5 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time (Tested & Reddit Approved)

Popcorn Time may be an easier or free alternative to a paid service like Netflix or Amazon Prime, but it’s not as safe. So, for the safest experiences, I’ll be highlighting the best Popcorn Time VPN and the reasons why you should use one!

What is Popcorn Time?

Popcorn Time is like the free version of Netflix; a movie and TV show streaming service that runs on a torrenting client. However, to stream its services with full anonymity and a secure connection, you’re not only going to need the best VPN provider for it but the best Popcorn Time VPN.

Have you ever heard of Popcorn Time?

And as much as I wish I was talking about a bowl of freshly made popcorn, I’m referring to the free multi-platform, open-source streaming service.

To jump right to the chase, even though streaming is legal, sadly Popcorn time is a streaming service that downloads its content straight from a BitTorrent client. This is where multiple torrent websites share or upload content. So, technically, it’s more torrenting than streaming!

However, since torrenting isn’t allowed or isn’t legal depending on the jurisdiction you live in, to access its services you’re going to need the best VPN with P2P compatibility, as well as the best VPN for streaming and privacy.

Choosing the best Popcorn Time VPN isn’t an easy task, and needs to be picked based on detailed testing. All the providers mentioned on this list have been run through tests and picked according to other user experiences.

But before moving ahead and showing you how to choose the most reliable VPN for Popcorn Time, here’s a quick list of the top 5:

1. Surfshark – The best VPN choice for Popcorn Time, has fast speeds, P2P friendly, and allows unlimited simultaneous device connections $1.99/mo.
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Popcorn Time with good security, fast torrenting speeds, and unlimited Popcorn Time access, at $3.71/mo.
3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN with the fastest speeds for Popcorn Time, DNS protected, and a no-logging policy at $6.67/mo.
4. CyberGhost – Best VPN with ultimate privacy on Popcorn Time, has steady speeds, unblocks Popcorn Time abroad, and more at $2.75/mo.
5. FastestVPN – Best budgeted Popcorn Time VPN, with robust security features, good download speeds, and leak protection at $1.11/mo.

How to choose a VPN for Popcorn Time!

As catchy and intriguing as the name sounds, there are a lot of lines that you could cross when trying to stream on Popcorn Time.

Even though the services are completely free, you’ll be putting much more at risk. This is because it uses a torrent software for downloading all the content.

In short, you’ll be violating a lot of copyright laws, especially if file sharing isn’t allowed or legal in your country.

For this reason, I chose the top 5 VPNs for Popcorn Time based on:

• One that supports torrenting and streaming. Most VPNs are either compatible with either streaming or torrenting. I picked 5 that supports both, and unblock multiple services worldwide.
• Great download speeds with unlimited bandwidth go hand in hand. I chose these Popcorn Time VPNs based on their performance results covering these two aspects.
• Reliable and strong security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS and IP leak protection, split tunneling, etc.
• Provides numerous Shared IP addresses for maximum anonymity. This is important to mask the identity and location of various Popcorn Time users from all over the world. With a shared IP, the government or ISP won’t be able to track down the exact location or IP where the downloads took place.
• A VPN that comes with reliable or trustworthy privacy, no data-retention, and refund policies.
• It should be affordable. Since Popcorn Time compensates its free services with a heavily priced VPN feature that is required to stream its services, it’s best you invest in a premium, cheap, and known VPN service. Luckily, all the providers chosen for Popcorn Time offer the best VPN deals right now!

The best Popcorn Time VPN in 2020

Streaming on Popcorn Time is a little riskier than using the paid services of Netflix. However, the good thing about it is, “It’s a free service!”. But, regardless of that, you have to choose the best VPN for it. It should be based on its inclusion of P2P optimized servers, fast download speeds, and strong security, all of which the VPNs discussed below possess.

We start with:

1. Surfshark

My top pick for Popcorn Time is Surfshark.

This VPN observes strict privacy laws and has around 1700+ servers in 64 countries that sport extremely good speeds for both torrenting and streaming in HD quality. The best part about Surfshark is that majority of its servers are P2P optimized.

It aims high in providing the best security features suitable for Popcorn Time. Some of it includes 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, IPv6, WebRTC and DNS leak protection, GPS spoofing, and much more. For a look into all of its features, you should look into, in my Surfshark review.

Surfshark is also compatible with numerous devices for Popcorn Time. Some of the supported platforms include Firestick, Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and others. Surfshark also allows you to make unlimited simultaneous device connections per VPN subscription.

Besides Surfshark being a reliable VPN choice for Popcorn Time, it also unblocks a whole plethora of services. A few of the major ones include Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, HBO channels, and much more!

You can also test the VPN out on your own using the Surfshark free trial or run it during any paid subscription period using its 30-day refund.

Get SurfShark Now

2. NordVPN

Known for both great speeds and strong security, we have NordVPN, widely known in the industry as one of the public’s favorites.

This Panama VPN provides the best privacy and anonymity of its users. Having a huge platform of 5000+ servers in 59 countries, it has a majority of its servers optimized for P2P and fast streaming speeds.

What makes NordVPN best for Popcorn Time is its security backing. It runs on AES 256-bit encryption, has an in-built Kill Switch, and DNS protection feature that you can jet start in the app. There’s also an advanced CyberSec feature for getting rid of annoying pop-up ads, and more.

You can view its complete testing and overall performance in a NordVPN review.

NordVPN is highly compatible with Popcorn Time supported devices and apps. A couple of them include Windows, Firestick, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Linux, and a lot more in general. You can now stream through this service on 6 devices at one time!

Apart from the Popcorn Time services, NordVPN has a history of bypassing major geo-blocks. When tested, it managed to unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, Fox News, and plenty more.

If you’d like to test out NordVPN’s unblocking abilities, try using the 7-day free trial for Android and iOS mobile devices, or directly run its 30-day refund trial on unlimited supported devices. The point of the refund trial is that if dissatisfied, you can ask for your money back during the first month of subscription.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a VPN giant. It’s known for providing servers that are both compatible with streaming and torrenting 4K content with super-fast speeds.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, it observes strict no-logging policies, making it a decent choice for Popcorn Time. It has a platform of 3000+ servers in a massive coverage of 94 countries.

In terms of security, ExpressVPN runs on military-grade 256-bit AES encryption on OpenVPN protocol for all its servers. It also has an inbuilt Network Lock Kill Switch, runs its own encrypted DNS over every server, and much more.

For a detailed performance report, have a look at my ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN is also compatible with all the major devices and apps for Popcorn Time. You can download and install the app on Windows, FireTV/Firestick, Android, Linux, iOS, and macOS. The VPN also allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, securing every device you use for online surfing.

A few of the more famous services that ExpressVPN has managed to unblock or provide safe access to besides Popcorn Time include, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, Netflix, Kodi, and more.

ExpressVPN has a limited 7-day free trial for iOS and Android mobile devices, and a 30-day refund on top of each subscription plan. Most VPN users say that ExpressVPN is a little overpriced, but it does provide exceptional services to suit the price. This provider also comes with regular discounts!

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4. CyberGhost

If you’re looking for anonymity on Popcorn Time, then go for CyberGhost.

CyberGhost is known in the VPN industry for its strict privacy policies and having one of the largest server coverages. It has around 6000+ servers spread across 90 countries.

The majority of its servers are dedicated to P2P and streaming, rendering some of the best download speeds, with unlimited bandwidth.

Besides providing the best privacy and anonymity to its users, it also pretty great where security is concerned. CyberGhost operates with 256-bit AES encryption on OpenVPN protocol. It has a Kill Switch, Adblocker, and more to offer, but for that, there’s a detailed CyberGhost review you can go through.

Its software supports all the major devices and apps for Windows, iOS, FireTV, Android, macOS, and Linux, which is Popcorn Time supported. It also allows you to make 7 multi-device connections per subscription.

CyberGhost stretches far beyond than just being great for Popcorn Time. During its testing, it managed to unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and a lot more services.

Try testing it out on your own, using its free trial. It has a 24 hr trial for Windows (PC), a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS mobile devices, and a 45-day refund on each subscription plan.

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5. FastestVPN

FastestVPN is known as a dark horse in the VPN realm.

It has a simple server panel of 350+ servers in 39+ locations but all fully optimized towards P2P and streaming. It also ships up some pretty amazing download speeds with unlimited bandwidth. FastestVPN is also known to be one of the best VPNs for privacy and no-data retention policies.

Another thing about FastestVPN that you may have not been aware of, is its variety of security features. It uses bank-grade 256-bit encryption on OpenVPN protocol, has a functional Kill Switch, Smart Connect feature, and more that you can view in detail in my FastestVPN review.

It also has support for major devices and apps for Popcorn Time. Some of these include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux. FastestVPN also allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously per subscription!

Apart from having a budgeted and user-friendly app for Popcorn Time, you can use FastestVPN to unblock much more. Other services that it’s great for include Hulu, DAZN, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and a few more.

The only downside is that there’s no free trial, it only has a 15-day refund. However, I guess that’s pretty alright since it’s a budgeted VPN.

Get FastestVPN Now

How to access Popcorn Time with a VPN

Now that you’ve gone through the best VPNs for Popcorn Time, the rest is fairly simple to do. All you have to do is:

• Choose any one of the Popcorn Time VPNs in the list above. I recommend Surfshark.
• Download the VPN and install it on a compatible device.
• Open the VPN and connect to any one of the servers that render the best speeds.
• Open up the Popcorn Time app and start streaming.

FAQs

Why do you need a VPN for Popcorn Time?

There are many top-notch streaming sites in the industry, like Netflix, but people seem to turn to Popcorn Time, particularly because it’s free.

Secondly, there aren’t any geo-restrictions in the way of using its services. This is the biggest reason why you’d need a VPN to use it. There’s always a catch to free services.

A VPN on Popcorn Time will mask your identity, encrypt your data; hiding your physical location while using the service. Especially since the service is about downloading copyright content. It will also secure your connection on any device you use. This is why you should definitely consider using a VPN for Popcorn Time.

It goes without saying, “nothing in life is ever free”. Popcorn Time might be a free service, but the moment you download the app, you’re visited by the pop-up from entertainment hell that says:

Now, keeping this pop-up aside, it’s a fact that “torrenting” is banned in most countries and illegal in general due to copyright violations. The only way to safely torrent is by using the services of a secure and reliable VPN.

Even though a VPN can get you across these barriers, it’s still not advisable to go for a service like Popcorn Time that could heighten your risk of getting caught.

However, since everyone is entitled to their own opinions and is free to do as they please, it’s always wise to stay protected and use the best and securest VPN that will stream you safely across Popcorn Time.

On the other hand, since the service requires you to stream while the content is being downloaded, you’re not only going to need a powerful VPN that supports torrenting, but also one that can provide the fastest speeds for HD content.

So, to make things easy for you, I hand-picked and tested out all the VPNs on my list (Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and FastestVPN) that make it a perfect choice for Popcorn Time.

Is Reddit a reliable source for Popcorn Time VPN reviews?

Besides testing a Popcorn Time VPN on your own, always go through other user-reviews or experiences. One of the best platforms involving unlimited questions is Reddit. It includes similar questions on its platform like the ones in your mind. Here’s an example:

The Popcorn Time VPN Warning

Now, coming back to the pop-up…

If you scroll to the image above, under the title of (Why do you need a VPN for Popcorn Time?), you’ll see this small tab that says “TURN ON VPN”.

You should know that this isn’t just an instruction from Popcorn Time telling you to turn YOUR VPN on, but rather redirects you to buy into its inbuilt VPN app called the “Anonymous VPN Service”. Before you consider it, it’s way more expensive and unreliable as compared to the best VPNs I provided for Popcorn Time. Plus, it’s unknown! That just goes to show its competence as compared to other VPNs in general.

If in case you’re already using a VPN with Popcorn Time, and yet still visited by that ghastly pop-up, maybe you should try downloading the latest version of the Popcorn Time app.

Can I stream on Popcorn Time without a VPN? (WARNING!)

You can by choice but I seriously don’t think you should even consider it! However, I doubt you’ll be allowed into the service since that annoying VPN pop-up always interrupts the process.

As mentioned, Popcorn Time runs on BitTorrent technology. This means accessing its content might be fun but is a huge risk at the same time. Without a VPN, you could easily put yourself into immediate risk for copyright violations.

A VPN protects your identity and gives you all the privacy you need to keep your ISP or the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) from reaching or tracking you down.

If you need a little more assurance, here’s a small snippet from users on Quora regarding using Popcorn Time without a VPN:

How do I use Popcorn Time without a VPN?

I wouldn’t advise you to stream on Popcorn Time without a VPN, but if you’re still going ahead with it, here’s how:

• First, download the Popcorn Time app on any supported device.
• Install and launch the app.
• Open up the app and stream through any content that is available to you.

Can I use a free VPN for Popcorn Time?

You can, but I doubt you should!

Generally speaking, I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN, and let alone for a service that could violate a lot of copyright laws, even though there are a few reliable free VPNs in 2020.

The thing is, there are little to no free VPNs in the industry that you can actually trust or rely on for the best services. Free VPNs often add to the trouble by stealing your data, leaking it, or selling it to third parties. Not failing to mention, it also slows down your entire connection speed and throttles with your bandwidth.

However, if a free VPN is still what you’re looking for, there are only 3 I can think of that are somewhat reliable enough to allow you to bypass the VPN pop-up on the service itself. It includes:

Windscribe

Windscribe is known as a freemium VPN, with having its paid version up to the mark. Its free services, however stale in comparison, still possesses some of the better perks as compared to other free VPNs in the industry. It has around 10 severs locations with a 10 GB bandwidth/mo. and comes with a Firewall feature, for protecting your device. To have a look at its paid version and features, give its review a quick look.

ProtonVPN

Another freemium, which VPN offers a limit towards just 3 server locations that include (the United States, Netherlands, and Japan). Even though ProtonVPN’s server list ends before it even starts, it does, however, provide unlimited bandwidth but with slow speeds. This isn’t the best option for streaming in HD, let alone for Popcorn Time. However, if you feel like giving its paid version a quick look at, check out its performance in a ProtonVPN review.

Speedify

Third, we have Speedify, which has a better grounding on server locations, 25+ locations to be specific. It isn’t a free VPN that’s big on security measures and provides just a tiny 5 GB/mo. bandwidth limit which won’t even get you halfway on streaming big content. It works with more speed on the mobile clients when connected to the (US, Singapore or Germany) servers.

To get started with a free VPN, all you need to do is:

• Subscribe to the free VPN by providing your email ID and password which is included in the sign-up process
• Open the VPN and connect to any provided server
• Download and install the Popcorn Time app
• Open it and start streaming (And pray that no one can track you)

Just a suggestion, instead of using a free VPN for Popcorn Time, why not go for a premium VPN with free trials? It’s safer and more reliable in performance!

Why is my VPN not working with Popcorn Time?

There are many cases when you’re using a VPN for Popcorn Time and it fails to work. Don’t worry and don’t panic! This is common. There are a few reasons why your VPN may not be working with Popcorn Time and here’s what you should do:

Load on servers

There are many people using the same VPN and the same IP address, keeping in mind that it’s shared IP addresses that you’re connected to. The lack of performance is due to the heavy load on the servers you’re connected to. All you need to do is keep changing the server locations, making different variations for it to start working again.

Change the protocol

Sometimes, besides the server load issue, the lack of functionality on Popcorn Time also arises when you’re connected to the wrong protocol. All you need to do is go to your settings and change your protocol to work smoothly against the server location you selected.

Restart your device and VPN

There are so many cases where you’re streaming stops midway or fails to function at all. Sometimes to get things started, all you need to do is restart your device and the app. It’s as simple as that.

Disconnect from any third-party anti-virus apps or Firewall

Sometimes if you’re connected to too many things in one go, it could slow down the connectivity to Popcorn Time through a VPN that already has a separate in-built Firewall and Anti-virus feature. Make sure you’re disconnected from any outsources before connecting to the VPN and the Popcorn Time app.

To conclude

In order to bypass the free services of Popcorn Time with a secure and untraceable connection, it’s advisable you go for premium VPN services; more evidently the best VPN for Popcorn Time, to avoid any streaming issues.

Each of the 5 VPNs (Surfshark, CyberGhost, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and FastestVPN) provided for Popcorn Time comes with fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, strong security features, obfuscated servers, and most of all have extremely reliable privacy, refund, and no-data retention policies.