VPN port forwarding is a technique that can supercharge your online activities, particularly if you’re trying to boost torrent speeds or access devices remotely while away from home. But what exactly is this feature, and do you really need it? More importantly, is it safe?
But first, a quick explainer: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location. Available as apps for mobiles, computers, and routers too, VPNs hide your real IP address and secure your data.
Port forwarding, on the other hand, is a method that directs incoming traffic from the internet to a specific device or application on your private network. When combined with a VPN, it can be a valuable tool for hosting a small website, improving your P2P (peer-to-peer) connections, and enhancing remote access capabilities.
However, port forwarding is not without risks. If not properly secured, this process can expose your network to potential threats and expose your devices to unauthorized access.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits and risks of VPN port forwarding, show you how to use it with VPNs like Private Internet Access (PIA), and discuss why some popular VPNs choose not to offer this feature.
What Is VPN Port Forwarding?
While the feature might sound technical, but it’s essentially about giving specific instructions to your internet router or VPN to let certain types of data pass through a particular “port” on your network.
In simpler terms, port forwarding maps an external port on your internet-facing IP address to a specific device on your local network.
So whether you’re trying to let your friends join your Minecraft server or remotely access your home computer, the process allows that external connection to go straight to the right place.
However, there’s another side to this convenience. By opening up a port, you’re essentially creating a direct pathway into your network, which could be exploited if not secured properly. For instance, if you fail to secure a remote desktop connection, you might accidentally invite unwanted guests into your private network.
Our #1 recommended VPN for port forwarding, Private Internet Access (also known as PIA), considers these risks and counters them with security measures.
When it comes to VPNs, this feature can be particularly useful for improving the performance of peer-to-peer (P2P) connections like torrenting or for accessing devices remotely while maintaining a secure connection.
However, not all VPNs offer port forwarding. Some, like NordVPN, choose to prioritize security over the flexibility that it provides.
Best VPNs With Port Forwarding in 2026
When it comes to VPNs with port forwarding, not all of them rank the same.
It can be a game-changer for activities like torrenting, gaming, or accessing your devices remotely. However, finding a reliable VPN that offers port forwarding along with solid security, speed, and ease of use can be challenging.
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
17500 servers
127 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
1. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out as the best VPN for port forwarding in 2026, and for good reason. It’s incredibly user-friendly, making it simple to enable it right from the app’s Network tab on both Android and desktop versions.
What really sets PIA apart is its excellent support for P2P activities. It’s no surprise that we consider it one of the best VPNs for downloading torrents.
With 29,000+ servers in 91 countries, you can easily find a nearby server to maximize your torrenting speeds. During our tests, PIA delivered an impressive performance, downloading a 10 GB file in just 9-10 minutes when the feature was enabled. This is why PIA is our favorite pick when it comes to VPNs for port forwarding.
The VPN also offers Identity Guard, which alerts you if your email has been compromised in a data breach—perfect for securing your logins on private torrent sites. Plans start as low as around $2 per month, making it one of the most affordable VPNs with port forwarding on the market.
See price at Private Internet Access
Pros
- User-friendly port forwarding setup
- 91 countries with servers (29,000+)
- Excellent P2P support with fast torrenting
- Strict no-logs policy and open-source
- Affordable pricing plans
- MACE ad blocker built-in
Cons
- Some advanced features are complex for beginners
2. Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a solid choice for those who prioritize privacy and need port forwarding for a seamless web experience.
Unlike PIA, which supports this feature across multiple platforms, Proton VPN restricts this feature to its Windows app. Moreover, the free version does not offer port forwarding, so you will need to subscribe to the premium plan.
The service randomly assigns a port for each session, which can be a bit inconvenient compared to other services. But even without the enhanced controls, it still gets the job done for torrenting or hosting game servers.
Proton VPN offers over 6,500 servers in 100+ countries, delivering excellent speeds suitable for torrenting, streaming in HD, and making video calls. Even with the limitations, Proton VPN is among the top VPNs for port forwarding to use in 2026.
Starting at around $3 a month, Proton VPN has well-designed apps for other platforms like Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux. You can use it on up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it a versatile option for users with multiple devices.
Pros
- 6,500+ servers in 100+ countries
- Excellent for streaming and torrenting
- MultiHop and Secure Core
- Strong no-logs policy
- Free plan available
Cons
- Port forwarding only on Windows
- Random port assigned each session
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another trusted VPN for port forwarding, though it has some limitations. Unlike Proton VPN and PIA, ExpressVPN only offers the feature when setting up the VPN on specific router models (v1 or v2 and upward). So you’ll need to either install compatible firmware or invest in a VPN-compatible router to use this feature.
Despite this limitation, ExpressVPN excels in performance, thanks in large part to its proprietary Lightway protocol. During our tests, it delivered an impressive 77% speed retention rate, adequate for torrenting and streaming, making ExpressVPN a solid VPN for port forwarding with high performance.
ExpressVPN supports P2P connections on all its 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, further enhancing its appeal for torrenting. It also offers a range of features, like Device Groups, which allow you to assign different devices to different VPN locations.
You can subscribe to ExpressVPN right now for about $6 per month, which is more expensive, but the sheer performance you get, makes it worth it.
If you’re having trouble making your choice, we recommend reading the PIA VPN vs ExpressVPN duel.
Pros
- Supports port forwarding on routers
- Excellent speeds with Lightway
- P2P support on all servers
- Audited no-logs policy
Cons
- Port forwarding only on routers
- Pricier subscription plans
How to Set Up Port Forwarding with Your VPN
Setting up VPN port forwarding can significantly enhance your torrenting speeds and overall internet experience.
Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable the feature on PIA VPN, using the desktop app as an example.
Step 1: Download and Install PIA
Start by downloading and installing the PIA app on your device. PIA is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Android. Once installed, log in with your account credentials.
Step 2: Open the PIA App and Go to the Network Tab
Launch the PIA app on your device. From the main screen, click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of the app to access the settings.
Now, locate and click on the “Network” tab to find the port forwarding option.
Find the option labeled “Request Port Forwarding.” Toggle this option to turn it on. Once enabled, PIA will automatically assign you a port each time you connect to a server that supports it.
Step 3: Connect to a Server
After enabling the feature, go back to the main screen of the PIA app and connect to a server. Note that not all servers support it, so it’s best to choose one from PIA’s list of supported locations. Typically, servers outside the U.S. are more likely to support this feature.
Step 4: Verify the Port Number and Configure the Application
Once connected, hover over the PIA icon in your system tray or open the app’s interface to view your assigned port number. This port number is crucial for configuring your torrenting client or other applications to take advantage of port forwarding.
Now, enter the port number into the appropriate settings for your torrenting client or any other application that requires port forwarding. This will direct the incoming traffic through the designated port, enhancing your connection speeds and stability.
With everything set up, you can now begin using it to improve your torrenting speeds, host game servers, or access other applications that benefit from this feature. Remember, you’ll need to check your port number each time you connect to a new server, as PIA assigns a different port for each session.
Conclusion
Port forwarding has its perks, especially for gaming, torrenting, and managing servers, as it allows external devices to connect to specific applications within a private network directly. This direct connectivity can significantly improve performance and speeds.
However, it has its drawbacks. The feature can expose your network to potential security risks if not configured properly, and the setup process can be complex, requiring a solid understanding of network settings.
In our opinion, Private Internet Access is the best VPN for port forwarding in 2026. It provides robust security features while simplifying the setup allowing users to enjoy enhanced connectivity and security.
Take advantage of port forwarding with PIA VPN
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve addressed the most common questions below to help you overcome some of the most common doubts about VPN port forwarding.
Is port forwarding safe?
Yes, it can be safe if configured correctly. To minimize potential risks, it’s crucial to open only necessary ports and implement strong, up-to-date security protocols.
Can port forwarding improve my VPN connection?
Yes, port forwarding through a VPN can enhance connection speeds and reliability for specific applications, such as online gaming and torrenting, by establishing a more direct route between your device and the service.
How do I set up port forwarding on my router?
To set it up, you’ll need to access your router’s configuration page, locate the port forwarding section, and specify the ports you wish to open and the devices they should direct to.