HBO Max is only available in the US and select countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe. If you’re traveling or living abroad and try to access the service and it says it’s not available in your region, a VPN can help!
How can HBO Max tell where you’re located? By checking your IP address. Every internet-connected device has one. When you try to access HBO Max from outside of the designated area, the video streaming service will see your foreign IP address and block your access.
Can a VPN Help Me Watch HBO Max From Abroad?
If you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), the VPN will hide your real IP address and give you a new IP address located in the U.S., fooling HBO Max into thinking you’re in the U.S. even if you’re in the U.K.
VPNs are capable of doing more than just unblocking streaming services. VPNs also cover your internet connection in a layer of encryption, keeping anyone, including governments, Internet Service Providers, employers, and hackers from having any idea what you’re doing online. VPNs are also good for bypassing censorship in restrictive countries.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best seven VPNs for unblocking HBO Max.
How to Use a VPN to Unblock HBO Max
It’s a simple process to unblock HBO Max from abroad.
- Subscribe to a reputable VPN service. (I recommend NordVPN.)
- Download and install the VPN app(s) onto your device(s).
- Log into the VPN service and connect to a VPN server in the U.S.
- Visit the HBO Max website and, if you don’t already have a subscription, sign up for one. (You’ll need a credit or debit card connected to an American home address to do this.)
- Start enjoying HBO Max’s streaming content!
Note: If you have any trouble, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then refresh the page. If it’s still not working, contact your VPN’s customer support department, because the VPN may have servers that are better for streaming HBO Max than others.
Best VPNs for HBO Max
Here’s a short rundown of the best VPNs for unblocking HBO Max. (There are more detailed reviews following this.)
My best VPNs for unblocking HBO Max:
- NordVPN: The top HBO Max VPN. NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking HBO Max. The provider offers incredibly fast speeds, fast enough for streaming HD and 4K video, in addition to strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. App support is supreme. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Saves money for streaming. Surfshark is my budget-priced pick, capable of unblocking HBO Max at an affordable price. Its speeds are plenty fast enough for streaming HD video, and an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance lets you and your family watch HBO Max in different rooms.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN services. ExpressVPN offers blazingly fast speeds, comprehensive security and privacy protections, and app support for all of the most popular device platforms, but at a pretty hefty price.
- CyberGhost: Good option for rookie VPN users. CyberGhost makes it easy for newbies to the VPN world to get a hang of using VPNs thanks to its easy-to-use apps. The provider doesn’t save any logs of your online activities and offers speedy connections.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to HBO Max. PIA-provided connections deliver reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe, including HBO Max. The provider’s global server network also provides comprehensive protection for your online activities.
- PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN. This VPN’s admittedly small network offers proven access to multiple streaming services, including HBO Max. The provider delivers fast, well-protected connections.
- Atlas VPN: Unlimited connections to HBO Max. Atlas VPN puts no limits on how many devices you can connect to its fast network, making it an excellent choice for big groups of movie fans.
These factors proved to be most important when it comes to unblocking HBO Max, so I included the pertinent information in my reviews:
- Servers in the United States
- Capable of unblocking HBO Max (critical, of course)
- Connection speeds (fast enough for HD streaming)
- Security and privacy protections
- App support
For more information about the criteria I used when selecting the right VPNs for the job, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.
Here are my top seven picks for the best VPNs for unblocking HBO Max.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top choice for unblocking HBO Max because of its fast speeds, excellent app support, and more.
NordVPN has over 5,500 servers located around the world in nearly 60 countries, with plenty of servers located in the U.S. The provider is adept at unblocking HBO Max in addition to a multitude of other video streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Those high-speed servers offer speeds fast enough to handle HD and 4K video, making your streaming sessions an enjoyable experience. You’ll have no problem while playing fast-moving games or sharing large files, either. The provider never spoils the fun with bandwidth limitations or data caps.
Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and ad and tracker blocking all protect your connection while you’re enjoying HBO Max’s excellent content selection.
The provider doesn’t save any logs of your online activities, and the Bitcoin cryptocurrency is readily accepted in return for a subscription.
Other privacy protections are afforded by the provider’s owned-and-operated servers, as they keep third-party contractors away from customers’ personal information. Plus, NordVPN runs all servers 100% from RAM and writes no data at all to a physical hard drive. That means all data is securely wiped from a server whenever it is rebooted or shut down.
Considering that video streaming services are available on a variety of devices these days, comprehensive app support is important. NordVPN offers apps for Linux, Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Router support is also available, as are browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
There’s also a smart DNS service called, simply, “SmartDNS”. The service enables you to watch HBO Max on devices like gaming consoles, some smart TVs, and other set-top boxes. However, be warned that the service doesn’t offer encryption for your connection like the VPN service does.
Six devices can connect simultaneously to the service on one set of login credentials.
Pros:
- Unblocks HBO Max easily
- Super fast connection speeds
- Strong encryption and security measures
- Reasonably priced
- Excellent app support
Cons:
- You can’t select specific servers
BEST VPN FOR UNBLOCKING HBO MAX:NordVPN is the obvious top choice for unblocking HBO Max from abroad. The provider’s high-speed servers reliably unblock HBO Max, and its speeds provide enough oomph for an HD experience. Apps are available for all of your favorite devices. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark makes for an excellent VPN option if you’re looking to watch HBO Max from abroad but not looking to spend a lot of money to do so.
Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers are available in 65+ countries, the U.S. included. The provider has no problem unblocking HBO Max.
The provider’s speeds are more than up to streaming HBO Max in HD (depending upon your usual connection speeds, of course). Gaming and file sharing are also a breeze. The provider offers unlimited bandwidth and never imposes daily or monthly data caps.
Surfshark is serious-minded when it comes to your security, providing bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption, ad and tracker blocking, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
The provider happily accepts Bitcoin in return for its services and never saves any online activity logs.
Surfshark offers apps for the most popular device platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, macOS (native Apple Silicon support), and Amazon Fire. There’s plenty of router support if that’s how you roll, and browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
The provider also offers antivirus protection, alerts when your email address is exposed in a data breach, and truly private search.
Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so large families can all enjoy VPN protection on many devices.
Pros:
- Very affordable pricing
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent connection encryption
- Smooth HD streaming
Cons:
- Single month subscription fee is expensive
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark doesn’t charge much for a subscription, so budget-minded HBO Max viewers can rejoice. The provider also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, extensive app support, and comprehensive security and privacy protections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers an excellent service (if you can afford to pay the price).
With 3,000+ servers spread across nearly 95 countries, including the U.S., you’ll have no problem finding a server to access HBO Max.
ExpressVPN connection speeds are some of the fastest on this list, meaning you can watch HBO Max in HD or 4K. You’ll never have to worry about data caps or bandwidth limitations with this provider.
The provider takes your security seriously, offering government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, IP and DNS leak protection, and a “Lightway” protocol that increases speed in addition to security.
ExpressVPN follows the industry standard of never saving any logs of your internet travels, in addition to accepting the Bitcoin cryptocurrency as subscription payment.
All ExpressVPN servers are run using the provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology, which runs all server operations only from volatile RAM, never writing any data to an actual hard drive. This ensures all data is totally wiped from an ExpressVPN server whenever it is rebooted or shut down.
ExpressVPN offers some of the most extensive app support I’ve seen, including apps for Windows, macOS (native support for Apple Silicon), Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and even Edge, and the provider’s router support is comprehensive.
ExpressVPN also offers a smart DNS service called “MediaStreamer.” This service allows you to watch HBO Max on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like gaming consoles, some smart TVs, and other set-top boxes. However, the service doesn’t encrypt your connection like the full-blown VPN service does so be aware of that.
Sadly, the provider only allows five concurrent connections on a single account.
Pros:
- Reliably unblocks HBO Max
- Fastest connections on this list
- Strong encryption and security measures
- Native app support for popular devices
Cons:
- More expensive than many other VPNs
- Only allows five concurrent connections
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN is a reliable provider that offers great service all around, except when it comes to subscription fees (which are quite expensive). ExpressVPN provides blazingly fast connection speeds and wide-ranging app support. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost will make an excellent VPN choice for users who are not into complicated bells and whistles, preferring a simple service.
With 8,900+ servers in 90+ countries, CyberGhost offers some of the best global server coverage I’ve seen. Many of the servers based in the U.S. are optimized for streaming video.
The provider offers speedy connections, so you’ll have no trouble streaming in HD. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions to speak of.
CyberGhost is excellent at protecting your security thanks to its bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, DNS leak protection, and malicious website and ad blocking. There’s also an option where you can force a website to serve up HTTPS versions of their web pages.
The provider follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as payment.
Easy-to-use apps are available for the following platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. The usual Chrome and Firefox browser extensions make the scene, and there’s plenty of support for routers.
In addition to comprehensive VPN services, the provider also offers a password manager and alerts when your personal information is exposed in a data breach. Windows users can take advantage of virus and malware protection, as well as other features.
Up to seven devices can connect simultaneously to the provider’s servers on one account.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use apps
- Streaming-optimized servers
- Wide app support
- Super-fast speeds
Cons:
- Has issues working in restrictive countries
- Doesn’t unblock all streaming services
BEST VPN FOR NEWBIES:CyberGhost ensures that your VPN experience will be a simple one thanks to its easy-to-use apps that offer one-click protection. High-speed servers optimized for streaming enhance your HBO Max-viewing experience. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) delivers reliable access to HBO Max, as well as numerous other popular streaming sites around the globe.
PIA’s global server network boasts over 3,300 servers stationed in over 80 countries.
The provider’s native support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, while comprehensive compatibility with multiple router makes and models protect all of your connected devices via a single access point.
Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices on a single set of login credentials.
This provider’s download speeds are far from the best on this list. However, PIA’s connections can easily handle most popular online pastimes, including streaming HD and 4K content, gaming, and much more. No data caps or bandwidth throttling are to be found here.
PIA’s comprehensive connection protections include banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch. The provider can also provide blocking of ads, tracking, malware, and dangerous websites.
The provider saves no types of user logs recording your online travels and the provider also accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment. This helps protect both your usage and payment privacy. Using a disposable email address can add an additional layer of privacy.
PIA’s customer support options include live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Reliable access to HBO Max and other streaming services
- Top-notch privacy and security protections
- No data cap restrictions or bandwidth throttling
Cons:
- No labeled streaming-optimized servers in app
- Doesn’t work well in some restrictive regions
RELIABLE ACCESS TO HBO MAX:Private Internet Access reliably provides access to HBO Max, as well as other geo-fenced streamers. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections make it an attractive choice for your VPN protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN‘s global server network is almost the polar opposite of impressive. That said, it provides reliable access to HBO Max and several other streaming services.
The provider’s global server network includes 200+ servers spread thinly among 60 or so countries. The provider has plenty of servers located in the United States.
PrivateVPN connections can easily handle both HD and 4K content, streaming without any drawn-out buffering delays. Online gaming and file sharing are also easily handled by PrivateVPN’s connections.
Military-grade encryption, IP and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch all combine to protect your PrivateVPN-provided connections. Those connections are never subject to any type of bandwidth throttling or data caps.
Your privacy is well-protected by the provider accepting Bitcoin as payment and by not logging your activities while connected to their server network.
Native app support is a bit disappointing if you use something other than the big four device platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android). However, the provider’s router compatibility can be used to protect the rest of their connected devices. No browser extensions to be found here.
The provider allows up to 10 concurrent connections.
The VPN’s customer support options include live chat, email, and an FAQ page.
Pros:
- Provides access to HBO Max from abroad
- Fast download speeds
- Up to 10 devices can be connected at once
Cons:
- Global server coverage needs expansion
- Native app support for only four most popular devices
SECURE HBO MAX ACCESS:While PrivateVPN may have the smallest global server network on this list, its network reliably unblocks content in the countries where it has servers. The provider’s connection speeds make it a great choice for streaming and gaming. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
7. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN may not cover as many countries when compared to its bigger competitors, it provides safe, reliable access to HBO Max and other geo-controlled content.
The provider’s global server network of 750+ servers in 32+ countries makes it the second smallest on this list. That said, the network delivers reliable access to HBO Max, as well as other streaming services.
Atlas VPN download speeds are definitely above average, and the provider never spoils your online fun with data caps or bandwidth limitations.
Atlas VPN’s banking-grade encryption, automatic kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protective measures keep your online activities incognito. Meanwhile, the VPN’s proprietary Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features keep you protected against various online browsing perils while also blocking pesky ads.
No user tracking logs are anywhere to be found on Atlas VPN servers. Unfortunately, cryptocurrency cannot pay using their favorite flavor of the electronic currency.
Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms are all covered by Atlas VPN’s native app support. Unfortunately, the provider doesn’t offer any support for Linux, browser extensions, or routers. However, the provider assures potential users that all three are in development.
There is no limit on the number of devices that a user can simultaneously connect to Atlas VPN servers on a single account.
Live agent chat is available only to paying customers. Email, a contact form, and a support library are available to all users.
Pros:
- Provides access to HBO Max and other streaming services
- Streaming-ready connections
- Good native app support
Cons:
- Live chat is available only to paying customers
- Currently no browser, router, or Linux support
- Global server network needs a bump
UNLIMITED ACCESS TO HBO MAX:Atlas VPN provides reliable access to geo-protected content, like HBO Max. Its fast connections keep your favorite shows and films streaming smoothly. Users can concurrently connect an unlimited number of devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Atlas VPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for HBO Max
It’s important to consider several factors when deciding upon a VPN service provider for use with HBO Max. Not all VPN providers offer the same features, and you have to choose a VPN that has what you need in order to view HBO Max.
These are the most important aspects of a VPN to consider when choosing a VPN for HBO Max.
- Speed: Fast connection speeds allow you to watch HBO Max in high definition and without much, if any, buffering, making it a critical factor to consider. All of the VPN service providers on my list offer superb speeds, as proven by their scores in my most recent connection speed tests.
- Server network: You need servers in the U.S. to watch HBO Max. In addition, a large number of servers is a boon, as no individual server will be overloaded with users. Look for both of these things when deciding upon a VPN for HBO Max.
- Value: Most users don’t want to overspend on a VPN, especially if that VPN doesn’t offer the features and functionality they need to watch HBO Max and conduct other online activities. That’s why I ensured that each VPN I recommend offers excellent value, given what they offer.
- Ease of use: An easy-to-use app will make it simple to connect to a VPN server in your preferred location and get you started on your HBO Max streaming adventures. Plus, apps for myriad devices mean you can stream on whichever device takes your fancy. Each VPN on my list offers simple apps for a good number of devices.
- Security and privacy: Never forget that you’re in danger when you’re on the internet, and you need formidable digital security and privacy protections to keep you safe. A VPN should offer, at least, banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection, if not more. Also look for a no-logs policy, as that means that the VPN is not monitoring or recording your online activities.
- Streaming: You’re probably a fan of streaming more than just HBO Max. That’s why I assessed the VPNs on my list for streaming all kinds of video streaming services. Not only are the VPNs on my list capable of giving you an excellent experience while streaming HBO Max, but also for streaming Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Can I Use a Free VPN with HBO Max?
It’s not the best idea to use a free VPN with HBO Max.
You should know that free VPNs don’t often offer support for more than Windows or macOS devices, leaving you out if you want to watch on devices like iOS, macOS, Linux, or any streaming TV platform.
Plus, free VPN service providers like to make you wait in a queue before you can connect to any of the provider’s servers. Then, once you are allowed to connect, you’ll be faced with few server options or no option at all. Better hope you’re connected to a U.S. server.
Even if you are connected to a U.S. server, streaming services like HBO Max do their darndest to block VPN IP addresses from connecting to their content. Unlike paid providers, free VPNs don’t have the resources to replace their IP addresses as they’re blocked, so you’re unlikely to be able to access HBO Max.
This is in addition to the fact that freebie VPNs will often throttle your connection speeds to save bandwidth for their paying customers, and also impose daily or monthly data caps on your online activities. So much for your binging session.
Not to mention, free VPN service providers make money not by charging you a subscription fee, but by logging information about your online activities and selling it to interested third parties, such as advertisers (or worse). You’ll also often find unwanted ads and tracking cookies inserted into your browsing sessions.
Do you really want to deal with all of these problems? Free VPN providers might seem attractive on the surface, but if you’re really looking for the best VPN for HBO Max, consider a reputable provider such as NordVPN or Surfshark.
When Can I Watch HBO Max in My Country?
HBO Max has focused on offering its service in the U.S., launching in May 2020 and offering a free, ad-supported membership in 2021.
While there are plans to launch the service and offer localized programming in Latin America and Europe in the future, that has yet to happen.
There is some hope: HBO recently partnered with Bell Media and Sky, suggesting that HBO Max will expand to those countries. However, don’t expect this to occur for a couple of years at least.
Shows Available on HBO Max
Everyone is currently talking about House of the Dragon which is earmarked to be one of the biggest TV shows this year. The prequel to Game of Thrones is now available for viewing. The show is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen. Here are some of the other big-name shows available on HBO Max (although it may vary by region).
- The Big Bang Theory
- Doctor Who
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Friends
- Game of Thrones
- My Neighbor Totoro
- Sesame Street
- The Sopranos
- South Park
- Westworld
- Hard Knocks
- Industry
Conclusion
Watching HBO Max from abroad doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Just subscribe to a VPN, like my top pick, NordVPN.
NordVPN can reliably unblock HBO Max from nearly any country. The provider’s connection speeds let you watch HBO Max in HD or 4K, and there’s app support for almost all of your favorite connected devices. Customer support is only ever a click away, and NordVPN’s prices are very attractive.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
HBO Max VPN FAQs
What Is HBO Max?
HBO Max is HBO’s premium online streaming service. Launched in 2020, the streaming service offers a library of HBO movies and series. It also offers thousands of hours of content from other WarnerMedia companies, including Warner Bros., CNN, Adult Swim, TBS, Cartoon Network, HBO, DC Comics Entertainment, and TNT.
What Device Can I Use to Watch HBO Max?
HBO Max can be viewed on a large number of connected devices. The streamer can be viewed on smartphones and tablets (Android, iPhone, iPad, and more), desktop and laptop computers (Windows, macOS, and Linux), streaming devices (Amazon Fire, Android TV, Roku, and Apple TV), and even gaming consoles (Xbox and PlayStation).
Is It Legal to Use a VPN to View HBO Max?
It is legal to use a VPN to access HBO Max content (as long as VPN use is legal in your country). However, HBO Max may reject your connection attempt if it is made via a VPN. If that happens, simply try a different server.
Contents [hide]
- Can a VPN Help Me Watch HBO Max From Abroad?
- How to Use a VPN to Unblock HBO Max
- Best VPNs for HBO Max
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- 7. Atlas VPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for HBO Max
- Can I Use a Free VPN with HBO Max?
- When Can I Watch HBO Max in My Country?
- Shows Available on HBO Max
- Conclusion
- HBO Max VPN FAQs
- What Is HBO Max?
- What Device Can I Use to Watch HBO Max?
- Is It Legal to Use a VPN to View HBO Max?
