Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2025
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An HBO Max VPN allows you to change your IP address and access the streaming platform from anywhere. While HBO Max is available in some regions, many countries – including the UK – are blocked or limited due to licensing restrictions, and many viewers miss out on the top TV series.
Best VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark offer a vast network of servers worldwide. This means you can not only bypass geo-restrictions but also enjoy smooth streaming in full HD by connecting to a VPN server nearby. Additionally, a VPN enhances your online security and privacy, which keeps your browsing activity protected.
However, not all VPNs work reliably with HBO Max. That’s why the Cybernews research team and I reviewed 41 VPN providers and identified the best HBO Max VPNs based on performance, security, ease of use, and other key factors.
Note: HBO Max rebranded to Max on May 23rd, 2023, in the US as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s merger strategy, combining HBO Max and Discovery+ content. The international rollout followed, launching in Latin America on February 27th, 2024, and in Europe on May 21st, 2024, with the rebranding completed in other regions throughout 2024. Despite this, Discovery+ remains a standalone service.
Top 6 VPNs for HBO Max
- NordVPN – the best pick for HBO Max VPN
- Surfshark – VPN for HBO Max for unlimited devices
- IPVanish – security and privacy-focused HBO Max VPN
- ExpressVPN – VPN for Max for speedy connection
- CyberGhost – Max VPN with the largest server fleet
- PureVPN – easy-to-use HBO Max VPN
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.
| Unblocks streaming sites: | Max |
| Tunneling protocols: | WireGuard (or its modern variations) |
| Speed: | At Least 77% |
| Compatibility: | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, router, Amazon Fire TV, depending on the devices you stream on |
| Features: | Smart DNS, dedicated streaming servers, split tunneling |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, guides, FAQ |
- Unblocking capabilities. A VPN for HBO Max should be able to successfully unblock the platform without compromising device speeds. However, it’s even better if the VPN can provide you with access to other streaming platforms, such as Netflix or Hulu, as well.
- Many servers in HBO-allowed locations. Since HBO Max 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 Max 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, such as 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, or other gadgets.
How to watch HBO Max outside the US
Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2025 – 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.
For this, I've hand-picked the best VPNs that are confirmed to work with HBO Max, deliver fast speeds, and work on multiple devices.
1. NordVPN – best overall VPN for HBO Max
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 7400+ servers in 118 countries |
| Unblocks: | Max, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Best deal: | Get 77% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max since it offers some of the fastest speeds in the VPN market, meaning your HBO Max streaming experience won’t get smoother than that. We effortlessly unblocked Max when we connected to a server in New York and experienced no buffering at all.
Performance. NordVPN uses a modern variation of the famous WireGuard protocol. During our NordVPN performance tests, we found that it retains around 90% of initial connection speeds. So, not only does it unblock HBO Max, but also stream without buffering.
Streaming features. NordVPN offers the Smart DNS feature – with it, you can 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 $3.09/month for 10 devices. A free 7-day trial for Android is also available, and each annual plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – Max VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks: | Max, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Best deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is an excellent Max VPN which is perfect if you want to watch the streaming service on all of your devices. It provides you with unlimited device connections for one account and has a large server network.The first American server I connected unblocked Max instantly, and I watched movies on multiple devices with a single account.
Performance. Its excellent speeds are ensured due to its great WireGuard protocol implementation. Our Surfshark VPN examination revealed an average of 86% speed retention rate compared to baseline speeds, and I had a no-lag experience.
Streaming features. The provider offers the Smart DNS feature, meaning you can watch HBO Max on whatever device you want to. That includes devices that don’t even support VPN connections, like the PlayStation.
Price. If you decide to invest in Surfshark, all annual subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee. The prices start as low as $1.99/month for unlimited devices. Also, if you want to try the service out, you can use the 7-day trial on macOS, iOS, or Android devices.
3. IPVanish – secure VPN for HBO Max
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 109 countries |
| Unblocks: | Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Best deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish offers strong security and unlimited connections, making it a great choice for HBO Max. With prices starting at $2.19/month, IPVanish is a great value VPN for those who want to stream with fast speeds and without sacrificing security.
Performance. IPVanish offers more than 2400+ servers in 109 countries, ensuring a smooth connection for streaming HBO Max content. You can expect fast speeds to enjoy shows and movies in HD without buffering interruptions. In-house IPVanish tests revealed this provider retains around 80% of its original connection speeds.
Streaming features. IPVanish offers apps for major streaming devices, including Fire TV, providing flexibility for where you watch HBO Max. While there aren't specific streaming-optimized servers, I tested it with multiple servers around the world and had no issues whatsoever.
Price. IPVanish offers competitive pricing, especially with longer subscriptions. Plans' prices start at $2.19/month. It is one of the cheapest options, and it provides good value for its features.
4. ExpressVPN – fast HBO Max VPN
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| Streaming sites: | Max, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Simultaneous connections: | 8 |
| Best deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
ExpressVPN delivers lightning-fast connection speeds and helps you enjoy HBO Max outside the US in full HD. My examination proved that ExpressVPN has no issue accessing the platform when connected to American or European servers.
Performance. Just like NordVPN, ExpressVPN uses a proprietary protocol called Lightway, ensuring a smooth Max streaming experience. Thanks to this protocol and the huge server network, the provider retained around 77% of baseline speeds on average during our ExpressVPN tests.
Streaming features. ExpressVPN has the Smart DNS feature included in the service. With it, you can enjoy streaming even on those devices that can’t have a VPN installed directly. On the other hand, ExpressVPN has apps for multiple streaming consoles, like Amazon Fire Stick, Nintendo Switch, and Roku.
Price. ExpressVPN is a pricier VPN compared to others, as its starting price is $4.99/month. But you can use a 30-day money-back guarantee and feel the service before fully committing to it.
5. CyberGhost – Max VPN with the most servers
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
| Streaming sites: | Max, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Simultaneous connections: | 7 |
| Best deal: | Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 4 months FREE |
CyberGhost impressed me with one of the richest server fleets on the market, ensuring you can unblock HBO Max content libraries of virtually any country. The VPN showed fantastic test results when bypassing HBO Max geo-restrictions. Moreover, the price-to-quality ratio makes this VPN one of those that is unforgivable not to pick.
Performance. The WireGuard protocol of CyberGhost delivers excellent connection speeds without noticeable speed drops – 86% on average. During our CyberGhost tests, this VPN also 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 my favorite things about CyberGhost is its pricing. With the price of $2.03/month, this VPN helps bypass HBO Max geo-blocks anyone without having to consider your financial situation. There’s also a free 7-day trial and an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.
6. PureVPN – beginner-friendly VPN for HBO Max
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 6000+ servers in 65 countries |
| Unblocks: | Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Best deal: | Now 80% OFF PureVPN + 3 FREE months |
PureVPN easily bypassed the regional restrictions of HBO Max during our tests as well. In fact, its large server fleet allowed me to find the most suitable ones for a buffer-free streaming session.
Performance. This provider also relies on the WireGuard tunneling protocol to ensure fast speeds. In our PureVPN tests, it retained an average of 67% baseline speeds. While the result is lower than that of other VPNs on this list, I still didn’t experience any lag 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 decent, starting from $4.07/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.
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:
| Brand | Rating | Unblocks Max | Cheapest monthly price | Servers | Supports WireGuard | Smart DNS | Simultaneous connections | Other streaming services | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | $3.09/month | 7200+ servers in 118 countries | ✅ Yes (a modern variation known as NordLynx) | ✅ Yes | 10 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | $1.99/month | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Unlimited | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| IPVanish | ✅ Yes | $2.19/month | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Unlimited | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux | |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | $4.99/month | Servers in 100 countries | ✅ Yes (a modern variation known as Lightway) | ✅ Yes | 8 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | $2.03/month | Servers in 100 countries | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 7 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| PureVPN | ✅ Yes | $4.07/month | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 10 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
How we tested and ranked the best VPNs for HBO Max
Here at Cybernews, we have a thorough testing methodology. Together with our research team, I reviewed 41 VPNs and then tested the top 6 ones. 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:
-
HBO Max streaming capabilities (25%). We tested how well each VPN unblocks the platform using servers in different countries. Our best HBO Max VPNs were ranked based on our evaluations and results.
- Speed (20%). Although it’s great to be able to watch content from all around the world, it’s not so nice when it’s constantly buffering. We tested each product to find the fastest VPNs that don’t make you sit in front of a frozen screen.
- Useful features (20%). Some providers offer the Smart DNS 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 the geo-restricted HBO Max.
- Server coverage (15%). A vast server fleet means that no matter where you’re located, you’ll be able to find servers near you. I made sure the providers I offer have plenty of options. This lets you ensure the fastest possible speeds.
- Simultaneous connections (10%). 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 allows multiple or unlimited device connections.
- Other streaming options (5%). 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 (5%). Just because you’re expecting first-class quality doesn’t mean you have to pay lots of money. I made sure that the VPN services I offer in this article are worth every penny.
Other VPNs we tested for HBO Max
Although I provided you with a list of top HBO Max VPNs that deliver 100% success in streaming, I left out several reputable providers that can also work for you.
Firstly, there’s PrivateVPN, which is more modest compared to the latter provider, as its server fleet includes as little as 200+ servers, and there’s no WireGuard tunnel to ensure lightning-fast speeds. Nevertheless, during my PrivateVPN tests, this VPN could unblock HBO Max on the first try and didn’t noticeably interfere with the video quality. Moreover, it’s cheap – starting from only $2.00/month.
Meanwhile, Proton VPN’s prices start at $3.59/month, which is more expensive than a lot of VPNs. On the other hand, it has the WireGuard tunnel that ensures great connection speeds. Plus, there’s a decent selection of over 12000 servers, and, during our Proton VPN tests, it easily unblocked popular streaming services, including HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu.
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, Windows PC, and Mac, couldn’t be easier. These types of gadgets work perfectly with VPNs; hence, you’ll be able to unlock the streaming platform within a few minutes. Here’s how:
- Choose a reliable streaming VPN. I recommend NordVPN now 77% OFF
- Download and install the VPN app on your smart device
- Launch the app and connect to an American server
- Navigate to the HBO Max website
- 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 natively. 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:
- Choose a VPN suitable for routers. I recommend NordVPN – get 77% OFF
- Download and set up a VPN on your router
- Connect to a server in the United States
- Make sure your streaming device is connected to the router VPN
- Install the HBO Max app from the app store
Why do I get a "Sorry, HBO Max isn't available in your region yet" message with a VPN?
Unfortunately, HBO Max VPN isn’t always the most straightforward answer to flawlessly bypassing geo-blocks. HBO Max not working with a VPN can be due to it detecting VPNs, browser issues, and many other reasons. But there are ways to make it work. Here’s how:
- Connect to a different server in the same location. While one server might not work with HBO Max, try switching to others.
- For PlayStation users, if you get the 03-37-215 error, just restart your console. It solves the problem for most users.
- If you encounter any other problems, I advise deleting cookies, clearing cache, and restarting the machine.
- 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.
- It might be that you just have a bad VPN. You can try switching to a reputable VPN provider, such as NordVPN.
How to watch HBO Max internationally?
Currently, HBO Max is available in 69 countries, including the USA, Latin and Caribbean countries, and Europe. However, the list is continuously expanding, as WarnerMedia’s streaming platform offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio for every cinephile and is highly requested globally.
Even if 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.
Here are the overall best ways to access HBO Max from anywhere in the world:
| Country | How to watch |
| Watch HBO Max in Canada | The only way to access HBO Max for Canadians is using a fast and reliable streaming VPN. |
| Watch HBO Max in the UK | Sky 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 Australia | HBO 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 Mexico | HBO 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 Switzerland | In 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 Belgium | Belgium citizens only have a single method to enjoy HBO Max – with a VPN. |
| Watch HBO Max in Israel | Only a VPN will allow you to access HBO content. |
| Watch HBO Max in Italy | Italians 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 Pakistan | If you’re from Pakistan, you’ll need to unblock HBO Max with the help of a VPN. |
| Watch HBO Max in Turkey | It is anticipated that Max will be available in Turkey in Spring 2025, your best option right now is access it with a VPN. |
| Watch HBO Max in Germany | German users have to use a VPN to unblock HBO Max, because it’s geo-restricted otherwise. |
| Watch HBO Max in Spain | HBO Max is officially available in Spain. However, if you plan to go 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:
| Title | Seasons available |
| The Last of Us | Season 1 |
| Big Bang Theory | Seasons 1-12 |
| Friends | Seasons 1-10 |
| Avenue 5 | Seasons 1-2 |
| Poor Devil | Season 1 |
| Euphoria | Seasons 1-2 |
| Rick and Morty | Seasons 1-7 |
| Harry Potter | All 8 movies |
Conclusion
HBO Max is currently available in the US and some European, Latin, and Caribbean countries. So, if you’re from anywhere else, you’ll have to change your IP address using a VPN. Once you connect to a server where the streaming service is available, you’ll be able to easily access the content library of Max.
My 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.
FAQ
Does HBO Max work on VPN?
Yes, top-class VPNs, like NordVPN, work with HBO Max. Simply install the VPN and connect to your chosen American or other licensed country’s server. Then, log in and start watching HBO Max.
Can I watch HBO Max for free?
Yes, you can watch some of HBO Max content for free because they provide free episodes. However, you need to have an account. If you’re in a country where the service is unavailable, you won’t be able to successfully unblock HBO Max using a free VPN. Instead, it’s better to opt for premium VPNs with free trials, such as NordVPN and its 7-day trial for Android on top of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can you watch HBO Max without the app?
Yes, if you don’t want to download the app, you can access HBO Max on your web browser. You can also watch Max content on cable TV via Cox or Xfinity if you’re in the US, or on HBO Europe or Cinemax if you’re in Europe.
Can you use HBO Max internationally?
Yes, you can watch HBO Max internationally. Whether you live in a country where the streaming service is unavailable or traveling, you can watch HBO Max using a VPN like NordVPN. All you need to do is connect to a server where HBO Max is available and you’ll successfully bypass geo-restrictions.
Is HBO Max region-locked?
Yes, HBO Max is geo-restricted, meaning it’s only available in the US, a few Caribbean, Latin, and European countries. However, if you get a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, you can bypass these limitations.
Does HBO Max ban VPNs?
HBO Max does ban VPNs. However, if you pick a VPN that has loads of servers, the problem can be quickly solved by reconnecting to another server. If it doesn’t seem to help, you can try clearing your cookies and cache or contacting your VPN’s customer support. If nothing helps, you should consider upgrading to a streaming VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark.
How to watch HBO Max from my country?
If you want to watch HBO Max from your country, but it's unavailable, you can simply get a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions. Sign up for a VPN subscription, connect to a US server, create an HBO Max account, and that’s it.
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