5 Alternatives to Popcorn Time
Last Updated: Sep 01, 2025
This article presents five alternative streaming platforms to Popcorn Time, focusing on technical features and factual information for users seeking reliable software for streaming movies and TV shows.
TorrenTV
TorrenTV is a cross-platform application (Windows, Linux, Mac) designed for streaming magnet and torrent files directly to devices such as AppleTV, Roku, and Chromecast. It features a drag-and-drop interface for ease of use. The software supports streaming without pre-buffering and is compatible with multiple streaming devices. Users should note occasional bugs reported in user feedback.
- Immediate streaming of torrent files
- Supports Chromecast, Roku, AppleTV
- Drag-and-drop interface for magnet and torrent links
SonArr
Sonarr is a personal video recorder (PVR) application that automates the downloading of TV content from Usenet and torrent sources. It monitors RSS feeds for new releases and downloads content based on user-defined criteria. Sonarr can import existing TV show collections, identify missing episodes, and facilitate their retrieval. The software is highly customizable and benefits from an active development community.
- Automated downloads from Usenet and torrent sites
- Identification and retrieval of missing TV episodes
- Extensive customization options
CouchPotato
CouchPotato is a PVR solution for automating movie downloads from Usenet and torrent sources. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, it allows users to specify desired titles, which are then added to a watchlist. The application searches multiple NZB and torrent sites daily for the best available matches and downloads them using integrated download software. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are also available.
- Automated movie downloads from Usenet and torrent sites
- Intelligent search and configuration options
- Browser extensions for enhanced integration
Stremio
Stremio is a content aggregation platform that enables users to discover, organize, and stream video from various sources, including movies, TV shows, live television, and web channels such as YouTube and Twitch. The application is compatible with multiple devices and offers features for content collection and integration with social media accounts.
- Aggregates content from diverse sources
- Multi-device compatibility
- Social media integration for content import
Zona
Zona is a Windows-only application for streaming torrent content. Developed in Russia, it features a customizable interface with multiple themes. Zona includes its own torrent client and search engine, and provides notifications for new releases of series, movies, and music.
- Torrent streaming for Windows
- Integrated torrent client and search engine
- Customizable interface with multiple themes
Security Considerations
All of the above programs rely on torrents for content delivery. Users are advised to ensure their internet connection is secure and private when using torrent-based streaming software. Unlike USENET binaries, torrents do not offer SSL encryption by default. Utilizing a VPN service is recommended for privacy and security. Providers such as Newshosting and Tweaknews offer USENET services bundled with VPN options. Additional VPN services are available; users should select a VPN server located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
