Is uTorrent Safe to Use? How to Download Safely in 2024

Using uTorrent presents risks, such as exposing your IP address to other users in the torrent swarm, which can compromise your privacy. uTorrent can also collect a lot of user data. Besides, engaging in torrenting can inadvertently lead you to download malware-infected files, posing serious security threats.

In my guide, I explain how to use uTorrent safely and suggest the best alternatives. I also describe how a reliable VPN can protect sensitive data from malicious third parties and prevent uTorrent from tracking your online activity.

My team and I tested over 60 services, and our top pick for uTorrent is ExpressVPN. It offers top-grade security features on all devices (including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS) and is the fastest service I tested that allows P2P (peer-to-peer) traffic on all servers. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN without risk, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Is uTorrent Safe to Use and Will a VPN Help?

uTorrent is a legal BitTorrent client used for downloading and sharing files via P2P networks. However, its safety is largely dependent on how you use it. The owner of uTorrent, Rainberry, Inc., collects a significant amount of user data, including IP addresses, cookie identifiers, site visits, and ISP information. This data might be sold to ad networks or exposed if the company gets hacked.

Additionally, because Rainberry, Inc. is a US-based company, it is subject to the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, which share intelligence among member countries, raising further privacy concerns.

When using uTorrent, you also need to be cautious about the files you download. Downloading copyrighted content without permission is illegal in many places and can result in fines or other legal consequences. Furthermore, government agencies sometimes set up fake torrents (known as honeypots) to catch users engaged in online piracy.

There are other risks associated with using uTorrent. The software may try to install unnecessary tools and software (bloatware) that can slow down your computer or even use it for crypto-mining. For example, in 2015, it infamously bundled a cryptocurrency miner called EpicScale with its installer, which was added without clear user consent. Additionally, torrents can sometimes include malware, which can infect your device.

It’s important to understand that when you download files using a P2P network, your IP address is visible to all other peers (downloaders and uploaders) connected to the same network. This visibility enables the direct sharing of files but also exposes your network connection to others, potentially compromising your privacy and security.

Using a VPN can significantly enhance your safety and privacy while torrenting. VPNs work by encrypting your data and routing your traffic through secure servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities or determine your location.

This encryption also prevents your ISP from throttling your internet speed based on your torrenting activities, ensuring smoother and faster downloads. Some VPNs even have built-in ad, tracker, and malware blockers to enhance security and privacy when using uTorrent by reducing exposure to malicious content. However, it’s recommended to combine them with other security measures for full protection.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for uTorrent in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

How to Use uTorrent Safely on Any Device (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone)

1. Choose a Reliable VPN

VPNs keep your IP address hidden while you use uTorrent. VPN encryption scrambles your traffic too, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.

I recommend ExpressVPN for uTorrent since all of its 3,000 servers allow P2P file-sharing. It also has a router app that supports port forwarding for faster downloads. Plus, you can turn on Advanced Protection to block ads, trackers, and malware.

2. Select a Subscription Plan

Create an account with the VPN provider, select a subscription plan, and enter your payment details. ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can easily get a refund if it doesn’t meet your needs.

Enter your payment details and complete the subscription process

3. Download and Install the VPN App

After subscribing, download the VPN app from the provider’s official website. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app on your device (like Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android, and more).

Install the software by following the on-screen instructions

4. Log in and Connect to a Server

Open the VPN app, log in with your account details, and connect to a nearby server (one that supports P2P file sharing).

Choosing a server closer to your actual location typically offers faster speeds

5. Install a uTorrent Client

Install the uTorrent client on your device. You can get the web or desktop app from the official uTorrent site.

To avoid malware and fakes, I recommend downloading from the official site.

Follow the installation prompts carefully, but avoid offers to install additional software. Once installed, configure the uTorrent settings to enhance privacy, such as disabling ads and enabling encryption.

6. Download a Torrent File

Get the .torrent file via a torrent tracker site. To download files via uTorrent, you need to open the torrent file, which will start the download.

There are many free public trackers with easily available torrents, like the Pirate Bay. However, you need to verify the legitimacy of the source and read user comments to avoid malicious files. You should always avoid downloading pirated or illegal content.

7. Adjust Settings

The speed depends on the number of seeders — users who have the file and upload it. You can see the progress of your download in the uTorrent interface, including the speed and estimated time remaining.

You can adjust settings to optimize your download speed. To get important files faster, set the download priority of specific torrents or files within the torrent. You can do it by right-clicking the file and selecting Bandwidth Allocation > High to get important files faster. Limit the number of simultaneous downloads to focus your bandwidth on fewer files. Set a maximum download speed if you need to ensure your other internet activities aren’t affected.

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best VPNs to Safely Use uTorrent in 2024

A reliable VPN allows you to use uTorrent safely without disconnecting. The VPNs I recommend have fast servers and P2P support, providing smooth and dependable torrenting. They offer top-tier security features and a strict no-logs policy to protect your online privacy.

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds and Ample P2P-Friendly Servers for Reliable uTorrent Downloads

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested August 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

All of 3,000 ExpressVPN’s servers are P2P optimized for high-speed downloads via uTorrent. The VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, meaning you can safely download as much as you want. During my tests, ExpressVPN delivered impressive speeds. I experienced an average download speed of 223.34Mbps, only a 13% drop from my regular connection (many VPNs cut your speeds in half). Use Lightway protocol for the fastest speeds.

Robust security features protect your location and torrenting activities. ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption to safeguard your data and prevent ISP speed throttling. Cure53 and KPMG verified that the VPN doesn’t log, store, or share your web data. Moreover, unlike uTorrent itself, the VPN is headquartered outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance intelligence-sharing countries.

Sadlty, the subscriptions are quite expensive. However, ExpressVPN regularly offers excellent deals. When I subscribed to a 12-month plan, I got 49% off and 3 extra months for free for a final price of just $6.67/month. Better yet, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as alll plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. CyberGhost — Torrenting-Optimized Servers to Safely Use uTorrent Anywhere

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers specialty servers optimized for torrenting. They are actively updated and maintained to ensure consistent performance, so you can always trust these servers for your torrenting needs. While not as fast as ExpressVPN, it still achieves impressive download speeds. In my tests, the average speed on the US servers was 180.72 Mbps. Plus, CyberGhost includes a kill switch that automatically blocks your internet connection if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, safeguarding against data breaches.

I don’t like that the monthly subscriptions are expensive. Luckily, CyberGhost’s long-term plans are affordable and come with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. So you can try CyberGhost with uTorrent for free.

3. Private Internet Access — Port Forwarding to Boost P2P File-Sharing Speeds for uTorrent

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA’s port forwarding feature speeds up uTorrent speeds by allowing direct connections to peers. Additionally, you can set encryption from AES 256-bit to 128-bit to maximize speeds for downloading files (at the cost of slightly lower security). I got decent speeds while testing PIA, getting 176.44Mbps on the nearby servers. Plus, the VPN imposes no data limits and supports unmetered simultaneous connections.

Due to many customization options, PIA might seem complex to new VPN users. However, all of PIA’s servers support P2P traffic with the default settings, so you can start using uTorrent right away. The plans are very affordable, starting at only $2.19/month, and thanks to a trustworthy money-back guarantee, you can try PIA for free for up to 30 days.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for uTorrent

I applied strict criteria to assess VPNs for the uTorrent client. During my tests, I verified that each VPN supports P2P file-sharing. My team tested server speeds in various countries at different times to ensure consistent, fast downloads without interruptions. Most importantly, I confirmed that these VPNs have an AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy that keeps your torrenting activities private.

Other Ways to Avoid Risks While Torrenting via uTorrent

I've shared some practical tips to boost your safety while using uTorrent. When paired with a VPN, these strategies can significantly enhance your security, offering an extra layer of protection.

1. Don’t Install Additional Tools During Setup

Decline offers to install additional software when installing uTorrent. These extra tools are often unnecessary, might impact your device’s performance, and usually contain ads. uTorrent has been known to bundle potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) in its installation process. These PUPs can slow down your device by consuming system resources and potentially leading to unwanted behaviors and additional security risks.

To avoid them, pay attention to each step of the installation process and read every prompt. Don’t select any options that include extra programs. You can remove accidentally installed software via the Control Panel on Windows or the Finder app on Mac.

2. Regularly Update uTorrent

Using an outdated version exposes you to risks that have already been mitigated in newer versions. To ensure you have the latest version, enable automatic updates in the settings or regularly check the official website.

Updates include patches for vulnerabilities and performance improvements

3. Seed From Trusted (or Private) Trackers

Using trusted or private trackers enhances your safety. Publicly available trackers are full of malware and pirated content. However, private trackers have stricter verification processes, moderation policies, and active communities that monitor suspicious files.

4. Verify the Torrents Before Downloading

Always verify the torrents you download to ensure they are legitimate. Before downloading, I recommend checking the following:

• The number of seeders and leechers. Torrents with a higher number of downloaders typically indicate a safe torrent.
• User comments and ratings. Users will report if the file contains malware or corrupted files.
• Verify the file’s size. An unusually small file size for the content you should be getting is a clear sign of a virus.
• Check the uploader. Look at other trackers from the same uploader. Public sites like The Pirate Bay have a green skull icon indicating the uploader’s trustworthiness.
• Executables and other suspicious file types. Executables can carry malicious files, like viruses, adware, and spyware. Any legal media you download besides games normally shouldn’t have executable files (like.exe,.bat, or.vbs), so be extremely suspicious if they appear in such a scenario.

5. Scan Files With an Anti-Malware Software

Scan download files with reputable anti-malware software. This step helps you detect and remove hidden threats. Some antivirus programs and even browsers like Google Chrome have occasionally flagged uTorrent as malware. While these flags are often false positives (meaning the software isn't actually malicious), they usually occur because uTorrent's bundled software and adware-like behaviors can trigger security programs' detection algorithms.

These alerts underline the importance of caution and thorough checks when downloading and installing software, especially free versions that might include additional offers or ads. Some antiviruses come with a built-in VPN (and vice versa) for enhanced protection.

6. Disable Ads in the uTorrent Settings

The free version of uTorrent includes ads that can be intrusive and harmful. If you want to stop these ads from appearing, you can adjust your settings as follows:

1. Open uTorrent.
2. Navigate to Options, select Preferences, and click on Advanced.
3. You’ll find a list of settings that you can modify. To disable ads, set each of the following options to False:

• offers.content_offer_autoexec
• offers.left_rail_offer_enabled/left_rail_offer
• offers.sponsored_torrent_offer_enabled/sponsored_torrent_offer_enabled
• bt.enable_pulse
• gui.show_notorrents_node
• gui.show_plus_upsell

Be careful — disabling the wrong flags might affect uTorrent's performance

7. Back up Critical Data Regularly

Regularly back up your files to protect against data loss from malware or other issues. I recommend using external devices and cloud storage like Google iCloud or Dropbox for backups. This ensures you have access to your important files even if your system becomes compromised.

8. Don’t Download Pirated Content

Avoid pirated content to steer clear of legal issues and security risks. Pirated files are often monitored by copyright enforcement agencies or can contain malware. If you see a recently released movie or TV show, it’s probably pirated.

Using legitimate sources supports content creators and reduces your risk of fines and other forms of legal responsibility. For example, you can use free streaming services or premium platforms with free trials, such as Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+. Other than that, you can look for public domain media.

FAQs on uTorrent Safety

Does uTorrent contain viruses and malware?

uTorrent itself doesn’t contain viruses or malware. However, the risk often comes from downloading malicious torrents or inadvertently enabling adware through its bundled software offers. It's crucial to remain vigilant about what you download and adjust the settings to minimize unwanted software installations.

Is uTorrent legal to use?

The uTorrent application itself is legal because it just allows you to download and upload files. However, downloading copyrighted content without permission is illegal. Most governments penalize users for illegal downloads. In addition, popular torrenting sites are blocked by some countries as they contain copyrighted content. Always use uTorrent responsibly and follow your local laws to avoid legal problems.

Where do I get torrents from?

To download files using uTorrent, first, ensure that the uTorrent client is installed on your device. Then, visit a reputable torrent tracking website and search for the torrent file you need. You may have to register or receive an invitation to access private torrent trackers.

Once you find the desired torrent, download the .torrent file and open it with uTorrent to start downloading the actual file. Always use trusted torrent sites and verify the torrents to ensure the legitimacy of the files you download.

Why does a uTorrent file not start downloading?

uTorrent won’t start downloading if the tracker lacks seeders (uploaders). Additionally, your ISP or WiFi network might block P2P traffic, preventing downloads. A P2P-friendly VPN with advanced encryption can help you torrent safely anywhere, even on restricted WiFi hotspots. Ensuring your network allows P2P connections and checking for active seeders can resolve download issues.

Here are the most common reasons for a torrent not to start downlaoding:

• You’re not connected to the internet.
• The torrent file is corrupt.
• The tracker is offline.
• Your firewall is blocking the connection.
• Your ISP is throttling uTorent traffic.

What are the safer alternatives to uTorrent?

Safer alternatives to uTorrent include qBittorrent and Deluge, which are open-source and free of bundled software. Transmission is another lightweight option favored for its minimalistic design and absence of ads. Additionally, BiglyBT, derived from Vuze, offers advanced features and provides detailed torrent management options. However, it's still recommended to use these clients with a VPN to enhance your online security and maintain your privacy while torrenting.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to use uTorrent privately...

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