When you’re using a VPN, it’s difficult for others to snoop on your web-browsing activity. Your web traffic then goes through that server to make it appear as though you’re browsing from that server’s location, and not from your actual location. You connect to a VPN server, which can be located in the United States or a foreign country-say, France or Japan. VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet.

Plus, advanced users can adjust their level of encryption for data encryption, data authentication, and handshake. (Read our full review.) The price is right at less than $40 a year, and its privacy policies have been tested in court. This no-frills VPN has an absolute ton of servers, good speeds, and a nice amount of country locations to remain relatively anonymous.

There are many VPNs among our top picks that could be used for downloading torrents, but our preferred choice is Private Internet Access. If you’re going to use torrents, however, life is easier if you use a VPN-especially if the network you’re on blocks torrenting.