Max is a web video streaming platform that offers all you would expect from the name and much more. It went online in May 2020 to complement HBO’s other digital media. This service provides premium content and lets its users enjoy streaming.
Hence, Max serves only US-based users, so geo-blocking technology is deployed to prevent its availability outside the region.
In this article, we will guide you on how to watch HBO Max outside the US using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A quick list of our top Max VPNS
- NordVPN: A popular VPN with powerful unblocking abilities. Its SmartPlay feature allows you to bypass censorships and geographical restrictions and unlock all popular streaming platforms, including HBO Max.
- Private Internet Access: It has the largest server, which ensures there are no down times. The VPN also has reputable unblocking services and can work with all major streaming platforms, including Max.
- ExpressVPN: This modern VPN has advanced security and privacy features. It uses sophisticated technology to bypass anti-VPN software used by Max.
- SurfShark: A budget-friendly VPN with super-fast connection speeds to ensure quality streams when watching Max.
Max and VPNs: Why do I need one?
The thing with legal video streaming services is that they can’t offer all the content they have to every user. Before showing a title, they must negotiate with the copyright owner and agree on what material the platform can broadcast to which countries. Consequently, every country has a different catalog (assuming there is something at all), depending on the platform’s rights.
Since HBO owns the copyright to its original programming, at least Game of Thrones should be available for every country. Right? Wrong. Things are never that simple. Many HBO original shows were produced in association with other companies. So, even HBO can’t decide for itself what to do with that material.
Sadly for HBO fans, the company is not rushing to expand its availability to the whole planet. The primary market is, of course, the US. Then, starting in November 2021, it grew to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Spain, and Andorra. And this year should see the list grow by fifteen more countries.
An unusual feature of HBO’s expansion strategy is that some of the world’s most important markets, such as Germany, France, and the UK, still don’t get service from the Max platform.
As you can see, the US is not the only country in which HBO Max operates. Does that mean you don’t need a VPN if you live in Spain or Andorra? Well, if all you want is access, your geo-location will give it to you. But remember that because of copyright distribution deals, the catalog available in every country is different. The land that gets the largest (and best) video library in Max is the US.
So, if you want to unleash HBO’s full potential, you need to be able to unlock the US catalog anywhere outside the region. For that, you need a VPN.
Max and HBO GO, what is the difference?
HBO Go is an online app for users with HBO in their cable package. The content in both HBO Go and HBO Now is the same.
The difference is that HBO Now allows other people without a cable service or a cable service without premium channels (like HBO) to see HBO’s content by paying for a subscription.
Best VPNs for Max in 2024
Below are the VPNs based on our results that work best with Max:
1. NordVPN
The very best VPN globally and the best option for HBO Max as it boasts roughly two thousand high-speed servers from within the US.
6,100+ servers in 111 countries
P2P optimized servers
Boasts Double encryption
Has zero-logging policy
Kill switch feature
10 connections simultaneously
MultiHop-mode
30-day money back guarantee
24/7 live chat support
Pros
- Fast speeds
- Unblocks HBO on every server
- User-friendly apps
- Adblocking feature
Cons
- Some servers can be slow
NordVPN is our go-to VPN for many tasks. In our weekly re-evaluations of many VPNs for different purposes, we mainly conclude that NordVPN is the best option. Unlocking Max is not an exception.
You can get the HBO Max US catalog with NordVPN for sure. Still, this VPN unlocks almost every video streaming service in existence. So, if you want to get the best from Netflix, Disney Plus, Fox Sports Go, BBC iPlayer, or any other video streaming platform, this provider is the way to go.
The SmartPlay feature in NordVPN allows you to get geo-blocked material without using the VPN’s app. Just add the DNS addresses to your account page, and that’s it. It’s so powerful. But we’d still advise you to use the full VPN server connection to get encryption and obfuscation on your video traffic. Some ISPs observe their users’ habits and throttle accounts that stream a lot of video content. It would be better for you to prevent that.
NordVPN features the NordLynx tunneling protocol, which is the fastest in the industry (it’s based on WireGuard). This VPN’s high speeds and stability make it better suited for video tasks than most others.
Still unsure about using NordVPN? You can try it risk-free with its money-back guarantee, so you can use the service for a month before you decide to commit for the long term. As far as we’re concerned, you can’t go wrong with this vendor.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
One of the most effective VPN services for online tasks in Argentina. It provides an uninterrupted streaming experience and ensures users’ data is safe.
An extensive network of over 35,000 secure VPN servers present in 90 countries
Peer to Peer connection supportive servers
Secure connection with dependable encryption; AES 128-bits and 256-bits
Robust protection against malware and adware with in-built MACE
Enforces a policy of zero logs
Runs on RAM-only VPN servers (benefits privacy)
The split tunneling feature works as expected
Boasts a feature-rich kill switch
Each account allows connection to ten simultaneous devices
30 days no-questions-asked money-back guarantee
Pros
- Combination of two encryption systems for further safety
- Torrenting are allowed on most servers
- Provides an extra protection with anti-malware and ad-blocking integrations
Cons
- The best price requires a 3-year subscription
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reputable classic VPN with the largest server network in the market. It has over 30,000 servers in 84 countries, more than the combined total of ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
The VPN uses the modern Wireguard and OpenVPN tunneling protocols, ensuring lightning speeds ideal for streaming high-quality videos on Max. The extensive server network ensures you have plenty of servers to choose from in the HBO Max-allowed regions like the US to bypass geo-restrictions and access Max content abroad.
PIA supports all major operating systems and devices. It is also compatible with some router brands and streaming devices. So, you can download the PIA application on any device, connect to a server in the US, and start streaming Max videos.
The VPN has a 30-day money back guarantee, making it risk-free, and supports unlimited simultaneous connections. Also, it comes with an automatic kill switch that disconnects your device from the internet when your VPN connection drops to ensure your actual IP address does not leak.
3. ExpressVPN
An old favorite still holds its own with HBO Max. Known for its lightning-fast speeds, ExpressVPN offers multiple reliable US IPs to stream HBO Max anywhere.
3,000 servers in 105 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
Web leak protection
P2P optimized servers
Kill switch
Zero-logs policy
5 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Fast speeds across all locations
- Stealthy security
- Includes standalone smart DNS
- Reliably unblocks HBO Max
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- Bit expensive
Almost no other VPN has gathered the excellent reputation associated with ExpressVPN. That’s because it’s been around for a long time and has always provided a high-quality service at the industry’s vanguard.
While NordVPN is the service that gets all the hype lately, ExpressVPN has been every reviewer’s darling for years.
ExpressVPN’s server network is not as extensive as NordVPN’s. But it’s still quite large, with plenty of servers in the US, which is the critical element of Max unlocking. The server speeds are also very high (they can give you up to 75 to 80% of your baseline ISP’s speeds), and the connections are also stable.
Also, as with NordVPN, ExpressVPN has many additional features besides robust encryption and IP spoofing, making its service unique in the market. You could find that you decided to join this VPN to use Max but that you will keep the service for years because it’s so helpful in so many other ways.
4. Surfshark
The best budget VPN unblocks HBO Max as well via its hundreds of servers spread across 25 different US cities.
Over 3,200 servers across 100 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
Supports P2P traffic
Kill switch mode
Zero-logging
Multi-Hop Mode
Unlimited simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Secured with military grade encryption
- Fast speed
- All servers unblock Max
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- A bit erratic P2P Behavior
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN provider. However, it offers a surprisingly top-notch set of features comparable with those in NordVPN or ExpressVPN for a fraction of the cost. Thus, it’s been an industry disruptor for the last few months.
Its ease of use makes it among the perfect VPNs for unblocking Max US content anywhere outside the American region. Join the network, pick any US, Latin America, or Caribbean server, and get all the Max catalogs. Also, like our previous two picks, this VPN unlocks many other platforms, such as Netflix or Hulu, so you’ll have plenty of entertainment choices besides HBO Max.
Surfshark’s features include a Smart DNS feature (like NordVPN does), so you can spoof your IP address without a VPN server. But like in the previous case, we do not suggest using it alone because your traffic remains unencrypted.
Comparison of the best HBO Max VPNs
The table below shows a comparison of the best VPN services for HBO MAX.
| NordVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unblocks HBO Max | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best monthly price | $3.99/month | $1.98/month | $6.67/month | $2.29/month |
| Servers | 6,100+ in 111+ countries | 35,000+ in 91+ countries | 3,000+ in 105+ countries | 3,200+ in 100+ countries. |
| Supports WireGuard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | Unlimited |
| Other streaming | Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, etc. | Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, etc. | Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, etc. | Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, etc. |
| Compatibility | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Router | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Router | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Router | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Router |
Methodology for choosing HBO Max VPNs
If you are looking for a new VPN service, you could easily get confused by all the products claiming the best privacy and security features. While some are genuine, high-quality VPN services, others have poor services and are only hyped to attract customers. Let’s discuss what you should look for to determine whether a VPN is worth spending money on.
- Unblocking abilities: The VPN should have powerful unblocking abilities, giving you access to geo-restricted content without detection. Also, choose a VPN that can unblock all major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.
- Compatibility: Choose a VPN that supports all major operating systems and devices like iOS, Windows, Mac, and Android. Other streaming devices such as PlayStation, Fire TV, and Kodi are an added advantage.
- Streaming features: Check whether the VPN has an innovative DNS feature that allows you to stream on non-VPN devices such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
- Fast Speeds: You do not want to experience video lags and buffering when streaming your favorite show. So, choose a modern VPN that supports Wireguard tunneling protocol to ensure lightning-fast connection speeds.
- Many servers in HBO-allowed locations: Max content is geographically restricted; therefore, you need a VPN with many servers in HBO Max-allowed regions. These regions include; European countries, Latin, Caribbean, and the US. This way, you can connect to these servers from anywhere worldwide and stream HBO-Max content.
The table below summarises the factors you should consider when choosing a Max streaming VPN.
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support, email, guides, live chat |
| Features | Tunneling protocols |
| Compatibility | Amazon Fire TV, Router, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS |
| Tunneling protocols | Wireguard |
How to stream Max outside America
- Subscribe to a premium VPN capable of bypassing Max geo-restrictions. We recommend NordVPN because of its impressive unblocking capabilities and fast servers.
- Install and set up the VPN client on your device.
- Log in to your VPN account using your credentials and connect to an American server.
- Open your browser, navigate to the official Max website, and log in or register.
- Start streaming Max content.
Can I get HBO Max with a free VPN?
It’s highly unlikely for a free VPN to access HBO Max outside US. This is because most free VPNs are weak, overcrowded, and have limited features. They only have a few servers, limit data use, and have extremely low speeds.
Consequently, free VPN traffic can be easily detected and blocked.
In addition, most free VPNs have privacy and security issues. Some generate revenue by collecting and selling your personal data to third parties, while others bombard you with intrusive adverts. There is another category of free VPNs that expose you to malware that could steal your data or damage your device.
Instead of free VPNs, we recommend trial versions of a premium VPN. Alternatively, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee and use the VPN for 30 days without charges. Make sure to cancel your subscription before thirty days.
Watching HBO anywhere outside the US
The United Kingdom
HBO’s distribution rights in the United Kingdom are in the hands of Sky Atlantic. But sometimes, it takes a while for the content to become available there. Also, HBO Max is unavailable in the UK, so you won’t get any of the Warner Brothers material.
So, if you are a UK HBO aficionado, everything boils down to this: you can only get the latest HBO content in a timely way if you can access the US catalog, and the only way to do that is with a VPN that boasts US servers.
Canada
Max doesn’t serve Canada. A VPN will allow you to join and watch the service, but you could have a problem with your payment method — the HBO payments system could reject Canadian bank cards.
If you pay your membership through Android and Apple devices, this issue goes away because HBO doesn’t manage those payments directly.
Europe
Sky distributes HBO to Germany and Italy. Then there’s HBO Europe in Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Montenegro, Macedonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Croatia, and Bulgaria. VPNs are the only way to access HBO if you are anywhere else on the continent.
Mexico
Mexican HBO enthusiasts are probably the luckiest outside the US. HBO Max became officially available in Mexico one year after its US launch. As a result, every Mexican HBO Go account became Max one, and the entire US catalog is available, too.
Australia
Binge and Foxtel include HBO in Australia. However, the time difference makes it hard to avoid web spoilers. At any rate, you can’t get Max at all in Australia unless you use a VPN in Australia.
Paying for Max from outside the US
HBO Max only accepts US credit cards, and that is where the subscription gets tricky. However, you can use a VPN to get around the restrictions and effectively get your Max subscription.
You can use three methods to get an HBO Max subscription outside the US.
Subscribing to Max outside the US through iTunes
- Download and install a reliable VPN and connect to a server in the US. (We recommend ExpressVPN)
- Go to ‘Settings’ on your iOS device and change your region to the USA by clicking Apple Account > Media & purchases > Change your region to the USA.
- Buy an iTunes Gift card from a trustworthy website.
- Download Max from the App Store.
- Open the Max app and create an account.
- Choose an entertainment package and type in your credentials to continue.
- Enter all the details the HBO app requires to finish creating your account.
- Sign in and start streaming.
Subscribing to Max outside US using a Gift card
- Purchase a Max Gift card from Mygiftcardsupply’s official website.
- Open the official Max website and click ‘Redeem Your card.’
- Enter your Zip code and your Gift card number. You can use any Zip code.
- Enter your username, Email ID, and other required details.
- Log in to the official Max website.
- Start streaming.
Using a credit card of a US-based friend or family member.
This is an easy method, and you only need a friend’s valid US credit card. Follow these steps.
- Download and install a reliable VPN, then connect to a server in the US (especially Dallas).
- Sign up on the HBO Max official website.
- The subscription packages start at $9.99/month. Choose a package that suits you.
- Fill in your details and click ‘Create Account.’
- Use a US zip code and credit card number to fill in the billing details.
- Start streaming.
Which HBO Max region has the most titles?
HBO Max’s catalog is categorized geographically. The platform determines the number of titles you can access by geolocating your IP address. The US boasts the largest HBO catalog, with over 3,100 titles. The table below summarises HBO Max’s titles in its 12 regions.
| HBO Max Region | Number of Titles |
|---|---|
| Sweden | 1,582 |
| Denmark | 1,591 |
| Netherlands | 2,169 |
| Spain | 2,110 |
| Brazil | 2,773 |
| Venezuela | 2,922 |
| Colombia | 2,923 |
| Chile | 2,923 |
| Argentina | 2,924 |
| Perú | 2,925 |
| Mexico | 2,926 |
| USA | 3,138 |
How to watch Max abroad on your devices in 2024
HBO Max is supported by various devices, including PC/Laptop, Smart TV, Roku, Firestick, iOS, and Android.
How to stream Max on PC/Laptop outside the US
- Download and install a reputable VPN like NordVPN.
- Connect to a US server.
- Visit the Max website on your browser.
- Sign in and start streaming.
How to watch Max on a Smart TV
- Download and install a reliable VPN like NordVPN.
- Use the Media Streamer smart DNS feature to configure the VPN on your smart TV.
- Use a server in the US.
- Visit the Max website and Sign in.
- Start streaming.
How to stream Max on Roku
- Download and install a reliable VPN – We recommend NordVPN.
- Configure the VPN on your Wi-Fi router.
- Connect to an American server.
- Search for Max on the Roku Home page.
- Select it, log in, and start streaming.
How to watch Max on Firestick/Fire TV
- Login into your account on the official Amazon website.
- Navigate to ‘Accounts and Lists’ and choose ‘Your Accounts and Content,’ then switch your country to America.
- Plug your Firestick stick into your TV and navigate to ‘Settings.’
- Sign out and log in again.
- Download and install the Max app and VPN application of your choice. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Open your VPN and use a US server.
- Now, you can start streaming on HBO Max.
How to watch Max on iOS
- Open the settings of your device and tap ‘Open your profile.’
- Go to ‘Settings’ on your iOS device and change your region to the USA by clicking Apple Account > Media & purchases > Change your region to the USA.
- Provide the relevant US information like Postal code and address and tap ‘Done.’
- Download Max from the App Store.
- Connect your VPN to a US server.
- Login to your HBO Max account and start streaming.
How to stream Max App on Android
- Download and install a reputable VPN, then connect to a server in the US.
- Open your Play Store application and tap the three dots in the top left corner.
- Click ‘Account’ to reveal your country and name.
- Change your country to the US and fill out the necessary details.
- Install the Max app, log in or create an account, and start streaming.
Best shows you can watch on Max
Since HBO Go and HBO Now merged in 2020, the combined streaming service HBO Max has taken the quality of HBO content to the next level. Here, you can find all your favorite shows in fine video quality. Some of the worthy mentions you can enjoy on Max include,
- Game of Thrones (seasons 1 to 8)
- Friends (seasons 1 to 10)
- Harry Potter (all seasons)
- Big Bang Theory (seasons 1 to 12)
- Rick and Morty (seasons 1 to 5)
What else can a VPN do besides unblocking Max outside the US?
This article focuses on a top-notch VPN’s ability to bypass the geo-location blocks in HBO Max. This use case exploded over the last couple of years because of the demand for home entertainment brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. And it works, as you will see as soon as you try it.
However, VPNs are one of the most versatile and powerful tools on the internet, and having a premium VPN service will give you many more benefits.
So, let’s briefly see what a VPN is and what it will do for you while allowing you to access HBO Max outside the USA.
A VPN is a network that will perform two essential tasks. First, it will spoof your IP address. All the traffic between your device and the rest of the world will go through a VPN server.
The servers on the other side will see you connecting from the VPN server and detect its IP address as yours. This trick enables the unblocking of Max or any other video streaming platform restricted outside the US. So, as you connect from a US-based server in your VPN’s network, HBO Max sees you as a US-based client, thus giving you the entire US catalog.
The second trick every VPN must always do is encrypt all incoming and outgoing traffic. Good encryption turns a stream of meaningful data into random white noise. Thus, no external observer can determine what is happening with your traffic unless they access the decryption keys.
So, are you worried about government surveillance? Does your ISP like to throttle video streamers and torrent downloaders? Have you been a victim of hackers lurking around the world’s WiFi public hotspots? The encryption a VPN gives you will make all those problems go away.
So, a VPN will increase your digital security, anonymity, and privacy. If you are familiar with Snowden’s revelations, you’ll immediately see how this is an excellent advantage for you.
Encryption and IP masking are the two things every VPN should do. It’s the definition of a VPN, more or less. But the best VPNs (like the ones we’ll recommend and describe in the next section) will do much more for you!
For instance, NordVPN has a feature called obfuscation. It takes all your traffic and, besides the encryption and IP spoofing, makes it look like HTTPS traffic. So, any third party tracking your activities will think that you’re simply exchanging traffic with a secure HTTP website, which is becoming the standard type of website. You could be doing anything, from using the BitTorrent network to streaming your favorite Game of Thrones episode.
The most critical consequence of HTTPS spoofing is letting you evade censorship. The world’s most intrusive governments (some of which forbid VPNs) won’t be able to stop you from using any website you want in the world because they won’t know you’re doing it. Obfuscated VPN traffic is the very thing that allows you to bypass the Great Firewall of China or the VPN restrictions in the UAE.
We could keep telling you more about the wonders of having a good VPN, but that’s beyond the scope of this guide. Also, we’ve written extensively about such subjects on this website, so if you browse a little, you’ll find plenty of relevant information to learn more.
The bottom line is that nowadays, having a VPN is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity for every digital denizen. It will improve your life in ways you can’t imagine, and unblocking Max’s complete catalog outside the US is not the tip of the iceberg. So, get a VPN.
Fix to Max not working with the VPN
First of all, don’t panic. Minor issues commonly arise with HBO Max connections, even with the best VPNs.
If you use a VPN but still can’t enjoy your Max subscription, you might have picked a lousy VPN for this task or used an inconsistent server. You can fix either issue by subscribing to a top-notch VPN (NordVPN or ExpressVPN, for instance) and picking a different server in the network.
Another frequent issue has to do with your browser’s cache. If it’s already full of cookies and other things that give away your actual location. So, you must clear your cache before HBO Max recognizes you as a US-based user.
Upon any irregularity, your first action should be to delete all cookies, clear the cache and reboot your operating system.
If, even after trying all those things, the problem persists, go to your VPN’s vendor customer service. The three VPNs on our list have excellent customer service platforms that will solve your problem quickly.
FAQs
HBO Max used to offer a free trial of its service. Not anymore, though. However, you can get a trial through Hulu.
No, you can use a web browser too.
The answer is that it depends. If you choose a free VPN, the chances are that you won’t even be able to see a minute of video. If, on the other hand, you choose one of the three providers we suggested, your video quality will be pristine all the time, and you’ll have no buffering problems.
It is possible to use proxies to access HBO Max from abroad. However, they are unreliable and can leave you vulnerable to cyber threats. Also, they are easily detected and blocked by HBO servers. Therefore, you need a reputable VPN that protects your privacy while bypassing restrictions without detection.
Using a VPN to stream your favorite shows on HBO Max is entirely legal. After all, you have an HBO subscription, so there is nothing wrong with using a VPN to access your account. However, it breaches HBO’s terms of service, but they cannot penalize you as long as you are paying. There is no record of any HBO account holder being penalized for using a VPN. Instead of penalizing you, HBO Max blocks IP addresses associated with VPN services. Therefore, you need a reliable VPN to bypass VPN blocks to access your HBO Max account abroad.
