So I’ve been watching Netflix movies for some time already, but when my wife mentioned Loklok, I was intrigued and immediately looked it up (no pun intended). What is Loklok and is it really a cheaper alternative to Netflix?
Loklok is a Chinese video streaming platform with a large and extensive collection of movies and TV shows from all over the world. It has its own Android mobile application and website where both free users and paid subscribers can freely choose from a wide variety of video content.
Loklok has three membership options:
- Free – You can watch movies for free, but you’ll have to deal with a lot of ads.
- Subscription – For a small monthly fee, you can watch movies without any ads and be able to cast them to your TV. Starts at ₱69 per month.
- VIP – This membership type offers the same perks and benefits as the subscription tier. However, it costs ₱149 per month.
Members can also earn points by watching movies, live streams and shorts on the Loklok app, and then exchange these points for exclusive rewards.
Okay, I don’t want to sound like I’m promoting the app (because I’m not). So let’s just talk about Loklok and find out if it’s safe, whether it’s a good alternative to Netflix, and if it’s possible to watch movies on your PC and TV.
Disclaimer: Tech Pilipinas and the author are NOT connected nor affiliated with Loklok. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. We will not be held responsible for any consequences as a result of following the advice and information contained in this article.
Is Loklok Safe and Legal?
Loklok is operating in a “gray area,” legally speaking. According to this Reddit comment, Loklok scrapes content from other websites, which means that it doesn’t host the videos itself.
Since Loklok doesn’t host their videos, they can “get away” with streaming unlicensed and unauthorized content unlike most movie pirating sites. Add to that is the fact they are based in China, a country that is often criticized for being weak in enforcing copyright and intellectual property laws.
So while the Loklok app is legal by itself, distributing pirated movies – which is what Loklok is doing – is not. Users should be aware of the consequences of watching pirated movies, including the possibility of legal action.
Nevertheless, it’s extremely unlikely for anyone to get into trouble for watching movies in Loklok, considering that it probably has millions of users. It’s far more likely for the platform to be shut down first before that happens.
Is the Loklok app safe? Of course, it is. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be published in Google Play which has strict and rigorous approval standards. It’s not a virus or malware or anything like that.
Is Loklok legal? I’m not a lawyer so I cannot answer it with certainty. It’s probably hovering between “legal” and “illegal” based on my knowledge and research. So use it at your own risk!
Is Loklok a Good Alternative to Netflix?
I haven’t used Loklok that much (I only created a free account for testing purposes) but I’m pleasantly surprised by how good their videos are. It’s Netflix-like but without paying a single centavo. I’d imagine that the video quality would be better with the Full HD 1080p resolution that’s available to paying subscribers.
The main drawback is that I had to watch an advertisement every now and then. Still, it’s an acceptable tradeoff for the opportunity to watch movies that are not available on Netflix.
With Netflix cracking down on account sharing and putting up ridiculous restrictions on household use, it’s not surprising that streaming apps like Loklok and BiliBili are becoming more popular. The only question is how long they will last.
To sum up, Loklok might be a good alternative to Netflix for someone who doesn’t have the budget to pay for the lowest-priced Netflix plan. There’s a free plan for those who loathe paying up for the latest blockbuster movie and don’t care about annoying ads.
How to Watch Loklok Movies on Your PC or Laptop
Loklok has a web or desktop version that lets you watch movies on your computer or laptop. Follow these steps to use the web version of Loklok:
- Open the Loklok.com website using a web browser.
- Click the avatar icon on the upper-right corner of the screen and then click “Login”.
- Open the Loklok app on your phone and tap the QR scanner icon at the top of the screen.
- Using the QR scanner, scan the QR code shown on the desktop screen.
- Click “Confirm” on your phone.
- Congratulations! You can now start watching movies on your computer or laptop.
Take note that some movies and shows on the app may not be available on the web version. In that case (if you’re technical enough), you can use an Android emulator like BlueStacks and MEMu to install the app on your computer.
How to Watch Loklok Movies on Your TV
Nothing beats watching your favorite flicks with your friends or family. A small phone or tablet screen might not be enough for movie marathons, so the best option is to screen cast to your smart TV.
If you’re a paid subscriber of Loklok, you can easily cast or stream movies to your smart TV or Android TV. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to do that. Just follow these easy steps:
- Open the Loklok app on your phone.
- Go to the movie that you want to cast to your TV.
- Tap the connect button in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- Select your TV by pressing the “Projection screen” button.
- You’re now casting to your smart TV. You can change the screen resolution or the subtitle option.
Important: Make sure that your phone and TV are connected to the same WiFi network.
Wrapping Up
Although its legality is subject to debate, Loklok is definitely a good alternative to Netflix that doesn’t break the bank. Personally, I don’t recommend using Loklok because I don’t condone piracy, but hey, who am I to judge?
Let me know if you have any questions by commenting below!
