Many great TV shows and movies are subjected to geographical restrictions and only available in certain parts of the world. Such blocks are particularly apparent in the US, where copyright laws are taken quite seriously.
Thankfully, you can effortlessly watch HBO Max online using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). It can reroute your internet connection through a remote server, making it appear that you live in a different country. Many VPNs have servers in the US, but only the best providers can avoid detection and let you stream HBO catalog without issues.
Watch HBO Max outside the USA – a quick guide
- Subscribe to a VPN that works reliably at getting around geo-restrictions. We suggest NordVPN, currently 63% OFF!
- Install the VPN on your preferred device and connect to a server in the United States.
- Visit the HBO Max website and create an account.
- Sit back and enjoy the entire HBO Max catalog!
Can’t wait to see what HBO Max has to offer? Get one of these VPN services and unblock the coveted streaming service anywhere!
- The best VPN to watch HBO Max anywhere9.6
- HBO Max VPN with unlimited connections9.4
- The most affordable VPN for HBO Max9.0
Why do you need a VPN to watch HBO online?
Many streaming services impose geographical blocking because of copyright and distribution restrictions. As such, users worldwide have to deal with vastly different content availability. Even services that are available globally, such as Netflix, are subjected to regional limitations. HBO Max is no exception and offers different movies and TV shows based on your location.
Luckily, the best VPNs for streaming have the necessary tools to get around such blockades. A VPN can route your entire internet traffic through a server in a remote area, allowing you to trick streaming services into thinking that you’re in a different country.
Of course, changing your location with a VPN has other advantages, too. For example, it allows you to hide your actual IP address behind the IP of the VPN server. That way, your anonymity will remain intact. Additionally, your traffic will be encrypted with solid AES-256 encryption, making it unreadable to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and other undesirable onlookers.
However, it’s worth mentioning that not every VPN will work with streaming services like HBO Max or Disney Plus. For example, they must provide wicked-fast connection speeds to ensure lag-free video delivery. Plus, you’ll need the virtual private network to be compatible with your preferred home-entertainment device. These are just a few main criteria when picking the best VPNs for HBO Max.
Where is HBO Max available?
During its inception, HBO Max was available only in the United States. However, it is possible to watch HBO shows with certain local providers if they receive licensing rights. One such example is Sky in the UK.
Currently, HBO Max is available in over 60 countries worldwide. Plus, region availability will likely expand even further.
| Europe | North America | Latin America | Caribbean |
| Åland Islands, Andorra, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Ceuta, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Hungary, Kosovo, Madeira, Melilla, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard & Jan Mayen, Sweden | Mexico, United States (including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) | Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela | Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos |
Keep in mind that you’ll still need a VPN when traveling to countries where HBO Max is unavailable. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to stay up-to-date with ongoing TV series.
The Best VPN services for HBO Max
A worthwhile VPN for HBO Max needs to fulfill a few requirements to be considered viable. For starters, it needs an expansive server fleet with hardware in regions where the streaming platform is available.
Additionally, the virtual private network should employ top-of-the-line tunneling protocols to facilitate UHD video without buffering issues. The most popular option nowadays is WireGuard, although other methods can also get the job done.
You’ll also need a router-compatible VPN if you wish to watch HBO Max on smart TVs or other devices without VPN software support. Plus, we picked providers with dedicated apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and other popular home entertainment devices.
There are plenty of other aspects to consider. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s important. Read these overviews and choose the most appealing VPN for unblocking HBO Max abroad.
1. NordVPN – the #1 VPN for watching HBO Max anywhere
60
5700
24/7 live chat, Email
- Top connectivity with NordLynx
- Excellent security features
- Massive server network
- Only six simultaneous connections
NordVPN is the best VPN that works with HBO Max. Additionally, it’s a heavy hitter in the security department with its abundance of features. Check it out using the 7-day NordVPN trial.
The VPN service boasts 5700+ servers across 60+ countries. Besides regular locations, customers can pick specialty servers (Onion over VPN, P2P, Double VPN, obfuscated) for enhanced protection and utility. Plus, customers can purchase a dedicated IP in the US to be the exclusive owner of their HBO Max IP address. Best of all, industry-leading connectivity is conducted with the proprietary NordLynx protocol.
With NordVPN, the Threat Protection feature is the primary defender against digital dangers. It blocks malicious ads, online trackers, scans files, and removes tracking parameters from websites. Meanwhile, Dark Web Monitor notifies you whenever your data ends up on data leaks. Lastly, Meshnet allows you to create encrypted connections with remote devices to access remote files or host LAN parties.
Unlock the complete toolkit of this VPN for only $3.29/month. Don’t forget to grab a NordVPN discount code to access the best possible discounts. And no need to worry about commitment issues, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – VPN for HBO Max with greatest country selection
100
3200
24/7 live chat, FAQ
- Unlimited device connections
- Includes Smart DNS
- Ultra-fast with WireGuard
- Some features cost extra
Don’t want to keep track of which devices have a VPN installed and whether you’re nearing the connection limit? Get Surfshark VPN! The service works great with HBO Max and offers unlimited simultaneous connections with one account. You can take it for a spin using the 7-day Surfshark trial.
Surfshark VPN commands a fleet of 3200+ servers across 100+ countries. The vast region variety is perfect for viewers looking for the most diverse content on HBO Max. Additionally, video stuttering won’t be an issue because the WireGuard tunneling protocol is available.
Like most virtual private networks, Surfshark is compatible with desktop and mobile devices. However, it also has apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and other smart television sets. If it doesn’t, you can utilize the Smart DNS feature to unblock streaming content. Alternatively, setting up the VPN on a router is the most foolproof way of unblocking HBO Max on any device.
Use a Surfshark coupon and gain access to the measly $2.30/month subscription prices. Don’t hesitate to grab the Surfshark One if you also want antivirus protection while watching HBO Max. Plus, you can always change your mind because your purchase is secured with a 30-day money-back warranty.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN – cheapest VPN for unblocking HBO Max abroad
63
200
24/7 live chat
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Good for streaming, security, and torrenting
- Cheap and effective
- Lacks WireGuard
Looking for the cheapest way to unblock HBO Max anywhere? Consider PrivateVPN! The service is budget-friendly yet effective in many use cases. Plus, you can utilize the 7-day free trial to get acquainted with it.
The humble network contains roughly 200 servers across 63+ countries. Moreover, the service uses the age-old OpenVPN tunneling protocol to facilitate connections. This would result in average connectivity if not for HQN (High Quality Network). Unlike most services, PrivateVPN buys internet capacity directly from IP transit providers.
Customers can use one PrivateVPN account to protect up to 10 different devices simultaneously. Additionally, it includes many sought-after features like Stealth VPN, port forwarding, and unrestricted P2P support. Best of all, you can sign up anonymously by purchasing a subscription with Bitcoin.
PrivateVPN prices begin at only $2.00/month. Don’t forget to grab a PrivateVPN coupon for access to massive discounts. Lastly, no need to worry about buyer’s remorse because of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
Watch HBO Max on any device
- How to watch HBO Max on mobile
- How to watch HBO Max on PC
- How to watch HBO Max on Fire TV
- How to watch HBO Max on Roku
- How to watch HBO Max on Smart TV
HBO Max is available on various devices, including smart TVs, computers, gaming consoles, tablets, and even mobile phones. However, you need to make sure that your chosen VPN provider is compatible with your particular device. On the other hand, you can simply configure a VPN on your router and enjoy security on your entire home network.
In any case, here are a few guides on how to watch HBO online on any device.
How to watch HBO Max on mobile phones (Android, iOS)
Most VPN providers have dedicated apps for Android and iPhone devices. But just launching a VPN is not enough on mobile phones. Here’s what you need to do to get HBO Max working:
- Switch the location on your app store to the US
- Download a mobile-friendly and reliable VPN. We recommend NordVPN, currently 63% off!
- On the VPN app, connect to any server in the US
- Create a new account on your mobile device. For Android users – a new Google account, and on iOS – a new Apple ID. Choose the USA as your country
- Connect with your new account and download the HBO Max app
- Download the app and enjoy unrestricted access to HBO Max
How to watch HBO Max on desktop devices (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, learning how to watch HBO Max on PC is pretty straightforward. All you need is a VPN with plenty of servers in the US and a web browser.
- Download and install a worthwhile VPN. Our top choice is NordVPN, the best overall VPN service
- Connect to any server in the United States
- Visit the HBO Max website
- Create an account and watch anything without restrictions!
How to watch HBO Max on Amazon Fire Stick
Not every VPN has a dedicated application for Amazon Fire TV devices. Because of that, we recommend choosing a VPN from our list of best VPNs for Fire Stick. Whichever VPN you choose, here’s how to get HBO Max working:
- Pick a VPN that’s available natively on Amazon Fire TV Stick. Our recommendation is NordVPN
- Install the VPN app and connect to a server in the US
- Search for the HBO Max app
- Install the app and watch to your heart’s content!
How to watch HBO Max on Roku
Using a VPN on Roku can be tricky as it doesn’t support VPN software natively. Luckily, there are some easy workarounds you can try with the best VPNs for Roku. The easiest method is to set up your router with a VPN, connect to the USA, and then connect your Roku device to it. After that, you can easily access HBO Max on Roku and watch their entire catalog.
How to watch HBO Max on Smart TV
Whether your smart TV supports a VPN connection depends on the manufacturer. For your convenience, we have a guide specifically for LG smart TVs. Additionally, some VPNs have dedicated apps for Android TV or Apple TV.
Alternatively, you need to set up a VPN directly on your router or use the Smart DNS feature if your VPN has it. After that, you will have easy access to HBO Max on your smart TV.
How to watch HBO from your location
The HBO Max streaming service is geographically restricted to the United States and a few other countries across Europe and Latin America. However, it’s worth noting that not all countries have access to the same movies and TV shows. That means you could use a VPN to unlock HBO Max region-locked content even if the streaming service is available in your country.
However, some TV channels have the right to broadcast HBO content in their respective countries. For example, Sky Atlantic has the right to distribute HBO in the UK. Similarly, you can utilize Sky Italia in Italy or Sky Deutschland in Germany.
Furthermore, HBO Europe is available in many European countries, such as Denmark, Finland, Spain, and more. Check your local providers to see if they offer the HBO channel.
Additionally, Australians can watch HBO content on either Foxtel or Binge. Naturally, time zone differences can make you susceptible to potential spoilers of your favorite shows.
Ultimately, having a VPN to watch HBO Max online is the most effective way to stay up-to-date with your favorite movies and TV shows.
How to watch HBO Max from anywhere
- Subscribe to a well-performing VPN for HBO Max. My go-to option is NordVPN
- Download the VPN on your favorite movie-streaming device
- Connect to a country with access to HBO Max. The USA has the best content library
- Launch HBO Max and enjoy exclusive world-renowned TV shows!
HBO Max not working with VPN: potential fixes
It’s worth noting that you shouldn’t expect any VPN to work with HBO Max flawlessly. After all, streaming platforms try to block VPN users from circumventing geographical restrictions. Luckily, there are a fair number of fixes you can try.
- Check for IP or DNS leaks. A common issue among low-quality services is the exposure of your true location even when the VPN is enabled. Check for flaws via websites like dnsleaktest.com
- Connect to another VPN server. Overused VPN server IP addresses get blocked by online services like HBO Max. If your IP address isn’t leaking, it’s fair to assume the VPN server address got blocked. The solution is simple – try another one.
- Clear your browser’s cache. Browser cookies can store your location information, undermining your efforts to unblock HBO Max. Clear the browser cache and cookies, or use incognito mode when accessing geo-restricted content.
- Enable Stealth VPN. Some networks take extreme measures to curb circumvention attempts and restrict all VPN traffic. Thankfully, you can bypass VPN blocking by enabling Stealth VPN.
- Try using browser extensions or manual configuration. Desktop users can switch from the dedicated app and use a browser extension as an alternative method of unblocking content.
HBO Max still doesn’t play ball? Contact your VPN provider’s customer service agents; they’ll get to the bottom of the issue.
Can I use a free VPN for HBO Max?
Wouldn’t it be great if you could use the best free VPN for HBO Max to unblock the platform? It’s worth a try, especially because many no-cost services have access to US servers. However, practically all reliable freemium VPNs reserve streaming support for premium users.
On the other hand, completely free VPNs that claim to be able to unblock HBO Max should be looked at with suspicion. After all, how can such a provider do that without funds? Usually, the real money-making venture with too-good-to-be-true VPNs is selling customer data.
We recommend not wasting your time and effort trying to unblock HBO Max with free VPN services. Instead, get a cheap and effective provider if you want to watch exclusive movies and TV shows with minimal impact on your budget. Or, get a free trial VPN if you’re fine with temporary access to HBO.
What you can watch on HBO Max
HBO Max is the result of combining HBO Now and HBO Go. With it, you can conveniently access the HBO catalog, including The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Friends, and much more. Plus, it offers existing and upcoming movies and shows from Warner Bros, such as Succession, The White Lotus, Superpets, and more.
| Best TV shows on HBO Max | Best movies on HBO Max |
| House of the Dragon, Succession, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hacks, Lovecraft Country, Euphoria, Adventure Time, Friends, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Doctor Who, Chernobyl | An American Pickle, Birds of Prey, My Neighbor Totoro, Jaws, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Clerks, A Clockwork Orange, Dunkirk |
HBO Max starts at $9.99/month with the ad-supported version. Alternatively, you can grab the ad-free version for $14.99/month, allowing you to download your favorite movies for viewing offline and watch select movies in UHD 4K.
Conclusion
Accessing HBO Max is a piece of cake if you choose the right VPN for the job. It needs to be capable of circumventing geographical restrictions, be fast enough to stream without buffering, and support your device. And, of course, it shouldn’t cost a fortune since the streaming service is also paid. However, a free VPN is out of the question as it won’t give you a pleasant experience.
Which VPN would you choose for streaming HBO Max? Voice your opinion by leaving a comment!
You may also like to read:
How to change Netflix region
How to watch Harry Potter movies on Netflix
How to stream Channel 4 in US
How to watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere
How to watch UK TV from anywhere
How to watch The Office online
FAQ
Can you watch HBO Max with a VPN?
Yes, it’s possible to watch HBO Max with a VPN. The best VPNs for HBO are needed to get around geo-blocks and access the streaming platform in restricted countries. Other services won’t unblock the website effectively.
Can I use HBO Max with NordVPN?
Yes, because NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking HBO Max. It has over 5700 servers worldwide, while roughly 2000 are in the US alone. Additionally, the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol ensures lag-free streaming even from extremely-remote locations.
Is VPN for HBO Max illegal?
No, using a VPN to unblock geo-restricted content is perfectly legal. However, many online services prohibit VPN use in their terms of service. Luckily, they won’t terminate your account since you’re a paying customer. Worst case scenario, they’ll ask to turn off the VPN.
Which free VPN works with HBO Max?
No free VPN works reliably with HBO Max. The most trustworthy no-cost VPNs are freemium, and reserve content-unblocking features for premium users. However, you can gain temporary access to HBO Max by getting a free trial of a well-performing VPN for streaming.
Is HBO Max region locked?
Yes, HBO Max is only available in roughly 60 countries across North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Luckily, that’s not a problem if you have a VPN for HBO Max. It can change your location and unlock the streaming service anywhere.
Can HBO Max detect VPN?
HBO Max cannot detect all VPN traffic. Instead, it flags VPN IP addresses that are frequently used by different users. Which means the most reliable way of unblocking HBO Max is by getting a VPN with dedicated IP addresses.
Amazing news for me! I will be able to watch hbo online from where I live with vpn! And it’s not too expensive as well. Looking forward to that already
how to access split tunnelling on Mac with NordVPN? I can’t find it anywhere!!
Hello there. Unfortunately, split tunneling is unavailable on Mac. With NordVPN, it’s available on Windows, Android, and Android TV.
moved countries half a year ago and one thing I really missed was my streaming subscription and now I can finally watch hbo go outside united states. They literally are the best and should be available in europe too! but at least vpn helps
I’ve recently got HBO unlocked using a free no name VPN extension, but it keeps redirecting me to sketchy looking sites. Is it HBO or the free VPN that is doing it? I’m a little worried…
Hey, Stan. It’s definitely the VPN. You can’t trust unknown free VPNs, and it’s likely redirecting you to sketchy sites for ad revenue. Or, even worse, it’s already infected your browser with some malware. I suggest deleting that extension immediately and installing a trustworthy VPN instead.
Hey! I recently purchased NordVpn for HBO Max and I am a bit lost I mean like how to watch it for best quality possible. Which server and protocol I need? It’s a bit confusing but I’m excited 🙂
Greetings, Jessica. Just choose the USA and the app will pick the best server automatically. Furthermore, the NordLynx tunneling protocol will give the best possible speeds. Have fun watching HBO Max!