I’m relatively new to VPNs and recently tried NordVPN, but I ran into issues with uploading via qBittorrent via private tracker. Now I’m exploring alternatives and deciding between AirVPN and ProtonVPN.
My primary use case is with qBittorrent, so reliable port forwarding is essential. AirVPN seems better for this since it offers static ports, while ProtonVPN changes them periodically. This consistency is important for torrenting.
I also want to use split tunneling. I have Google Nest devices and want to exclude them from the VPN to avoid connectivity issues. Is split tunneling necessary for this, or would these devices still work fine without it if configured correctly?
If anyone has experience with either VPN for these specific use cases, or if there are other technical considerations I should keep in mind, I’d appreciate your input.
With Proton you can use a script in docker that will auto update the port changes making it a moot point. I tried both for a few days as a paid user as I suggest you do before settling on Proton. Because as the static ports on AirVPN is a great feature, the speeds were not.
Proton on the other hand maxes out my line. And at $2.49 per month on a 2 year plan (via a special link) it was a no brainer for me.
Pay a few Euro/$ and try out each for a few days and see what works for you.
I use AirVPN for torrents but I have a dedicated W10 platform that runs 24/7 and I have air on it. All my other computers and devices run with no vpn. Not required for them really.
What about if you don’t know how to use docker? I do all my stuff on one system (gaming/server/media/torrenting) so I can’t set up a secondary PC and learn docker on it.
What options do I have for normal windows?
Just signed up for ProtonVPN - PCMag offered an exclusive 75% discount on their two-year plan, slashing the price down to just $2.49 per month - with 30 day free trial. Crazy cheap. I also figured out Port Forwarding on my Router. Hopefully this lets uploading begin!
I don’t use Windows, but you might be able to achieve something similar by using a VPN with fixed port (if I remember correctly, OVPN still does it) or a somewhat-fixed port (I think PIA gives you a port number that is valid for 1 or 2 months), then just add a reminder on your calendar to update the port manually
You can then force the torrent client to exclusively use the VPN’s network adapter to avoid any accidents and enable split tunnel on the VPN client to avoid using VPN for every application that you don’t want to.
Some people still use Docker for Windows, even though its primary use is for development and not production use. I’ve never tried it.
Forgive the dumb question but is PCMag a paid subscription? I thought it was… like you get it mailed to you monthly? Great deal nonetheless and if you have a link to the deal you got or a promo code I’d very much appreciate it!
actually this link (and not the pc mag one) allowed me to ‘renew’ my current account for $0 i.e. turn 8 months into 24 months for $0 after coupon and proration. so, thanks
