A renowned entertainment giant, HBO Max boasts global hits like Succession, Game of Thrones, and The Last of Us – which you can’t, unfortunately, access in the UK due to licensing agreements and distribution rights.
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’ll 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 74% OFF
- Download and install the VPN on your device
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in the US
- Open HBO 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, to subscribe to HBO Max in the UK, you need a credit or debit card issued in the US. Otherwise, you might get an error message when paying with a UK-issued card.
Best VPNs to get HBO Max in the UK in 2024 – shortlist
- NordVPN – the best VPN overall to access HBO Max in the UK
- Surfshark – an affordable VPN to watch HBO Max in the UK on multiple devices
- ExpressVPN – a fast HBO Max VPN for the UK
Why do you need a VPN to get HBO Max in the UK?
HBO Max is now available in selected countries and regions, including the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and some European countries. However, the United Kingdom is not one of them. This is due to distribution rights – since HBO has an exclusive deal with Sky Atlantic, the platform itself is out of reach.
To prevent users outside of licensed regions from using the service, HBO Max uses geo-blocking technology, which checks your IP address and location.
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’ve reviewed some of the best VPN options you have to watch HBO Max in the UK.
Best VPNs to watch HBO Max in the UK
Together with our Cybernews team of experts, I reviewed a diverse pool of VPNs and their US server availability to see which one is the most suitable for streaming HBO Max in the UK. Here are my top 3 picks:
1. NordVPN – best VPN for streaming HBO Max in the UK in 2024
| US servers: | Yes, 1,970+ |
| Bandwidth: | Unlimited |
| Supported devices: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, Firestick, Xbox, Playstation, and more |
| Best deal: | Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is my #1 choice for unblocking HBO Max, offering more than 1,970 servers in the US. These servers are optimized for streaming, offer great speed and strong performance, perfect for watching hits like The White Lotus or The Penguin in HD.
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 £2.39/month and you can also take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – a 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 + 4 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 £1.49/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 £5.23/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 of how to 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 74% OFF
- Install the VPN app on your computer
- Connect to a US server
- Log in or purchace HBO Max subscription
- You’re done – select a show of your choice and enjoy
Watch HBO Max on Android
- Choose and download a VPN from Google Play Store – I recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF
- Install the app and connect to a US server
- Install the HBO Max app
- Log in or subscribe to HBO Max, if you don’t have an account
- Open the app, sign in, and enjoy the HBO 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 74% 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 Smart TV
- Select and download the VPN on your Smart TV, I suggest NordVPN, now 74% 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, even accessing the platform may prove a challenge – however, it’s far from impossible. Follow the instructions below and you’ll be able to watch HBO Max in UK in no time.
How to download the HBO Max app
Geo-restrictions mean that not only you can’t access HBO Max in the UK, but you also 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 74% OFF
- Launch the VPN app
- Log in and connect to a US server
- Now, 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 be selecting from three subscription options:
- With Ads – $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Ad-Free – $16.99/month or $169.99/year
- Ultimate Ad-Free – $20.99/month or $209.99/year (this option offers 4 simultaneous streams and 30 downloads compared to Ad-Free’s 2 devices and 30 downloads)
However, due to geo-restrictions, you may face challenges when making payments. Max can sometimes not take 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.
Is HBO Max not working in the UK with a VPN? Possible reasons and fixes
If you’re still having trouble accessing HBO Max in the UK, here are some possible reasons and solutions:
- VPN detection. HBO Max may detect low-quality VPNs, so consider switching to a premium provider if you haven’t yet. Good options include NordVPN or SurfShark.
- Outdated app. Make sure both your VPN and HBO Max apps are up to date. If not, update the apps or reinstall them when needed.
- Server issues. Sometimes your server can go offline but that’s nothing to worry about – just try connecting to a different US server.
- Data in your browser. Since data like your IP address can be stored in your browser, doing a quick cleanup can be the solution you’re looking for. Try clearing your cache, cookies, or browser history.
If none of the solutions work, it’s good practice to contact your VPN provider’s customer support for advice.
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 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, currently HBO Max isn’t accessible in the UK. You can access it in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and certain European countries, such as Portugal, Spain, Denmark, and others. However, you can access it in the UK by using a reliable VPN, like NordVPN.
Why is HBO Max not in the UK?
Due to licensing agreements and distribution rights, HBO 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?
For now, there are no plans to introduce HBO Max in the UK. If you’re looking to access the full selection of HBO Max series and movies, the best choice would be to use a VPN that changes your IP to a US one.