10 best Popcorn Time alternatives to stream movies online 2024
Popcorn Time was once the go-to app for streaming movies and TV shows, offering a convenient and free way of enjoying content. Like most free sites, it advocated liberated access to media. However, no more. The website finally shut down in 2022 after non-stop shutdowns and revivals.
Sure, it somewhat continues to exist in GitHub in a shady light. However, many users have since moved on due to the proliferation of fake Popcorn Time versions. After all, they pose a risk to your devices and data. If you find yourself in search of a suitable Popcorn Time alternative, I’ve got you covered with a list of the 10 best free alternatives below. In this article, I’ll explore free options to cater to your preferences.
However, before I delve into it, I must note that free Popcorn Time alternatives are synonymous with geographical blocks and potential legal consequences. Luckily, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to unlock a world of geo-blocked content. Likewise, prevent warning emails from ISPs, wondering whether the content is legal or not, and protect yourself from uncertified dangers.
Before you try any Popcorn Time alternatives
The silver lining for free content enthusiasts lies in the best Popcorn Time alternatives, which, let’s face it, aren’t that hard to find. However, even the most popular free hubs can hide hazardous dangers. They’re loaded with trackers and malware-infused bits, just waiting for the wrong click. Also, some run on unsafe domains and don’t host the content uploaded on the website. They’re riddled with snoops and trackers cleverly hidden behind ads.
Furthermore, with the entertainment industry’s shift towards digital streaming, copyright holders worldwide have become more vigilant in protecting their rights. This has resulted in a wave of high-profile legal actions in various jurisdictions. Still, many of these platforms offer copyrighted content alongside legitimate free offerings, inadvertently involving users in online piracy. Ultimately, legal consequences for watching torrent-based content may differ based on local laws. Regardless, this practice is frowned upon by official broadcasters.
To complicate matters even further, ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in most countries actively monitor web traffic. This means that even an accidental visit to sites similar to Popcorn Time could result in fines, copyright infringement notices, or even suspension of internet access.
On top of that, your ISP can make streaming free content unbearable through bandwidth throttling. Free websites generally struggle with maintaining fast and good quality speeds, which may hog your internet server. Hence, an ISP will limit bandwidth to relieve their servers of load without caring that your streams are now awful.
However, there are readily available solutions to address these concerns, with top-notch VPNs ranking at the forefront of protective measures. The service prevents snoops like your ISP from meddling with your streams or seeing that you’re involved with pirated content. And, to top it all, a VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions for truly unlimited freedom of binging the greatest hits.
10 best free Popcorn Time alternatives
Let’s dive into the best Popcorn Time alternatives that won’t cost you a dime. You're in the right place if you’re looking for free options to satisfy your video streaming cravings. After much testing, I’ve curated a list of the most reliable free Popcorn Time alternatives. Here’s a quick view at the list with thorough overviews below:
Spoiler alert: they offer an array of movies and TV shows without requiring you to open your wallet.
1. Kodi – open-source media hub software for unlimited content
URL: kodi.tv/download/
At a glance: huge community of users, multiple compatible devices (Windows, Linux, Android, Raspberry Pi, macOS, iOS, tvOS ), open-source, wide range of media options.
The number one Popcorn Time alternative is none other than the reliable Kodi. It’s a free, user-friendly home theater system that allows you to stream videos, movies, and series seamlessly. Also, free of charge. This is why Kodi serves as one of the best popcorn time alternatives. And you can download it easily as an app and enjoy its sleek design.
Kodi boasts a collection of add-ons that enhance its functionality. This, in turn, means top-notch streams of your favorite movies and some of the best TV shows from popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or YouTube. During my testing, I found numerous legal add-ons available.
However, best to exercise caution when dealing with third parties’ add-ons, as they may lead you to pirated content. A VPN, on the flip side, quickly resolves this issue through encryption that hides your activities from ISPs or other curious eyes.
Otherwise, Kodi is a versatile entertainment solution that can play music, video files and display pictures apart from streaming. Thanks to its broad compatibility, you can set up Kodi on various devices, including PC, mobile, and even smart TVs like Apple TV. My kudos go to developers for giving way to Kodi builds for a personalized and richer experience.
2. 123Movies – web-based streaming hub accessed through mirror sites
URL: 123moviesfree.net/
At a glance: compatible with PC and mobile devices, boasts a huge library of popular movies.
The original 123Movies, an ad-supported website, once held the title of one of the world’s most beloved streaming sites tight in its grip. Then, it was closed down in 2018. However, I’ll let you in on a little secret that the page survives through mirror sites. It’s an undying legend, basically.
You’ll have no trouble breezing through the linear and minimalistic website of this solid Popcorn alternative. In fact, 123Movies has recently undergone refreshing touches to the web-based infrastructure, so browsing content catalogs has become even easier. Here, you can quickly discover movies and TV series neatly categorized by genre, production house, year, and even actors.
It runs smoothly on PC and mobile devices, and you get HD streaming quality for most movies and series. However, it does have pop-ups and ads, which can easily be resolved with a VPN that has ad-blocking capabilities. Also, the service would be in your best interest so that your ISP doesn’t snoop around your free media sessions too much.
Stream ad-free & smoothly with VPN
3. Stremio – streaming app for binge watching your favorite shows
URL: stremio.com/downloads/
At a glance: secure, easy to use, intuitive interface, available for a wide range of platforms (windows, mac, linux, android devices and more), open-source, supports chromecast, variety of content (movies, TV shows, web channels, sport, TV channels, podcasts).
Enter Stremio is a versatile media system closely resembling Kodi and one of the best Popcorn Time alternatives. This nifty app serves as a central hub for all your content management needs, bringing together various media types under one roof. What sets the app apart is its flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience with a multitude of Stremio add-ons and plugins.
The beauty of Stremio lies in its availability across different platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Linux. Now, it’s important to note that while the app boasts an array of authorized plugins, my tests revealed a whole world of unofficial ones as well. These plugins tend to gain popularity because they grant access to copyrighted movies and TV shows, all for free.
If you decide to dabble in free content on Stremio, you best tread carefully as there’s a legal gray area to navigate here. Or, you could take the easy road and get a reliable streaming-friendly VPN. It adds a layer of security and anonymity if you decide to choose this Popcorn Time alternative.
4. YifyTV – streaming website with an extensive content library for all fans
URL: yifytv.bio/
YifyTV is a convenient online platform that offers a colossal selection of movies and TV shows spanning diverse genres. It deserves a high spot among best Popcorn Time alternatives due to its unique features. For example, you can both stream and download content directly from the website. Speaking of which, it’s a simplistic and beginner-friendly interface that makes browsing super quick.
Another standout aspect of YifyTV is the subtitle support, making it an inclusive option for viewers worldwide. During my tests, I managed to watch and download some content in HD quality. On the other hand, the website displayed ads of questionable nature when I hopped on it without NordVPN’s Threat Protection ad blocker enabled.
While the website provides free access to its content library, it’s smart to use a VPN for potential copyright restrictions. Also, I advise using a service with an in-built ad blocker since the ads can become many and carry malicious code. Other than that, it’s a rock-solid streaming platform for free binge-watching of your favorite things.
Get NordVPN for safe streaming
5. BBC iPlayer – reliable free streaming service with blockbuster movies
URL: bbc.co.uk/iplayer/
BBC iPlayer is a popular and diverse free Popcorn Time alternative, housing a splendid assortment of up-to-date favorite movies and TV shows. Best yet, the web-based streaming service comes wrapped in a distinct, large, and straightforward interface. Besides, the service extends device compatibility through the Fire TV app, which grants access to all programs on the platform.
During my tests, I enjoyed this excellent media player thoroughly. I assign a bonus point to BBC iPlayer for allowing users to save their favorite programs. Note that for that, you need a Wi-Fi connection. The service is one of the fan top favorites as a Popcorn Time alternative because of the commercial absence. You read that right: no ads on the free streaming service.
However, the catch is that BBC iPlayer is only available to UK-based viewers. So, if you live or travel to another country, your only solution is a VPN. NordVPN has around 500 UK servers and fantastic compatibility for watching BBC iPlayer since it was the one I hopped on the website with. You get fast streaming speeds and unlimited access to BBC programs.
6. PrimeWire – universal streaming center with a premium option
URL: primewire.space/
If you’re reminiscent of Popcorn Time or Putlocker, then PrimeWire will tickle you the right way. It’s a free streaming hub, tucking the latest content under its simplistic and pleasing web interface. Navigating the website is easy peasy, and the best part is that you need no account to binge-watch your favorite hits.
I watched several movies on PrimeWire and didn’t encounter too many ads. But, while the content loads fast, the streaming quality, especially of the latest shows and movies, leaves much to be desired. It’s watchable, though, but nothing to write home about.
On the other hand, watching free content on PrimeWire without a VPN is risky since it’s illegal in a number of countries. Hence, securing anonymity and dodging ISP tracking might save you possible troubles. Or, depending on where you reside, even legal consequences.
Watch free movies & TV shows securely
7. FlixTor – streaming platform with the greatest hits
URL: flixtor.id/
If you’re looking for a Popcorn Time alternative that’s easy to navigate and caters to all needs of even the pickiest aficionado, then FlixTor might fit the shoe. The website nets all the greatest flicks and shows, even recently released ones. I loved the dark-themed and nominal web infrastructure since finding shows is easy sailing.
I must note that the website or mirror sites that host FlixTor continue to change, so don’t get confused if, one day, the URL won’t direct you to the streaming hub. Other than that, FlixTor offers free and premium access. Freebies get movies released in the last six months and shows released in the past three months. Meanwhile, subscribers can enjoy the full content coverage.
Changing the website and mirror sites indicates that Flixtor may not be the safest option, plus the ads. A VPN can protect you from possible dangers and trackers lurking on the hub. Plus, your ISP won’t catch you if you accidentally stumble upon pirated movies and episodes.
8. DuckieTV – the closest free streaming alternative to Popcorn Time
URL: schizoduckie.github.io/DuckieTV/
DuckieTV operates in a similar fashion as Popcorn Time since you link the app with clients like uTorrent. Once connected, it automatically prepares downloads once your tracked movies or episodes air. Yes, DuckieTV essentially is a personalized TV show calendar that tracks chosen flicks and hits, then queues their downloads.
The good news is that DuckieTV is ad-free and requires no account for you to dive into the best flicks free of charge. After downloading the app from GitHub, I tinkered around with the calendar. I was relatively pleased with the whole content download procedure. DuckieTV is an excellent addition if you’re into torrenting.
But since P2P file-sharing is quite frowned upon, you’d do well with a torrenting VPN. You’d conceal your online activities while preserving high download speeds with a service like NordVPN.
9. Crackle – media hub with an expansive assortment of movies & shows
URL: crackle.com/
Crackle is an online streaming website with a jaw-dropping collection of greatest hits, including Sony Pictures movies. Crackle isn’t exempt from ads as most free services go, but if you want none of that, you can subscribe to the platform. Otherwise, I loved the linear interface and sleek design, combining a dark theme with accents of orange.
I find Crackle one of the best Popcorn Time alternatives. The platform is bustling with movies, shows, and the newest releases and the classics. You can even create watchlists and browse recommendations. Moreover, the streaming quality reaches HD, though ads tend to disrupt sessions.
Crackle is a US-only hub, so an expat or outsider will not do without a VPN. NordVPN houses around 2,000 US servers, facilitating high speeds on every single one. Plus, the world-class service will swipe ads off your Crackle screen thanks to the ad-blocking Threat Protection tool.
10. Subsmovies – extensive list of must-watch TV shows & movies with subs
URL: subsmovies.online/
If you’re a fan of subtitles or know someone hard of hearing, Subsmovies could be the best Popcorn Time alternative for you. It’s a free streaming platform whose movie collection impressed me. The cherry on top is the available subs for most episodes or movies. Also, I found navigating the web page intuitive and handy since everything is categorized by genre, source, year, etc.
The good news is that there are no redirects, meaning no business with questionable third parties. Most online sources are torrents, which explains the expansive content assortment. However, I did come across some ads that the play button directed me to, but closing the window resolved this issue. Otherwise, the streaming quality is satisfactory.
This Popcorn Time alternative is based in France. Though the Subsmovies page is available in most locations, some titles could be unsupported in your area. But worry not – traversing this streaming hub with a VPN on should unlock all doors for you. It also protects you from ads if the service has an in-built ad blocker.
Get NordVPN against geo-blocks
Best Popcorn Time alternatives compared
There are some great Popcorn Time alternatives out there, all with strengths and weaknesses. If detailed descriptions are still not enough for you to decide which one to choose, here is a comparison table.
| Popcorn Time alternative website | Requires registration | HD quality available | Global availability | Works with VPN |
| Kodi | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| 123movies | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Stremio | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| YifyTV | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No, VPN is required for some locations | ✅Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ❌No, VPN is required outside the UK | ✅Yes |
| PrimeWire | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No, VPN is required for some locations | ✅Yes |
| FlixTor | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| DuckieTV | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Crackle | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No, VPN is required for some locations | ✅Yes |
| Subsmovies | ❌No | ✅Yes | ❌No, VPN is required for some locations | ✅Yes |
Why use Popcorn Time alternative?
The era of Popcorn Time has come to an end. Sad as it is, it’s time to move on. If you’re an avid enthusiast of cinematic pieces but tight on budget, it’s probably in your best interest to opt for Popcorn Time alternatives. Here are the main reasons for it:
- Cost-efficiency. Free streaming platforms are the gateways to a treasure trove of content. One of the charms of free hubs is no commitment. You can dip in and out of the service at your convenience, watching what and when you want without any obligations. Also, freebies sometimes fill in the content gaps often found on premium streaming platforms.
- Expansive libraries. Popcorn Time alternatives often feature a diverse and extensive catalog of TV shows and movies, ranging from classic hits to the latest releases. This variety caters to eclectic tastes and preferences, ensuring something for everyone. Besides, massive libraries, unrestricted by copyright laws, encourage experimentation and discovery of new genres, directors, and actors.
Still, it’d be too good to be true if free content didn’t come at some price. Quite often, free streaming platforms run on unsafe domains, redirect to unauthorized third-party websites, or run way too many ads.
Fortunately, a VPN is perfect for streaming free content online. The service protects your device and data from trackers, malware, and other cyber threats. Also, it unblocks platforms that are geo-blocked. You can even enjoy an ad-free viewing experience if the VPN has an integrated ad blocker.
Best VPN for Popcorn Time alternative
Using a VPN for free streaming hubs is imperative; that much is clear. But how does one pick the right VPN service? The market space is already saturated with cheap imitations that promise a whole world but falter before the first geo-block. Luckily, I tested dozens of VPNs while looking for the best Popcorn Time alternatives. Here are the best shots:
- NordVPN. The first-rate VPN stands tall among all services as the best streaming-friendly option. It maintains a commendable balance between securing a top-tier viewing experience, bypassing geo-blocks, and protecting your online ventures. During my tests, NordVPN secured HD quality where possible and unblocked regionally locked sites. Meanwhile, its Threat Protection whisked ads away.
- Surshark VPN. This provider is another excellent choice for accessing Popcorn Time alternatives. Thanks to fast speeds, I didn’t experience any speed drops while streaming. On top of that, I could navigate any free media hub I desired, geo-blocks or not. The CleanWeb ad blocker kept the ads on these websites docile.
- TotalVPN. The service is catching up with the competitors fast, and we can only appreciate the progress. TotalVPN unlocked the door to geo-blocked sites like BBC iPlayer and maintained a relatively good streaming performance. Since the service prioritizes protection, your data is safe, and online shenanigans are hidden from snoopers.
Enjoy free streams safely with NordVPN
Final verdict: what is the best Popcorn Time alternative?
Kodi is the #1 Popcorn Time alternative. Once a favorite among the free content connoisseurs, Popcorn Time has unfortunately shut down in 2022. While the wide waters of the internet have myriads of free streaming services, they’re often deceptive and unsafe.
I tested dozens of them to determine the best Popcorn Time alternatives like Kodi, Stremio, and more. However, it’s best to complement your free session with a sturdy VPN for protection and geo-blocks.
NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming free online content safely on Popcorn Time alternatives. No geographical restrictions stand a chance against the service and its colossal server fleet. NordLynx protocol keeps your binge sessions smooth, while Threat Protection makes them even smoother after removing pesky ads. No sudden redirect or the looming eyes of ISP could make you fret for your safety thanks to this robust VPN.
What do you think are the best Popcorn Time alternatives? Let us know by leaving a comment!
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Best Alluc alternatives
Best Putlocker alternatives
How to get Netflix cheaper
How to get YouTube Premium cheaper
How to check your torrent IP
Best VPN for torrenting according to Reddit
FAQ
Which is the legit Popcorn Time?
There's no legit Popcorn Time since the service shut down for the last time in 2022. You might find mirror sites, but they're unsafe and unreliable. There are other great Popcorn Time alternatives that I tested and offer free movies and TV series, like Kodi, 123Movies, Stremio, and others.
Is Popcorn Time still working?
No, Popcorn Time is no longer working. There are some rip-off self-acclaimed Popcorn alternatives, but they're unsafe. The best Popcorn Time alternatives include Kodi, 123Movies, Stremio, DuckieTV, BBC iPlayer. However, it's best to navigate them with a VPN, like the secure streaming-friendly NordVPN.
Is a VPN needed to access Popcorn Time alternatives?
Yes, a VPN is encouraged for accessing Popcorn Time alternatives. It's not a must, but a VPN service will hide your activities from ISP and other snoopers, which is essential when dealing with pirated content. Also, some free streaming hubs are locked behind geo-blocks, which NordVPN bypasses swiftly.
Is Popcorn Time illegal?
Yes, in many countries Popcorn Time Popcorn Time is illegal as it counts as copyright infringement. Unfortunately, that's the case with practically all streaming services that offer free content. For this reason, a VPN, like NordVPN, is a good idea to hide your sessions on such websites from ISP.
Can I get a virus or malware from a free streaming site?
Yes, most free streaming sites may potentially hide malware. They're full of ads, which contain kinds of malware, like viruses, which can sabotage your device and steal your data. A reliable VPN can shield from cyber threats. The best one is NordVPN, which is great for streaming and protects you.
