Popcorn Time is a popular app for watching free movies and TV shows online. Although one of the easiest and best ways to do this, underneath its innocent interface lies, essentially, a BitTorrent client. Therefore, using a VPN to watch Popcorn Time’s movies and TV shows is critical.
Due to its BitTorrent nature, Popcorn is banned in some countries. This is because it hosts an array of illegal content. This includes copyrighted films and shows. Because you can download and watch these for free, it is deemed online piracy and against the law.
If you are caught watching something on Popcorn Time, you could get into trouble. That is why we do not recommend using Popcorn Time to stream content. However, it can be useful for research.
If you do intend to use Popcorn Time, then a VPN is the best way to block the app as well as keep you safe. After researching and testing out over 40 different VPNs, we have come up with 10 of the best that are currently available. However, during our research, we found that free VPNs should be avoided as they do not provide the level of security required when using Popcorn Time.
The good news is that we found some great VPNs for you to take advantage of. Below is a list of some of the fastest VPNs available and all offer supreme security features. Let’s not wait any longer and delve into the best VPNs for Popcorn Time below.
OUR TOP PICK
Our number one recommendation is ExpressVPN. This provides a consistently fast and highly secure service that is ideal for streaming your favorite movies and TV shows online.
ExpressVPN uses the OpenVPN protocol which is used to the highest possible standards. It offers applications for all types of platforms so you don’t just have to use it with Popcorn Time. We found that it safely unblocks very popular streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Netflix.
There is also excellent customer service on hand 24/7 via live chat support. If the service isn’t up to your standard, there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
While ExpressVPN is somewhat more expensive than other options, its extra cost is certainly worth it. With all the features that it offers and multiplatform compatibility, you get a lot for your money. Fast speeds, excellent customer service, and very good security. That pretty much covers all bases!
Pros
- Consistently fast speeds - Downloads and streams online videos very quickly
- Very secure - Your privacy and location are safe at all times
- Multiplatform - Can be used with Windows, macOS, IOS, Android, Linux for a range of different purposes
Cons
- Expensive - May not be the best choice for those on a tighter budget
EDITORS CHOICE
Boasting unlimited bandwidth and incredibly super-fast speeds, CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs out there. Not only is it perfect for Popcorn Time but it is a sure way of remaining anonymous online.
CyberGhost’s streaming servers can easily bypass different geo-restrictions and, therefore, unlock apps such as Popcorn Time. The apps are pleasingly easy to use and installation is even simpler. Within just a few minutes and a few clicks, you will be ready to stream to your heart’s content.
This VPN protects your connection with 256-bit encryption and your privacy is safe at all times. CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy so your online activity will not be shared or seen by anyone.
All of CyberGhot’s apps also feature an automatic kill switch. This is in place to stop unprotected data from leaving your network. In other words, hackers will not be able to retrieve any sensitive information. With a 45-day money-back guarantee on offer, you have the opportunity to try it out before paying for it fully.
Pros
- Support torrenting - Its dedicated profile shows the countries it works in and the number of users
- Can unblock many platforms - Its dedicated streaming profiles with servers are optimized for BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Sky Go, Eurosport, ESPN, and many more
- Works on a number of devices - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Chrome, and Linux
Cons
- Poor customer support - 24/7 customer support is not available if you come across any issues that need urgent attention
BEST VALUE
NordVPN is another extremely secure service that provides its users with excellent features such as dedicated IP addresses. On top of this, it has the bonus of being more affordable than many of its competitors.
When it comes to using a VPN for watching videos on Popcorn Time, NordVPN is one of the best. It offers very fast speeds with affordable pricing. If you take advantage of NordVPN’s three-year subscription offer, you could save a lot of money in the long run.
If you intend to use a VPN for P2P downloading, then NordVPN is a great choice. It allows you to access six connections simultaneously enabling you to share your account with family and friends.
If you need help, customer support is available 24/7 and a 30-day money-back guarantee is in place so you can be sure it is the right VPN for your needs.
Pros
- Affordable - Cheaper than many VPN providers, especially those with similar speeds
- Compatible with different devices - Can be used with Windows, macOS, IOS, Android, and Linus for a range of uses
- Allows continuous connections - Can share your account with up to 5 people so they can enjoy a secure internet connection as well
Cons
- Not the friendliest configuration - Its OpenVPN is not the easiest to navigate and some users may struggle with it
RUNNER UP
Private Internet Access is a seriously impressive VPN provider. It currently has a 35,550 plus strong server network throughout 78 countries. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, Private Internet Access is confident that you will be very happy with their services, and so are we.
This VPN offers unlimited bandwidth with very, very fast speeds. Therefore, you can enjoy streaming services such as Showtime or Netflix with ease. No buffering on the menu with this VPN! Moreover, you can connect this VPN to 10 devices simultaneously if desired. This way, all of your devices can be protected at all times.
We highly recommend this VPN for those who have never used a VPN service before or are novices. Private Internet Access provides step-by-step guides for most of their supported devices as well as live chat support in case you find the process difficult at first. Once you find your way around this VPN, you will never look back.
Pros
- Perfect for beginners - Excellent tutorials and customer support for those who are less experienced with VPNs
- Very strong server network - Has access in 78 different countries around the world so users can connect to sites from other regions that may be blocked where they live
- Very fast speeds - Along with unlimited bandwidth, you can stream online videos with no buffering very quickly
Cons
- Netflix can be a little slow on occasions - Although it offers fast speeds overall, Netflix is sometimes a little slow to buffer
RUNNER UP
Out of all the VPNs on this list, SurfShark is the newest service. Although it is a baby compared to some of the others here, it still delivers excellent protection and top speeds when streaming content from different platforms in HD.
Ever since SurfShark originated in 2018, it has been taking the world by storm. Even though it is only a few years old, it has spent no time in becoming one of the leaders in the world of VPN providers.
Firstly, SurfShark is very simple and intuitive to use. It also has apps for all platforms which are just as easy to navigate. If you’re new to VPNs, this service has a very good setup guide as well as 24/7 live chat support to help whenever you need it.
SurfShark also has a stringent zero-logs policy. This means that no records of what you stream or download online are kept. Furthermore, the fact it has a kill-switch means it is perfect for Popcorn Time as well as other Torrent clients. Affordable and an all-rounder in terms of features, SurfShark can unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Hulu in 63 countries.
Moreover, SurfShark allows you to use its services on an unlimited number of devices at the same time so you can take advantage of its protection at home and on public Wi-Fi.
Pros
- 30-day money-back guarantee - Allows you to try the service before you make a final decision on whether it is right for you
- Unlimited devices - Can be used on any number of devices simultaneously
- Easy to use - With apps for every platform, beginners will love the simplicity of SurShark’s interface
Cons
- Poor customer service - Some responses to queries can be inaccurate and unhelpful
RUNNER UP
Available for Windows, macOS, IOS, Android, and Linux, PrivateVPN is one of the best value VPNs for running Popcorn Time. For a small monthly fee, you can enjoy a very fast VPN that is efficient enough for streaming, torrenting, and unblocking sites.
Based in Sweden, PrivateVPN is perfect for downloading torrents privately. It boasts impressive apps for all platforms with military-grade OpenVPN encryption. Therefore, you can be safe in the knowledge that your streaming activity on Popcorn Time is always completely private and secure.
PrivateVPN also sports a kill-switch which means any unencrypted data will never be leaked to your ISP. Moreover, this VPN conceals its use and finds its way around firewalls and bandwidth throttling for the safest browsing experience possible.
PrivateVPN has ultra-fast servers in over 60 countries. It is one of the few VPN services that can unblock a large portion of Netflix videos from around the world. It can simply unblock more content than most other VPNs. Easy to use on any system, you can also compare it to other VPN providers within the first 30 days thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Affordable - A very cheap monthly fee gives great value for money
- Kill-switch included - Any unencrypted data will never be leaked to your internet service provider
- Works worldwide - Has super-fast servers in over 60 countries allowing you to watch Netflix videos from different regions of the globe
Cons
- No app for Smart TVs - While there are apps for most platforms, PrivateVPN still haven’t made one for Smart TVs which is what many people need it for
RUNNER UP
IPVanish is absolutely ideal for Popcorn Time. This P2P VPN is fast and secure, coming packed with features to help you stream with total protection and ultimate privacy.
US-based, IPVanish has a robust no-log policy so, no matter who asks for your online activity, IPVanish will not hand out your information.
Due to its fast speed, this VPN is great for downloading content and streaming movies on Popcorn Time. And with servers that allow torrenting in over 75 countries around the world, users can take advantage of its services far and wide. This vast area covered makes this VPN perfect for achieving the best speeds possible, no matter where in the world you live.
Privacy is, of course, the main concern when using a VPN. The good news is that IPVanish is one of the top providers on the market when protecting your details online. It offers powerful OpenVPN encryption which comes with advanced features like XOR obfuscated servers and a kill-switch to keep your unencrypted data safe.
Easy to use on all platforms, IPVanish can be installed on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Share with your friends and family or cover all of your bases. It’s totally your choice with IPVanish.
Pros
- No-logs policy - Your data will never be shared with anyone, no matter who asks so your online activity is always safe
- Very fast speeds - Ideal for streaming HD videos on Popcorn Time and downloading videos online
- Offers incredible privacy - Offers robust OpenVPN and XOR stealth servers to keep all of your data safe from hackers
Cons
- No 24/7 customer support - Although this is advertised, users have found it hard to get support when they need it most
RUNNER UP
Versatility is the name of the game with VyprVPN. It simply has everything you look for in a VPN such as security, speed, and a kill-switch feature. All of this loaded into one app makes VyprVPN ideal for streaming Popcorn Time.
This VPN service is based in Switzerland and more than 2 million users enjoy the benefits that come with this robust VPN. VyprVPN boasts apps for all major platforms and each comes fully featured with everything and anything you need for watching Popcorn Time videos. The inclusion of a kill-switch covers your privacy in more ways than one.
If your VPN connection is lost for some reason, no unencrypted data will be leaked to your ISP. Therefore, you can stream and download torrents safely in the knowledge that your activity will not be sent out at any time.
VyprVPN manages to get around firewalls thanks to obfuscation. This conceals the VPNs use and allows you to enter sites that may be blocked in your region such as BBC iPlayer. As we mentioned, VyprVPN is truly versatile. Its fast speeds are powerful enough for streaming HD videos, making VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls, as well as gaming.
Furthermore, you can unblock Netflix US, Hulu, and many more streaming services using VyprVPN.
Pros
- 30-day money-back guarantee - Allows you to test the service before making a final commitment to any monthly payments
- Versatile - Offers top security, ultra-fast speeds, and a kill-switch feature to keep your data safe when streaming videos or downloading torrents
- Has obfuscation - Manages to find its way around firewalls so you can access sites such as Netflix US and BBC iPlayer from around the world
Cons
- Cost of upgrades and fresh installations is not covered - Although it possesses a 30-day money-back guarantee, you will not receive any money back for any upgrades that may have been made during this time
RUNNER UP
Reliable and strong, SaferVPN is a great choice when using Popcorn Time. As the name suggests, it has been developed with security at its forefront. However, the speed of this VPN sometimes suffers due to this extra safety.
Based in Israel, this is yet another expert service that specializes in cybersecurity and data protection from the country. SaferVPN has access to servers in 52 countries and these servers are generally fast enough to stream and download content in HD.
While it isn’t the fastest VPN on our list, it still has apps available for all platforms and offers robust encryption so your privacy is always protected when using Popcorn Time.
No unencrypted data will accidentally be leaked thanks to a kill-switch feature. Aside from its slower speed, you will also need to connect to the Netherlands server to download content from Popcorn Time. This can be somewhat slow which is why SaferVPN only makes it to number nine on our list.
Pros
- Top-quality privacy - One of the safest to use VPNs on the market
- Apps available on all platforms - Can enjoy the benefits of this VPN on an array of platforms
- Includes a kill-switch - Your unencrypted data will never be leaked to your ISP
Cons
- Slow - Although fast enough to stream and download HD videos in 52 countries, it is slower than other VPNs on our list
RUNNER UP
Last but not least is StrongVPN. Perfect for Popcorn Time, this VPN has one of the fastest VPNs out there allowing you to connect to 12 devices at the same time.
With fast Tier-1 servers, StrongVPN is certainly powerful enough for torrenting and streaming online. Day after day, month after month, StrongVPN lives up to its name as it powerfully negotiates all platforms thanks to apps that are compatible with each one.
Along with a strong no-logs policy, this VPN ensures that your data will never be handed over to the authorities, even if a warrant is served.
The only drawback is that StrongVPN only has a kill-switch for Windows. Therefore, this is best for those who use Popcorn Time on a Windows device. Test for 30 days with their money-back guarantee to see if this lives up to its name for your purposes.
Pros
- Very fast speeds - Ideal for torrenting and streaming videos online
- Very strong no-logs policy - Even with a warrant, your data will never be handed over to the authorities
- Can connect to 12 devices at once - Can cover all of your devices or share the VPN with family and friends
Cons
- Only offers a kill-switch for Windows - Will not keep all of your unencrypted data safe on devices other than Windows
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a VPN slow down my computer?
When you use a VPN for Popcorn Time, your connection speed will, unfortunately, slow down. However, using a quality VPN (as listed above) that provides fast speeds will hardly make any difference to your connection time.
Therefore, you’ll still be able to stream full HD videos without any buffering. Because VPNs encrypt your data, connection speeds will slow. The good news is that all of the VPNs we have listed above offer fast enough speeds for a smooth streaming experience.
Can I watch Popcorn Time without a VPN?
Technically, you can but we highly recommend against this. Because Popcorn Time hosts a lot of copyrighted content, any streaming of it could see you land up in trouble with the copyright holder, your internet service provider, or even law enforcement. It is much safer to use a VPN and always the best way to enjoy Popcorn Time.
Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch Popcorn Time?
Although streaming copyrighted material for free is illegal in most regions, VPNs are completely legal in the majority of countries. Although we do not recommend streaming any content illegally, simply downloading the Popcorn Time app is not illegal and using a VPN to do so is completely safe.
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