VPN With Port Forwarding: Which Providers Offer It and How to Choose
Looking for a VPN with port forwarding? Proton VPN, Private Internet Access and AirVPN offer it; Mullvad and ExpressVPN don't. What to check before you buy.
The short answer
- 1.As last reviewed, Proton VPN (paid plans, P2P servers), Private Internet Access (supported servers) and AirVPN (reserved ports) offer port forwarding.
- 2.Mullvad removed port forwarding in 2023, and ExpressVPN doesn't offer it.
- 3.Check how the port is assigned, whether it changes, and which servers support it, then confirm on the provider's own site.
What port forwarding on a VPN does
Normally a VPN only lets traffic you start go out and come back. Port forwarding opens one port on the VPN server's public IP and sends incoming connections on it through the tunnel to your device.
That matters for apps that need others to reach you: torrent clients, self-hosted game servers and remote access to a home service.
VPNs with port forwarding
| Provider | Port forwarding | How the port is set |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Yes, paid plans, P2P servers | Requested over NAT-PMP; the port can change |
| Private Internet Access | Yes, supported servers | Assigned by the app or API |
| AirVPN | Yes | Reserved ports in your account |
| Mullvad | No | Removed in 2023 |
| ExpressVPN | No | Not offered |
How to choose
- →Fixed or changing port: reserved ports are easier for servers; changing ports need your app updated or a helper tool.
- →Server coverage: forwarding often works only on some servers or locations.
- →Plan tier: some providers limit it to paid plans.
- →Protocol and setup: check it works with WireGuard configs or routers if you use them.
- →Automation: Docker users can let Gluetun manage the forwarded port for some providers.
Common uses
| Use | Why forwarding helps |
|---|---|
| Torrenting | More peers can connect to you, which helps seeding and poorly seeded files. |
| Hosting a game server | Friends can join without your home router being exposed. |
| Remote access | Reach a service at home through the VPN's IP. |
Questions people also ask
+Which VPNs have port forwarding?
As last reviewed, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access and AirVPN. Mullvad and ExpressVPN do not. Check each provider's site for current details.
+Does Mullvad still support port forwarding?
No. Mullvad removed port forwarding in 2023.
+Is port forwarding on a VPN safe?
It exposes one port on the VPN's IP, not your home network. Only the app listening on that port is reachable, so keep it patched.
+Do I need port forwarding for torrenting?
No, but it improves connectivity and seeding, especially on torrents with few peers.
Provider features, prices and streaming compatibility change often. We don't run lab benchmarks; confirm details on the provider's own site before buying. Read our responsible-use stance.
Keep reading
Proton VPN vs Mullvad for qBittorrent Port Forwarding
Mullvad removed port forwarding in 2023; Proton VPN supports it via NAT-PMP. How to set it up for qBittorrent and what each does well.
ExpressVPN Alternatives With Port Forwarding for Torrenting
ExpressVPN doesn't offer port forwarding. Which providers do, how it improves seeding and what to check before switching.
Synology NAS: Run qBittorrent Behind a VPN Container (Gluetun + Container Manager)
A Container Manager project that routes only your torrent client through a VPN on Synology DSM 7.2+, with a built-in kill switch.