Watch HBO Max outside the US with VPN in 2022

​We all know HBO is the king of TV content. There's never been anyone offering that signature HBO quality – and now it's all available online via HBO Max!

Unfortunately, the streaming service is unavailable in many countries. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy its movies and shows with the help of the best VPNs for HBO Max.

A VPN can be used to spoof your location, letting you bypass geo-restrictions. This means you can watch HBO Max from anywhere in the world.

Read on as we take you through a complete guide on how to watch HBO Max outside the US with a VPN.

How to watch HBO Max outside US with VPN

1. Choose a VPN to bypass HBO Max geo-restrictions. We recommend NordVPN, now 68% OFF!
2. Install and set up the VPN service on your device.
3. Log in and connect to an American server.
4. Go to the HBO Max website and register an account.
5. Grab the popcorn and enjoy HBO Max US.

Why do you need a VPN for HBO Max?

HBO Max currently works in the US and a few Caribbean, Latin, and European countries. And although it's expanding to other countries, some huge markets (like the UK, France, or Germany) still won’t be able to access HBO Max without setting up a VPN.

And either way, the US library of content is likely to remain the largest and most covered. You see, HBO places geo-restrictions on its content to comply with distribution rights and copyright protections. Therefore, even if HBO Max is available for you, some of its best movies and shows might still be blocked.

It's also worth noting that if you're in (or traveling to) a location where HBO Max isn't available, you'll need to learn how to watch HBO Max in your country with a VPN.

If HBO Max is not available in your location, you’ll get the following error message: "Sorry, HBO MAX isn’t available in your region yet." However, you can get around geo-blocks by using a VPN.

Once you connect to a US server, HBO will see that you’re using an American IP address and will unlock the content for you.

Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2022

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for HBO Max with which you’ll be able to enjoy a secure and buffer-free experience on many streaming platforms.
2. Surfshark – one of the least expensive VPNs for HBO Max. With one subscription, your whole family will be able to watch their favorite shows.
3. PureVPN – a VPN that unblocks not only HBO Max but various other streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.
4. Atlas VPN – a great choice for accessing HBO Max. Hassle-free, it’s a speedy service capable of accessing various streaming platforms.
5. IPVanish – a VPN for HBO Max that offers a massive server network, enough to unblock US and other libraries.
6. PrivateVPN – a VPN that unblocks HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms for all of your family’s devices simultaneously.

Watching Infinity Train or Raised by Wolves on your couch sounds amazing, doesn't it? It's a shame that at the moment, HBO Max is only available in the US and a select number of European, Caribbean, and Latin countries. That is, unless you're using a VPN service.

It still might not be as easy as it sounds. All of this is further complicated by the fact that not all VPNs handle streaming services. You can pay the subscription price and find out that you still can't access the site.

Luckily for you, I've hand-picked the best VPNs that are confirmed to work with HBO Max.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for HBO Max

🌎Based in:	Panama
🖥️Servers/countries:	5400+ servers in 60 countries
🍿Unblocks:	HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more
📱Simultaneous connections:	6
🔥Coupons:	NordVPN coupon 68% OFF

Watch HBO Max with NordVPN now

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching HBO Max while traveling or if you simply don’t live in the US. And it’s no one-trick pony – it can also unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services.

The best part about it? There’s the SmartPlay feature – with it, you’ll be able to watch HBO Max even on devices that don’t support VPN connections. And considering there’s over 5400 servers in 60 countries, you’ll have plenty to access various content libraries.

Its variety of tunneling protocols is also worth noting, especially its proprietary one – NordLynx. It’s an upgraded version of the WireGuard protocol, making it an excellent choice for watching shows without buffering. But don’t just take my word for it – claim NordVPN’s free 7-day trial and check it out yourself!

For more information, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – great low-cost VPN for HBO

🌎Based in:	The Netherlands
🖥️Servers/countries:	3200+ servers in 95 countries
🍿Unblocks:	HBO, Netflix, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, and more
📱Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited
🔥Coupons:	Surfshark coupon 82% OFF + Antivirus & 2 months FREE

Watch HBO Max with Surfshark

Surfshark does many things right, and being a virtually perfect VPN for HBO Max is one of them. In fact, it can effortlessly handle other services like Hulu + Live TV, Netflix, so you won't ever run out of things to watch.

Surfshark also 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. And with over 3200 servers in 95 countries, you’ll be able to access loads of streaming libraries.

The speeds of Surfshark won’t disappoint either. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, it's one of the fastest VPN providers out there. But that’s not all – you can test the provider out with HBO Max by claiming their free 7-day trial.

For more information, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. PureVPN – beginner-friendly VPN for HBO Max

🌎Based in:	British Virgin Islands
🖥️Servers/countries:	6500+ servers in 78 countries
🍿Unblocks:	HBO, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN
📱Simultaneous connections:	10
🔥Coupons:	PureVPN coupon 82% OFF

Watch HBO Max with PureVPN

PureVPN is yet another VPN service that’s able to bypass the regional restrictions of HBO Max. However, it’s also capable of accessing other streaming platforms, including Netflix, YouTube, and DAZN.

And if you need a VPN for streaming only, you’ll be glad to know that split tunneling is also available. The massive network of 5400 servers in 60 countries will let you find the best server for you no matter where you live.

Not to mention that because of the recent implementation of the WireGuard protocol, it’s now one of the fastest VPN services out there. And the best thing – you can make use of the service’s 31-day money-back guarantee before sticking with your chosen subscription plan.

For more information, read our Pure VPN review.

4. Atlas VPN – the perfect VPN for streaming

🌎Based in:	The United States
🖥️Servers/countries:	750+ servers in 38 countries
🍿Unblocks:	HBO, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
📱Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited
🔥Coupons:	Atlas VPN coupon 81% OFF

Visit Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is one of the best options for streaming. It easily unblocks HBO, but on top of that, it also has no issues accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and several other services.

Those who are looking for a VPN strictly for streaming purposes will make use of the split tunneling feature. As for servers, with over 3200 of them in 95 countries, you’ll be able to easily find the optimal ones for you.

Since the implementation of WireGuard, Atlas VPN is now extra fast. If your original internet connection is quick enough, you can even use this VPN to stream UHD (4K content). But the best way to find out whether Atlas VPN is your cup of tea is to make use of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our Atlas VPN review.

5. IPVanish – feature-rich streaming VPN

🌎Based in:	The United States
🖥️Servers/countries:	2000 servers in 50 countries
🍿Unblocks:	HBO, Netflix, YouTube
📱Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited
🔥Coupons:	IPVanish coupon 69% OFF

Visit IPVanish

IPVanish is a solid choice for HBO streaming. Aside from unblocking HBO Max, it can also access BBC iPlayer and YouTube hassle-free.

Apart from the streaming functionality, there's split tunneling, so you can choose the VPN connection to be used only with streaming service apps. Regarding its servers, they’re distributed over 50 locations, letting you find servers in virtually every corner of the world.

If you’re one to curse when your movie gets stuck on loading, sweet words are the only ones that will come out with IPVanish. The WireGuard protocol makes it one of the fastest VPN services on the market.

And just so you know, opting for an annual subscription gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN – solid VPN for HBO Max

🌎Based in:	Sweden
🖥️Servers/countries:	200 servers in 63 countries
🍿Unblocks:	YouTube, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, DAZN
📱Simultaneous connections:	10
🔥Coupons:	PrivateVPN coupon 85% OFF

Visit PrivateVPN

Another good VPN for watching HBO Max is PrivateVPN. While its server fleet isn’t the widest, with over 200 servers in 63 countries, there’s enough to access your favorite platforms.

That’s right – with PrivateVPN, you can also access such streaming platforms as Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and even DAZN. And since the plans allow 10 simultaneous connections, your whole family will have the privilege of accessing geo-restricted content.

Although PrivateVPN doesn’t have WireGuard, it still includes a variety of tunneling protocols, helping to ensure solid speeds. This includes OpenVPN (UDP and TCP variants), PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec.

If you want to test it out yourself, there’s a free 7-day trial you can make use of.

For more information, read our PrivateVPN review.

How we tested and ranked the best VPNs for HBO Max

There are two main points to consider when picking a VPN for HBO Max – whether it unblocks the streaming service and whether it’s good for streaming overall. Here are the main criteria we took into 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Here are some of our tutorials on how to change HBO Max region on different devices:

• Watch HBO Max on Android or iOS
• Watch HBO Max on Windows or macOS
• Watch HBO Max on Smart TV
• Watch HBO Max on Fire TV Stick
• Watch HBO Max on Apple TV
• Watch HBO Max on Roku
• Watch HBO Max on Kodi

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at how you can watch HBO Max on different devices and operating systems.

HBO Max on Mobile (Android, iOS)

If you’re traveling and don’t have access to a TV, you can still watch HBO content on your iPhone or Android phone. Apps for all the major VPNs, like NordVPN, are available on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

Here’s our step-by-step guide for accessing HBO Max on mobile devices:

1. Download and install your chosen VPN. We recommend NordVPN (now 68% OFF).
2. Create a new Google account for Android users, or a new Apple ID if you’re an iOS user. Make sure you select the US as your country.
3. Switch to your new American account and search and install the HBO Max app.
4. Create an HBO Max account. Once it’s been verified, you will be able to watch HBO Max.

Watch HBO Max on your mobile device

HBO Max on PC (Windows, macOS)

Using a VPN to watch HBO on your desktop is very simple. It can be done in minutes and will allow you to remove the geo-restrictions quickly and securely. You can do this on Chrome OS, macOS, or Windows PC.

1. Download, install, and set up your chosen VPN. Our top pick for iPhone devices is NordVPN.
2. Launch the app and connect to an American server.
3. Create an HBO Max account and enjoy watching all HBO has to offer.

Watch HBO Max on your PC

HBO Max on Smart TV

You can watch HBO and HBO Max on your smart TV with a VPN. This works on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung TV. Once you have chosen a VPN app for your smart TV, all you need to do is:

1. Sign up for a VPN subscription. We recommend NordVPN – now for 68% OFF!
2. Find the VPN on the Google Play Store and install it.
3. Log into your account and connect to an American server.
4. Create an HBO Max account and enjoy!

Watch HBO Max on your Smart TV

Alternatively, you can install a VPN onto your router. This will let you watch HBO on all your connected devices, including games consoles, like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

HBO Max on Fire TV Stick

If you’re a Fire TV Stick user, changing the HBO Max region on your device is an effortless task. All you have to do is:

1. Choose a VPN suitable for streaming. Our top recommendation is NordVPN, which is now 68% OFF!
2. Connect to a server in the United States.
3. Install the HBO Max app from the app store.
4. Create an HBO Max account.

Watch HBO Max on Fire TV Stick

HBO Max on Roku

Not going to lie – changing HBO Max region on Roku requires extra effort but only a little. Here’s how to watch geo-restricted content on Roku:

1. Pick a VPN. Our top choice is NordVPN, now up to 68% OFF!
2. Install the VPN on your router.
3. Connect to an American server.
4. Connect Roku to your wifi network.
5. Create an HBO Max account.

Watch HBO Max on Roku

Sadly, Roku doesn’t offer built-in VPN apps, but that shouldn’t stop you. After all, you get the same results by installing a VPN on your router.

HBO Max on Apple TV

Apple TV users will have a similar process to Roku's. It doesn't offer built-in apps, but you can install a VPN on your router. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a VPN that's capable of unblocking geo-restricted content. Our top pick is NordVPN, which you can get with a 68% discount.
2. Install the VPN on your router.
3. Connect to an American server.
4. Connect Apple TV to the wifi which you installed the VPN on.
5. Create an HBO Max account.

Watch HBO Max on Apple TV

HBO Max on Kodi

If you’re using Kodi, accessing HBO Max content on it won’t cause you issues. All you have to do is:

1. Install a VPN with US servers on Kodi. We recommend NordVPN with a 68% discount.
2. Connect to an American server.
3. Install the HBO Max app on Kodi.
4. Create an American HBO Max account and that's it!

Watch HBO Max on Kodi

Luckily, Kodi offers built-in VPN apps, making the process much more simple. However, if your VPN isn’t among Kodi’s add-ons, you can simply install the VPN on a router.

Video tutorial: how to watch HBO Max outside the US

Would you rather watch a straightforward video explaining how to access geo-restricted content on HBO Max? For all the visual learners, we’ve prepared a video tutorial for explaining everything step by step.

How to watch HBO while traveling

At the moment, HBO and HBO Max are only available in the US, Latin, Caribbean, and some European countries. This is because all countries and broadcasters have to abide by airing contracts and distribution rights.

Luckily, there are ways to access HBO from anywhere in the world. This even includes countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia that don't have any official presence.

All you have to do is get a reliable VPN for streaming, preferably one that offers a vast server fleet. This ensures you have a variety of American and European servers, letting you access HBO Max no matter where you are.

You can use this list to jump to the sections that teach you how to access HBO Max from your location:

• Watch HBO Max in Canada
• Watch HBO Max in the UK
• Watch HBO Max in Australia
• Watch HBO Max in Mexico
• Watch HBO Max in Europe

Read on to find out the best ways to access HBO Max from anywhere in the world.

Watch HBO Max in Canada

The only way to access HBO Max for Canadians is to use a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN. It offers blazing fast speeds and a large server network. All you have to do is connect to an American server. However, it's worth noting that if you sign up to HBO Max on your computer, it can refuse your Canadian bank card.

To get around this issue, we recommend signing up on your smartphone because HBO doesn’t control the payment methods on Android or Apple devices.

Watch HBO Max in the UK

Sky Atlantic owns the exclusive distribution rights to HBO and its programming in the UK. However, Sky doesn’t always get this content straight away. You also can’t access HBO Max in the UK, which means you won’t be able to watch Warner Bros’ latest blockbusters as soon as they are available.

So, if you want to watch HBO content as soon as it airs in America, you will need to use a VPN. Our top pick is NordVPN – it’s low-cost and effortlessly unblocks HBO Max and other streaming services.

It’s worth noting that not all UK smart TVs and streaming sticks support VPNs. Therefore, we recommend using an Amazon Fire TV stick or an Android box, as they have plenty of reputable VPN apps available.

Watch HBO Max in Australia

HBO content is available in Australia on BINGE and Foxtel. However, 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.

To get around this, you can use a VPN to connect to a US server, so you can watch all HBO and HBO Max content. Our recommendation is NordVPN, as it can easily bypass streaming restrictions and has plenty of US servers.

Watch HBO Max in Mexico

HBO Max is officially available in Mexico. It was launched there a year after being available for US users only. All the existing HBO Go accounts were automatically converted to HBO Max accounts.

You don't need to use a VPN, unless you want the US library. You can just visit the main page and register to get your account. Your credit card will also be accepted as if you were buying from any other store.

Watch HBO Max in Europe

You can watch HBO Max in a number of European countries, however, not all of them. The European locations where HBO Max is available includes:

Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

But if you’re located in any other country or are traveling around Europe, you can still access HBO Max from anywhere if you get a reputable VPN service. All you need to do is follow this process:

1. Pick a trustworthy VPN service. Our top pick is NordVPN – now 68% OFF!
2. Install the VPN app on your device and connect to an American server.
3. Create an HBO Max account and grab some popcorn!

Watch HBO Max in Europe

Here are some of our guides on how to access HBO Max in some European countries:

• Watch HBO MAX in Italy
• Watch HBO MAX in Germany
• Watch HBO MAX in Belgium

So let’s jump right into the detailed explanations.

Watch HBO Max in Italy

Although HBO Max isn’t available in Italy, its citizens can watch the same shows on Sky Italia. However, don't expect the content to be released at the same time as on HBO Max.

In this case, or if you’re not one of Sky's subscribers, you’re going to have to get a VPN to bypass restrictions. NordVPN can do that just fine. After that, you'll need to connect to a server in the US. That's all there is to it – you'll be able to access the whole library of HBO Max.

Watch HBO Max in Germany

Germans will be pleased to know that Sky owns the rights to show HBO content in their country. Yet, there's one issue – the shows come out long after it's aired on HBO.

So, if you want to access new content faster, or you simply don’t watch Sky Deutschland, you’ll need to use a VPN that is capable of unblocking HBO Max. We recommend NordVPN because of its high speeds and low price. All you have to do is connect to the US server is the only step you need to do, and you're free to enjoy the platform to the fullest.

Watch HBO Max in Belgium

Belgium citizens will receive an error message when trying to access HBO Max. That's because, unfortunately, Belgium is one of the regions where the platform is unavailable, and there's no known plans of it appearing there in the near future.

However, using a VPN, such as NordVPN, solves this issue – you find a US server, connect to it, and all of your favorite movies are within arm's reach.

How to create an HBO Max account outside the US

The good news is, you can create an HBO Max account from wherever you are in the world. All you need to do is follow this simple step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install a reputable VPN. We recommend NordVPN with 68% off today, as it's fast and reliable.
2. Sign in to your VPN and connect to a US server.
3. Go to HBOMax.com and click on Start your free trial in the top right-hand corner.
4. Enter your email address and create a password for your HBO Max account.
5. Enter a US address. If you don’t have one, you can use a US address generator.
6. Enter your payment details (more on this in the next section).
7. Sit back and start streaming!

Watch HBO Max outside US with NordVPN

How to pay for HBO Max outside the US

At the moment, HBO Max’s US website will only let you sign up for an account with a local payment method. However, there are ways around this. The first option is to use a VPN service:

1. Download a VPN on your iOS or Android device and connect to a US server. We suggest using NordVPN, but you can choose any other reputable provider.
2. Create a new Apple ID or Google Play Store account.
3. Download the HBO Max app. Be sure to click Skip if you’re prompted to add payment details at this stage.
4. Use your PayPal account to pay for the subscription instead of a US bank card.

Once you have done this, you will then be able to log in and watch HBO Max on any device, provided it’s connected to a US server.

Alternatively, you can pay for your HBO Max subscription with a digital gift card. The easiest way to do this is on Amazon’s US site, as it doesn’t require you to use a US payment method. When purchasing the gift card, be sure to put your email address as the recipient. The code will then be sent to your inbox. So all you will need to do is select Redeem gift card or code when you sign up and paste the code in.

Once you have set up your account, you should then be able to change your payment method to your local PayPal account on the HBO Max website.

HBO Max not working with a VPN?

Occasionally, you might encounter an issue when connecting to HBO, even if you are using a VPN. If this has happens to you, here’s what you can try:

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. It might be that you just have a bad VPN. You can try switching to a reputable VPN provider, such as NordVPN or Surfshark.

And if all else fails, you should contact your VPN’s customer support team.

Try NordVPN risk-free

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 what you can expect to watch:

Title	Seasons available
Game of Thrones	Seasons 1-8
Big Bang Theory	Seasons 1-12
Friends	Seasons 1-10
Chernobyl	Season 1
Big little lies	Seasons 1-2
Euphoria	Seasons 1-2
Rick and Morty	Seasons 1-5

Watch HBO Max with NordVPN

Conclusion

HBO Max is one of the biggest streaming platforms, competing with such giants as Netflix and Hulu. Yet, the service is only available in the US and a number of European countries. If you’re not from these locations, you should get a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and watch HBO Max from anywhere.

And don’t worry – high-quality VPNs don’t have to be expensive. Take NordVPN, for example. For only $3.29/month, it’s capable of unblocking HBO Max and many other streaming services while ensuring excellent speeds. Apart from that, you’re also guaranteed a safe browsing experience.

If you run into any issues or simply want to let us know your experience when trying to access HBO Max, drop a line down in the comments below.

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