There are many excellent VPNs out there.
But when it comes to the best VPN for Popcorn Time, NordVPN is my go-to.
Popcorn Time is a torrent client with a pretty face, and NordVPN treats it like one. It carried my streams at 18.97 Mbps on a 20 Mbps line, a rounding error behind the fastest result, and its P2P support on every standard server, audited no-logs policy, kill switch, and Double VPN keep cease and desist orders for copyright infringement out of your mailbox.
It also costs about the same as ExpressVPN, which beat it by 0.03 Mbps and nothing more.
But I understand that NordVPN may not be everyone’s first choice.
That’s why I tested a few alternatives: Surfshark covers unlimited devices for less, ExpressVPN posted the fastest single result, IPVanish is the easiest to set up, and CyberGhost is one of the cheapest ways in.
Below is a list of 5 solid VPNs that can be used for Popcorn Time.
Keep reading to find out which VPN is best for you!
Top 3 VPNs for Popcorn Time
Surfshark
Best for streaming households
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- MultiHop and Camouflage Mode
- CleanWeb ad blocking
NordVPN
Best for Popcorn Time
- P2P on every standard server
- Double VPN and kill switch
- Threat Protection blocks ads
ExpressVPN
Best for raw speed
- 19.00 Mbps in my test
- TrustedServer RAM-only servers
- Android TV and Fire TV apps
Finding the best VPN for Popcorn Time means finding a VPN that supports peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic while offering speeds that can ensure smooth streaming.
Not only are all the VPNs listed in my guide great at doing both, but they also include additional features that can make all your online activities safe, pleasurable, and possible!
For example, these VPNs can also be used to unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BritBox.
Stick around to find out how I came to my conclusions and what each top VPN for Popcorn Time excels at!
The Best VPNs for Popcorn Time at a Glance
This is where I’ll discuss in detail why each VPN is a perfect match for Popcorn Time.
But if time’s not on your side, here’s a quick look at my list:
- NordVPN – Best Overall Choice
- Surfshark – Supports Unlimited Devices (Budget-Friendly)
- ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds With TrustedServer Privacy
- IPVanish – Novice-Friendly
- CyberGhost VPN – Cheap VPN for Popcorn Time
NordVPN
Best Popcorn Time VPN
NordVPN earns the number one spot because it ticks 3 very important boxes. First, it’s quick – 18.97 Mbps on my 20 Mbps line, three hundredths of a megabit behind the fastest result (see the comparison table in the full review). Second, it treats Popcorn Time as the torrent client it is, with P2P allowed on every standard server, an audited “no-logs” policy, a kill switch, and Double VPN for countries with harsher P2P laws. Third, it runs everywhere you’d actually watch: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and Linux, with one subscription covering up to 10 devices simultaneously at about the same starting price as ExpressVPN on 2-year plans.
For more in-depth reviews on my choices of best VPNs for Popcorn Time, make yourself a cuppa and browse through the following:
Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time
1. NordVPN – Best Overall Choice
When I started researching VPNs for Popcorn Time, speed was the first factor I considered.
I didn’t want to experience severe latency and buffering while my VPN ran in the background.
I first tested my speed without any VPN running, using a Durban server closest to me.
This was the result:
*Keep in mind, South Africa isn’t up to par with connections in the US and UK (and the likes), so for a weekday evening using a basic 20 Mbps line, the speeds weren’t too shabby.
You’ll get faster overall speeds with a higher-grade connection.
Next, I connected to NordVPN’s South African server within a 10-minute timeframe.
These are the results I got (using the same Durban server):
18.97 Mbps out of 20, a drop of about 5%, and my shows loaded without a stutter.
On a good day, you may even find that it supersedes its competitor – especially if you connect over NordLynx, the provider’s proprietary protocol.
I quickly swapped VPNs to compare speed differences.
The following download speeds were jotted down within the hour. ExpressVPN edged NordVPN by 0.03 Mbps, which is inside the wobble of any home speed test, and the rest followed close behind (except for CyberGhost):
| Provider | Download speed on a 20 Mbps line (Durban, South Africa Server) |
|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 19.00 Mbps |
| NordVPN | 18.97 Mbps |
| Surfshark | 18.68 Mbps |
| IPVanish | 18.22 Mbps |
| CyberGhost | 16.05 Mbps |
Once I put my selected VPNs through the speed test, I moved on to security, and this is where NordVPN pulled clear.
Popcorn Time is a BitTorrent client underneath, so every stream is a torrent download. NordVPN allows P2P on all its standard servers, so there’s no longer a separate category of P2P specialty servers to hunt for. Connect to any standard server near you, and it’s ready for exactly that traffic.
Like the other VPNs on my list, NordVPN offers a strict no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch.
FYI – a kill switch is useful because if your VPN connection drops, no one on your P2P network will see your IP.
This makes it super important for streaming on third-party apps like Popcorn Time.
Luckily, all my suggested VPNs include this feature.
What sets NordVPN apart is that its no-logs policy has been confirmed by independent auditors more than once, and the company sits in Panama, where nobody can compel it to start keeping records.
NordVPN’s servers are also RAM-based (like ExpressVPN’s), with an additional unique feature that secures your “Popcorn Time and chill” experience.
This unique feature is called Double VPN.
This feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of just one, encrypting your data twice.
The only other VPN that does double the work is Surfshark.
Double VPN is great for Popcorn Time users in countries with harsher P2P laws.
Although it does slow speeds further, so it’s not for everyone.
For networks that block VPNs outright, there’s also a set of obfuscated servers that disguise the tunnel as ordinary traffic, so you can watch your Popcorn Time shows from just about anywhere using a private connection that your ISP can’t detect.
Threat Protection is the last piece. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains before they load, and the Pro version (Complete plan and up) scans downloads for malware – a welcome safety net when the “movie” you clicked turns out to be something else.
The VPN also lets you connect to 10 devices simultaneously and works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and Linux.
However, the best features (such as split tunneling) are reserved for Windows, Android, and Android TV.
As a side note, all the VPNs on my list offer split tunneling.
This is a useful tool that will allow you to watch Popcorn Time using a protected tunnel while you carry on with work or activities that rely on a regular connection.
As for prices plans, NordVPN offers the following options:
Its 2-year plans start at about the same price as ExpressVPN’s, and a 30-day money-back guarantee covers the lot.
Click here to receive your discount.
Pros
- 18.97 Mbps on a 20 Mbps line, 0.03 Mbps behind the fastest result
- P2P allowed on every standard server
- Audited no-logs policy under Panama jurisdiction
- DNS leak protection and a kill switch
- RAM-based servers
- Double VPN and obfuscated servers for harsher P2P laws
- Threat Protection blocks ads and scans downloads
Cons
- No split tunnelling for MacOS
- Double VPN negatively influences speeds
2. Surfshark – Supports Unlimited Devices (Budget-Friendly)
Surfshark is an affordable VPN that provides smooth P2P torrenting on 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, and every one of them accepts P2P traffic, so there’s no special server to hunt for.
The speeds are fast enough for lag-free streaming on Popcorn Time – 18.68 Mbps in my test, three-tenths of a megabit behind NordVPN – and if you’re in a restricted location, then you’ll have no problem using the VPN’s unblocking powers to access your favorite shows.
With Surfshark, you also have the advantage of watertight privacy.
The VPN has two obfuscation features, which help hide that you’re using a VPN from your ISP.
One of these features is called “Camouflage Mode.”
Essentially, Camouflage Mode helps protect you from cease and desist orders while using Popcorn Time.
Read more about Camouflage Mode here.
Speaking of doubling up – like NordVPN, Surfshark offers a double VPN feature called MultiHop.
So, you can benefit from an extra layer of security.
Again, this is great for combating harsh P2P protocols, but it may cause Popcorn Time to lag if your connection is already slow.
Other security features include a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and DNS leak protection.
Then, a CleanWeb feature helps block ads and malware before they load.
Surfshark works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and it has apps for Android TV and Fire TV too, so the living room is covered as well as the laptop.
One defining feature of Surfshark’s VPN is that a single subscription will give you VPN protection on an unlimited number of devices.
The only other VPN on my list that offers unlimited simultaneous connections is IPVanish.
This means that you can hook your entire family up with VPN protection while you each watch your favorite Popcorn Time shows on your own devices – all under one subscription.
NordVPN stays ahead on two counts: three-tenths of a megabit in my test, and Surfshark’s Dutch address rather than a Panamanian one. Both now accept torrent traffic on every standard server, so neither needs P2P-specific servers. If you’re kitting out a whole household, though, that unlimited-device policy swings things right back in Surfshark’s favor.
Subscription prices are as follows:
Unlock massive savings and get three free months by signing up with our link!
Pros
- An affordable VPN
- Two obfuscation features with Camouflage Mode
- Double VPN protection called MultiHop
- Strict no-logs policy with DNS protection
- Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Fire TV
- Enjoy protection on an unlimited number of devices
- CleanWeb feature to block ads and malware
Cons
- Based in the Netherlands rather than Panama
- 0.3 Mbps behind NordVPN in my test
3. ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds With TrustedServer Privacy
When I put the VPNs to the test, ExpressVPN posted the fastest single result.
There was only a 7.6% drop in speed, and my shows downloaded easily.
These are the results I got (using the same Durban server):
That’s 19.00 Mbps against NordVPN’s 18.97, a margin I couldn’t feel while watching.
ExpressVPN offers the same AES-256 military-grade protection as the other VPNs on my list.
Similarly, it also offers a kill switch and a no-logs policy to ensure your anonymity when using Popcorn Time.
One unique feature is TrustedServer technology.
This technology prevents operating systems and apps from writing to hard drives.
Instead, the server relies on RAM to store data.
The benefit is that, unlike a hard drive, data on a server is wiped every time it is powered off and on again.
This prevents law enforcement from picking up on your Popcorn Time streaming activity.
It also drastically reduces the chances of you receiving a cease and desist order.
Another reason I rate this VPN is that it works on several operating systems and features user-friendly apps that allow you to finely-tune your settings to preference.
This means you can watch Popcorn Time on almost any device while enjoying perks like split tunneling.
ExpressVPNworksonWindows,macOS,iOS,Firestick,Android,andLinux.Italsoworksonmostrecent-modelSmartTVs.
You can also use this VPN on 10 devices at a time with unlimited bandwidth on the Basic plan (12 or 14 on pricier plans), level with NordVPN, though not up to par with SurfShark’s unlimited connections.
Plus, with servers in 113 countries and strict P2P protocols, you can safely view your Popcorn Time shows with fast speeds.
Value is what denies it top billing. ExpressVPN sits at the very top of the range, and for that money you get 0.03 Mbps over NordVPN and no Double VPN. If the single fastest number is what you’re after and the bill doesn’t bother you, it still delivers:
On a tight budget?
Save yourself some cash using this link!
Pros
- Fastest single result in my speed test
- Secures P2P traffic
- AES-256 military-grade encryption with no logs policy
- TrustedServer for extra privacy
- Compatible with most popular operating systems, including Linux and Smart TVs
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Excellent split tunneling feature for most operating systems
Cons
- Sits at the higher end of the price range
- No Double VPN
4. IPVanish – Novice-Friendly
This one is for all novice VPN users.
If you’re looking for a straightforward VPN that’s easy to use but comes with the speed and security needed for safe Popcorn Time viewing, IPVanish is a great option.
The VPN held up well in my speed test and I enjoyed an entire movie with zero buffering.
Not bad, considering I was using a slow line at the time.
The VPN continues to provide the same security protocols as the other VPNs on my list: AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, online anonymity, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
Now, about that no-logs policy.
In the past, IPVanish cooperated with federal law enforcement and shared information with the authorities.
The VPN provider’s reasoning was justifiable but did prove that a “no-logs” policy isn’t bulletproof – for IPVanish or any other VPN for that matter.
IPVanish has since promised not to share private details.
This provides some relief to Popcorn users who want to remain completely anonymous.
What the IPVanish apps do excel at is offering an unusual level of control over their OpenVPN setup.
The selection of ports can help improve your speeds, while a “Scramble OpenVPN Traffic” setting reduces the chance of your VPN being identified or blocked in anti-VPN locations (such as China).
So, you can watch Popcorn Time mostly anywhere!
IPVanish supports most operating systems and devices from Windows, Android, and Apple to Google and even Amazon.
Like the rest of the VPNs on this list, you can also install IPVanish on your router.
Just like Surfshark, IPVanish also offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
What it doesn’t offer is a built-in adblocker (so you’ll have to endure those pesky Popcorn Time ads or invest in a third-party adblocker).
The VPN comes with a mid-range price.
If you sign up using this link, you’ll get a massive discount on the yearly plan, with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works with most operating systems, including Amazon and routers
- Decent speeds for zero buffering
- Versatile level of control over their OpenVPN setup
- Scramble OpenVPN Traffic reduces chances of IP identification
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- No built-in ad-blocker
- No-logs policy hasn’t proven to be bulletproof in the past
5. CyberGhost VPN – Cheap VPN for Popcorn Time
Shopping on a budget?
Check out CyberGhost.
CyberGhost is an affordable VPN with some quality features for Popcorn Time.
First, it’s fast – well, fast enough.
It didn’t get the highest scores on my speed test, but its performance was good enough for a lag-free HD viewing experience.
Second, but most importantly, CyberGhost features a dedicated mode for streaming and torrenting.
Among its 9,000+ servers in 100 countries, you’ll find optimized servers for both activities.
For Popcorn Time, select the “For streaming” tab and connect to one of the optimized servers for optimal viewing.
The VPN also gets my thumbs up for security.
CyberGhost offers all the typical security and privacy features that the other VPNs on my list have.
This includes DNS leak protection to hide your IP address while streaming Popcorn Time, a no-logs policy, one kill switch, and AES 256-bit encryption.
Plus, you get to access the VPNs own “NoSpy” servers (at an additional cost).
Located in Romania, these servers help protect your online activities from mass surveillance and third-party meddling.
So, you can stream your shows safely without worrying about prying eyes.
Unlike IPVanish with its history of sharing data with law enforcement (albeit for an important cause), CyberGhost’s NoSpy feature guarantees its no-logs policy – probably because Romania’s legislation doesn’t enforce data gathering.
One subscription will get you 7 multi-logins with compatibility across multiple operating systems, including Mac, Android, Windows, recent-model Smart TVs, routers, and more.
You may also enjoy that the VPN blocks ads at network-level, meaning you can protect all your devices, including Smart TV, from ads on Popcorn Time when they’re connected to the VPN network.
CyberGhost VPN is easy to use and affordable when subscribing to a two-year plan.
Save even more on this cheap VPN by clicking here!
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Traditional military-grade encryption
- DNS leak protection with one kill switch
- Dedicated NoSpy servers
- Guaranteed no-logs policy
- Blocks ads at network-level
- Works on most platforms
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as fast as the other VPNs on my list
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right VPN for Popcorn Time?
Because Popcorn Time is essentially a BitTorrent client, you must choose a VPN with quality features that ensure a protected showtime experience.
Luckily, the VPNs on my list tick all the right boxes.
But if you prefer to shop around a bit, that’s okay.
Just make sure you consider the following factors before you settle on a virtual private network:
P2P Torrenting
Not all VPN providers are suitable for streaming and torrenting, so make sure the VPN you choose truly supports P2P.
P2P is important for safe file sharing and helps encourage faster downloads and streaming on Popcorn Time.
Robust Encryption
Encryption is important if you want to keep your Popcorn Time activities private and hidden from pesky marketers.
At the very least, you want a VPN that supports AES 256-Bit encryption, which meets bank-grade and military standards.
Kill Switch and Leak Protection
Popcorn Time can be a risky business because the torrents make you vulnerable to viruses and malware.
One way to ensure a VPN continuously protects you is to choose one that offers a kill switch and leak protection.
A kill switch automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN app fails, leaving no time for intruders to act while your shows continue streaming.
Leak protection, on the other hand, stops the VPN from leaking data while you’re connected to it.
A No-Logs Policy
A no-logs policy is essential if you don’t want to get in trouble for watching copyrighted content on Popcorn Time.
Choose a VPN that offers full anonymity and a strict no-log policy.
This way, any details that do expose you will be safeguarded by the provider.
Fast Data Speeds
Fast internet speeds are needed for a lag-free HD Popcorn Time experience.
So, choose a VPN that won’t severely slow your connection.
A VPN with several servers spanning over many different countries will help ensure that you get a server nearby that can speedily transfer your data.
A VPN with a fair price, excellent customer support, and extra features, such as a built-in ad blocker and split tunneling, is a bonus!
VPNs to Avoid Using With Popcorn Time
There are many great VPNs on the market, but some may not be suitable for streaming content on Popcorn Time.
For example, some VPNs may have poor privacy protocols or speeds that just aren’t up to par.
Here’s a quick glance at what VPNs you should avoid using with Popcorn Time, no matter what:
- HolaVPN – this provider markets itself as a VPN, but it’s only a P2P network that allows users to hop on the idle bandwidth of other users. So, it’s NOT SAFE.
- Betternet – I found this VPN super slow, and it lacks a kill switch.
- SuperVPN – this VPN has a reputation for being malicious and is frequently flagged by antivirus software.
- TurboVPN – TurboVPN is quite a popular provider, but it’s renowned for collecting IP and device information.
- Psiphon – this is another provider that markets itself as a VPN, but it’s not. All it does is siphon your personal data to try to mask your identity.
My advice is to stick to a higher-tier VPN that comes with a solid reputation.
Read More: Are VPNs Safe?
This article will help you brush up on your VPN knowledge so that you choose a VPN that will guarantee safety and security – like NordVPN!
How to Use a VPN With Popcorn Time?
Using a VPN with Popcorn Time is a straightforward process.
But to make connecting to your favorite movies and series even easier, just follow these simple steps:
- Register an account with your chosen VPN provider and download the VPN to your device. For this demonstration, I’ll stick to my top choice, NordVPN.
- Once downloaded, follow the prompts for installation.
- Log in, connect to any standard server (NordVPN allows P2P on all of them), and once your VPN is connected, head to Popcorn Time to download the streaming app.
- Open Popcorn Time while your VPN is connected and enjoy safe and private viewing.
Troubleshooting: Popcorn Time Isn’t Working With My VPN. Help!
You purchased a VPN and went through the ropes of installing it, only to find it’s not working with Popcorn Time.
This can be extremely frustrating – but it happens!
The good news is that troubleshooting the problem is usually easy.
Here’s what you can do to make your VPN work with Popcorn Time:
Option 1: Switch to a Different VPN Server
Speed is a big deal for Popcorn Time, and if you’re experiencing slow speeds and latency, your shows won’t load.
This is not because the VPN isn’t working, it’s because it’s not giving the speeds required to load the shows fast enough.
A solution here is to switch servers.
As a rule of thumb, pick a server closest to you, preferably one that’s not overcrowded.
The closer the server is to you, the less distance data needs to travel, so it makes sense that speeds will be better.
If your VPN is still not working with Popcorn Time after you’ve tried a handful of servers, try option 2.
Option 2: Reboot Popcorn Time and Your VPN
Some programs need a second chance at syncing with each other, and the traditional action of “turning it off and on again” will do the fix.
Apply a reboot for both Popcorn Time and your VPN service by following these steps in order:
- Turn off any auto-start settings on Popcorn Time and your VPN.
- Exit out of Popcorn Time and your VPN.
- Restart your device.
- Make sure the apps aren’t running in the background.
- Launch your VPN but don’t connect to a server yet.
- Launch Popcorn Time and select a show to stream.
- Once your show starts streaming, quickly connect to a server and switch your VPN on.
Remember, you can do a leak test to make 100% sure your VPN is working while you stream.
Option 3: Disable Third-Party Firewalls
Some antivirus programs block access to P2P websites, which may be why you can’t stream shows on Popcorn Time.
Simply open your Antivirus manager and “white-list” the Popcorn Time app to fix this issue.
This will stop it from blocking Popcorn Time.
Why Does Popcorn Time Say I Still Need a VPN?
Popcorn Time will often tell you that you still need a VPN as a marketing strategy.
The platform offers its own in-house VPN, which they promote at every opportunity.
There’s a whole Reddit discussion about it:
Again – you can administer a leak test to confirm if your VPN is working.
A slight speed drop can also indicate that your VPN is running.
FAQ
Can I Watch Popcorn Time Without a VPN?
Yes, you can watch Popcorn Time without a VPN, but I don’t recommend it.
The platform hosts stacks of copyrighted material, and streaming any of it could get you in trouble with copyright holders, your ISP, or even the cops.
Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, and it only makes sense to keep yourself out of hot water.
A VPN will keep your private details and your online identity hidden so that you cannot be tracked or penalized.
Can I Watch Popcorn Time With a Free VPN?
Technically, you can watch Popcorn Time with a free VPN, but your privacy and safety won’t be guaranteed, so it’s a big “no” from me.
No free VPN offers the same level of privacy, security, and speeds that paid-for quality VPNs do.
Free VPNs also typically come with a catch – like “get super-fast speeds, but you must first agree to the provider monitoring and selling your data.”
The free VPNs that are worth using only give you a limited time to make use of their “free” use before they prompt you to subscribe to a package.
And still, features may be restricted until you hand over the cash.
The good news is that not all quality VPNs are expensive.
Take Surfshark as an example.
This budget-friendly VPN provides robust online privacy and security with top-notch speeds.
Does Popcorn Time Have a Built-In VPN?
Yes, Popcorn Time has a built-in VPN.Do I suggest that you use it?
No.First, it’s expensive and far exceeds the price of any of the VPNs I suggested.
Second, the features aren’t that great, and the privacy policies just aren’t up to par with higher-tier independent VPNs.
The suggestions I’ve reviewed are exceedingly cheaper and offer higher-tier features.
How Can I Watch Popcorn Time Without Buffering?
If Popcorn Time is buffering, your connection may be slow.
It’s also possible that your ISP is throttling your speeds.
The solution is to upgrade to a line that offers faster speeds (unlimited bandwidth is a bonus).
Or you can try watching Popcorn Time when fewer people are using the same connection.
Keep in mind that your speed will drop if you’re using VPN software, and you’ll experience some latency.
Some VPNs guarantee faster speeds than others, so if you have a slower connection, it’s best to invest in a VPN that won’t prompt a drastic drop in speed.
Can I Use My VPN for Popcorn Time on Android?
You can use a VPN for Popcorn Time on Android.
In fact, most VPNs prioritize this operating system, and you’ll find some excellent VPN apps for Android.
Before you purchase a VPN, I suggest contacting the provider’s customer support department to make 100% sure that the VPN and all its features will work on your Android device.
You can also double-check its use for Popcorn Time.
The VPNs that I have listed above all pair very well with Android.
Time to Wrap It Up…
And that’s a wrap, folks!
I’ve brought you the best paid VPNs for Popcorn Time and some useful tips.
NordVPN sits at the top of my list for treating Popcorn Time like the torrent client it is, but I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with any of my VPN suggestions.
Get your discounted version of NordVPN here!
Oh, and if Popcorn Time isn’t working or just isn’t up your “alley”, read here for a list of other torrenting suggestions.
