Since you’re here to read this guide on the best alternatives to CouchTuner, you might already know what this platform is. (Every binge-streamer does.) Nevertheless, here’s a quick brief of it if you haven’t heard about CouchTuner yet, or you want to refresh your memory.
Couchtuner is a streaming website that came online eleven years ago. It has since gained popularity and a huge user base around the world. The site features an enormous collection of movies and TV shows that users can watch without undergoing any registration process or paying any fees.
Does it sound too good to be true? While that’s all the truth, maybe, you should ask, does it sound too good to be legal and safe to use? This article answers these vital questions regarding CouchTuner and presents an extensive list of the best CouchTuner alternatives you can use in 2022.
Top 10 CouchTuner alternatives – Quick list
Running short on time to go through the full list? No worries. Here is a quick list of the 10 best services that you can use instead of CouchTuner.
- Putlocker – tremendous collection of movies and shows; free to use but requires registration
- Flixtor – free to view service with no ads; doesn’t require registration
- Popcorn Time – requires download; source code available on GitHub; interesting to use but still in beta
- Cinebloom – various movies and shows; no registration required; free but shows ads
- Crackle – well-categorized content; requires registration for additional features; shows ads and limited to US only
- Tubi – free to use; requires registration; supports parental control; available in US only
- Solarmovie – includes Asian content with some British and French media too
- Netflix – huge content library; tremendous user base; regional restrictions on content availability; premium service
- Hulu – paid streaming service; streams content on-demand
- Rainierland – huge content database; free to use; too many ads
Is it legal to use CouchTuner?
In most countries, copyright-protected material is not supposed to be freely broadcasted without the explicit permission of the copyright owners. In this regard, CouchTuner is a pirate site – downright illegal.
If you use it frequently, you had probably noticed that it keeps getting blocked and frequently switches its subdomains to keep going. This shows, like popular torrent sites, the site stays on the radar of surveillance authorities that have adopted a hostile gesture towards it.
Therefore, using Couchtuner can get you in trouble. You are at risk of civil and criminal prosecution if you live in a jurisdiction where the government pursues such matters.
And yes, you are responsible for it!
See, the terms of use you didn’t read while streaming your favorite movies and shows from the site clearly state that the liability is shifted to you – the user.
That is why having a VPN is a good idea when you go to Couchtuner or its alternatives. This tool can not only protect you from governmental surveillance, but it can also help you keep anonymous, bringing up security.
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Of course, using VPNs for watching streaming videos can be tedious because not all VPNs support this functionality. Yet, it’s better to bear this effort and find a good VPN instead of risking legal issues. Or, you should look for other legal alternatives to CouchTuner.
Does using CouchTuner risk online safety?
Yes, it does!
Aside from the potential legal problems of browsing this site, CouchTuner can expose your computer to digital security threats that include malware and tracking.
This isn’t news either. For decades it’s happened that illegal sites that offer juicy information of some kind (the age of illicit license numbers comes to mind) have been full of significant risks, most often in the guise of malware that looks harmless. If you click on some of those ads, you may end up infecting your system with all kinds of viruses, trojans, malware, and bad things. You may even lose control of your device to a perpetrator if the other party intends for it.
Should I use CouchTuner?
Using CouchTuner can be illegal, depending on your country.
Even your ISP might collaborate with the entertainment industry and send notices and warnings to users who access pirated material. Repeat offenders can get punished by service interruption or capping of download speeds.
Suppose those problems are not bad enough to dissuade you. In that case, it also happens that the site’s videos are often low-quality, and the overall organization is terrible, so locating the material you want to see is not that easy.
There are safer ways to get the content you want online. Today, numerous platforms are available that are better and safer alternatives to CouchTuner. If you’re a binge-watcher and don’t want any security risks, you can easily switch to one of them. (I’ll be sharing a huge list of such services that offer plenty of movies and TV shows without liability later in this guide).
But if you absolutely must keep using Couchtuner, then I advise you to use it safely with the best VPNs in the market.
Legal copyright disclaimer
PrivacySavvy never encourages illegal activities, even with regards to content streaming. We respect the copyright and licensing policies applied to online content and appreciate the hard work put up by the content creators. Admittedly, websites like CouchTuner may lead to illicit activities by the users. Therefore, this guide has been put up to facilitate streamers in accessing their favorite content legally through various platforms. It is now the responsibility of all readers to exhibit ethical behaviors while streaming on CouchTuner, its alternatives, and other services.
Why do I need a VPN to stream CouchTuner?
For the CouchTuner die-hards, the good news is that you can keep using the site with reduced security risks if you have a robust VPN. (Not a free one, by the way.)
A VPN makes you anonymous so you can stream, download, and browse around CouchTuner to your heart’s content without fearing any legal liability. Good VPNs prevent third parties from knowing what you are doing online. This includes the government and your ISP. They disguise your IP address and encrypt all your data in and out to look like junk to any external observer. Some providers even make your VPN traffic appear like the regular data to rule out any probabilities of VPN block.
But beware. Not all VPNs are the same. Some excellent VPNs are all about ensuring privacy, and they sacrifice some functionality. Thus, using them will let you enjoy outstanding anonymity online, but you can’t stream videos even on Netflix, let alone CouchTuner. So, you need the right tool for the right job.
Also, you have to use a paid VPN to watch CouchTuner safely. Of course, getting free content is the whole point about CouchTuner, we get that, but you should keep in mind this infallible principle of digital marketing: if something on the web seems to be free, then you are the product. So yes, you are the product in CouchTuner. You are delivered ads that you don’t want and even some security threats like malware. You do see some videos in return, of course, but you are biting the bait nevertheless.
Free VPNs are no different. They give you a free service, and you pay them with your data. The best VPNs have a no-logs policy that is meant to protect you. When they don’t keep track of your activities, only you know what you are doing. Free VPNs, on the other hand, do keep a record of the things you do. They sell your data to expert analysts who can make heads and tails of your browsing habits, profile you, and then use their conclusions to target you for things as relatively innocent as targeted ads. Still, it can be something more insidious too.
Another essential fact to keep in mind is that free VPNs are not that good anyway. (You can learn more about them in this detailed comparison of free vs. paid VPNs.) So please make up your mind to subscribe to one of the VPNs I know to work well with CouchTuner.
Best VPNs to stream CouchTuner safely
If you’re wondering where to find a provider that warrants safety without compromising your streaming experience, then look no further. Here we elaborate on the best VPNs that you can use to watch CouchTuner and other platforms.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a service whose top priority is to provide lightning-fast speeds to its clients. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, an offshore privacy paradise of sorts. And its focus on speed makes it an ideal VPN for video streaming.
The provider also has a strict no-logs policy and keeps your in-transit data secure with military-grade AES-256-bit encryption. ExpressVPN also provides you with a Kill Switch. This feature kills all your internet traffic if and when the VPN detects that your connection is no longer secure. It’s an extra protection layer usually found only in the best VPNs.
Then you also have a NAT Firewall and a Split Tunneling option which allows you to choose the portions of your traffic you want going through the VPN or your ISP. Its 3000+ servers available in 94 countries ensures that geolocation limitations don’t bother you.
(Wondering what more this provider has for you? Find out all about ExpressVPN in this detailed review.)
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a famous name in the VPN industry. It’s easy to use, fast, and also an excellent option for streaming CouchTuner’s content. The service allows you to use as many as 6 devices simultaneously, which is good news if you want to secure your whole family’s browsing.
NordVPN is based in Panama, which is a country whose laws are very friendly to user privacy. It keeps no logs, so everything you do online evaporates as soon as your session is over. The VPN also provides excellent security with industry-standard AES-256 encryption. It uses the OpenVPN protocol too, which is the foundation of any great VPN.
Geolocation is no problem for NordVPN either because it boasts 5400+ servers scattered across 59 countries. For avid streamers, this awesome location range is a blessing as it opens up endless opportunities to watch their favorite content from around the world.
(Interested to know more about this VPN? Check out our detailed NordVPN review.)
3. CyberGhost
The point of this service is to turn you into a digital ghost. CyberGhost is straightforward to use, which makes it suitable even for inexperienced users.
A single account gets you 7 concurrent connections. You also get the standard 256-bit AES encryption, a Kill Switch, and a Nat Firewall. The service’s high speeds allow for a better CoachTuner experience, and geolocation is also eluded with 7300+ available servers in 91 countries.
(Let’s keep it brief here. You can go through this extensive CyberGhost review to know more about this VPN.)
4. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is based in Switzerland, a region with privacy-friendly laws. Precisely, the country’s reputation for neutrality is legendary, and it holds when it comes to digital neutrality.
No logs are kept with VyprVPN; you get five simultaneous connections per account, AES 256-bit encryption, a Kill Switch, a NAT Firewall. So the privacy is well taken care of, but the extensive server coverage combined with high speeds also make it an excellent VPN to use with CouchTuner.
5. TorGuard
This one has been around for nine years, from Nevis in the West Indies. TorGuard is particularly suited for torrenting because the network is configured to support such activities at high speeds.
The VPN is built around OpenVPN, which is always a good thing. The service includes a Kill Switch as well. Moreover, its stealth technology enables it to bypass most censorship by governments, including the Great Firewall of China.
Best alternatives to CouchTuner in 2022: Minimum risks involved
So now you know how to take advantage of CouchTuner while remaining safe from possible civil or criminal actions due to copyright infringement.
But is it worth it to go through so much trouble so that you can stream some videos for free? After all, many websites feature lots of video content that you can enjoy without any payments and legal liability. So why not just try one of those other websites?
Here are some of the best alternatives to CouchTuner that still support seamless content streaming.
1. Putlocker
Its extensive selections of movies and TV shows are organized by genre and country. As a result, finding the show you want to watch is more manageable, especially compared to the chaos that CouchTuner is.
You do need to register before you can see any content, but the accounts are free. Since the platform has also attracted negative (resembling CouchTuner in that), it keeps shifting domains to continue. That also raises the question, ‘is Putlocker safe?’ While it’s safer than CouchTuner, the site can still harm your device if you’re not using good antivirus software and VPN. A good number of popular Putlocker alternatives also exist that you can try.
Site URL: https://ww4.putlocker.vip/ | https://putlocker-is.org/
2. Flixtor
It’s one of the few good guys who give you no ads while streaming your favorite videos. The collection is also extensive, and you don’t need to register or download anything. Furthermore, your activity enables you to obtain VIP benefits.
While Flixtor does not restrict people from any country specifically to use its services, it’s still recommended to have a quality Flixtor VPN on your side. It will help you stream anonymously and prevent any data throttling by the ISP. A VPN will also protect you against cyber threats that are always there on sites like Flixtor that provide free video content.
Site URL: https://flixtor.stream/
3. Popcorn Time
It’s an interesting service that emerged after some avid streamers joined hands to set the users free of the content piracy thing (that’s what they believe). You need to download something (the app) before it works. It’s available to download for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
One excellent thing about it is its source code is available on GitHub openly. So, if you have that technical know-how, then go ahead with Popcorn Time. Its integrated media player helps with streaming speeds.
It’s also worth mentioning some potential risks that come with it as the service runs on a torrenting client. That is why we recommend using a top Popcorn Time VPN to eliminate any possible issues. Some quality alternatives to it also exist that you can try.
Site URL: https://popcorn-time.tw/
4. Cinebloom
Cinebloom is just another interesting addition to the alternatives to CouchTuner in that it hosts a plethora of movies and TV shows. The service also respects the legacy of the former to facilitate binge-watchers. Hence, it doesn’t require you to create an account. As for the platform’s downsides, it has no filters to organize or arrange the media. Also, it features popups and ads. Yet, these things won’t bother you much if you are clear about what to watch.
Site URL: https://www.cinebloom.me/
5. Crackle (aka Sony Crackle)
Here you will find hundreds of movies and TV shows that you can search by title – forget about browsing around those endless lists. Movies are categorized by genre, and they include ads. No, you can’t skip the ads or fast them forward. Registration enables you to create your movie lists. You need a VPN to unblock Crackle if you’re not in the US.
Site URL: https://www.crackle.com/
6. Tubi
Tubi’s collection is not that big, but it’s free (with an account). But it allows you to set parental controls. It’s compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, AppleTV, Chromecast, FireTV, and Roku. VPN is required for non-US viewers.
Site URL: https://tubitv.com/
7. Solarmovie
Here you get both films and TV shows. The content emphasizes the availability of Asian content (Korea, Thailand, India, and Japan). Also, French and British content can be found along with some stuff from Hollywood.
Site URL: https://www1.solarmovies.movie/
8. Netflix
You probably wonder why we didn’t start with the most obvious option, but the question answers itself: because it’s obvious.
Also, Netflix is not exactly a service like CouchTuner, and it’s not free. But 118 subscribers worldwide can’t be mistaken, can they? If paying makes you doubt, consider that this platform boasts the most extensive collection of video content in the world.
The basic plan starts at 8 USD, so you don’t need to break the bank to join. But if you go premium (12 USD), then you can stream your videos in ultra-HD and feed four different monitors or screens simultaneously.
Netflix also produces a lot of original material that you can’t legally find anywhere else. If you have heard or are interested in shows such as Big Mouth, Black Mirror, Bojak Horseman, Chef’s Table, The Crown, Dark, Dear White People, Easy, Glow, or DareDevil, then there’s nowhere else to go. And it’s all legal.
Site URL: https://www.netflix.com/
9. Hulu
Hulu resembles CouchTuner much more than Netflix because it streams content legally on-demand if you have a subscription. But it’s different from CouchTurner (as are all the options in this list) in that it does not infringe any copyright laws anywhere.
You can have the service with or without commercials (8 USD or 12 USD monthly). And you can add Showtime to your subscription if you so wish. Many TV favorites are included in Hulu.
Site URL: https://www.hulu.com/
10. Rainierland
This one is free of charge. The site’s interface is clean and intuitive, so you can find the show or movie you want quickly. The database is vast, and the quality is excellent. The catalog includes Vikings, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Dare Devil.
You don’t need to provide any credit card details when you sign up (this happens even in some free sites as it constitutes proof of age).
But nothing is perfect, and the overabundance of ads on the platform is nothing short of annoying; it can ruin the experience. As if that wasn’t bad enough, clicking on ads redirects you away from your show or movie.
Site URL: https://rainierland.to/
11. Popcornflix
It needs no registration whatsoever, so once you hit the site, you’ll be watching videos in a matter of seconds. Every genre is represented. Two other platforms (Popcornflixkids and FrightFlix) offer dedicated content for children and horror enthusiasts, respectively. So it’s free and has something for everyone.
Site URL: https://www.popcornflix.com/
12. New Episodes
That’s the name, really. If you are not looking for an extensive collection but just to catch up with the latest episode of your favorite shows, this is the place to go. The menu will tell you what’s available to order as soon as you log in. Unfortunately, it has lots of pop-up ads, which is a tiny bit annoying. But the website is well-designed and convenient. Each episode has several streaming links, whereas the overall movie collection is just fine. You don’t need to register unless you want to join the forum.
Site URL: https://newepisodes.co/
13. Soap2day
This website has plenty of TV shows and a large collection of classical and new movies for you to watch. Navigation is smooth, thanks to a good search function and good category organization. Many filters on the site can show you what is trending, most viewed, highest rated by users. The service’s differential advantage is in offering the latest movies and TV shows.
Site URL: https://wvw.ssoap2day.to/ ; https://s2dfree.to/
14. PrimeWire
Adding more to the alternatives to CouchTuner, PrimeWire is easy to navigate, user-friendly, and has an intuitive interface. Here, you can easily find your desired content. Also, it supports streaming in different resolutions, so you can choose the one that best fits your connection. You can use PrimeWire without an account unless you want to rate the content, which requires registration. The only con for this website is that hackers love it. That is no danger for you as you don’t need an account, but it means that it frequently shuts down.
Site URL: https://primewire.es/ ; https://www.primewire.li/
15. MovieWatcher
If you are not a fan of series such as Vikings or Game of Thrones but prefer movies, this site is for you. MovieWatcher, as the name suggests, typically features films that have just been released in a theater near you. So if you prefer to eat your own homemade popcorn instead of buying it at the cinema, MovieWatcher Online Cinema will make you very happy. Just beware of pop-ups that can redirect your browser elsewhere.
Site URL: https://moviewatcher.is/
16. LookMovie
It has a wide range of TV shows and movies. It’s updated daily, and the latest additions are highlighted so you can access them easily. The streaming quality is good. There also is a dedicated forum for help and discussions. Just be mindful of the pop-ups.
Site URL: https://lookmovie.io/
17. MoviesJoy
This is your site if you’re into high-quality TV shows and movies. The genre menu is comprehensive, and you need no registration to watch the featured material. A new ad window pops up every time when you hit play on MoviesJoy.
Site URL: https://moviesjoy.to/
18. StreamLikers
It’s a new player getting the right kind of attention because of its top-notch streaming quality. The files are not hosted on the site’s servers. Thus, it’s open for all. You need to register no account and pay no charges whatsoever. It features several mirrors so you can always get a good stable one. But it’s blocked in a handful of countries. So, you might need a VPN to access this site.
Site URL: https://www.streamlikers.com/
19. Vumoo
Something of an ugly duckling. It is decidedly not as popular as the previous options, but that doesn’t mean it is not worth a look. Vumoo features well-sorted and filtered content with a user-friendly interface. No registration or credit card data is needed to use the site. The main drawback here is that new titles are not abundant, but the available collection is still attractive.
Site URL: https://vumoo.to/
20. CMovies HD
The HD in its name means that you can get the most popular streams in HD and Blu-Ray quality. No registration is needed to watch your favorite media. Though the ads here can be annoying, they rule this market anyway.
Site URL: https://www2.cmovies.ac/
21. Yes! Movies
It’s pretty popular and needs no registration. The site is friendly to navigate, and the catalog includes films from Japan, Mexico, India, and Korea. The main problem here is the abundance of pop-ups appearing everywhere.
Site URL: https://yesmovies.ag/
22. Crave
Another worthy website among the best alternatives to CouchTuner is Crave. Although, it might not be as popular as it should be. Yet, it’s worth your time. The site mainly streams TV shows from different languages and genres. Also, it receives quick updates bringing the latest episodes to you all the time. Nonetheless, you can still find some hit movies here, such as Twilight. However, to enjoy all the fun, you need to create an account and subscribe to its services.
Site URL: https://www.crave.ca/en
23. 123Movies
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a streaming fan, you surely know 123movies already. No logging, no paying, no charges, which is why it is so popular. As expected, the only problem is the recurrent appearance of annoying ads that interrupt the viewing experience. Also, you may have to struggle to find the right mirror links as the platform frequently faces a crackdown.
Site URL: https://123moviesgo.be/
24. JustWatch
JustWatch, as the name hints, is all about watching your favorite movies and TV shows. Though, it’s a bit different from other alternatives to CouchTuner in that it frequently redirects to the main platforms whenever you select a movie or a show to watch. However, what makes it fun to use is that you don’t have to juggle all the major streaming platforms. Go to this site, select what you want to watch, and it will redirect you to the respective website for streaming.
Site URL: https://www.justwatch.com/
25. WatchFree
You will find most of the new titles available in the market on this site. The search bar is evident and easy to use, so you can find what you want quickly. There is enough information about each movie so that you can choose something interesting to watch. No free account nor credit card data is needed. However, if you like HD quality in the latest titles, you could be out of luck because most are in standard definition.
Site URL: https://1watch-free.cc/
26. 5movies
The multiple sections on this site offer an extensive catalog. 5movies hosts the most demanded titles, and it’s all free without credit card requests. But having all the newest titles available while they’re still in theatres comes at a price. At first, you have to bear with all the annoying ads. Secondly, some of the newest material is CAM quality (the kind that somebody recorded with a mobile phone in a theatre.)
Site URL: https://5movies.cloud/
27. BMovies
Bmovies shows why a dark theme can make all the difference in a user’s watching experience. But other features will also hook you to this site. It’s utterly free, so you needn’t do anything but point and click to see whatever you want. Ads come with the territory. Users who like movies made outside Hollywood will also find plenty to enjoy here. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best alternatives to CouchTuner for binge-streamers.
Site URL: https://bmovies.co/
28. Yo-Movies
Their collection is impressive sourcing content from Hollywood, Bollywood, and more. The site has an easy-to-use interface with all the genres and titles arranged in alphabetical order—movies from Brazil, Japan, Korea, and India. But, beware of CAM quality videos in some of the latest offerings. Also, be ready to test your patience with frequent popups.
Site URL: https://yomovies.is/
29. DosMovies
Previously known as TwoMovies, the site went through a major change, like CouchTuner and most other alternatives, to keep the business running. Now known as DosMovies, the platform continues hosting different movies for binge-watchers. It’s a good site that remains free while requiring registration. Also, the site includes a forum to discuss movies with fellow enthusiasts.
Site URL: https://dosmovies.com/main
30. 1Movies
It’s a healthy mix of new and old movies and the chance to watch even some Netflix and other platforms’ series. However, the pop-ups will annoy you once every twenty minutes.
Site URL: https://1movies.la/
31. TVMuse
For binge-watchers who cannot afford to miss out on any of the latest movies and TV shows, TVMuse is a one-stop platform. The provider features a huge collection of TV listings and films from various genres. It has a user-friendly site with a clean interface that makes it really easy to find and select your desired media. In case you don’t find something here, you can request the admins for it. However, you need to create an account if you want to use it. But the service won’t levy any charges.
Site URL: https://tvmuse.cc/
32. DirecTV.com
DirecTV is another top-rated platform among the alternatives to CouchTuner. The provider offers both paid and free services. Yet, their premium version is more advantageous in that it ensures HD availability. The picture representation for each movie will give you a brief description as you move your mouse’s pointer over it. The only problem with this platform is its limited regional availability. So, you might have to use a VPN to unblock DirecTV at your location.
Site URL: https://www.directv.com/
33. AZMovies
It is another huge streaming platform where you will get the latest TV series and movies sourced from services like Netflix. AZMovies bears an intuitive web interface. Also, it features year-wise and genre-wise categorization of media. So, you won’t find it difficult to get the content of your taste. The service is among the best alternatives to CouchTuner since it neither requires registration nor any payments. But it keeps interrupting your streaming experience with ads.
Site URL: https://azm.to/
34. WatchSeriesHD
Another CouchTuner alternative platform with loads of interesting content is WatchSeriesHD. At first, given the word “HD” in its name, expect the platform to serve you with top-quality videos. Secondly, the overall website is a streamer’s delight as it features awesome categorization of the movies and TV shows. You can find your favorite content from your preferred genre, country, or go for what’s trending. Though you need to register with the site to use it, you won’t regret it since the platform is completely free and serves no ads.
Site URL: https://www3.watchserieshd.ru/
35. WatchEpisodes
WatchEpisodes is another free streaming service that replicates CouchTuner in serving avid streamers. You need to sign-up here to use the site. But, once done, you open up endless opportunities to watch your favorite title anywhere.
Site URL: https://watchepisodes.siteunblocked.info/
36. GoStream
The last on this list of the best alternatives to CouchTuner is GoStream. This service offers exactly what it reads – go, stream! The platform is entirely free to use and requires no registration. At the same time, its biggest advantage is that you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming without ads.
Site URL: https://gostream.site/
Wrapping up
Popular as CouchTuner is, the website is not your friend at all. The use terms make you responsible for all legal liabilities of the pirated content featured on the site. And on top of that, the platform has suspicious advertising behavior that can get you in serious trouble regarding digital privacy.
If you absolutely must keep using CouchTuner, you need to protect yourself from both the authorities and the hackers by using it only through a VPN. That too, not an ordinary one, rather a subscription VPN that supports streaming.
Thankfully, you now know about plenty of free streaming services whose legality is not in question. They offer a wide variety of digital streams that you can enjoy without paying a dime, giving away your credit card data, risking your privacy, or becoming liable for civil and criminal charges related to copyright law infringement.
This article alone gave you more than 30 alternatives to CouchTuner that provide safe entertainment without sacrificing your privacy.
Though, on most sites, you will have to put up with a lot of annoying advertising. But, those ads are usually safe and won’t install malware on your device.
So now that you have plenty of choices, I hope you will make an informed decision about the websites you choose to get your free entertainment.
Happy binge-watching with privacy!
