Is 123movies Safe in 2024?
123movies keeps getting shut down due to copyright issues. But, you can find many clone sites to watch movies and TV shows online.
Some 123movies mirror sites might have harmful links. These can harm your device with malware and steal your data. These sites have lots of ads, making them slow to use.
So, it’s important to protect your device and data when using 123movies and its mirror sites.
Using a VPN for 123movies is the best way to stay safe. A VPN hides your IP address, encrypts your data, and offers security features. This ensures a safe streaming experience.
Best VPNs for 123movies – shortlist:
- NordVPN – Best overall VPN for secure streaming on 123movies.
- Surfshark – Offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
- AtlasVPN – A great budget choice that comes with a free plan.
- PrivateVPN – Simple, easy to use, and very affordable.
- ExpressVPN – Large server network with strong security.
Is 123movies Safe and Legal?
123movies isn’t legal everywhere, as laws vary by country. In some places, you might just get a warning for streaming illegal content. But, in others, you could face serious fines.
Because it distributes copyrighted content, 123movies is illegal in most places. To check if it’s legal in your area, look up your local laws before using it.
Also, internet service providers (ISPs) might pose a risk to users streaming movies online. ISPs are required to monitor user activity and might block certain websites. Using 123movies could lead to internet speed issues or legal problems.
123movies mobile apps are also problematic, with many bad reviews on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Free streaming sites like 123movies have lots of ads and pop-ups. They make money by showing ads, but not all ads are safe. Clicking on the wrong ad can be risky.
How to Watch 123Movies Videos Safely
The best way to browse 123movies safely is with a VPN. It hides your IP address and prevents ads from targeting you.
A VPN also helps access 123Movies if it’s blocked in your country. It lets you use an IP address that isn’t blocked by firewalls.
Lastly, a VPN encrypts your traffic, so no one can see what you’re doing online. This is useful if your ISP slows down your internet to discourage data use. The VPN keeps your traffic hidden, so your ISP can’t slow down your 123movies connection.
Plus, some VPN services, like NordVPN, block annoying ads with advanced security tools. This makes streaming on 123movies smooth. They also block fake streaming platforms that host malware.
Using a VPN with an antivirus is the best way to protect your data and device. If your antivirus software gets in the way, just whitelist the VPN.
What Features Should a Good VPN for 123movies Have?
We tested over 20 popular VPNs to find the best for streaming on 123movies. Our top 5 VPNs have great features like:
- Large server network — a good VPN should have thousands of servers worldwide. This ensures fast streaming speeds. Some VPNs have fewer servers but are well-distributed.
- Kill switch — this feature disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. It keeps your IP safe. Some VPNs have an always-on kill switch for extra safety.
- Leak protection — top VPNs protect against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. While not all have full protection, DNS leak protection is a must.
- No-logs policy — the VPN should not log your data or share it with others. An independent audit proves this. A strict no-logs policy and a privacy-friendly location are good too.
- 256-bit AES encryption — this encryption is used by banks and the military, making it very safe.
- Good value — top VPN providers offer extra features like ad blockers and split-tunneling. They have affordable plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5 Best VPNs for 123movies – our detailed list:
1. NordVPN
🌐 Website: | nordvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Panama |
📍Servers/Countries: | 5800+ servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Get 68% off + 3 months extra |
NordVPN has 5,500+ servers in 55+ countries, so it’s easy to find a nearby server for super fast streaming speeds. Its servers are present in most countries, making it simple to connect to a country where 123movies is accessible.
We tested both distant and nearby servers and we had blazing-fast on all of them. We were able to watch HD movies without noticing quality drops.
It also has split tunneling, which is a feature that gives you even faster streaming speeds. This lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection. In our tests, we always had 40% faster streaming speeds when we used 123movies with the split tunneling feature.
In addition to unblocking 123movies, NordVPN can also access other popular streaming platforms. It works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Crunchyroll
Security-wise, NordVPN has advanced security and privacy features as well. For example, it has RAM-only servers, so all data gets wiped out with every server reset. Also, it has perfect forward secrecy, which changes the encryption for each VPN connection. This way, malicious actors can’t spy on your traffic because they can’t compromise past or future encryption keys. Plus, it has Threat Protection, which blocks ads and malicious sites, so it can protect you from shady clones of 123movies.
What’s more, this VPN service offers dedicated IPs. This paid add-on lets you get an IP address that’s assigned only to you. This helps you avoid annoying reCAPTCHA requests when you google 123movies.
NordVPN also has 24/7 live chat, and very cheap plans that it backs with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’d like to read more about this provider, check out our NordVPN review.
Pros
- Thousands of lightning-fast and well-optimized servers
- Unblocks all the major streaming sites
- Fully supports Torrenting and P2P
- Strict no-logs policy and RAM-disk servers
- Ad blocker and malware protection features
- Robust security features and military-grade encryption to protect you from DDoS attacks and other online threats
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
- No free trial
2. Surfshark
🌐 Website: | surfshark.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | The British Virgin Islands |
📍Servers/Countries: | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Save 84% Now! |
Unlike many other VPNs, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. So it’s perfect if you have many devices. In addition, it has a large server network with 3,200+ servers in 90+ countries, so it’s very easy to find a server location that can unblock 123movies.
In our tests, we were always able to get fast speeds when we connected to both distant and nearby servers. We didn’t notice any freezes or buffering when we skipped through videos on 123movies. What’s more, we were able to unblock other streaming websites like Netflix, Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock. There’s also Bypasser, which is Surfshark’s split tunneling feature that provides faster streaming speeds.
The provider also has advanced security features. For example, it has RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy. On top of that, it has Surfshark Alert, which is a paid security add-on. This protects your email accounts and credit cards, and checks your passwords’ vulnerability. Plus, it has Surfshark Antivirus — a paid add-on that protects your device from malware.
What’s more, we were able to unblock 123movies alternatives like Netflix, Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock. Also, for Android apps, this VPN has a feature called Spoof GPS. This feature hides your GPS data in addition to your IP address. So it allows you to use mobile streaming apps that might use GPS data to detect your location. .
In addition to this, this VPN has CleanWeb. This security feature blocks malicious ads and connections from 123movies. It makes sites load faster for a smoother streaming experience. Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat, affordable plans, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more details, check out our Surfshark review.
Pros
- A very affordable VPN provider
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Ad-blocking feature
- Unblocks streaming platforms
- Ad blocker and malware protection features
- A fast and light WireGuard protocol
- Allows split-tunneling and has a multi-hop VPN feature
- No-log policy and robust security features
- GPS spoofing on Android devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No free version
- Does not allow P2P seeding
3. AtlasVPN
🌐 Website: | atlasvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | United States |
📍Servers/Countries: | 1000 servers in 49 locations |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | 85% OFF + 3 Months FREE! |
AtlasVPN is great for keeping your data safe without spending a lot. Its free plan offers strong security, unlimited connections, and fast speeds. It has servers in the US and the Netherlands, allowing access to 123movies. But, the free plan has a 5 GB monthly data cap.
Upgrading to the paid version gives you unlimited data and 700+ servers in 30+ countries. You also get streaming support for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and HBO Max.
We tested both distant and nearby servers and always got excellent speeds. On Android devices, the provider has split tunneling for faster streaming.
Atlas VPN also has a great ad blocker to keep you safe while streaming on 123movies. This blocks trackers and malicious ads, making movies load faster and keeping your data safe.
Plus, the VPN alerts you if your passwords have been compromised. Paid plans include SafeSwap servers in the Netherlands, the US, and Singapore. These servers refresh their IPs often to protect your location.
Atlas VPN offers live chat support for paid customers and fast email support for free customers. Its paid plans are very affordable and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more information, see our Atlas VPN review.
Pros
- Very affordable plans and it has a free version
- Fast Speeds
- Helpful against an ISP throttling your connection
- Unlimited device support
- WireGuard protocol, DNS leak protection, and strong security features
- Torrenting-friendly
- Unblocks streaming services
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited Linux app
- Based in the US
- Not so many servers
4. PrivateVPN
🌐 Website: | privatevpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Sweden |
📍Servers/Countries: | 200 servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Save 85% Now! |
PrivateVPN is easy to use, even for beginners. Its apps are very intuitive, and installing the VPN takes less than 2 minutes. All features have helpful explanations, making it easy to access 123movies.
The VPN has a small server network of 200+ servers in 60+ countries. You can easily find a nearby server for fast speeds. We were able to watch 123movies and other services like Netflix and Disney+.
In our tests, we experienced very minor slowdowns on both distant and nearby servers. Videos loaded instantly, and we didn’t notice any quality drops when skipping through them.
PrivateVPN also has Application Guard, which stops certain apps if the VPN connection might drop. This feature is available on Windows only.
Stealth VPN provides obfuscation for streaming in restrictive countries. It hides your VPN traffic, making it look like you’re browsing without a VPN. This feature adds encryption, slowing down your internet speeds. In our tests, content on 123movies took an extra 4-5 seconds to load. We didn’t notice any buffering once the videos started.
PrivateVPN offers live chat support, affordable plans, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Supports P2P traffic and allows port forwarding
- Unlimited bandwidth and great speeds
- Unblocks most streaming platforms
- Zero-logging policy
- Free Static IP servers
- A fast and light WireGuard protocol
- 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not as many servers as other VPN providers
- No split-tunneling
5. ExpressVPN
🌐 Website: | expressvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | The British Virgin Islands |
📍Servers/Countries: | 3000+ servers in 94 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | +3 months FREE! |
ExpressVPN is a top pick for streaming on 123movies. It offers servers in over 90 countries, making it easy to find one that works. It also unblocks 65+ streaming sites, making it a safe choice.
The VPN app is super easy to use — you can connect in under 3 seconds. It has Shortcuts for quick access to apps and sites. It supports all platforms, including routers, for easy setup.
ExpressVPN also has a built-in speed test to find the fastest servers. HD videos from 123movies loaded quickly, even on distant servers. We didn’t see any buffering when skipping through videos. Split-tunneling helps boost streaming speeds even more.
Security is top-notch with advanced features like RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy. It also has Threat Manager to block trackers and malicious sites. ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy has been audited and the results are online. While it’s pricier, it offers great value. Check out our full ExpressVPN review for more details.
Pros
- Works with streaming
- Supports torrenting
- No-logs policy
- TrustedServer technology with RAM-only servers
- Premium security features
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive subscription plans
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
What Legal Alternatives Can I Use Instead of 123Movies?
123movies and similar sites are shut down because they stream copyrighted content illegally. They also have a lot of ads, which can be annoying. These ads are used to make money, but they can also be harmful.
Clicking on the wrong ad can risk your data and device.
Here are some of the most popular legal alternatives to 123movies:
- Netflix
- HBO Max
- Disney+
- BBC iPlayer
- Cruncyroll
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- Peacock
- YouTube TV
- fuboTV
If you want to keep using 123movies and similar sites, use a VPN. Our top 5 picks can keep you safe and protected while streaming on 123movies and its clone sites.
For safer streaming, a VPN can also unblock geo-restricted content. Services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Prime Video offer different movies and TV shows. They follow copyright laws from every country. A VPN can hide your real IP address and change it to one from another country. This lets you access lots of content worldwide.
We suggest using NordVPN for 123movies. It has the best security and privacy features. It has a kill switch, strong encryption, and full leak protection. It also has a no-logs policy and fast streaming speeds. HD videos load in under 3 seconds, making it great for streaming.
FAQ:
Can 123movies give you a virus?
Yes, 123movies doesn’t have strong security to stop bad ads or trackers. A good VPN can block these dangers. It keeps you safe from clicking on harmful sites or ads.
NordVPN has a feature called Threat Protection. It blocks ads and harmful sites. This stops you from getting malware on your device. Learn more about how to stay safe online here.
Can 123movies hack your phone?
Yes, clicking on bad ads or links on 123movies can harm your phone. Use a VPN to stay safe. Top VPNs have apps for Android and iOS with lots of security features.
Can 123movies be trusted?
No, 123movies is often shut down for streaming copyrighted material. Its mirror sites have trackers and ads that can harm your device.
For safe streaming, use platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Crunchyroll, and Disney+. They are safer than 123movies.
Which 123movies is real?
The original 123movies was shut down by Vietnamese authorities. The creators then made sites like 123Movies, GoMovies, and GoStream. Now, many fake 123movies sites exist online.
Are GoStream and Gomovies Safe and Legal?
GoStream and GoMovies might have content that breaks copyright laws. They also have malicious ads and links to shady sites.
To watch movies safely on these sites, use a VPN. It hides your IP address and protects your data. NordVPN, for example, has Threat Protection, military-grade encryption, and full leak protection.
🌐 Website: | nordvpn.com |
🏢 Headquarters: | Panama |
📍Servers/Countries: | 5800+ servers in 60 countries |
₿ Accepts Cryptocurrency | Yes |
💸 Deals & Coupons | Get 68% off + 3 months extra |
VPN researcher