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Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2023


HBO Max VPN can help you change your IP and unblock the streaming platform wherever you are. Although a handful of regions globally do have access to HBO Max library, many countries, including the UK, still can’t enjoy this streaming site. While it’s all due to copyright and licensing agreements, numerous people are missing out on excellent TV series.

Reputable HBO Max VPNs, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, have servers distributed all over the world. Therefore, not only can you unblock this broadcaster but also enjoy fast-loading videos in full HD, as you can easily find a licensed server location near you. Plus, a VPN is irreplaceable regarding having unbreakable online security and privacy.

While everything sounds nice, finding a VPN that works with HBO Max can be difficult. Thus, we have tested over a dozen of providers and selected the best HBO Max VPNs that excel in performance, security, ease of use, and more critical aspects.

Top 5 Best VPNs for HBO Max:

  1. NordVPN – our top pick for HBO Max VPN
  2. Surfshark – VPN for HBO Max with unlimited connections
  3. Atlas VPN – easy-to-use VPN for HBO Max
  4. ExpressVPN – VPN with market-leading speeds
  5. CyberGhost – HBO Max VPN with the most servers

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What to look for in the best VPN for HBO Max?

With so many robust VPNs available on the market, it might be hard to identify the key aspects that make a VPN the best one for HBO Max. Here’s what you should look for if you want to get a seamless streaming experience on this specific platform.

Tunneling protocols: WireGuard
Compatability:iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, router, Amazon Fire TV, and more
Features: Smart DNS, dedicated streaming servers, split tunneling
Customer support:24/7 live chat, email, guides
  • Many servers in HBO-allowed locations. Since this media service is geo-restricted, the most suitable VPN should have a wide selection of servers in locations where HBO Max is available – including the US, a few Caribbean, Latin, and European countries. This way you can hide your true location and watch HBO content from anywhere in the world.
  • Fast speeds. Great streaming experience requires exceptionally fast speeds that can be achieved only with modern tunneling protocols. If you want to watch HBO Max without buffering, look for fast VPNs that support WireGuard.
  • Streaming features. You should check whether the provider offers a Smart DNS feature that lets you stream on non-VPN devices. Or it allows using the service on Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
  • Compatibility. Another key indicator of the best VPN for HBO Max is its ability to support not only all popular operating systems (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android) but also streaming devices. Look for a provider that offers dedicated apps for Fire TV, Android TV, Kodi, and other gadgets.
  • Unblocking capabilities. It’s crystal clear that a VPN should unblock HBO Max without any trouble. However, if you’re a die-hard movie enthusiast, it’s good if the provider can give access to other streaming platforms.
How to watch HBO max in USA

Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2023 – our detailed list:

It's a shame that, at the moment, HBO Max is only available in a select number of countries. That is unless you're using a streaming VPN.

Luckily for you, we've hand-picked the best VPNs that are confirmed to work with HBO Max, deliver fast speeds, work on multiple devices, and more.

1. NordVPN – best-performing VPN for HBO Max

NordVPN
🌎 Based in:
Panama
🖥️ Servers/countries:
5500+ servers in 60 countries
🍿 Unblocks:
Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
📱 Simultaneous connections:6
🔥 Coupons:
NordVPN coupon 63% OFF

NordVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max since it offers blazing-fast speeds, useful streaming features, and many servers in required locations. We effortlessly unblocked HBO Max when we connected to a server in New York and experienced no buffering at all.

Security and performance: to deliver speedy services, NordVPN offers an upgraded version of the well-known WireGuard tunneling protocol, known as the NordLynx. Additionally, it provides strong security to keep your data private, using AES-256 encryption and following an audited no-logs policy.

Streaming features: NordVPN offers the SmartPlay feature – with it, you’ll be able to watch HBO Max even on devices that don’t support VPN connections. Plus, it also has a dedicated app for Amazon Fire TV and can be installed on other streaming gadgets.

Price: you can get a NordVPN subscription starting from only $3.29/month for 6 devices, and each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more about this provider in our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – top-notch HBO Max VPN for all home devices

Surfshark VPN
🌎 Based in:
The Netherlands
🖥️ Servers/countries:
3200+ servers in 100 countries
🍿 Unblocks:
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
📱 Simultaneous connections:
Unlimited
🔥 Coupons:
Surfshark coupon 82% OFF

Surfshark is an excellent HBO Max VPN since it gives unlimited simultaneous connections, has a large server fleet, and more. The first American server we connected unblocked HBO Max instantly, and we watched movies on multiple devices with a single account.

Security and performance: thanks to the WireGuard protocol, there were no lags when watching HBO Max. But Surfshark is also extremely secure, using AES-256 encryption and other top-notch safety measures.

Streaming features: the provider offers the SmartDNS feature, meaning you’ll be able to watch HBO Max on whatever device you want to. That is, even if it doesn’t support VPN connections, like the PlayStation.

Price: if you decide to invest in Surfshark, all subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and prices are as low as $2.30/month for unlimited devices.

Learn more about this provider in our full Surfshark VPN review.

3. Atlas VPN – intuitive VPN for HBO Max

Atlas VPN banner
🌎 Based in:
United States
🖥️ Servers/countries:
750+ servers in 38 countries
🍿 Unblocks:
Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
📱 Simultaneous connections:
Unlimited
🔥 Coupons:
Atlas VPN coupon 83% OFF

Atlas VPN is also among the best options for HBO Max. It has affordable subscription plans that you can get to enjoy streaming the most popular content without emptying your wallet.

Security and performance: this provider, like many other top-class VPNs, supports the WireGuard tunneling protocol. During our test, we had no issues accessing HBO Max, and the speeds were truly solid. Since this is a modern protocol, it also ensures strong security at the same time.

Streaming features: Atlas VPN is compatible with Android TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices. Additionally, you get streaming-optimized servers for a buffer-free experience.

Price: Atlas VPN has budget-friendly subscription plans, starting from only $1.82/month for unlimited devices. Each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, and what’s even better – there’s a completely free version that you can use to try out the services beforehand.

Read more about this provider in our full Atlas VPN review.

4. ExpressVPN – fast HBO Max VPN

ExpressVPN banner
🌎 Based in:
British Virgin Islands
🖥️Servers/countries:3000 servers in 94 countries
🍿Streaming sites:Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
📱Simultaneous connections:5
🔥Coupons:
ExpressVPN coupon 49% OFF

ExpressVPN delivers lightning-fast connection speeds and helps you enjoy HBO Max outside the US in full HD. With it, you can enjoy streaming even on those devices that can’t have a VPN installed directly.

Security and performance: with choosing the Lightway tunneling protocol, you get ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption, while other protocols come along with AES-256 encryption. However, the Lightway tunnel is the one that should be praised for excellent connection speeds and buffer-free streaming experience.

Streaming features: ExpressVPN has the Smart DNS feature included in the service. With it, you can easily convert your not smart TVs into smart ones and enjoy streaming. On the other hand, ExpressVPN has apps for multiple streaming consoles, like Amazon Fire Stick, Nintendo Switch, Roku, and more.

Price: ExpressVPN is a pricier VPN compared to others, as its starting price is $6.67/month. But you can use a 30-day money-back guarantee and feel the service before fully committing to it.

Tempted to find out more? Check out our ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost – geographically diverse VPN provider

CyberGhost VPN banner
🌎 Based in:
Romania
🖥️Servers/countries:9700 servers in 91 countries
🍿Streaming sites:Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
📱Simultaneous connections:7
🔥Coupons:
CyberGhost coupon 83% OFF

CyberGhost impresses us with one of the richest server fleets on the market and fantastic unblocking capabilities that help with HBO Max geo-restrictions. Moreso, the price-to-quality ratio makes this VPN one of those that is unforgivable not to pick.

Security and performance: CyberGhost offers an essential list of tunneling protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Without a doubt, WireGuard shines the brightest and delivers excellent connection speeds without noticeable speed drops. During our tests, CyberGhost maintained a stable video loading time.

Streaming features: to ensure you unblock your favorite streaming services every time as easily as the previous one, CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming. And if you have a device that can’t have a VPN installed directly, you can configure Smart DNS and enjoy streaming as effectively as on any other gadget.

Price: one of our favorite things about CyberGhost is its pricing. With the price of $2.19/month, this VPN helps bypass HBO Max geo-blocks anyone without having to consider your financial situation. There’s also a free trial for up to 7 days and an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed CyberGhost review and find out more.

6. PureVPN – cheap VPN service to unblock HBO Max

purevpn
🌎 Based in:
British Virgin Islands
🖥️ Servers/countries:
6500+ servers in 78 countries
🍿 Unblocks:
Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
📱 Simultaneous connections:
10
🔥 Coupons:
PureVPN coupon 81% OFF

PureVPN easily bypassed the regional restrictions of HBO Max as well. In fact, its truly massive server fleet allowed us to find the most suitable one for a buffer-free streaming session.

Security and performance: this provider also relies on the WireGuard tunneling protocol to ensure fast speeds and robust security. As a result, we didn’t experience any lags when watching all the popular movies and TV shows.

Streaming features: even without the Smart DNS feature, this VPN covers your streaming needs with dedicated apps for Android TVs, Fire TV, and other streaming devices. Also it offers a Proxy Control feature which can give you better speeds for streaming HBO Max with an unencrypted connection.

Price: PureVPN prices are truly affordable, starting from $2.08/month for 10 devices. And the best part – you can make use of the service’s 31-day money-back guarantee before committing to a long-term subscription plan.

Check out our full PureVPN review for more information.

Comparison of the best VPNs for HBO Max

Want to have all the important information in one place to compare the HBO Max VPNs? Well, you can find it right here:

NordVPNSurfsharkAtlasVPNExpressVPNCyberghostPureVPN
Brandlogologologologologologo
ReviewNordVPN reviewSurfshark VPN reviewAtlas VPN reviewExpressVPN reviewCyberGhost reviewPureVPN review
Rating
4.9
4.7
4.6
4.2
4.2
4.4
Unblocks HBO Max✅, Yes✅, Yes✅, Yes✅, Yes✅, Yes✅, Yes
Servers5500+ servers in 60 countries3200+ servers in 100 countries750+ servers in 38 countries3000+ servers in 94 countries9700+ servers in 91 countries6500+ servers in 78 countries
Supports WireGuard✅, a modern variation known as NordLynx✅, Yes✅, Yes✅, a modern variation known as Lightway✅, Yes✅, Yes
Smart DNS✅, Yes✅, Yes❌, No✅, Yes✅, Yes❌, No
Simultaneous connections6UnlimitedUnlimited5710
Other streamingNetflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and moreNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and moreNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTubeNetflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
CompatibilityWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, FirefoxWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, FirefoxWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire StickWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, FirefoxWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Price (lowest price per month)3.29/month2.30/month1.82/month6.67/month2.19/month2.08/month

How we tested and ranked the best VPNs for HBO Max

There are two main points to consider when picking an HBO Max VPN – whether it unblocks the streaming service and whether it’s good for streaming overall. Here are the main criteria we took into consideration when ranking these VPNs:

  • Speed. Although it’s great to be able to watch content from all around the world, it’s not so neat when it’s constantly buffering. We used our speed test tool to find the fastest VPNs that don’t make you sit in front of a frozen screen.
  • Useful features. Some providers offer the SmartDNS feature, letting you unblock geo-restricted content without installing a VPN on those devices. And if you need a VPN for streaming only, split tunneling is what you can make use of. With that in mind, we have carefully selected VPNs that can effortlessly unblock geo-restricted HBO Max.
  • Server coverage. A vast server fleet means that no matter where you’re located, you’ll be able to find servers near you. We made sure the providers we offer have plenty of options. This lets you ensure the fastest possible speeds.
  • Simultaneous connections. If you want to watch HBO Max on a few of your devices or share it with your family members, it’s important that the VPN offers multiple or unlimited device connections.
  • Other streaming options. Getting a VPN service simply for watching HBO Max is nice, but it’s even nicer if you have more streaming platform options. We looked for VPNs that can also help you change Netflix region, access Hulu, or any other service you may need.
  • Price. Just because you’re expecting first-class quality, doesn’t mean you have to pay lots of money. We made sure that the VPN services we offer are worth every penny.

Other VPNs we tested for HBO Max

Although we have provided you with a list of top HBO Max VPNs that deliver 100% success in streaming, we have left out several reputable providers which can also work for you.

For instance, IPVanish is one of the most popular VPNs on the market, known not only for unbreakable security but also for strong unblocking capabilities and fast speeds. During our tests, it quickly bypassed HBO Max’s (and other streaming services’) blocks and gave us a chance to enjoy the movie lag-free. Moreso, it works with streaming devices too, so there won’t be issues with moving across gadgets.

There’s also PrivateVPN, which is more modest compared to the latter provider, as its servers fleet includes as little as 200 servers, and there’s no WireGuard tunnel which would ensure lightning-fast speeds. Nevertheless, this VPN could unblock HBO Max on the first try and didn’t noticeably interfere with the video quality. And it’s cheap – starting from only $2.00/month.

Meanwhile, Proton VPN’s prices start at $4.99/month, which is more expensive than the majority of VPNs. On the other hand, it has the WireGuard tunnel that ensures great connection speeds. Plus, there’s a decent selection of over 1800 servers, and it unblocks popular streaming services, including HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and more.

Can I unblock HBO Max with a free VPN?

No, there’s a very low chance that a free VPN could unblock HBO Max. That is mostly because free VPNs usually have a very limited server fleet which is naturally used by numerous users at the same time. Consequently, any streaming service can easily detect VPN-related activity and block the IP address.

Additionally, when using an unreliable free VPN for HBO Max, you’re also risking your online security. As a way of income, some free VPNs can even sell their users’ data to third parties. Or, if the provider is not trustworthy, the service may even be infiltrated with malware.

Frankly, we can suggest reliable and effective alternatives for bypassing HBO Max geo-restrictions and staying protected online:

  • NordVPN – with this HBO Max VPN, you can expect to unblock any major streaming platform and watch videos in full HD. To test it yourself, you can benefit from its 30-day money-back guarantee and boost it with a free NordVPN 7-day trial on your Android or iOS.
  • Surfshark – watch HBO Max on unlimited devices simultaneously with Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee or hop on Surfshark’s free trial that’s available for macOS, iOS, and Android users.
  • Atlas VPN – another excellent VPN for bypassing HBO Max geo-restrictions with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It offers user-friendly applications and unbreakable security too.

How to watch HBO Max on your device

You can use a VPN to unlock HBO Max on any device. So you and your family can sit down in front of HBO’s latest blockbuster by connecting it to your smart TV. Or you can keep up with all your favorite shows while you’re traveling by watching them on your smartphone.

Watch HBO Max on your smart device

Watching HBO Max on smart devices, such as iPhone, Android devices, Windows PC, Mac, and more, couldn’t be easier. These types of gadgets perfectly go along with VPNs; hence you’ll be able to unlock the streaming platform within a few minutes. Here’s how:

  1. Choose a reliable streaming VPN. We recommend NordVPN (now 63% OFF).
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your smart device.
  3. Launch the app and connect to an American server.
  4. Navigate to the HBO Max website.
  5. Create or log into your HBO Max account and enjoy watching all HBO has to offer.

Watch HBO Max on your streaming devices

Unfortunately, the majority of streaming devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Kodi, don’t support VPNs initially. But you can always find a way around it. In this case, you’d need to set up a VPN on a router and share an encrypted network with your non-VPN devices. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Choose a VPN suitable for routers. We recommend NordVPN – now for 63% OFF!
  2. Download and set up a VPN on your router.
  3. Connect to a server in the United States.
  4. Make sure your streaming device is connected to the router VPN.
  5. Install the HBO Max app from the app store.

Why do I get "Sorry, HBO Max isn't available in your region yet" with a VPN?

Unfortunately, HBO Max VPN isn’t always the most straightforward answer to flawlessly bypassing geo-blocks. This is due to streaming services’ detecting VPNs, browser issues, and more reasons. But there are ways to make it work. Here’s how:

  1. Connect to a different server in the same location. While one server might not work with HBO Max, try switching to others.
  2. For PlayStation users, if you get the 03-37-215 error, just restart your console. It solves the problem for most users.
  3. If you encounter any other problems, we advise deleting cookies, clearing cache, and restarting the machine.
  4. Contact your VPN’s customer support team. It’s possible that the service is encountering technical issues that can only be solved by the provider itself.
  5. It might be that you just have a bad VPN. You can try switching to a reputable VPN provider, such as NordVPN or Surfshark.

How to watch HBO Max internationally?

Currently, HBO Max is available in 61 locations, including the USA, Latin and Caribbean countries, Europe. However, the list is continuously expanding, as this WarnerMedia’s streaming platform offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio for every cinephile and is highly requested globally.

As for Europe, the availability reaches even smaller countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, and more. Meanwhile, the Netherlands can choose between two subscription options. One costs €3.99/month with 1080p video quality, plus 30 downloads, and the other is nearly one euro cheaper with worse video quality and fewer allowed video downloads.

Even though you can’t find your country in the licensed locations list yet, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy HBO Max at all. With a VPN HBO Max, like NordVPN, you can change your IP to the one that works with the streaming platform and enjoy WarnerMedia’s content anywhere.

And here are the overall best ways to access HBO Max from anywhere in the world:

CountryHow to watch
Watch HBO Max in CanadaThe only way to access HBO Max for Canadians is using a fast and reliable streaming VPN.
Watch HBO Max in the UKSky Atlantic owns the exclusive distribution rights to HBO in the UK. However, they don’t always get this content straight away. So, if you want to watch HBO content as soon as it airs in America, you will need to use a VPN.
Watch HBO Max in AustraliaHBO content is available in Australia on BINGE and Foxtel. The time difference makes it tough to keep up with your favorite shows without finding spoilers on social media. And you won’t be able to access HBO Max, so you can get around this by using a VPN.
Watch HBO Max in MexicoHBO Max is officially available in Mexico. In case you go traveling or want to access the US library, an HBO Max VPN can be a perfect solution.
Watch HBO Max in SwitzerlandIn Switzerland, HBO content is available on Swisscom, yet not all of it. To fully experience HBO Max, you’d need to use a VPN.
Watch HBO Max in BelgiumBelgium citizens only have a single method to enjoy HBO Max – with a VPN.
Watch HBO Max in IsraelOnly a VPN will allow you to access HBO content.
Watch HBO Max in ItalyItalians have the possibility to watch HBO Max content over Sky HD, but if you want to watch content as soon as it comes out, we suggest using a VPN.
Watch HBO Max in PakistanIf you’re from Pakistan, you’ll need to unblock HBO Max with the help of a VPN.
Watch HBO Max in TurkeySince HBO Max didn’t launch in Turkey in 2022 as planned, your best option is access it with a VPN.
Watch HBO Max in GermanyGerman users have to use a VPN to unblock HBO Max, because it’s geo-restricted otherwise.
Watch HBO Max in SpainHBO Max is officially available in Spain. However, if you plan going on holiday or a business trip, an HBO Max VPN can help you watch your regular content.

What can I watch on HBO Max?

In 2020, HBO merged HBO Go and HBO Now to create its new streaming service – HBO Max. This paid-for app gives you access to all of HBO’s content. HBO Max has a huge range of fantastic movies and shows.

Here’s some content you can expect to watch:

TitleSeasons available
The Last of UsSeason 1
Big Bang TheorySeasons 1-12
FriendsSeasons 1-10
Avenue 5Seasons 1-2
Poor DevilSeason 1
EuphoriaSeasons 1-2
Rick and MortySeasons 1-5
Harry PotterAll 8 movies

Conclusion

Best VPNs for HBO Max can help you easily bypass geo-restrictions and unblock this popular streaming platform when abroad. Our top choice for this is NordVPN which offers excellent speeds, works with streaming devices, and has a massive server fleet. On top of that, you get strong security features to keep your private data safe.

Have you tried using a VPN to unblock HBO Max? Share your experience and insights in the comments below!

4.9 /5
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Hala bh
Hala bh
prefix 11 months ago
Impressive! Thanks for sharing this.
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