watch Showmax online anywhere

Showmax is now only available in Africa, having restricted its reach in 2023. If you’re not in a supported African country, you’ll need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access your favorite Showmax TV shows and movies.

A VPN is a service that creates an encrypted tunnel for the data traveling to and from your browsing or streaming device. When connecting to a VPN server in another country, you receive a new IP address. This makes it appear as if you’re browsing from that particular location. Aside from the fact that this helps you to browse securely and anonymously, the advantage of this is that you can then access region-locked services like Showmax!

We’ve listed the top providers below, but make sure to scroll down for more detailed reviews.

Best VPNs for Showmax:

  1. NordVPN The best VPN for Showmax. 7,000+ servers in 117+ countries, including South Africa. Fast speeds and P2P servers. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 support, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Showmax.
  2. Surfshark A great value VPN. Works well with Showmax and Netflix. Connect all of your devices at once. Very quick connections. 24/7 support and Double VPN servers.
  3. Total VPN This no-logs service works with Showmax, Netflix, and many more platforms. Good set of security features, high speeds, and 24/7 support.
  4. ProtonVPN A speedy, privacy-first VPN with exceptional streaming abilities. Lots of customizable features, 24/7 live chat, and a truly vast network.
  5. ExpressVPN Network of around 3,000 servers in 105+ countries. Fast connections for streaming Showmax lag-free. User-friendly with 24/7 support and strong security.
  6. IPVanish Speedy servers for streaming Showmax abroad. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Encryption and zero-logs policy help protect your privacy.
  7. CyberGhost 10,000 servers in 100 countries. Unblock and stream Showmax as well as Netflix US. Can be used on up to seven devices at once. Strict no-logs policy.
  8. PrivateVPN Reliable unblocking of Showmax, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. Secure servers and a strict no-logs policy. Effective obfuscation. Option to pay in Bitcoin.
  9. Hotspot Shield Servers in 80 countries for easy unblocking of Showmax. No throttling. 24/7 support and lots of security features, including a password manager.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for Showmax
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Showmax but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Showmax and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

How to watch Showmax online from abroad with a VPN

Even if this is your first time using a VPN, you’ll likely be all set up in a matter of minutes. That’s because the VPNs recommended in this post offer user-friendly apps and include live chat and email support.

Here’s how to watch Showmax online from anywhere:

  1. Sign up with a VPN service that unblocks Showmax. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. You can use any of the VPNs listed in this post to connect multiple devices at once.
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a country in which Showmax is available. For example, you could use a server in South Africa to get a South African IP address.
  4. Go to Showmax (via web or app) and select your preferred content. This should now play without any further geographic restrictions.
  5. Still doesn’t work? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Alternatively, connect to another server or contact your VPN’s customer support.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK-FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully featured, risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Showmax with no restrictions for a month—great if you need time to test whether it’s the right VPN for you.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How we found the top VPNs for Showmax

Relatively few VPNs are suitable for streaming Showmax from abroad. The majority tend to be too slow, lack a decent server network or fail miserably at unblocking streaming sites. To find providers that were up to the task, we tested them in the following areas:

  • Speed: Showmax recommends that its users have a download speed of between five and 10 Mbps “for the best experience”. As speed is key to interruption-free streaming, we looked for the fastest providers by carrying out multiple tests while connected to their servers in South Africa.
  • Server availability: We first checked that providers had servers in Showmax’s core market — South Africa. We then scored the VPNs on their global reach and their overall number of servers. Those with a high score were best placed to access different country versions of Showmax.
  • Security and privacy: VPNs should prioritise protecting your online activities from potentially malicious third parties. We screened providers by evaluating them against 16 different security and privacy criteria.
  • Streaming: In addition to being able to access Showmax, we were interested in providers that could additionally access other popular streaming platforms — and that performed well against six other streaming-related metrics.
  • Ease of use: We try to only recommend providers that provide user-friendly services. To find out which these are, we evaluate them against 10 different ease-of-use metrics.

We explain more about our in-depth testing process in our VPN testing methodology later in this article. First, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that made our list.

Best Showmax VPNs: at a glance

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 Showmax.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishCyberGhostPrivateVPNHotspot Shield
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comTotalVPN.comProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comCyberghost.comPrivateVPN.comHotspotshield.com
Ranking for Showmax123456789
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88% 88%87%86%85%85%85%85%
Total number of servers7,4253,2001,80012,660Undisclosed2,4008,000+200+1.800
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TVWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Smart TVs, Routers
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps74 Mbps100+ Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.39
Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free Amazon Gift Card
$1.99
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$3.59
SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan
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$2.19
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Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
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Best VPNs to watch Showmax online from anywhere

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Showmax:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Aug 2025 unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Server availability: 6.6 / 10
South Africa speed: 10.0 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for watching Showmax. It provides more than 50 servers in South Africa, and with 7,400+ servers in 117+ countries worldwide, you should be able to access most countries’ versions of Showmax.

NordVPN servers.
A handy map shows where NordVPN has servers.

NordVPN is a particularly strong choice for streaming thanks to its fast speeds. In our tests, the provider averaged 188.52 Mbps. Given that this connection was spanning more than 14,000 km, this a is a superb result.

Although Showmax doesn’t have 4K content, NordVPN is easily fast enough to stream Netflix in 4K. And yes, the provider does work with Netflix. We successfully tested it with this and a range of other popular streaming platforms (including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer). We also tested it with other South African TV platforms like DStv and SuperSport, and it worked a treat.

Streaming Hulu using NordVPN.
Streaming Hulu using NordVPN.

You may notice that NordVPN provides a range of specialty servers. Some are optimized for P2P traffic, while others (Double VPN and Onion Over VPN) provide an extra layer of security.

NordVPN specialty servers.
NordVPN’s specialty servers make it easy to get advanced protection at the click of a button.

All of your internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel, while NordVPN also operates a strict no-logs policy (it completed its second no-logs audit in 2020). You can also expect DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and 24/7 support (available via live chat and email).

NordVPN apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Upon signing up, you’ll be able to secure up to 10 of your devices simultaneously. Browser extensions can also be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox. In order to use NordVPN with your router, you’ll need to configure this manually.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want over 7,000 servers in 100+ countries
  • You want fast servers and unlimited bandwidth
  • You need specialty servers like P2P and multi-hop
  • You want an audited no-logs policy
  • You want to connect up to 10 devices

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the easiest-to-use desktop app

BEST VPN FOR SHOWMAX:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation. 7,000+ servers globally and very fast speeds for lag-free streaming of Showmax. Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support. Secure with a strict no-logs policy and encryption. Try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.7 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Server availability: 6.3 / 10
South Africa speed: 9.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark now offers more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. As such, you’ll have no problem unblocking and streaming Showmax. Indeed, this VPN also works well with Netflix — we’ve been able to use it to access some 30+ Netflix libraries to date!

Streaming Netflix using Surfshark.
Streaming Netflix using Surfshark.

While most VPNs only allow a handful of simultaneous connections, Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number at the same time. It’s also extremely quick. In our tests, it averaged 180.71 Mbps — which is more than 52 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other tested providers.

Its fast speeds make it suitable for a range of tasks, including streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

This VPN includes live chat and email support, which you can reach 24 hours per day, should you need it. There’s also an impressive selection of security features. These start with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch.

IP leak test.
Surfshark didn’t reveal our UK IP address while we were connected to one of its servers in South Africa.

However, Surfshark goes one step further with the option of connecting to a MultiHop (Double VPN) server for an extra layer of encryption. The CleanWeb feature also works to block ads, trackers, and malware.

You’ll find Surfshark apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. This VPN is compatible with select routers, although manual setup is required.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to reliably watch Showmax, Netflix, and other streaming platforms
  • You want an incredibly fast, consistent VPN
  • You want to connect unlimited devices
  • You want 24/7 live chat customer support

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You are frustrated by CAPTCHA requests, especially on mobile

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark offers great value with its offer of unlimited simultaneous connections. Fast speeds for streaming Showmax and Netflix. 24/7 support via live chat and email. Double VPN servers for an extra layer of security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

TotalVPN unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Ease of use: 9.4 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.1 / 10
Server availability: 6.2 / 10
South Africa speed: 8.6 / 10
Streaming: 8.8 / 10

Website:  TotalVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Total VPN is a reliable, versatile provider with more than 1,800 servers spread across 80+ countries. In addition to Showmax, it works with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, plus it allows torrenting across its entire network. While its five-connection limit is a little lower than some of its rivals, it’s still more than enough for most users. There’s also 24/7 support via a ticket system on its website.

Screenshot showing Total VPN's South Africa servers
This VPN boasts speedy, reliable servers in South Africa and exceptional streaming ability, handily unblocking from Showmax abroad

Our next challenge was making sure Total VPN was actually fast enough for day-to-day usage. This involved checking the speed of its South African servers at different times of day (morning, noon, and afternoon) on a 250 Mbps test connection. The table below shows our results and gives a better idea of how much slowdown you can expect during busier periods.

Total VPN delivered an average speed of 168.15 Mbps. This makes it the third-fastest provider we tested. Our team didn’t experience any playback issues when watching Showmax and were also able to take part in video calls and download large files without interruption. There was around 9 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results too, which is well within the expected ranges.

This service has a robust security and privacy offering, and best of all, you don’t have to tweak anything since its AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks are all enabled by default. Total VPN also has a strict no-logging policy, so it can’t reveal what you get up to online even if asked to. There’s also split tunneling support and a Hydra protocol that was specially designed to help you browse safely on public networks by hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.

Total VPN offers apps for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows devices.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a no-fuss VPN with strong security features
  • You want to access all kinds of streaming apps, not just Showmax
  • You’d like to use one of the fastest VPNs on the market
  • You’d prefer a VPN that’s bundled with other digital security software

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You have more than five devices to protect at once

FAST, LOGLESS VPN:Total VPN has what it takes to stream Showmax in the highest possible quality, wherever you are. What’s more, it boasts strong security, easy-to-use apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Check out our in-depth Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.1 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
Server availability: 6.6 / 10
South Africa speed: 7.6 / 10
Streaming: 7.2 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN has one of the largest networks of any provider, offering access to 13,000+ servers in over 120 countries, with many locations across Africa. Better still, it works with a huge range of streaming platforms, so when you’re done streaming Showmax, you can easily find something else to watch. Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time and get help with any issues using the 24/7 live chat service.

Screenshot showing ProtonVPN's South African servers
This provider has servers all over Africa and works exceptionally well for streaming, so you can watch Showmax, Netflix, or anything else abroad

Streaming takes up quite a lot of bandwidth, so you’ll need a VPN that’s quick enough for uninterrupted playback. To complicate things even more, your speeds will generally be slower the further away your chosen server is. Our team tested ProtonVPN’s South African servers at three times of day to see how reliable they were and what kind of speeds they were capable of. Take a look:

With an average speed of 153.33 Mbps, ProtonVPN was one of the fastest services we tested and more than capable of live streaming Showmax, free from buffering, stuttering, and other annoyances. It was extremely reliable too, speeds fluctuating by just 7 Mbps over the course of the day.

Very few providers can match ProtonVPN when it comes to privacy. This service uses unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to make sure your activities remain hidden at all times. Further, it has an independently-verified zero-logs policy, a stealth protocol that hides the fact you’re using a VPN, and even split tunneling and port forwarding ability (included as standard with no additional fees).

ProtonVPN has its own apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. What’s more, it can be manually installed on most types of router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to high-speed servers in over 120 countries
  • You’d like to unblock even the most stubborn streaming apps
  • Security and privacy are your primary concerns
  • You want to be able to speak with support staff directly

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re new to VPNs and looking for something novice-friendly

WATCH SHOWMAX ANYWHERE:ProtonVPN can unblock Showmax and all of your other favorite services abroad. Boasts a strong set of privacy features and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Find out more in our full ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.0 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.2 / 10
Server availability: 6.4 / 10
South Africa speed: 5.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries. This includes several countries where Showmax is available, such as Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya. In addition to Showmax, the VPN can also consistently unblock the most popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus.

Streaming Disney Plus with ExpressVPN

Furthermore, you can expect good speeds. When connected to ExpressVPN servers in South Africa, we got an average download speed of 121.81 Mbps. 

This is fast enough for streaming Showmax in HD and other platforms in 4K if available. However, your base connection speed needs to be fast enough for this—a VPN cannot speed up slow connections.

ExpressVPN’s beginner-friendly apps make the software particularly easy to use. Note also that there’s 24/7 support via live chat as well as email. Security-wise, ExpressVPN keeps you safe from hackers by using 256-bit AES encryption. You’re also protected from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, while a kill switch cuts your connection should the VPN connection drop.

The ExpressVPN kill switch.
ExpressVPN calls its kill switch “Network Lock”.

Notably, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs, so you can browse anonymously. The only downside is the price in comparison to other similar services.

ExpressVPN allows up to eight simultaneous connections and offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. There’s even custom firmware for routers that now offers an interactive setup guide to make things even easier.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want servers in over 100 countries
  • You want high-speed connections
  • You want strong encryption and privacy
  • You want beginner-friendly apps

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the cheapest VPN
  • You want additional advanced features

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN offers fast speeds and reliable unblocking of Showmax, Netflix, and more. Easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat and email support. Security includes high-end encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.8 / 10
Ease of use: 8.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
Server availability: 6.5 / 10
South Africa speed: 7.7 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is a strong VPN choice for streaming. It continues to expand its network, which now stands at nearly 2,400 servers in dozens of countries. So, aside from Showmax, you can use this VPN to unblock and stream Netflix US, among other services.

Streaming Netflix using IPVanish
Streaming Netflix while connected to an IPVanish server in the US.

Speeds are more than fast enough for lag and buffering-free streaming. IPVanish performed solidly in our three speed tests, achieving an overall average of 154.42 Mbps.

You’ll also be able to enjoy unlimited bandwidth. If you’re looking to share your VPN with your family, it’s worth knowing that IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you want at once.

This VPN operates a zero-logs policy, so you can be sure that your identity is intact. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.

IPVanish's split tunneling feature.
Split tunneling is available for apps and for domains.

While IPVanish is easy to use (you can even automatically connect to the best available server), 24/7 live chat and email support is available. Unlike most VPN providers, IPVanish owns and operates its servers, providing it with a greater level of control and reduced risk of interference from third parties.

IPVanish apps are offered for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. IPVanish provides manual setup instructions if you’d like to use it with Linux or your wi-fi router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a reliable streaming VPN
  • You want to connect unlimited devices
  • You want strong encryption
  • You plan to use it with Kodi

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to pay in Bitcoin
  • You’re concerned about using a VPN based in the US

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Good speeds for streaming Showmax. Also works with Netflix US. Includes 24/7 support and has a zero-logs policy so you can browse anonymously. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.7 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
Server availability: 6.3 / 10
South Africa speed: 6.3 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a network that now stands over 10,000 servers strong. Better still, this is spread across over 100+ countries. With so much choice, you won’t have any trouble finding one that works with Showmax.

CyberGhost servers.
CyberGhost’s servers in South Africa and Nigeria work with Showmax.

For other, more difficult-to-access platforms, you can use CyberGhost’s streaming servers. These work with everything from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video through to BBC iPlayer and Hulu.

Streaming Amazon Prime Video using CyberGhost.
Streaming Amazon Prime Video using CyberGhost.

The provider allows unlimited bandwidth, and its speeds are generally excellent. When connected to its servers in South Africa, our tested download speeds averaged 133.18 Mbps. 

This is easily fast enough for watching Showmax content at 1080p — which is the highest resolution available.

CyberGhost is a secure VPN thanks to its 256-bit AES encryption and strict no-logs policy. This security is further reinforced with a kill switch and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks.

Should you encounter any issues, you can contact staff via live chat or email support, 24 hours per day. Recent further additions include CyberGhost’s own password manager while a Security Suite for Windows has also been released.

CyberGhost apps are available for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). Amazon Fire TV and Android TV apps are also available, as are Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Manual setup is necessary to use it with your wireless router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want over 10,000 servers
  • You want lag-free streaming
  • You want the longest available money-back guarantee
  • You want 24/7 live chat

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to use it in China
  • You are a power user wanting advanced features

STRONG SECURITY:CyberGhost has an impressive 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. Unlimited bandwidth for non-stop streaming of Showmax and Netflix US. Can be used on seven devices at the same time. Lots of security features. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.3 / 10
Ease of use: 8.2 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
Server availability: 5.9 / 10
South Africa speed: 1.0 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is a solid choice for streaming and offers secure servers in over 63 countries. Its servers in Nigeria and South Africa work with Showmax.

There’s no bandwidth throttling so you can stream and torrent without restriction. It also possesses very reliable unblocking abilities and worked well with DStv, Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus when tested.

Streaming Hulu with PrivateVPN

The PrivateVPN apps are particularly easy to navigate, and you can connect to a server with a single click. Users with more VPN experience can switch to the Advanced View for customization options.

PrivateVPN's Advanced View.
Users can choose the level of encryption used on their traffic.

Speed-wise, PrivateVPN’s test results were a little variable, with a high of 58.1 Mbps and a low of 40.69 Mbps.

Overall, it averaged 48.32 Mbps, which is still fast enough to meet the Showmax (and Netflix) minimum speed requirements for streaming in the highest resolution available.

Live chat support is available while email support is very fast to reply compared to many other VPNs we’ve tested. You can pay for this VPN anonymously in Bitcoin. Indeed, PrivateVPN protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy. 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks are also included.

Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously via PrivateVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. While it’s compatible with Linux and select routers, manual configuration is required in these cases.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want fast unthrottled speeds
  • You want a strict no-logs policy
  • You want beginner-friendly apps

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the largest network of servers
  • You want browser extensions

LAG-FREE STREAMING:PrivateVPN combines fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag and buffer-free streaming of Showmax. User-friendly apps and fast and friendly support. Strict no-logs policy and encryption for your security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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8. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield unblocks showmaxTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 5.9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
Server availability: 3.8 / 10
South Africa speed: 1.3 / 10
Streaming: 6.7 / 10

Website:  www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Editor's Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Point Wild, Comparitech's parent company.

Hotspot Shield stands out for offering servers in as many as 80 countries around the world. The good news is that this includes countries in which Showmax is available such as South Africa. Not only that, but it also successfully unblocks Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Streaming BBC iPlayer using Hotspot Shield.
Streaming BBC iPlayer using Hotspot Shield.

Speeds are fast enough for streaming Showmax, but you’ll probably want a faster VPN provider if you’re a gamer or have a high-speed internet connection that you want to preserve. While connected to Hotspot Shield’s servers in South Africa, the average speed was 59.90 Mbps.

If you sign up with Hotspot Shield, you’ll have 24/7 access to its live chat and email support. Indeed, you can benefit from a whole host of features, including a password manager and obfuscation.

Hotspot Shield's protocol options.
Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol provides effective obfuscation.

When it comes to security, Hotspot Shield protects you with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It doesn’t keep any logs that can identify you, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously.

To use Hotspot Shield, download an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux. A Chrome browser extension is also available. Follow manual setup instructions to use this VPN with your router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want servers in other 80 countries
  • You want 24/7 live chat support
  • You want extras like a password manager

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You have concerns over past privacy issues
  • You want a browser extension for Firefox

PACKED WITH FEATURES:Hotspot Shield offers servers in 80 countries so you can unblock Showmax with ease. Also works with Amazon Prime and Hulu. 24/7 support and doesn’t keep identifying logs. Includes a password manager. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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Recent VPN product updates

We regularly update our VPN recommendations to include the latest features and improvements. Here’s what’s new from our top providers:

NordVPN

  • Connection reliability enhanced with automatic reconnection (June 2025)
  • Meshnet file transfers upgraded with drag-and-drop support (June 2025)
  • Dark Web monitoring expanded to 50 email addresses (June 2025)
  • Threat Protection upgraded to Pro version with stronger malware defense (May 2025)
  • Linux users receive new graphical interface (May 2025)

Surfshark

  • Nexus technology deployed – innovative SDN-powered VPN architecture (February 2025)
  • Bypasser feature now available on all platforms (April 2025)
  • Dedicated IP service expanded with seven new cities: Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, and more (April 2025)
  • Linux installation simplified with Flatpak package (October 2024)
  • iOS users gain access to Bypasser for website exclusions (October 2024)

Total VPN

  • tvOS app now available for Apple TV users
  • Android killswitch redesigned as “always on” protection
  • iOS and macOS feature “connect on demand” security
  • WireGuard implementation completed across all platforms
  • Split tunneling is active on Android applications

Proton VPN

  • Apple TV app released for secure big-screen streaming (October 2024)
  • IPv6 protocol support added to browser extensions and Linux (2024)
  • Guest mode introduced for Android – no account required (2024)
  • NetShield enhanced with phishing protection (Spring 2025)
  • Streaming service compatibility expanded to nearly 100 platforms (Spring 2025)

ExpressVPN

  • Support added for Windows Copilot+ devices (September 2024)
  • Identity Defender launched for American customers (November 2024)
  • Account deletion process improvements implemented (March 2025)

IPVanish

  • Advanced plan launched featuring Secure Browser and storage solutions (October 2024)
  • Platform expansion includes Apple TV, Google TV, and Vision Pro (December 2024)
  • User suggestion system introduced for feature requests (February 2025)
  • QR code threat scanner added for link safety verification (April 2025)

Showmax VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch Showmax online?

Free VPNs generally struggle to unblock geo-restricted content, particularly when it comes to streaming services. As such, many free VPNs simply won’t work with Showmax. Even if you find one that does, chances are the speeds will be too slow for streaming without lag or buffering. Indeed, some free VPNs are known to throttle the bandwidth of users. Note also that free VPN networks are generally small with a low number of servers and countries.

Did you know that free VPN services also come with some security risks? This is due to many lacking essential security features. Furthermore, some compromise your security by logging your browsing data and selling the information to third parties! In contrast, the best VPNs for Showmax provide fast speeds for seamless streaming and strong security so you can stay safe online at all times.

What can I watch on Showmax?

Showmax offers a wide range of content including TV shows, movies, sports, and Showmax Originals. However, content can vary by subscription plan and by location. With this in mind, here is just some of the content you may find on Showmax:

Which devices are Compatible with Showmax?

You can access Showmax via your web browser on your desktop. Alternatively, you can download the Showmax app for the following:

According to Showmax, you can register up to five devices on your Showmax account. However, you can only watch on two registered devices simultaneously.