Can I Watch Popcorn Time Without VPN?

Popcorn time has become an extremely popular multi-platform, free software service where people can download video torrents into a custom player.

Popcorn time differs from other torrenting clients as it does all the hard work for you. It allows users to click on a video and watch it immediately. This instantaneous viewing has seen Popcorn time become one of the leading BitTorrent clients in the world.

However, there is a catch. Many users may not know that streaming for free on Popcorn Time is deemed to be piracy.

Therefore, the only safest way to stream on the platform is to use a Virtual Private Network, otherwise known as a VPN. If you decide to use Popcorn Time without a VPN, you run the risk of a knock at the door from the authorities.

But, is it possible to watch your favorite movies on Popcorn Time without a VPN? Today, we are going to find out. We will be discussing the laws around Popcorn Time, whether it is safe to use, and whether VPNs are a must.

So, let’s not wait any longer. Let’s delve a little closer into the world of Popcorn Time.

Watching Popcorn Time without a VPN: Is this possible?

When you download Popcorn Time onto your computer or laptop, there is nothing stopping you from using it without a VPN. However, if you go down this route, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will know exactly what TV shows and movies you have watched and, therefore, pirated.

Piracy is seen as theft. It is the practice of downloading and distributing copyrighted material without permission. In this case, movies and TV shows.

Online piracy can lead to hefty fines or even some sort of prosecution. If you are caught, the best result is that your ISP could serve a cease and desist letter or even cut your internet off.

Whichever angle you come from, using Popcorn Time without a VPN is very, very risky. This is why Popcorn Time’s developers even urge their users to only use the platform with a VPN. However, even when you use a VPN, you may not be completely safe.

Not all VPNs are the same or offer the necessary services and protection. Some are known to keep logs on your activity. This means that they have records about what their users have searched for and done online.

If they are approached by investigators from law enforcement, they may have to hand this information over if the company does not have strict regulations to state otherwise.

Moreover, various VPNs, such as free versions, sometimes contain spyware. They have been known to lie about the levels of encryption that they provide. Then again, some free services don’t even use encryptions at all so your data and log history are open for many to see. If you use one of these VPNs, you remain at risk when watching Popcorn Time, even more so in some cases.

There are further drawbacks to using some VPNs. Some are known to be extremely slow. If you want to stream movies or TV shows, you need a fast connection. If the VPN is very slow, it is pretty useless for streaming large amounts of video content.

These reasons are why we recommend subscribing and only using a highly reliable and reputable VPN provider. This way, you get a faster and more secure connection with sufficient privacy. Some VPNs we recommend are:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• CyberGhost VPN
• Private Internet Access

These will give you the best protection and privacy while searching the web and using Popcorn Time.

Is Popcorn Time safe to use?

On the whole, Popcorn Player is safe to use. If you download the application from a reputable source such as its official website popcorntime.movie, then it is certainly safe to watch movies and TV shows on. 

Unfortunately, however, there are fake or rogue websites on the web and these unofficial versions tend to contain harmful malware that is used by hackers.

This is when Popcorn Time is not safe. It is critically important that users are very careful about where they download Popcorn Time. One wrong download could see your files, data, and computer at risk from dangerous hackers.

What happens if you get caught using Popcorn Time?

In some regions of the world, it is okay to use Popcorn Time without any risk of getting in trouble. Nonetheless, most locations and countries have laws in place which can see you get prosecuted.

It is also possible to receive invoicing letters from lawyers who seek damages on behalf of copyright holders. These are the owners of the shows or movies you may have streamed for free. As we mentioned above, this can all be avoided with a reputable VPN provider when watching Popcorn Time.

If you watch Popcorn Time without a VPN, you could easily get into trouble. We highly recommend using a VPN, no matter where in the world you live.

So, is Popcorn Time legal?

If you simply install the official Popcorn Time app, then this is completely legal. You will not get into any trouble whatsoever. But, here’s where it gets tricky.

Because Popcorn Time gives you access to a wide range of mostly copyrighted videos, downloading this video content and watching it is illegal. Why? It’s simple. You are watching copyrighted content without paying for it so the copyright holder receives no payment. In other words, it is piracy.

In Summary

Although downloading and streaming videos from Popcorn Time is essentially illegal, it continues to be a popular platform. However, the majority of users are careful when using this service. Unlike other streaming services like Netflix where you pay a monthly subscription, all the videos on Popcorn Time are free.

While you can use Popcorn Time without a VPN, it would be foolish to do so. Download a highly reputable VPN so you are better protected and stand less chance of getting into a considerable amount of trouble.