How to watch HBO Max in the UK

HBO Max is home to an impressive catalogue of hit TV shows and Hollywood movies including The White Lotus, Friends, Mickey 17, and the Harry Potter collection. Although HBO Max is available in dozens of countries worldwide, the UK isn’t one of them due to an existing agreement between Warner Bros, Discovery, and Sky. As such, if you’re in the UK and want to watch HBO Max, you’ll find it region-locked unless you use a VPN to access it.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, lets you spoof your location so you can access geo-restricted content such as HBO Max from anywhere. Connecting to a VPN server encrypts your internet traffic, preventing others from seeing what you’re doing online. You’re assigned a new, temporary IP address, so your actual location is hidden as well. This makes a VPN an ideal way to unblock and watch HBO Max while in the UK.

In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to watch HBO Max in the UK. We’ll also cover the best VPNs for this purpose. Short of time? Here’s a short summary of each:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for watching HBO Max in the UK. Servers in 165 locations worldwide. Powerful unblocker and also works well with Netflix. Impressive anti-malware feature and a password manager. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for HBO Max.
2. Surfshark: The best value VPN for watching HBO Max from the UK. Very fast with servers in 100 countries. Feature-packed and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Total VPN: A consistent streaming option for HBO Max that includes the best antivirus on the market. Easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support.
4. Proton VPN: Operates a true no-logs policy and accepts anonymous cash payments. One of the largest VPN server networks and with fast speeds for streaming HBO Max.
5. ExpressVPN: Reliable connections for seamless streaming of HBO Max, Netflix, and more. Excellent desktop and mobile apps and quality customer support, available 24/7.
6. IPVanish: Servers worldwide with a large number in North America. Capable of streaming HBO Max lag-free. New features including cloud storage and secure browser.
7. CyberGhost: Fastest speeds of any VPN we’ve tested. Even offers specialty servers for streaming six different HBO Max libraries. Independently audited no-logs policy.
8. PureVPN: Capable unblocking of streaming platforms, HBO Max included. Good speeds and a global server network. Plenty of extras including a password manager.

How to watch HBO Max in the UK with a VPN

Never used a VPN before? Or just not sure how to go about using one to watch HBO Max? Fortunately, it’s easy. By following the step-by-step instructions below, you can have your new VPN set up and be streaming HBO Max from the UK in minutes.

Here’s how to watch HBO Max in the UK using a VPN:

1. To start, sign up with a VPN that works with HBO Max. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN software on your streaming device. All of the VPNs covered allow multiple simultaneous connections.
3. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in the country in which you signed up for HBO Max. For example, a server in the US for a local IP address if you’re trying to access HBO Max USA.
4. Go to HBO Max and start streaming. Content should play without restriction but, if not, clear your browser’s cache and cookies and refresh your browser.
5. Still having trouble? Try switching servers and again clearing your browser’s cookies. Your VPN’s support may be able to recommend a specific server. Failing this, read our HBO Max not working with a VPN troubleshooting guide

Our criteria for the best VPNs for watching HBO Max in the UK

We have an extensive testing process that sees us not only test each VPN against HBO Max but measure server speeds, check for DNS leaks, and more. In order to eliminate VPNs that simply aren’t suitable, we only sought VPNs that offer the following:

• Servers that successfully unblock HBO Max in the UK
• High-speed connections for seamless streaming in 1080p HD and 4K resolution
• Robust encryption to ensure the security of your data
• Doesn’t keep any logs that identify you as a user
• Live chat and email support available 24 hours a day
• Money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free

Our VPN recommendations compared

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for HBO Max.

Best VPNs for HBO Max access in the UK: Reviews

Here’s a closer look at each of the VPNs on our shortlist:

1. NordVPN

Aug 2025

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching HBO Max in the UK. It hosts approximately 7,000 servers across 165 locations. Such a large server network makes it easy to access HBO Max abroad, including the UK. Once streaming, NordVPN’s speeds are fast enough for a lag-free and buffer-free experience. Overall, Nord is a reliable VPN for streaming and works well with Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.

We tested NordVPN’s speeds when connected to a server in the US from the UK. It was fastest in the morning and gradually slowed throughout the day. However, the average over our testing period was 39.31 Mbps. This is more than fast enough for streaming, and is 4 Mbps than the combined average of the other providers on this list.

Where NordVPN sets itself apart from other VPNs is its extensive range of additional features. Threat Protection Pro, available in all but the base subscription tier, protects you from malware, ads, and trackers. Other features include NordPass and NordLocker, a password manager and secure cloud storage. Your privacy is protected by 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak prevention, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.

NordVPN apps are offered for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS), as well as Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. You also have the option of browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual setup.

BEST VPN FOR HBO MAX IN THE UK:NordVPN is our top choice. It’s fast, has no shortage of server locations, and is packed with valuable extra features including malware blocking. 24/7 support is available and it operates a no-logs policy. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs you can use for streaming HBO Max. It averaged 184 Mbps in our latest tests, comfortably allowing for 4K streaming. With over 3,000 servers in 100 countries, you’ll have no difficulty accessing HBO Max and other popular streaming platforms in the UK and abroad. Surfshark is one of the best value VPNs you’ll find, packing a huge number of features for the price. You can use it on as many devices as you want simultaneously.

We tested Surfshark’s speeds on a US IP address from the UK, and the provider posted an average of 37.21 Mbps, with a particularly strong performance in the morning.

All Surfshark subscription plans include an ad blocker, MultiHop servers, and Alternative ID that lets you generate an online name, email, and phone number to protect your real data. You’ll have access to 24/7 live support. The Surfshark One bundle includes Surfshark Antivirus – one of the best antivirus programs we’ve tested. This is a no-logs provider that employs 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection.

You can use Surfshark via its apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. It also has Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge browser extensions, and provides setup guides for manual configuration with compatible routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark ranks among the fastest VPNs for streaming HBO Max, has servers in 100 countries, and even offers a top-ranking antivirus. It’s lightweight, has 24/7 support, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

Total VPN has proven to be a highly reliable VPN for securely accessing HBO Max  in the UK. With servers in dozens of countries including the US, you’ll be able to use it with multiple versions of the streaming service. In fact, we found Total VPN also worked very well with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Average server speeds of 178 Mbps makes it more than fast enough for streaming content in 1080p HD or even 4K resolution.

Total VPN’s average speed during testing was 35.26 Mbps. It peaked in the morning and remained relatively consistent throughout the afternoon and evening tests.

This is one of the easiest VPNs to use for beginners, largely because it has well-designed apps and doesn’t drown them in too many extras. One additional feature that’s particularly worthwhile however is of course the antivirus that Total VPN comes bundled with: Total AV. In fact, it’s the best antivirus we’ve reviewed. Not only do you get this comprehensive protection all rolled into one, Total VPN provides 24/7 live chat support.

Total VPN provides beginner-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and tvOS. Unfortunately, there’s no support for Linux or routers just yet.

VPN AND ANTIVIRUS IN ONE:Total VPN is a great streaming VPN with powerful unblocking and impressive speeds. Able to unblock HBO Max, it’s also easy to use and comes with the best antivirus on the market.

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN now boasts one of the largest server networks of any VPN. With more than 13,000 servers in 122 countries at the time of writing, it’s well placed to help you access any version of HBO Max from the UK. It uses the high-speed WireGuard protocol for streaming that’s free of performance issues such as lag and buffering. We had success accessing popular streaming platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video through Proton VPN’s servers.

In our speed tests, Proton VPN performed particularly well in the morning but slowed down as the day went on. Despite this, the average was 35.23 Mbps, which is fast enough for smooth streaming.

If you’re looking for a VPN that takes privacy very seriously, Proton VPN is one of your best bets. It operates a true no-logs policy and is one of very few VPNs to accept anonymous cash payments. Proton VPN doesn’t disappoint when it comes to security either, providing 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and even Secure Core (Double VPN) servers. You’ll find an ad blocker and, if you need it, live chat support.

There’s no shortage of Proton VPN apps to choose from. You’ll find them for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. Proton VPN can be manually configured on select routers.

PRIVACY-FIRST PROVIDER:Proton VPN is a Swiss VPN with a strict no-logs policy and an anonymous payment option. It has one of the largest server networks and fastest speeds for streaming HBO Max in the UK. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a versatile VPN service that balances performance and protection. You’ll find servers in 105 countries, including in all 50 US states. HBO Max doesn’t pose a problem, nor do the likes of Netflix or BBC iPlayer. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol and unlimited bandwidth allow for fast and consistent connections. As such, ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming as well as online gaming and torrenting.

ExpressVPN’s speeds were fastest in the morning, but remained more than fast enough for streaming HBO Max throughout the day. The average speed over the day was 35.72 Mbps.

First-time VPN users will appreciate ExpressVPN’s ease of use. You can connect to a server in a single click and, if you need it, 24/7 support is at hand via live chat and email. Internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. ExpressVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy. In fact, it’s the most-audited VPN on the market, demonstrating a high level of transparency.

ExpressVPN has apps for all of the following: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. A Chrome browser extension is also available, as is custom router firmware, making it even easier to secure all of your devices at home.

ROUTER-FRIENDLY:ExpressVPN is strong in all areas and has servers in 105 countries for accessing HBO Max from the UK or anywhere in the world. Also works with Netflix, has fast, reliable connections, and includes a password manager. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish has emerged as one of the best streaming VPNs around and that’s in part thanks to its fast server speeds and growing network of servers. Of its 2,400 servers, over half are located in North America – great if you need to access the US version of HBO Max. When testing IPVanish against streaming platforms, we found it also worked well with Netflix and Disney+. It averaged 36.48 Mbps in our speed tests and also allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Though it doesn’t pack quite as many features as NordVPN and Surfshark, IPVanish has bridged the gap somewhat, recently introducing cloud storage, a secure browser, and “Double Hop” (Double VPN) servers. These are on top of essential security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. You needn’t worry about your data being exposed because IPVanish operates a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited.

Once signed up, you’ll be able to download IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. As for Linux and wifi routers, manual setup guides make things easier.

1,400+ NORTH AMERICAN SERVERS:IPVanish has servers in over 140 locations and more than 1,400 servers in North America alone. Easily unblocks HBO Max and boasts impressive server speeds. Now offers cloud storage and a secure browser. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPN we’ve tested, making it more than suitable for watching HBO Max in the UK. This is thanks to its implementation of WireGuard, a lightweight and fast VPN protocol. It doesn’t reveal exactly how many servers are on offer but they cover 100 countries and 125 locations, making it a great option if you regularly travel abroad and need to bypass content blocking.

We recorded an average download speed of 36.53 Mbps when connected to a US server in the UK.

One area in which CyberGhost sets itself apart from so many VPNs is its servers which are optimized for streaming. At the time of writing, it has specialty servers for six different HBO Max libraries: Finland, Spain, Sweden, France, Norway, and Denmark. It’s one of the most secure VPNs around, providing strong 256-bit AES encryption, a built-in kill switch, and DNS leak protection. The no-logs VPN is headquartered in Romania, outside the 14 Eyes alliance.

CyberGhost makes apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is a Smart DNS service for use with devices that don’t support VPN apps. As for routers, manual configuration is required.

SPECIALTY HBO MAX SERVERS:CyberGhost is incredibly fast and has servers optimized for streaming multiple HBO Max libraries. Servers are available across 100 countries and it has 24/7 support. Strong security as well as a no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN is an affordable VPN that’s bursting with features. Capable of securely accessing HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, it’s a proven option for streaming. It allows torrenting on its servers. PureVPN has a generous server network. Some 6,000+ servers are available across more than 65 countries, including the UK and US.

During our speed tests, PureVPN posted an average speed of 35.14 Mbs when connected to a US server from the UK. This is more than fast enough to stream HBO Max, or other US platforms like Hulu or Netflix.

With PureVPN’s base subscription, you’ll have access to the VPN and a tracker blocker. The next tier adds a password manager. The Max plan includes data removal and dark web monitoring, making it more of a security suite than just a VPN. PureVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy, verifying it doesn’t keep identifying data of its users. Security consists of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS and IP leaks.

PureVPN apps can be downloaded and installed for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Likewise, browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. PureVPN supports routers too, with guides to make manual setup easier.

AFFORDABLE STREAMING VPN:PureVPN providing good server speeds and strong unblocking at a competitive price. It has a large network of servers across dozens of countries. No-logs service with a password manager and 24/7 support. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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VPN testing methodology: How we found the best VPNs to watch HBO Max in the UK

Although there are dozens upon dozens of VPNs to choose from, the fact is that many just aren’t suitable for use with HBO Max. Our testing process helps us identify those that lack the speed, server locations, security, or overall usability for watching HBO Max in the UK. Here’s what the best VPNs for streaming HBO Max in the UK have in common:

• Server locations: First thing’s first, a VPN provider must offer servers in countries in which HBO Max is available. That’s not a difficult requirement to fulfil, because HBO Max is offered in dozens of countries worldwide. We look for VPNs that have global server networks, offering greater flexibility for bypassing restrictions.
• Speed: Speed plays a big factor. Most VPNs will slow your connection due to the data encryption process. Yet some VPNs offset much of the slowdown with lightweight, fast VPN protocols like WireGuard, and by offering unlimited bandwidth. Our speed tests identified the fastest VPNs so you can stream HBO Max lag and buffer-free.
• Security: If you’re traveling to the UK, you may find yourself using public wifi networks which typically lack security and pose numerous risks as a result. A quality VPN uses robust encryption, typically AES 256-bit or ChaCha20, and ensures there are no data leaks. Where possible, we chose VPNs with extras such as antivirus protection.
• Privacy: It’s an unfortunate fact that some VPNs keep extensive logs, some of which can identify users. This is far from ideal, particularly when browsing in the UK, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. The good news is that we’ve studied over 100 VPN logging policies and found those that actually respect your privacy.
• Ease of use: A VPN shouldn’t be difficult to use. Setup shouldn’t take more than a minute or two and there should be the option to connect to a server in a single click. We test VPN apps firsthand and only recommend those that make life easier, not more complicated. Every VPN covered in this post offers live chat support.
• Value for money: It may seem like we’re asking for a lot but when there are so many VPNs competing for your custom, there are some great deals to be found. Be sure to make full use of the discount coupons listed in this post. Remember, each VPN has a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days so you can try them out risk-free.

We’ve detailed what we were looking for in the best VPNs for watching HBO Max in the UK, but our VPN testing methodology further explains our full testing process.

Can I use a free VPN to watch HBO Max in the UK?

It’s unlikely you’ll find a free VPN that’s capable of unblocking HBO Max in the UK, or from any other country. Free VPNs have only a small number of server locations and their limited IP addresses are quickly blacklisted by streaming platforms like HBO Max. Besides, most free VPNs throttle bandwidth and this makes speeds very slow, particularly for data-heavy activities like streaming. The result is low resolution streams with excessive lag and buffering.

It’s also important to consider how a free VPN operates. If not charging for a subscription, a free VPN may log and sell your personal data. Alternatively, you may find it spams you with ads. On top of all this, free VPNs tend to have weaker encryption standards and may not properly protect your data from leaks. This is even riskier if you’re traveling to the UK and using unsecure public wifi networks which pose all manner of threats.

Watch HBO Max in the UK: FAQs