How to Safely Use eMule With a VPN in 2025: Full Guide by Raven Wu
Raven Wu
Updated on: April 30, 2025
Fact-checked by Eric Goldstein
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Safely Use eMule in 2025:
- Download and install a VPN that works with eMule. I recommend ExpressVPN because it allows P2P file sharing on all servers, has strong security features, and supports port forwarding.
- Connect to a VPN server. Choose a nearby server for the fastest possible speeds.
- Launch eMule. That’s it! You can now download files more safely on eMule.
I strongly recommend using a VPN when downloading files with eMule. Without a VPN, your IP address may be exposed to bad actors, and your internet service provider (ISP) can see what you’re downloading, which could get you into legal trouble if you accidentally download a copyrighted file. Additionally, some ISPs might also throttle your speeds if they detect peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic.
A VPN solves all of these problems by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, which prevents anyone from seeing what you do online. However, not all VPNs are suitable for eMule. Some don’t allow P2P traffic, have weak security, or lack port forwarding, which is very important for getting faster download speeds.
In the article below, I explain how to properly set up a VPN for eMule and provide a quick overview of the best VPNs for this app. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Safely Use eMule on Any Device
1. Choose a VPN that works well with eMule.
I recommend ExpressVPN — it allows P2P traffic on all servers, supports port forwarding, and is very secure.
2. Download and install the VPN to your device.
Get the VPN app from the provider’s official website or your device’s app store, then follow the on-screen instructions from the installation wizard to complete the installation process.
3. Launch eMule, connect to a VPN server, and start downloading.
You’re all set! Your device and P2P traffic is now protected by the VPN.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for eMule in 2025
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for eMule in 2025
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN for eMule. It supports P2P file sharing on all servers (unlike some VPNs that restrict you to dedicated P2P servers). It also supports TCP and UDP port forwarding (only on routers), which is essential to getting a high ID on eMule — to access more sources and get faster download speeds.
This provider is very good for keeping you safe on eMule. It protects against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, so neither your peers nor your ISP can see your real IP address. Encrypting your data also stops anyone from seeing what you download from eMule.
Additionally, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy (it doesn’t keep records of your online activities), and this policy has been verified by an independent third-party audit. So, ExpressVPN can’t share information on what you download.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Customizable VPN + Good for eD2K Network
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a flexible VPN for eMule. It allows P2P file sharing on all of its servers. It also has plenty of settings that you can tweak to optimize your connections. For example, it’s one of the only VPNs that lets you choose between 128-bit AES and 256-bit AES encryption — the former provides slightly faster speeds.
Another thing I like about PIA is that it supports port forwarding on Android, Windows, and macOS, so you aren’t limited to using eMule on just your home network like you are with ExpressVPN — activating port forwarding takes just a single click in the app’s settings.
PIA comes with a few notable limitations, though. For legal reasons, it doesn’t support port forwarding on its US servers. Additionally, it doesn’t support UDP port forwarding, so it won’t work as well with the Kademlia network.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. PrivateVPN — User-Friendly VPN for eMule
PrivateVPN is an easy-to-use VPN for eMule. It supports port forwarding on all of its apps, and this feature is automatically enabled, so you don’t have to change any settings to get it working. Additionally, PrivateVPN has TCP and UDP port forwarding, so it works well on both the eD2K and Kad networks.
I’m also a fan of its app-based kill switch (Application Guard). Most VPN kill switches shut down your entire internet connection if your VPN disconnects unexpectedly. An app-based kill switch lets you shut down only your eMule traffic to minimize disruptions.
One downside of PrivateVPN is that it doesn’t support port forwarding on all of its servers, so you may have to try a few different servers before you find one that works. Plus, PrivateVPN’s server network is relatively small compared to ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, so you may have to choose a server farther away from your location, which results in minor speed loss.
Read our full PrivateVPN review
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To create this list of the best VPNs for eMule in 2025, I followed our proven testing methodology. I made sure every VPN I recommend has good P2P support and allows port forwarding. I also tested their speeds, security, ease of use, and more. Learn more about the criteria I used to rank and compare the VPNs on my list below:
- I picked VPNs that are P2P friendly. Some VPNs don’t allow P2P file sharing or limit you to specific servers. However, all of the VPNs I recommend allow P2P file sharing on all of their servers.
- I prioritized VPNs with port forwarding. Being able to port forward is very important for getting high ID on eMule, which means you can connect with other users more easily, resulting in faster speeds and more sources. Every VPN on my list supports port forwarding.
- I checked each VPN’s security. I only recommend VPNs with industry-standard security features to keep you safe when using eMule. This includes bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy (the provider doesn’t track your online activities), and a kill switch to prevent data leaks on the off chance that your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- I assessed each VPN’s speeds. Using any VPN will slightly reduce your connection speeds, since it takes some time to encrypt your traffic. But the VPNs on my list all maintain high speeds for fast downloads on eMule.
- I chose VPNs that provide great overall value. The VPNs I recommend are all very affordable and allow multiple simultaneous connections. Plus, they all back their plans and deals with a money-back guarantee, so you can test them risk-free.
Why You Need a VPN for eMule
Using eMule without a VPN exposes you to snoops and hackers. This is because eMule operates on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, meaning your IP address is visible to anyone you connect with and can be used to target you with cyberattacks. A VPN stops this from happening by hiding your IP address behind an IP owned by the VPN.
A VPN uses encryption to prevent anyone from seeing what you download on eMule. This is useful because some files on eMule may be copyrighted. If you download one accidentally, you could get in trouble with the law.
Plus, a VPN can improve your download speeds on eMule. Some ISPs throttle user speeds if they detect P2P traffic because it consumes large amounts of data. But if you use a VPN, your ISP won’t be able to tell when you engage in P2P activity.
How to Set Up Port Forwarding on eMule
1. Choose a good VPN for eMule.
I recommend ExpressVPN because it allows P2P file sharing on all of its servers, supports both TCP and UDP port forwarding, offers blazing-fast speeds, and has strong security.
2. Enable port forwarding on your VPN.
The process for doing so may be different depending on the VPN. Some allow you to turn on port forwarding in the VPN app, while others require you to visit their website.
Once you’ve enabled port forwarding, copy the 5-digit numbers it gives you for TCP and UDP.
3. Change ports used on eMule.
Open eMule, click the Options button at the top, and go to the Connection tab. Under the Client Port section, make sure Use UPnP to Setup Ports is unchecked. Then, paste the 5-digit numbers you copied in step 2 into the respective TCP and UDP boxes. Click Apply to save the changes.
4. Test the ports.
You can check to see if port forwarding is working by clicking the Test Ports button. This will open a web page to run a quick connection test. Green check marks for both the TCP and UDP test means you’re all set! You now have a high ID on eMule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPNs will let me get a high ID on eMule?
You need to get a VPN that allows port forwarding and then set up port forwarding on eMule. ExpressVPN is the best VPN with port forwarding for eMule because it supports P2P file sharing on all of its servers, has excellent security, and provides super-fast speeds.
Can eMule downloads be tracked?
Yes, it’s possible for your ISP, government, and peers on eMule to see what you’ve downloaded on eMule if you don’t take additional precautions. For this reason, I strongly recommend getting a good VPN for eMule. A VPN helps hide your real IP address and encrypts your data, which not only hides your downloads but also protects you from bad actors who could target you using your IP address.
What’s the best VPN with port forwarding for eMule?
My favorite VPN for eMule with port forwarding is ExpressVPN. It allows P2P file sharing on all of its servers, supports both TCP and UDP port forwarding, provides very fast speeds, and has strong privacy and security features to keep you safe on eMule.
How do I set up a VPN for eMule?
It’s very easy to set up a VPN for eMule — just follow these 3 simple steps:
- Get a VPN that works well for eMule. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s fast and highly secure.
- Download and install the VPN app. Follow the installation wizard’s instructions. This should only take 2–3 minutes.
- Connect to a VPN server & launch eMule. That’s it! Your eMule traffic is now protected by a VPN.
