Is Showbox Safe and Legal for Streaming?

Ruheni Mathenge  - Streaming Expert
Last updated: August 20, 2024
Read time: 9 minutes Disclosure
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Showbox is a popular streaming platform with a wide variety of content, but is it safe and legal to use today? Read on to find out.

Showbox is a popular free on-demand streaming service with many high-quality movies and TV shows. Its popularity is largely due to the platform’s lack of annoying pop-ups or ads, which distinguishes it from competitors.

However, the site is blocked in many countries, and hackers exploit it by letting people access sites like Showbox containing viruses and malware.

In this article, we will explore Showbox’s safety and legality aspects and explain how to stream it safely from anywhere.

DISCLAIMER: This article on serves as informational purposes, we doesn’t support or recommend using free streaming service. Such sites host streaming material without owners’ consent, and that is illegal in many regions. Moreover, it can expose your device to several online hazards, as it contains viruses and malware. Therefore, we suggest you to use paid streaming option instead or use a premium VPN service like NordVPN if you still prefer free platform over paid one.

Using a VPN to access Showbox online safely

A virtual private network (VPN) is a simple and effective way to stream securely online. This is because sometimes even the best free streaming sites available today are conduits of stealing data while others attack users through malvertising. So, it will encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address, thereby keeping your activities private.

Use the following steps to stream TV shows and movies on this platform safely.

  1. Select a trustworthy VPN service. Our top recommendation is NordVPN because it effortlessly bypasses even the toughest geo-restrictions, has fast-speed servers, and uses solid encryption.
  2. Choose a subscription. Go to the provider’s official website and select the subscription package of your choice. Most VPNs come with a variety of plans at different prices.
  3. Download and install the app. After making payments, you can download the appropriate app for your device. Most providers have apps for all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS.
  4. Connect to a server. Navigate to the server list and connect to whatever country ShowBox is available. However, you will get better speed with a nearby server than with an international one because the traffic has to travel a shorter distance.
  5. Stream content. Open Showbox and watch your favorite movie or TV show without worrying about tracking your activities.

Best VPNs to access Showbox safely – Quick list

  1. NordVPN – A top VPN service with a massive server network worldwide. Moreover, its servers are fast, enabling you to watch ultra-HD videos.
  2. ExpressVPN – Excellent VPN with some of the fastest servers in the industry. It also employs robust security features to keep you safe.
  3. Surfshark – The most affordable VPN on this list with premium features. For example, it allows you to connect unlimited simultaneous devices.

The legality of Showbox

Is Showbox legal? We’ve heard you asked. The platform has been banned in many Western countries with strict copyright and intellectual property laws because it is considered to host pirated content. Fortunately, there is a leeway for Showbox users. Usually, watching pirated content online is not against the law, even if the hosting website does not have the requisite licensing or copyright. However, downloading pirated content is considered universally illegal and may result in legal repercussions.

Moreover, if TV producers and Hollywood studios are in litigation against Showbox, they could sue end-users. Also, websites that offer Showbox content warn users to present IP addresses and browsing history to interested parties.

As noted earlier, the best way to stay safe from these risks is by using a VPN. It will stop your ISP and other third parties from seeing your online activities or data. In addition, a VPN is a great tool to bypass geographic restrictions, especially in countries that block Showbox.

Showbox APK security examined 

Many people already know what Showbox is. But what most Showbox users out there keep wondering about is its security status. Downloading the official Showbox app on your smartphone, computer, or other streaming devices is perfectly safe. However, hackers have started developing Showbox clones infected with viruses and malware. So, downloading and installing such an application could damage your device. We recommend you use a VPN with virus protection and a malware blocker. For example, NordVPN and Surfshark offer this feature.

How to make Showbox streaming safe

Two major security risks are infection from malware or viruses and exposure to your browsing history. A VPN will safeguard you from these dangers and keep you safe. It offers strong encryption, which prevents third parties from intercepting your connections. Besides, some providers provide antivirus features to maintain your safety even when you mistakenly visit the cloned Showbox website.

Why do you need a VPN for the Showbox video streaming app?

Showbox APK streaming apps are risky. Your ISP and third parties can access your browsing history, exposing you to legal consequences for viewing pirated content. You are also vulnerable to virus and malware infections.

A VPN is the best way to stay safe when using Showbox. It encrypts your data, protecting you from hackers and third parties. Moreover, the VPNs we featured on this list offer antivirus protection, safeguarding you even if you accidentally visit a cloned Showbox website.

Best VPNs for Showbox

One of the significant advantages of VPN is that it unblocks content that is not accessible in your country. Also, it will encrypt your connections to keep you safe. We ran extended tests and thoroughly researched to develop the best VPNs. Here are the top 3 VPNs to watch Showbox online safely.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN for Streaming

Has vast number of servers all over the world help you unblock strictly geo-blocked content worldwide.

servers 6,000+ servers in 60+ locations 
P2P optimized servers P2P torrenting
encryption Boasts AES 256 encryption
Ad Blocker feature Cybersec malware blocker 
Kill switch Automatic kill switch
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
IP leak protection Thorough IP/web leak protection
SmartPlay feature SmartPlay technology
simultaneous connections Allows 10 simultaneous connections per account
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Excellent security and privacy 
  • Sufficient streaming speed 
  • Massive server list 
Cons
  • The desktop apps look outdated 

NordVPN is perhaps the top VPN service to stream Showbox from anywhere. It has a massive network of over 6,000+ servers in more than 60 countries, enabling you to access content globally. In addition, most of the servers are super-fast, allowing you to watch videos in ultra HD.

Another reason why NordVPN trashes other providers is its security. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your traffic or data from third parties, including your ISP. Additional essential features include an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, CyberSec ad, malware blocker, and multiple tunneling protocols. This combination ensures that you remain safe always.

The VPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t store identifiable information. Fortunately, it isn’t a marketing ploy, as the claim has been verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Cure53 independent audits. In addition, the provider is headquartered in Panama, which respects privacy.

NordVPN is compatible with major operating systems, enabling you to stream it on any device without any worries. Thankfully, it allows you to connect ten simultaneous devices or install it on your router for more connections.


2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN new features block logo 120 by 120 now

Unbelievably fast VPN provider with tons of impressive features and servers

servers 3,000+ servers in over 90 countries
encryption Strong AES 256-bit encryption
IP leak protection DNS leak protection
Kill switch Kill switch
Zero-logs policy Strict no-logs policy
simultaneous connections 8 simultaneous device support
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Tremendous performance in and outside the US
  • Unblocks Epix TV and most other major streaming platforms
Cons
  • Relatively costlier subscription plans

ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN that has a massive network of around 3000 servers across 94 countries worldwide. These are some of the fastest VPN servers in the industry, so streaming HD videos will be effortless.

The VPN employs various security techniques to keep you safe while streaming Showbox. First, it has AES 256-bit encryption that prevents unauthorized access to your information. Second, the TrustedServer technology ensures data is not saved on the servers. Third, it uses an automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to block your traffic from leaving the encrypted tunnel.

ExpressVPN’s privacy policy states that it does not store, share, or sell personal data to maintain your anonymity. PwC and Cure53 have independently audited it to assess these logging practices. Also, similarly to Surfshark, the provider is based in the British Virgin Islands.

The ExpressVPN app is available on many hardware, including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. Besides, the MediaStreamer feature will make it easy to use the VPN on devices that don’t support VPNs, like smart TVs.


3. Surfshark

SurfsharkVPN

An affordable VPN service boasts impressive unblocking features and unlimited bandwidth

servers 3,200 VPN servers in 100 countries 
P2P optimized servers Allows P2P sharing
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
Zero-logs policy Robust no-logs policy
IP leak protection Web leak protection
Kill switch Effective kill switch
Ad Blocker feature CleanWeb malware blocker 
simultaneous connections Unlimited simultaneous devices per subscription
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Robust security   
  • Bypass geo-restrictions
  • Blocks malware
Cons
  • Slow speed on some servers 

Surfshark is the best budget-friendly VPN for watching content on Showbox. It runs a network of over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, making accessing content outside your jurisdiction easy. If you connect to the correct server, you can stream high-quality videos.

This VPN is as secure as it gets. For example, it has AES 256-bit encryption, making it impossible to interject your traffic. Also, the CleanWeb feature blocks intrusive ads, trackers, and malware to keep you safe. In addition, the MultiHop features add an extra encryption layer by routing your traffic through two servers. Other security features include DNS leak protection, a kill switch, two-factor authentication, camouflage mode, and several protocols.

The provider will not retain your browsing history, IP address, session data, or any information that can reveal your identity. Furthermore, it is based in the British Virgin Islands, which isn’t part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance or any intelligence formation. In addition, it issues a warrant canary that shows whether the company has been subpoenaed to surrender data.

Surfshark provides native apps for Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Fire devices. Fortunately, it supports unlimited connections to connect as many devices as possible.


How to download Showbox

While the streaming service is popular, it is unavailable on the Google Play Store. This is because the Google Play Store policy doesn’t promote apps that distribute pirated content. 

Use the steps below to download the Showbox app

  1. Search for ‘Showbox download’ or ‘Showbox app download’ on Google. 
  2. A ton of websites will appear. 
  3. Click on any of the websites. 
  4. Download the appropriate app for your device. 

Note: Downloading applications from untrusted websites could expose you to malware and other threats. So, ensure you have an active VPN or antivirus on your device.

How to install Showbox

After downloading Showbox, installing it is straightforward. We’ll show you how to install it on Android, iOS and Windows. 

Install Showbox on Android

Since the platform is unavailable on Google Play, a warning will appear on your Android device during installation.

If your device doesn’t allow installation from unknown sources, you must first configure it. Use the steps below to do it.

  1. Go to ‘Settings.’
  2. Scroll down to ‘Lock screen and security.’ 
  3. Turn on ‘Unknown sources.’ 
  4. Open ‘File Manager.’
  5. Click on ‘Downloads.
  6. Find the Showbox app.
  7. Click on ‘Install Showbox.’
  8. The app will appear on your homepage in a matter of seconds. 

Install Showbox for iOS

Use the steps below to install Showbox on your iOS device

  1. Once you download the iOS file
  2. Navigate to ‘Settings.‘ 
  3. Open the ‘General Profile.’ 
  4. Click on ‘Showbox.
  5. Click ‘Trust this app.’ 
  6. The Showbox icon will appear on your home screen

Install Showbox on Windows 

The steps below show you how to install Showbox on your Windows PC. 

  1. Go to your ‘File Explorer’ to access the EXE file you downloaded in the download steps. 
  2. Install the file on your PC.
  3. Run the app.

Download and install Showbox on macOS

The download and installation processes for Mac differ from those for PC, as you’ll need an Android emulator. 

Download Showbox for Mac with Android emulator 

  1. Visit www.andyroid.net
  2. Install Andyroid software on your device. 
  3. Go to Andyroid and open the default web browser.
  4. Input the URL for downloading the Showbox APK. 
  5. Click the download app button. 
  6. Open ES File Explorer on Andyroid. 
  7. Go to sdcardo to access the Showbox app icon. 
  8. Click on the icon. 
  9. Scroll down to install ‘Showbox for Mac.’ 
  10. Click ‘Open.’ 
  11. Showbox APK will appear on the Andyroid home screen
  12. Start streaming your favorite shows on Showbox.

Install Showbox on Mac with BlueStacks

BlueStacks is an Android emulator. The installation process is similar to Andyroid above but is a bit different.

  1. Visit www.bluestacks.com
  2. Install BlueStacks software on your device. 
  3. Open the URL to download the Showbox APK. 
  4. Click on the download button to start downloading the Showbox APK. 
  5. Open the folder where you saved the APK file. 
  6. Right-click on the file and open it with Bluestacks. 
  7. The app will install automatically. 
  8. After that, the Showbox app will appear on BlueStacks’ My Apps tab. 
  9. Start enjoying your favorite content on Showbox.

Is the Showbox application (app) a virus? Can it harm my computer or phone?

It was initially designed with Android users in mind. However, many people are worried that the free streaming app, available on most devices, has a virus or could harm their devices.

Although the genuine Showbox software is secure, many users have been victims of viruses resulting from unintentionally downloading corrupted copies of the app.

That is why you must use a VPN, such as ExpressVPN, or other security tools like malware blocker and virus protection to access Showbox securely.

Showbox alternatives

Several other free online streaming sites are good alternatives to Showbox. Fortunately, they have a lower risk of hacking data and privacy violations.

1. Titanium TV

Titanium is a popular free online streaming service that provides various movies and TV shows. In addition, it has high-quality videos compared to other free services.

2. Cinema APK

This is one of the best reliable streaming platforms. It is compatible with various operating systems, including smart TV and Firestick. What’s more, it offers many TV shows and movies you can choose from.

3. Kodi

Kodi is open-source software that enables you to combine different streams from various sources. The best part is that it has an offline download and wishlist so that you can watch it later.

4. Catmouse APK

Catmouse APK is another excellent alternative to Showbox. It has a lower risk of violations and lets you select the video’s quality while watching movies and TV shows.

5. Unlock my TV

Unlock my TV is an excellent option that never disappoints. It has a vast catalog and is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

FAQs

No, it doesn’t allow you to watch videos offline. However, the app lets you download the latest shows, movies, trailers, etc., that you can watch later.

No, it doesn’t have the option to watch Live TV. The platform only offers movies and TV shows.

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About the Author

Ruheni Mathenge

Ruheni Mathenge

Streaming Expert
203 Posts

Tech researcher and writer with a passion for cybersecurity. Ruheni Mathenge specializes in writing long-form content dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate and understand the constantly evolving online security and web freedom worlds. He specializes in VPNs, online anonymity, and encryption. His articles have appeared in many respected technology publications. Ruheni explains complicated technical concepts clearly and simply. He advocates digital freedom and online privacy at every level.

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