Best VPNs that support port forwarding in 2026
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Port forwarding lets certain internet messages pass through your router directly to your device by opening a specific “door” (a port). Without it, these messages would be blocked by your router’s firewall. Say, you’re away from home and want to access your own PC to grab files or play on a game server you’re hosting. Port forwarding makes that possible by opening a door to your device.
However, it can be a major security risk if you expose the open ports to the wrong person. That’s where VPN port forwarding comes in: it routes your connection through an encrypted tunnel and hides your IP, reducing unauthorized access.
As this feature is not present in every VPN, I researched and found the best VPNs with port forwarding in 2026. Keep reading to find a complete breakdown of how to set it up and the providers that offer it.
Top VPNs that support port forwarding
- Proton VPN – best VPN with port forwarding overall
- PureVPN – budget-friendly VPN with port forwarding
- PrivateVPN – port forwarding VPN with excellent speeds
- ExpressVPN – port forwarding VPN with an easy setup
- Private Internet Access (PIA) – good-value VPN with port forwarding
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
What is port forwarding VPN?
A port-forwarding VPN allows incoming internet traffic to reach your device directly, even while your connection is protected. Typically, VPNs and routers use a NAT firewall to block all unsolicited incoming connections for security. While that's great for privacy, it prevents others from connecting to your device.
Port forwarding changes that by opening a specific port on the VPN server and linking it to your device. This way, certain apps or services, like torrent clients, game servers, or remote desktop tools, can send data straight to you through a secure, encrypted tunnel. Additionally, your real IP address stays hidden, and only the VPN server's IP is shown to others, making it safer than forwarding ports directly from your router.
This setup is handy for users who need better upload speeds, lower latency, or remote access to home devices. It can speed up torrenting, help gamers host matches, and let you reach your home server while traveling.
While this feature is useful, most VPNs choose not to offer it because opening ports can expose your device and network to security risks. The few that do support it typically add strict no-logs policies, strong encryption, and clear setup instructions to keep it safe.
The best VPNs with port forwarding in 2026 – detailed list
To create the final list of VPNs with port forwarding, we sifted through the top VPN services, after which we tested only those that include this feature. Together with Cybernews researchers, I ranked them based on performance, privacy standards, port forwarding reliability, ease of use, and overall value.
1. Proton VPN – the best VPN with port forwarding in 2026
| Port forwarding: | Yes |
| P2P support: | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Current deal: | Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN |
Why Proton VPN stands out
Proton VPN is the best for port forwarding if privacy matters most. Its advanced features, such as Secure Core servers, Stealth Mode, and a large P2P-friendly server network, make it a wise choice for people who want safe, easy-to-use port forwarding on multiple devices.
Who it's best for
Proton VPN is a strong option for:
- Privacy-conscious torrent users who want reliable and speedy P2P servers
- Gamers who need stable connections with low latency
- Linux and Windows users who want port forwarding built into the app
Key features
Proton VPN offers built-in port forwarding for paid users on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This means you don’t need to access your router to set it up.
When it comes to privacy and security, Proton VPN takes it seriously. It uses Secure Core double VPN routing, strong encryption, and even supports Tor, all backed by an independently audited no-logs policy. This combination helps keep your online traffic private, even when using forwarded ports.
On the performance side, Proton VPN uses P2P-optimized servers and a broad global network, supporting both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. In Proton VPN testing, it actually exceeded baseline download speeds, making it a solid choice for tasks that demand reliable bandwidth, like gaming or downloading files.
Beyond these, Proton VPN also includes useful extras like NetShield for blocking ads and trackers, a VPN Accelerator to improve speeds, Proton Pass (available on select plans) for password management, DNS leak protection, and Smart Protocol, which automatically switches VPN protocols to keep the connection private.
For the security and trust it provides, Proton VPN is very reasonably priced at $2.99/month and lets you connect up to 10 devices. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
2. PureVPN – low-budget VPN with port forwarding
| Port forwarding: | Yes |
| P2P support: | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Current deal: | Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 3 FREE months |
Why PureVPN stands out
PureVPN is a budget-friendly option with a $1.49/month port forwarding add-on. It lets users easily manage up to 15 ports on any device without router setup, making it one of the cheapest and most straightforward port forwarding solutions available.
Who it's best for
PureVPN is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users
- Torrenting users who want basic port forwarding at a low cost
- Hosts who want to open multiple ports fast
Key features
PureVPN offers port forwarding as an optional add-on for $1.49 per month. With it, you can manage up to 15 TCP or UDP ports across apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as the member dashboard.
On the privacy front, unlike Proton VPN, PureVPN doesn’t include double-VPN features, but it has a verified no-logs policy and uses strong AES-256 encryption. There’s also a kill switch to help protect your connection when using forwarded ports.
Performance-wise, it supports WireGuard and delivers steady speeds that work well for P2P sharing and hosting. In PureVPN testing, it maintained up to 96% of baseline download speed, which also makes it a decent choice for reliable gaming and streaming.
It also comes with some handy extras like a kill switch and traffic obfuscation to help mask VPN use. Plus, PureKeep's password manager, available in higher subscription tiers, provides added security and convenience.
Plans start $2.15/month with longer-term discounts, and port forwarding is available as a $1.49/month add-on. You can connect up to 10 devices, and a 31-day money-back guarantee provides peace of mind.
3. PrivateVPN – simple-to-use port forwarding VPN
| Port forwarding: | Yes |
| P2P support: | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Current deal: | Now up to 85% OFF + 24 months free |
Why PrivateVPN stands out
PrivateVPN has the easiest setup for port forwarding overall. Ports are enabled by default and automatically assigned, so you can start torrenting or hosting without changing your router settings, though our tests showed slower speeds than those of top providers.
Who it's best for
PrivateVPN is great for:
- Anyone prioritizing ease of use over top speeds
- Casual torrenters who need an easy P2P setup
- People hosting small servers or games at home
Key features
PrivateVPN offers always-on port forwarding that assigns a random public port you can use directly in your apps. It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and you don’t need to make any changes to your router to get it running.
On the privacy and security side, PrivateVPN sticks to a zero-logs policy that’s been verified by a Deloitte audit. It includes a standard kill switch to prevent data leaks. Even while based in Sweden, which is part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance, it still manages to keep a solid reputation for privacy.
Performance-wise, PrivateVPN supports port forwarding with OpenVPN, but speeds can be quite inconsistent depending on the server. In our PrivateVPN testing, download speeds sometimes dropped to about 30%. WireGuard is available too and generally delivers better speeds, though it doesn’t support port forwarding.
The extra features are fairly basic, with a kill switch and some obfuscation tools to help get around simple internet restrictions. Plans start as low as $2.00/month on long-term deals and support up to 10 devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test it risk-free.
4. ExpressVPN – fast VPN with port forwarding
| Port forwarding: | Yes |
| P2P support: | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections: | 14 |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
Why ExpressVPN stands out
ExpressVPN is the go-to when you want top speed and strong privacy due to its Lightway protocol and TrustedServer tech. Port forwarding isn’t available in the app and requires extra steps, as it only works on routers running ExpressVPN firmware, which suits users who are comfortable with router setup.
Who it's best for
ExpressVPN is best for:
- Gamers and streamers who need low latency and consistent speeds
- Privacy-focused users who value audited no-logs and RAM-only servers
- Advanced users who are comfortable setting up port forwarding via custom routers
Key features
ExpressVPN supports port forwarding, but only on compatible routers running ExpressVPN’s own firmware (version 1, 2, and up). You manage it through the router’s admin page at expressvpnrouter.com, where you can set rules for internal and external ports using either TCP or UDP.
On the privacy and security front, ExpressVPN combines an independently audited no-logs policy with TrustedServer technology, which runs on RAM-only servers, along with strong encryption to keep your data safe.
For performance, it relies on the Lightway protocol, which helps maintain fast and stable connections across many locations. In ExpressVPN testing, average download speed retention was 84% and upload retention was 91%, which is enough for gaming and P2P when using a compatible router setup.
ExpressVPN also offers useful extras like Threat Manager to block trackers, a kill switch, split tunneling, and private DNS on all servers. For password management, ExpressVPN Keys is available as an optional add-on.
ExpressVPN VPN starts at $2.49/month and supports up to 14 devices.
5. PIA – VPN with port forwarding and generous features
| Port forwarding: | Yes |
| P2P support: | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | Get PIA, now 89% OFF + 2 Months FREE |
Why PIA stands out
PIA is the best at giving users full control of port forwarding. It includes built-in port forwarding with advanced customization options, supports unlimited simultaneous connections, and backs it all with an independently audited no-logs policy.
Who it's best for
PIA works well for:
- Households or teams that want unlimited simultaneous VPN connections
- Torrenting users who prefer broad P2P support and manual configuration options
- Users who don’t need to choose specific ports and prefer a simpler setup
Key features
PIA supports port forwarding on specific servers, which can help improve peer connectivity and seeding performance in torrent clients. The app assigns the port automatically, so you don’t need to mess with your router settings.
When it comes to privacy, PIA has a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited, and it uses strong encryption to keep your traffic safe. There are also options like a dedicated IP address and SOCKS5 proxy support if you need them.
Performance-wise, PIA uses WireGuard, which performed okayish during our PIA testing. Download speeds held up at about 63% of the baseline across different locations, which is enough for steady torrenting, large downloads, and consistent seeding on nearby servers.
On top of that, PIA includes MACE for blocking ads and trackers at the DNS level, split tunneling to exclude apps from the VPN if needed, automation rules, and unlimited simultaneous connections.
PIA plans start at $1.33/month, and unlike other providers on the list, it actually allows unlimited simultaneous connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you time to test it risk-free.
Best port forwarding VPNs compared
Here’s how my top 5 VPNs with port forwarding compare to one another:
| VPN | Price (lowest price per month) | Best for | Servers | Money-back guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | $2.99 | Privacy-focused users who want secure port forwarding | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries | 30 days |
| PureVPN | $2.15 | Budget users needing cheap port forwarding | 6,000+ servers in 65 countries | 31 days |
| PrivateVPN | $2.00 | Beginners who want effortless port forwarding | 200+ servers in 63 countries | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | $2.49 | Advanced users comfortable with router setup | Servers in 105 countries | No |
| PIA | $1.33 | Users who need unlimited device connections | Servers in 90 countries | 30 days |
Why use a VPN with port forwarding?
Port forwarding is something not many VPNs offer, but it’s a truly useful feature. Here are some of the reasons to use a VPN that include port forwarding:
- Torrenting. Even if a VPN has P2P support, its NAT firewall can interrupt your torrenting experience. Additionally, port forwarding allows incoming connections to be made to a specific device, which can result in better torrenting speed and reliability.
- Online gaming. Port forwarding allows you to host your own game server for a gaming session with your friends. Plus, this feature may even reduce lagging as well as improve performance, particularly in older games.
- Remote access to your desktop device. Port forwarding can help access your desktop remotely because it lets incoming connections be directed to a specific device on your network.
- Remote access to IoT devices. Just like with remotely accessing your computer, you can also check on your IoT devices, including security cameras, when you’re not at home.
- Hosting a publicly accessible website on your device.
How to configure port forwarding on a VPN
Configuring port forwarding doesn’t require much effort after you install a VPN. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to configure port forwarding on your device:
- Sign up for a VPN that includes the port forwarding feature – I recommend Proton VPN, now 70% OFF
- Download and install your chosen VPN service on your preferred device
-
Enable the port forwarding feature
-
Connect to a P2P server (in this case, marked with a double-arrow icon)
- Enjoy the benefits of port forwarding
How to configure port forwarding on a router
If you want to set up port forwarding on your whole network, the process will be slightly longer. It will also differ depending on your router. You can find the steps to setting up port forwarding on your router below:
- Insert your router’s IP address into the URL bar of your browser
- Sign in to your router’s configuration interface. If you don’t know the username and password of your router, you can simply look it up on Google. All you have to know is the router model number (change the password as soon as you log in)
- Search for the port forwarding section (it can usually be found in the Settings menu)
- Fill in the information to create a new port forwarding rule
- Enable port forwarding on the service where you’ll use the port, such as a torrenting client
Is port forwarding safe with VPN?
Port forwarding with a VPN can be safer than doing that on your regular router, but it still comes with risks, especially if you don’t take extra precautions.
When you open a port, you make part of your device visible to the internet. Malicious hackers can scan for these open ports and find services that are usually hidden. If the app or service behind that port isn’t adequately secured, attackers might be able to break in and take control.
This also raises the risk of malware. If the software listening on a port has a vulnerability in its code, malicious hackers can exploit it. This could also lead to DDoS attacks, where attackers flood your open port with useless traffic to crash your connection.
Additionally, if someone manages to take over your device, they could add it to a botnet – a network of infected machines that launches bigger attacks on other systems. That’s why it’s important to use VPN port forwarding carefully. Stick with trusted VPNs, only open ports you need, and constantly update your software to fix any known security holes.
How to test VPN port forwarding?
After setting up VPN port forwarding, it's important to test if it's working correctly to avoid connection issues or security gaps. Here are a few simple steps on how you should do that:
- Check if you can reach the port externally. This confirms that the forwarded port on your VPN connection is open and can accept incoming traffic from outside your network.
- Use your VPN provider's tools or documentation. Many VPNs that support port forwarding offer a built-in port checker or step-by-step guides. These help you find your assigned port and check if it's active.
- Try an online port scanner. Websites like CanYouSeeMe or YouGetSignal let you enter your VPN IP address and forwarded port number to see if the connection is open from the outside.
- Use Telnet or port-testing software. Advanced users can run manual tests using command-line tools like Telnet or third-party port monitoring apps to check real-time connectivity.
- Test regularly after setup. Even if it works once, your VPN's port forwarding status can change. Periodically check it through your VPN app or router to ensure everything stays functional.
Can you use a free VPN with a port forwarding feature?
No, I don’t recommend using a free VPN with port forwarding. It’s a premium feature, so if it comes with free services, free service providers may be unreliable. Free VPNs need to make money somehow, so unreliable ones can end up selling your data.
That’s why I recommend Proton VPN. Not only does it have a fully free VPN version that’s actually safe and trustworthy, but its premium plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you test port forwarding, P2P servers, and advanced security features completely risk-free.
Final verdict
Port forwarding is particularly useful for gamers and torrent users. It improves connectivity, helping older or P2P dependent games run smoothly, and can increase torrent download speeds by making peer connections more efficient.
Overall, Proton VPN Proton VPN is the best choice for port forwarding because it is secure, private, and widely supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also offers P2P-optimized servers for reliable speeds, and with support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, it lets you manage multiple devices while keeping your connection stable and protected.
FAQ
Is port forwarding good for VPN?
Using port forwarding with a VPN, such as Proton VPN, is a good solution for enhancing your torrenting or gaming experience. Port forwarding may improve certain application performance, including that of torrenting clients. That being said, it may also become a vulnerability in your network security if not used safely.
Are there any dangers to port forwarding?
Yes, port forwarding may create vulnerable spots in your network security. That’s because with this feature, you’re creating a path to your network for incoming traffic. This makes it much simpler for threat actors to get access to your device or even network.
Will port forwarding improve your speed?
Port forwarding may slightly improve the speed of your internet connection. It directs incoming traffic to a specific network or device. This reduces congestion and increases application (or service) response time.
Does NordVPN support port forwarding?
No, NordVPN does not support port forwarding. For security reasons, NordVPN blocks all ports except those necessary for VPN functionality and does not allow incoming connections through port forwarding on its servers.
Should I use a VPN when seeding torrents?
Yes, you should use a VPN when seeding torrents. It hides your real IP address and encrypts your traffic so others in the torrent swarm, like your internet service provider (ISP), copyright monitors, or malicious hackers, can’t see what you’re doing. Your IP is exposed without a VPN, which could lead to copyright warnings, slower speeds, or even legal trouble.
Does using a VPN with port forwarding affect Internet speed?
Using a VPN with port forwarding can affect your internet speed. Port forwarding may improve speeds for tasks like torrenting by allowing direct connections. However, since a VPN routes traffic through its servers and adds encryption, it can also slow things down. In the end, your overall speed depends mainly on your VPN provider, the server you connect to, and your network quality.
What is the difference between port forwarding and port triggering?
Port triggering is safer than port forwarding. When port forwarding, you keep specific ports open so devices can receive incoming connections. It also needs static IP addresses, meaning your device's IP doesn't change. Port triggering is different – it only opens ports when your device starts a connection and closes them when you're done. It works with changing IP addresses and is generally safer since it doesn't keep the ports open, lowering the risk of unwanted access.
