It can be frustrating when HBO Max’s region lock prevents you from accessing your favorite shows and movies, even if you’re a legitimate subscriber from a supported region. You’ll face the dreaded ‘Sorry, HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet.’ So, how can you overcome this? The solution lies in a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This powerful tool encrypts your connection and fools the system into thinking you’re back home, giving you the freedom to enjoy HBO Max from anywhere.
But hold your horses before you rush to download any VPN. HBO Max is no pushover. It’s adept at sniffing out and blocking most VPN connections. That’s where we step in. At Comparitech, we’ve made it our mission to test multiple VPN providers for HBO Max rigorously. Our exhaustive research and testing have produced results that can help you reclaim your entertainment no matter where you are.
Later, we’ll discuss each of the VPN providers in more depth, but here’s a summary for anyone short on time.
The best VPNs for HBO Max:
- NordVPN: Our top VPN for HBO Max! Fast and versatile with strong encryption and security. Has apps for most streaming devices and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for HBO Max. - Surfshark: The best value VPN. Supports unlimited devices and has a fair subscription price. It works with lots of popular streaming platforms, including HBO Max.
- IPVanish: Excellent speeds make for a great streaming experience. No problems with HBO Max or most other popular streaming services.
- ExpressVPN: Speeds fast enough to stream HBO Max’s content in HD. It can overcome geographical restrictions and works great with HBO Max. Also has 24/7 live chat support.
- CyberGhost: Has specific servers for streaming at no extra cost. The most extensive server network of any VPN on this list and has strong security features.
- PrivateVPN: A simple VPN that‘s suitable for securely bypassing HBO Max geo-blocks. Works with a wide range of platforms and is a reliable streaming VPN.
- PureVPN: Great speeds for streaming HBO Max. Worldwide servers to access streaming services from anywhere.
- ProtonVPN: No issues unblocking HBO Max abroad. Comes with many advanced features, including port forwarding.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
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There are no hidden terms – just let support know within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Best VPNs for HBO Max – Our hands-on review
We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Do you prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for HBO Max.
No value NordVPN Surfshark IPVanish ExpressVPN CyberGhost PrivateVPN PureVPN Proton VPN Website NordVPN.com Surfshark.com IPVanish.com ExpressVPN.com Cyberghost.com PrivateVPN.com PureVPN.com protonvpn.com HBO Max reliability 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Streaming reliability Excellent Excellent Good Good Good Good Good Good Devices Supported Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Chromebook Avg Speed (Mbps) 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 74 Mbps 400 Mbps 100+ Mbps Best deal (per month) $3.09
Up to 73% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months$2.19
Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free$2.14
Up to 82% off the 2-yr standard plan + free months$3.59
Up to 64% off a 2-year plan
Our criteria for the best HBO Max VPNs
There are so many VPN providers online that figuring out which one will unblock the services you want and provide a secure connection can be tricky. We researched the best VPNs for HBO Max based on the following criteria:
- A large network of reliable servers around the world
- It can help you securely access HBO Max and other streaming platforms
- Fast speeds for HD video streams without interruption
- Strong privacy and security tools to protect you when online
- Helpful customer support, preferably available via live chat
- Good value for money and comes with a money-back guarantee
The best VPNs for HBO Max
Here’s a closer look at our favorite VPNs for HBO Max:
1. NordVPN
Sep 2024
works with hbo maxTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN had no issues unblocking HBO Max. It’s the fastest and most reliable VPN we’ve tested this year, so you’ll have no problem streaming high-quality video. This can be done from 111 different countries from it’s server base of over 6,000. It’s a trustworthy streaming VPN with strong security and good customer support, ensuring a secure and uninterrupted streaming experience.
NordVPN also works with various streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
With NordVPN, you’re not limited to a single device. Apps are available for a variety of platforms including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. Plus, you can connect up to six devices at once, giving you the power to protect your entire household’s online activities.
Pros:
- Can securely access HBO Max from abroad
- Robust security features
- Works anywhere in the world
- Excellent security and encryption standards
- Excellent connection speeds
Cons:
- A few unreliable servers
Our score:
BEST FOR HBO MAX:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Works great with HBO Now and similar services. Best in class security and privacy. Extremely fast. All plans include a risk-free 30 day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
works with hbo maxTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a relatively new provider with an emphasis on unblocking streaming services. We were able to unblock HBO Max on our first attempt when connected to a US server. Speeds are solid, more than enough to stream HD quality video, despite not having the extensive server network of some of the competition.
Connections are well-secured, and Surfshark keeps no logs of your online activity. Live chat support is available on Surfshark’s website.
Best of all, Surfshark has no device limit, so you can connect as many laptops and smartphones as you want on a single plan. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
Pros:
- Works with HBO Max
- Fast enough for HD streaming
- Unlimited devices
- Great set of security features
- Keeps no logs
Cons:
- Has the occasional slow server
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is affordable, able to unblock HBO Max from anywhere, and a great choice for sharing thanks to its lack of a connection limit. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full SurfShark review.
3. IPVanish
works with hbo maxTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a veteran VPN provider that offers fast speeds and strong security. It works great with HBO Max and is a reliable VPN for Netflix and other streaming services. This no-logs provider also offers plenty of digital security and privacy protections.
Any number of simultaneous connections are allowed, making IPVanish a solid option for a family or group of housemates with a lot of streaming devices. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV (it’s actually one of our favorite VPNs for Fire TV).
Pros:
- Bypasses restrictions on HBO Max
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
- Use any number of devices simultaneously
- Popular with Kodi users
- Great for torrenting
Cons:
- Apps don’t work in China
- No live customer support, email, and ticket support only
Our score:
SECURE STREAMING:IPVanish offers a reliable VPN service that can access HBO Max. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
works with HBO MAXTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a solid VPN choice. We were able to unblock HBO Max without any trouble. Just install the app, enter your verification code, and connect. Speeds are fast enough for the highest-quality streams that HBO Max has to offer. Should you encounter any issues, 24/7 live chat support stands ready to help.
ExpressVPN can securely access and overcome geo-restrictions on a wide range of other streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It works on various devices, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and certain Wi-Fi routers. Up to five simultaneous connections are allowed.
Pros:
- Can access HBO Max
- High speeds for downloading and video streaming
- One of the best all-around VPNs
- Solid privacy and security
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost than others
- Doesn’t provide much control over advanced features
Our score:
GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:ExpressVPN is quick and reliable. It works with HBO Max from any country. Provides impressive security and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
works with hbo maxTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has thousands of servers, including streaming-optimized servers. The service lets you choose a server based on which streaming service you want to unblock instead of guessing which locations might work. HBO is on that list, which removes the guesswork from unblocking it.
Speeds are above average and should be more than enough for HD streams. CyberGhost has dedicated servers for securely accessing a wide range of streaming sites, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.
You can connect up to seven devices at once. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
Pros:
- Works with HBO Max
- Decent, reliable speeds
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 7 simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Doesn’t reliably work in China or UAE
- Maybe less suitable for advanced users
Our score:
EASY UNBLOCKING:CyberGhost makes it easy to unblock HBO Max and offers a reliable, safe service. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
6. PrivateVPN
works with hbo maxTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a smaller but premium provider that packs a big punch. In addition to HBO Max, it works well with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, which means you can stream high-quality video without buffering or noticeable speed drops. Live chat support is available if you need it.
You can connect up to six devices at once. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
Pros:
- Works with HBO Max
- Impressive speeds
- Works with a wide range of streaming services
Cons:
- Small number of servers to choose from
Our score:
FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a simple-to-use VPN that can access HBO Max from anywhere. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
7. PureVPN
Works with HBO MaxTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN is one of the most reliable streaming VPNs we have ever encountered and is available at an excellent price point.
It has servers in over 65 countries and works to access country-based exclusive shows on HBO Max and other leading streaming providers, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and UK TV services like BBC iPlayer.
The PureVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, and they offer everything you need to gain online privacy. This includes AES encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
Its WireGuard protocol provides average global download speeds of 400 Mbps, which makes it extremely reliable for streaming HD content, gaming, and quickly downloading torrents.
Customer support response times are slow, but, in our experience, you won’t need to contact them because the VPN is easy to install and use. You can test it risk-free using its 31-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast connections
- Works with HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and many others
- Servers in 65+ countries
- Easy to use
- 31-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Support is a bit slow
- Port forwarding costs extra
Our score:
LOW COST:PureVPN lets you watch HBO Max on vacation, at work, or on campus for the low cost of $1.96 per month. The VPN is very secure and reliable despite being cheap. Comes with a no-logs policy, AES encryption, a killswitch, and DNS leak protection.
Find out more in our PureVPN review.
8. ProtonVPN
Works with HBO MaxTested Sep 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is based in the privacy-friendly country of Switzerland and has an impressive reputation due to being developed by the makers of Proton Mail. Renowned for its commitment to privacy, ProtonVPN has an independently verified no-logs policy that ensures absolute user confidentiality.
ProtonVPN sets the bar for VPN features: AES encryption, a kill switch, a choice of protocols, obfuscation, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, self-owned bare metal servers (Secure Core), and Tor over VPN are all available. This makes ProtonVPN a reliable VPN for preventing ISP snooping and government surveillance as well as protecting you against hackers on public wifi. It also means you can bypass streaming blocks to watch HBO Max at work without being tracked.
Besides being great for privacy purposes, ProtonVPN offers blinding speeds thanks to its WireGuard protocol. In our tests, it worked to watch HBO Max, various Netflix regions, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many others. With specialized torrenting servers and port forwarding, this service is well worth considering for P2P filesharing without worrying about hackers on the swarm of being tracked by your ISP.
The company has live chat support and a money-back guarantee to try the VPN. The only real caveat is that it is a bit pricey on the longer plans. However, if you only need a VPN to watch HBO Max on vacation, it is slightly cheaper than its competitors’ 1-month plan.
Pros:
- Excellent speeds for streaming
- Works to access HBO Max and various Netflix regions
- Strong encryption and a no-logs policy
- Many advanced features
- Port forwarding is useful for torrenting
Cons:
- A touch expensive
- Might not be the best for beginners
Our score:
ADVANCED AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is a highly advanced and fast VPN. It is perfect for watching HBO Max abroad or at work. It has apps for all platforms with reliable privacy features, including a kill switch, obfuscation, multi-hop, and AES encryption.
Read our full ProtonVPN review.
How to Watch HBO Max With a VPN
Using a VPN to watch HBO Max is pretty straightforward. Streaming the platform from anywhere is a breeze once you’ve connected to a VPN server in a supported HBO Max country.
Here’s how to watch HBO Max with a VPN:
- Sign up for one of the VPNs in this guide. We particularly recommend a NordVPN subscription.
- Download their app and install it on your device.
- Run the VPN app and select a server location in the United States or another supported country. Hit the Connect button.
- Now, you’ll need to sign up for HBO Max. This requires a US payment method with a US-based billing address.
- Once you’re signed up and the VPN connection is established, open HBO Max and start watching!
If you’re using one of the VPNs we recommend but HBO Max is blocking it, try these troubleshooting steps:
– Clear your browser cache and cookies
– Try a different VPN server
– Contact your VPN provider’s customer support
– Try a different device or watch it in a browser
If none of the above works, let us know in the comments. Note that all of the VPNs we recommend come with generous money-back guarantees, so you can always switch to a different provider if your first choice doesn’t succeed.
Our HBO Max VPN testing methodology
Hundreds of VPNs are on the market and were not all created equal. To enjoy watching HBO Max on vacation. You require specific features, such as fast servers. However, a solid VPN should also provide robust data security and privacy.
At Comparitech, we use a specialist VPN testing methodology to test market-leading VPN services. This lets us compare the market and recommend VPNs for specific use cases. Below, we have included a list of the most important criteria we looked for when recommending VPNs for HBO Max.
- Fast servers. We test VPN server speeds to ensure that they are fast enough to stream HBO in HD. We also look for a wide choice of US servers that work to access popular services, including HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- Apps for all platforms. We check that each VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices. This ensures that you can install the VPN and use it to gain privacy or to watch HBO Max on Windows, macOS, iOS, or an Android device.
- Fully featured apps. We look for versatile VPN services with apps that are packed with useful features. We look for a kill-switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, P2P compatibility, Smart DNS, malware protection, ad blocking, and any other useful features that make the VPN better value for money.
- Strong security. We look for VPNs that have strong privacy policies and security benefits. This includes testing for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks – as well as checking that they implement the encryption to a high standard.
- Superb customer care. We only recommend VPNs with live chat and email support. This allows you to get help with setting up and using the VPN at any time of day.
- Outstanding accessibility. We only recommend VPNs with a reliable global server network that has been tested and works to access a wide range of international services. This ensures the VPN is good for bypassing censorship and gaining online freedom anywhere in the world.
- Value for money: When assessing a VPN’s value for money, we look at the cost of a subscription and what you get for the cost. We expect generous device allowances, long-term discounts, and a money-back guarantee, as a bare minimum.
Updated Stats for HBO Max 2024
As of 2023, HBO Max has achieved several milestones and notable statistics:
- HBO and HBO Max reached 95 million global subscribers in 2022, with a goal of reaching 150 million by the end of 2025.
- HBO and HBO Max reached 50 million subscribers in the United States in 2022.
- HBO Max’s annual in-app revenue increased from $119.9 million in 2020 to $534.5 million in 2022.
- The average revenue per user (ARPU) for HBO and HBO Max declined from $11.72 in 2020 to $11.09 in 2023.
- In the first quarter of 2023, the company reported 97.6 million global subscribers across HBO, HBO Max, and Discovery+.
Some of the new content on HBO Max in October 2023 includes season 2 of The Gilded Age, season 2 of Our Flag Means Death, and season 2 of 30 Coins.
HBO Max VPN FAQs
What countries is HBO Max available in?
HBO Max is available in over 40 countries, including the US, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and Denmark. However, its international expansion is slated to continue, with over a dozen additional European countries gaining access to this service in 2022 alone.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock HBO Max from abroad?
Highly unlikely.
We strongly recommend against using a free VPN to watch HBO Max. HBO has historically been one of the few streaming services that penalizes users who they catch using VPNs, so it’s best to invest in one that works. A free VPN is more likely to be blocked, and HBO could suspend or terminate your account.
Furthermore, free VPNs usually have slow speeds unsuitable for streaming high-quality video. They often have data caps or bandwidth limits. Many even spy on users’ online activity or contain malware. By using a free VPN, you will not only have a poorer streaming experience but could also compromise your online security.
How is HBO Max different from HBO Go and HBO Now?
HBO Now and HBO Go are two deprecated streaming services that have now been fully replaced by HBO Max. While these services only allow you to watch HBO content, HBO Max carries shows and movies from various networks and studios.
Is using a VPN with HBO Max legal?
Yes. Using a VPN to access your HBO Max account while on vacation is not illegal. You are already a paying subscriber, and you are entitled to watch your account. Pretending to be back home using a VPN temporarily allows you to do so while traveling outside the country.
That said, it is worth noting that using a VPN to access an HBO account from abroad technically breaches HBO’s terms of service. Thus, theoretically, you could have your account disabled. The good news is that HBO Max does not go after paying subscribers, and there is no precedent of HBO Max account holders having their accounts shut down for VPN use.
Instead, HBO Max works hard to block IP addresses associated with VPN providers. This prevents VPN users from accessing HBO from abroad. Due to these VPN blocks, only a few services work with HBO Max. This is why you must pick a recommended VPN that has been tested and still works.
How many devices can be logged into HBO Max?
You can register up to 5 different profiles on an HBO Max account. However, only three of those profiles can stream on HBO Max simultaneously. This allows three members of your household to watch different shows simultaneously.
Is there a HBO Max free trial?
No. Although HBO Max used to have a free trial subscription, unfortunately, this has been removed. We believe this is because of the Warner Brothers deal that allows HBO Max to stream simultaneous cinematic releases of movies like The Matrix 4. A free trial would allow consumers to exploit the platform too easily to watch those newly released films for free.
Will using a VPN affect my HBO Max video quality?
When streaming, your video quality is mostly determined by your download speeds. For instance, HBO says you’ll need around 25 Mbps to watch 4K video, but you should be able to watch in HD with around 5 Mbps.
While it’s true that your connection will almost always be slower with a VPN connected, providers have really been pushing to make their networks as efficient as possible lately. This means that unless your base speeds are already very low, you’ll unlikely notice any real reduction in video quality.
What can I watch on HBO Max?
Some of the most popular titles on HBO Max include:
- House of the Dragon
- Euphoria
- Pretty Little Liars
- Peacemaker
- The Flight Attendant
Can you watch HBO Max without the app?
Yes, you can watch HBO Max without the app. You can either go to HBOMax.com on a computer or use the HBO Max app on a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV.
How can I stop HBO Max from buffering?
Buffering on HBO Max can be a pain, but there are a few things we can recommend for you to fix it:
- Test your internet speed: As discussed above, you will need at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming. Use an online speed test to check.
- Update the app: Ensure you’re using the latest version of HBO Max. You can check for updates in your device’s app store or on your computer.
- Try Wi-Fi: If you’re on cellular data, switch to Wi-Fi. It might improve playback. The reverse is also worth a shot.
- Limit network use: If others use the same internet connection as you, ask them to pause their activity. This will help free up bandwidth for your streaming.
- Restart your device and router: Log out of HBO Max, close all apps, and restart your device. Also, unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in again.
- Reinstall the app: If you feel the app isn’t working right, uninstall and reinstall it.
- Clear cache: Clear your caches and cookies if your device or browser has not been cleaned in a while.
- Check HBO Max’s server status: Use a tool like DownDetector to see if HBO Max is having server issues.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be worth reaching out to HBO Max support for further assistance.
Can I use a free proxy for HBO?
Yes. However, it is generally not recommended to use free proxies for streaming content as they are often unreliable and can pose a security risk.
A better option would be to invest in a VPN service, which will encrypt your traffic and keep your data secure. All the VPNs above offer a free trial period so you can test their services before committing to a subscription.
What do I do if my HBO Max VPN has stopped working?
If your HBO Max VPN has stopped working, don’t panic! Hopefully, you can do a few things to get it working again. First, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This is to ensure HBO Max forgets your previous IP address and recognizes the one provided by your VPN. If you still can’t stream HBO Max, it’s worth connecting to a different server and clearing your cookies again. You may need to repeat this process several times to find a server that works.
Can I watch HBO Max in Germany?
Unfortunately, HBO Max is not currently available to stream in Germany. However, you can still watch it with a VPN, which connects you to servers outside of Germany.
A VPN will hide your IP address and thus make it seem like you are streaming from the U.S., allowing you to set up an HBO Max account and stream the entire catalog.
HBO Max will be available in Germany, Italy, and the UK by 2026 because of a current licensing deal with Sky TV. Until then, a VPN is your best option.
What problems do people have with HBO Max?
We have found that HBO Max users have encountered various issues with the streaming service. The most common problems we get to hear about include the app crashing, streaming and audio issues, and difficulties signing in. Some users have also been frustrated by the service’s limited availability in certain regions.
Other issues can arise from outdated app versions, internet connection problems, browser issues, server outages, and a messy transition from HBO to Max.
See also: How to watch HBO Max online abroad
