Is HDToday Safe to Use & Legal in the US, UK & More? (2025)

While free, HDToday comes with lots of potential security risks, including malware and data theft. The site is also known for hosting copyrighted content, and it’s regularly taken down. This raises the risk that you will end up on malicious Hmirror sites that can compromise your device’s security.

Is HDToday safe? While there is no way to make the site 100% safe, you can protect yourself on the platform with a VPN. A quality VPN with strong 256-bit AES encryption, and other security features like malware protection and tracking blockers, will significantly boost your online privacy and security while streaming.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for safe streaming. Its Threat Manager does a great job of blocking malicious domains, and there are several more built-in features that help secure your data from cyber threats. First-time users can test the service risk-free since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Secure Streaming on HDToday in 2025

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Is HDToday Safe?

Almost one third (29%) of people who have used unauthorized streaming sites (like HDToday) have been infected with malware¹. That’s a fairly significant risk — not to mention the potential legal consequences that might occur if you accidentally watch copyrighted content.

Here are the main dangers you need to know about when using HDToday:

Malware and Viruses

Links on HDToday may contain malicious code designed to infect your device. While the site claims to be ad-free, some previous versions have been filled with pop-ups. These ads are often deceptive and redirect you to suspicious pages with hidden viruses that may compromise your device or give hackers access to your sensitive data.

Copyright Infringement

HDToday offers access to content that may violate copyright laws. While the site itself does not host content, it facilitates access through unauthorized third-party sources. This can lead to legal disputes for users in jurisdictions with strict copyright enforcement​.

Data Privacy Risks

Sites like HDToday can log and sell your data. They actively collect user information — including your browsing habits, IP address, and device details — through tracking scripts and cookies. Without proper protection, this data can be sold to third parties for profit and can also be used for targeted advertising.

Mirror Site Dangers

Many new HDToday mirror (copycat) sites keep emerging as others are taken down for breaking copyright laws. These mirrors can be even more risky than the “official” version, and may even contain cryptocurrency mining scripts that can significantly slow down your device.

Malicious mirror sites use similar layouts to appear legitimate, but may ask you to sign in to use the platform. You can easily become a victim of phishing if you enter your data in such login forms.

Here are some of the HDToday mirror sites that can pose dangers:

• HDTodayTV.tv
• HDToday.cc
• HDToday.se
• HDTodayZ.to
• HDTodayTV.stream
• HDToday.to
• www2.hdtoday.to
• www1.hdtoday.tv
• HDToday.tv

Is HDToday Legal?

HDToday operates in a legal gray area and is not considered a lawful streaming service in several jurisdictions, including the US, Canada, and the UK. By using the platform you may inadvertently expose yourself to potential legal repercussions. The key legal considerations include:

Access of Copyrighted Material

HDToday provides free access to movies and TV shows, many of which are likely shared without proper licensing agreements or creators’ permission. This constitutes copyright infringement, which is illegal in most countries. Distributing or streaming unlicensed content undermines intellectual property rights and can lead to conviction, especially if you’re in countries with strict copyright laws.

Regional Licensing Restrictions

Content distribution rights are typically limited by geographic region, with streaming platforms negotiating licenses for specific territories. HDToday bypasses these restrictions by offering unrestricted access to content. This not only violates copyright laws but also breaches regional licensing agreements — putting you at more risk of getting in trouble.

How to Stay Safe While Streaming on HDToday

Here are some proactive measures you can take to secure your online streaming activities on HDToday.

Use a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your data and routes internet connection through a private server, hiding your IP address, location, and other sensitive details from third parties. This prevents tracking by websites and hackers who prey on unsuspecting users on sites like HDToday. Using a VPN is simple — just follow the guide below:

1. Choose a reliable VPN provider. ExpressVPN does a great job at mitigating potential threats on risky sites and is the fastest VPN we’ve tested for streaming.

2. Sign up for an account on the provider’s website.

ExpressVPN is currently offering a great deal to new users

3. Download and install the VPN app for your desired streaming device.

4. Open the app and activate the VPN’s built-in protection tools.

Some VPNs have built-in ad blockers

5. Connect to a nearby server location for seamless streaming without interruptions.

ExpressVPN also offers browser extensions if you prefer to not use the app

6. Access content on HDToday securely!

Install an Ad Blocker

Streaming sites like HDToday are often riddled with intrusive ads, some of which can redirect users to malicious sites. Using a VPN with an ad-block feature or installing a reliable ad-blocking app or extension can stop intrusive pop-ups and banner ads on HDToday. That way, you can reduce the risk of accidentally clicking on harmful links. It also gives you a smoother, less distracting streaming experience (and uses up less data on mobile devices).

Use an Antivirus and Keep it Updated

In the UK alone, over 3.5 million users of illegal streaming sites fell victim to viruses, fraud, or personal data theft in 2024. Nearly one million of those lost money as a result².

Antivirus software acts as a frontline defense against some of these risks. Programs like McAfee or Norton360 scan your entire system, including apps, for hidden threats that may have infiltrated your device. Combining an antivirus with a VPN can reduce the likelihood of exposure to online and offline threats like infected files and downloads on HDToday. You should also update your antivirus regularly so that it can effectively detect and neutralize the latest threats.

Enable Browser Security Features

Modern browsers come with built-in security settings to block unsafe sites, prevent phishing, and warn you about harmful downloads. Enabling these features, such as Google's Safe Browsing or HTTPS-Only Mode, provides additional layers of protection. Also, consider disabling any unnecessary browser extensions to minimize vulnerabilities.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best VPNs for Streaming Safely on HDToday in 2025

The best VPNs provide robust protection against malware and data theft without compromising your online streaming experience. Below is a summary of the shortlisted services with essential safety features for streaming on HDToday. They can also secure your connection to prevent third parties — like internet service providers — from monitoring your online activities. That way, your ISP can’t throttle your speeds when you stream either.

1. ExpressVPN — Advanced Security Features to Block Online Threats While Streaming

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Threat Manager actively detects and blocks malicious domains, ads, and trackers on HDToday. It warns you if you’re about to open dangerous redirects or URLs, preventing harm to your device. The military-grade encryption also safeguards your sensitive data from potential hacks. ExpressVPN passed all my leak tests too, so you can rest assured that it will effectively hide your IP address from snoops.

It has very fast connections for streaming. We only experienced a 6% speed drop, allowing for smooth HD viewing without buffering. This is impressive, as most VPNs drop your speeds by upwards of 50% when they encrypt your connection (you need at least 5Mbps to stream the 1080p content on HDToday). Its Smart Location feature also suggests the fastest server for your location, making it easy to find a streaming-ready connection, regardless of where you are.

The downside of ExpressVPN is its high price point. However, the VPN offers up to 61% discounts on longer purchases — I paid just $4.99/month thanks to its long-term offer. First-time customers can also test the service risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps to Stream HDToday Without Hassle

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's apps are easy to use on any streaming device. The intuitive user interface makes it simple to connect to a secure server for watching HDToday, even if you’re a total VPN beginner. There are servers optimized for certain free streaming platforms too, but even the regular servers worked well with such sites when we tested CyberGhost.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has a content filter that automatically blocks trackers and malicious websites, like harmful HDToday mirrors. You can also set up the Smart Rules automation feature so that you automatically connect whenever you open your browser, instantly protecting you whenever you want to use HDToday.

One minor drawback is that the monthly subscription is expensive and only has a shorter 14-day refund period. However, the long-term offers are more affordable, starting at $2.03/month. They’re also backed by a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service for free.

3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Connections to Safely Watch HDToday on All Your Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

One PIA subscription is all you need to secure your devices. That’s because it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, even on the cheapest offer, which costs only $2.03/month. We didn’t see any serious drops in speeds when testing multiple devices with PIA (although it still wasn’t as fast as ExpressVPN). PIA’s security is also highly customizable, and it offers its own malware/ad/tracker blocker feature called MACE, which is ideal for HDToday streaming.

The VPN’s many customization options might be overwhelming for VPN beginners at first. However, it works effectively with its default settings, so you won’t necessarily have to tweak it for streaming. You can try PIA risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for HDToday

We evaluated each VPN's security features and ability to block malicious content commonly found on HDToday and similar risky sites. Our tests also focused on built-in tools aimed at preserving user safety and privacy, like strong encryption, leak protection, and a trustworthy no-logs policy. The shortlisted services deliver fast connections for streaming online without buffering.

FAQs on HDToday Safety

What can you stream on HDToday?

HDToday offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows through unofficial streams. The content includes recent theatrical releases, popular TV series, anime, and documentaries. However, most of the content is hosted without permission. The site also frequently changes domains, and its mirror sites can be unreliable or potentially dangerous.

Can I access HDToday on mobile devices with a VPN?

Yes, you can safely access HDToday on mobile devices with a VPN — as long as your chosen VPN supports your operating system. The best VPNs are compatible with a range of mobile devices. Using a VPN with built-in malware protection can help block some threats on the HDToday app, like malicious links that might be hiding viruses.

Why is HDToday TV not working?

Access to HDToday may be disrupted for several reasons. Your internet service provider might be blocking access because of the legal and security concerns that come with using the website. In this case, a VPN can keep your activity private from your ISP and allow you access to the site.

HDToday also often changes its domain to avoid detection, which can lead to connectivity issues. HDToday’s reliance on unofficial streaming sources also results in frequent outages and buffering problems. Refreshing the site or trying a trusted mirror can fix some issues. Updating (or deleting and reinstalling) the iOS or Android app can also help.

Who owns HDToday?

HDToday's ownership information remains deliberately obscure. The platform operates anonymously, likely to avoid the legal consequences of hosting unauthorized content. Without knowing who controls the site, it's impossible to verify how users’ data is being used or shared. It’s therefore necessary to take precautionary measures when using HDToday and similar risky sites that can compromise your security and privacy.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for streaming HDToday safely…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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9.9 /10

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References

1. https://www.industrytrust.co.uk/press-releases/consumers-experience-sharp-rise-in-incidence-of-risks-associated-with-accessing-entertainment-content-illegally
2. https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/02/11/research-highlights-illegal-streaming-sites-risks