Although downloading movies can be entertaining, it’s also risky due to possible copyright issues and malware threats. Today, several platforms are available to download movies, music, and torrents, and the last thing you want is to inadvertently expose yourself to data theft, malware, and geo-blocks. The key to avoiding all such threats is to use a robust VPN when downloading your desired content.
Best VPNs for free movie and other downloads – Quick list
Are you in a rush and can’t read the detailed descriptions for the best VPN services for downloading content online? Here’s a quick list:
- NordVPN: A premium VPN with fast speeds, secure apps, and security functionalities like Threat Protection to remove malicious content on torrent sites. Boasts P2P support on its specialized servers.
- ExtremeVPN: Offers excellent security, privacy, and torrenting features. It has an extensive server network worldwide.
- ExpressVPN: Best overall torrenting VPN with P2P, breakneck download speeds, and military-grade security. Offers excellent protections for customer data with a no-logs policy and secure applications.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Provides several customizable features with a beginner-friendly app for top-notch downloading performance.
- PrivateVPN: Secure VPN service, which supports multiple torrenting protocols, too.
How to use a VPN for free movie download
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN. Visit your preferred VPN’s website and choose a subscription plan. We recommend NordVPN because it’s fast, secure, and great for streaming movies from any location.
- Download and install the VPN app from your Apple Store or Google Play Store onto your device. You can also use the VPN’s browser extension if it’s available.
- Launch the app and sign in using your account credentials.
- Connect to a nearby server location. We advise that you pick the server closest to your physical location for a faster VPN speed.
- Now, you can visit your preferred movie website (we’ve listed over 50 in this article if you need some inspiration) to download your favorite series and shows.
Why do you need a VPN to download movies?
If you frequently watch movies, you may have encountered multiple ads and slow connection speeds during movie downloads.
Regarding safety, anytime you download content from an unreputable or illegitimate source, you put yourself and your device at risk of data theft and malware/virus attack. For this reason, you must use a VPN to download movies. This security tool protects you from online threats and allows you to bypass geo-restrictions.
Besides, many providers offer unlimited data bandwidths and an extensive server network, which are essential for downloading movies and large files all day. Using a VPN to download movies gives you private and secure access to the Internet.
Quick comparison table of the top VPN services
| NordVPN | ExtremeVPN | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | PrivateVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2P Support | Specialized servers | Specialized servers | Entire server network | Entire server network | Specialised servers |
| Port Forwarding | Yes | Yes | Available on routers | Yes | Yes |
| Download Speeds | Very fast | Fast | Extremely fast | Average | Average |
| No-logs Policy | Audited | Audited and verified | Audited and verified | Verified | Verified |
| Based in a privacy-friendly country | Yes (Panama) | Yes (British Virgin Islands) | Yes (British Virgin Islands) | No (United States) | No (Sweden) |
5 best VPNs to download online content – Detailed list
1. NordVPN
A famous VPN player that offers impressive speeds for downloading movies and shows and unlimited torrenting. It provides stealth protection against online hazards and maximum anonymity.
5000+ servers optimized for streaming and torrenting
CyberSec feature blocks ads, malware, and suspicious websites
Robust AES-256 encryption guarantees superior data protection
Built-in kill switch prevents data leaks
Offers split-tunneling feature for specific apps/sites
Provide extra layer of protection with Double VPN functionality
Onion over VPN allows secure access to the Dark Web
Has a strict no-logs policy
Supports up to 10 multi-logins simultaneously on different devices
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Top-notch security and privacy features
- P2P-optimized servers
- Offers stealth DDoS protection
Cons
- Some servers can be slow
NordVPN offers quality features at an affordable price. For as low as $3.99/month, you can get about 10 connections per account.
The VPN has a network of over 5,600 servers in 59 countries, all suitable for downloading. This means you’ll have no issue connecting to a server closest to your location. Its servers have P2P support and one of the fastest connection speeds in the industry.
NordVPN is based in Panama, where no data retention laws exist, so rest assured your data is safe. The service’s privacy and security functionalities make it stand out. Unlike most VPNs, NordVPN has a double VPN, Onion over VPN, kill switches, and DNS leak protection to encrypt your traffic and add an extra layer of security.
It supports ultra-secure VPN protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. With these choices of protocols, you can watch your favorite shows, download series, and stream live sports events privately and secretly without internet lags. NordVPN is available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.
2. ExtremeVPN
A relative newcomer to the VPN market, but conquering the world with its top-tier service, robust encryption, and blazing-fast connection speed. It allows you to stream and download content without worrying about digital privacy and security.
Boasts more than 6,500 secure servers in 70+ countries
Offers top-tier protection with AES-256 encryption
P2P support on all servers
Doesn’t log users activities
Reliable kill switch feature
Offers functional split tunneling feature
Onion over VPN servers for stealth protection
Allow up to ten device connections at once on one account
Prevents IP/DNS leaks
Proven 30-day refund policy
Pros
- Boasts blazing-fast connection speed
- Offers WireGuard tunnelling protocol
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons
- Lacks Double VPN mode
ExtremeVPN is an excellent option for downloading movies. It has fast speeds like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, and the servers are stable enough to bypass geo-restrictions and download movies. Additionally, it uses AES-256 encryption and a kill switch to guarantee a safe torrenting experience.
This newbie prioritizes users’ privacy, as it has a serious zero-logging policy that third parties have audited. In our testing, we found no DNS/IP leaks. This provider is a decent pick for torrenting, but keep in mind that not all its servers support it.
3. ExpressVPN
A trusted and affordable VPN service that offers top-notch security and privacy features. With its blazing-fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, it is one of the most reliable VPN services for downloading files and torrents.
Boasts a massive network of servers across 90+ countries
Runs in RAM for increased privacy and security
Incorporates proficient security with AES-256 encryption
Doesn’t store users data
Offers split tunneling for directing specific traffic through the VPN
Network Lock kill switch safeguards data
Offers Onion over VPN servers
Provides P2P support
Allows up to 8 simultaneous connections
30-day refund policy
Pros
- Super-fast speed on all servers
- Unblocks all major streaming and torrenting sites
- Seamlessly bypasses network throttling
Cons
- Doesn’t support IPv6
If you want a top-notch VPN for swift downloading, ExpressVPN is a worthy pick. Its fully audited no-logs policy suggests it never records your activities when you download movies or visit torrent sites.
This provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes data-sharing alliances. Thanks to its RAM-only servers, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure.
Its outstanding security features, such as AES-256 encryption, WebRTC protection, Perfect Forward Secrecy, split tunneling DNS leak protection, private DNS servers, and a kill switch, are worth mentioning. These features make it difficult for third parties to penetrate your network.
Another critical feature of this VPN is the Smart Location. This tool connects you to the best server based on your location. In addition, the VPN has a streaming functionality, which ensures you download movies in HD quality.
ExpressVPN has fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth to bypass internet throttling. It integrates excellently with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux devices. You can also set it up on your smart TV and router. To determine if this service suits your needs, you can test it risk-free for 30 days using the money-back guarantee.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A top-notch VPN service with a strict no-logs policy and robust security protocols. It is a reliable option for downloading and torrenting securely.
Large server network spread across 80+ countries
Support Peer-to-Peer sharing on all servers
Offers top-notch AES-256 encryption standard
Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious content efficiently
Boasts a strict no-logs policy
RAM-only servers
Offers split tunneling feature
Instantly halts internet if VPN connection drops with reliable kill switch feature
Support unlimited simultaneous connections
A tested 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Provides dedicated IP adresses
- Does not limit server switching
- Has super-fast downloading speeds
Cons
- Slow customer support
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN offers several customizable features to make downloading movies more enjoyable. As a VPN novice, you’ll appreciate its simple user interface that allows you to access servers with one click.
The provider has speedy, reliable servers in over 80 countries, all optimized for streaming and torrenting. PIA has stealthy security features, such as IP leak protection, kill switch, and RAM-only servers. This VPN lets you access streaming and music sites like Spotify, Apple Music, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Disney+ without hassle.
Beyond its speed and unblocking ability, PIA has unlimited bandwidth without throttling. We experienced no torrenting limits during our test. Thanks to its port forwarding feature, we achieved excellent download speeds.
If you focus on transparency, this VPN will appeal to you, as it has open-sourced apps. The provider also follows a strict no-logs policy. (PIA has had court cases where the government demanded that they release their logs for criminal trials, and they responded by surrendering nothing.)
5. PrivateVPN
An optimal VPN service that offers a secure downloading and torrenting experience. It does not compromise users’ privacy and security.
Boasts more than 200 server locations in 63+ countries
Offers best-in-class encryption; AES-256
P2P-optimized servers promote efficient and fast torrenting
Reliable protection against web leaks
Offers kill switch feature
Doesn’t keep record of users activities
Support up to 10 simultaneous connections
Money-back guarantee of 30 days
Pros
- Customizable encryption
- Offers unlimited bandwidth
- Supports port forwarding
Cons
- Limited configuration
PrivateVPN has numerous impressive security features, including a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, SOCKS5 and HTTP proxy servers, and port forwarding.
This provider is reputable for providing fast and reliable access to streaming platforms. It has excellent download speeds and is suitable for torrenting and loading web pages. It has one of the best P2P speeds in the industry.
The provider offers intuitive apps for Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS device platforms. Although PrivateVPN has a small server network, it offers a nice mix of locations worldwide. So, you won’t have trouble downloading movies from censored sites abroad.
This VPN passed all our security tests thanks to its 128-bit GCM encryption. A highlight of this service is its Stealth VPN, which hides your identity on restricted networks.
As regards privacy, PrivateVPN doesn’t lag. Despite being located in Sweden, a 14-Eyes Alliance country, it stores no logs.
Of all the VPNs featured on our list, this provider lets you connect 10 devices simultaneously. Moreover, you can set it up on a router if you want to use the VPN on your Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or an unsupported Smart TV.
Find the right VPN for your online activities
Finding the right VPN is a breeze when you know the features necessary to support your online activities.
When torrenting, you want a VPN that allows you to torrent with as few restrictions as possible. For music and movie downloads, it’s imperative to use a service that offers fast connection speeds and doesn’t log your personal information.
Best VPN for downloading music
Many music lovers download music from stream-ripping sites. Stream-ripping involves illegally converting music files on streaming search engines and sites to downloadable copies. We’re talking about copying music from streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube.
Indeed, downloading music from stream-ripping sites is illegal. If, by any chance, you’re caught innocently downloading copyrighted music, it can attract penalties or a jail term. Therefore, using a VPN to mask your identity and access geo-restricted music websites is best.
Each VPN featured in this article is excellent for downloading your favorite music. With them, you can enjoy numerous songs from legal platforms like Audiomack, Spotify, Apple, Deezer, and YouTube. Besides, these premium VPNs have fast connection speeds, extensive server networks, and robust security.
Once you use a VPN alongside legal music services, accessing stream-ripping sites will be the least of your worries.
Best VPN for downloading torrents
Keep in mind that torrenting is a bandwidth-consuming activity. Hence, you must select a premium VPN with port forwarding, WireGuard support, and dedicated P2P servers.
Torrenting websites are usually packed with malware. This is because community members can upload torrent files without any third-party checks. In 2018, a Russian torrenting client infected over 400,000 users with malware.
Although the VPN can’t prevent you from accessing malicious files, it offers protection against data leaking and snooping. We recommend that you subscribe to antivirus software to avoid torrent malware. The software will scan your files before downloading them on your device.
NordVPN is your best pick for torrenting, given its protective features like a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and ChaCha20 encryption. The provider also supports P2P file sharing on all its servers and offers the Threat Manager feature to block malicious files and sites while you download using torrent clients for added peace of mind.
However, NordVPN is a bit costly option. If you want a budget-friendly service with dedicated security and privacy, consider ExtremeVPN. This newbie VPN network has impressive unblocking capabilities and robust protection against online risks.
Things to consider when selecting a reliable VPN for downloads
The following features make a VPN suitable for downloading movies:
- Connection speeds: The VPN must have consistent fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This way, you will experience minimal lags. Select providers with high-speed servers and torrenting-specific features like port forwarding and a SOCKS5 proxy to avoid slowdowns and maximize speed while downloading movies.
- User interface: Easy-to-use apps make it simple to connect to a server and start downloading. Each VPN on our list offers intuitive apps that support multiple devices, including Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS.
- Torrenting support: Not every VPN supports torrenting. Opt for VPNs with dedicated P2P servers for safe and secure downloads.
- Privacy and security: Select VPNs with security features for downloading movies, such as 256-bit AES encryption, advanced protocols, DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. With these features, you can protect your personal data while accessing piracy movie sites. We also advise that you check the preferred provider’s privacy terms and data-logging policy to determine if they uphold users’ privacy.
- Customer support: Reliable customer support is essential when you run into issues. An ideal VPN should have friendly and responsive customer service. They should have live chat, email, and phone channels that provide 24/7 customer support. Regardless of the VPN service you select from our list, you can rest assured of dedicated and active customer support.
- Device compatibility: Since you need a VPN to download movies and music, choose providers that offer a native app for multiple operating systems like iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Android. For example, ExpressVPN allows for eight simultaneous connections.
- Pricing: Another consideration is determining whether the VPN provider offers value for money. Check the functionality of the VPN and ensure it offers a 7-day free trial alongside a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I use a free VPN?
Yes, but don’t expect it to function flawlessly. The issue with using a free VPN for downloading movies is it often throttles connection speeds. Many providers also collect users’ data to sell to third parties. Besides, free VPNs lack the infrastructure to support P2P traffic.
Here are a few risks of using a free VPN:
- Malware/Virus: Freebie VPNs usually contain hidden malware to steal your data. They are less secure than their premium counterparts.
- Data leaks: By downloading movies with a free VPN, you can risk your IP address being leaked.
- Browsing hijacking: Free services are notorious for browser hijacking through iFrames and JavaScript codes. This way, they can track data logs, such as connection timestamps, device information, and IP address.
- Limited data bandwidth: Many free VPNs have limited bandwidth to restrict how much you can browse the internet daily. Hence, it may be difficult to complete movie downloads while using them.
Undoubtedly, free services are not safe and secure for downloading movies. If a free provider is your only option, we recommend you opt for the free version of premium VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. You can enjoy their money-back guarantee with no strings attached. The only drawback of this approach is the time limit.
FAQs
Yes, a VPN is helpful for torrenting. Since P2P file sharing is a bandwidth-extensive activity, ISPs usually monitor torrenting activities, often deliberately slowing down your internet speed to conserve bandwidth. That is where a VPN helps by masking your activities so that your ISP won’t know when you engage in data-sensitive activities and won’t throttle your connection.
Using a reliable VPN protects your information from the government, ISPs, cybercriminals, and copyright holders. Once you access the internet, your ISP monitors your online activities. If you’re torrenting, it will throttle your connection speeds or terminate your service. Likewise, copyright holders and government agencies can snoop on your data. If they find you engaging in copyright infringement, it can result in legal action. Finally, hackers can intercept and sell your information on the dark web without a secure VPN connection. So, using a premium VPN while downloading movies is advisable.
When downloading movies, it becomes difficult to determine which movies a streaming platform has the copyright to upload. However, an easy way to avoid downloading illegal content is to observe the frequency of ads. You’ll face several annoying ads when downloading movies, games, music, or even software from a website without a copyright. Unreputable sites are notorious for malicious redirects and constant pop-ups.
VPNs are more suitable than Tor for torrenting. They offer more robust encryption, fast speeds, and dedicated P2P servers to improve your torrenting experience. In contrast, Tor only provides users anonymity by routing traffic through multiple volunteer-operated servers. This significantly affects internet speed. Besides, Tor isn’t optimized for P2P traffic, so using the technology can lead to poor torrenting performance.
Downloading movies is safe with a VPN. Once you connect to a VPN, you become anonymous, which helps keep your online activities completely private.
Yes, it’s legal. Because many movie sites contain malware and viruses, you’re justified to use a VPN to access them securely.
Unfortunately, not every VPN allows torrenting. Hence, you must opt for VPNs with specific torrenting features, such as dedicated P2P servers, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
