If you are a big movie and TV show junkie who enjoys streaming your favorite titles on your smartphone or tablet, then chances are that you have heard of Showbox. A hugely popular app, Showbox was the go-to choice for mobile phone movie buffs, as it let them access their entertainment free of charge.
Showbox was not just loved because of its extensive catalog of movies and shows. It also offered a modern interface which made for a smooth experience, fast speeds for streaming, and reliability.
Showbox has now been shut down. In its prime, it struggled with getting banned in several countries as a result of its repeatedly violating copyright regulations. In spite of its efforts to bypass these issues, it eventually succumbed. Several similar apps and clones rose to take its place, but none has been able to find a solid footing.
Fortunately, there are great Showbox alternatives. It may be down for good, but there are other free streaming apps that will offer much of the same. They will provide you with free access to movies and TV shows, together with a smooth user experience.
The Best Showbox Alternatives
Here’s a breakdown of what I consider the best alternatives to Showbox. These apps were comprehensively tested based on the extent of the libraries they offer, user interface, speed, and overall performance.
1. Tubi TV
Tubi TV comes with an extensive catalog of more than 40,000 movies and shows. All of its content is properly organized into various categories for easy navigation.
While it is relatively new, Tubi TV has grown in a short period of time to enjoy popularity among movie buffs. It hosts content in a wide variety of genres, from classics to documentaries, action, horror, family, and drama.
To use the app, it is required that you sign up, providing an email, and other details. Verification is also required. Tubi TV generates its revenue by posting ads.
2. CinemaBox
If you made use of Showbox before it was shut down, you would be forgiven for thinking CinemaBox is a clone. It has a very similar user interface, with the same categories for movies and TV shows. It also comes with an Explore section, that recommends new titles you may not have seen before.
An extensive catalog of files is offered by CinemaBox, and it is updated regularly. Movies and TV shows come in all genres, and you can also download anime and Asian drama.
CinemaBox is available on Android and iOS. Android users will find that they enjoy the experience more than iOS users due to fewer restrictions.
3. Crackle
The next alternative to Showmax is completely legal to use. Crackle is owned by Sony Entertainment and hosts a very extensive library of Sony classics, original web shows, and contemporary new titles. Because it is entirely legal, it does not violate any copyright rules, and there is little chance it gets shut down.
Crackle only updates its collection once a month, which is a bit of a downer, as you will have to wait to enjoy new movies and shows. However, it is speedy and reliable, and syncs for a seamless TV experience. The movies and shows come in a wide range of genres like action, horror, sci-fi, crime, and comedy.
It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.
4. Cinema HD APK
Cinema HD APK is a wholly Android-based entertainment app, that serves as a suitable alternative to Showbox. It has a simple user interface that is not cluttered and offers a very large collection of TV shows and movies.
Cinema HD is very frequently updated with the latest movie and series premiers. It sorts the content into different categories, such as Trending and Popular. As its name suggests, movies and series uploaded come in high definition. They can also be downloaded for offline enjoyment.
5. Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time is very well designed, with a simple, clean, and intuitive user interface. It offers a very extensive catalog of movies, TV shows, and anime. All of this content is very well sorted into well-organized categories which makes navigating the site and browsing very easy. It also comes with a very functional search button.
It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Its only significant downside is that it is not available for iOS users. Popcorn Time can be Chromecast to your TV for a more immersive experience.
6. Movie Box
It would not be inaccurate to describe Movie Box as the iOS version of Showbox, and a lot of people consider it that. It has a very similar user interface to Showbox, and former users of that app will feel right at home. Movie Box also has apps for Windows, macOS, and Android.
In terms of content, Movie Box does not disappoint with the wide range it has on offer. There are movies, anime, and TV shows in several genres, with support for subtitles.
Why You Should Use a VPN with Showbox Alternatives
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, enables you to enjoy a secure connection to the internet. With a VPN, you are able to browse, torrent, download, and stream under the secure and private tunnel it creates.
Most streaming apps platforms not safe for users and their devices. There are several threats potentially posed to streamers, such as exposure to hackers, scammers, and malware. In addition, streaming may open them up to potential legal consequences due to copyright violations.
A good VPN service solves all of these issues. Under the safety net that a VPN provides, you can:
- Bypass geo-restrictions to access content on platforms otherwise available to your location
- Stream without getting logged
- Escape legal trouble if you accidentally cross copyright licensing lines
- Watch your favorite content without worrying about attacks from hackers, scammers, and malware.
The Best VPNs for Streaming on Showbox Alternatives
For hitch-free and enjoyable streaming on these apps, I recommend NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is widely considered the best option available in the industry. It comes with a huge network of over 5,500 blazing-fast and reliable servers.
The speed and reliability it offers make it a wonderful choice for streaming. With NordVPN, you can stream content in high definitions without lags and buffering.
In terms of security and privacy, it offers a bevy of features that will keep you entirely anonymous. There is bank-level encryption, a strict zero-logs policy, and a kill switch.
You can see what it’s all about, taking advantage of its 30-day refund policy.
2. ExpressVPN
As its name suggests, ExpressVPN is second to none when it comes to speed. With its network of 3,300+ lightning-fast servers, streaming on your favorite apps is a breeze.
But that is not all it excels at. ExpressVPN is also invested in your privacy and security. AES 256-bit encryption scrambles your data to keep it intelligible to snoopers. An automatic kill switch, no-logs policy, and split tunneling are some of the features it comes with.
For a risk-free trial, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.