Which VPN Mode Should I Use to Download Torrents?

If you’re an avid torrent user, you’ll know that there are many different VPN modes available, each with their unique features.

Not all of them are made equal, and not all provide the same level of security or privacy. Choosing the right one depends on your needs. To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together this detailed comparison of the most popular VPN modes so you can easily find the one that suits you best.

PPTP vs L2TP

One of the first things you’ll want to consider when choosing a VPN is the type of connection. If you have a limited data cap, you might want to consider sticking with point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP) over Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) because PPTP offers better performance. On the other hand, if you have a good cap, you might want to go with L2TP over PPTP.

Also think about the security of the connection. Do you want to use a VPN that is accessible from the public internet or just within your local network? The latter is generally more secure because it is harder for someone to intercept the traffic if it is only between your device and the VPN.

OpenVPN vs IKEV2

If you’re a security-minded individual who also wants to keep your personal data private, you might want to consider picking openVPN over IKEV2. Both offer excellent security and are commonly used by large tech companies, so you can be sure that the software has already been thoroughly vetted by experienced professionals.

IKEV2 provides a lot of customization options, and it is often the preferred choice of privacy-oriented individuals who want to keep their data secure. But if you’re looking for a simpler solution with fewer features, you might want to go with openVPN.

Both are relatively easy to set up, and they work on just about any device. If you’re looking for a no-frills, uncomplicated solution, you might want to go with either of these two.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) vs TLS

Also think about the type of platform or device you use to access the internet. If you have a traditional computer with an internet connection, you might want to consider picking SSL over TLS. These protocols offer better performance than their predecessors, SSLv3 and TLSv1, and the older they are, the more vulnerable they become to malware and other security threats. As a result, many websites now prefer to use the more modern protocols SSLv3 and TLSv1.2.

Also keep in mind that not all devices or platforms support all internet protocols. For example, most browsers and many operating systems do not support SSLv3, so if you’re using an older device or platform, you might want to consider opting for TLS instead.

Private Network vs Public Network

Another important factor to consider when choosing a VPN is whether you want to use a private or public network. If you have a private network, you can be sure that no one will be peering into your traffic or trying to spy on you. This especially comes in handy if you’re connecting to a VPN server in a different country because in some countries, it is legal for ISPs to monitor your online activity and sell or share your data with third parties.

However, if you have a public network, such as at work or school, you might want to consider opting for public VPNs because they are generally more convenient. You won’t have to worry about accidentally leaking your personal data or having your activity monitored. Plus, you might get bonus features from the VPN company for using their service on a public network.

Servers & Clients

When picking a VPN server, you’ll want to look for one in your chosen country that is close to you. This way, you’ll get the best possible speed and performance. For example, if you’re in Hong Kong and trying to access a US VPN server, the speed might be terrible because of the great distance and the number of devices that are connected to the server. For the same reason, some clients, especially those for mobile devices, can be slower than the best dedicated servers because they have to work remotely via wi-fi or the cellular network.   If you have a limited data cap and don’t want to waste your monthly data allotment, you might want to stick with a free, lightweight client because they tend to be fast and easy to use. However, if you have a capacious data plan and can afford to spend a few dollars on a VPN client, you might want to opt for one of the popular VPNs with lots of features, such as NordVPN, with their top-notch service and awesome support staff.

While we recommend considering the type of connection as well as the type of platform or device you use to access the internet, the rest is pretty self-explanatory. Do you want to use private or public networks? How much data do you want to spend on your VPN subscription? Do you want to go with a free or paid version? All of these questions are important because they will affect what you need and how you choose your VPN.