A renowned entertainment giant, Max, formerly known as HBO Max, boasts global hits like Succession, Game of Thrones, and The Last of Us, which you, unfortunately, can’t access in the UK due to licensing agreements and distribution rights. While it is scheduled to launch in the UK and Ireland in 2026, UK fans cannot access the streaming service right now.
But even though the service uses geo-blocking technology to prohibit its use in select regions, this doesn’t mean Max’s content is completely out of reach – you can still easily access it in the UK using a VPN.
In this article, I explain why the platform is restricted for UK users, how a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions, and which VPN is your best option for streaming HBO Max in the UK.
How to watch HBO Max in the UK with a VPN
- Select the best VPN for streaming. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Download and install the VPN on your device
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in the US
- Open Max and log in or create an account
- You’re good to go – choose a show from the Max library and enjoy
Note: If you don’t have a subscription, you need a credit or debit card issued in the US to subscribe to Max in the UK. Otherwise, you might get an error message when paying with a UK-issued card.
Best VPNs to get HBO Max in the UK in 2025 – shortlist
- NordVPN – best VPN overall to access HBO Max in the UK
- Surfshark – affordable VPN to watch HBO Max in the UK on multiple devices
- ExpressVPN – fast HBO Max VPN for the UK
Why do you need a VPN to get HBO Max in the UK?
Max is now available in selected countries and regions, including the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and some Asian and European countries. However, the United Kingdom is not one of them. This is due to distribution rights. Since Max's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, has an exclusive deal with Sky Atlantic, the platform isn't available to UK residents. The deal between Sky and WBD expires in 2026, and Max is set to launch in the UK and Ireland once it does. Until that happens Max uses geo-blocking technology, which checks your IP address and location to restrict access to the service for users located in the UK.
This makes a VPN the perfect solution for accessing HBO Max from the UK. It can mask your real IP address and connect to a server in a region where HBO Max is available. Below, I reviewed some of the best VPN options for watching Max in the UK.
Best VPNs to watch HBO Max in the UK
Together with our Cybernews team of experts, I reviewed 41 VPNs and their US server availability to see which one is the most suitable for streaming HBO Max in the UK.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for streaming HBO Max in the UK in 2025
| US servers: | ✅ Yes, 1970+ |
| Bandwidth: | Unlimited |
| Supported devices: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, Firestick, Xbox, Playstation, and more |
| Best deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + free Amazon gift card |
NordVPN is my #1 choice for unblocking HBO Max, offering more than 1970 servers in the US. These servers are optimized for streaming, offer great speed and strong performance, perfect for watching hit shows like The White Lotus or The Penguin in 4K.
Our NordVPN testing proved it can also unblock other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, which are also geo-blocked in certain regions and have different selections of shows based on the country you’re accessing them from.
NordVPN prices start at an affordable £2.69/month and you can also take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – wallet-friendly Max VPN to use on multiple devices
| US servers: | ✅ Yes, 600+ |
| Bandwidth: | Unlimited |
| Supported devices: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, Firestick, and more |
| Best deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
With some of your money going to your HBO Max subscription, it’s only natural to look for a budget-friendly VPN option – and Surfshak offers a strong quality-to-price balance for all The Last of Us fans out there. It also offers over 600 US servers, ensuring a smooth experience.
In addition, Surfshark allows you to access other streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, making it a great option for those who prefer versatility in their watch list.
Surfshark is the most affordable VPN on my list, with prices starting at just £1.59/month. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.
3. ExpressVPN – one of the speediest VPNs to watch Max in the UK
| US servers: | ✅ Yes, undisclosed number |
| Bandwidth: | Unlimited |
| Supported devices: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and more |
| Best deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
While ExpressVPN is one of the pricier options, it is also known for its fast speeds and reliability, making it perfect for rewatching The Sopranos or Sex in the City.
In addition to HBO Max, it also unblocks Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+, together with other services and allows streaming in HD with no buffering.
ExpressVPN is on a pricier side, with subscriptions starting at £4.03/month. However, you can test the service using its 30-day refund policy before comitting long term.
How to watch HBO Max in the UK on your device
Now that you know your VPN options, it’s time to learn how to set it up, so you can binge-watch Game of Thrones both on your laptop during the weekend or on your phone while taking a train to work. Below is a quick guide on how to start streaming HBO Max in the UK on different devices.
Watch HBO Max on your computer (Windows, Mac)
- Choose and download a VPN app – I suggest NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Install the VPN app on your computer
- Connect to a US server
- Log in or purchase a Max subscription
- Select a show and enjoy
Watch HBO Max on Android
- Choose and download a VPN from Google Play Store – I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Install the app and connect to a US server
- Install the Max app
- Log in or subscribe to Max if you don’t have an account
- Open the app, sign in, and enjoy the Max collection of shows and movies
Watch HBO Max on iOS or iPad
- Download a VPN app of your selection – NordVPN is perfect for it, now 76% OFF
- Install it and connect to a US server
- Download the HBO Max app from the App Store
- Log in or subscribe to HBO Max
- You can now start streaming Max in the UK on your iOS device
Watch HBO Max on a smart TV
- Select and download the VPN on your smart TV, I suggest NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Install the VPN app and connect to a US server
- Install the HBO Max app on your smart TV
- Log in or subscribe to Max if you don’t yet have a subscription
- Start streaming – enjoy your favorite Max shows in the UK
How to get HBO Max in the UK
Since HBO Max is not officially available in the UK, accessing the platform may prove challenging. Luckily, it’s far from impossible. Follow the instructions below, and you’ll be able to watch HBO Max in the UK in no time.
How to download the HBO Max app
Geo-restrictions mean that you cannot access Max in the UK and can’t download its app without a VPN. To access HBO Max on your device in the UK, follow these steps:
- Download a VPN of your choice for the device in question. I suggest NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Launch the VPN app
- Log in and connect to a US server
- Download the HBO Max app
- You can now log in or subscribe if you don’t yet have a Max subscription
How to pay for HBO Max in the UK
When subscribing to HBO Max, you’ll choose between three subscription tiers:
- Basic with Ads – $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Standard – $16.99/month or $169.99/year
- Premium – $20.99/month or $209.99/year
The Basic with Ads plan is severely limited, with HD quality, no offline downloads, and only two simultaneous connections. The Standard plan offers 30 offline downloads, while the Premium plan allows you 100 offline downloads, playback on 4 devices simultaneously in 4K Ultra HD.
However, due to geo-restrictions, you may face issues when making payments. Max can sometimes refuse a UK-issued card and require one that’s issued in the US. Here are some options to consider when paying for your subscription in the UK:
- Use a Wise or PayPal account to pay outside the US
- Ask a friend or a relative in the US to help set up the payment
- Purchase prepaid or gift cards for US-based transactions and use them at the check-out
Conclusion
While accessing HBO Max from the UK can be challenging, it’s far from impossible. All you need is a reliable VPN, some time, and a bit of patience.
When selecting the best VPN for HBO Max in the UK, consider its number of US servers, speed, device compatibility, and other streaming service accessibility. I found NordVPN to be the best option, offering impressive speed, great streaming quality, and a strong quality-to-price ratio.
FAQ
Can you get HBO Max in the UK?
No, HBO Max isn’t currently accessible in the UK. You can access it in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, and certain Asian and European countries, such as Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Singapore, Taiwan, and others. However, you can access it in the UK using a reliable VPN, like NordVPN.
Why is HBO Max not in the UK?
Due to licensing agreements and distribution rights, Max is not available in the UK. The streaming service has an exclusive agreement with Sky Atlantic, which is the only official platform for accessing HBO content in the UK.
When will HBO Max be available in the UK?
Max is scheduled to launch in the UK in 2026, after Warner Bros. Discovery's current deal with Sky expires. If you’re looking to access the full selection of HBO Max series and movies right now, the best choice would be to use a VPN that changes your IP to a US one.