Is HBO Max available globally? No, it’s not. You’ll find that HBO Max is available mostly in the US and a couple of other countries and geo-restricted elsewhere. To unblock HBO Max in other countries around the world, you need to change your IP address, and the safest way to do that is by using the best HBO Max VPN.
However, note that despite people using a VPN for HBO Max, there have been times when the VPN does not work with it. This is either because you’re using the wrong HBO Max VPN or encountering the “HBO Max VPN not working” issue. Either way, we’ve tested and listed only the best VPN that works with HBO Max and how to troubleshoot when it’s not working.
This guide will give you a list of working and reliable VPNs that work with HBO Max, how to fix the error when it stops and how to unblock HBO Max on multiple supported devices. To summarize the absolute best HBO Max VPN, we recommend ExpressVPN.
Table of contents
- Best VPN for HBO Max – Quick preview
- How to watch HBO Max with the best VPN 2022
- Why do you need the best VPN for HBO Max?
- Best HBO Max VPNs in 2022 – Detailed Analysis
- How to sign up for HBO Max outside the US
- How to Choose the Best HBO Max VPN?
- Which Devices Work with HBO Max?
- How to unblock HBO Max with VPN on multiple devices
- Unblock HBO Max on Windows
- Unblock HBO Max on Android
- Unblock HBO Max on iOS
- Unblock HBO Max on Firestick
- HBO Max VPN not working? Fix the issue!
- How much does HBO Max cost?
- FAQs – Best VPN for HBO Max
- Conclusion
Best VPN for HBO Max – Quick preview
- ExpressVPN is the best HBO Max VPN that offers secure US servers in 22 US locations. You’ll be able to unblock HBO Max in other countries where it is geo-restricted. Even if you have a device for HBO that doesn’t support VPN app installation, you can create a connection via MediaStreamer DNS. ExpressVPN offers the fastest speeds for streaming on HBO Max and even HBO GO or HBO Now. It’s also extremely secure, and you can test that using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark is a reliable VPN for HBO Max that gives you 600 US servers within its list of 3200+. You can use this HBO Max VPN in most countries around the world. Plus, if you have more than one streaming device, Surfshark allows unlimited device connections.
- NordVPN is secure and leaves you undetected when trying to unblock HBO Max from abroad. It has a strict no-logs policy which ensures the VPN or HBO Max does not log your data. NordVPN offers secure servers to unblock HBO Max and other US streaming services from anywhere in the world. You can use its SmartPlay DNS for HBO Max devices that don’t support direct VPN installation.
- CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN for HBO Max with more than 1230 US VPN servers for HBO Max. The best part about the VPN is that it labels its servers to access the streaming service and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- FastestVPN is the best affordable VPN to watch HBO max, but it’s not as effective as ExpressVPN. It unblocks HBO content on over 10 devices and comes with a 15-day money-back guarantee.
How to watch HBO Max with the best VPN 2022
This guide will show you how to watch HBO Max with a VPN while on the go or anywhere outside the US:
- Choose the best VPN that bypasses the HBO Max geo-restrictions. For this, I recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your device. You can also use the MediaStreamer DNS for devices that don’t support a VPN app.
- Launch the VPN, sign in and connect to an American VPN server.
- Sign up for HBO Max or sign in and start streaming!
Why do you need the best VPN for HBO Max?
HBO Max is region locked and is only available in the US and a few other countries. Once you travel abroad or go on vacation, you might lose access to your HBO Max account. Using the best HBO Max VPN, you can unblock the streaming service from anywhere.
Plus, even if you already have access to HBO Max outside the US, you won’t be able to watch content on the US library. The best HBO Max VPNs let you change your IP address to unlock the US content catalog worldwide.
Additionally, you need a VPN to watch HBO Max, even in the US, to help you stay anonymous and to prevent ISP speed and bandwidth throttling. These are major issues even in the US. This way, with the best VPN, you can watch HBO Max in the UK, Australia, India, or anywhere.
Best HBO Max VPNs in 2022 – Detailed Analysis
If you need the best VPN to use for HBO Max, choose one that offers servers in the US, reliable security, fast speeds, and apps for compatible devices. We’ve tested many providers that are good for streaming but chose just 5 that work reliably with HBO Max. However, if I had to choose the absolute best VPN for HBO Max, it would have to be ExpressVPN, and here’s why:
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for HBO Max in 2022
ExpressVPN is ranked as the best HBO Max VPN in 2022. It’s known for its ultra-fast speeds and access to geo-restricted services keeping in view that its unblocking abilities are off the charts! This VPN gives you access to 3000+ servers in 94 countries, with numerous servers in the US.
You can connect to just about any of those servers to watch HBO Max outside the US or to unblock that library. House of Dragon is currently the most popular show on the service, and to stream it, you need a US IP address. ExpressVPN managed to work seamlessly with it.
When I tested the ExpressVPN speeds on HBO Max, I got a result of 198 Mbps over the US New York server over a local connection of 183 Mbps. That’s considered super fast, considering my internet was giving me issues, to begin with. Additionally, I used the VPN to unblock other services like Disney Plus, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.
Even if you have a device that you use for streaming and doesn’t support direct VPN app installation, you can use the MediaStreamer DNS to create a VPN connection. If you need to test ExpressVPN for HBO Max, you can use it during its free trial or the 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – HBO Max VPN with 600 US servers
Surfshark is known for offering affordable services, and it’s also one of the many reasons why it’s currently one of the best VPNs to watch HBO Max. Within its list of 3200+ servers in 99 countries, Surfshark has around 600 servers in the US to unblock HBO content and other streaming services like Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, etc.
If you already have an HBO Max account and are just worried about ISP speed and bandwidth throttling, don’t. The Surfshark servers for HBO Max are stable, allowing you unlimited bandwidth to stream, eliminating buffering issues.
Got more than one device that you usually stream HBO Max on? Surfshark allows unlimited device connections. This way, you can use the VPN on your Windows, Android, and iOS smartphones or add a connection to your Smart TV via router support.
It works with the AES 256-bit encryption protocol that keeps all your information protected on the internet. This way, you can access the streaming service without getting detected.
It is quite affordable as you can subscribe to it only at $2.49 per month on its 2-year plan. If its services do not satisfy your need to unblock streaming services, you can apply for a refund by claiming its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. NordVPN – Watch HBO Max with SmartPlay DNS
NordVPN is mainly known for its security features to keep you anonymous online. However, we’ve tested the VPN and could unblock HBO Max and other US streaming services like Disney Plus and Hulu without any restrictions.
The VPN gives you access to 5500 servers in 59 countries, with more than 1970 servers in the US. We connected to most of its US coverage to test it with HBO Max. Even though the connection didn’t happen on the first go, it worked.
It works with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, which keeps all your online activity anonymous. Other than that, other security protocols it includes are Nordlynx, DNS leak protection, and CyberSec. The speeds it offers are great. When I connected to NordVPN’s server, the speeds were never slower than 45.5 Mbps.
NordVPN can subscribe to its 2-year package for $3.09/mo, with 3 months free. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can hack and use as a free trial.
4. CyberGhost – VPN with Extensive Server Coverage for HBO Max
CyberGhost is one of the very few VPNs with extensive server coverage. It offers over 8000+ servers in 91 countries, with 1230 servers in the US alone. You can easily bypass geo-restrictions on HBO Max and from any country outside the US.
CyberGhost is compatible with running on various operating systems and platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, FireStick, Amazon, and more. Besides HBO Max, you can easily unblock other famous streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
On any of its subscription plans, you get up to 7 multiple simultaneous connections. You can protect all devices you have and stream HBO Max on them.
You can subscribe to CyberGhost at $2.29 per month on its amazing 3-year deal. Moreover, CyberGhost also provides a 45-day money-back guarantee, which can be used to apply for a refund if you are unsatisfied with its services.
5. FastestVPN – Best affordable HBO Max
If you are not willing to pay for the prices of VPNs mentioned above, this one last VPN will fall right into your budget. Regarding the cheapest VPNs in the market, FastestVPN stands in the first row.
Anyone can subscribe to FastestVPN at an affordable price of $1.11 for its 3-year deal, which is quite cost-effective for anyone on a budget. FastestVPN being quite affordable does not mean that it lacks in providing top-level security as other big names in the VPN industry.
It works with military 256-bit encryption protocol, the highest level of encryption trusted by many users across the globe. Besides its robust security, it can easily unblock major streaming services for you, such as HBO Max, Netflix, Disney Plus, etc.
You get 10 multiple simultaneous connections on FastestVPN’s subscription. Also, you get a 15-day money-back guarantee in case you want your refund for any reason.
How to sign up and pay for HBO Max outside the US
Getting an HBO Max subscription outside the USA is a little tough. However, a few options allow you to unblock and pay for HBO Max from anywhere outside the US. There are 3 options that you can use to pay for an HBO Max account, they are:
Pay for HBO Max outside the US with Gift Card
This option is perfect for anyone without a US Credit card. Here’s how you can get started:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN for HBO Max.
- Get the VPN on your device and connect to a US server.
- Go to “MyGiftCardSupply” and buy a gift card to HBO Max.
- Head to http://subscribe.hbonow.com/gift and give in your redemption code.
- Create your HBO Max account.
- That’s all! You can now access the service with the best HBO Max VPN via gift card.
Pay for HBO Max outside the US via Apple or Google ID
Another way to sign up for HBO Max outside the US is using your Apple or Google ID. For the tutorial below, we’ve covered grounds for Apple users, but you can use the same for Android:
- Sign out of your current Apple ID account.
- Create a new Apple ID, and select the US as your region. You can add your own or local phone number since Apple does not verify it.
- Sign in to your iPhone or iPad with the new Apple ID.
- Connect to ExpressVPN via the US server if the HBO Max app is unavailable in your regional Store.
- Download the HBO Max app.
- Launch it and create your account.
- Sign in and watch HBO Max outside the US via the best VPN.
Pay for HBO Max outside the US via US Credit Card
This option is for those with a friend or family member with a US Credit Card. You can ask them for assistance and sign up for HBO Max. Here’s how:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN and get the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a US server.
- Go to hbomax.com and click on the “Subscribe Now” button.
- Select the HBO Max subscription plan that you’d like.
- Head to the account creation page and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Now, enter the payment and billing details. You can Google the US zip code or ask a friend for one.
- Once your account is created, head to HBO Max, sign in, and start streaming!
How to Choose the Best HBO Max VPN?
You can find a sea of VPN service providers available, but unfortunately, not all of them work as you need them to. To unblock HBO Max in countries where it is unavailable, it is crucial to look for certain features in a VPN, such as strong security, dedicated servers, etc.
We tested each VPN service provider mentioned here based on the aspects discussed below. This helped us to test the VPN on different grounds so that you can get started right away. Read on to find out how we tested the VPNs to add them to the list of the best HBO Max VPNs.
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Servers with fast speeds
What good is streaming if you experience extreme buffering and lag? This is why we ensured that all VPNs mentioned here have fast, dedicated servers with stable speeds to help make your streaming experience better.
Moreover, we also looked for VPNs that offer a good number of US servers to help you unblock HBO Max and other streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, etc., with stable speeds and unlimited bandwidth. You can watch your favorite TV Shows on HBO Max with great speeds and a buffer-free experience.
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Compatible with multiple platforms
It was important to see that the VPNs we included in the list of the best HBO Max VPNs were compatible with running on multiple devices. This way, you can install the VPNs mentioned above on any device, such as Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, etc.
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Feature-loaded apps
The Best HBO Max VPNs we covered come with feature-loaded apps for your feasibility. For instance, you get an active intern kill switch, split tunneling, Smart DNS, and P2P compatibility to give you the actual value for your money.
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Top-notch accessibility
We tested these VPNs ourselves to ensure they have an extensive server network to help bypass geo-restrictions on websites worldwide. This is how you can unblock heavy geo-restriction on HBO Max as well.
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Strong security
Security is something that cannot be compromised at all, and this is why we looked at the security features each VPN provides. We looked for a military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, which was found in every VPN; you should know that it is the highest type of encryption to keep all your online data encrypted. Other security protocols we looked for were IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to help you stay safe on the internet.
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24/7 customer chat support
24/7 customer chat support is something that is a must for a VPN to have. Especially when a new user starts using a VPN, he may have a bunch of queries. A customer chat support representative is always available to help makes the user feel more welcome.
Which Devices Work with HBO Max?
Many users often ask on what devices HBO Max is compatible to run. The devices mentioned below work perfectly with HBO Max;
- Android
- iOS
- Apple TV
- Mac
- Firestick
- Roku
- Kodi
- PS4
- PS5
- Windows
- Xbox
How to unblock HBO Max with VPN on multiple devices
To run and unblock HBO Max on your streaming device, you need to ensure that the VPN you choose is compatible. After testing and careful research, we’ve listed only 5 VPNs for HBO Max that are currently the best. However, for the device tutorials ahead, we used ExpressVPN since it’s the number one recommendation. Let’s get started:
Unblock HBO Max on Windows with a VPN
- Get an ExpressVPN subscription
- Download and install the Windows VPN app on your device.
- Launch and connect to a US server.
- Head to the HBO Max website and sign up for the service.
- Sign into your HBO Max account and start streaming!
Unblock HBO Max on Android with a VPN
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Get the ExpressVPN app from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the app and sign in.
- Connect to a US server.
- Download the HBO Max app from the Play Store.
- Sign in or sign up for the service.
- You can now watch HBO Max content on Android with the best VPN.
Unblock HBO Max on iOS with a VPN
- Create your ExpressVPN account.
- Install the ExpressVPN app on your smartphone from the App Store.
- Launch the app and sign in.
- Connect to a US server.
- Download the HBO Max app from the App Store.
- Sign in or sign up for the service.
- You can now watch HBO Max content on iOS with the best VPN.
Unblock HBO Max on Firestick with a VPN
- Get an ExpressVPN subscription.
- Download and install the ExpressVPN app from the Amazon Store.
- Launch the VPN and sign in.
- Connect to a US server.
- Get the HBO Max app on Firestick from the Amazon Store.
- Sign in or sign up for the service.
- You can now stream HBO Max on Firestick with a VPN.
HBO Max VPN not Working? Fix the issue!
There are some cases when the VPN you use is not working. Some users often encounter the HBO Max VPN not working issue. These issues are quite common. However, when this happens, there are many things that you can do to fix it. Why does this happen? HBO Max works hard to block off VPNs that leak the data.
If your VPN is not working, you might see a message on your screen saying “Not in Service Area or VPN Detected” or “Sorry, HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet,”
How can you fix it? The troubleshooting tips mentioned below can help you get over this issue easily.
- Changing the HBO Max password
- Trying to connect with a different US server
- Clearing out cache and cookies
- Switching up VPN protocol
- Checking for leaks
- Contacting the VPN chat support
- Using Smart DNS is optional
- Buying a Residential IP
If you have been using a VPN to watch HBO Max for quite a while, you may see the service restricting you from logging in. It may state that your username or password is incorrect even when you have not changed it.
This happens because multiple users sign into your account with different IP addresses. The best way to fix it is by resetting your password by visiting the HBO Max settings and continuing streaming it.
- Connect to a different US server
Most of the time, all you need to do is to connect to the VPN with a different US IP. This has been seen to work instantly, so you can enjoy watching your favorite movies and TV shows with great ease.
- Clearing out caches and cookies
Even if changing your server network does not work, you can try deleting your web browser cookies and caches. They often hold the traces of your actual location and restrict you from accessing HBO Max. Deleting it often works, so you can also try that.
- Switching up VPN protocol
The protocols that are available on your VPN can be changed manually. If a certain VPN protocol is not working, try connecting to a different one. For instance, ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol works the best with watching HBO max.
- Checking for leaks
If a VPN you use is leaking data, HBO Max can trace your actual location and block its services for you. To see that none of your data is leaking out, you can test the VPN data leak tool to ensure it is not leaking your IP out of the encrypted tunnel.
- Contacting the VPN chat support
The best VPN for HBO Max offers 24/7 chat support. There is always someone to help you out with any queries you may have. You can ask chat support about what servers are the best to connect to HBO Max from a country where it is geo-restricted.
- Using Smart DNS
The Smart DNS tool can help you with it as well. It helps you change your DNS servers and replace them with that of the US. This is an efficient way to unblock HBO Max on gaming consoles and Apple TV.
- Buying a residential IP
A residential IP address is an IP of a household internet service provider such as Verizon and AT&T. They appear the same as regular IP addresses based on US internet users.
To get a residential IP address, you are required to buy it separately from a VPN service provider. Many VPNs offer residential IP addresses and help you watch HBO Max seamlessly.
How much does HBO Max cost?
HBO Max offers two subscription plans; one is with ads, and the other one is ad-free. With Ads, you can get it for $9.99 per month and $99.99 per year (16% savings). The version without Ads will cost you $14.99 per month and $149.99 per year (16% savings).
However, with the version which includes ads ($9.99/mo. or $99.99/year), you get the following;
- Enjoy thousands of hours of Exclusive originals, movies, and TV shows in HD.
The ad-free version ($14.99/mo. or $149.99/year) includes the following;
- Thousands of hours of exclusive originals, movies, and TV shows.
- Streaming in HD and selecting movies in 4K UHD.
- Watch Warner Bros. 2021 movies on the same day of their release.
- Download moves and TV shows to watch later when you are offline.
FAQs – Best VPN for HBO Max
Can I use a free VPN for HBO Max?
No. HBO Max is extremely difficult to get access to. We use a VPN to unblock it, but not many VPNs work with the service. Free VPNs come without basic encryption, barely offer servers you can connect to, and the speeds are beyond slow. For this reason, we never recommend connecting to a free VPN for HBO Max.
What is the best VPN for HBO Max UK?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max UK. It’s been tested and worked much better than the VPNs listed in this guide. You’ll be able to connect to its US servers and watch HBO Max in the UK and other countries. Plus, the ExpressVPN speeds are the fastest right now, even if the US server are long-distance.
Is HBO Max available outside the US?
Yes, but not widely. HBO Max is currently available only in the US, and limitedly in European, Latin and Caribbean countries. However, with the best HBO Max VPN you can unblock the streaming service from anywhere outside the US.
Why is HBO Max not available in my region?
HBO Max is probably not available in your region due to geo-restrictions. The service is mostly available for users living in the US and a couple of other territories. When you try and access the service outside these locations, you will encounter the location error message. For this, we recommend connecting to a US server with ExpressVPN and bypass the regional block on HBO Max.
Does any VPN work with HBO Max?
No, not every VPN works with HBO Max. To access it globally, you need the best HBO Max VPN that allows you to change your IP address. When you connect to the ExpressVPN US servers, you automatically go undetected on HBO Max, and encrypt your traffic.
In what countries is HBO Max available?
HBO Max is available in 15 countries counting the US. You’ll find the streaming service in Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Hungary, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia. There’s no news on the service being launched in other countries, but you can use Express
VPN to unblock it.
Does HBO Max work in Mexico?
Yes, HBO Max works in Mexico among other Latin American countries. You can connect to the best HBO Max VPN US servers and change your IP address. This way you should be able to unblock the service in any country outside the US.
Which VPN bypass HBO Max?
There are only a few VPNs that work with HBO Max, but ExpressVPN is currently the best for it. You can use the VPN on your Apple TV, Firestick, Windows, smartphones and many other devices since ExpressVPN allows up to 5 multi-device connections.
Is HBO Max region-blocked?
Yes, HBO Max is regionally blocked but will continue to expand into other markets. Right now, it’s available in more than 15 countries and its spread continues to grow. So, if you travel outside the country where the streaming service is available, you will need a VPN to unblock your account.
Can I watch HBO Max with a VPN?
Yes, you can watch HBO Max with a VPN. It’s not illegal to do so, even though it goes against the streaming services terms and conditions. If you use the best VPN for HBO Max, you’ll remain anonymous and undetected.
Which VPNs work with HBO Max?
Only a few VPNs work with HBO Max. Right now, ExpressVPN is the best for HBO Max. However, if you’d like more options, we recommemd Surfshark, NordVPN, CyberGhost and FastestVPN.
Can I watch HBO Max in Philippines?
No, you cannot watch HBO Max in the Philippines since it’s not available yet. However, with the best HBO Max VPN, you can unblock the HBO services in the Philippines or anywhere outside the US, European, Caribbean, and Latin American countries.
What VPN is the best for HBO Max?
The VPN that is the best for HBO Max is one that offers optimized servers in the US, high-end privacy and security features, fast streaming speeds, and apps for supported devices. We recommend ExpressVPN for that.
How do you unblock HBO Max in Germany?
Yes, you can unblock and watch HBO Max in Germany by changing your IP address to a US one. All you need to do is subscribe to ExpressVPN, download the VPN on your device, connect to a US server and unblock HBO Max in Germany.
Is HBO Max different from HBO Go and HBO Now?
HBO Max is part of the HBO network, but is a part of HBO Now and HBO Go. However, HBO Max is considered better since it offers much more content and combines streaming catalogs from WarnerMedia. The platform also hosts original content specific to HBO Max called Max Originals.
How to watch HBO Max in India?
To get HBO Max or to access the hbomax.com website in India, you need a VPN. When you connect to the VPN’s US server, you will be able to unblock the service in the US.
Can I watch HBO Max with NordVPN?
Yes, NordVPN is also a reliable and working VPN for HBO Max. You can get the app on your desktop or mobile devices or even your Smart TV, connect to its US server and unlock HBO Max globally.
Is it legal to use a VPN for HBO Max?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN for HBO Max and most streaming services, especially if you’re traveling. However, make sure you use only the best VPN for HBO Max, since using a VPN for it does go against the terms of service, despite it not being illegal.
Conclusion
There you go! I hope this blog will help you find the best VPN for HBO Max. I have added 5 HBO Max VPNs here for you to choose from, as they all work perfectly. However, if you ask my recommendation, it has to be ExpressVPN because of multiple factors. It does not matter where you are in the world; if HBO Max is unavailable there, ExpressVPN will unblock it for you in no time.
