These days, most people are cutting the cord and embracing online content, as streaming services have made things even easier. Premium services like Netflix and Hulu offer quality services at a small fee. However, if you are on a budget, you can opt for the free alternatives.
Unfortunately, these free streaming services are banned in most countries because they are deemed to broadcast illegal content. OneBox HD is a good example that has amassed many followers recently.
This article will look into OneBox HD, how to stream safely, the legality of using OneBox HD, and much more.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about OneBox HD based on our security tests and research; you shouldn’t take it as legal counsel. Also, each country has its copyright laws that may change constantly. You can consult an expert if you don’t understand your local laws.
What is OneBox HD?
OneBox HD is a free streaming app for the Android platform. It has an extensive library of content in various categories to keep you entertained. The movies and TV shows on the app are available in SD and HD quality. Also, the app is lightweight and will not take up much space on your device.
Is it illegal to use OneBox HD?
OneBox HD does not host any content but will connect you to video repositories elsewhere on the internet where the content is stored. However, the app cannot guarantee that the entire content is legal. The only way to watch legal content is through network television like Fox or an official online streaming service like Netflix.
Countries have different copyright infringement laws. For example, most countries have banned downloading copyrighted content to protect intellectual property. However, other countries allow it altogether or for personal use.
We encourage you to confirm your country’s laws before using OneBox HD or other similar sites. The table below shows different countries’ general stand on piracy.
| Countries | View on piracy |
|---|---|
| Spain, Poland, Switzerland | Piracy is allowed and legal but for personal use. |
| Finland, Australia, China, Germany, Britain, Italy, Portugal, Latvia, Japan, the US, South Africa | Piracy is illegal, and there are strict copyright laws. |
| Colombia, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Denmark, Czech Republic, India, Greece, Iran, Egypt, Netherlands, Singapore, Slovakia, Uruguay, Israel, Slovenia | Piracy is illegal, but there hasn’t been any active prosecution. |
Please understand that streaming content online is also deemed as downloading it. This is because your device will first download the video for you to watch in real-time, then deletes it afterward when you close the stream. Hence, you possess illegal copyrighted material, at least temporarily.
Legal consequences of using OneBox
Besides having different copyright rules, countries also differ regarding the consequences of breaking these laws. For example, you can be fined severely or imprisoned for downloading copyrighted content in countries like Japan and Germany. However, this might not be an issue, or you may get a warning in other countries.
Getting prosecuted for streaming content on free streaming services like OneBox HD is difficult because no file remains on your device after closing a stream. However, this does not mean you are off the hook, as you can be tracked through your IP address.
Moreover, most countries don’t enforce copyright laws by going after people using free streaming services like OneBox HD. Instead, they put their effort on distributors of the copyrighted content.
How to use OneBox HD securely
Using free streaming services like OneBox HD is not allowed in some countries, so we don’t encourage you to do it. However, many countries allow such streaming services altogether or for personal use.
Regardless, you need antivirus software to protect your device from malware. Also, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to prevent ISPs, hackers, and other third parties from accessing your data.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN software.
- Go to the server list and connect to any option you like.
- Open the OneBox app or website and start streaming.
Risks of using OneBox HD
Besides the repercussions of breaking copyright laws, we haven’t considered the possible dangers of using free streaming sites like OneBox HD.
The OneBox HD app is unavailable on the Google App store, so you have to source the APK file elsewhere on the internet. Unfortunately, this can be a website embedded with malware, designed to mine your data, or worse.
Can a VPN help me to stay safe on OneBox HD?
With the above risks in mind, you can take certain safety precautions to improve your security on OneBox HD. For example, a VPN will protect your device and network from intrusion.
The top two VPNs for OneBox HD on this list provide military-grade security measures to prevent anyone from accessing your data. For instance, they use advanced encryption that makes your data look gibberish. So, anyone who manages to infiltrate your information won’t be able to decipher it.
Some VPN providers, like NordVPN, have an ad blocker so you can stream your favorite content on OneBox HD without interruptions. Also, the feature will block malware or websites known to host malicious files.
Furthermore, these VPNs have a kill switch feature to prevent anyone from tracking your identity or location. It will cut off your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
Another key VPN feature is the no-logs policy. ExpressVPN and NordVPN adhere to a strict zero-logs policy and do not retain users’ data, a claim that reputable firms like PwC and VerSprite have audited. So, even when authorities ask for your information, there won’t be any data to hand over.
Besides maintaining your privacy and security, a VPN will help you bypass geo-restrictions of unavailable content in your region.
Best OneBox HD VPNs
We recommend these two VPNs to stream OneBox HD safely and privately.
1. ExpressVPN
Our top recommended and probably the best VPN around for any online task. It has robust privacy and security features with blazing-fast servers; hence you can watch OneBox HD anonymously risk-free.
3,000+ VPN servers in over 90 countries worldwide
Strong AES 256-bit encryption
P2P optimised server
Quick-connect feature
DNS leak protection
Aggressive aill switch
Strict no-logs policy
5 simultaneous device support
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Thousands of blazing-fast VPN servers
- Strictly adheres to the no-logs policy
- Robust security and privacy
Cons
- Expensive subscription plans
ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN service to stream OneBox HD. It has a massive network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, giving you access to unlimited online content.
All the servers are super-fast, so you will be able to stream your favorite content without buffering. Also, it uses TrustedServer technology that makes the servers not retain any data, thus keeping you completely anonymous.
As mentioned earlier, the VPN employs military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. This will prevent any third party, including your ISP, from accessing your data when streaming on OneBox HD.
ExpressVPN is a top-notch service but can still get interrupted. The Network Lock (kill switch) will break your traffic if the VPN connection drops to maintain your anonymity. Also, the DNS leak protection will prevent your DNS queries from routing through your ISP servers.
The VPN offer apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire stick, etc. What’s more, it allows you to connect 5 simultaneous devices.
ExpressVPN’s packages are slightly expensive compared to its competitors. However, you can test the service risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN
One of the best VPN providers the market has ever seen. The provider is well-known for its outstanding performance in demanding online tasks, and streaming OneBox HD privately is no exception.
5,515 VPN servers in 59 countries
Boasts AES-bit-256 encryption
Zero-logs policy
Automatic kill switch
P2P-friendly servers on offer
Thorough IP/web leak protection
SmartPlay technology
Allows 6 simultaneous connections per account
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Affordable packages
- Ad and malware blocking feature
- Easy-to-use apps
Cons
- Outdated-looking desktop app
NordVPN is a trustworthy VPN service to access OneBox HD. It operates over 5,515 servers in 59 countries, enabling you to access geo-blocked content.
Similar to ExpressVPN, the servers are incredibly-fast for smooth streaming without lags. Also, the servers are RAM-based, which means they don’t store any data.
Hackers exploit free streaming services like OneBox HD to steal users’ data. However, NordVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to prevent this from happening. Also, your ISP will not see what you are doing online.
Unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN has a Cybersec suite that will block ads and malware. This will improve your streaming experience and make it more convenient.
The kill switch is effective and will pause your internet traffic until the VPN connection resumes. As a result, you will stay private when watching content on OneBox HD.
Thankfully, NordVPN is among affordable VPNs, especially if you choose long-term plans. Also, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to test and ask for a refund if it doesn’t suit you.
Reasons why people worldwide like OneBox HD to an extent
The following are reasons why OneBox HD has recently become popular.
- Extensive library of content in various categories in SD and HD quality.
- The minimalist and straightforward interface makes it easy to navigate the app.
- A simple search feature to help you identify the titles you want to watch with ease.
- Has a lightweight app that doesn’t consume a lot of space.
- Allows you to stream videos with built-in external players.
OneBox HD safe alternatives
Any streaming app or website that offers free content is probably illegal. So, use subscription-based services to avoid dealing with copyrighted content. You will only have to pay a small fee to access an extensive collection of movies and TV shows. The table below shows OneBox HD’s legal alternatives.
| Netflix | This is a top-rated streaming service worldwide. It probably has the most extensive movies and TV shows database, although it uses geo-blocks to restrict content to specific regions. While it’s a subscription-based service globally, the Netflix app is available for free in Kenya. |
| Hulu | Hulu is an excellent streaming service for watching live sporting events. It also has a solid lineup of live TV channels, movies, shows, and originals. |
| Amazon Prime Video | Amazon Prime Video is perhaps the biggest competitor to Netflix. It broadcasts films and TV shows by Amazon Studios and MGM holdings, as well as content from other providers. The service is available worldwide except in Cuba, China, Russia, Korea, and Syria. |
| HBO Max | HBO Max boasts an impressive lineup of content from movies, TV shows, animation, documentaries, originals, etc. Also, it has options like parental controls, multiple profiles, offline downloads, and simultaneous screens. Some exclusive shows include Locked Down, Julia, Made for Love, It’s a Sin, Infinity Train, Esme & Roy, Search Party, etc. |
| Fox Sports Go | This is a must-have app if you are a sports fanatic. It broadcasts Fox’s regional sports networks, including MLB, NHL, and NBA games, as well as college soccer, football, basketball, and baseball. |
| Sling TV | This reliable streaming service comes with personalized subscriptions and affordable plans. The Sling Orange package has kids and sports channels, while the Sling Blue package has entrainment and news channels. |
| YouTube TV | YouTube TV is a premium streaming service that offers on-demand video, live TV, and cloud-based DVR. It has over 100 television networks like PBS, Fox Network, CW, etc. |
| Disney+ | This is an ideal option for Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars fans. Also, the service has many kids’ content suitable for households with small children. Some popular titles include Turning Red, Sneakerella, Encanto, Raya and The Last Dragon, Jungle Cruise, etc. |
Keep in mind that some of the above alternatives are not available worldwide.
For example, YouTube TV is only available in the US, while Netflix is available worldwide with a twist. It lets users watch different shows and movies on Netflix based on their location. A quality streaming VPN will help you bypass the geo-restrictions and change your virtual location so you can enjoy whatever you want on any platform.
Free streaming services alternatives to OneBox HD
Apart from OneBox HD, there are other reliable free streaming apps that provide almost similar content.
Freevee
Previously known as IMDb TV, this is an incredible streaming service with an impressive list of free on-demand content. In addition, it broadcasts popular shows like Hell’s Kitchen, Lost, Mad Men, Desperate Housewives, etc. Thankfully, the service is supported by several devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, web browsers, Android, iOS, etc.
Tubi
The Tubi mobile app looks exactly like the website, hosting more than 35,000 TV shows and movies. When you select a movie, you will be taken to a description page with information like genre, release date, duration, and other similar titles.
Unfortunately, it’s unavailable to users outside the United States, so you’ll need an active VPN connection to access Tubi TV outside the US.
Redbox
This is a mobile streaming app that allows you to watch on-demand content. The content is arranged nicely on the homepage, making it easy to choose the title you want to watch. It is available on Android, iPad, iPhone, Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
Vudu
Vudu offers free movies and TV shows, but you must bear with the occasional ads. Accessing the free content is easy; just click on the free page on the menu. The Vudu app is available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Roku.
Like Tubi TV, you cannot access Vudu outside the US unless you don’t have a VPN.
Yidio
Yidio is a fantastic free streaming app; hence, it’s widely recommended as an alternative to many similar services, including ShowBox and OneBox HD. The app only works on selected devices, though. It allows you to filter content in various ways like IMBD rating, genre, premiere date, and MPAA rating.
Conclusion
OneBox HD is a great platform to access free movies and TV shows. However, streaming free content is considered copyright infringement, which is illegal in most countries. Therefore, as with using free torrenting sites, you should look into your local laws before using OneBox HD. Also, it would be best if you protect your data and devices with a quality VPN like ExpressVPN. It uses strong encryption and masks IP addresses.
FAQs
This is a tricky question because countries have different stances on piracy. For example, some countries have completely banned downloading or streaming copyrighted content. In fact, you can get hefty fines or imprisonment in these countries. However, other countries allow it altogether or for personal use.
Yes, if you download the correct APK. Unfortunately, many fake websites claim to offer the OneBox APK, yet they are designed to collect your device with malware or collect your data.
No. These countries deem streaming free content as downloading copyright content. So, you will still get into trouble streaming content on OneBox HD.
This will depend on the country you are streaming from. Some countries allow watching free content online while others ban it. Some of the common consequences of breaking copyright laws are hefty fines and/or imprisonment. Usually, even in countries where it’s illegal, authorities go after the distributors of the copyrighted content and not consumers.
Yes, you can be hacked when using OneBox HD. That is why we encourage you to protect your connections with a VPN. It will encrypt your data to prevent unauthorized access.
