Private Internet Access vs Surfshark Anonymous Port Forwarding Compared

If you need to host game servers, seed torrents efficiently, or access your home network remotely, you need a VPN with port forwarding. This feature is a game-changer for power users, but not all providers offer it, and their implementations vary wildly. We're comparing Private Internet Access (PIA) and Surfshark to see which one delivers the best port forwarding experience for your needs.

What you’ll learn:

• The key differences between PIA's and Surfshark's port forwarding features.
• How to set up and use port forwarding with each service.
• Which VPN is the better choice for your specific use case.

What is Port Forwarding and Why Do You Need It?

In simple terms, port forwarding is like giving a specific program on your device a dedicated phone line. Normally, when you're behind a router, your device is hidden from the wider internet. Port forwarding punches a small, secure hole through that router and your VPN tunnel, allowing incoming connections to reach a specific application, like a Minecraft server or a P2P file-sharing client. Without port forwarding, these incoming connection requests get lost, making you unable to host games or seed torrents effectively.

Private Internet Access Port Forwarding: The Power User's Choice

Private Internet Access has long been a favorite for users who need robust port forwarding. PIA offers this feature on its entire network of servers, which is a significant advantage. You don't have to hunt for a specific server that supports it; you can connect to any location and enable the feature.

How PIA's Port Forwarding Works

When you enable port forwarding in the PIA app, it automatically assigns you a random port number. This system is designed for security and simplicity. You don't have to manually open ports on your router or remember complex numbers; the app handles everything. You just need to configure your specific software (like qBittorrent or a game server) to use the port number provided by the PIA client. This automatic, on-the-fly assignment makes it incredibly user-friendly.

Key Benefits of PIA's Approach

• Wide Availability: Port forwarding works on all PIA servers worldwide.
• Automatic Management: The VPN client manages the port, so there's no manual router configuration.
• Enhanced P2P Performance: It significantly improves download and upload speeds for torrenting.

If your primary need for a VPN revolves around torrenting or hosting, Private Internet Access provides a reliable and powerful port forwarding solution.

Surfshark Port Forwarding: The Current Reality

It's crucial to address this directly: Surfshark does not currently offer port forwarding to its users. The company removed this feature from its service to streamline its infrastructure and maintain a consistent security posture across its entire network. While this might be disappointing for users seeking this specific functionality, it's a deliberate choice that aligns with Surfshark's focus on providing a secure, all-in-one package for the average user.

What This Means for You

Without port forwarding, certain activities are limited. You won't be able to host game servers or accept incoming connections for peer-to-peer file sharing while connected to Surfshark. Your ability to seed torrents will also be hampered, which can affect your ratio on private trackers. For general browsing, streaming, and downloading (leeching), Surfshark remains an excellent service, but it is not the tool for jobs that require open ports.

Head-to-Head Comparison: PIA vs. Surfshark

Let's break down the key differences in a clear table to see how these two services stack up for users who need port forwarding.

Which VPN Should You Choose for Port Forwarding?

The choice here is straightforward. If port forwarding is a non-negotiable feature for your online activities, Private Internet Access is the clear winner. Its reliable, server-wide implementation is built for power users who need to accept incoming connections.

If you never need to host a server or don't mind limited seeding capabilities, and you value other features like CleanWeb ad-blocking or Camouflage Mode, then Surfshark is a fantastic all-around VPN. It excels at unblocking streaming sites and providing fast, secure browsing for an unlimited number of devices.

Best VPN This Month

For users who need top-tier performance and features like port forwarding, our current top pick is NordVPN. It offers a balanced combination of speed, security, and advanced features.

Setting Up Port Forwarding with PIA

Getting started with port forwarding on PIA is simple. After installing the application and logging in, navigate to the settings menu. Look for the ‘Network' tab and enable the ‘Port Forwarding' option. Once you connect to any PIA server, the client will display your assigned port number in the main interface. You then take this number and enter it into the connection settings of the application you want to use, such as your torrent client. That's all there is to it. For more detailed guides, check out our privacy guides.

Final Verdict

When it comes to port forwarding, Private Internet Access is the undisputed champion in this comparison. It delivers a dedicated, easy-to-use feature that works across its entire network, making it the superior choice for torrenters, gamers, and anyone who needs to accept incoming connections through their VPN. Surfshark, while a premium service in many other areas, has consciously chosen not to include this capability. Your decision ultimately hinges on whether this specific function is a priority for your online toolkit.

Ready to unlock full seeding potential and host your own servers? Get Private Internet Access today and experience powerful port forwarding.