Is Showbox a safe and legal streaming app?

Ruheni Mathenge  - Cybersecurity editor
Last updated: September 8, 2022
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Showbox is a popular streaming platform with a wide variety of content, but is it safe and legal to use today? Read on to find out.

Sneak peek at Showbox safety

Showbox is one of the famous free platforms offering ad-free streaming and downloading of movies and TV shows. However, many countries have blocked this site for hosting copyrighted content. Thus, if you live in any such country, you may face legal issues for accessing the platform. Furthermore, hackers have also launched malicious Showbox clones that infect your devices following downloads. Therefore, protecting your device with a robust VPN is highly recommended for accessing Showbox. Or, you may also switch to free, secure, and legal alternatives of Showbox that are discussed in this guide.

Showbox is a popular free on-demand streaming service with tons of high-quality movies and TV shows. A significant reason behind its popularity is the platform doesn’t have annoying pop-ups or ads, which separates it from competitors.

Besides streaming your favorite content online allows you to download and watch videos later. The best part is that Showbox constantly uploads new content to keep users entertained. 

However, remember that most of the content on Showbox is streamed through torrents. And, it is technically illegal to watch unlicensed movies and TV shows. That’s why some countries censor the platform by blocking its servers. In addition, hackers keep creating Showbox clones filled with malware and other viruses.

The best solution to these issues is a VPN. It will conceal your IP address, allowing you to bypass geographic restrictions and stream any content you want. Also, the robust encryption will stop your ISP and other third parties from snooping on your online activities. Some VPNs also offer malware and virus protection, which will keep you safe if you accidentally download a Showbox clone. 

Using a VPN to access Showbox online safely

A virtual private network (VPN) is a simple and effective way to stream securely online. This is because some free streaming sites are conduits of stealing data while others attack users through malvertising. So, it will encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address, thereby keeping your activities private.

Use the following steps to stream TV shows and movies on Showbox safely.

  1. Select a trustworthy VPN service. Our top recommendation is NordVPN because it effortlessly bypasses even the toughest geo-restrictions, has fast-speed servers, and uses solid encryption. 
  2. Choose a subscription. Go to the provider’s official website and select the subscription package of your choice. Most VPNs come with a variety of plans at different prices. 
  3. Download and install the app. After making payments, you can download the appropriate app for your device. Essentially, most providers have apps for all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. 
  4. Connect to a server. Navigate to the server list and connect to whatever country ShowBox is available. However, you will get better speed with a nearby server than with an international one because the traffic has to travel a shorter distance. 
  5. Stream content. Open Showbox and watch your favorite movie or TV show without any worries about your activities being tracked. 

The legality of Showbox

Showbox has been banned in many Western countries with strict copyright and intellectual property because it is considered to host pirated content. Fortunately, there is a leeway for users. Usually, watching pirated content online is not against the law, even if the hosting website does not have the requisite licensing or copyright. However, downloading pirated content is what is considered universally illegal. 

Moreover, if TV producers and Hollywood studios are in litigation against Showbox, they could sue end-users. Also, websites that offer Showbox content warn users to present IP addresses and browsing history to interested parties.

As noted earlier, the best way to stay safe from these risks is by using a VPN. It will stop your ISP and other third parties from seeing your online activities or data. In addition, a VPN is a great tool to bypass geographic restrictions, especially in countries that block Showbox. 

Showbox apk security examined 

Many people already know what Showbox is. But what most users out there keep wondering about is its security status. It is perfectly safe to download the official Showbox app on your smartphone, computer, or other streaming devices. However, hackers have started developing Showbox clones that are infected with viruses and malware. So, downloading and installing such an application could damage your device. That is why we recommend you to use a VPN with virus protection and malware blocker. For example, NordVPN and Surfshark offer this feature. 

How to make Showbox streaming safe

Two major Showbox security risks are infection from malware or viruses and exposure to your browsing history. A VPN will safeguard you from these dangers and keep you safe. It offers strong encryption, which prevents third parties from intercepting your connections. Besides, some providers provide antivirus features to maintain your safety even when you visit cloned Showbox website by mistake. 

Best VPNs for Showbox

One of the significant advantages of Showbox VPN is getting to unblock content that is not accessible in your country. Also, it will encrypt your connections to keep you safe all the time. We ran extended tests and did thorough research to come up with VPNs that work best with Showbox. Here are the top 3 VPNs to watch Showbox online safely.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN

Has vast number of servers all over the world help you unblock strictly geo-blocked content

servers 5,131 servers in 60 locations 
P2P optimized servers P2P torrenting
encryption Boasts AES 256 encryption
Ad Blocker feature Cybersec malware blocker 
Kill switch Automatic kill switch
Zero-logs policy Zero-logs policy
protection Thorough IP/web leak protection
SmartPlay feature SmartPlay technology
simultaneous connections Allows 6 simultaneous connections per account
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Excellent security and privacy 
  • Sufficient streaming speed 
  • Massive server list 
Cons
  • The desktop apps look outdated 

NordVPN is perhaps the best VPN service to stream Showbox from anywhere. It has a massive network of over 5,131 servers in more than 60 countries, enabling you to access content globally. In addition, most of the servers are super-fast, allowing you to watch videos in ultra HD. 

Another reason why NordVPN trashes other providers is the security. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your traffic or data from third parties, including your ISP. Additional essential features include an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, CyberSec ad and malware blocker, and multiple tunneling protocols. This combination does ensure that you remain safe always. 

The VPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t store identifiable information. Fortunately, it isn’t a marketing ploy, as the claim has been verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Cure53 independent audits. In addition, the provider is headquartered in Panama, which respects privacy. 

NordVPN is compatible with major operating systems to enable you to stream Showbox on any device without any worries. Thankfully, it allows you to connect six simultaneous devices and has an option to install it on your router for more connections.  


2. Surfshark

SurfsharkVPN

An affordable VPN service boasts impressive unblocking features and unlimited bandwidth

servers 3,500 VPN servers in 65 countries 
P2P optimized servers Allows P2P sharing
encryption AES 256-bit encryption
Zero-logs policy Robust no-logs policy
protection Web leak protection
Kill switch Effective kill switch
Ad Blocker feature CleanWeb malware blocker 
simultaneous connections Unlimited simultaneous devices per subscription
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Robust security   
  • Bypass geo-restrictions
  • Blocks malware
Cons
  • Slow speed on some servers 

Surfshark is the best budget-friendly VPN for watching content on Showbox. It runs a network of over 3,500 servers in 65+ countries, making accessing content outside your jurisdiction easy. If you connect to the correct server, you can stream high-quality videos. 

This VPN is as secure as it gets. For example, it has AES 256-bit encryption, making it impossible to interject your traffic. Also, the CleanWeb feature blocks intrusive ads, trackers, and malware to keep you safe. In addition, the MultiHop features add an extra encryption layer by routing your traffic through two servers. Other security features include DNS leak protection, kill switch, two-factor authentication, camouflage mode, and several protocols. 

The provider will not retain your browsing history, IP address, session data, or any information that can reveal your identity. Furthermore, it is based in the British Virgin Islands, which isn’t part of the 5/9/14 Eye alliance or any intelligence formation. In addition, it issues a warrant canary that shows whether the company has been subpoenaed to surrender data. 

Surfshark provides native apps for Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Fire devices. Fortunately, it supports unlimited connections, which means you can connect as many devices as you want.


3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Unbelievably fast VPN provider with tons of impressive features and servers

servers 3,000+ servers in over 90 countries
encryption Strong AES 256-bit encryption
protection DNS leak protection
Kill switch Kill switch
Zero-logs policy Strict no-logs policy
simultaneous connections 5 simultaneous device support
money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Tremendous performance in and outside the US
  • Unblocks Epix TV and most other major streaming platforms
Cons
  • Relatively costlier subscription plans

ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN for Showbox. It has a massive network of around 3000 servers spread across 94 countries worldwide. These are some of the fastest VPN servers in the industry, so streaming HD videos will be effortless. 

The VPN employs various security techniques to keep you safe while streaming Showbox. First, it has AES 256-bit encryption that prevents unauthorized access to your information. Second, the TrustedServer technology ensures data is not saved on the servers. Third, it uses an aExpressVPN’sl switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to block your traffic from leaving the encrypted tunnel.

ExpressVPN’s privacy policy states that it does not store, share and sell personal data to maintain your anonymity. PwC and Cure53 have independently audited it to assess these logging practices. Also, similarly to Surfshark, the provider is based in the British Virgin Island. 

The ExpressVPN app is available on a ton of hardware, including Windows, iOS, Anddoesn’tacOS, and Linux. Besides, the MediaStreamer feature will make it easy to use the VPN on devices that doesn’t support VPNs like smart TVs.


Showbox alternatives

Several other free online streaming sites are good alternatives to Showbox. Fortunately, they have a lower risk of hacking data and privacy violations.

1. Titanium TV

Titanium is a popular free online streaming service that provides a wide variety of movies and TV shows. In addition, it has high-quality videos compared to other free services. 

2. Cinema APK

This is one of the best reliable fWhat’sreaming platforms. It is compatible with various operating systems, including smart TV and firestick. What’s more, it offers tons of TV shows and movies you can choose from. 

3. Kodi

Kodi is open-source software that enables you to bring together different streams from various sources. The best part is that it has an offline download and wishlist so that you can watch it later. 

4. Catmouse APK

Catmvideo’sK is another excellent alternative to Showbox. It has a lower risk of violations and lets you select the video’s quality while watching movies and TV shows. 

5. Unlock my TV

Unlock my TV is an excellent option that never Showbox’sts. In fact, it has a vast catalog to choose from and is compatible with iOS and Android devices. 

Conclusion

Showbox’s popularity has grown tremendously because it aggregates content to a single platform from other sources. This provides a convenient way to find plenty of movies and TV shows in one place. Best of all, it’s a free service.

However, there are doubts about its safety status. So, the best way to maintain your security and privacy while streaming content on Showbox is by using a VPN. Without it, your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, and other third parties can try to access your browsing history and personal information. Also, without a VPN, you won’t be able to access geo-blocked content. Our top choice VPN for Showbox is NordVPN because of its fast speed and water-tight security.

Finally, while a Shobox VPN will help keep you safe, we highly recommend turning to legal streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO GO, Hotstar, etc., for all your streaming needs. That is because they are legal, safer, and highly affordable if you wish not to condone any law.

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About the Author

Ruheni Mathenge

Ruheni Mathenge

Cybersecurity editor
148 Posts

Tech researcher and writer with a passion for cybersecurity. Alex is a strong advocate of digital freedom and online privacy.

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