5 Best VPNs For Spectrum (Hide Torrenting & Stop Throttling)

Spectrum is an all-around internet, cable, phone, and streaming service provider owned and operated by Charter Communications. According to recent stats, Spectrum has a user base of over 31 million customers. In the context of online users, Spectrum is most notable for its internet and streaming services.

According to our tests, NordVPN is the best Spectrum VPN.

But, like any significant conglomerate, Spectrum is no stranger to problems like bandwidth throttling, blocking streaming sites, and issues with torrenting. From the user’s end, all of these can, fortunately, be avoided by using a VPN. This is, providing you pick a trustworthy one.

Best VPNs for Spectrum – our shortlist:

1. NordVPN – the best Spectrum VPN with fastest speeds
2. Surfshark – a robust VPN for Spectrum
3. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice.
4. PrivateVPN – easily bypasses Spectrum throttling
5. ExpressVPN – top privacy and can unblock streaming services

Can I Use a VPN With Spectrum?

Yes, you can use a VPN with Spectrum without any restrictions. While Spectrum doesn’t necessarily allow VPN use over its services, this ISP doesn’t really have any mechanisms in place that would prevent you from using a VPN service when connected to their servers.

This is excellent news for Spectrum users in terms of privacy and security. You can freely use a reliable VPN to mask everything you’re doing online and protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. 

It also means you can torrent freely, stream Spectrum TV content, and avoid bandwidth throttling without any fear of Spectrum blocking your VPN. With that in mind, we’ll discuss each of the aspects separately to get a better insight into how a Spectrum internet VPN works.

Spectrum VPN Comparison

	NordVPN	Surfshark	AtlasVPN	PrivateVPN	ExpressVPN
Website	NordVPN.com	Surfshark.com	AtlasVPN.com	PrivateVPN.com	ExpressVPN.com
Best VPN Ranking	1 – THE BEST	2	3	4	5
Avg. Speed	46,4 Mbps	40,1 Mbps	35,9 Mbps	43,6 Mbps	42,2 Mbps
Server count	5400+	3200+	750+	200+	3000+
Logs	No-logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs	No logs	No identifiable logs
Suitable for Games	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Works with Streaming	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
P2P Traffic	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Extra features	Ad-blocker Threat Protection Split-tunneling	Ad-blocker Split-tunneling	Split-tunneling	Port Forwarding	Port Forwarding (routers) Split-tunneling
Devices supported	Windows MacOS Android iOS Linux SmartTVs Routers	Windows MacOS Android iOS Linux	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS SmartTVs Routers
Best Deals	63% OFF + Gift	Save 81%	83% OFF	Save 85%	3 months FREE

Best VPN for Spectrum – our detailed list:

The VPNs we’ve shortlisted on this page all come with the necessary features that make them very efficient when paired up with Spectrum’s service. Let’s take a closer look at each of the top five Spectrum VPN services:

1. NordVPN

When it comes to using VPNs with Spectrum for torrenting and stopping throttling, NordVPN establishes itself as a top player among the best. With its expansive server network and commendable performance, it is particularly suited for Spectrum users with high-bandwidth activities.

Security:

• NordVPN offers superior security features. With AES-256 encryption, it guarantees the utmost level of data security.
• It utilizes RAM servers that are secure and do not store any data, even temporarily. However, competitor VPNs may lack this feature.
• To mitigate any exposure risks, the Kill Switch drops your internet connection if the VPN disconnects.

Privacy: NordVPN is based in Panama and thus outside Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction. It also operates under a strict no-logging policy.

Performance: Its performance exceeds its competitors with an impressive download speed of around 248.7 Mbps in the US. The NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard ensures both speed and security.

Features: Particularly for torrenting, it offers specialized P2P servers with fast download speeds, making it highly suitable for Spectrum users who like to share files.

Streaming: NordVPN unblocks various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, thus enabling Spectrum users to bypass throttling and access various Netflix libraries with SmartPlay technology.

Pricing: With the Standard Plan starting from $4.99/month (1-year plan) up to the Complete Plan at $14.99/month, it offers high value for its extensive feature set, making it a cost-effective solution against pricier competitors.

Plan	1-year plan	1-month plan	2-year plan
Standard Plan	$4.99/month	$12.99/month	–
Plus Plan	$5.99/month	$13.99/month	–
Complete Plan	$6.99/month	$14.99/month	$5.49/month

2. Surfshark

Surfshark stands out among the Best VPNs for Spectrum, particularly for users seeking to hide torrenting activity and avert throttling. It offers an optimal mix of security, privacy, performance, and other useful features.

Security:

• AES-256-GCM encryption shields all data in transit
• It employs secure protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard
• Also includes an Automatic Kill Switch, a noteworthy safety net in case of VPN connection loss

Privacy: Surfshark has a robust no-logs policy supplemented with private DNS on each server and IP Masking features.

Performance: In testing, Surfshark displayed admirable results with download speeds of 235 Mbps and upload speeds of 219 Mbps in the United States, thus guaranteeing speedy, reliable connectivity.

Features: It offers wide compatibility spanning Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It enables torrenting with P2P-optimized servers. The Whitelister feature also enables split tunneling.

Streaming: Surfshark unblocks popular content platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, promising a seamless streaming experience.

Pricing: Priced competitively, Surfshark offers various subscriptions—$2.30 per month for a 2-year Surfshark Starter, rising to $12.95 for a month-wise commitment. All come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark Plans	2-year price	1-year price	1-month price
Starter	$2.30/month	$3.99/month	$12.95/month
Surfshark One	$3.22/month	$4.49/month	$17.95/month
Surfshark One+	$5.99/month	$8.29/month	$22.95/month

3. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN often ranks among the best VPNs for Spectrum due to its affordability, security, and performance. It is a choice for users seeking anonymity while torrenting or striving to evade bandwidth throttling.

Security: AtlasVPN employs robust security measures, including AES-256 encryption, Wireguard protocols, and 2FA. It’s also equipped with a Malware Shield, System-Wide Kill Switch, and dark web monitoring for all-rounded security. However, AtlasVPN did not perform an independent audit yet.

Privacy: Preserving your online privacy is paramount to AtlasVPN, hence the no-logs policy. With features like IP Rotator (SafeSwap), MultiHop+, and Tracker Blocker, your online activity and information are well-cloaked. Here are some of the key privacy features: It’s worth noting this VPN is under the jurisdiction of the US, a Five Eyes alliance member.

Performance: With a download speed of 183 Mbps and an upload speed of 309 Mbps, AtlasVPN ensures fast and reliable connectivity. It adopts OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols and offers an impressive IP Rotation every 10 minutes with SafeSwap.

Features: AtlasVPN offers unlimited device connections on its premium plans and efficiently unblocks geo-restricted content. Other notable features include 10 Gbps servers and an Email Breach Check Feature.

Streaming: AtlasVPN shines in its ability to unblock 11 different Netflix libraries, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max among others, thanks to Specialty Streaming-Optimized Servers. Geo-restricted content is no longer a bother, too.

Pricing: AtlasVPN offers a flexible pricing structure with monthly ($11.99/mo), annual ($3.29/mo) and 2-year ($1.82/mo) plans, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. A restriction-limited free version is also available.

AtlasVPN Plans	Pricing	Additional Benefits
Free Version	0.00$/month	5 GB data limit Access to 3 locations
1-Month Plan	11.99$/month	30-day money-back guarantee
1-Year Plan	3.29$/month Billed $39.48 annually	30-day money-back guarantee
2-Year Plan	1.82$/month Billed $43.68 biennially	30-day money-back guarantee

4. PrivateVPN

If you’re a Spectrum user seeking an effective VPN for torrenting, consider PrivateVPN. It’s renowned for robust security, no-logs privacy, impressive performance, and competitive pricing.

Security: PrivateVPN excels with its AES 256-bit encryption, reliable kill switch, and protection against IP and IPv6 leaks. It has robust protocols such as OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and WireGuard (still beta).

However, it is worth mentioning that it lacks a standalone app for Linux, and instead requires manual OpenVPN setup.

Privacy: With the no-logs policy, users enjoy a clear stand on privacy. However, being located in Sweden, a member of the 14-Eyes surveillance alliance may raise some concerns.

Performance: The speed boasts of 148 Mbps download and 190 Mbps upload in the United States. However, varied server speeds and high latency times have been reported in some locations.

Features: In addition to its P2P compatibility and dedicated IP addresses, impressive is its streaming capabilities. PrivateVPN unblocks geo-restricted YouTube videos, iPlayer, Netflix, and more. However, it lacks a browser extension.

Streaming: Capable of bypassing Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming restrictions, PrivateVPN ensures a fast video-loading experience.

Pricing: Affordable plans start from $2.00/month for a 36-month plan to $9.90/month for a 1-month plan. Even the payment methods are diverse including credit cards, PayPal, and Cryptocurrencies.

PrivateVPN Plans	Price per Month
1-Month Plan	$9.90
3-Month Plan	$6.00
36-Month Plan	$2.00

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN stands out as one of the top 5 VPNs for Spectrum due to its impressive sets of features, geared towards optimized torrenting and security. Its effective combination of speed, reliability, and advanced functionalities make it an industry favorite.

Security: ExpressVPN provides top-notch security features including AES 256-GCM encryption, complemented by the SHA-512 hash function for robust authentication. The ‘Network Lock’, equivalent to the kill switch, prevents data leaks during brief connection drops. Noteworthy is TrustedServer technology; servers running exclusively on RAM, securing data wipes after each restart.

Privacy: ExpressVPN builds trust through transparency, demonstrated by its rigorous no-logs policy, independently audited by PwC and Cure53. Furthermore, features such as private DNS on every server, enhance privacy. Unfortunately, ExpressVPN lacks split tunneling on iOS, a slight drawback compared to some competitors.

Performance: Delivering impressive speeds, ExpressVPN records download speeds of 137 Mbps and upload speeds of 162 Mbps in the United States. Utilization of the groundbreaking Lightway protocol ensures fast connections.

Features: Spectrum users can benefit from ExpressVPN’s P2P compatibility on all servers, and its broad device compatibility, including popular browsers and smart TVs. Its applications, although feature-limited on macOS 11 and Linux, are user-friendly and secure.

Streaming: ExpressVPN truly shines in its ability to unblock heavyweight platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer feature enhances the streaming experience by enabling devices that may not traditionally support VPNs. With ExpressVPN, users also enjoy the ability to change Netflix regions.

Pricing: While ExpressVPN leans towards the premium side, its 1-year plan offers relatively good value at $6.67/month allowing 8 simultaneous connections, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Payment options include well-accepted methods such as credit cards, PayPal, and even Bitcoin, increasing its accessibility.

ExpressVPN Plans	Price per Month	Simultaneous Connections
1-Month Plan	$12.95	5
6-Month Plan	$9.99	Up to 8
1-Year Plan	$6.67	Up to 8

Can you Stream on Spectrum with a VPN?

As an internet service provider and an online streaming service all in one, Spectrum inherently suffers from issues related to copyright laws. For these reasons, they often have to geo-block content that’s not in line with specific regulations. Using a Spectrum TV VPN, you can effectively go around these blocks and access everything you want without any restrictions.

We have to mention that there have been some examples of Spectrum clamping down on VPN users and restricting their access attempts. However, these Spectrum VPN issues are only minor and won’t affect your experience in any significant way. You can resolve them by switching between servers to find one that works well on the platform.

Spectrum and Torrenting – Are you Safe when Using a VPN?

When it comes to torrenting with a VPN for Spectrum, the situation is significantly more severe than streaming. This is because you’re also risking hefty fines and possibly even jail time by infringing the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. And, concerning this, Spectrum doesn’t shy away from sending DMCA takedown notices to users who torrent over their network. 

There are several examples online of users who got in trouble for torrenting with Spectrum as their ISP. If you don’t want to put yourself in a similar situation, the best way to torrent on Spectrum’s network is to use a trustworthy VPN for torrenting.

We heavily underline the trustworthy part, as you always need to have peace of mind that your VPN isn’t compromised or leaking out your data. Not all VPNs are of the same quality and can offer you the exact features you need for secure and anonymous torrenting. 

Plus, even when using a VPN, you can quickly get busted and get a DMCA for torrenting if you’re not careful. That said, there are several tips to keep in mind if you’re using Spectrum as your ISP and want to hide torrenting with a VPN:

• Don’t let the torrent client launch on startup.
• Always make sure the VPN is the first thing you turn on before torrenting.
• Always turn off the torrent client before the VPN.

Does Spectrum Throttle Its Users Bandwidth?

Although there’s a lot of mystery surrounding the topic of bandwidth throttling, evidence over the years has shown us that most ISPs, including Spectrum, T-Mobile, and EE, undergo the practice of throttling bandwidth. In most cases, this is to ensure consistent speeds across their service for all users. In some cases, ISPs go overboard with throttling user bandwidth and can make the connections borderline unusable at times.

Using a VPN for Spectrum is a simple but very effective way of bypassing bandwidth throttling. As you’re masking your real IP location with a VPN, Spectrum won’t be able to track your actual address, and you’ll be able to enjoy the full network speed you’re guaranteed in your Spectrum contract.

Spectrum VPN Setup

Setting up a VPN to use with Spectrum is not a complicated undertaking, as you can complete it in just a couple of minutes. To help you out, here’s a quick guide on how to set up your VPN for Spectrum:

1. Sign up with a VPN 

The first thing you need to do is sign up with a trusted Spectrum VPN and download the appropriate app for your device. Pick one of our tested and verified VPNs from Spectrum featured on this page. Ideally, we recommend choosing NordVPN, as it’s the most capable Spectrum VPN.

2. Sign in to the App 

Once you’ve completed the registration process, open your VPN app and log into your account. When there, the next thing to do is to choose the appropriate server. If you’re going for maximum speed, we recommend picking a nearby server location.

3. Connect to the Server 

After you’ve completed the first two steps, click to connect to the VPN server. You’ll need to wait a few seconds for the connection to establish. When you get the prompt that you’ve successfully connected to the internet, you enjoy private and secure browsing!

How to Set Up A Spectrum VPN on a Router

Perhaps you want to use multiple devices and want convenient access at all times. In this case, it’s best to set up the Spectrum VPN on your router. That way, all devices connected to the router’s network can enjoy the same benefits. 

With that in mind, here’s how to set up a Spectrum VPN on your router:

1. Access your Spectrum router’s settings
2. Go to advanced settings
3. Click the VPN service option
4. Enable the VPN service and apply your changes
5. Download and install the VPN you’ve allowed access
6. Connect to a VPN server
7. Enjoy browsing the Internet with a VPN!

Final Thoughts

If you’re using Spectrum as your ISP or want to stream content from their online platform, using a VPN is always the best way to go about it. It will allow you to hide your real browsing data from the ISP, torrent anonymously, and avoid any region-locks and geo-restrictions.

Each of the five best VPNs for Spectrum we shared with you on this page is more than capable of providing you with all of these features. Ultimately, it’s on you to pick which of the above-features VPNs best suits your needs, budget, and feature preferences.