VPN Port Forwarding Explained
Most VPN users never need port forwarding. But for P2P users, gamers hosting servers, and self-hosters, it's essential. Here's what it is and which providers support it.
Provider Support
| Provider | Port Forwarding | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | No | Removed port forwarding in 2023 for security reasons. Meshnet is the alternative for P2P. |
| Proton VPN | Yes | Available on all paid plans. Dynamic port assigned in the app. Works well for torrenting. |
| Mullvad | Removed | Removed in 2023 due to abuse concerns. Was a key feature for their user base. |
| Surfshark | No | Not available. Focus on consumer features over power-user tools. |
| ExpressVPN | No | Not available. Lightway protocol doesn't support it. |
Bottom line: If you need port forwarding, Proton VPN is currently the best option among major providers.
Use Cases
P2P / Torrenting
Port forwarding improves torrent speeds by allowing other peers to connect to you directly. Without it, you can only connect to peers who already have open ports.
Game Server Hosting
If you host a game server (Minecraft, Valheim, etc.) behind a VPN, port forwarding lets other players connect to your server through the VPN IP.
Self-Hosting
Running Plex, Nextcloud, or a web server behind a VPN? Port forwarding makes it accessible from the internet while keeping your real IP hidden.
Remote Desktop
Access your home computer from anywhere through a VPN port forward. More secure than exposing RDP directly to the internet.