Best VPN for Port Forwarding

Best VPN for Port Forwarding

Quick answer: The Best VPN for Port Forwarding in 2024 is PrivateVPN!

Port forwarding, a technique that allows external access to specific devices or services within your local network, can be a valuable tool for gamers, online entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts.

However, when implementing port forwarding, security becomes a paramount concern. This guide explores the best VPNs for port forwarding and why you need one.

Let us further look at a few of the best VPNs for port forwarding:

  1. PrivateVPN
  2. PureVPN
  3. Perfect Privacy
  4. Private Internet Access VPN
  5. TorGuard

1. Best VPN for Port Forwarding March 2024

1.1 PrivateVPN – User-friendly VPN for Port Forwarding

PrivateVPN Port Forwarding VPN
PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN stands out as a top choice for those needing port forwarding capabilities in a VPN for several reasons:

  1. Ease of Port Forwarding: PrivateVPN simplifies the port forwarding process. It automatically assigns a random port number when you connect to a server, which you can then modify to your preference. This straightforward approach is user-friendly, catering to both average consumers and those with specific privacy needs.

  2. Unrestricted Bandwidth for Port Forwarding: There are no bandwidth limitations on port forwarding with PrivateVPN, making it ideal for high-bandwidth activities like gaming, streaming, or large file transfers.

  3. Strong Security and Privacy: The service ensures your activities remain private through robust encryption. It also has features like DNS leak prevention and IPv6 support, reducing the risk of port failure attacks. The “stealth blocker” is particularly noteworthy, as it disguises VPN usage, enabling access to networks with strict restrictions.

  4. High-Speed Connections and Reliable Network: Despite a relatively small network, PrivateVPN offers high connection speeds, which is crucial for activities that require port forwarding. The network spans about 150 servers across 43 countries, providing ample geographical coverage.

  5. Connection Guard: This feature automatically cuts off access to applications and the internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that no unencrypted data leaves your device.

  6. No-Logs Policy and Torrent Support: PrivateVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, enhancing your privacy. It also supports torrenting, making it a good choice for P2P file sharing.

  7. Versatility Across Platforms: It is compatible with major operating systems like Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android, ensuring broad device compatibility.

  8. Simultaneous Connections and Affordable Plans: You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, which is beneficial for users with multiple devices. The pricing is competitive, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, along with a 7-day free trial available through customer service.

In summary, PrivateVPN is an excellent option for users who need reliable and user-friendly port forwarding capabilities, coupled with strong security, privacy features, and high-speed connections. Its ability to support torrenting, no-logs policy, and compatibility across multiple platforms make it a versatile choice for a wide range of users.

PrivateVPN

1.2 PureVPN – Port Forwarding VPN With Many Servers

PureVPN Port Forwarding VPN
PureVPN

PureVPN is an excellent choice for users seeking a VPN service with effective port forwarding capabilities, for several key reasons:

  1. Extensive Server Network: PureVPN boasts a large network of around 2,000 servers in 140 countries. This extensive coverage allows users to connect to a variety of locations, enhancing the flexibility and reach of their VPN usage.

  2. Robust Security Features: Certified as a no-log VPN provider in 2018, PureVPN ensures that your activities and data are not recorded, maintaining your privacy. Additionally, the Internet Kill Switch feature is crucial for preventing IP and DNS leaks, further securing your online activities.

  3. Support for UDP/TCP Port Forwarding: The ability to open or forward UDP/TCP ports on any device is a significant advantage. This feature is particularly useful for activities that require specific port configurations like online gaming, torrenting, and running certain types of servers.

  4. Optimized for Torrenting and Gaming: PureVPN offers a torrenting-specific profile, which connects users to dedicated servers optimized for P2P connections. This ensures that torrenting speeds are fast, secure, and anonymous, with your real IP address hidden.

  5. Wide Compatibility: The service is compatible with a range of operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also supports intelligent devices like the Amazon Fire TV, making it versatile for various user needs.

  6. User-Friendly Service: PureVPN is known for its ease of use, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy. This ease of use extends to its port forwarding capabilities, which are straightforward to set up and manage.

  7. Affordable Plans with Money-Back Assurance: The pricing of PureVPN is competitive, and all plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee. This provides users with the confidence to try the service risk-free.

  8. Streaming Capabilities: The ability to access streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and the BBC adds value, especially for users interested in using VPNs for entertainment purposes.

  9. Affordable Dedicated IP Addresses: For those who require dedicated IP addresses, PureVPN offers them at competitive prices, which is beneficial for users needing static IPs for specific uses.

In summary, PureVPN’s combination of extensive server coverage, robust security, no-logs policy, support for various devices, and specialized features for torrenting and gaming make it a strong candidate for users who need reliable port forwarding in a VPN. Its user-friendliness and affordability add to its appeal, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of users.

PureVPN Review

PureVPN

1.3 Perfect Privacy – Port Forwarding VPN With Simple Setup

Perfect Privacy Port Forwarding VPN
Perfect Privacy

Perfect Privacy is a strong candidate for those seeking a VPN with effective port forwarding capabilities, primarily for the following reasons:

  1. Focused Server Network: While Perfect Privacy doesn’t have the largest server network, with 39 sites in over 20 countries, it offers quality over quantity. This focused approach ensures that the servers they do have are optimized for the best performance and security.

  2. Advanced VPN Features: The service includes unique features like multi-hop VPN passing, tracker detection, anti-phishing technology, and IPv6 support on most of its servers. These advanced features enhance both the security and functionality of the VPN, making it more versatile.

  3. User-Friendly Port Forwarding Setup: Perfect Privacy allows easy setup of port forwarding from the Settings table, including the ability to choose your VPN encryption type. Users can create tables of port forwarding rules and route signals across multiple port sequences, offering great flexibility and customization.

  4. Custom Port Configuration for Torrent Clients: The ability to create new custom ports with an “Add” button and configure them for torrent clients makes Perfect Privacy particularly suitable for P2P connections and torrenting.

  5. Server-Specific Port Forwarding: Port forwarding services in Perfect Privacy are server-specific, which means enhanced performance and security for the servers that support this feature. Automatic port forwarding options are also available, which is convenient for users who frequently use specific ports.

  6. Security Against Port Fail Vulnerabilities: Perfect Privacy addresses the Port Fail vulnerability by supporting multiple IP addresses and using client-side firewalls. This prevents access to port forwardings from the client’s actual IP address, adding an extra layer of security.

  7. Port Forwarding for Multiple Ports: The ability to forward up to 5 ports simultaneously offers greater flexibility for users with diverse needs, from gaming to secure file transfers.

  8. No-Logs Policy and RAM-Disk Servers: The no-logs policy and use of RAM-disk servers ensure that your activities and data aren’t permanently stored, providing enhanced privacy and security.

  9. High-Speed P2P Support: Support for P2P connections at speeds of up to 10000 Mbps makes it ideal for high-bandwidth activities like HD streaming, large file downloads, and gaming.

  10. Additional Features: Perfect Privacy also offers ad and virus blocking capabilities, enhancing the overall browsing experience. Plus, the service is available in 26 countries, providing good geographical coverage.

  11. Money-Back Guarantee: A 7-day money-back guarantee allows users to try out the service and its port forwarding capabilities without financial risk.

In summary, Perfect Privacy’s combination of advanced VPN features, user-friendly port forwarding setup, focused server network, security against vulnerabilities, and high-speed support for P2P makes it a solid choice for users who need reliable port forwarding in a VPN, especially those engaged in activities like torrenting and online gaming.

Perfect Privacy

1.4 Private Internet Access VPN – Port Forwarding VPN That Supports Torrenting

Private Internet Access Port Forwarding VPN
Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent VPN choice for users needing port forwarding for several compelling reasons:

  1. Easy Configuration of Port Forwarding: PIA simplifies the port forwarding process. Users can easily find and configure this feature in the settings tab, allowing for automatic connection to a specified port once set up. This ease of use is beneficial for both novice and experienced users.

  2. Extensive Server Network: With approximately 3200 servers across 66 locations in 46 countries, PIA offers a wide range of geographical options. This extensive network ensures users can find a server that meets their needs, whether for speed, location, or specific port forwarding requirements.

  3. Support for Multiple Devices: PIA’s ability to support up to ten smart devices simultaneously is a significant advantage. This flexibility is especially useful for households or individuals with multiple devices.

  4. Comprehensive Security Features: The service includes extensive security features, enhancing user privacy and data protection. The automatic kill-switch is particularly notable; it disables port forwarding if the VPN connection is lost, protecting the encryption channels against unauthorized access.

  5. Full Support for Torrenting and P2P Traffic: Unlike many VPN providers that restrict P2P traffic to specific servers, PIA allows torrenting and P2P traffic on all its servers. This feature makes it an ideal choice for users engaged in frequent file sharing or torrenting.

  6. Strict No-Logs Policy: PIA’s commitment to a no-logs policy ensures that your online activities and requests are not tracked or stored, providing an additional layer of privacy.

  7. High-Speed Connections with Unlimited Bandwidth: The promise of unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds is crucial for activities that require constant, high-speed internet access, such as streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.

  8. Wide Compatibility with Major Operating Systems: Supporting major operating systems like macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux, PIA is versatile and can be used across a variety of devices and platforms.

  9. Money-Back Guarantee: A 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to try out the service risk-free, providing assurance and confidence in the investment.

In summary, Private Internet Access’s combination of easy-to-configure port forwarding, a vast server network, support for multiple devices, comprehensive security features, full support for torrenting and P2P, a strict no-logs policy, high-speed connections, and broad compatibility makes it a strong choice for users looking for a VPN with reliable port forwarding capabilities. These features make PIA suitable for a wide range of applications, from secure file transfers to uninterrupted streaming and gaming.

Private Internet Access Review

Private Internet Access

1.5 TorGuard – Port Forwarding VPN With Strong Encryption

TorGuard Port Forwarding VPN
TorGuard

TorGuard is a particularly strong VPN option for users interested in port forwarding, especially for those involved in torrenting activities. Here’s why:

  1. Optimized for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Traffic: TorGuard stands out among VPN services for its emphasis on P2P traffic, which is crucial for torrent seeders and leechers. This focus ensures that the VPN is optimized for fast transfer speeds, essential for efficient torrenting.

  2. OpenVPN Support for Higher Ports: TorGuard supports OpenVPN for port forwarding above 2048. This is particularly relevant for users who need to use higher ports for specific applications or services, offering more flexibility compared to VPNs that only support lower port numbers.

  3. Process for Activating Port Forwarding: While the process to activate port forwarding in TorGuard may be more involved than in some other services, it provides a higher level of customization and control. Users request port forwarding access via the Management Action toolbar and receive detailed instructions via email, ensuring a tailored setup.

  4. Effective for Seed and Leeching: The static ports in TorGuard operate flawlessly for seeding and leeching activities in torrenting, making it an ideal choice for users who regularly engage in these activities.

  5. Multi-Device Support with Add-On Options: The basic plan allows connecting up to five devices simultaneously, and additional devices can be added for a nominal fee. This flexibility is great for users with multiple devices.

  6. Advanced Security Features: TorGuard offers AES-256 encryption with SHA, ensuring a high level of data security and privacy. This is coupled with a strict no-logs policy, enhancing user privacy.

  7. Additional Services and Add-Ons: Dedicated IP addresses and DDoS protection are available as add-ons, along with access to TorGuard’s 100 Gbit network. These additional services can be invaluable for users with specific security or performance requirements.

  8. Support for Various VPN Protocols: The support for various VPN protocols, including the popular “Stealth” protocols, is a significant advantage. Stealth protocols are especially useful in environments where VPN usage might be restricted or monitored.

  9. Extensive Server Network: With about 3000 servers in 50 countries, TorGuard offers a broad range of geographical locations, allowing users to find servers that best meet their needs, whether it’s for speed, location, or specific services.

  10. Money-Back Guarantee: A 7-day money-back guarantee provides users the opportunity to try the service and its port forwarding capabilities without long-term commitment.

In summary, TorGuard’s specialization in P2P traffic, support for high ports in OpenVPN, detailed port forwarding setup process, and strong security features make it an excellent VPN choice for users who need reliable port forwarding, particularly for torrenting purposes. Its wide server network and additional services add further value to its offerings.

TorGuard

2. How to select a VPN for Port Forwarding

Selecting a VPN that supports port forwarding requires careful consideration to ensure both your network’s security and the functionality you need. Here’s a guide on how to choose the best VPN for port forwarding:

1. Check for Port Forwarding Support

  • Not all VPNs offer port forwarding due to its niche application. Verify that the VPN explicitly supports port forwarding.

2. Evaluate Security Features

  • Strong Encryption: Ensure the VPN uses robust encryption (AES-256 is standard) to keep your data secure.
  • No-Logs Policy: Opt for a VPN that does not keep logs of your online activity, ensuring your privacy.
  • Kill Switch: A crucial feature that prevents your real IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops.

3. Assess Port Forwarding Functionality

  • Ease of Setup: Look for a VPN that makes setting up port forwarding straightforward, with clear instructions or automatic settings.
  • Custom Port Selection: Some VPNs allow you to choose specific ports to forward, which can be beneficial for certain applications.

4. Consider Speed and Performance

  • High-Speed Servers: Since port forwarding is often used for activities requiring stable and fast connections (like gaming or torrenting), ensure the VPN offers high-speed servers.
  • Server Locations: More server locations can provide a better connection by allowing you to choose a server closer to your physical location or your desired content’s location.

5. Check Device Compatibility

  • Ensure the VPN is compatible with the devices you plan to use for port forwarding. This includes not just computers but also routers, if applicable.

6. Review the Pricing Plans

  • Cost vs. Features: Compare the cost of the VPN service with the features offered. Some VPNs might charge extra for port forwarding capabilities.
  • Money-Back Guarantee: A money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN’s port forwarding feature and overall performance risk-free.

7. Look for Reliable Customer Support

  • 24/7 Support: Choose a VPN provider that offers responsive and helpful customer support, ideally available 24/7, to assist with any port forwarding setup issues or other inquiries.

8. Research User Reviews and Expert Opinions

  • Look for feedback from users who have used the VPN for port forwarding. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the VPN’s ease of use, reliability, and customer service.

9. Test for Specific Use Cases

  • If possible, test the VPN’s port forwarding feature with the specific applications you intend to use (such as gaming, P2P applications, or running a server) during the trial period or under the money-back guarantee.

Port Forwarding VPN FAQ

Q1: What is port forwarding in the context of a VPN?
A1: Port forwarding with a VPN is a feature that allows external devices to access services on your network through a specific port number. This is achieved by redirecting requests from one port on a device through the VPN’s server to another device’s port, potentially improving connectivity and performance for certain applications.

Q2: Why would I need port forwarding with my VPN?
A2: Port forwarding is particularly useful for:

  • Enhancing online gaming experiences by reducing lag and improving connection speeds.
  • Improving the speed and connectivity of P2P applications like torrent clients, allowing for faster downloads and uploads.
  • Running any type of server (web, game, mail) behind a VPN, making it accessible from the internet.

Q3: Are there risks associated with using port forwarding on a VPN?
A3: While port forwarding can improve accessibility and performance, it can also expose specific ports to the internet, potentially increasing security risks. It’s important to use port forwarding judiciously and ensure that any services exposed are secured properly.

Q4: How do I choose a VPN that supports port forwarding?
A4: When selecting a VPN with port forwarding, consider:

  • Explicit Support for Port Forwarding: Not all VPNs offer port forwarding, so check the provider’s features.
  • Security Features: Ensure the VPN has robust encryption, a no-logs policy, and additional security features like a kill switch.
  • Performance: Look for a VPN that maintains high speeds and has a wide server network.
  • Ease of Setup: Some VPNs offer easier methods to set up port forwarding than others. Look for user-friendly interfaces and good customer support.

Q5: How do I set up port forwarding on a VPN?
A5: Setting up port forwarding on a VPN varies by provider, but generally involves:

  • Activating Port Forwarding: This may be done through the VPN app or by contacting customer support.
  • Configuring Your Application: Specify the port number provided by your VPN in the application that requires port forwarding.
  • Adjusting Firewall Settings: Ensure your firewall allows traffic through the forwarded port. Always refer to your VPN provider’s specific instructions for detailed setup steps.

Q6: Can I use port forwarding on any device with a VPN?
A6: Port forwarding through a VPN can be used on any device that supports VPN connections and allows network configuration changes, including computers, smartphones, and certain routers. Compatibility may vary, so check with your VPN provider.

Q7: Is port forwarding through a VPN free?
A7: Some VPNs include port forwarding as part of their standard service, while others may offer it as a premium feature with an additional cost. Check the pricing plans of your VPN provider.

Q8: Does port forwarding affect VPN encryption?
A8: Port forwarding does not affect the encryption provided by your VPN. Your data remains encrypted and secure; port forwarding merely directs traffic through a specific port.

We earn commissions using affiliate links.


14 Privacy Tools You Should Have

Learn how to stay safe online in this free 34-page eBook.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top