The Best VPN for Popcorn Time: Safe Content Streaming

Popcorn Time is an open-source client based on the Bit Torrent protocol. Its main distinctive feature is a possibility of streaming content directly to the screen of the connected device via a built-in media player. It is a popular, convenient, and absolutely free service, but its visitors are strongly recommended to undertake precaution measures when using it. One of the key measures is using a reliable VPN service. Keep on reading to know how to choose a VPN for Popcorn Time and to use the client safely and correctly.

Best VPN for Popcorn Time

What are the Reasons to Use VPN?

First and foremost, a good Popcorn Time VPN protects you from tracking by your ISP. Also, it adds an extra layer of security and helps you to feel protected against numerous cyber-attacks. With the best VPN, you can feel much more secure, as your true IP is masked. You can easily pretend to be a resident of another country and access geo-restricted content from your computer.

How to Use Popcorn Time Safely with a VPN?

In fact, it is quite easy to use Popcorn Time safely and with minimal risks. It boils down to the question of choosing a good VPN service. There are several core criteria for choosing the best VPN. For the sake of security, it is recommended to opt for VPNs practicing a zero-logging approach. If the company keeps no logs, it doesn’t have information about your actions and can’t give this information to anyone. Other important requirements are the P2P protocol support and high download speed. Both of them are crucial for a successful content streaming via a Bit Torrent client.

5 Best Popcorn Time VPN Services: Fast and Secure

With the hundreds of VPN providers, there are not many VPNs that fully meet the needs of Popcorn Time users. Here is a list of reliable VPN services that are best for streaming content via Popcorn Time.

NordVPN

Great all around

Devices per license:

6

Torrenting, Netflix, HBO:

Mobile app:

Number of servers:

5,700

Zero-Logs Policy:

• Incredibly secure and private
  
• 4800+ servers in 62 countries
  
• User-friendly and stylish
  
• Great for torrenting (P2P is allowed)
  
• The HQ is located in Panama
  
• Kill switch and DNS leak protection
  
• Excellent for unblocking Netflix/other services
  
• Double encryption

• The monthly plan is expensive
  
• Can be slow at times (on longer distances)

Provider Plans:

1-month plan

$11.95 /mth

1-year plan (Save 41%)

$6.99 /mth

2-year plan (Save 66%)

$4.99 /mth

3-year plan (Save 75%) + NordLocker for FREE

$3.49 /mth

Check Price & Download

Money-back guarantee - 30 days

When it comes to streaming, torrenting or using of any Bit Torrent empowered services, NordVPN is a top pick. It is known for its no-logging approach, high speed, and excellent security features. That being said, it is affordable, flexible, and allows establishing up to six simultaneous connections. With almost 5000 servers at your disposal, one of the best security protocols, and open privacy policy, NordVPN is a decent pick.

Speed and performance are also solid, but there may be some occasional drops. Security-wise, the VPN comes with AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN, Kill Switch, Leak Protection, and even Double Encryption. Add a no-logs policy, and you’ll get an all-around fantastic Popcorn time VPN (and for other streaming services too).

Support is excellent: the agents are quick to respond, and the knowledge base will also be of great help. The user interface is simple and easy to use. You can access the available servers through a couple of clicks; there are no lags or anything like that – the software works flawlessly.
Here are the available pricing plans:

• Monthly Plan – $11.95;
• 1-Year Plan – $83.88;
• 2-Year Plan – $95.75;
• 3-Year Plan – $107.55.

NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial, along with a 30-day MBG.

• You can read our NordVPN reviews.

PureVPN

Streaming-Friendly

Devices per license:

5

Torrenting, Netflix, HBO:

Mobile app:

Number of servers:

2100+

Zero-Logs Policy:

• 2000+ servers in 180+ locations
  
• 300k IPS to choose from
  
• Split Tunneling
  
• the HQ is located in hong kong
  
• compatible with Kodi, Roku, PlayStation, and routers

• the clients/apps need improvement
  
• the free trial isn't free

Provider Plans:

1 Month

$10.95 /mth

1 Year (Save 63%)

$4.08 /mth

2 Years (Save 74%)

$2.88 /mth

Check Price & Download

Money-back guarantee - 31 days

Although PureVPN is a bit slower than NordVPN and doesn’t have as many servers, it’s still a fantastic Popcorn Time VPN. Stability is what this service is all about, and there are 2000 servers to pick from. The company sticks to the no-logs policy; the HQ is located in Hong Kong, which means you don’t have to worry about privacy.

Regarding security, PureVPN doesn’t have double encryption, but it does offer split tunneling. While the clients are very easy to use, they also come with many issues that need to be worked on. Compared to the rivals, they’re not on the same level.
Here are the available pricing plans:

• Monthly Plan – $10.95;
• 3-Months Plan – $24.00;
• 1-Year Plan – $39.96;
• 3-Year Plan – $107.55.

PureVPN offers a 3-day trial, but it will cost you $2.5; and, there’s also a 30-day MBG, like with NordVPN.

• Get our Pure VPN review here.

CyberGhost

Highly customizable

Devices per license:

7

Torrenting, Netflix, HBO:

Mobile app:

Number of servers:

3000+

Zero-Logs Policy:

• Very user-friendly
  
• Customization options are impressive
  
• Automatic kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection
  
• AES encryption, OpenVPN
  
• 3500+ servers around the globe
  
• Stable and fast connection speeds
  
• Protection for up to 7 devices
  
• No-logs policy

• The 1-month package is quite expensive
  
• Ad-blocker doesn’t always work
  
• The vpn has many bad reviews online
  
• Security allegations

Provider Plans:

1 Month

$12.99 /mth

1 Year (Save 56%)

$5.99 /mth

2 Years (Save 71%)

$3.69 /mth

3 Years (Save 81%)

$2.75 /mth

Check Price & Download

Money-back guarantee - 45 days

Cybeghost’s VPN servers are equally fast and stable and always make it into the top-5 of the best ones on the market. So, does that make this the best VPN for Popcorn Time? See for yourself: security is top-notch (check the pros section for the supported protocols), and there are no concerns regarding privacy.

The HQ is located in Romania, which means no spying eyes; plus, the company officially claims that it keeps no logs whatsoever. This VPN has always been famous for its lightning-fast, intuitive, and friendly interface. Everything is right there, within arm’s reach. It will only take you a couple of seconds to make sense of all the options and start enjoying the product.
Here are the available pricing plans:

• Monthly Plan – $12.99;
• 1-Year Plan – $63.00;
• 2-Year Plan – $88.56;
• 3-Year Plan – $89.99.

Cyberghost offers a 7-day free trial (you can also check best free trial VPNs) – it’s more than enough to take the product for a spin. Plus, you’ll get access to a 45-day MBG, which is pretty generous.

• Full CyberGhost VPN review.

ExpressVPN

Fast and reliable

Devices per license:

3

Torrenting, Netflix, HBO:

Mobile app:

Number of servers:

2,000+

Zero-Logs Policy:

• Fast and reliable
  
• Security is top-notch
  
• An extensive selection of servers in 94 countries
  
• One of the most feature-packed VPNs
  
• Support of all major platforms
  
• Zero-logs policy

• The monthly plan is not cheap
  
• Protection for up to three devices only

Provider Plans:

1 Month

$12.95 /mth

6 Months

$9.99 /mth

12 Months (Save 35%)

$8.32 /mth

Check Price & Download

Money-back guarantee - 30 days

In many regards, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Popcorn Time. Speed, stability, and reliability are unmatched in the industry, and ExpressVPN is only getting better with each new update. Encryption protocols, special features, and the logging policy are also on par with the leaders of the race. With this service, you don’t have to worry about your security, privacy, speed, and performance.

The interface looks good and works flawlessly. The apps and clients for all major platforms are fantastic; ExpressVPN is fully compatible with Apple TV, Fire TV (more VPNs for Firestick), PlayStation 4, and other devices. All you have to know about this product is that it excels at everything and you can never go wrong with it. Too bad the subscription plans (especially the monthly package) are a bit too expensive.
Here are the available pricing plans:

• Monthly Plan – $12.95;
• 6-Months Plan – $59.95;
• 1-Year Plan – $99.95.

There’s no free trial with this VPN; but, you can always count on a 30-day MBG.

• More about ExpressVPN.

IPVanish

Many server locations

Devices per license:

10

Torrenting, Netflix, HBO:

Mobile app:

Number of servers:

1,100+

Zero-Logs Policy:

• One of the fastest VPNs
  
• 1100 servers, 60 countries, 40k IP addresses
  
• Top-notch encryption protocols
  
• Socks5 web proxy for even more security
  
• P2P traffic; unlimited bandwidth
  
• Simultaneous protection for up to 10 devices

• The HQ is located in the USA
  
• Live chat is currently not available
  
• The interface could use some work
  
• The company keeps minor logs

Provider Plans:

1 month (Save 17%)

$10.00 /mth

3 months (Save 25%)

$8.99 /mth

1 year (Save 46%)

$6.49 /mth

Check Price & Download

Money-back guarantee - 7 days

IPVanish VPN can easily compete with CyberGhost and even ExpressVPN for the title of the fastest VPN. Speed is always stable, which means you can enjoy torrenting and streaming. You might think that 1100+ servers wouldn’t be enough, but there’s more than enough power to support short- and long-range connections. Much like all the other services on our list, IPVanish is doing a great job of protecting your privacy thanks to advanced protocols.

The fans of privacy will also find this VPN to be very satisfying (even though it does keep minor logs). The bad news is – most users won’t appreciate the somewhat awkward clients/apps. Compared to the previous versions, they are much better but still need to be improved.
Here are the available pricing plans:

• Monthly Plan – $7.50;
• 3-Months Plan – $20.24;
• 1-Year Plan – $58.49.

Sadly, there’s no free trial with IPVanish, and the MBG only lasts for seven days, which is a big turn-off for some users. The iOS owners will, however, get a free trial.

• You can get more information in our IPVanish review.

The Worst VPNs for Popcorn Time: Avoid Them if You Can

Unfortunately, not all VPN services around are equally great for torrenting and streaming. When it comes to using Popcorn Time, there are some providers that you’d better avoid. It doesn’t mean they are total crap, no. They can do their job pretty well; however, for some reason, they don’t work with Popcorn Time as needed.

• VyprVPN. Though VyprVPN is globally recognized as one of the top VPN providers, it can’t be recommended for torrenting. Officially, it allows using torrents and offers full-fledged P2P support. That being said, the provider does keep user logs for a month and, allegedly, monitors users’ online activity. Though it is not claimed officially, accounts of some torrent users are blocked without explanations. It is quite possible that their logs are provided at a request to the authorities. 
• HideMyAss. This VPN with an eye-catching name is headquartered in the USA and (allegedly) cooperates with the governmental bodies. The company doesn’t make it a secret that it keeps some user logs. More than that there are some recorded cases when the customers of HMA were seized and even imprisoned for the law infringement. It’s quite logical to assume they were found not without the help of the VPN provider.

• VPNGate. This Japanese VPN provider is great when it comes to bypassing the censorship or accessing geo-restricted sites. However, it doesn’t approve torrenting and everything related to the file sharing via the BitTorrent protocol. Also, they collect user logs and store them for three months just in case. All in all, VPNGate is of no use for the visitors of Popcorn Time.

Free VPN for Popcorn Time

Nowadays, the VPN market is oversaturated with all types of proposals, including some free solutions. But why pay for something if it can be obtained for free? Unfortunately, you’ll hardly find any free of charge VPN that will meet your expectations. The first problem is bandwidth. Few if none free providers offer unlimited bandwidth packs. Usually, they provide from 2 to 10 Gb per month, which is ridiculous for active Popcorn Time users.

The second problem is the speed. Streaming at low speed turns into a torment. Only premium VPNs provide a decent download speed. Finally, the third problem is security. Many free providers keep user logs or simply have no resources to guarantee the due level of security.

But if you want to choose Free VPN, you can read our guide “Best Free VPNs” or try some trial versions of VPNs for free.

How to Use VPN for Accessing Popcorn Time

Once you’ve chosen the VPN provider, you may start using it for accessing Popcorn Time.

1. First of all, you need to download and install the Popcorn Time torrent client on your PC or smartphone.
2. After that, go to the provider’s site, sign up, and download software for your device.
3. Open the VPN client and click the “Connect” button.
4. As soon as you make sure that the connection to a remote server is established, you may visit Popcorn Time and use its services.

The process of obtaining the Popcorn Time app can vary for various devices. Let’s review the most popular platforms – Android, iOS, and Mac.

Popcorn Time VPN for Mobile Devices

• Popcorn Time for Android. To download the client for an Android device, you need to visit the Play Market and search for the “Popcorn Time”. Download and install the application but don’t run it without a reliable VPN client. Connect to a VPN first to ensure safety; after that run the Popcorn Time app and begin streaming (more good VPNs for Android).

• Popcorn Time for iPad. When it comes to downloading third-party apps, iOS is less flexible than Android. That is why you won’t be able to find the Popcorn Time application in the App Store. To obtain the desired software you will have to visit Popcorn Time official website and find instruction for downloading a client for iPad. Follow the instructions and don’t forget about VPN protection (best VPNs for it here).

• Popcorn Time for iPhone. General instruction for downloading a Popcorn Time app on the iPhone is similar to the previous one. You need to look for the information on the official website of the torrent service. It is recommended to activate VPN before downloading an app for the utmost security (check good VPNs for Iphone).

Popcorn Time for Mac

Mac OS is rather a demanding operating system. You won’t find a Popcorn Time app in Apple’s official store. But it is not impossible to download the software from the Popcorn Time website. They provide instructions on how to do it. Again, keep in mind that you need to have a VPN client installed in order to be protected when using the software (best VPNs for Mac you can find here).

Does VPN Affect the Popcorn Time Download Speed?

The download speed is crucial when you download or stream content, especially if you choose high-quality HD video. It is also a well-known fact that any VPN has a negative impact on speed. But don’t be disappointed, as the speed drop largely depends on the VPN provider, the location of the remote server you are connecting to. So, to prevent noticeable speed drops choose one of the recommended providers and try to connect to one of the servers that are located nearby.

Is It Safe to Use Popcorn Time without VPN?

As we had already mentioned, you can use Popcorn Time without VPN. But when doing so, you need to care about your protection by yourself. Here are some basic rules for the bold users:

• Don’t break the law if you don’t want to get into trouble. Always keep in mind that your IPS is tracking you and don’t download illegal content.
• Upgrade your device to the latest version (it is a general recommendation for all Internet users) to protect from possible attacks and malware. Fresh OS versions always have stronger protection.
• Don’t click on the pop-up ad and don’t follow suspicious links. Think twice before clicking anything.

Do I Seed Torrents When I’m Using Popcorn Time?

Popcorn Time is based on Bit Torrent technology. It means it works like any other torrent (best VPNs for torrenting here). When you download a file, many users share small portions of this file to you, and you, in turn, share small particles of the downloaded file to other users. Thus, you seed torrents (best torrent clients).

Are There Any Alternatives to Popcorn Time?

Popcorn Time is one of the most popular streaming services around, but it is not the only one. There are some decent alternatives (both free and paid) that are worthy of mentioning.

Free Popcorn Time Alternatives

• BBC iPlayer – the largest streaming service of the UK (best VPNs for the UK);
• Kodi – a legal and free content library (best paid VPNs for Kodi & best free VPNs for Kodi);
• Plex – a platform similar to Kodi;
• Crunchyroll – offers a free and a paid version. Gives access to a good selection of movies.

Paid Popcorn Time Alternatives

• Netflix – the largest and the most popular streaming platform in the world (top VPNs for Netflix);
• Amazon Prime Video – another giant in the world of content streaming;
• Hulu – a service available in Japan and the US (best VPN in USA);
• Vudu – a streaming service available to the residents of the US. Similar to Netflix.

A Pop-Up VPN Warning on Popcorn Time: Can I Turn It Off?

While using Popcorn Time, you’ll frequently come across pop-up notifications warning about the need of connecting via VPN. They can seem annoying; however, there is no possibility to turn them off. They are integrated with the platform and serve a universal tip for all the site’s visitors.