In this article, we’ll look at the best Putlocker alternatives. I’ve included a mix of paid legal sites, free legal options, and some unofficial platforms where you can stream movies and TV shows.
With Putlocker facing legal issues and frequent shutdowns, it’s important to find reliable and safe alternatives. Whether you want a premium service or a free option, this guide will help you find the right platform for your streaming needs.
What is Putlocker?
Putlocker was a popular third-party streaming platform for movies and TV shows, known for its various mirror and proxy sites that carried the ‘Putlocker’ name with different domain extensions. The website first appeared in the UK around 2010-2011 and quickly gained global traction, especially after the shutdown of Megaupload.
At its peak, Putlocker was among the most visited websites worldwide. According to Alexa rankings, it was within the top 250 most popular websites. However, due to copyright infringement issues, UK authorities eventually banned and blocked the site following a court order.
Governments and ISPs worldwide actively monitor online activities. If you’re found streaming copyrighted content on your device, you could face serious legal consequences.
Currently, your IP address, 2400:adc3:12c:e600:bcd3:880f:e0ab:5a62, is visible to everyone. To protect your privacy and ensure your movie-watching experience remains safe, I highly recommend using a reliable VPN to hide your identity.
I personally use NordVPN, which is known for being one of the fastest and most secure VPNs in the industry. It’s easy to install on any device, including Amazon Fire TV Stick, smartphones, PCs, macOS, iOS, and more.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with their service, you can request a full refund. They also have a special offer where you can get a discount on the annual plan.
Read: How to install and use VPN on Firestick
Putlocker Official Website History
After the original Putlocker website was shut down, it didn’t go away completely. The service kept coming back under different web addresses to avoid being blocked. Every time a ‘Putlocker’ domain was taken down, the operators would start using a new one. Some of the known addresses Putlocker has used include:
- putlocker.is
- putlocker.ch
- putlocker.rs
- putlocker.com
- putlocker.ac
- putlocker.io
- putlocker.today
- putlocker.krd
Because Putlocker was so popular, many copycat sites appeared, trying to mimic the original. Some of these sites are still online today, but it’s not clear if the original team is behind any of them.
Be careful, though—most of these copycat sites are low-quality and could be risky to use. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to leave the site right away. To keep your data safe, it’s smart to use a reliable VPN like NordVPN. For more tips on streaming and staying safe online, check out firetvexpert.org.
Is the Putlocker Site Still Available?
There are many mirror sites using the Putlocker name, but it’s unclear if the original website is still up and running.
One of the alternatives I mention in this article might be the original Putlocker, but there’s no proof to confirm this. We simply don’t know if the official Putlocker site is still available.
Is Putlocker Legal and Safe?
As we’ve mentioned, the original Putlocker website was shut down by UK authorities. The mirror sites you find online today might be run by the original developers or by unknown parties. These sites could carry malware or might not have the security needed to protect your data.
There are more than five mirror sites, with new ones popping up all the time. We can’t confirm the safety of each site, but I’ll check two of them using VirusTotal to see if they have any suspicious files. I’ll start with Putlocker.krd because it looks stable and professional. Then, I’ll also scan Putlocker.today to compare the results.
I ran a VirusTotal scan on putlocker.krd, and the results showed no suspicious files. This means that, at least according to this scan, the site doesn’t appear to contain any harmful content.
When I scanned putlocker.today with VirusTotal, one security vendor flagged the URL as malicious. This suggests that the site might pose a security risk.
The scan results show that while some Putlocker mirror sites might be safe, others can be risky and untrustworthy.
As for legality, the UK authorities shut down the original Putlocker site following a High Court order. The court labeled it as one of the major piracy threats, making it clearly illegal according to UK law.
Websites like Putlocker offer free content and make money through ads, putting them in a legal gray area. However, the original site was deemed illegal due to its role in distributing copyrighted material without permission.
At firetvexpert.org, we strongly discourage any form of piracy. We recommend streaming content that is in the public domain or using platforms that have legal rights to distribute the content.
Additionally, when accessing third-party sites like Putlocker, it’s important to use a VPN to protect your privacy. A VPN will conceal your online activities and safeguard your data. We recommend using NordVPN as the best option for secure streaming.
Beware of Fake Putlocker Websites
There have been reports of several fake Putlocker websites. These sites often redirect users to suspicious pages that can install malware on your device or steal your personal information.
If you come across a website that resembles Putlocker, exercise caution. Only visit if you are absolutely certain it’s safe.
In this section, we’ll explore both legal and free streaming websites similar to Putlocker. It’s always best to use legal streaming services that have the rights to the content they offer.
We’ll start with premium legal websites, and then move on to free legal options and third-party free sites like Putlocker.
5 Premium Alternatives to Putlocker
Before diving into the list, let’s quickly look at the pros and cons of using authorized or legal streaming services.
Pros:
- ● Guaranteed Safety: No need to worry about malware, viruses, or other online threats.
- ● No Surveillance or ISP Blocking: Legal services don’t get blocked by your internet provider.
- ● High-Quality Streaming: Many legal platforms offer streaming in up to 4K resolution.
- ● Peace of Mind: You’re using a service that’s fully compliant with the law.
Cons:
- ● Subscription Fees: Most legal services require a paid subscription.
- ● Multiple Subscriptions: To access all the content you want, you may need to subscribe to several different services.
Now, let’s take a look at the top 5 legal sites that can serve as premium Putlocker Alternatives.
1. Prime Video
Amazon’s Prime Video is a top-tier streaming platform, widely recognized for its vast array of content. Similar to Putlocker, you can access Prime Video through a web browser using your Prime account, or through its mobile and TV apps.
Prime Video boasts an impressive lineup of Original series, including hits like Fleabag, Jack Ryan, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Beyond Originals, it offers a massive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, sports, and children’s programming. It’s no wonder Amazon Prime is considered one of the best streaming services available.
2. Netflix
Netflix is a household name in the streaming world, having been around for over two decades. With over 238 million subscribers globally, it’s the largest streaming platform in the world.
Netflix leads the pack when it comes to Original content, with more exclusive series and movies than any other service. It also features a vast collection of movies, shows, documentaries, and more. While some content is restricted by region due to copyright laws, using a good VPN like NordVPN can help you access the full Netflix library. If you’re looking for a legal alternative to Putlocker, Netflix is a strong contender.
3. Disney+
Disney+ is a relatively new player in the streaming market, having launched in November 2019. Despite its young age, it has quickly become a major force in entertainment, particularly for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars franchises, both of which it has exclusive streaming rights for.
Disney+ also features a growing collection of Originals, adding to its appeal. Although it’s currently available in only a limited number of countries, its impact on the streaming world is undeniable.
4. Hulu
Hulu is another popular streaming service, especially in the United States. Many people don’t realize that Hulu is primarily owned by The Walt Disney Company, just like Disney+.
Hulu offers a rich selection of on-demand content, including movies, shows, and documentaries. It’s also known for its Originals, like The Handmaid’s Tale. Additionally, Hulu offers a Live TV service for an extra fee, making it a versatile choice for cord-cutters.
5. Vudu
Vudu is a digital content delivery platform that lets users rent or buy movies and TV shows online. Unlike subscription-based services, Vudu allows you to pay only for the content you want to watch, whether it’s a single episode or an entire season.
Vudu’s library is extensive, with nearly every movie or show you might want to watch available for rent or purchase. This makes it a flexible option for those who prefer to pay per view.
Free (legal) Putlocker Alternatives
If you’re looking for a legal and free Putlocker alternative, there are several streaming sites that fit the bill. These sites are typically supported by ads, which is how they generate their revenue. Here’s a list of some of the best options:
1. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free streaming service available in the US, Canada, and several European countries. It offers both Live TV and on-demand content, including movies and TV shows.
With partnerships with over 250 content providers, Pluto TV delivers a wide range of programming. The platform boasts more than 78.5 million monthly users, making it one of the largest free, ad-supported streaming services available.
2. Tubi TV
Tubi TV is another excellent free option for streaming movies and TV shows. It currently offers a library of over 50,000 titles and has more than 74 million monthly users.
Tubi TV features licensed content from major studios like:
- Paramount Pictures
- Warner Bros.
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- Lionsgate
- Universal Pictures
As an ad-supported service, Tubi TV plays commercials during video playback. You can watch without signing in, but creating an account allows you to sync your viewing data across devices.
11 Free Putlocker Alternatives
In this section, we’ll discuss free movie streaming sites that are similar to Putlocker. These services often fall into a gray area when it comes to safety and legality, so using them might expose you to potential risks.
Legal Disclaimer: This guide is intended for Tech purposes only. Firetvexpert.org does not own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any streaming apps, add-ons, websites, IPTV services, or any other platforms mentioned. Some of the services discussed on this page are unverified, and we cannot confirm whether they have the necessary legal licenses to distribute content. Firetvexpert.org does not verify the legality of each app or service in every region. It is your responsibility to ensure you are complying with local laws and only streaming content that is in the public domain. The end-user is solely responsible for the media they access.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using free Putlocker alternatives:
Pros:
- ● Convenient Access: Nearly all the content you want is available on a single website, eliminating the need to jump between different services.
- ● Free of Charge: These sites typically don’t require a subscription, offering access to content at no cost.
- ● High-Quality Streaming: Many of these sites provide streaming in high definition, often up to 1080p.
Cons:
- ● Legal and Safety Risks: Streaming from these websites may come with legal and safety consequences, potentially leading to uninvited trouble.
How to Access Putlocker Websites Safely
While we strongly encourage using legal streaming websites, we understand that some may still choose to access sites like Putlocker. If you decide to do so, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.
To stay safe while streaming from free sites, using a VPN is highly recommended. A VPN secures your connection, hides your IP address, and protects you from tracking by your government, ISP, and even hackers. Additionally, a VPN can help you bypass geo-blocks, allowing you to access content that might be restricted in your region.
I personally use and recommend NordVPN. It’s one of the safest and fastest VPNs available. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test its services. You can also take advantage of discounts on its annual plans, making it an affordable option for securing your online activity. Here’s how you can get started with NordVPN in three easy steps.
Step 1: Get your NordVPN subscription HERE.
Step 2: Click HERE to download and install the NordVPN app on your device.
Step 3: Open the NordVPN app and click the Quick Connect button to connect to a VPN server.
That’s it! Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for streaming.
Now, let’s dive into the list of the top Putlocker alternatives:
1. FMovies
FMovies is a well-known name in the world of free online streaming, offering a vast library of movies and TV shows. The site updates its content regularly, ensuring you have access to the latest releases.
The homepage features a prominent search box, making it easy to find specific titles. You can also explore content categories like Trending, TV Shows, Movies, Episodes, and Top IMDb. FMovies offers streaming in full HD, with minimal ads, providing a solid streaming experience.
Features:
- Subtitles/Closed Caption available.
- No signup required.
- HD streams without login; 4K streams with free account registration.
- Autoplay next feature.
2. 123Movies
123Movies is another popular free streaming service, similar to Putlocker. It offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows, with a homepage that is well-organized into various useful categories.
The site automatically selects the best streaming link for you, but also provides multiple options if you prefer to choose. Although ad-supported, 123Movies keeps interruptions to a minimum, making it a decent alternative to Putlocker.
Features:
- Multiple well-organized categories.
- Few ads.
- FHD quality available.
- Reliable streaming.
3. Yes Movies
YesMovies.ag is another strong alternative to Putlocker. The website features a straightforward design and a wide selection of movies and TV shows.
Content is easy to find with options to explore by category or genre, or use the search function for specific titles. YesMovies allows you to stream in HD and 4K, though 4K streaming requires a free account.
Features:
- No signup required.
- One-click player.
- 4K quality available.
- Simple, clean design.
- Autoplay next feature.
4. AZMovies
AZMovies focuses primarily on movies, offering various sections like Featured, Year, All Movies, and Genre. It’s an excellent alternative for those who are particularly interested in movie content.
Features:
- HD quality.
- No sign-up required.
- User-friendly interface.
5. Solar Movies
Solar Movies offers a wide range of both movies and TV shows, despite what its name might suggest. The website is easy to navigate, featuring genres like Action, Thriller, Romance, and more.
The main page highlights recommended content, and a search tool helps you find specific titles. While ad-supported, the site minimizes intrusive popups, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Features:
- Download feature available.
- HD streaming quality.
- No account signup required.
- Well-organized categories.
6. Movie-web
Movie-web is a clean, minimalistic streaming site for movies and TV shows. It doesn’t host content directly but finds and provides the best streaming links from various platforms.
The site is known for its simplicity and quality, offering HD streaming with minimal buffering. It’s a great option for those looking for a straightforward and efficient streaming experience.
Features:
- Uncluttered interface.
- Most titles available in HD (1080p).
- Bookmarking feature.
- Multiple language subtitles.
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode available.
7. SusFlix
SusFlix offers a broad library of movies, documentaries, TV shows, anime, and more. The site’s sleek, premium layout makes it easy to navigate, with categories like Recommended, Trending, and Top Rated Movies.
Available on various devices, SusFlix is one of the top alternatives to Putlocker.
Features:
- Discord feature for user interaction.
- IMDb ratings for each title.
- Continue Watching section.
- No signup required.
8. Ask4Movies
Ask4Movies is another free streaming site, providing access to trending movies, mini-series, documentaries, and more without any registration or login fees. It also includes titles from premium platforms like HBO, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
The site features a premium look and user-friendly layout, with helpful categories like Trending Now, New Releases, and Recommended.
Features:
- Subtitles in multiple languages.
- 18+ section for adult content.
- HD streaming quality.
9. Watch A Movie
Watch A Movie is a comprehensive site for movie lovers, offering a wide range of TV shows, new releases, classic titles, and hidden gems. The site is relatively free of ad popups and lags, providing a smooth viewing experience.
With over 300 TV shows and 5,000 movies, Watch A Movie is a one-stop-shop for streaming enthusiasts.
Features:
- IMDb rating, release year, and video quality listed for each title.
- Dark theme ideal for late-night streaming.
- Option to select premium services like Netflix.
- Playlist feature for curated movie collections.
- Discord feature available.
10. Movies Joy
Movies Joy is a reliable free streaming site that minimizes the usual drama of pop-up ads and redirects. The site offers HD content with a vast library of movies and TV shows, including the latest releases.
The platform is user-friendly, and with a good internet connection, you won’t experience much lag or buffering.
Features:
- Intuitive user interface.
- Content categorized by movies, TV shows, and top IMDb.
- HD streaming quality.
- Filtering options by type, quality, country, genre, and year.
- Detailed movie information, including cast and genre.
11. 1HD
1HD is a growing streaming site with a vast library of free movies, TV shows, and documentaries, all in HD quality. While the site occasionally features CAM videos, these are rare.
One downside is the redirects, which can lead to other sites, but with practice, users can learn to navigate back to the correct page easily.
Features:
- Extensive library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
- HD quality content.
- User-friendly menu with various filtering options.
- Search function to locate specific titles.
- Detailed information on each title, including cast, genre, and release year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions related to streaming sites like Putlocker and their alternatives. Whether you’re concerned about safety, legality, or just looking for the best platform to use, these FAQs will help guide you.
Q: What is Putlocker, and why was it so popular?
A: Putlocker was a popular website for streaming movies and TV shows for free. It gained popularity due to its vast content library and easy access. However, the original site was shut down due to legal issues, leading to the creation of various mirror sites.
Q: Are Putlocker alternatives legal to use?
A: The legality of Putlocker alternatives varies. Some sites offer legally licensed content, while others may distribute copyrighted material without permission. Always check the legality of a site before using it, and consider using legal streaming platforms when possible.
Q: Is it safe to use free streaming sites like Putlocker?
A: Free streaming sites can pose risks, such as exposure to malware or phishing attempts. It’s recommended to use a VPN to protect your privacy and secure your connection. Keeping your antivirus software up to date is also important.
Q: How can I access geo-blocked content on Putlocker alternatives?
A: You can use a VPN to access geo-blocked content. A VPN allows you to change your IP address, making it appear as if you are in a different location, which helps you bypass region-specific restrictions.
Q: Do I need to sign up to use free streaming sites?
A: Most free streaming sites do not require you to sign up, allowing you to watch content without creating an account. However, some sites may offer extra features, like 4K streaming, if you sign up for a free account.
Q: What are the best legal alternatives to Putlocker?
A: Some of the best legal alternatives to Putlocker include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Vudu. These services require a subscription but provide a safe and reliable way to stream high-quality content.
Q: Can I watch content in HD or 4K on free streaming sites?
A: Yes, many free streaming sites offer HD content, and some even provide 4K streaming. However, the availability of 4K content may vary depending on the site, and it might require creating a free account.
Q: Why should I use a VPN when streaming from these sites?
A: A VPN helps protect your privacy by masking your IP address and securing your connection, shielding you from potential threats like malware and ISP tracking. It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions to access more content.
Q: What should I do if a streaming site looks suspicious?
A: If a streaming site appears suspicious—such as having numerous pop-up ads or redirecting you to other pages—it’s best to leave the site immediately. Avoid clicking on any suspicious links, and consider using a more reliable platform.
Q: How do I know if a streaming site is legal?
A: To determine if a streaming site is legal, check if it holds licenses to distribute content, often indicated by partnerships with content providers or studios. Legal sites usually operate on a subscription basis or offer ad-supported models. When in doubt, research the site or stick to well-known legal platforms.
Final Words
That wraps up our list of the best Putlocker alternatives. As mentioned earlier, we carefully reviewed dozens of free movie websites before selecting these top choices. If you think we missed a great site, feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.
