Introduction
ExtraTorrent was once one of the most popular torrenting platforms, serving millions of users worldwide with a vast library of movies, TV shows, games, software, and more. However, its sudden shutdown in 2017 left a void in the torrenting community. Since then, numerous proxy sites and alternatives have emerged, but none have fully replicated ExtraTorrent’s legacy.
In this article, we’ll explore:
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The history of ExtraTorrent and its unexpected shutdown.
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The risks of using ExtraTorrent proxy sites today.
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The best working ExtraTorrent alternatives in 2025.
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How to torrent safely using a VPN.
1. The Rise and Fall of ExtraTorrent
A Brief History
ExtraTorrent was launched in 2006 and quickly became one of the largest BitTorrent indexing sites, second only to The Pirate Bay at its peak. It was known for its clean interface, verified torrents, and active community of uploaders. The site also had dedicated release groups like ETRG, ETTV, and ETHD, which provided high-quality content 79.
Why Did ExtraTorrent Shut Down?
On May 17, 2017, ExtraTorrent voluntarily shut down, citing legal pressures from copyright enforcement agencies. The final message on its homepage read:
“ExtraTorrent has shut down permanently. We permanently erase all data. Stay away from fake ExtraTorrent websites and clones.
Unlike other torrent sites that resurfaced under new domains, ExtraTorrent’s team confirmed that all data was erased, making a comeback impossible.
The Problem with ExtraTorrent Proxies & Mirrors
After the shutdown, several proxy and mirror sites emerged, claiming to be the “new ExtraTorrent.” However, most of these are:
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Fake or malicious – Some spread malware, phishing scams, or ransomware .
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Unreliable – Many proxies are frequently taken down or overloaded with ads .
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Legally risky – Authorities actively monitor and block these proxies in many countries 7.
Conclusion: Using an ExtraTorrent proxy in 2025 is not recommended due to security and legal risks. Instead, opt for safer alternatives.
2. The Best ExtraTorrent Alternatives in 2025
If you’re looking for a reliable torrenting experience, here are the top 6 tested alternatives that still work in 2025:
1. The Pirate Bay (TPB)
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Why It’s Great: The oldest and most resilient torrent site, with millions of active users.
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Features:
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Verified uploaders and high seed counts.
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Categories for movies, games, software, and more.
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Multiple mirror sites (e.g.,
thepiratebay10.org,proxybay.xyz).
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Downside: Frequently blocked in some countries; requires a VPN.
2. 1337x
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Why It’s Great: A well-organized torrent site with fewer fake links.
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Features:
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Clean UI with trending and top torrents sections.
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Active moderation to filter out malware.
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Works well for movies, TV shows, and software.
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Downside: Some fake torrents still slip through.
3. Torrent Galaxy
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Why It’s Great: A newer but highly reliable site with built-in streaming.
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Features:
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Minimal ads compared to other torrent sites.
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Verified torrents with good download speeds.
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Works as both a torrent and streaming site.
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4. YTS (YIFY Movies)
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Why It’s Great: Best for high-quality, small-sized movie torrents.
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Features:
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Specializes in HD movies (1080p, 4K) with small file sizes.
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Minimal ads and a user-friendly interface .
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Downside: Only offers movies, no games or software.
5. LimeTorrents
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Why It’s Great: A close replica of ExtraTorrent’s layout and functionality.
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Features:
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Over 10 million torrents across all categories.
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Good for new releases 18.
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6. RARBG
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Why It’s Great: High-quality torrents with detailed descriptions.
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Features:
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Trusted uploaders and a well-moderated community.
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Great for movies, TV shows, and games .
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Downside: Heavy ad presence; use an ad-blocker.
3. How to Torrent Safely in 2025
Since torrenting can expose you to legal risks, malware, and ISP tracking, here’s how to stay safe:
1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
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Why? A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic.
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Best VPNs for Torrenting:
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ExpressVPN (Fast, no-logs policy) .
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NordVPN (Strong security, P2P-optimized servers) .
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2. Avoid Suspicious Torrents
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Check comments and seed counts before downloading.
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Prefer torrents with verified uploaders (e.g., “VIP” or “Trusted” tags).
3. Use Antivirus & Ad Blockers
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Malware is common on torrent sites—scan files before opening them.
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Use uBlock Origin to block intrusive ads.
4. Check Your Country’s Torrenting Laws
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Torrenting itself is legal, but downloading copyrighted content is not in most countries.
Conclusion
ExtraTorrent may be gone, but its legacy lives on through safer and more reliable alternatives like The Pirate Bay, 1337x, and Torrent Galaxy. However, always prioritize security by using a VPN, avoiding fake proxies, and sticking to verified torrents.
If you’re looking for the best ExtraTorrent alternative in 2025, The Pirate Bay remains the top choice, while YTS is ideal for movie lovers. Stay safe, and happy torrenting!
