7 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time in 2024 (Tested for Fast Streaming)

Key Takeaways

• Popcorn Time is a free and simple torrent streaming app with an integrated media player. It uses the BitTorrent protocol to download pirated movies and TV shows and stream them simultaneously.
• In many countries, it’s illegal to stream pirated content using Popcorn Time. To avoid exposing your online identity via IP addresses, a VPN is recommended.
• Using a VPN with Popcorn Time hides your IP address from public torrent trackers and encrypts your connections. This offers good protection against surveillance from copyright holders. NordVPN, Surfshark, and AtlasVPN are the top 3 VPNs for Popcorn Time.

7 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time – Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Overall best VPN app for Popcorn Time
2. Surfshark – Cheaper VPN for occasional users
3. PrivateVPN – High-speed connections for buffering-free streaming
4. ExpressVPN – Good VPN service with a strong server network
5. CyberGhost – Feature-rich for all torrenting purposes
6. Private Internet Access – New-age company that offers excellent protection
7. AtlasVPN – Budget Popcorn Time VPN

How We Selected and Tested the Best Popcorn Time VPN

Popcorn Time works on the BitTorrent protocol. So, any VPN that is highly rated for torrenting is also a good bet for free Popcorn Time or torrent streaming in general.

As VPN experts, we selected these VPN apps based on specific functions and security features. For instance, the biggest parameter we judged these VPNs on is the availability of P2P servers. The VPN’s server network should have dedicated servers that allow fast torrenting. This will ensure that Popcorn Time runs optimally and you don’t experience buffering.

The number of server locations also matters. At the time of writing, NordVPN had over 5,500 VPN servers. This ensures that you have a lot of options to switch server locations to get the best speed and protection.

We also tested the VPNs for security features such as a kill switch and port forwarding. A kill switch shuts down your internet connection if the VPN connection is dropped whereas port forwarding ensures faster downloads.

Split-tunneling, IP, and DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy are also critical parameters to examine a VPN’s efficacy with Popcorn Time. In total, we tested these VPNs on 10 major parameters as listed below:

1. Number of total VPN server locations (at least 1,000)
2. Number of countries supported (at least 50)
3. Availability of P2P servers
4. Torrenting speed (at least 2 Mbps)
5. Unlimited bandwidth
6. Strict no-logs policy
7. Money-back guarantee
8. Cost (not more than $10 per month)
9. Support for major OSes like Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, and Linux
10. Features like kill switch and split-tunneling

To state the obvious, free VPNs were not considered for this article. I never recommend free VPN services for any kind of online protection.

In case you want to do your due diligence before picking the best VPN software for Popcorn Time, use the above 10 parameters.

I tried all the 7 VPN clients that we’ve reviewed below on my Windows computer. One quality that is common among them is the amount of downtime. I faced zero downtime while using the VPNs with Popcorn Time. This was an important quality because it prevented buffering and ensured that I had a seamless watch.

7 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time – List with Detailed Reviews

The best VPN for Popcorn Time is a VPN that you already know of and use. In case you are new to VPNs, here are my top seven picks.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is our #1 VPN choice for Popcorn Time because of its Specialty Servers for P2P connections. This feature connects you to the best server for torrenting, ensuring better speed.

NordVPN has over 5,500 servers and ensures no buffering. Its NordLynx VPN protocol masks your IP and encrypts your Popcorn Time connection. This protects you from copyright strikers like MPA. In our tests, NordVPN was ranked the best VPN for Popcorn Time.

Its app has a kill switch to protect against VPN disruptions. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy and works on many OSes.

Verdict: Choose NordVPN for all-around protection, fast torrent speed, and a user-friendly interface.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark has a large number of servers (3,200+) and excellent speed for torrenting. It regularly audits its VPN infrastructure and servers to ensure user security. This is rare in the VPN community. Early in 2024, it passed its biggest no-logs audit yet by Deloitte.

Surfshark is more affordable than NordVPN with long-term plans. Its kill switch and VPN multi-hop features are handy for Popcorn Time. The only drawback is no port forwarding, where NordVPN is better.

Surfshark offers flexible subscription plans. It has a monthly trial plan (30-day risk-free refund policy) for testing. If you’re not satisfied, you can switch to another provider.

But if you take my word, Surfshark is the best and cheapest VPN for Popcorn Time. You don’t get a better VPN for less than $3 a month (if you buy the 24-month plan).

Verdict: Choose Surfshark if you are looking for an affordable VPN service with a lot of power.

3. PrivateVPN

Just like AtlasVPN, PrivateVPN also supports WireGuard and offers lightning-fast torrent downloads. In one of our tests, it crossed 31 Mbps speed in the US, making it the fastest VPN for Popcorn Time on this list.

With over 200 servers in 60+ countries, it’s a strong contender for all things torrenting. You can choose between AES-256- and AES-128-bit encryption for faster downloads. This is helpful if you need to watch that latest Marvel flick in 4K resolution.

PrivateVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, has a zero-logging policy, and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. All of these make it a better choice if you have more than one device running Popcorn Time.

Verdict: Buy PrivateVPN if you want fast VPN connections at the cost of limited servers.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is loved for its unlimited bandwidth and zero-logs policy. It’s a bit pricey but has a truly large server network (3,000+) . This lets you pick the best location for your P2P connection.

Its standout feature is suggesting the best nearby servers for torrenting. This is smart because you don’t know what Popcorn Time uses. Letting the VPN choose the server ensures a fast and reliable connection.

But, ExpressVPN has some downsides. The kill switch isn’t available on all systems, and it’s more expensive than most. In the US, it costs more than $8 a month for an annual plan. This might be a deal-breaker for some.

Verdict: If you watch Popcorn Time and use paid streaming services a lot, consider ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has nearly 6,000 servers, making it the top choice for Popcorn Time users. More servers mean a better connection for Popcorn Time.

It supports WireGuard and has a strict no-logs policy, which is good for Popcorn Time. Unlike Surfshark, CyberGhost has a third-party audit. This makes its no-logs policy more trustworthy. It also offers cheaper plans and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Our tests showed Surfshark’s servers are slow, with speeds of 1-3 Mbps. This is a big problem for Popcorn Time users, as it causes buffering.

Verdict – CyberGhost is great for servers and functions but has slow speeds.

6. Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA is a VPN that focuses on torrenting. It stands out with its port forwarding feature and torrent friendliness. Each server is optimized for P2P downloads and uploads, perfect for Popcorn Time.

PIA is known for bypassing private trackers and restricted P2P platforms. If you want a VPN for both Popcorn Time and manual downloads, PIA is a good choice. Its extensive server network (80+ countries) and strong security ensure your connection stays private.

Verdict: PIA is a great, affordable VPN for Popcorn Time after CyberGhost, but it might slow down your connection a bit.

7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN’s support for WireGuard protocol makes it ideal for Popcorn Time. You also need high-speed VPN connections to avoid buffering. In my tests, AtlasVPN gave me speeds of upwards of 10 Mbps in the United States. This is as good as NordVPN and Surfshark.

AtlasVPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections and is priced like Surfshark. But it has fewer servers and locations. At the time of testing, AtlasVPN had about 700 servers spread across 30 countries. It has a good kill switch, effective leak protection, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also has the best free VPN client.

Verdict: Choose AtlasVPN if you are on a budget (about $4 a month) and only watch Popcorn Time occasionally. It’s better than free VPNs.

What is Popcorn Time? – How It Works and Its Need For a VPN

Popcorn Time is a free streaming app that uses torrents to download movies and TV shows. It’s easy to use and comes with a built-in media player. Just search for a title, and it will start streaming it in seconds.

Using Popcorn Time is simpler than downloading from torrent sites. You don’t need to sign up or search for files. It downloads and streams movies and TV shows in the background.

Once you finish watching, the app deletes the file. This makes it perfect for free entertainment. In 2015, WIRED reported it had 100,000 downloads daily. It’s better than other free streaming apps.

How Does Popcorn Time Work?

Popcorn Time uses the BitTorrent protocol to download movies and TV shows. When you search for a movie, it finds it on P2P websites. You can choose the source and start watching.

The app plays the torrent file in its video player. You can find films, TV shows, and web shows easily. They are displayed as visual tiles with high-definition posters.

Popcorn Time is known as peer-to-peer YouTube for its clean interface and ease of streaming. New releases are available soon after they hit torrents.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Popcorn Time?

You should always use Popcorn Time with a VPN to hide your IP address. When you use Popcorn Time, your IP and location are visible. Without a VPN, you could face legal trouble for piracy.

A VPN makes your connection to Popcorn Time anonymous. It hides your IP address and encrypts your connection. This protects you from copyright laws. Some forks offer VPN protection for a fee.

Is Popcorn Time Illegal?

Popcorn Time’s legality is debatable. Users may face copyright strikes from ISPs and law enforcement. As a Popcorn Time user, you may be accused of committing piracy.

Watching Popcorn Time is not the same as distributing it. But, it uploads content to the torrent swarm while streaming. This makes its legality questionable, even in countries with lax copyright laws. I recommend using a reliable VPN with Popcorn Time.

Watching a movie on Popcorn Time without VPN can put you at risk of possible copyright infringement. It’s best to stay away from copyright strikes of that kind. These can lead to painful and expensive litigation.

Pro Tip – As a PopcornTime user for years, I also recommend using a strong antivirus program along with a VPN. This will protect your device and data from malware and virus attacks. These are common in the BitTorrent network.

VPNs to Avoid with Popcorn Time

Here’s a list of Popcorn Time VPNs you should avoid, no matter what:

• Any free VPN – free VPNs do not provide any kind of protection
• Hola! – Residential IP network that does not provide any encryption
• Any corporate VPN – their high latency will lead to buffering in Popcorn Time

As I’ve mentioned in the review above, if you must choose a free VPN, consider AtlasVPN’s free option.

How to Use Popcorn Time With VPN?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Popcorn Time with a VPN:

1. Purchase, download, and install your choice of VPN software. (I recommend NordVPN.)
2. Run the VPN and choose a nearby server.
3. Access free Popcorn Time only from its official GitHub repository.
4. Install it on your device.
5. Run Popcorn Time after ensuring that the VPN is switched on.
6. Browse the software and start streaming.

If your VPN client has an automatic kill switch, switch it on when using Popcorn Time.

Additional Tips While Using Popcorn Time and VPN

• Ensure an antivirus program is constantly running while using Popcorn Time.
• Never download unknown PopcornTime forks.
• Do not click on splash screens that may pop up on Popcorn Time.
• Close the app via Task Manager to shut it off completely.

Where Can You Download Popcorn Time From?

I suggest downloading Popcorn Time from its GitHub page. You can find the APK file for Android, its API and SDK, and more. The software was last updated in September 2022.

Popcorn Time’s official site was taken down by its developers in 2014. Many forks have appeared, but the most reliable one also shut down in 2022.

Some forks faced legal issues. A popular fork, popcorntime.io, was seized and now redirects to the Motion Picture Association website. (Try it here!)

Many other forks were found to have malware.

How to Set Up Popcorn Time on Android, iOS, and Other Devices?

Download the setup file from Popcorn Time’s official GitHub page and install it. As of March 2024, it supports:

• Windows – 32-bit and 64-bit
• Mac OS
• iOS
• Android
• Linux

Note: The app is not available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Does Popcorn Time Have Its Own VPN Service?

No, Popcorn Time does not have a built-in VPN. Instead, it advertises a paid VPN. I do not recommend buying that VPN as it’s unreliable and does not satisfy many of our 10 VPN-testing parameters.

In 2014, Kebrum provided VPN protection to Popcorn Time users. But it stopped when the tool faced legal issues. The last version, which shut down in 2022, was sponsored by VPN.ht. They advertised a paid VPN to users.

Many Reddit users have complained about VPN.ht, where they have not been able to log in or reset their password.

Is It Dangerous to Use Popcorn Time Without VPN?

Yes. Its connection is not secure. Watching Popcorn Time without VPN is like using a computer without an antivirus program. You think you can avoid a virus attack but there is no guarantee that you won’t be attacked. The same is true for Popcorn Time, which depends on BitTorrent swarms to download and stream content.

A VPN acts as a protective layer between your computer and the BitTorrent trackers (Popcorn Time’s servers). It also makes your connection nearly anonymous so that you can stream movies and shows without worrying.

How to Bypass Popcorn Time VPN Warning?

Popcorn Time’s biggest drawback is its annoying VPN warnings. These warnings pop up at startup, before and during streaming, and when managing bookmarks.

Fortunately, you can turn off these warnings. Here’s how:

1. Open Popcorn Time.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
3. Under Downloads, uncheck the box that says ‘Alert me before downloading if my VPN is turned off’.

But, in the latest version (released in September 2022), you can’t remove all warnings. You’ll need to go back to an older version or use a fork (alternative).

Note – Some Popcorn Time forks disable the Safe Watch VPN, causing streaming issues. So, it’s best to avoid random forks.

What Has Replaced Popcorn Time? What Are the Alternatives?

When the last Popcorn Time fork shut down in 2022, its developers cited low usage. The app’s popularity was also declining.

As experts in online piracy, we believe other apps and competitors also played a role. Torrent-streaming apps have always been around. Popcorn Time just made it easy to stream pirated content.

If you’re looking for alternatives, here are some options:

• Cloudstream – Android-only torrent streaming app that requires addons
• Stremio – Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Sign-up and Torrentio addon required
• Putlocker.sb – Very similar to Popcorn app and largely web-based. Used by YTS.mx
• Webtor.io – A popular web-only alternative to Popcorn Time
• WebTorrent – Created by the developer of YouTube Instant

Conclusion

Using Popcorn Time without a VPN is risky. It uses the BitTorrent protocol, so it’s safer with a VPN.

If you already use a VPN, it’s easy to keep it on while streaming. It’s best to always have a VPN on, no matter what.

This guide should help you set up Popcorn Time safely on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Popcorn Time VPNs

Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Popcorn Time and VPNs.

Is Popcorn Time safe?

Yes. Popcorn Time is a torrent streaming app with a clean media player. It’s safer than downloading from torrent sites. Always use a VPN with Popcorn Time.

Is Popcorn Time free?

Yes. Popcorn Time is free and open-source.

What is the safest Popcorn Time fork to download?

The safest fork is the version on Popcorn Time’s official GitHub page.

Why did the official Popcorn Time shut down?

The original Popcorn Time launched in 2014 but closed quickly. The movie industry and US law enforcement put pressure on it. Later forks also faced shutdowns.

According to TorrentFreak, the latest Popcorn Time fork stopped in January 2022. This was due to low use and more competition.

What are the domains of Popcorn Time forks?

Popcorn Time forks were (or are) found on these domains:

• Time4Popcorn
• Popcorntime.sh
• Popcorntime.io
• Popcorn-time.tw
• Popcorntime.ml
• popcorntime.app (the most recent official site)

Popcorn-Time.to was once a top fork.

Can I get in trouble for using Popcorn Time?

Streaming copyrighted content with Popcorn Time without a VPN can get you in trouble. If your ISP catches you, you might get a court letter. This depends on your country’s laws.

How can I watch Popcorn Time without buffering?

Use a fast VPN like PrivateVPN or NordVPN to avoid buffering.

What is the fastest VPN for Popcorn Time?

NordVPN, Surfshark, and AtlasVPN are the fastest for Popcorn Time.

Which VPN is best for Popcorn Time?

I suggest NordVPN, AtlasVPN, and PrivateVPN for Popcorn Time.

What is the best VPN for Popcorn Time across OSes like Windows and Android?

NordVPN is the top choice for Popcorn Time. It works on Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS.

How to set up VPN with Popcorn Time?

1. Buy and install VPN software on your device.
2. Activate it and choose a server.
3. Turn on security features like the kill switch before opening Popcorn Time.
4. Search for your title and start streaming.

How can I know or test if a VPN is working with Popcorn Time?

Turn on the VPN and check if your IP address has changed. If it has, your VPN is working.

Is Popcorn Time legal in my country?

It depends on your country’s laws. For example, watching Hollywood movies on Popcorn Time is illegal in the US. But it’s not illegal in Sweden. Check with a lawyer if you’re unsure.

Is it legal to use VPN on Popcorn Time?

Yes, using a VPN with Popcorn Time is legal. But, watching copyrighted content might be illegal in some places.

Can I use free VPNs for Popcorn Time?

Yes, you can use free VPNs with Popcorn Time. But it’s not recommended. Free VPNs don’t hide your IP well. Use reliable VPNs like NordVPN, PIA, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.

What’s the best free VPN for Popcorn Time?

If you must use a free VPN, choose AtlasVPN’s free client.

My ISP has warned me about using Popcorn Time. What should I do?

Your ISP might have been alerted by law enforcement or DMCA. You can stop using Popcorn Time or use a VPN like NordVPN or AtlasVPN.

Does Popcorn Time give you viruses?

Some Popcorn Time versions might give you viruses or malware. Always use a strong antivirus on devices where you use Popcorn Time. Web-based torrent services are more likely to be risky.

How to stream Popcorn Time faster?

To make Popcorn Time stream faster, try using a quick VPN like PrivateVPN. Pick a VPN server that’s close to you. Also, switch to 128-bit AES encryption and use P2P servers.