Flixtor is this popular free streaming site where you can watch movies and TV shows in high definition from pretty much every big online platform and network you can think of, including exclusives from Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO, you name it. They even have the latest releases that haven’t hit the major platforms yet. In Flixtor’s website, they claim that it is a “fully automated video search engine” that automatically scans through other streaming sites and lists the best quality movies and TV shows available. Does all this sound too good to be true? Maybe it is. So, what’s the catch? How is all this free? And, more importantly, is it safe and legal? Let’s uncover all that and more.
Is Flixtor Safe?
The short answer is no, Flixtor isn’t a safe website. Website like Flixtor aren’t exactly known for being careful with your data. And because they are often illegally operated, they don’t have any accountability. Just accessing Flixtor can expose your IP address, and the more you use it, the more chances you have of giving it more information.
Flixtor is not the only one, there are many other platforms that offer free content you’d typically have to pay for. But all of them come with their risks. One thing that makes Flixtor stand out is that, unlike some other sites, it doesn’t have any ads yet. But keep in mind, with sites like this, ads and annoying pop-ups usually show up sooner or later, and those can be pretty sketchy.
Moreover, They claim that all communication between you and their servers is secure, but there’s really no way to verify that. Even though Flixtor does not require registration, they can still see your IP address. And even your email and credit card info, if you decide to subscribe to Flixtor VIP.
Sure, you might be able to use Flixtor safely with ad-blockers and VPNs, but there’s still high risk involved with using platforms like this. So what’s the bottom line? It’s probably best to steer clear of sites like this.
Is Flixtor Legal?
You’ve probably already guessed that a site like this can’t possibly be legal, and you’d be right. The content on Flixtor isn’t theirs to host or share, which makes it piracy. And piracy is illegal in pretty much every country, including the U.S. and the U.K. Flixtor tries to dodge this by calling itself a “video search engine” on their website. But here’s the catch, they index these videos and add metadata for copyrighted movies and series, which means they are very likely aware of what they’re doing, and yes, it is illegal.
If you have been using Flixtor for a while, you may have noticed that they keep changing domains. That’s likely because their previous ones get taken down for illegal distribution of content.
Now, you might be thinking, “Flixtor being illegal doesn’t really affect me. I’m not the one distributing the content or making money off it. I’m just watching it online, like many others out there.” And, that’s where you’d be wrong. In many states and countries, The ISPs are required to hand over their user’s data to authorities if subpoenaed. Depending on where you live, even just casually watching illegally sourced content online could land you with a fine, or worse, jail time. So, it’s definitely something to think about.
How to Use Flixtor Safely?
Alright, so you’ve read the warnings, and you’re still thinking about using Flixtor. It’s not exactly the safest or most legal option out there, but if you’re determined, at least do it the right way by taking some precautions.
Mask Your IP with a VPN
Even if Flixtor claims they don’t store your IP, don’t buy it. At the very least, they can see it. That’s where a Virtual Private Network, a.k.a. VPN comes in handy. A VPN will hide your IP from Flixtor, and it’ll also keep your online activities hidden from your ISP. Plus, if your ISP or government has blocked access to Flixtor, a VPN can help you get around that.
If you’re on the hunt for a good VPN, some solid recommendations are NordVPN, Surfshark, Windscribe, and Proton VPN. These services let you pick a server from a location of your choice. On top of that, many paid VPNs also let you change the region of your streaming services like Netflix and Hulu so you can unlock even more content.
Get an Ad-blocker
Right now, Flixtor doesn’t hit you with ads. Not even on the free tier. But that could change. Similar sites often use pop-up ads that can take you to even more unsafe websites. And honestly, who likes pop-up ads anyway? They’re annoying at best and potentially dangerous at worst, sometimes hiding malware or spyware.
For ad-blocking, check out uBlock Origin, AdGuard, or Adblock Plus. These are all solid choices, and they come with extensions for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Some even offer apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux to block ads systemwide.
Keep Your System Secure with Antivirus Software
Let’s face it, sites like Flixtor are risky, and there’s a good chance you might pick up some malware along the way. That’s why having good antivirus software is a must.
We recommend McAfee, Norton, or Avast. These programs will help protect your system from malware, adware, ransomware, and more. They also offer internet security features that can block you from accessing shady sites or downloading dangerous files.
The Don’ts
Even with all these precautions, there are some things you should absolutely avoid:
- Don’t download anything from Flixtor or similar sites. Even if it’s just a movie or TV show, it could be loaded with viruses.
- Don’t subscribe to their paid tiers like Flixtor VIP. You don’t want to risk your credit card information.
- Don’t use Flixtor or similar sites at all. As we’ve discussed, these platforms are unsafe and illegal, and honestly, not worth the risk.
What are the Best Alternatives to Flixtor?
So you’ve got the message, Flixtor is not safe or legal, and you don’t want to use it either. But you’re sick and tired of paying for multiple subscription services. Well, here are some great free alternatives that deserve a shot.
Crackle
If you’re looking for a legal and free alternative to Flixtor, Crackle might be worth checking out. It’s been around since 2004 and offers a variety of movies and TV shows, along with some original content. The catch? You may have to sit through a few ads. But that’s a small price to pay for a free service. Crackle is a great option if you don’t mind ads, and you’re living in the United States.
Popcornflix
Another great alternative is Popcornflix. It’s a free streaming service that offers a mix of movies and TV shows without requiring a subscription. Sure, the content might be a bit dated, and you’ll have to sit through a few ads, but with no sign-up required, it’s a hassle-free way to watch some decent flicks without spending a dime. However, just like Crackle, Popcornflix is also available only in the U.S.
Amazon Freevee
Amazon Freevee is another solid option if you’re searching for a free, legal alternative to Flixtor. With a vast library of movies and TV shows, including some popular titles and original content, Freevee offers plenty to watch without a subscription. You will have to deal with ads, but they are fewer than what you’d get on regular TV. Available in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Austria, Freevee is a convenient choice for Amazon users.
YouTube
Now here’s one you probably didn’t think would make it to the list, but YouTube has a great selection of movies and shows, including YouTube originals. You can purchase or rent movies and series from the app or the website. Moreover, a lot of indie studios and production houses publish their older movies on YouTube. YouTube has also made their YouTube originals free for all viewers. But of course without subscription, you will have to deal with ads.
Plex
Now, Plex is a great option for people who source their own media. So, if you have a large library of BluRay disks, you could rip them to your computer or a network attached storage system and install Plex. Plex automatically finds the metadata of your media and creates a personal streaming server just for your content. You can then access it from your phone, laptop, TV, or any other supported device on your network.
Stremio
With Stremio we kind of enter back into a somewhat gray territory. While the app itself is legal, it does not have any content of its own. So, users can install add-ons and stream media through those add-ons. One of the main features of Stremio is its ability to stream torrents, and there are add-ons that facilitate it even further by indexing torrents for copyrighted movies and shows. You can choose which add-ons you want to use. But nonetheless, we would recommend using a VPN with Stremio if you decide to install add-ons from questionable sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flixtor
Is Flixtor Free?
Flixtor is free to use, but the free version has some shortcomings. You can only watch Movies released in the last 6 months and TV episodes aired in the last 3 months on this platform. However, the free tier is also ad-free, which is nice to have. There is a paid subscription based model called Flixtor VIP. It removes the content restriction, and promises to never integrate ads even if the free tier gets them.
Does Flixtor Have Virus?
There have been no known reports of people getting malware from Flixtor. However, similar sites like Flixtor have been known to spread malware. You may also find fake sites and apps pretending to be Flixtor that are not entirely safe. Either way, it is best to steer clear of unsafe and illegal sites like Flixtor to stream content.
Can I Use Flixtor on Firestick?
You can use Flixtor on Firestick, Google TV, Apple TV, and every other TV sticks and boxes that support a web browser. However, there is no official app that you can install. Moreover, Flixtor VIP users can also use Chromecast and Airplay.
Is There A Flixtor App for Android and iOS?
No, there is no official Flixtor app for Android or iOS devices. If you find any of such apps, they come from unverified sources and should be avoided. These fake apps usually contain adware. The only way to access Flixtor is through a web browser.
Wrapping Up
While Flixtor may seem like a very tempting option with its large library of latest high definition movies and shows, the risks here far outweigh the benefits. There are potential legal troubles and high security risks that come with using such unverified sites. So, it’s clear that Flixtor isn’t worth the gamble. Instead, you could consider exploring some of the legal and safe alternatives we have mentioned. These platforms may not have all the latest releases, and they may not even be entirely ad-free, but they offer peace of mind knowing that you’re not breaking any laws or risking your personal data. In the end, sticking to legitimate streaming services is the smarter and safer choice for you.