Best HBO Max VPNs to watch from anywhere 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 from anywhere with a VPN.

How to watch HBO Max with VPN while traveling

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 or log into your account.
5. Grab the popcorn and enjoy HBO Max.

Why do you need a VPN for HBO Max?

HBO Max has geo-restrictions in place, meaning you need a VPN for HBO Max if you want to access the streaming service outside the regions it’s available in. 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.

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.

Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2022

1. NordVPN – the best HBO Max VPN 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.

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 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 HBO Max while traveling or if you want to access the US library. We effortlessly unblocked the streaming service when we connected to a server in New York and experienced no buffering at all.

But NordVPN is no one-trick pony – it can also successfully unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services. Plus, it also provides you with a dedicated app for Amazon Fire TV and can be installed on other streaming devices.

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! If you decide to stick with NordVPN, all you’ll have to pay is $3.29/month.

Visit our NordVPN review to find out everything about its features.

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. The first American server we connected to managed to unblock HBO Max instantly. Not only that but thanks to Surfshark’s blazing fast speeds, there was virtually no buffering.

Surfshark can effortlessly handle other services like Hulu + Live TV, and Netflix as well, so you won't ever run out of things to watch.

Aside from that, 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. 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, of course, there are even more tunneling protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN (UDP and TCP) and IKEv2.

But that’s not all – you can test the provider out with HBO Max by claiming their free 7-day trial. And if you decide to invest in Surfshark, your subscription starts with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The prices are as low as $2.30/month for unlimited simultaneous VPN connections.

Visit our Surfshark VPN review to find out everything about its features.

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. While it wasn’t as speedy as other providers, unblocking it was still an easy task. Fortunately, it’s also capable of accessing other streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, 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 more than 6500 servers in 78 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. This helps ensure a buffering-free experience.

The prices of PureVPN start from $1.99/month. And the best part – you can make use of the service’s 31-day money-back guarantee before committing to a subscription plan long term.

Visit our PureVPN review to find out everything about its features.

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 Max, but on top of that, it also has no issues accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and several other services. During our test, we had no issues accessing HBO Max and the speeds were truly solid.

Those who are looking for a VPN strictly for streaming purposes will make use of the split tunneling feature. As for servers, with over 750 of them in 38 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 HBO Max 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. Plus, if you decide to purchase the service, you’ll get wallet-friendly options starting from $2.05 per month.

Visit our Atlas VPN review to find out everything about its features.

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. We unblocked HBO Max on the first try, and the speeds were surprisingly fast.

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, which generally costs $3.33/month, gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Visit our IPVanish review to find out everything about its features.

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 VPN service that made the HBO Max error message disappear on the first try is PrivateVPN. Additionally, with PrivateVPN, you can access such streaming platforms as Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and even DAZN.

While its server fleet isn’t the widest, with over 200 servers in 63 countries, there’s enough to access your favorite platforms. 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 on top of a 30-day money-back guarantee you can make use of. And if all goes well and you decide to purchase the plan, the subscription price starts at $2.00/month.

Visit our PrivateVPN review to find out everything about its features.

How we tested and ranked the best VPNs for HBO Max

There are two main points to consider when picking a 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 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.

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 service, 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.
• PureVPN – another excellent VPN for bypassing HBO Max geo-restrictions with an extended 31-day money-back guarantee that you can combine with a free 7-day trial. Here, you get one of the best free trials a VPN can offer.

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 Windows or macOS
• Watch HBO Max on Android or iOS
• Watch HBO Max on Smart TV
• Watch HBO Max on streaming devices

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 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, now 68%% OFF.

2. Launch the app and connect to an American server.

3. Create or log into your HBO Max account and enjoy watching all HBO has to offer.

Watch HBO Max on your PC

HBO Max on Mobile (Android, iOS)

If you’re traveling and don’t have access to a PC or 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. Connect to a server in the US to get an American IP address.
3. Search and install the HBO Max app.
4. Create or log into your HBO Max account.

Watch HBO Max on your mobile device

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 or log into your 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 streaming devices

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 or log into your HBO Max account.

Watch HBO Max on streaming devices

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

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.

Here are the 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 from anywhere

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
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
Harry Potter	All 8 movies

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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