Popcorn Time is an incredible site that streams a wide variety of content for free. However, behind the sleek interface, it is just a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform like BitTorrent. This means it can expose your IP address to other users on the network, which threatens your privacy. Also, you can get into trouble for watching copyrighted material.
Although Popcorn Time offers an inbuilt VPN, it is unjustifiably expensive, and it isn’t guaranteed to maintain privacy and security. That’s why you must install reliable and trustworthy third-party VPN services supporting P2P connections.
In this article, we have shortlisted the best VPNs for Popcorn Time, why you need a VPN for Popcorn Time, VPNs to avoid, and much more.
Top VPNs for Popcorn Time – The quick list
Are you short on time to go through the whole guide? No problem. Here is a quick list of the best VPNs for Popcorn Time.
- NordVPN – Our top recommendation for Popcorn Time. It offers dedicated servers for P2P traffic with incredible speeds and solid security.
- ExpressVPN – It has super-fast servers, Trustedserver technology, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.
- Proton VPN – This is a premium service that offers a free version. It supports P2P traffic and keeps your activities private with the no-logs policy.
- Surfshark – Provides unlimited simultaneous connections, unrestricted bandwidth and data, camouflage mode, and many other valuable features.
- Windscribe – A Canadian-based premium VPN service with a free plan. It allows P2P connections on most servers and protects your data with robust security.
How to set up and use a Popcorn Time VPN
Getting started with a VPN for Popcorn Time is effortless, even for beginners. Just use the following steps to set it up, and you can stream movies and TV shows anonymously.
- Choose a trustworthy VPN service, preferably from the list below. NordVPN is our top choice for Popcorn Time.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device.
- Select a package and subscribe.
- Start the VPN and choose a server to connect to.
- Launch Popcorn Time and start streaming.
Why do I need a VPN to watch Popcorn Time?
Besides privacy and anonymity, there are several other reasons why you need to start using a VPN for Popcorn Time.
Anonymize your traffic
Popcorn Time uses torrent technology, which can reveal crucial data like your IP address to other users on the network. This exposes you to threats like surveillance, hackers, and trackers. However, a VPN will encrypt your traffic and conceal your IP address to prevent third parties from accessing your information.
Avoid ISP bandwidth throttling
Internet service providers (ISPs) are known to throttle users’ bandwidth, especially the ones engaging with P2P services like Popcorn Time. So, when you are streaming, your speed may slow down to a crawl, or even the connection breaks. However, by encrypting your traffic with a VPN, your ISP cannot see what you are doing online. This means that it won’t put any restrictions on your service.
Evade Popcorn Time bans
Because Popcorn Time hosts copyrighted content, it has been banned by some countries and ISPs. However, you can connect to a server in another country with a VPN to bypass the restrictions and watch anything you want.
The best Popcorn Time VPNs today – The detailed list
Many VPNs will mask your IP address and provide you with the necessary security features to protect your online traffic. However, not all services support P2P connections and offer sufficient speeds to stream videos. We’ll comprehensively review our best Popcorn Time VPNs in the list below.
1. NordVPN
Our top pick VPN for Popcorn Time. It offers robust security and super-fast speed that support lag-free HD streaming anywhere.
6,800+ servers in 113 countries
P2P optimized servers
Double encryption
Kill switch
Allows up to 10 devices simultaneously
Web protection
MultiHop-mode
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- P2p optimized servers
- Compatible with almost all devices
- Independently audited no-logs policy
Cons
- The desktop interface looks a bit dated
NordVPN has clinched our top spot for several reasons. First, it provides easy-to-use apps that work well with Popcorn Time. Secondly, the provider has a massive server network and offers advanced features at a reasonable cost.
It doesn’t allow torrenting on all the servers but has specifically optimized servers for P2P traffic. These servers provide fast and consistent speeds so you can use Popcorn Time without issues. You can even download torrents on sites such as uTorrent and Vuze.
NordVPN has the most extensive network on this list, with over 6,800 servers in 113 countries. Therefore, you can connect a server in any country you want if Popcorn Time is unavailable in your region. Also, you can easily switch to another server if your streaming connection is slow.
The VPN will secure your connections with military-grade encryption, which is virtually impossible to break. On top of that, it uses perfect forward secrecy (PFS) to change your encryption key every time you establish a connection. As a result, your ISP or any other third party won’t see what you are doing or access your information.
Moreover, it has effective DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protection to prevent your traffic from leaking accidentally, which can expose your identity. In addition, you will get an automatic kill switch that will cut your connection if the VPN stops working unexpectedly.
The CyberSec ad-blocker is another great feature that makes it perfect for Popcorn Time. Besides eliminating ads, it will also prevent malware and trackers. Thankfully, it is easy to activate on the settings page by pressing the toggle button.
The provider has a strict zero-logs policy and does not keep any logs. This means it won’t record sensitive data such as your IP address, payment details, or online activities. Also, NordVPN is based in Panama, which isn’t a signatory to the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.
2. ExpressVPN
Excellent VPN for Popcorn Time. The provider is well-known for its blazing-fast speed, top-notch privacy, and huge server network – everything that binge-watchers need.
3,000+ servers in 107 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
IP leak protection
Supports P2P
Kill switch mode
Strict no-logs policy
8 simultaneous connections
30 days money back guarantee
Pros
- High-security levels
- Blazing fast speeds
- Reliable customer service
Cons
- Expensive packages
ExpressVPN is another reliable option to stream movies on Popcorn Time. It is compatible with almost every major operating system, including Android, Mac, Windows, and iOS. There are also apps for various routers and other devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, etc.
The VPN supports P2P connections with unlimited bandwidth on all the servers, making it great for Popcorn Time. Some providers restrict P2P on specific servers, but ExpressVPN allows you to use the server nearest to your location for top speed. Besides Popcorn Time, it also works well with other P2P applications like Vuze, uTorrent, Deluge, BitTorrent, Transmission, etc.
ExpressVPN has a massive network with over 3,000 servers distributed in over 107 countries. This is a great thing, as there is a good chance of getting a nearby server that isn’t crowded. Generally, your speed reduces slightly the farther away the server is.
The Smart Location is a convenient feature as it automatically chooses the fastest server based on your latency and distance. Although it saves you time, you can also find a reliable connection through a bit of trial and error.
Another notable feature is the TrustedServer technology. It improves your privacy and security by ensuring the servers run on random access memory (RAM). This storage cannot hold anything, so every time you launch the VPN, data from your previous session is deleted.
ExpressVPN uses high-end security features to keep you safe while streaming through Popcorn Time. First, it combines military-grade AES 256-bit encryption with SHA-512 HMAC authentication, 4096-bit RSA key, and AES 256-bit cipher. Second, there is the perfect forward secrecy that changes your encryption key constantly. In addition, ExpressVPN offers multiple tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN, Lightway, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec.
The provider has a no-logs policy so that it won’t retain, share, or sell any of your identifiable information. This claim has been independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and Cure53. Also, similar to Surfshark, it is based in the British Virgin Islands, where there aren’t data retention laws.
3. Proton VPN
Offering watertight security features, impressive performance, and stable connectivity, it is probably the best free VPN in town for safe Popcorn Time streaming.
9,000+ servers in 112 countries
AES 256-bit encryption
P2P support
Kill switch
No-logs policy
10 simultaneous devices
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Easy to use apps
- Free plan
- Sufficient speed
Cons
- Some servers are slow
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Popcorn Time. The download and installation process is straightforward, and the apps are incredibly easy to use. Its sleek interface has a button to connect you to the fastest server automatically.
The VPN allows P2P connections on all the servers, which means you can stream movies and TV shows on Popcorn Time. In addition, it works well with many torrenting sites such as Pirates Bay, RARBG, Tor, etc.
It has a decent-sized network of around 9,000 servers in 112 countries. Although it isn’t the fastest VPN on this list, the speed is sufficient to stream on Popcorn Time. Remarkably, the servers indicate the traffic load, making it easy to choose the fastest server manually.
Proton VPN comes with robust security features to secure your connections. First, the built-in DNS leak protection masks and keep your IP address safe. Second, it protects your data with AES 256-bit encryption and a 4096-bit RSA key exchange. Finally, it uses perfect forward secrecy to generate a new encryption key each time you establish a connection.
Maintaining your privacy while streaming with P2P sites like Popcorn Time is very important. This VPN has a strong emphasis on providing total anonymity. Its straightforward privacy policy states that the provider does not store any logs. Also, it is based in Switzerland, which is privacy-friendly.
ProtonVPN isn’t completely free, but it’s a premium service that offers a free version. However, it is limited, allowing you to connect only a single device and giving you access to servers in three locations. In addition, the speed is slower than the paid packages.
4. Surfshark
An affordable, reliable, speedy, and undeniably the best streaming VPN for Popcorn Time to enjoy your favorite content with your family.
3,200 servers in 100+ countries
AES 256-bit encryption
Supports P2P sharing
Strict no-logs policy
Has Camouflage (server obfuscation) feature
CleanWeb ad-blocker
Double VPN
Unlimited simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Affordable packages
- P2P support on all servers
- Dedicated apps for all devices
Cons
- The mobile app may prompt captchas
Surfshark is your best bet if you are looking for a VPN for safe Popcorn Time streaming. It is affordable, offers robust security features, and all the apps are user-friendly.
Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark does not have optimized servers for torrenting. Instead, the entire server network is P2P-friendly. Therefore, the best way to get sufficient speed to stream Popcorn Time content is by connecting to a server nearest to your location. This is because the data packets will travel a shorter distance than distant servers.
Thankfully, the provider has an extensive network of over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. Also, almost all the servers are reliable and solid and provide consistent connections. Most servers are placed in the United States if you’d like to unblock US-based sites such as Peacock TV.
Surfshark uses fairly standard security features to maintain your security. First, it has AES 256-bit military-grade encryption to protect your connections. Second, there is the combination of a 2048-bit DHE RSA key exchange, SHA-512 authentication, and perfect forward secrecy. As a result, nobody can gain access to your data.
A DNS leak can cause your ISP to see your internet activity. However, Surfshark uses private DNS on every server to prevent this from happening. In addition, it has a kill switch that will temporarily disconnect your traffic if the VPN is compromised.
The Camouflage Mode will be helpful if you live in a country with censorship laws prohibiting VPNs like China. It hides traffic, even under deep packet inspection (DPI), to make your connection look normal.
Surfshark provides native apps for almost all platforms, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. Although the layout has slight differences, navigating the apps is effortless. Fortunately, the VPN supports unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to use as many devices as possible.
While it’s based in the Netherlands, the company behind Surfshark follows a no-logs policy. This means it does not retain your browsing history, IP address, session information, or any identifiable information.
5. Windscribe
Another reliable VPN for safe streaming on Popcorn Time. It comes with a free trial, letting you test the service risk-free to unblock your preferred streaming platform before subscription.
170 servers across 60 countries
AES-256 cipher encryption
DNS leak protection
Zero-logs policy
Double VPN
Unlimited simultaneous devices
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Native apps all major platforms
- Advanced security and privacy features
- Easy to get started
Cons
- Data limitations for streaming
- Sloppy support
Windscribe is another trustworthy free VPN to stream videos on Popcorn Time. It makes it effortless to get started, as you can install the apps without registering an account. Also, upgrading to the paid plans is very easy as well.
This is the smallest network on this list, with over 170 servers in 60 countries. Most servers support P2P connections, enabling you to stream Popcorn Time without issues. Thankfully, the server selection list shows servers that don’t support torrenting with a crossed P2P icon.
Windscribe will prevent your traffic from leaking with DNS leak protection. In addition, the automatic kill switch will cut off the internet connection if the VPN stops suddenly. Moreover, it uses AES 256-bit encryption together with perfect forward secrecy, 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA 512 authentication.
Although the provider is based in Canada, it doesn’t collect or keep any logs. This means it won’t have any data to share with third parties or hand over to authorities.
Like ProtonVPN, Windscribe also provides a free version, an excellent way to get started if you aren’t sure about the service. Unfortunately, it is constrained, allowing you to access servers in only 11 locations. Sometimes these servers are sluggish because of the high number of users. In addition, although it lets you connect unlimited simultaneous connections, you can only use 10GB per month. This is not enough for streaming content on Popcorn Time.
The methodology behind testing and ranking these best VPNs for Popcorn Time
Here are some of the things we had to look out for when compiling the above list:
Compatibility
Does the VPN work well with Popcorn Time? Does it support P2P traffic, which many VPNs don’t? So, we ensured the providers on this list were suited for torrenting.
Also, is the VPN compatible with major operating systems? You will probably have different devices to stream content on Popcorn Time, like Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. So, I ensured the services on this list offer dedicated apps for these platforms.
Security
Besides bypassing geo-restrictions, a VPN should also keep you safe when streaming. Hence, some security features we considered include military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, kill switch, double VPN, and tunneling protocols.
Privacy
Privacy is essential when streaming with a P2P site like Popcorn Time. As mentioned before, some of its content is copyrighted. This means you can get into trouble if the copyright holders find out. So, we chose VPN services with strict no-logs policy and based in privacy-friendly countries.
Speed
Streaming requires fast and consistent connections. Constant buffering and lagging can be annoying when watching a movie. Luckily, the VPNs on this list offer sufficient speeds with servers spread worldwide to give you an incredible streaming experience.
Value for money
Subscribing to an expensive VPN is unnecessary, yet you get mediocre services. A good provider should offer reasonably priced packages. We selected VPNs that provide value for money and high-quality features.
Customer support
Technical issues can occur even with the best VPN service, so reliable customer support is vital. Therefore, we ensured the providers on this list offer easy ways to contact the agents, like 24/7 live chat, email, or phone.
Can I stream content on Popcorn Time with a free VPN?
Technically, no. This is because there isn’t a free VPN that combines the security, privacy, speed, and P2P support required to stream on Popcorn Time.
Furthermore, many free VPNs are known for monitoring and collecting users’ data to sell to third parties. This overrides the point of using a VPN to safeguard your online privacy, especially when streaming on sites like Popcorn Time.
Another way that free VPNs make money is by selling advertisement spaces. Unfortunately, this means the apps will be filled with irritating ads that spoil your streaming experience. Worst of all, some ads contain malware that can infect your device. When researching this article, I interacted with many free VPNs, but none met our quality standards.
An alternative is the free versions of premium services like Proton VPN and Windscribe. However, they are limited in terms of data capacity, speed, and server locations. As a result, you are left with sluggish internet speed, and the connection even breaks once you reach the set limit. Although the providers will maintain your security and privacy, these restrictions are unfavorable for streaming high-quality videos.
Fortunately, cheap VPNs provide incredible speeds, massive server networks, and unlimited data. So this means you can still get a reliable service without breaking the bank.
VPNs to avoid with Popcorn Time
We have compiled a list of the top VPNs for Popcorn Time streaming. However, it is also essential to highlight some of the services you should avoid altogether, regardless of the deal they offer.
1. Turbo VPN
This is a highly-rated VPN service, but we recommend you avoid it. This is because it collects and retains much data, including your IP address. Therefore, one of the crucial factors I considered when gathering the above providers is the strict no-logs policy.
2. HolaVPN
Hola is known for creating exit nodes where other people consume the idle bandwidth of free users. In addition, it has been involved in a botnet attack where cybercriminals controlled its users’ computers. This is why you should stay away from the service completely.
3. Betternet
Betternet is another culprit of retaining identifiable data, which compromises your privacy. In addition, it will bombard you with annoying ads, although the provider claims to be ad-free on its website.
4. CrossVPN
CrossVPN is known for infecting devices with malware. This can cause many issues, such as security breaches to your device. So, avoid it at all costs to be on the safer side.
5. SuperVPN
SuperVPN also has a reputation for injecting malicious code into users’ devices. Also, it keeps connection and activity logs, which is unsuitable for privacy.
Alternatives to Popcorn Time
There are many options if you’re looking for a Popcorn Time alternative. For example, Kodi provides the same service. It is free software you can easily install on your device and stream any content you want. However, you might have to install suitable add-ons. Like on Popcorn Time, you will likely watch copyrighted material on Kodi, so you must use a VPN.
Besides Kodi, you can subscribe to paid streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, and more. However, some sites may be unavailable in your country, or the content differs worldwide. In such a case, a VPN is the only reliable solution. It will allow you to connect to a server in another country, bypassing geo-restriction.
FAQs
No. This is because your IP address can be exposed to other users on the P2P network. Also, it hosts copyrighted content, and you can get hefty fines or even prosecution if caught. That is why using a VPN when streaming on Popcorn Time is crucial to minimize the risks.
Several reasons may cause Popcorn Time to buffer. First, your internet service provider (ISP) may be throttling your bandwidth. Second, it can be a problem with your connection. The best solution to these issues is a VPN.
The Popcorn Time software is safe and malware-free if you get it from the developer’s official site. However, downloading it from an unofficial third-party website puts you at risk of getting malware infection. Therefore, we recommend combining antivirus and a VPN to stay safe.
A slow connection is a sacrifice you must make when using a VPN because of the encryption process. However, high-quality services such as NordVPN mitigate the speed loss using the latest technology and robust server network. There won’t be any noticeable changes, and you can stream content in full HD.
