TLDR; Unless You Use A VPN, you could end up in big trouble (more on it below) using Popcorn Time. NordVPN is the Best VPN for Popcorn Time! Click The Button below and sign up for NordVPN for FREE With A 30-day Money Back Guarantee!
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Popcorn time is a bit-torrent application, which allows you to stream and play the downloaded content instantly through a media player. It takes away the waiting time involved in downloading contents. Popcorn Time is an open source project. The application is a result of the efforts of designers and developers across the world. It is one of the free alternatives to streaming subscription portals. The application is available for devices powered by Mac, Windows, Linux and Android.
How does Popcorn Time work?
The popcorn time doesn’t host its content in any of its servers. It uses peer to peer technology to collate content from different databases and makes it available to the users. The media is stored in a temporary folder and deleted automatically when the system is restarted. But it also gives an option to download and save the content.
Is Popcorn Time Legal?
The popcorn time application is legal. Since the content is being sourced from torrents, it may be illegal. The legality or severity of the violation may vary from place to place, depending on the rules prevalent in the different countries. One could land in Copyright infringement troubles for downloading/storing content without proper permissions. Countries have started enforcing strict anti-piracy laws. There have been previous instances of tracking, monitoring peer to peer networks and unauthorized individual content distributors. The users have been sued by film producers, and they have faced lawsuits for downloading film. While the access to content couldn’t get easier, one has to be vigilant while accessing it. One shouldn’t get caught in series of lawsuits for watching film and series. It is necessary to take precautionary measures before downloading/streaming content. Especially if the content is sourced through peer to peer file sharing networks or any unverified source for that matter.
Is Popcorn Time Safe Without A VPN
A Virtual Private Network can help you stay safe from litigations and lawsuits and watch all the content available in Popcorn Time. A virtual private network encrypts your data traffic and routes the requests through a VPN server. This ensures that your IP address remains anonymous, which makes it difficult to map your internet traffic to your system. When you are using Popcorn Time with an VPN, it protects your identity from the law enforcers. Let us look at various Popcorn Time VPN services which can offer the optimal balance of price, privacy and services.
1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN in 2023
With over 5400 plus VPN servers spread across 59 countries, Nord VPN has an extensive VPN network in terms of VPN servers.
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Location and Number of servers: NordVPN has its Headquarters in Panama, which has non-invasive privacy laws. This keeps the VPN out of the jurisdiction from the surveillance of any institution. The Nord VPN has more than 5900 servers distributed around 59 countries including Canada, US, Australia, UK, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Security and Safety: NordVPN layers the 256-bit AES encryption with a combination of perfect forward secrecy, 2048-bit DH key and SHA2-Authentication. In addition to that, it also offers double VPN, in which your traffic is routed through two VPN servers.
Compatibility with devices: NordVPN is compatible with all major devices, including Android, Windows, and iOS.
Simultaneous connections: NordVPN supports up to six concurrent connections which includes computers, phones, tablets and other devices supported by the service provider. If you install Nord VPN in a router, it allows you to access unlimited concurrent connections which includes gaming consoles, Smart TV etc.
NordVPN has special Peer to Peer servers distributed in several locations around the world. This ensures the speed is optimal.
It is available in $11.95/month plan, $6.99/ month 1-Year plan and $3.49/month 3-Year plan.
2. ExpressVPN – Most Powerful VPN in 2023
With 3000 plus servers spread over 160 server locations across 94 countries, Express VPN is one of the widespread VPN service providers.
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Privacy laws: With Headquarters in the British Virgin Islands Express VPN is subject to minimal data retention laws. It lies outside the jurisdiction of the invasive fourteen eyes surveillance.
Security Measures: ExpressVPN protects your web traffic with an AES encryption. It is a combination of AES 256-bit and a 4096-bit RSA key and an SHA-512 authentication.
Instant kill switch: During unstable connectivity, ExpressVPN has an automatic kill switch, which drops your internet to prevent IP leaks. This protects the user from the threats to privacy, like DNS/IPv6 leaks.
Split tunnelling: Express VPN offers you selectively encrypt a part of your traffic. Users can have both VPN and non VPN access at the same time. This enables access to the local content and circumvent geo-blocks by using VPN at the same time.
Server security: ExpressVPN uses Trusted Server Technology. It ensures the VPN servers are run on Random Access memory and not on hard-disk. The information on the server is refreshed for every reboot.
Compatibility: Express VPN is compatible to devices powered by different operating systems. It supports gaming consoles, Smart TV’s and Mac, Windows, iOS, Android powered devices. Installing VPN on the router is simple through an application.
Multiple connections: Installing Express VPN in routers will give simultaneous access to unlimited devices or the VPN allows connections up to five devices simultaneously.
Logging Policy: ExpressVPN holds a strict no activity logs and no connection logs policy.
It is available in $12.95/month plan, $6.67/ month 15-months plan and $9.99/month 6-Month plan.
3. Surfshark – Cheap Budget VPN
Surfshark, with its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, enjoys privacy friendly regulations. It has more than 1700 servers distributed across 63 countries.
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Streaming/P2P: Surfshark can open up access to content of over 15 countries. It has optimized servers to support peer to peer file sharing.
Measures of Security: Surfshark follows a strong 256-bit encryption method which supports multiple security protocols. Surfshark extends its security through OpenVPN, IKEv2 protocols and Shadowsocks for Windows depending on the device in use.
Kill Switch/IPv6/DNS Leak: The surf shark comes with an automatic kill switch which secures your identity when there are connectivity issues. It offers protection against identity leakage through IP and DNS.
Double VPN: It has a MultiHop mode which offers double layer protection. It routes your data traffic through two VPN servers. While this may slow down the speed a little, but makes it difficult to trace your connection.
Overcoming DPI: Surf shark comes with a camouflage mode with support for Android, Windows, and iOS devices. It is designed to make your web traffic look like non-VPN and evades deep packet inspection.
Logging policy: Surfshark promises a no log policy which prohibits collection or storing any data regarding connectivity or usage.
Extras:
Search Engine: BlindSearch is a search engine which comes with surf shark. It’s ad-free search engine which doesn’t tracks or record your search history.
CleanWeb: Surfshark features CleanWeb, which can block advertisements and malware killing your viewing experience.
It is available in $11.95/month plan, $5.99/month 1-Year plan and $1.99/ month 2-Year plan.
4. VpyrVPN
VyprVPN is based in Switzerland which has privacy friendly regulations and it is outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance. Vpyr strictly adheres to the Privacy Principles and has transparent policies regarding customer data.
It has been expanding its footprint and has already established itself in over 65 countries. VyprVPN operates with 2,00,000 IP address and 700 servers around the world.
Streaming and Torrent Friendly: Vpyr VPN has overhauled their support to various streaming services. It is an attempt to improve the VPN’s popularity and the access to streaming sites in different parts of the world.
Vpyr VPN, apart from securing your access to Popcorn Time, lets you circumvent geo-restrictions of the streaming websites.
VyprVPN allows access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, ITV, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime. It has servers capable of streaming major websites in countries like US, UK, Canada, Germany too.
Security: VyprVPN uses an AES 256-bit encryption to protect the data traffic. With VyprVPN, you get the security of Wireguard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP protocols. VyprVPN’s also uses a proprietary Chameleon technology.
The Vpyr VPN also offers protection against IP/DNS leaks and it comes with an automatic kill switch and a firewall to block malware.
Chameleon technology offers additional protection over and above OpenVPN. It adds additional features to scramble metadata to secure your connections against Deep Packet Inspection, VPN blocking, and throttling of IP’s.
Compatibility: VyprVPN is compatible to devices powered by Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux and Blackberry. It can also support smart TV’s and routers.
Simultaneous connections: The VpyrVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, but installing VPN in a router, increases the availability to more devices.
VPYR VPN has standard and premium plans for individual/business users with plans as low as $5/month.
5. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost has its headquarters in Romania, a privacy-friendly country. With over 6500 servers distributed over 89+ countries, it can offer blazing speeds with no limits on the bandwidth.
Streaming and Torrenting: Apart from streaming from Popcorn Time, one can access contents from multiple streaming websites circumventing Geo- restrictions.
Access to different Netflix libraries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Spain and Japan. Cyberghost has optimized streaming servers that deliver streaming at good speeds.
CyberGhost has support for torrents/P2P sharing. The special P2P servers ensures the file sharing never lacks in speed. It comes with an option of optimizing servers with over 80 locations to choose from. The load details, the distance to the server are available to simplify our decision-making.
Security and Encryption: CyberGhost supports wide range of security protocols that includes OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec (on limited servers), TCP/UDP and IKEv2. The VPN secures the internet traffic using AES-256 bit encryption which combines a 4096-bit RSA security key and SHA256 authentication system. It also offers protection against DNS/IPv6 leak with Automatic kill switches. Split tunnelling option provided by Cyberghost enables us to selectively encrypt our data. CyberGhost has additional protection from advertisements and malware.
Compatibility: It is compatible to multiple platforms and provides application support to Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart Tv’s, gaming consoles.
Logging Policy: Cyberghost has a strict zero logging policy and assures that it doesn’t store data that maps internet traffic to particular user.
Number of connections: Cyber ghost allows concurrent connections up to 7 devices.
It is available in $12.99/month plan, $5.99/month 1-Year plan and $2.75/ month 3-Year plan.
6. Ivacy
Ivacy is based out of Singapore. It has over 2000 servers spread over 100 locations and operates with around 12000 IP addresses.
Streaming and Torrenting: Ivacy supports torrenting with dedicated Peer-to-Peer and KODI servers. It enables fast downloads with no limits in bandwidth. Ivacy has distributed servers to support streaming content across different locations.
Security and Encryption: The VPN offers security with 256-bit military-grade encryption and comes with the support for several protocols including Open VPN, IPSEC, L2TP, TCP and UDP.
It offers protection against IPv6/DNS leaks and features split tunnelling, post forwarding, dedicated IP addresses and an automatic kill switch. It comes with additional malware protection.
Logging Policy: Ivacy has a clear No-Log policy which prevents your data traffic falling into the hands of third parties.
Simultaneous connections: It offers protection for up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Compatibility and Support: Like other VPN services, Ivacy is compatible to iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, gaming consoles, routers etc. with an easy installation process.
It is available in $9.95/month plan, $3.5/month 1-Year plan and $2.25/ month 2-Year plan.
7. Private Internet Access
PIA has a growing network over 3,400 servers distributed in 48 countries. With well distributed gateways all around America and Asian countries, It can protect your identity even during your travels.
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Peer-to-Peer/Streaming support: PIA supports P2P networking and enables overcoming restrictions of geo-based contents. It is possible to stream media from various other regions.
Security Protocols: Private Internet Access uses an AES 128-bit encryption, which is lower compared to its market competitors but nevertheless a decent encryption standard. It supports different protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, SOCKS5 and PPTP. It comes with an automatic kill switch and offers protection from IPv6/DNS leaks.
Logging policy: To maintain anonymity and privacy, PIA VPN has a strict no logging policy. In the past, despite being based in the USA, it has adhered to its policy and turned down requests for data sharing.
MACE: PIA’s has an inbuilt ad blocking feature called MACE. The MACE blocks block adware, trackers, and malware whenever the VPN is active. It is available on Linux, Windows, Mac and Android powered systems.
Anonymous Payment: PIA facilitates anonymous payments staying true to maintaining privacy and anonymity. It accepts gift cards from Best Buy, E-bay, Starbucks, Walmart, etc.
Concurrent connections: Private Internet Access can offer protection to 10 devices simultaneously.
It is available in $8.45/month plan, $4.49/month 6-month plan and $2.42/ month 1-Year plan.
Guide for choosing the suitable VPN For Popcorn Time
Certain features are important for choosing the right VPN service according to your requirements. The features ensure the VPN can offering security by protecting your identity with minimal compromise on the speed and bandwidth.
1. Security Protocols/Encryption Standards for multiple devices
The VPN service providers offer support to multiple devices. The security protocols are different for personal computers and mobile devices. It is not safe to assume a particular protocol is available to your mobile devices. Ensure the VPN has application/ protocol support and uses the strongest encryption standard available for the device you are planning to use. It is diligent to ensure the VPN has applications to support smart TV’s, gaming consoles etc.
2. Location and servers /Load balancing
A VPN service provider needs a distributed network of servers across the globe to cater to the customers according to the region. Distance to the connecting servers and the load handled by the servers may impact the speed of your internet connection. A diverse network with sufficient servers will ensure minimal latency.
3. Dedicated/Optimized servers for Streaming & P2P
Streaming and File sharing is load intensive. The load has to distributed among its server to avoid reduction in speeds. A VPN service provider using optimized servers across the globe to support data intensive activities is preferred. If one can get the protection of VPN without major compromise in speed, it increases the value for the customer. Accessing content from a far away server from your location doesn’t make any sense. Look for the server locations of the service provider before opting for VPN.
4. Jurisdiction and Logging Policy
The most important factor one should consider is the VPN service providers logging policy and the location of the headquarters. These factors decide your privacy and anonymity. Farther from the purview of 5/9/14 eyes surveillance, safer your data. There are VPN companies in the USA which follows a strict No-logs policy.
Security and privacy doesn’t come for free. A free VPN service is prone to track your activity and monetize it. Trustworthy VPN services come at a price. The price may vary based on the features in offer and coverage exposure of the service provider. The VPN service providers offer money back guarantees for testing their service. It is prudent to analyse the other factors, use the trial periods and then choose the VPN that works for you.
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