Best Torrent Sites in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Looking for the best torrent sites in 2025? Discover 12 active and verified platforms, plus tips on safe use and legality. Find your ideal option today!

In a world where access to digital content is more important than ever, torrents remain a powerful tool for downloading movies, TV shows, games, music, and software. While technology has evolved, torrent sites continue to thrive thanks to their ability to provide a wide variety of content—often for free, though not always legally. In 2025, the torrenting community is still going strong, sharing recommendations on forums like Reddit and keeping this method of digital distribution alive.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 12 best torrent sites still active in 2025, all verified to ensure they’re working today. From classics like The Pirate Bay to niche options for anime or PC games, you’ll find a complete overview with descriptions and community feedback. We’ll also cover the legal side of torrenting, how to use torrents safely, and which apps we recommend for managing your downloads.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Our goal is to analyze the cultural relevance and popularity of torrent sites in 2025 from a technical perspective. We do not promote or encourage piracy or the downloading of copyrighted material, which is illegal in many countries and may result in fines or legal consequences. We strongly recommend using these sites only for legal content—such as public domain files or works under open licenses—and protecting your privacy with a VPN (like NordVPN or ProtonVPN) and up-to-date antivirus software. Whenever possible, support creators by choosing legal platforms like Netflix, Steam, or Spotify.

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Is Downloading Torrents Legal?

The question of torrent legality comes up often, and the answer isn’t black and white. Downloading torrents is not illegal by itself—the BitTorrent protocol is simply a decentralized way of sharing files. However, downloading copyrighted material such as movies, TV shows, games, or software without permission is illegal in most countries, including Spain, Mexico, and much of Latin America. Depending on the jurisdiction, consequences can include fines or even legal action.

That said, there’s plenty of legal content available via torrents. Examples include open-source software, music released under Creative Commons licenses, or public domain files hosted by organizations like the Internet Archive. To stay safe, always verify the legality of what you’re downloading and use tools like a VPN to protect your privacy. Services such as NordVPN and ProtonVPN are widely recommended for their speed and security. For copyrighted content, stick to legal platforms like Netflix, Steam, or Spotify.

The risks of downloading copyrighted material without authorization can be serious. In countries like Spain, the United States, or Mexico, piracy fines can reach thousands of euros or dollars, and in some cases, lead to lawsuits. For instance, Spain’s Intellectual Property Law and the US DMCA give rights holders the ability to pursue offenders. To avoid these risks, prioritize legal platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, or the Epic Games Store, which provide safe, high-quality content while supporting creators. If you do use torrents, make sure the files are in the public domain or carry a license that allows redistribution.

📊 Comparison Table: Best Torrent Sites in 2025

All the sites listed below have been verified and are active as of October 2025. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the right platform depending on what you’re looking for:

Best Torrent Sites in 2025

Below, we break down each site with its key features, verified links, reliable proxies (where applicable), and overall community reputation.

1. The Pirate Bay

URL: https://thepiratebay.org/
Proxy: https://piratebayproxy.info/ (updated list of mirrors like piratebay.net)
Best for: Movies, TV shows, games, music, software

Launched in 2003 by the Swedish group Piratbyrån, The Pirate Bay remains the most iconic torrent site on the internet. With millions of files indexed, it’s often the first stop for users looking for a massive, all-in-one catalog. Over the years, it has survived police raids, server shutdowns, and ISP blocks in countries like the UK, thanks to its extensive network of proxies.

In 2025, it’s still a cornerstone of torrenting, though it has slipped to fifth place in popularity according to TorrentFreak, largely due to competition from more specialized platforms. Community feedback highlights its longevity and vast library, though users often warn about intrusive ads and recommend using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin for a smoother experience.

2. 1337x

URL: https://1337x.to/
Proxy: https://13377x.tw/
Best for: Movies, TV shows, games, music, software, anime

Founded in 2007, 1337x rose to prominence after the shutdown of KickassTorrents in 2016. Today, it attracts over 50 million monthly visits (VPNGuide) and is praised for its clean interface, verified torrents, and well-organized categories. The site is funded primarily through Bitcoin donations, which helps keep ads to a minimum, though it remains blocked in some regions like Australia.

As of 2025, TorrentFreak ranks it as the second most popular torrent site worldwide. The community values its reliability and intuitive design, though some users note that search results can occasionally be inconsistent. Overall, it’s considered one of the most dependable options for variety and ease of use.

3. YTS

URL: https://yts.mx/
Best for: HD/4K/8K movies with subtitles

Originally launched in 2010 under the name YIFY, YTS has become the go-to destination for high-quality movie torrents. Its specialty is compressed video files that save bandwidth without sacrificing too much quality, making it especially appealing for users with limited storage or slower connections. With more than 75 million monthly visits, its Netflix-style interface and built-in subtitle support make it a favorite among movie fans.

Despite facing lawsuits and ISP blocks in countries like Ireland, YTS remains active and strong in 2025. The community consistently praises its fast downloads, subtitle availability, and polished design, though some caution that its exclusive focus on movies can carry higher legal risks compared to more general torrent sites.

4. Nyaa

URL: https://nyaa.si/
Best for: Anime, manga, Asian music, and games

After the original Nyaa was shut down in 2017, nyaa.si quickly emerged as its successor and has since become the central hub for anime torrents. Its catalog spans anime series, films, manga, and Asian music, often with subtitles included. The site is ad-free and supported by a dedicated fan community, which has helped it climb to the third most popular torrent site in 2025 (TorrentFreak).

While its appeal is largely niche, Nyaa is considered indispensable for anime enthusiasts thanks to its extensive library and frequent updates. Outside of the anime and Asian media community, its popularity is more limited, but within its category, it’s regarded as a top-tier resource.

5. EZTV

URL: https://eztvx.to/home
Best for: TV shows in HD/1080p

Founded in 2005, EZTV has long been a go-to destination for TV enthusiasts. Despite a controversial change in management in 2015, the site remains active and continues to specialize in television content. It offers recently aired episodes and even includes a handy calendar to track upcoming releases. However, downloads are limited to individual episodes rather than full seasons.

With around 20 million monthly visitors, EZTV is blocked in some countries like Canada but remains accessible through proxies. The community values it for its speed and reliability, though its outdated interface and lack of complete season packs are common criticisms. Still, for users who want quick access to the latest TV episodes, EZTV is a dependable option.

6. LimeTorrents

URL: https://www.limetorrents.lol/
Proxy: https://limetorrents.info/
Best for: Movies, TV shows, games, music, software

Launched in 2009, LimeTorrents has built a reputation as a versatile torrent site with a library of over 10 million verified torrents. Its simple interface and trending lists make it easy to navigate, though it has lost some traffic over the years due to ISP blocks in regions like the UK.

After the shutdown of RARBG in 2023, LimeTorrents regained momentum and re-entered TorrentFreak’s top 10 most popular torrent sites in 2024. The community generally appreciates its large catalog and straightforward design, though some users note that ads can be excessive. Despite that, it remains a solid all-around choice for varied content.

7. FitGirl Repacks

URL: https://fitgirl-repacks.site/
Best for: Compressed PC games

Unlike traditional torrent trackers, FitGirl Repacks focuses exclusively on highly compressed PC game releases, making downloads faster and less demanding on storage. Active since 2014, the site distributes magnet links rather than hosting torrents directly, but it has become a trusted name among gamers worldwide.

In 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) listed FitGirl as a “notorious piracy site,” yet it continues to operate and remains extremely popular. The community values its optimization, reliability, and consistent quality, though users are often warned to be cautious of fake clone sites. The official domain is considered safe and dependable.

8. ExtraTorrent

URL: https://extratorrent.st/
Best for: Movies, TV shows, games, music, software

Originally launched in 2006, ExtraTorrent was once the second most popular torrent site in the world before shutting down in 2017. Since then, proxies like extratorrent.st have attempted to revive its catalog and replicate the original design. While these versions don’t match the robustness of the original, they still provide access to a wide range of content.

Community opinion is mixed: some users appreciate the effort to keep ExtraTorrent alive, while others caution about the potential risks of malware on unofficial clones. Its popularity today is far lower than during its peak, but for those nostalgic for the original site, it remains a functional—if less reliable—alternative.

9. EXT Torrents

URL: https://ext.to/
Best for: Movies, TV shows, games, software

A relatively new player in the torrent scene, EXT Torrents has quickly gained attention thanks to its broad and frequently updated catalog. Positioned as a viable alternative to now-defunct sites like TorrentGalaxy, it aggregates a wide range of movies, series, and games. However, because it lacks a long track record, users are advised to approach it with some caution.

Community visibility is still low, but early feedback has been positive regarding its fresh and updated content. While it’s not yet as popular as established giants, it shows promise for those seeking newer alternatives.

10. Internet Archive

URL: https://archive.org/
Best for: Abandonware, classic films, books, ROMs, BIOS files for emulators

Founded in 1996, the Internet Archive is a nonprofit digital library that uses BitTorrent to distribute legal, public-domain content. It’s a treasure trove for retro enthusiasts, offering everything from classic films and vintage software to ROMs for emulators like MAME.

While it doesn’t compete with modern torrent sites in terms of new releases, it’s highly respected for its mission to preserve digital culture. For anyone interested in retro media or legal downloads, the Internet Archive is an invaluable resource.

11. GOG-Games

URL: https://gog-games.to/
Best for: DRM-free games

Active since 2018, GOG-Games provides pirated copies of titles from the GOG platform, stripped of DRM protection. Its catalog spans both modern and classic games, available via magnet links and direct downloads. Due to its nature, the site is blocked in several countries.

Within the gaming community, it has a moderate-to-strong following, praised for its ease of use and DRM-free titles. However, its legality is questionable, and users are often reminded of the risks involved. Despite that, it remains a go-to niche option for gamers seeking DRM-free versions of popular titles.

12. RuTracker

URL: https://rutracker.org/
Best for: Software, music, movies, games (Russian-focused)

Launched in 2004, RuTracker is the largest torrent tracker in Russia, boasting a massive catalog that includes both local and international content. Registration is required, and non-Russian speakers often rely on tools like Google Translate to navigate the site. Although it has been officially blocked in Russia, proxies keep it accessible worldwide.

It remains hugely popular in Russia and Eastern Europe, valued for its unique and extensive library. While less known globally, it’s a strong choice for users seeking rare or hard-to-find content.

What Are Torrents and How Do You Download Them?

A torrent file is a small file that contains metadata about digital content—such as movies, games, music, or software—and allows you to download it using the BitTorrent protocol. This protocol connects your computer to a network of users who share pieces of the file simultaneously, making downloads faster and more efficient. To use torrents, you’ll need a BitTorrent client, which manages the download and data exchange.

To get started, install a reliable client. On PC, qBittorrent is one of the best options: it’s free, open-source, ad-free, and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. On Android, Flud is a great choice, offering an intuitive interface and advanced features like selective downloads. Once installed, simply visit a torrent site, search for the file you want, and either download the .torrent file or use a magnet link to start the download instantly.

Security is crucial when torrenting. Always use a VPN to hide your IP address and protect your privacy—services like NordVPN and ProtonVPN are popular for their speed and encryption. It’s also wise to run an antivirus program, since some torrents may contain malicious files. And above all, verify the legality of the content you’re downloading, as copyrighted material can lead to legal consequences.

If you’re new to torrents, start with trusted sources like the Internet Archive and pay attention to community feedback to ensure you’re downloading safe files. With the right client and precautions, torrents can be a powerful way to access digital content.

History and Controversies

The BitTorrent protocol, created in 2001 by American programmer Bram Cohen, revolutionized file sharing on the internet. Designed for decentralized distribution, it allowed users to download and share pieces of files simultaneously, reducing strain on central servers and speeding up transfers. At first, it was used for legal purposes—like Linux distributions or Creative Commons music—but its efficiency quickly made it synonymous with piracy, especially for large files like movies and games. Sites like The Pirate Bay, founded in 2003, capitalized on this technology, becoming digital icons but also frequent legal targets.

The rise of torrent sites brought a wave of legal battles. In 2006, The Pirate Bay faced a police raid in Sweden, with servers seized—yet it was back online within days, cementing its reputation for resilience. In 2009, its founders were sentenced to prison and fined millions for enabling copyright infringement, a case that polarized opinions on internet freedom. Other platforms, like Napster (though not BitTorrent-based) and MegaUpload (shut down by the FBI in 2012), set legal precedents that shaped the torrenting landscape. Even ExtraTorrent, once one of the largest trackers, shut down voluntarily in 2017 under mounting pressure, leading to the rise of proxies and clones.

Governments, industry groups like the MPA (formerly MPAA) and RIAA, and ISPs have all taken part in the fight against torrents. Site blocks have been enforced in countries such as the UK, Australia, and Spain. In the US, the DMCA, and in Spain, the Intellectual Property Law, have been key tools to pursue site operators—and in some cases, users. Yet the decentralized nature of BitTorrent and the use of proxies have allowed sites like 1337x and YTS to remain active in 2025, even while being listed as “notorious piracy markets” by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). These clashes continue to fuel debates about privacy, intellectual property, and cultural access.

Over time, torrents have evolved from a technical innovation into both a symbol of digital resistance and a source of ongoing conflict. The shutdown of KickassTorrents in 2016, following the arrest of its founder in Poland, and the closure of RARBG in 2023 highlight that the legal battle is far from over. Meanwhile, platforms like the Internet Archive show that BitTorrent can be used for legitimate purposes.

Still, public perception of torrents remains closely tied to piracy. This duality underscores the importance of using the protocol responsibly—favoring legal content and platforms like Netflix or Steam—to avoid legal risks and support creators.

Legal Alternatives to Torrenting

If you want access to movies, TV shows, games, music, or software without the risks of malware, fines, or legal trouble, there are plenty of safe and legal platforms that deliver high-quality content. These services not only provide a reliable experience but also support creators and the entertainment industry.

For movies and TV shows, platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video offer extensive catalogs with new releases, classics, and original productions in HD. Anime fans can turn to Crunchyroll or Funimation, which feature thousands of subtitled or dubbed series updated weekly.

In gaming, the Epic Games Store stands out for giving away free titles every week, while Steam offers frequent discounts and a massive library. Itch.io is perfect for indie games, many of which are free or low-cost. For music, services like Spotify and YouTube Music provide unlimited streaming, while Bandcamp lets you directly support independent artists. And if you’re looking for software, GitHub is a goldmine for open-source programs, while official developer sites like Adobe or Microsoft ensure secure downloads.

Choosing these legal alternatives is the best way to enjoy content worry-free.

Conclusion

Torrents remain a relevant tool in 2025, with sites like The Pirate Bay, 1337x, and YTS leading the way for their versatility and popularity. Whether you’re after movies, anime, games, or legal content from sources like the Internet Archive, this guide highlights verified and active options.

That said, safety and legality should always come first: use a VPN, keep your antivirus up to date, and verify the source of every file. With the right precautions, you can explore the world of torrents in an informed and responsible way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a torrent file?
A torrent file is a small .torrent file containing metadata about the content you want to download (like movies or games) and the locations of users sharing it. With a client like qBittorrent, the file connects to the BitTorrent network to download data in a decentralized way.

2. Is downloading torrents legal or illegal?
Torrenting itself isn’t illegal—it’s just a technology. However, downloading copyrighted content (movies, shows, games, etc.) without permission is illegal in most countries and can result in fines or legal action. Stick to legal sources like the Internet Archive and check your local laws.

3. What’s the best torrent client for PC?
qBittorrent is widely considered the best. It’s free, open-source, ad-free, and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also includes advanced features like speed controls, search filters, and magnet link support.

4. What’s the best torrent app for Android?
Flud is the top choice, thanks to its simple interface, magnet link support, and features like selective downloads and bandwidth management. It’s free, with a paid version that removes ads.

5. How can I protect my privacy when torrenting?
Use a VPN (such as NordVPN or ProtonVPN) to hide your IP address and encrypt your connection. Pair it with an updated antivirus to block malware and an ad blocker like uBlock Origin to avoid pop-ups on torrent sites.

6. What are the best legal alternatives to torrents?
For movies and shows, try Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video. Anime fans can use Crunchyroll or Funimation. For games, Epic Games Store and Steam are excellent, while Itch.io is great for indie titles. For music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Bandcamp cover all tastes. For software, GitHub and official developer sites are the safest options.