Showbox is a streaming app that was created with Android users in mind but that can, with a couple tricks, also be installed and used on devices running other operating systems. It doesn’t differ much from other streaming alternatives, and allows users to watch online HD movies, shows, documentaries and whatnot, including some of the world’s most popular picks.
However, Showbox is under a lot of controversy, primarily because the service is completely free, which in turn has raised the typical concerns surrounding copyright infringement. Given this, having a VPN is practically mandatory for Showbox users to remain anonymous to their ISP and avoid any legal notices. VPNs can easily be used across different platforms and anywhere in the world, which in turn also allows users to access the libraries of the countries with the most content.
How Does Showbox Work?
First of all, it’s important to know that the Showbox app is not available from Google’s Play Store. Instead, it must be sideloaded directly from their website, which means you must first alter the settings of your device to allow it to install apps in such a manner. This not only includes Android smartphones and tablets but smart TVs as well.
It can also run on your PC by downloading BlueStacks, an Android emulator, and then downloading the app normally. iOS users, meanwhile, need to install vShare and then use this to search for Movie Box.
One of the most common Showbox problems is an error regarding a particular server being geo-blocked, something a VPN also manages to solve with ease. Additionally, some of the latest updates made the service much more unstable, often freezing or shutting down whenever the library was accessed. The best solution to this is to download previous versions of the app.
Best VPN Services for Showbox of 2024
Rank | Provider | Info | Visit |
1
|
Editor's Choice 2024
|
|
|
2
|
|
||
3
|
|
Is Showbox Safe to Use?
Yes and no. Showbox works on a torrent basis, and so when it’s not possible to stream a video the app offers the option to download it to watch it again later – only adding more salt to the wound. Because of this, Showbox is illegal wherever torrents are illegal, which is the case for the majority of the world, obviously including the U.S.
Outside of that, however, there have been some concerns raised over the fear of malware and spyware. Fortunately, the app itself doesn’t pose any problems in this regard and it is safe to install. The only problem that may arise is from the fact that accepting the end user license agreement will automatically install ads on the app, though usually these don’t bother you while streaming.
Using a VPN for Showbox
The best option for Showbox users is definitely to have access to a VPN. Not only do these give much-needed protection to avoid legal notices, but they can also overcome geo-blocks to provide the greatest wealth of content. With a VPN, connections are constantly encrypted and hidden from any prying eyes on the internet, not to mention that ISPs won’t be able to track your activity, either.
On the other hand, that same encryption will be responsible for a natural loss of speed, though it is possible to reduce this impact by opting for physically closer servers or lighter encryption protocols. Therefore it’s recommended to pick a provider with a decent VPN network – preferably with various servers in the U.S. – along with a number of different protocols and encryption levels to properly tailor the balance between speed and security to your own needs. Likewise, it’s important to be able to rely on a kill switch feature, since we’re talking about torrents and it’s possible that brief DNS or IP leaks can give your real location away and, therefore, become a serious problem.
Recommended VPN Services
Surfshark
Having only launched in 2018, Surfshark is quite the young provider, but it’s already big enough to compete in the vast VPN oceans thanks to a great service that comes packed with features. And the best thing is that it’s also one of the cheapest on the market.
Surfshark’s network covers the entire world and there’s even a double VPN feature that allows users to route traffic through a second server for extra privacy. In addition, device support is very extensive, and speeds are generally good on even the most distant servers, which makes this provider great for streaming. For added security, Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no laws on data collection and storage.
HideMyAss
More than just a funny name, HideMyAss is one of the most reputable VPN providers in the world. The biggest seller is its extraordinary server network, which is one of the largest on the market, even reaching remote countries that few would ever think of having servers in.
But HideMyAss isn’t only about quantity, since its service is a synonym of quality, with good server speeds all over the world – even if they are obviously better in the most developed countries – meaning that streaming from Showbox won’t be a problem. On top of that, the VPN client can be installed on pretty much every device, with simple and attractive apps (that include a kill switch) for computers, mobile and more.
NordVPN
Whenever NordVPN’s name comes out we cannot help but think about the enhanced security settings that it brings. More specifically this means its brilliant double encryption, something that very few providers offer and that will surely make you 100% anonymous and secure.
However, this could have a negative effect when it comes to streaming on Showbox, since encrypting twice will greatly affect the speed. But it’s still possible to opt for a ‘regular’ VPN connection, even with different protocols, too. In the same regard, NordVPN’s server network is something to respect, as is its extensive support for different devices and operating systems or its inclusion of a kill switch feature.
Best VPN Services of 2024
Rank | Provider | Info | Visit |
1
|
Editor's Choice 2024
|
|
|
2
|
|
||
3
|
|
Get the Best VPN Deals
Want to stay up to date on the latest VPN news and discounts? Get exclusive offers and deals sent straight to your inbox!