Is Putlocker Safe in 2023? Not Unless You Do This!

If you spend your time searching for free media-streaming sites, chances are you have come across Putlocker.

Putlocker has made a name for itself as one of the top media-hosting websites, with some of the top movies and TV series available — all for free.

Shockingly, the actual, original Putlocker was blocked by the High Court in the United Kingdom in 2016. It is unlikely that the original site still exists, but there have been dozens of Putlocker mirror sites that have popped up in its place.

While torrenting websites, like Putlocker, are a must for some of us, the only way to access them safely is by using a VPN. If you access Putlocker, or any other torrenting site, without the use of a VPN, you are putting yourself at risk for malware, pop-ups, and punishment if you download copyrighted content.

Why VPN Is a Must to Stay Safe on Putlocker

A VPN is the best way to stay safe when you accessing movies and TV shows on Putlocker.

When using a reputable VPN, your online activity is secured with military-grade encryption, so all of your traffic is completely hidden from your ISP, authorities, or any third parties. In addition, because you are connecting to a VPN server, your IP address does not give away your true location or identity, so you are browsing the web completely anonymously.

This way, if you break any copyright laws or watch/share any pirated movies, you won’t be held accountable.

Can I Run into Legal Troubles for Using Putlocker

If you are regularly using a torrenting site, like Putlocker, legal issues are of some concern.

Streaming media on Netflix, Hulu, or other paid streaming services is perfectly legal because paid streaming services have contracts with production companies that permit them to stream their movie and TV content.

Free streaming websites, like the Putlocker, have no such rights. Viewers who download or share the content from Putlocker are streaming pirated movies and shows, which is against the law. This puts some users at risk for legal action: lawsuits, fines, and even imprisonment.

The only way to stream Putlocker safely is by using a virtual private network.

If you are regularly using a torrenting site, like Putlocker, legal issues are of some concern.

Streaming media on Netflix, Hulu, or other paid streaming services is perfectly legal because paid streaming services have contracts with production companies that permit them to stream their movie and TV content.

Free streaming websites, like the Putlocker, have no such rights. Viewers who download or share the content from Putlocker are streaming pirated movies and shows, which is against the law. This puts some users at risk for legal action: lawsuits, fines, and even imprisonment.

The only way to stream Putlocker safely is by using a virtual private network.

Can Putlocker Be Harmful

Unfortunately, Putlocker can be harmful to your device, as well as to your privacy.

Like many torrenting sites, Putlocker is full of pop-ups and ads, some of which may contain malware. At the very best, the ads on this site can be frustrating to deal with; at their worst, they can cause significant damage to your computer, downloading corrupt files to your computer without your permission or knowledge.

In addition, some people have reported getting warnings from their ISPs about copyrighted movies or content on Putlocker. Sharing or downloading this content is against the law, and can be considered copyright infringement.

The most effective way to prevent harm from malware and pop-ups, and to protect yourself in case you download copyrighted content, is to use a VPN that has a built-in ad-blocker or to install an ad-blocker extension on your web browser (in addition to your VPN).

Be Careful with Putlocker Mirrors 

A mirror site is almost identical to an original website, but with a different URL. Since many original torrenting sites have been taken down, mirror sites have popped up in their places.

The Putlocker site was removed from the web by court order in 2016; so, though you may not have realized it, the Putlocker website you see today is a mirror site.

Because these mirror sites are not as reputable as the originals, it is hard to vouch for their integrity. They may contain malware, viruses, or annoying ads. The best way to protect yourself when using Pulocker, or any torrenting sites — especially a mirror site — is to use a VPN.

5 Best VPNs to Use With Putlocker in 2023

If you are one of the many people in the world who regularly uses Putlocker, a VPN is a must. Here are the top 5 services that will help you access your movie and TV content safely and securely:

1. ExpressVPN

With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries around the world, all of which support P2P activity, you will never have an issue using Putlocker safely from any country with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN can also help you unblock movie content on Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, and many other streaming sites-buffer-free.

This VPN is compatible with most platforms, including Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, routers, Linux, Chromebook, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles; and you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously to the same ExpressVPN account — all without slowing your browsing.

As for privacy — ExpressVPN offers military-grade 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, a Kill Switch, and OpenVPN across all platforms; so, whether you torrent, stream, or just surf the web, you are always protected.

ExpressVPN has a verified no-logs policy. Because it is based in the British Virgin Islands, a country outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, there is no concern that ExpressVPN will ever have to compromise its privacy policies.

2. NordVPN 

With over 5,500 servers in over 59 countries around the world, there will never be a problem using Putlocker with NordVPN.

NordVPN’s Smart DNS can easily help you get through the geo-restrictions for buffer-free access to Putlocker movies and TV, as well as Netflix, Hulu US, YouTube, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and others.

NordVPN has obfuscated servers that can bypass firewalls and geographic restrictions, and a double VPN that sends your traffic through two separate points for an extra level of encryption, giving you the most secure experience out there.

NordVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data, IP address, and online footprint; and its CyberSec feature provides another layer of protection from malware and annoying stuff that may pop onto your screen. I was also happy to see that there were no DNS or IP leaks when I put NordPN to the test.

If you are worried about privacy, it is good to note that NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy and is based in Panama, a country far from the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance.

There is a NordVPN application for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, smart TVs, routers, and Linux, so there’ll never be a problem finding an app that is compatible with your device; and you can use up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single subscription.

3. Surfshark

With over 3,200 servers in over 60 countries around the world, Surfshark will help you connect to Putlocker from anywhere.

Surfshark servers are plenty fast if you want to watch Putlocker movies and TV shows with hardly any buffering, or to access other streaming sites like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, HBO GO, or ESPN+.

Surfshark VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, a Kill Switch, and CleanWeb Suite, which blocks ads and protects against malware.

Surfshark is also located outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, so it will never be asked to compromise its no-logging policy.

Part of what makes Surfshark so appealing is that it allows for unlimited devices to connect on just one account, making it ideal for people who want to use Putlocker, as well as other streaming services, all at once.

4. CyberGhost

If you need a VPN server to use Putlocker, CyberGhost has over 6,600 servers in 88 countries around the world. If you are not in the mood to watch content on the Putlocker website, CyberGhost also has no problem unblocking ESPN+, Netflix, HBO GO, and other media streaming sites from anywhere — Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, UK, etc.

CyberGhost VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, a Kill Switch, and a built-in ad-blocker to keep you safe, secure, and free of annoying ads while torrenting.

On top of this, it is based in Romania, which is out of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, so CyberGhost will never be asked to share user data with anyone. Its location, together with its reassuring zero-logs policy, ensures that your website activity and location will never be kept or tracked.

5. UltraVPN

Although it is one of the smaller VPNs, I was impressed with UltraVPN’s connection speed and reliability at unblocking and using Putlocker from anywhere. If you need a break from watching Putlocker, UltraVPN can also unblock other streaming sites, as well.

UltraVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your Internet traffic, and an automatic Kill Switch that will protect your IP addresses and data in the event that your Internet fails.

Something of slight concern is UltraVPN’s location. If you are worried about surveillance, it is important to note that this VPN service is based in the United States, a 5/9/14 Eyes country. It claims that it does not keep logs, but when we checked further, we found that it does collect user’s IP address, location, and information, but will not share any logs with your Internet Provider or others.

An UltraVPN account allows you to use 6 devices simultaneously to access any online site or streaming service — all with only one subscription.

Conclusion

So, is Putlocker safe?

If you love to use Putlocker to access your favorite movies and content for free, you are certainly in good company. If you want to use this free streaming service without the fear of copyright infringement notices, or breaking the law, the only way to do that is by using a VPN — every time you access the Putlocker website.

This way, anything you do online is for your eyes only.