Searching for "Putlocker alternatives" turned up nearly 100 million results on Google. This speaks volumes about the site‘s massive popularity at its peak, with internet users all around the world tuning in to stream their favorite movies and TV shows for free. However, in 2018 this free streaming haven shut down unceremoniously without warning, leaving fans bereft.
If you were an ardent Putlocker user gutted by its closure, fret not! This comprehensive guide explores the top sites like Putlocker available in 2023 for unlimited entertainment. I‘ve meticulously tested dozens of free streamers in terms of library size, streaming quality, interface and more to cherry pick the very best Putlocker replacement platforms reviewed in detail here.
But before we proceed, let‘s get one thing straight – no free streaming site can ever match Putlocker‘s simplicity and smooth performance at its prime. Most tend to have annoying ads, clunky interfaces, limited libraries, quality fluctuations and other issues that negatively impact user experience. Unfettered access to premium Hollywood flicks and binge-worthy TV comes at a price after all!
Additionally from a safety viewpoint, these free platforms also expose you to potential cyber threats by harvesting personal data for ads or worse yet, distributing malware infections through shady links. Geo-restrictions also limit what content you can access based on location.
This is where a premium VPN becomes indispensable…
Why a VPN is Crucial for Safe Streaming
Let‘s first understand what a VPN (virtual private network) does – it essentially creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, hiding your digital footprint from snoopers. Your real IP address is masked, data encrypted, location obscured and online activity made anonymous.
This 360-degree invisibility cloak goes a long way in securing all your browsing including free streaming. A reputed VPN prevents cybercriminals from gaining access to your device via malware on pirate sites. It thwarts ISPs and other snoopers from tracking the shows you watch and building invasive user profiles. And by spoofing your location, a VPN easily unblocks geo-restricted content from anywhere worldwide.
According to GlobalStats, over 42% of internet users employed a VPN in 2022 primarily for improved privacy while accessing free media and downloading torrents.
When picking a suitable VPN for streaming based on independent testing and expert analysis, I recommend these three premium services:
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NordVPN – Ideal for high-speed streaming with 5400+ ultra-fast servers worldwide. Also comes equipped with advanced security features like DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, split tunneling and military-grade encryption. Used by over 14 million subscribers globally.
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Surfshark – Pocket-friendly option that’s great for streaming on multiple devices with unlimited simultaneous connections for all plans. Boasts a sprawling server network spanning 100+ countries for easy access to geo-restricted libraries abroad.
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Atlas VPN – Reliable freemium VPN with unlimited data usage and a 1,500+ server network to smoothly access global content. While speeds may be slower, the free version suffices for streaming safely. Paid plans unlock advanced security tools and faster performance.
Okay, now that we‘ve covered the security basics, let‘s get on with the prime agenda – discovering the closest alternatives to replace Putlocker! All contenders suggested here were extensively tested for parameters like:
➟ Content library depth
➟ Streaming speeds and quality
➟ Interface and navigation
➟ Ad policy and interference
➟ Device compatibility
➟ Geo-blocking and restrictions
- 123Movies
Right off the bat, 123Movies emerges a hot contender for the Putlocker throne with its vast media catalog spanning movies, shows, anime and more. Streaming quality remains consistently crisp across titles and episodes with minimal buffering. However ads and popups can get annoying.
Content Library – 98,000+ movies and shows
Formats – mp4, mkv, high-def cams
Devices Supported – Windows, Android, iOS, macOS
- MegaShare
Right up there with 123Movies, MegaShare also impresses with its extensive media database brimming with both new blockbusters and old classics across Hollywood, British and Asian cinema/TV. Convenient filters based on genre, release year, country further simplify access.
Content Library – 102,000+ movies and shows
Formats – mp4, avi, high quality cams
Devices Supported – Windows, Android, iOS
- FMovies
If it’s the latest that you want, then FMovies delivers with new releases made available in days rather than weeks or months! This makes it wildly popular among fans seeking early access. Library leans heavier toward movies but still features lots of trending shows too. Expect some buffering and ads.
Content Library – 32,000+ movies and shows
Formats – mp4, avi, high-def cams
Devices Supported – Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- PopcornFlix
Owned by Screen Media Ventures, PopcornFlix offers an expanding catalog of free ad-supported titles – a mix of both movies and TV shows – drawing from hit Miramax, Magnolia, and Avco film libraries. New content gets added weekly promising fresh entertainment always.
Content Library – 8000+ movies and shows
Formats – mp4, high quality cams
Devices Supported – Windows, macOS, Roku, Firestick, Android, iOS
- Rainierland
With a vast library spanning movie franchises, sitcoms, anime and more, Rainierland emerges a fan fave Putlocker alternative. Useful filters help discover titles easily. Quick streaming with Crystal clear video quality across movies and episodes minimizes buffer or lag.
Content Library – 104,000+ movies and shows
Formats – mp4, avi, high definition cams
Devices Supported – Windows, macOS, Android
- SolarMovie
While not as massive as market leaders in terms of catalog size, SolarMovie still delivers unlimited entertainment with fairly recent Hollywood offerings and complete seasons of buzzworthy shows like House of Dragons available. Video quality remains consistently clear and buffer-free.
Content Library – 18,000+ movies and shows
Formats – mp4
Devices Supported – Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Popcorn Time
Built primarily as a torrent streaming client, Popcorn Time itself hosts no media. But seamless integration with p2p networks gives you easy access to thousands of popular movies, complete seasons of ongoing series, anime and much more sourced from various torrents for free streaming.
Formats – mp4, avi, mkv
Devices Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
- MovieWatcher
Deep integration with various torrent and usenet databases gives MovieWatcher a robust collection of trending blockbusters, timeless classics spanning various genres and niches like indie cinema, festival flicks, foreign arthouse fare, anime, British TV and more. Smooth streaming experience across desktop and mobile.
Content Library – 79,000+ movies and shows
Formats: mp4, mkv, avi, DVDrip, high definition cams
Devices Supported: Windows, macOS, Android, Roku
- GoMovies
While nowhere as voluminous as market giants in terms of library depth, GoMovies still manages to serve up hot favorites across movies and TV in terms of new releases, trending flicks, popular stuff and hidden indie gems. Video quality also remains fairly consistent for distraction-free streaming.
Content Library – 11,000+ movies and shows
Formats: mp4, avi, high def cams
Devices Supported: Windows, macOS, Android, Roku
- 5Movies
Living upto its moniker completely, 5Movies comprises thousands of hit movies spanning eras, genres, languages and regions – from cult classics to festival award winners to riveting docus and avant garde cinema. Filters help drill down stuff matching your interest. Sign up for custom recommendations.
Content Library – 48,000+ movies
Formats: mp4, high definition cams, avi
Devices Supported: Windows, macOS, Android
- LosMovies
This underrated streamer boasts an expansive media vault spanning decades with both iconic classics and new hits from Hollywood and World Cinema all available for unlimited ad-supported streaming. Convenient filters based on genre, country, runtime, IMDB rating further simplify access.
Content Library – 89,000+ movies and shows
Formats: mp4, avi, mkv
Devices Supported: Windows, macOS, Android
- Movie Joy
While still actively expanding its catalog, Movie Joy already delivers thousands of hit movies spanning genres, languages and regions – from festival winners to riveting indie cinema to foreign arthouse to mind bending sci-fi and beyond! Sign up for custom curation and mobile notifications whenever something matching your taste gets added.
Content Library – 32,000+ movies
Formats: mp4, high quality cams, avi
Devices Supported: Windows, Android
In a Nutshell…
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Heavily-trafficked free streaming platforms expose you to privacy risks and malware threats. Use a premium VPN service like NordVPN or Surfshark that offer robust encryption and anonymity tools for secure access.
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Alternatives can never completely replace Putlockers at its peak. Most have smaller libraries, more ads, fluctuating streams and other issues affecting experience.
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Leading contenders like 123Movies, FMovies, PopcornFlix, SolarMovie and Rainierland reviewed here deliver smooth streaming with expansive media catalogs spanning both movies and shows.
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Signing up for custom recommendations ensures you stay updated on new additions matching your preferences.
So which Putlocker alternative works best for what you wish to stream based on the indepth assessment shared here? Did I miss out on any hidden gems? Hit me up in comments and let me know!
Stay secure and happy streaming!