Best VPNs for Port Forwarding: Your Top Choices in 2025

Do you rely heavily on a VPN for your online activities but constantly encounter slower internet speeds or blocked inbound connections? A VPN that supports port forwarding is what you need! But how can you find the best VPNs for port forwarding?

In today’s guide, we will discuss the top VPNs with port forwarding capabilities, their features, and how to set them up. With any of these VPNs, you can enjoy secure, faster torrenting speeds and a reliable, lag-free online experience.

The Need for a VPN With Port Forwarding Capabilities

Before we discuss the best VPN providers for port forwarding, it is important to understand the reasons to use VPN port forwarding.

A virtual private network (VPN) is an essential tool for online security and privacy. It conceals your real IP address, encrypting your internet traffic, thereby creating a secure and private internet connection.

However, concealing your real IP address with a VPN comes with its downsides:

• Most times, the randomly allocated “fake” IP addresses that conceal your real IP address are shared. That means several other devices are using that same IP address simultaneously. This, most times, makes it difficult for incoming traffic to find your specific device.
• The usual process of encrypting your data and creating a secure tunnel lowers your internet speeds. This is a major drawback for those who rely on a VPN for activities such as torrenting, gaming, or remote access.
• Lastly, VPNs often rely on a Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall to block unsolicited connections. While this process is great for security, it inadvertently blocks some necessary inbound connections.

This is where you need a vpn for port forwarding. Port forwarding creates secure holes (ports) in the VPN’s firewall to forward specific incoming traffic to your device. These specific incoming connections bypass the VPN’s firewall using the port.

In a nutshell, port forwarding routes the traffic you specify through the firewall.  By forwarding traffic through specific ports, port forwarding boosts your VPN experience with enhanced internet connection speed, safety, and stability.

Despite its amazing benefits, not all VPNs support port forwarding. Some VPNs cite potential security vulnerabilities, while others support it with limited functionality. 

This makes finding a VPN that truly supports port forwarding without limiting performance or compromising on privacy a difficult task.

Based on our testing, we are able to identify these four (4) best VPNs for port forwarding. These VPNs feature advanced port forwarding capabilities together with speed and robust security measures, ensuring that you unlock your full network potential.

The Best VPNs With Port Forwarding Capabilities

Based on ease of use, compatibility, privacy and security, and pricing, here are our top picks for VPNs in 2025 that implement port forwarding:

Private Internet Access (Overall Best): Here is the overall top VPN on our list, offering excellent security features and dynamic port forwarding capabilities. More so, Private Internet Access (PIA) offers fast internet speeds and a large VPN server network.

ExpressVPN (Best for Speed and Security): You can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN in terms of speed and security. This VPN features a “Lightway protocol” for exceptional speeds and “TrustedServer technology” for advanced security. It also features a “Threat Manager” and peer-to-peer (P2P) support. However, ExpressVPN requires a compatible internet service provider (ISP) and routers.

PrivateVPN (Best for robust encryption and geo-unblocking): If strong privacy at an affordable price is your concern, then this VPN is for you. PrivateVPN offers geo-unblocking, simultaneous connections, strong encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. With over 200 servers in 63 countries, you can be sure of your privacy.

Proton VPN (Best for premium privacy): If you don’t mind paying extra for your privacy, go with Proton VPN. This VPN offers port forwarding and enhanced privacy on its premium plans, thanks to its proprietary “Secure Core” network.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an affordable, open-source, highly customizable VPN service provider. It is well-known for its large server network – 35,000, support for port forwarding, and strong commitment to privacy. 

Its port forwarding capability enables you to bypass NAT firewalls, accessing a wide range of websites, services, and applications. Also, PIA cloaks your real IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, preventing tracking by ISPs, cybercriminals, government bodies, etc.

Key Features

Here are some key PIA’s features that cater to the needs of both new and advanced VPN users:

• Large server network: PIA boasts a total of 35,000 servers across 90+ countries.
• Dedicated IP: With an extra fee, PIA users can have access to a dedicated, static IP address.
• No-logs policy: PIA has a court-proven and independently audited no-logs policy, meaning they do not track, record, or store user activity data.
• Simultaneous connections: With a single subscription, PIA gives access to an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
• High security VPN protocols: It supports highly secure and modern VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. It also offers flexible AES-256 encryption options.
• Kill Switch: This feature automatically disconnects your device from the internet once your VPN connection unexpectedly stops to prevent data exposure.
• PIA MACE: An in-built feature that uses DNS-based filtering to block trackers, ads, and malicious websites.
• Split Tunnelling: PIA allows you to choose which websites, services, or applications use a normal internet connection and which use the VPN tunnel.
• Torrenting Support: PIA fully supports torrenting/P2P on all servers and port forwarding on selected servers for speed optimization. The VPN also features a SOCKS5 proxy that significantly boosts your speeds while torrenting.

The major downside of PIA is that it typically assigns a random port for each internet session. While this enhances security, it means that each time you start a forwarding session, you have to manually reconfigure your applications to match the assigned port. 

This can cause some inconvenience if you are running multiple services that rely on port forwarding.

Pricing structure

Private Internet Access has a single pricing plan but with varying subscription lengths. Longer subscription lengths come with lower pricing for significant savings.

• Long-term subscription:  2 years + 2 months FREE – $2.19 per month
• Annual: 6 months: $7.5 per month
• Monthly: $11.95 per month

Any of the plans comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Payment can be made through various methods, which include credit/debit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is highly rated and one of the powerhouses in the VPN space. It has exceptional port forwarding capabilities and is suitable for unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms. 

What more? This VPN takes pride in its ease of use, robust encryption, advanced security/privacy features, and lightning-fast speed. All of these make ExpressVPN a preferred choice among beginners and privacy-conscious VPN users.

ExpressVPN also features a Threat Manager and in-built leak protection for detecting and blocking online threats. Although ExpressVPN lacks specialized servers, it is well-optimized for gaming, streaming, and P2P activities.

Key Features

Here are some amazing features that make this VPN outstanding:

• Large global network: With about 3,000 servers across 105 countries, this VPN provides extensive location options for users to unblock content and get faster speeds.
• Advanced privacy: All ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM-only infrastructure. This means that user data is wiped off with every system reboot – another critical feature for a verified no-logs policy. Also, this VPN uses Private DNS on every server, a Network Lock to prevent data leaks if the connection drops, and AES-256-bit encryption.
• Lightway protocol: This VPN has a proprietary VPN protocol for a faster, more reliable, and more secure connection, especially on mobile devices.
• Excellent P2P/torrenting: This VPN fully supports torrenting and streaming across its network with an excellent capability for unblocking major streaming services.
• Multiple simultaneous connections: Depending on the pricing plan, ExpressVPN allows 8 to 14 simultaneous connections.
• Online safety: ExpressVPN features split tunnelling, “ExpressVPN Keys” (a password manager), and Identity Defender and Ad/Tracker blocker (available only on its advanced plans.

A major drawback is that ExpressVPN limits its port forwarding functionality to its dedicated routers or Aircove routers. Also, the port forwarding functionality requires support from your ISP. That is, if your ISP restricts port forwarding or you don’t have a compatible router, ExpressVPN may not implement port forwarding.

However, this VPN compensates for these limitations with advanced privacy measures, robust encryption, and lightning-fast speeds.

Pricing Structure

Unlike PIA, ExpressVPN offers tiered pricing plans (Basic, Advanced, or Pro), and prices vary based on the specific plan tier. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

• 1 Month – $12.99 to $19.99
• 1 Year (+ 3 free months) – $4.99 to $8.99 per month
• 2 Years (+ 4 free months) – $3.49 to $7.49 per month

Please note that higher plan tiers include more features like more device connections, a dedicated IP, and identity protection tools.

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a smaller server network (200 servers in 63 countries). However, it made it to the list of the top VPNs for port forwarding due to its user-friendliness, strong security, and excellent privacy features.

This VPN can reliably unblock major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime from anywhere. It is also P2P/torrenting-friendly, providing a balance of affordability, speed, and security.

What more? PrivateVPN is highly compatible with all devices. The VPN has applications for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It also has a manual setup for Linux and routers.

Key Features

• Strict zero-logs policy: PrivateVPN features a strict zero-logs policy, ensuring that users’ connection data or activities are not recorded.
• Strong encryption measure: This VPN uses a military-grade AES-256 encryption measure, but allows users to opt for AES-128 encryption for faster speeds.
• Kill switch: The VPN has a kill switch that automatically disconnects your internet once the VPN drops, preventing data leaks.
• Stealth VPN: This advanced feature enables you to bypass VPN blocks in highly restrictive regions, such as China.
• Simultaneous connections: PrivateVPN enables users to connect up to 10 devices at once under a single subscription.
• Excellent geo-unblocking: PrivateVPN offers excellent streaming support for unblocking geo-restricted content.

Aside from having a small number of servers, PrivateVPN automatically assigns all ports. While it opens ports by default to eliminate the stress of manual configuration, it raises security concerns. Also, this VPN limits its port forwarding capabilities only to OpenVPN UDP connections.

Pricing structure

This VPN is often considered one of the most affordable VPN options, offering lower pricing on longer-term plans. 

• 1 Month – $9.90
• 3 Months – $6.00 per month billed every 3 months
• 36 Months – $2.00 to $2.50 billed every 12 months after 36 months

All pricing plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and typically include full features.

Proton VPN

The last VPN option on our list is Proton VPN, a Switzerland-based virtual private network service. Switzerland is well-known for its strong privacy laws. So, we recommend Proton VPN as a privacy-focused VPN option.

Proton VPN port forwarding offers strong privacy and fast speeds, necessary for torrenting and gaming. Also, Proton VPN is an open-source app with a strong emphasis on transparency, security, and a no-logs policy.

Key Features

Note that this VPN offers robust features, many of which are available only to premium users.

• No-logs policy: Proton VPN has a strict, independently audited no-log policy against logging or tracking users’ activities.
• Strong encryption: Proton VPN uses a strong AES-256 encryption measure and secure protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.
• Large global network: With about 15490 servers, this VPN provides extensive location options for users to unblock content and get faster speeds.
• Secure Core (MultiHop): This proprietary architecture enhances your privacy by routing your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries. This paid feature adds an extra layer of anonymity against cyberattacks or surveillance.
• NetShield Ad-Blocker: This paid VPN features a DNS-filtering feature that blocks malware, ads, and website trackers.
• Kill Switch/Always-on VPN: This feature automatically disconnects your network traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental IP or data leaks.
• VPN Accelerator: This paid feature increases your connection speeds by up to 400%.
• Stealth VPN protocol: This feature is specifically engineered to evade detection and bypass firewalls and censorship (or VPN blocking).
• P2P/torrenting optimization: Proton VPN features dedicated servers optimized for P2P file sharing.
• Streaming support: This VPN unblocks popular streaming services, such as Netflix, iPlayer, BBC, and Hulu.
• Simultaneous connections: Premium users are allowed to connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

It is worth knowing that Proton VPN offers a limited free version, and the port forwarding capability is only available on the Windows and Linux apps. These are the major drawbacks with Proton VPN aside from its relatively high price.

Pricing structure

Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited data (but with limited features), and two tiered pricing plans.

• Proton Free – €0.00 per month (Free forever, but no P2P/streaming support, no NetShield, one device connection, five server locations, and limited speed.
• Proton VPN Plus – From €2.99 to €9.99 per month
• Proton Unlimited – From €7.99 to €12.99 per month

All plans come with a free encrypted “Proton Mail” account, and a 30-day prorated money-back guarantee is offered for paid plans.

How to Choose the Best VPN Options for Port Forwarding in 2025

These key factors will guide you when choosing the best VPNs that support port forwarding:

• Port forwarding capability: This must be your primary consideration. Choose a VPN with port forwarding capabilities and customizable port control.
• Transparent privacy policies: VPNs that lay a strong emphasis on strict no-logs policies are better. VPNs that have undergone independent security audits to back these claims are the best.
• Security and encryption: Prioritize VPNs with strong encryption and security measures. This should include a “Kill switch” for full leak protection and military-grade encryption protocols for data security.
• Performance and reliability: Consider VPNs with excellent performance, such as server availability, connection speeds, and reliable port forwarding capabilities.
• Affordability: While we don’t encourage using free VPNs with port forwarding features, we also don’t support VPNs that break your bank. Affordability is key. Just ensure that you get the best value for your money.

Security Considerations When Using a VPN with Port Forwarding

Using a VPN with port forwarding comes with potential risks. For instance, your personal network or device can be exposed to external threats, like cybercriminals, when specific ports are opened.

Therefore, you need to strictly stick to the following security best practices when using a VPN with port forwarding to mitigate these risks:

• Configure the firewalls
• Use strong passwords
• Keep your VPN app and browser app up to date
• Properly set up port forwarding on your device

How to Set Up Port Forwarding

Setting up port forwarding with your VPN service and router should not be a problem. All you need to do is carefully follow the instructions provided by the service. 

Although different VPN providers have different ways of setting up port forwarding, the steps typically should go like this:

• Install the VPN
• Navigate to the port forwarding menu in the VPN software “Settings” section.
• Activate port forwarding. Depending on how the VPN app works, it should either assign you a random port number to use or ask you to choose a port to use after contacting the VPN server.
• Finally, configure your device or network to use the port. On some VPN services, you would need to create a VPN connection using the public IP address of the server you want to connect to.

If you get confused or run into any issues during setup, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the VPN’s Customer Support team.

Free VPNs vs. Paid VPNs with Port Forwarding

Although port forwarding is usually not offered with free VPNs, it’s possible you come across a free VPN with port forwarding features during your search, but you need to be very careful. 

We won’t tell you not to use a free VPN, as they may be cost-effective, but verify them and do your research properly. Also, most of them often lack the performance, reliability, and robust security and privacy features of paid VPNs. 

Typically, all paid VPNs for port forwarding are a bit expensive compared to free options, but the benefits they offer far outweigh their costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Port forwarding is an essential feature for users who rely on a VPN for online activities like gaming, torrenting, or remote access. It also helps to improve connectivity and prevent blocked inbound connections.

Nevertheless, you need to choose the best VPN with port forwarding features and follow the best practices for security and performance to enjoy a seamless, secure, and private online experience.

Our top recommendations for the best port forwarding VPNs are Private Internet Access, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, and Proton VPN. While they all have some drawbacks, they are versatile and offer some great features.