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The best VPNs have many functions and fill many purposes. Not only do they protect web traffic, but they also allow users to torrent and download documents with security. If you are familiar with torrenting, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of Seedbox. This technology rivals VPNs’ ability to help users download and store online content. Below, we will compare a Seedbox vs VPN and help you sort through the nuances of how these two options differ.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Additionally, we offer a wide variety of torrent-related content. For example, we have a helpful guide explaining the best free VPNs for torrenting.
First, it’s helpful to understand the basics of each option.
Insider Tip
If compatible, users can connect VPNs and Seedboxes simultaneously to get the best of both worlds.
VPN stands for “virtual private network.” What this does is connect a computer to a separate remote server. After connecting, a secure tunnel is established. All user web activity, downloads, and location information (like the IP address) are encrypted as it passes through this tunnel. The encryption hides a user’s online activity from private trackers, hackers, or censors.
On the other hand, Seedbox providers offer users a separate private server to download torrents and store their files. For those who don’t know, torrenting is a process where multiple peers all take part in downloading a large file present on each peer’s (known as the swarm) server. Seedboxes let users remain anonymous and encrypt their download information while torrenting.
For those set on VPNs, check our guide explaining the best VPNs for torrenting. We also offer resources on specific providers, like our PureVPN review.
VPNs offer ultimate security when it comes to protecting internet activity. With VPNs, all data has end-to-end encryption, whether you are torrenting files or just browsing. Seedbox servers only protect user data and hide their real IP address during the torrent process. If you want to learn about more data security methods, check out our article discussing proxy vs VPN.
Seedboxes require a learning curve, as they operate almost as a unique browser. As a result, they have separate functions and jargon to learn before knowing how to use them properly. VPNs are simple to use; it takes a few seconds to set up a connection before you can start to torrent.
Warning
Torrenting poses many privacy risks, as the file sources are often traps, leading to trackers or malware infections.
Seedbox’s main advantage over VPN is that it comes with storage on the actual server. VPNs typically don’t offer this. Instead, all downloads are stored on a user’s computer.
STAT: Seedbox services come with a wide range of available storage capacity. They offer anywhere from a few gigabytes to a few terabytes of storage. (source)
The average Seedbox costs users around $15-$20/month. VPNs have a lower floor, costing anywhere from $3-$20/month.
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