They are also useful if you want to queue things up away from your computer through another browser.

However, since a Seedbox still requires you to download the files directly to your computer (often from far away server locations), a VPN can be a much simpler solution to download torrent files. With a VPN, you can download torrent files, without having to hassle with private trackers or the extra steps involved. Most of the VPNs we’ve reviewed (precisely the ones we mentioned) also barely impact download speeds for torrents. It’s also recommended to use a VPN with a seedbox anyway.

VPNs are also the best for security since they fully encrypt all of your internet traffic and IP address information.

Thanks for reading our VPN vs Seedbox guide! Let us know if you have comments below.