HDToday is a free streaming website that lets you watch and download movies, shows, and sports events online. People in the United States and beyond love this platform because of its impressive features. You don’t need to sign up to explore their content library. The website has apps for both iOS and Android. It lets you safely catch the latest movies and shows in your preferred language. Plus, you can beam those videos to your big screen if you have Chromecast.
But the question is, is HDToday safe and legal to use? This article discusses the safety and legality of this site, its associated risks, and how you can stream it safely.
DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article is to provide information to the readers. PrivacySavvy doesn’t support or recommend using unauthorized websites like HDToday. These sites broadcast content without the hosts’ consent and legal rights. If you live in a jurisdiction where piracy is a crime, you will face serious consequences if you get caught. Having said that, organizations also take severe actions against such platforms, and they may shut them down in no time. Also, these streaming websites have malicious ads and malware that can severely damage your device and steal your personal information. Therefore, we strongly advise you to choose a legal media streaming platform. If you still want to use free sites, you must take a few precautions, like signing up for a reliable VPN like NordVPN and always guarding yourself with a top-notch antivirus.
A quick guide to streaming HD Today securely
Now that you know that streaming or downloading on HDToday is illegal, you must access the streaming service from a region with lenient piracy laws to avoid legal consequences. Regardless of the disparity in copyright laws and position, adhering to safety practices when using it is important.
Follow the guidelines below to use a VPN to access this platfor securely:
- Subscribe a top-notch VPN service. We recommend NordVPN (currently on 69% OFF).
- Use a strong antivirus software if you don’t have one already.
- Open the VPN mobile app and enable the VPN connection.
- Then, confirm that the antivirus software works well with the VPN. You can add the VPN to the antivirus safelist if the antivirus alerts the VPN connection as a threat.
- Next, open your search engine and enter HDToday or the mirror sites. Check the search results to see if you’ll get the actual site.
- Begin a seamless stream on HDToday once you confirm it’s the website or a safe mirror site.
Who owns HDToday?
The identity of the owner of the site remains unknown till today. There is no information about whether it’s a single-person business or a company running the streaming service. You’ll find various content on the streaming service, including OTT original web series, TV serials, pirated movies, web series, and OTT original movies.
When law enforcement agencies detect illegal streaming websites like HDToday, they implement restriction measures, preventing the service from operating within their territories. For example, in China, the Great Firewall of China blocks access to any content illegally obtained.
Is it totally legal to stream HDToday?
While using it might be legal in some countries, other regions may have strict laws against airing unauthorized copyrighted content. This is because there’s no universal law governing copyright and piracy cases. However, the chances that using HDToday is illegal are higher because the streaming service gets content from multiple countries with varying laws on copyright and piracy. While only a few permit piracy for private reasons, other countries have strict laws prohibiting piracy.
In contrast, notable streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime acquire legal rights to upload and air content on their streaming platforms. It broadcasts media content without any form of partnership or acquiring a license from the copyright holder.
It’s essential to confirm your current location’s position on publishing and accessing pirated, copyrighted media content before using streaming services like HDToday to avoid legal consequences. Here’s a table showing the stance different countries have maintained toward piracy.
| Stance towards piracy | Countries |
|---|---|
| Piracy is permissible for personal purposes | Poland, Switzerland, and Spain. |
| Piracy is illegal, but there’s no official prosecution for the crime | Mexico, Israel, Canada, Denmark, Iran, Argentina, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Romania, Philippines, Uruguay, Slovenia, Greece, Slovakia, and Singapore. |
| Piracy is prohibited | China, South Africa, Germany, France, Japan, Latvia, Finland, Russia, Portugal, Italy, Great Britain, Australia, and the United States. |
You must understand that you become guilty of piracy when downloading or streaming copyrighted content from an unauthorized source. This is because your device stores the content permanently or temporarily, respectively. Hence, you must be careful before downloading or streaming content online.
Does using HDToday have any legal consequences?
As we’ve discussed earlier, there’s no universal law about piracy. Hence, the legal punishment for using HDToday depends on your location when streaming illegal media content. For example, while you may get away with a warning in some countries, you’ll have to pay a hefty fine if you’re caught in Germany.
Most times, you’ll be guilty of piracy if you download unauthorized copyrighted content on your device because it constitutes hard evidence to prosecute you. The case differs from streaming because the files leave your device once you finish your stream. However, your device saves the video cache to ensure that you experience a seamless streaming experience.
However, the downside is that third parties can track your IP address using these cache files, making it easier for law enforcement agencies to institute an action against you.
Thankfully, most times, users or viewers on streaming websites do not always risk facing legal consequences. Most countries focus on the distributors and owners of these websites rather than the viewers.
Can using HDToday be dangerous?
We’ve mentioned that using HDToday might be illegal, and you might face legal consequences if found guilty of using the streaming platform. However, you must understand that it has potential security risks.
The streaming website is unsafe on the surface because multiple mirror websites are filled with malicious files and content. Hence, if you don’t pay close attention when opening the website or understand how to differentiate well-meaning hosts from malicious ones, you may be a victim of malware infiltration or attack.
However, in-depth research has revealed that the site is safe to stream using a VPN or strong antivirus software. Connecting to these technologies protects you from potential harm on mirror sites. Hence, you don’t have to worry about deciphering if the site is safe.
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about mirror sites, their purpose, and how you can use them safely.
Avoid mirror sites
In simpler terms, mirror sites are multiple copies of a website. They are also called “copycat” websites. For example, you can stream or download content on the streaming platform using its multiple copies online. However, you must understand that these copies are not linked to HDToday in any way. Instead, they are controlled by unregulated third parties without any connection or permission to air HDToday content.
The drawback to using mirror websites is that they aren’t reliable. They often disappear from the internet shortly after they begin operation. This is because most mirrors have a short half-life. They lack longevity, so confirming their safety, legality, and validity might be impossible, as you might not find them the next time you search for them on the internet. Hence, if you download a harmful or malicious file from a mirror website, you cannot trace it to anyone or anywhere.
Also, most mirror hosts intend to use the site for malicious purposes. They often attach malicious files to the website in the pop-up ads and downloadable files. Downloading this malware on your device can give them access to your data.
However, this shouldn’t deter you from streaming your favorite media content or prevent you from accessing HDToday’s rich content library. Since mirrors are the trusted way of streaming or downloading content on the website, you must understand how to differentiate between harmful and safe mirrors. Do not worry. You can connect to a VPN and use a premium antivirus service to guarantee your safety while accessing HDToday. However, if your VPN has an antivirus, you may not need to get one.
How to be secure while streaming on HDToday
As we’ve advised, you must first confirm if using the platform is legal in your current country or region before streaming or downloading content on the platform. If the laws are lenient on piracy offenses or allow piracy for personal purposes, you can use the streaming service.
Once you confirm you can use it in your country, you must consider safety practices. Adhering to these practices can help protect you from third-party monitoring, malware infiltration, and data breaches while streaming or downloading on HDToday. Hence, you require a top VPN and premium antivirus software for a safe streaming experience.
Examine the options for streaming or downloading on HDToday below:
Guard yourself with a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) provides internet users with an encrypted, secure, and safe experience. Top VPNs utilize advanced technologies to create an encrypted data tunnel, preventing third parties like internet service providers (ISPs) and law enforcement agencies from monitoring users’ data and activities online. Reliable VPN providers have strict privacy policies preventing them from logging users’ data.
Many top-notch VPNs allow users to protect multiple devices with a single premium account. All you need to do is subscribe to a plan and connect your devices. Some reliable names in the VPN industry include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ExtremeVPN.
Also read: Is Streaming with a VPN Legal?
Get top-notch antivirus software
Although a VPN is essential, it does not guarantee complete security against potential malware attacks from an unauthorized website.
Unsuspecting individuals can become victims of malware attacks by opening links or downloading files. The malicious redirects, repetitive ads, and constant pop-ups on HDToday can pose a privacy and data risk.
Combining a VPN with a strong antivirus app is advisable to achieve optimum privacy and protection. We conducted tests to identify the antivirus that works perfectly with the website, of course, with a VPN. McAfee and Norton360 maintained a top spot at the end of the tests.
Our number one recommendation is Norton360, which provides advanced security features and guarantees a safe and secure streaming experience on HDToday.
How can a VPN protect me while streaming on HDToday?
Now that you know there are safe and malicious mirror websites on the internet, you must prioritize privacy and safety. Connecting to a VPN is the surest way to guarantee your safety while streaming on HDToday. The VPN hides your IP address and gives you a new one, making it impossible for third parties to track your data or location. A VPN also eliminates repetitive and intrusive ads.
It doesn’t matter if the free streaming service is illegal in your country. You can gain access to the media content if you use a VPN. All you need to do is connect to a VPN server in a country where HDToday operates. The VPN ensures that the firewall restrictions that normally keep you out of the HDToday platform do not affect your connection.
A VPN also ticks the safety box if you’re more concerned about your safety while streaming or downloading on HDToday. By creating an encrypted tunnel, the VPN ensures that third parties like your internet service provider (ISP) or law enforcement agencies cannot monitor your activities online. It also prevents bandwidth throttling. Hence, a VPN assures a seamless and safe streaming experience on HDToday.
Top VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer strong and advanced security features that block repetitive and potentially malicious ads, granting users access to uninterrupted streaming on HDToday. If you try opening an unsafe mirror website while connected to a reliable VPN, it can prevent you from opening it.
Generally, you can get the desired seamless streaming experience when you mix your VPN connection with a strong antivirus. However, some antivirus may flag your VPN connection as malware. Hence, you should add the VPN to your antivirus safelist page.
Our top recommended VPNs for streaming HDToday – Detailed list
Below, we provide three reliable VPN services you should consider. These VPNs guarantee optimum security and privacy while streaming or downloading video content on HDToday.
Consider these best VPNs for streaming on HDToday below.
1. NordVPN
It is one of the most reliable options for streaming or downloading content from unreliable websites like HDToday. With its ultra-fast and secure servers, the VPN provides smooth streaming.
Has a high-speed VPN server network present in 60+ countries
Effective Cybersec ad blocker
Has AES-256 encryption for the utmost security
Possess a specialized kill switch feature
Enables customized data routing with split tunneling function
Offers stealth protection by Double VPN mode
Integrates the Tor over VPN servers
Obeys a strict no-logs policy
Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
Offers a 30-day refund policy
Pros
- Multiple server in different locations
- Responsive customer support
- Provides unique NordLynx protocol that ensures a swift and seamless streaming experience
Cons
- Some servers support torrenting
NordVPN is a leading VPN service provider operating an expansive network of 5,500 servers spread across more than 60 countries, coupled with robust IP detection technology to ensure reliability. Its standout feature is the NordLynx protocol, acclaimed for delivering unparalleled ultra-fast connection speeds. Subscribers of NordVPN benefit from the option to seamlessly connect to dedicated IP addresses, optimizing the streaming or downloading experience on platforms like HDToday.
With a proactive kill switch feature, NordVPN prioritizes user safety by instantly suspending all internet activity during connection disruptions. This proactive measure bars potential access by hackers and third parties to sensitive user data like IP addresses and browsing history. Besides, NordVPN provides additional security features, such as the AES 256-bit encryption protocol and split tunneling for a personalized streaming experience with security.
NordVPN facilitates secure torrenting and streaming services, effortlessly bypassing geo-restrictions. For users seeking heightened security, the “Double VPN” mode delivers dual layers of protection, providing enhanced assurance and peace of mind, all bundled within a single payment.
Read our extensive NordVPN review
2. ExpressVPN
An exceptional VPN service with high-speed servers and robust security features. It helps to effortlessly bypass censorship and geoblocks, allowing users to access their favorite websites and content without hassle.
Has a network of over 3,000 effective VPN servers scattered in around 90 countries
Owns RAM-only servers
Employs a rigid encryption standard; AES-256
Does not store users’ data
Offers a dedicated split tunneling feature to route specific traffic
Has a reliable kill switch to prevent data leakage
Offers Onion over VPN servers
Allows Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing or torrenting
Supports 8 devices to be connected concurrently
Comes with a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Wide choice of locations due to an expansive network
- Enhances seamless and fast streaming
- Broad network servers enhance torrenting
Cons
- Subscription fees are higher than other VPNs
ExpressVPN stands out as a dependable VPN service for several reasons. Its extensive global network spans 94 countries, hosting numerous active servers distributed worldwide. This expansive network ensures high-speed connections and seamless access to restricted content on platforms like HDToday. Users benefit from the availability of servers in nearly every location, allowing access to unrestricted content.
The user-friendly software interface of the VPN makes navigation and swift connection to preferred server locations easy. The application also boasts intuitive shortcuts, optimizing speed for browsing websites and using applications. Users can easily switch between VPN server locations using the one-click Quick Connect feature. It offers versatile compatibility, allowing installation on various platforms, including dedicated routers, eliminating the need for manual configurations.
This VPN prioritizes quality service, conducting speed tests to automatically assign the most suitable servers based on users’ locations, ensuring an uninterrupted streaming experience. In our independent speed tests, connection to an ExpressVPN server consistently loaded HDToday video content within five seconds, regardless of server proximity. Our streaming experience was smooth and uninterrupted, even during video skips.
ExpressVPN also offers a dedicated split tunneling feature, enabling users to direct specific activities through the VPN tunnel while allowing direct internet access for others. Furthermore, ExpressVPN can unblock over 60 streaming websites as viable alternatives to HDToday.
Security is paramount, and ExpressVPN excels in this aspect. Our security tests uncovered advanced features such as Perfect Forward Secrecy and RAM-only servers. Moreover, its Threat Manager functionality identifies and blocks suspicious or malicious website trackers and connections, ensuring user safety and privacy during VPN usage. It employs top-tier military-grade encryption and maintains a strict no-log policy to uphold user confidentiality.
Read our extensive ExpressVPN review
3. ExtremeVPN
An all-in-one VPN provider that ensures maximum security and privacy while streaming illegal sites like HDToday. Its super-fast servers enable you to stream buffer-free at any time.
Offers 6,500 servers present across 78 countries worldwide
Utilizes up-to-date security protocols, including AES-256 encryption
Enables distributed file sharing through P2P connections
Doesn’t collect users’ data
Includes a unique kill switch feature to block data leakage
Offers flexible data routing through split tunneling feature
Boasts Tor over VPN servers for stealth protection
Offers 10 simultaneous devices to be connected at once
Provides protection against IP/DNS leaks
Has a refund policy of 30 days
Pros
- Responsive and friendly customer support that runs 24/7
- Allows access to geo-restricted content with stealth browsing
- A vast number of servers worldwide
Cons
- No dedicated IP address or Double VPN
ExtremeVPN emerges as a secure VPN service for streaming and torrenting purposes. Despite being a newcomer in the VPN market, it delivers high-quality, reliable services. The global network of servers ensures unrestricted access to platforms like HDToday while offering robust security measures against malware threats. That’s why it is one of the top VPNs for downloading and streaming movies without making you vulnerable.
Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExtremeVPN places a premium on user data privacy. Implementing a strict no-log policy safeguards subscriber anonymity by refraining from storing any user data or web traffic. Independent audits have attested to ExtremeVPN’s transparency regarding user data, also validated by the “Data not collected” tag on the App Store, affirming its commitment to data non-retention.
Speed tests conducted on ExtremeVPN’s servers showcased impressive ultra-fast connection speeds, with a standard speed averaging 100Mbps. These tests revealed an upload speed of 329.92Mbps, a download speed of 303.93Mbps, and a ping of 77ms. While there might be a marginal decrease in connection speed on distant servers, overall performance remains commendable.
It boasts an extensive range of VPN protocols and customizable features for subscribers, offering flexibility for a seamless user experience. Although the service adopts an automatic protocol selection system, subscribers can personalize their preferences. Available protocols on the “Preferences” page encompass IKEv2, SSTP, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN.
The ExtremeVPN app is accessible for download across iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices, ensuring compatibility and ease of access. Subscribers can swiftly sign up, log in, and connect to a VPN server to enjoy ExtremeVPN’s premium services. The subscription plans are affordable, providing options such as the monthly plan ($10.59 monthly), the six-month plan ($5.15 monthly), or the yearly plan ($3.29 monthly), with coverage for up to 10 devices on any selected plan.
Read our extensive ExtremeVPN’s review
Legal (premium) HDToday alternatives
Several illegal streaming platforms offer services similar to their legal counterparts. You can find many such options in our article here that lists free streaming sites. However, using only legal streaming platforms is advisable to avoid legal consequences, data breaches, or malware attacks. You can only access these streaming platforms when you pay the subscription fees.
These streaming platforms have a rich library of content that they sourced legally and acquired the license to air. Hence, when you stream or download on these platforms, you don’t need to pay close attention to all the safety precautions. Since these platforms get licenses from movie producers and directors, they often air TV shows and series before free streaming websites. You’ll enjoy a variety of the most popular, best, and latest content on the platform.
Here’s a list of the top HDToday legal alternatives you can select.
| Legal streaming platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Netflix is a notable streaming service available in over 190 countries. It has a rich content library of various new and old TV shows, movies, and series. This is one of the reasons why most movie freaks choose Netflix. You can also expand your Netflix library to access more content using a VPN. |
| Hulu | Unlike other legal streaming alternatives, Hulu focuses on the sports industry. Hence, you should consider Hulu if you’re a sports enthusiast. It also airs movies and TV shows. However, the library is much smaller compared to Netflix. If you cannot access Hulu in your country, you can use a VPN or check it under “Star” on Disney+. |
| Amazon Prime Video | Amazon Prime Video has an expansive range of TV shows and movies in the content library. However, it is still limited compared to Netflix. You can consider Amazon Prime Video if Neflix’s subscription fee is too expensive. |
| HBO Max | HBO Max is new compared to other streaming platforms. It is legal and plans to expand its content library soon. Although it does not have as many TV shows and movies as other platforms, it airs very high-quality shows like the popular Game of Thrones. |
| Sling TV | Rather than providing a content library, Sling TV gives subscribers access to different TV networks. Its subscription fee is quite affordable. |
| Disney+ | Do you like Marvel and Disney content? Then Disney+ is the ideal streaming service for you. It has a vast library of fantasy and fairytale movies. However, it is not limited to this category, as you can also find other types of movies on Disney+. Popular video content on this platform includes The Eternals and Ms. Marvel. |
| YouTube TV | YouTube TV operates like Sling TV. It doesn’t give subscribers access to a content library. Instead, it provides access to TV networks like FOX, CBS, ESPN, and ABC. Although the subscription fee may be pricey, a premium account unlocks content on different television networks. |
Restrictions on geographical streaming
Using a legal streaming platform like Netflix, you can avoid the legal consequences of using unauthorized streaming websites like HDToday. However, geo-restrictions also apply to legal streaming services. Hence, you may miss out on amazing TV shows or series if it’s unavailable in the dedicated content library for your country or region.
These legal streaming services may also be unavailable in certain countries. For example, HBO Max and Amazon Prime are only available in the United States and other specific countries, while Hulu is only available in the United States.
Free (unauthorized) HDToday alternatives
You can try other free HDToday alternatives if you cannot afford the subscription fees to access media content on legal streaming platforms or if the site is restricted in your country. However, you must understand that since these free alternatives offer streaming services without any cost, your safety and privacy are not guaranteed. Hence, you need a VPN and a strong antivirus for optimum protection.
Examine the top five HDToday alternatives to stream and download movies, TV shows, and series for free below.
1. FMovies
- Destination URL: fmovies.co
FMovies is a popular streaming website with a large community of followers worldwide. Despite the numerous cases of copyright infringement, it remains resolute in providing movie freaks with premium entertainment in HD quality. Whenever law enforcement agencies or copyright holders notice its operations, it rebrands and resumes with a new domain name.
It has an expansive library of recent, popular, and latest movies. Look out for domains like Fmovies.se, Fmovies.to, Fmovies.io, Fmovies.is, and others. Choose one that you can access freely in your country.
2. YesMovies
- Destination URL: yesmovies.ag
YesMovies is another perfect HDToday alternative offering free access to a vast library of TV shows, movies, and series without asking for any form of registration or subscription. You can stream or download your favorite series or movie in HD quality on YesMovies. For this, you need to enter the title in the search box and check if it’s available in the search results.
3. Vudu
- Destination URL: vudu.com
Vudu is a streaming platform notable for its “Movies in the United States” tab. This feature gives it an edge over other HDToday alternatives. It provides users with thousands of HD movies and TV shows that they can stream or download without paying a cent or creating an account. Vudu shows its commitment to its viewers’ interests by updating the website regularly so that they can get the latest and trending movies.
4. GoMovies
- Destination URL: gomovies.sx
GoMovies is another top-rated alternative allowing free access to trending and latest movies. A distinguishing feature of GoMovies is that you can find blockbusters and the latest movies on the streaming platform. However, the drawback is that you may not have access to GoMovies in your region, as several countries have restricted it. Don’t worry; you can use a VPN to unblock it.
5. CouchTuner
- Destination URL: couchtuner.show
Finally, CouchTuner is on this list because of the great streaming and downloading experience it offers users worldwide. You can stream and download over 30,000 movies from the content library on your device. A unique edge CouchTuner has over other HDToday alternatives is that the ads are minimal. You don’t need to create an account, log in, or subscribe to begin your streaming experience.
