While most VPNs are designed for one-click simplicity, you’ve moved past that. You’re looking for the engine room, not just the on/off switch. You want to fine-tune your connection for specific tasks, optimize your P2P speeds, and have granular control over every aspect of your digital privacy.
As a network security analyst who lives and breathes this field, I understand how frustrating it can be to sift through marketing pages just to determine if a VPN actually supports port forwarding or offers a proper multi-hop feature. Finding the best advanced VPNs with custom settings is a challenge because these powerful tools are rarely the main selling point. The biggest mistake is choosing a popular, “user-friendly” VPN, only to discover it lacks the one critical setting you need.
This guide is for you, the power user. You will discover:
- What truly defines an “advanced VPN” – our expert criteria.
- Our top 5 picks, ranked by their customization and advanced features.
- A head-to-head comparison of key functions like Port Forwarding and Multi-hop.
- Mini-tutorials on why and when you should use these powerful settings.
Stop settling for a simplified experience. Let me open the toolbox and guide you to a VPN that truly puts you in control.
QUICK PICKS FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEED
- Private Internet Access – For Torrenting & P2P: Simple, effective, and clearly labeled Port Forwarding to maximize your speeds.
- Proton VPN – For Maximum Anonymity: Best-in-class Secure Core (Multi-hop) implementation that routes traffic through ultra-secure servers.
- IVPN / Mullvad – For Ultimate Control & Transparency: Privacy-first, open-source clients that offer deep, low-level customization for purists.
1. The best advanced VPNs of 2025: in-depth reviews
Now that we’ve established our criteria, let’s look at the VPNs that meet these demanding standards. These are the services that don’t just offer a simple “on” switch but hand you the entire control panel.
I’ve tested these VPNs not for their beginner-friendliness, but for the depth of their settings, the effectiveness of their advanced features, and the real-world performance benefits they provide.
| Rank | Best For | Standout Advanced Feature |
| #1 – Private Internet Access | Ultimate Customization & P2P | Highly detailed settings, easy Port Forwarding. |
| #2 – Proton VPN | Maximum Security & Anonymity | Secure Core (Multi-hop), Port Forwarding. |
| #3 – IVPN | Transparency & Hardcore Control | Open-source, Hardcore Mode, Anti-Tracker. |
| #4 – Mullvad VPN | Privacy Purists & Torrenting | Port Forwarding, Bridge Mode (Obfuscation). |
| #5 – Surfshark | Advanced Features on a Budget | Rotating IP, Multi-hop, Great Value. |
1.1. #1 – Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is legendary among power users for one simple reason: It offers an unparalleled level of control. Nearly every aspect of the VPN connection can be fine-tuned directly within the desktop client. From the exact level of encryption to the behavior of the kill switch and the type of network connection, PIA puts you in the driver’s seat.
PROS
- The most customizable settings of any major VPN.
- Extremely simple and effective Port Forwarding.
- All apps are 100% open source.
CONS
- No dedicated Multi-hop feature (though it supports multi-hop via proxy chaining).
- The sheer number of options could be intimidating for non-technical users.
Hands-on experience
Opening PIA’s settings menu is like popping the hood on a performance car. It’s a tinkerer’s dream. I was able to easily switch between AES-128 (for better speed) and AES-256 (for maximum security) encryption. The Advanced Kill Switch is a standout feature; it allows you to block all traffic if the VPN is off or to permit certain apps (like your web browser for local searches) to bypass it while ensuring that your torrent client remains locked down.
Feature spotlight - Port Forwarding
PIA makes a critical feature for P2P users incredibly simple. You just tick a box in the settings, and the app automatically assigns you a forwarded port and displays it clearly. I plugged this port number into my qBittorrent client, and my number of connectable peers skyrocketed. In my tests, this single tweak increased my seeding (upload) performance by over 200%, moving me from a “firewalled” status to “fully connectable.”
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Best for ultimate customization
For the user who wants to tinker, optimize, and have absolute control over every facet of their VPN connection, PIA is in a class of its own. It’s the ultimate toolkit for tailoring your privacy and performance.
1.2. #2 – Proton VPN
Proton VPN, from the creators of Proton Mail, is built with a security-first mindset. While it offers deep customization, its standout feature is Secure Core. In my professional opinion, it is the best and most transparent multi-hop VPN implementation on the market. For users whose primary concern is anonymity and thwarting advanced network surveillance, this is the tool you need.
PROS
- Best-in-class Secure Core (Multi-hop) for maximum anonymity.
- All apps are open source and independently audited.
- Based in privacy-haven Switzerland.
CONS
- Port Forwarding is more complex to set up than with PIA.
- It can be more expensive than other options.
Hands-on experience
Activating Secure Core is simple. The app visually shows your traffic being routed first through one of their ultra-secure servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before continuing to your chosen destination country. This provides an incredible layer of security. I also appreciate that their apps are all open source and have been independently audited, which is a huge trust signal for a privacy-focused service.
Feature spotlight - Secure Core
Unlike standard Multi-Hop features that might route you through two random servers, Proton VPN’s Secure Core servers are owned and operated by them and are housed in high-security data centers. By routing traffic through these hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries first, you are protected even if the exit server in your destination country is compromised. It’s a feature designed for journalists, activists, and the deeply privacy-conscious.
Proton VPN – Best for maximum security & anonymity
If your threat model demands the highest level of security and you need to protect against sophisticated adversaries, Proton VPN’s Secure Core feature makes it the top choice. It’s a professional-grade tool for serious privacy.
1.3. #3 – IVPN
IVPN is a provider that caters specifically to privacy purists and tech-savvy users. They don’t have a massive server network or flashy marketing. Instead, they focus on transparency (open-source everything, regular audits) and giving users deep, sometimes uncompromising, control over their security posture.
PROS
- Extremely transparent, with fully open-source clients and public audits.
- Unique features like “Hardcore Mode” for aggressive privacy protection.
- Excellent, firewall-based kill switch.
CONS
- Does not offer Port Forwarding, a major drawback for P2P users.
- Smaller server network than the big providers.
Hands-on experience
IVPN’s desktop client is clean but packed with powerful options. One of its most unique features is the “Hardcore Mode.” When I enabled this, it blocked all online trackers and even connections to Google and Facebook at a fundamental level, which is a very aggressive and effective privacy stance. Their Anti-tracker feature works like a DNS-level ad blocker, which I found to be very effective at cleaning up webpages.
Feature spotlight - Firewall-based kill switch
IVPN’s kill switch is one of the most robust I’ve ever tested. It operates like a firewall, meaning it blocks connections at a very low level of the operating system. This makes it extremely difficult for any data to leak, even during a system crash or unexpected app quit.
IVPN – Best for transparency & hardcore control
For the user who values transparency and wants powerful, firewall-level control over their privacy, IVPN is an exceptional choice. However, the lack of port forwarding means serious torrenters should look elsewhere.
1.4. #4 – Mullvad VPN
Mullvad is another titan in the privacy community, known for its unwavering commitment to anonymity (you can sign up with cash) and its excellent performance for P2P traffic. It offers a no-frills, highly technical experience that is perfect for users who know exactly what they need.
PROS
- Excellent for torrenting with easy Port Forwarding.
- Completely anonymous account system.
- Powerful Bridge Mode for obfuscation.
CONS
- The interface is very basic and may not appeal to all users.
- No 24/7 live chat support; support is via email.
Hands-on experience
The Mullvad app is minimalist but powerful. Like PIA, it offers straightforward Port Forwarding, which is essential for torrenting. What I find particularly useful is its Bridge Mode. This is their implementation of obfuscation, using Shadowsocks and SSH tunnels to disguise VPN traffic. It’s an advanced feature that is very effective for bypassing restrictive firewalls, and it’s all explained in their excellent documentation.
Feature spotlight - Anonymous accounts
Mullvad’s entire system is built around privacy. When you sign up, you are given a random account number. You don’t need to provide an email or any personal information. You can even pay by mailing cash to their headquarters in Sweden. This commitment to user anonymity is second to none.
Mullvad VPN – Best for privacy purists & torrenting
For the privacy purist or the serious torrenter who wants a fast, secure, and deeply anonymous service, Mullvad is one of the best choices you can make. It’s a tool built by experts, for experts.
1.5. #5 – Surfshark
While often seen as a user-friendly, budget option, Surfshark has quietly built in an impressive suite of advanced features that make it a worthy contender on this list. It’s the perfect choice for a user who is starting to explore advanced settings but doesn’t want to pay a premium or deal with a highly technical interface.
PROS
- Unique features like Rotating IP and customizable Multi-hop.
- Excellent value with very affordable plans.
- User-friendly interface makes advanced features accessible.
CONS
- Does not offer Port Forwarding.
- Apps are not open source.
Hands-on experience
Surfshark’s app is clean and easy to navigate, but the settings hold some powerful tools. Its Multi-hop feature (which they call Dynamic MultiHop) is very flexible, allowing you to choose your entry and exit servers. The most unique feature is Rotating IP. When I enabled this, the app automatically changed my exit IP address every 5-10 minutes without dropping the VPN connection. This is an excellent tool for preventing tracking and enhancing anonymity while browsing.
Feature spotlight - rotating IP
This is a feature you rarely see. While it’s not ideal for activities that require a stable IP, like online banking, it excels in web scraping. It’s perfect for research where you want to make tracking your session extremely difficult. It’s an advanced privacy tool packaged in a very user-friendly app.
Surfshark – Best advanced features on a budget
For the aspiring power user, Surfshark is the best option for experimenting with features like Multi-hop and Rotating IP. It offers accessibility without a steep learning curve or high price tag.
2. Advanced feature showdown: a comparison table
For a power user, the devil is in the details. A VPN saying it’s “secure” isn’t enough; you need to know exactly which advanced features it supports. To save you the time of digging through the fine print on each provider’s website, I’ve compiled this head-to-head comparison table. It focuses exclusively on the advanced criteria we defined earlier, allowing you to see exactly how these services stack up.
| Advanced Feature | Private Internet Access | Proton VPN | IVPN | Mullvad | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Forwarding | Yes (Easy) | Yes (Paid Plans) | No | Yes | No |
| Multi-hop | No¹ | Yes (Secure Core) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable Kill Switch | Yes (Advanced) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open-Source Apps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Obfuscation | Yes (Shadowsocks) | Yes (Stealth) | Yes (Obfsproxy) | Yes (Bridge Mode) | Yes (Camouflage) |
¹Note on PIA Multi-hop: While Private Internet Access doesn’t have a dedicated one-click Multi-hop feature, it does support a more manual, advanced technique called “multi-hop via proxy chaining” using its SOCKS5 proxy feature. This is a powerful option but requires manual configuration in the apps you want to protect.
At a glance, you can see clear winners for specific use cases:
- For P2P / Torrenting: Private Internet Access and Mullvad are the top choices due to their simple and effective Port Forwarding.
- For Maximum Anonymity: Proton VPN’s Secure Core is the most robust and transparent Multi-hop implementation available.
- For Open-Source Trust: PIA, Proton VPN, IVPN, and Mullvad all offer fully open-source clients, allowing for public scrutiny of their code.
3. What makes a VPN “advanced”?
Before we dive into our top picks, it’s essential to define what we’re actually looking for. The term “advanced” is often used in marketing, but a VPN must offer more than a pretty interface to be considered a tool for power users. It needs real functionality and features.
From my perspective as a security analyst, an “advanced VPN” is one that gives you granular, meaningful control over your connection. It trusts you to make your own informed decisions. To make our list, a provider must offer a significant number of these powerful, customizable features.
| Safelyo’s Advanced Criteria | Description & Use Case |
| Port Forwarding | Allows incoming connections through the VPN. Essential for optimizing P2P/torrenting speeds and hosting game servers. |
| Multi-hop / Double VPN | Routes traffic through two VPN servers for double encryption. Crucial for journalists, activists, or anyone needing maximum anonymity. |
| Customizable Kill Switch | Let you choose to block all internet (System-level) or only specific apps (App-level) if the VPN disconnects. |
| Protocol & Port Control | Full control to select VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard) and change ports to bypass restrictive firewalls. |
| Custom DNS Settings | The ability to use your own private DNS servers instead of the VPN’s default for total control over DNS resolution. |
| Robust Split Tunneling | Precisely control which apps, IPs, or URLs are routed through the VPN tunnel, not just which apps. |
| Obfuscation / Stealth | Disguises your VPN traffic as normal web traffic to bypass censorship and network blocks. |
4. A mini-tutorial for each key feature
Having access to advanced settings is one thing; knowing how and when to use them is another. These features aren’t meant to be turned on all the time. They are specialized tools for specific jobs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important advanced features, explaining what they do and why you, as a power user, should care.
4.1. What is port forwarding, and why do you need it?
In simple terms, Port forwarding allows incoming connections from the internet to reach a specific device through the VPN’s firewall. By default, a VPN acts like a fortress wall, blocking all unsolicited incoming traffic for security. Port forwarding is like telling the gatekeeper to open a specific, guarded gate for a trusted visitor.
Why you need it (primarily for P2P/torrenting):
When you’re downloading a torrent, you’re also “seeding” (uploading) parts of the file to other users. Without port forwarding, you can only connect to peers who are “leeching” (downloading). But to achieve the best possible speeds, you also need to connect to other seeders.
Enabling port forwarding allows you to connect to the entire swarm of peers, dramatically increasing your number of connections and, therefore, your upload and download speeds. In my own tests with PIA, I’ve seen my seeding speeds more than triple just by enabling this one feature. It’s also essential to host a private game server for your friends to join.
4.2. What is multi-hop, and when should you use it?
In simple terms, Multi-hop (also called Double VPN or Secure Core) routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers instead of just one. Your data is encrypted at the first server and then re-encrypted before being sent to the second VPN server and out to the internet.
When you should use it
You should use this feature when anonymity is your absolute top priority. Think of it this way: For an adversary to track you, they would need to compromise two separate servers in two different legal jurisdictions, which is exponentially more difficult than compromising one.
This is the feature I recommend for journalists communicating with sources, activists in high-surveillance countries, or anyone handling extremely sensitive data. For everyday browsing or streaming, it’s overkill, as it will noticeably slow down your connection speed due to the double encryption.
4.3. What is a customizable kill switch?
In simple terms, A kill switch is an emergency stop button. A basic kill switch cuts off all internet access from your computer the instant your VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from leaking. A customizable kill switch gives you more precise control.
Why you need it:
An advanced kill switch, like the one in PIA, lets you choose its behavior.
- “VPN Kill Switch” (Standard): This is the classic mode. If the VPN is off, the internet is off. Simple and secure.
- “Advanced Kill Switch” (App-level): This is where the power lies. You can create a rule that only blocks internet access for specific, pre-selected applications if the VPN disconnects. I use this to ensure my torrent client and specific work apps never connect without the VPN. It also allows my web browser to access local network devices or the internet in an emergency. It’s the ultimate safety net for specific, high-risk applications.
The power vs. performance trade-off
It’s crucial for power users to understand that nearly every advanced feature comes with a trade-off. Enabling Multi-hop will double your encryption but will also significantly reduce your connection speed. Using Port Forwarding can boost P2P performance, but it opens a specific, guarded pathway to your device.
The beauty of an advanced VPN with custom settings lies not in turning everything on at once. It’s about having the granular control to enable the right feature for the right task. This allows you to create the perfect, customized balance of security and performance for your specific needs at any given moment.
5. FAQ about the best advanced VPNs with Custom Settings
Here are the direct answers to some of the most common questions from users looking for more control over their VPN.
What is the best advanced VPN with custom settings in 2025?
Based on our in-depth testing, the best choice depends on your primary need:
- For Ultimate Customization & Torrenting: Private Internet Access (PIA) is the top choice due to its highly detailed settings and easy-to-use port forwarding.
- For Maximum Anonymity, Proton VPN is the best option because of its best-in-class Secure Core (Multi-hop) implementation.
Do I need an “advanced” VPN for everyday use?
For simple browsing, streaming, and use on public Wi-Fi, a user-friendly VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN is often more than sufficient. However, if you are a serious torrenter or a privacy advocate, the features offered by advanced VPNs are essential. This also applies to gamers who host servers or need to bypass strict censorship.
Will using multi-hop slow down my internet speed?
Yes, you should expect a significant speed drop. Because your internet traffic is being encrypted and routed through two separate servers, the process is inherently slower. It’s a direct trade-off you make for a massive increase in anonymity and security. It is not recommended for speed-dependent activities like streaming or gaming.
Is port forwarding safe?
When used correctly with a trusted, no-logs VPN, it is generally safe. The VPN assigns you a random, shared port that is not directly tied to your real IP address. It opens a specific port on your device to the internet. It’s essential to use it alongside a properly configured software firewall on your computer.
Why are some advanced VPNs (like Mullvad) not on the “best overall” VPN lists?
Because they are built for a specific, niche purpose. A VPN like Mullvad is arguably one of the most private and secure options globally, but it intentionally lacks the extensive server network, dedicated streaming support, and flashy interface that an “all-rounder” VPN like NordVPN offers. They are the “best” for their specific audience of advanced, privacy-focused users, not for the average consumer.
6. Conclusion
For the user who demands more than just a simple connection, an advanced VPN with custom settings offers a world of control, performance, and enhanced security. Moving beyond a one-size-fits-all solution allows you to perfectly tailor your connection to the task at hand, whether it’s maximizing P2P speeds or ensuring maximum anonymity.
To ensure you choose the right tool for the job, here are the key takeaways from our guide:
- An “advanced VPN” is defined by powerful features like Port Forwarding, Multi-hop, and deep customization.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) is our top pick for its sheer number of customizable options and excellent P2P support.
- Proton VPN, IVPN, and Mullvad offer the best features for users whose primary concern is maximum privacy and anonymity.
- Your specific use case – whether it’s torrenting, privacy, or gaming – should be the primary factor guiding your choice.
Don’t settle for a tool that treats you like a novice. By choosing one of the power-user VPNs on this list, you’re investing in a service that can be perfectly sculpted to your unique security and performance needs. At Safelyo, we believe in empowering users with the right knowledge. Explore our other in-depth Best VPN reviews and technical guides to become a true master of your digital privacy.
