Key Takeaways: These are the best VPNs for Popcorn Time
- ExpressVPN — Best VPN overall
- NordVPN — Affordable VPN with reliable security
- Surfshark — Most affordable option
- CyberGhost — Largest server network
- Atlas VPN — Best free VPN for Popcorn Time
How to Use a VPN for Popcorn Time: Quick Guide
- Subscribe to a VPN that offers reliable speeds, a large server network and the privacy you need to remain anonymous. ExpressVPN is our top choice.
- Install the VPN, launch it and connect to the server of your choice.
- Download and install Popcorn Time or open the web version. Start streaming or downloading any movie or TV show you want.
Not everyone can afford a dozen streaming subscriptions, and that’s where Popcorn Time comes in. It’s a popular torrenting client with a built-in media player. However, since Popcorn Time can be used for piracy, it’s potentially not safe on its own (depending on where you live) — so it’s in your best interest to arm yourself with the best Popcorn Time VPN.
To be clear, Popcorn Time isn’t inherently illegal, but streaming or downloading copyrighted content is. Even legal uses of torrenting clients like Popcorn Time may lead to consequences from your internet service provider (ISP). A VPN won’t protect you against malware or stop you from clicking a risky link — that comes down to using an antivirus and knowing what phishing is.
A VPN simply masks your online activity from unwanted eyes. If you frequently watch Popcorn Time and are unaware of the dangers you’ve been exposing yourself to, then this article is for you. The VPNs that made this list also feature on our best VPN list. We’ll explain all the features that make them perfect for Popcorn Time.
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02/22/2024 Facts checked
Article rewritten with a changed VPN provider line-up and a new format.
Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, as our fastest VPN tests confirmed. All its servers are optimized for speed, and its proprietary Lightway protocol offers fast and stable downloads and uploads.
ExpressVPN is secure enough to keep you safe on Popcorn Time through encryption, IP leak protection and a pop-up blocker for malicious ads and malware. It may not be cheap, but its reliability is a worthy tradeoff.
How to Choose the Best Popcorn Time VPN
We tested multiple VPNs with Popcorn Time and used the following factors to narrow down the list to five:
- P2P support and fast speeds: You can stream movies and TV shows directly through Popcorn Time or download them for offline watching. These two activities require good speeds and P2P support. Having specialty servers for torrenting and streaming is a bonus.
- User security and privacy: You need to be secure enough to navigate the risky parts of Popcorn Time without detection. Besides encryption, the VPN should protect user data with a strict no-logs policy in case ISPs come knocking with DMCA notices. Having ad and malware blockers is an added advantage.
- Affordability and value for money: Most people who use Popcorn Time operate on a budget and therefore need an affordable VPN. Thus, the ideal VPN should have affordable plans and a money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.
- Ease of use: The VPN should be straightforward without requiring sophisticated knowledge. The user must find a server, hit connect and then start streaming or downloading any file they need. A VPN should be compatible with multiple devices so you can enjoy movies and shows anywhere and at any time.
The 5 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time
| VPN | Price | Netflix | Speed | No-Logs Policy | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$6.66 per month (15-months plan) | Fast | AES-256-GCM ChaCha 20* |
||
 |
$3.39 per month (two-year plan) | Very fast | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
||
 |
$2.29 per month (two-year plan + two months) | The fastest | AES-256 ChaCha20* |
||
 |
$2.37 per month (two-year plan) | Fast | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
||
 |
$1.99 per month (three-year plan) | Very fast | AES-256 ChaCha20 |
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Popcorn Time
88 Mbps
Very Fast
8 Mbps
Very Fast
5 ms
Very Fast
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Reliable security
- User-friendly apps
Cons:
- Expensive
ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries, all of which offer P2P support. You can download and stream movies and shows on Popcorn Time almost anywhere worldwide, including on restricted networks in schools or workplaces. Our ExpressVPN review explains how it keeps you safe and secure on platforms like Popcorn Time.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and more platforms. Additionally, you can connect up to eight simultaneous devices, meaning you can share with friends and family so everyone can stream whatever they want. In addition, the “threat manager” ad block feature works well, making ExpressVPN one of our best VPNs with an ad blocker.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
We had average speeds of 88 Mbps with ExpressVPN — a 12% speed drop — which comfortably streamed ‘Napoleon’ in HD without buffering. Always ensure you switch to the Lightway protocol and connect to the closest server for the best speeds.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
| Streaming App: | Unblocked? |
|---|---|
| Netflix | |
| Amazon Prime Video | |
| Max | |
| Disney Plus | |
| BBC iPlayer | |
| Hulu / ESPN Plus |
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
We used a Singaporean server in our DNS leak test, which was also the IP address displayed, proving that the IP and DNS leak protection works. ExpressVPN also has a threat manager that blocks trackers and malicious Popcorn Time mirror sites that you may be redirected to, as well as an ad blocker to keep the constant pop-up ads from interrupting your viewing experience.
| VPN | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Lightway | AES-256 | Windows macOS iOS Android Linux Routers |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Windows macOS Android Linux |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | macOS iOS |
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN is expensive compared to alternatives. Out of the three price plans it offers, the 12-month plan is the most affordable at $6.66 per month, with an extra three free months. The next best deals are the six-month plan, which costs $9.99 per month, and the monthly plan, which goes for $12.95. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
2. NordVPN — Reliable Security & Privacy
94 Mbps
Very Fast
9 Mbps
Very Fast
4 ms
Very Fast
Pros:
- Reliable privacy & security
- Threat protection blocks ads
- P2P-optimized servers
Cons:
- Can be hard to use
NordVPN has more than 6,000 servers in 61 countries, including specialty P2P servers that are optimized for torrenting. The service maintains your privacy by never storing your streaming or downloading data anywhere, as explained in our NordVPN review. DMCA issues won’t be a problem since your internet service provider cannot see what you download.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
NordVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and more, and you can connect a maximum of six devices simultaneously. The servers are arranged alphabetically in the left panel, and the search button allows you to immediately locate the server you want.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
NordVPN averaged 94 Mbps, a 6% speed drop, making it faster than ExpressVPN. We achieved this with the NordLynx protocol, and it saw us through ‘The Family Plan’ on Popcorn Time without buffering. In fact, it’s high on our best VPN for streaming list, only losing out to ExpressVPN (which has more locations).
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
| Streaming App: | Unblocked? |
|---|---|
| Netflix | |
| Amazon Prime Video | |
| Max | |
| Disney Plus | |
| BBC iPlayer | |
| Hulu / ESPN Plus |
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
| VPN | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| NordLynx | ChaCha20 | Windows macOS iOS Android |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Windows macOS iOS Android |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | Windows Android |
NordVPN’s DNS leak test was a success — no information about our IP address was exposed thanks to solid encryption. Other features you can use on Popcorn Time include “threat protection lite,” which blocks ads and malicious domains before they reach your device.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
You get the best value for your money with NordVPN Essential, which includes the full VPN service and comes with three price plans. The two-year plan costs $3.99 per month, the one-year plan goes for $4.49 per month, and the monthly plan costs $12.99. All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
- Unlimited GB
- 6
- Yes
3. Surfshark — Most Affordable VPN
96 Mbps
Very Fast
9 Mbps
Very Fast
101 ms
Good
Pros:
- Most affordable price plans
- Unlimited device connections
- Fastest speeds
Cons:
- Small server network
When you type “P2P” into the search box on Surfshark, you’ll see a long list of servers optimized for P2P sites like Popcorn Time. This is on top of the more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries you can use to watch or download content. The VPN has a no-logs policy and doesn’t store any data.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
Surfshark has a simple user interface across all its Android, iOS, macOS, Windows apps and more. It appears on our list of best VPNs for multiple devices because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large groups of people who need to access Popcorn Time from various devices.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
Surfshark registered average speeds of 96 mbps, a 4% speed drop. We didn’t struggle with streaming movies or TV shows on Popcorn Time, and the downloads were just as fast with short waiting times. Consider switching to the WireGuard protocol, which is faster than IKEv2 and OpenVPN.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Unblocking Capability Test Results
| Streaming App: | Unblocked? |
|---|---|
| Netflix | |
| Amazon Prime Video | |
| Max | |
| Disney Plus | |
| BBC iPlayer | |
| Hulu / ESPN Plus |
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
| VPN | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 AES-256-GCM |
Windows macOS iOS Android |
| OpenVPN | AES-256-GCM | Windows macOS iOS Android |
| IKEv2 | AES-256-GCM | Windows macOS iOS Android |
Surfshark successfully passed our DNS leak test without exposing our actual IP address. It also has an ad blocker called CleanWeb that kept pesky pop-up ads from filling up our screen as we browsed. Read our Surfshark review to learn more about how each security feature works.
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark is one of the best cheap VPNs. Surfshark Starter offers the best deal with the 24-month plan, which costs $2.29 per month and comes with an extra free month. The next best deal is the 12-month plan, which costs $3.49 monthly. The monthly plan costs $10.99. All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
4. CyberGhost — Largest Server Network
87 Mbps
Very Fast
9 Mbps
Very Fast
40 ms
Fast
Pros:
- Largest server network
- Has an ad blocker
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Slower than Surfshark
Chances of experiencing sluggish speeds due to overcrowded servers are almost nonexistent with CyberGhost — it has more than 11,000 servers in 100 countries. Its ace in the hole is the streaming and downloading servers it offers. They were faster than regular servers in our speed tests, so we use them all the time for the best speeds.
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and more. It works well on all those platforms; in fact, we named it one of the best VPN services for iPhone.
You can connect a maximum of seven devices simultaneously. It’s also one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs. The servers are grouped into three main categories — streaming, gaming and downloading — so you can quickly choose the one that fits your needs.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
Upload Speed (Higher is better)
Latency (Lower is better)
CyberGhost gave us 84 Mbps, a 16% speed drop that was only slightly slower than ExpressVPN and Surfshark. We used a server in Brazil to download ‘Mission Impossible’in minutes. Though CyberGhost doesn’t have a special proprietary protocol like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, the WireGuard protocol is capable of fast and stable speeds.
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Unblocking Capability Test Results
| Streaming App: | Unblocked? |
|---|---|
| Netflix | |
| Amazon Prime Video | |
| Max | |
| Disney Plus | |
| BBC iPlayer | |
| Hulu / ESPN Plus |
Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
| VPN | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Windows macOS iOS iPadOS Android |
| OpenVPN | AES-256-GCM | Windows Linux Android Fire TV |
| IKEv2 | AES-256-GCM | Windows macOS iOS Android |
Our DNS leak test only displayed the virtual IP address that CyberGhost provided, which confirmed that its IP and DNS leak protection works. There’s a “block content” feature for keeping ads, trackers and malware at bay whenever you use Popcorn Time; however, it only works with the WireGuard protocol. Read our CyberGhost review for more detailed explanations.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
CyberGhost offers three price plans. The 24-month plan provides the best value for your money at $2.37 per month, with two additional free months. You can also subscribe to the six-month plan, which will cost you $6.99 monthly. A 45-day money-back guarantee covers these two plans, unlike the monthly plan, which costs $12.99 and has a 14-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. Atlas VPN — Best Free VPN for Popcorn Time
Pros:
- Offers a free plan
- Reliably fast
- P2P support
Cons:
- Free version has only 3 locations
- Smallest server network
Atlas VPN has the smallest server network on our list, with a little more than 1,000 servers in 38 countries. Most are located in Europe, but you can also find significant numbers in Asia, North and South America, and Australia. We didn’t run into trouble when streaming or downloading movies or shows on Popcorn Time. It’s not yet one of the best free VPN services, but it’s getting close.
Atlas VPN has a few types of pro-privacy servers. SafeSwap rotates your IP addresses, making it harder for anyone to pinpoint your location, and multi-hop routes your traffic through two servers for an added layer of security. The free version of AtlasVPN offers three free locations, which is enough for those on a budget.
Atlas VPN Hands-On Testing
Atlas VPN is easy to use, even for first-timers. You can stream Popcorn Time content on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and more. Like Surfshark, you can connect unlimited devices on the same account and share it with friends, family and neighbors. Our Atlas VPN review can tell you even more.
Notes From the Lab: Atlas VPN Speed Test Results
| Location | Ping ms |
Download Mbps |
Upload Mbps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unprotected | 3 | 295 | 94 |
| US |
130 |
201.36 |
7.73 |
| UK |
60 |
279.40 |
90.20 |
| Australia |
281 |
207.81 |
3.62 |
| Brazil |
246 |
235.80 |
1.26 |
| South Africa |
273 |
257.86 |
2.66 |
| Singapore |
196 |
255.52 |
5.17 |
| Average |
198 |
239.63 |
18.44 |
AtlasVPN was fast, averaging 239.63 Mbps on our unprotected speeds of 295 Mbps, an 18% speed drop. This was enough for HD streaming and fast downloads. WireGuard is the quickest protocol, and we recommend using it with a nearby server to score the best buffer-free speeds.
| Streaming App: | Unblocked? |
|---|---|
| Netflix | |
| Amazon Prime Video | |
| Max | |
| Disney Plus | |
| BBC iPlayer | |
| Hulu / ESPN Plus |
Notes From the Lab: Atlas VPN Security Analysis
| VPN | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20* | Windows macOS iOS Android |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | Windows macOS iOS Android |
AtlasVPN passed our DNS leak test. We quickly found a feature called “shield” and activated it to disable third-party trackers and block malware from loading on our device. Shield even lists all the third-party trackers as it stops them. We recommend always activating the kill switch before launching Popcorn Time to prevent exposure if the VPN connection drops.
Atlas VPN Pricing & Value
AtlasVPN has a free version that offers three free locations and a monthly 5GB data limit, which is not enough for streaming services or downloading files. To unlock more, you need the premium version, which comes with three price plans.
The three-year option offers the best deal at $1.99 per month, followed by the 12-month plan for $4.08 per month and the monthly option for $11.99. The two long-term plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, while the monthly option offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.
- Yes
Can You Use a Free VPN for Popcorn Time?
You can use a free VPN for Popcorn Time, but we don’t recommend it because most free VPNs are not entirely secure. Some sell user data to third parties to make money, compromising your security and privacy. Free VPNs also have limited server networks, which can be overcrowded and negatively affect overall performance, especially speed and unblocking capacity.
There are a few exceptions to this, though these services are free versions of premium VPNs. Our last entry, Atlas VPN, is a good example.
The Best Free VPN for Popcorn Time: Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is the best free VPN for the Popcorn Time app. It provides three free locations that allow you to access the streaming and downloading platform easily, and you can connect an unlimited number of devices. There are no speed limits, but there is a 5GB monthly data limit.
Why You Need a Popcorn Time VPN
You need a Popcorn Time VPN to hide your traffic from your ISP and agencies looking for copyright infringement. A VPN’s encryption masks your entire internet connection so your ISP can’t see what you’re up to. VPNs also bypass ISP speed throttling, which is commonly used as a punishment for torrenting (even if you haven’t downloaded any protected files).
Popcorn Time Alternatives
Popcorn Time isn’t the only platform that allows you to stream and download movies and TV shows across multiple devices. One alternative is YIFY TV (also known as YTS), which provides movies and shows in different formats ranging from 720p to 2160p. You can either download content to your device to watch offline or use the built-in media player to stream.
Putlocker is another Popcorn Time alternative that frequently updates its library of movies and shows as soon as they are released. Most of the content on Putlocker is pirated, so be extremely careful to only visit it with a leak-proof VPN.
You can also use 123Movies, which lets you choose between streaming in HD or downloading movies and TV shows for later viewing. The libraries are frequently updated, but you will see more pop-up ads than on Popcorn Time.
Final Thoughts
Popcorn Time is a cheap and readily available platform for torrenting movies and TV shows, but some risks are involved. If you don’t want to get into trouble with the law for copyright issues or expose your online activities to your ISP or potential hackers, then a VPN is necessary.
ExpressVPN is the best Popcorn Time VPN. It has the speed, privacy and security to navigate the site across multiple devices.
Have you ever experienced speed throttling when streaming on or downloading from Popcorn Time? Did using a VPN improve the situation, or did it make it worse? Drop us your comments below. As always, thank you for reading our blog.
FAQ: Best VPN for Popcorn Time
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You can use Popcorn Time with a VPN, and it’s highly recommended. A VPN protects you from cyber threats like hacking and keeps your streaming and downloads private, even from your ISP.
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You can get a free VPN for Popcorn Time by selecting a VPN service that offers free services like AtlasVPN and connecting to a free server to encrypt your internet traffic before launching and using Popcorn Time.
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You can get rid of the Popcorn Time VPN warning by updating your version of Popcorn Time if it is outdated. If the warning persists, consider downgrading to an older version, like the highly recommended version 3.10.
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You should not use Popcorn Time without a VPN. Even if you don’t plan to engage in copyright infringement, just using the platform can lead to consequences. If you access the platform in regions like the EU, where copyright infringement is taken seriously, you may get into trouble with the law.
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