Similar to other video-on-demand platforms such as Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, HBO Max now blocked VPN usage.
This generally happens in an attempt to comply with copyright laws, as many licenses are only bought locally.
Fortunately, there are VPN services that can hide the fact that you use a VPN in the first place. In addition to that, you have practical methods to fix HBO Max and VPN not working.
This allows users of HBO Max to surpass geo-restrictions and enjoy their favorite shows and movies.
Can I watch HBO on VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch your favorite shows. There are VPNs that can bypass the detection and grant you access to unlimited streaming.
HBO Max has slightly different content libraries across the world, and a VPN can help you change location on HBO Max and access them.
Plus, HBO is region-locked still in some countries, displaying an HBO Max is not available in your region message if you attempt to access it.
But if you use a VPN and connect to a server from a supported country, you’ll be able to enjoy the platform from anywhere in the world.
What VPN should I use for HBO Max?
The most important thing to consider is large US server coverage. Along with that, make sure to use a service with a no-logs policy to protect your browsing data.
Additional features to look for include:
- Powerful encryption: a VPN that hides your traffic data reduces the risk of ISP throttling, so you can stream as much content as you like
- Double VPN: routes your traffic through two virtual servers to ensure you won’t get discovered
- Killswitch option: instantly reconnect you to a different server in case you lose connection and blocks all traffic data in the meanwhile
- Compatibility: check if the VPN service can be installed on your device of choice (TV, computer, mobile device, or router)
Keep in mind that even some of the best VPNs out there can occasionally get blocked. Thankfully, the suggestions below improve their services on a regular basis and provide easy-to-follow guides on how to set up a foolproof connection for video-on-demand platforms.v
What are the best VPNs for HBO Max?
1. ExpressVPN – best for fast uninterrupted streaming
If you’re just getting started with VPN services, you can use ExpressVPN for HBO Max.
This VPN is loved for its speed and robustness, plus its network of servers in 94 countries across the globe, and its multi-device support.
While not strictly free, you can get a 30-day money-back guarantee from ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN is proven to be able to surpass the restrictions imposed by video-on-demand platforms without getting detected or blocked.
It offers high-speed rates and unlimited bandwidth, so you will be able to enjoy your favorite HBO content for as much as you like, without worrying about the traffic.
Along with that, it includes powerful encryption and private DNS on all servers. Your activity will not be detected by any third party, including your Internet service provided.
This means that even if your provider usually regulates traffic and imposes throttle, it will not be able to do that if you use a VPN, as they won’t get any information about how much bandwidth you actually use.
ExpressVPN is compatible with multiple operating systems, both for computers and mobile use. You can actually even install it directly to your router (if your device supports it).
You can find a comprehensive list regarding device compatibility and guides on how to install the VPN on any particular platform if you check the ExpressVPN official website.
Other key features of ExpressVPN include:
- HD streams without buffering
- AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
- Zero logs policy
- Tor support
ExpressVPN is a subscription-based service with multiple plans available. Users can benefit from the best deal if they pick the 12-month plan.
ExpressVPN
Unblock HBO Max from anywhere and enjoy fast streaming with this optimized VPN software.2. NordVPN – double VPN and obfuscation features
Another great VPN that will allow you to watch HBO Max is NordVPN.
This VPN has over 5500 servers available in 59 different countries, which will allow you to access any geo-restricted content without any problems.
As for availability, this VPN is available on all major platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.
A browser extension for Chrome and Firefox is also available, so you can use it instead of the desktop client.
Regarding privacy, NordVPN uses military-grade 256-bit encryption that ensures that your browsing data can be seen only by you.
As for supported protocols, this service supports IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN.
If you want an additional layer of security, NordVPN offers a Double VPN feature that will connect to another server and route and encrypt your data twice.
If you’re concerned about your privacy, you should know that NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy so your online activity won’t be stored on NordVPN’s servers.
This service also has some features that will protect your privacy even further.
Thanks to the DNS Leak protection and Kill Switch, your connection will be automatically terminated if your VPN stops working, thus preventing your data from being exposed.
NordVPN also works great with the Onion network for extra security and with support for streaming and P2P connections, this might be the perfect VPN for you, so you should check it out.
NordVPN’s key features:
- Over 5100 servers in 62 different countries around the world
- Available on all major desktop and mobile platforms
- 256-bit encryption
- Supports IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN protocols
- Strict no-logs policy
- Double VPN, DNS Leak, and Kill Switch features
- Support for Onion network and P2P
NordVPN is a premium service that offers several subscription plans. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee for users that are not fully satisfied with the product.
NordVPN
Need a VPN that works great with HBO Max and can unblock them? Check out NordVPN.3. Private Internet Access – great US server coverage
PIA offers much more than just private Internet browsing. It gives you the peace of mind that your data is completely safe, across all your devices.
Installing it takes only minutes and you can be invisible while browsing with only a few clicks.
Private Internet Access is completely open-source. This means that all new security updates and optimizations are easier and faster to implement than they would be for other types of software.
The service has a transparent privacy policy, keeping no logs of your traffic data. Plus, with its powerful AES-256 encryption, it ensures that no third party can access your data.
This means that phishing attempts are blocked and you get to enjoy unlimited traffic as your ISP won’t be able to tell how much data you use.
We’re confident you’ll love using Private Internet Access, but if for some reason you change your mind, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This way you can try it out and convince yourself that it is worth it.
Check out some of PIA’s key features:
- Secure your Internet identity with a state-of-the-art data encryption
- P2P Support
- Works on 10 devices simultaneously
- Doubles as an ad-blocker
- Have access to thousands of servers in 45 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Complete anonymity – no data will be stored on the PIA servers
Private Internet Access is easy to configure on any device. Users can connect to an automatically-determined server, or manually pick their preferred location.
Private Internet Access
This is your top VPN for accessing HBO Max content without buffering and at great speed.4. Surfshark – best to watch on multiple devices
Surfshark is a great VPN tool that you can use for accessing HBO Max. It’s owned by Surfshark LTD.
With over 800 servers in over 50 countries, this service will let you see your favorite shows on HBO Max.
This VPN can automatically detect the fastest server configuration for your location, but you can also manually select your location.
It has over 20 US-based server locations, and three multi-hop (double VPN) options, so you can surely find good and fast servers that will let you connect to HBO Max.
Not only does Surfhark provide access to a generous number of servers, but it also lets you connect an unlimited number of devices.
It is compatible with all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The service promises a fast connection regardless of the number of simultaneously used devices.
Sufshark has its own split tunneling feature that users can find under the name Bypasser. It is easy to use, you just have to select the applications that connect to VPN traffic, and the rest of your activity will route through your local traffic.
This feature lets you access geo-restricted content and your local applications and websites at the same time and can boost speed rates.
Sufshark has a strict no-logs policy and also uses a killswitch to fight against any risk of data leaks. It also uses the best-in-class AES-256 encryption.
Surfshark automatically connects to secure protocols like IKEv2/IPsec, but they also give access to OpenVPN.
We chose this VPN as it has many revolutionary features that you will surely need. Here is a list of features that will make you choose it:
- Next-generation smart DNS
- Camouflage mode: your internet provider cannot see your VPN connection
- No logs
- Works in China and Russia
Regarding the price, you have probably the cheapest price for a premium VPN and a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you test the VPN before deciding to buy it.
Surfshark
Pick this software as a great VPN service that can successfully unblock HBO Max.5. CyberGhost VPN – simple cross-platform apps
CyberGhost VPN is a free VPN for HBO Max that provides support for different operating systems including Windows, Raspberry Pi, and Chrome, though the latter requires manual configuration.
It is easy to set up a VPN with a user-friendly interface, fast speeds, and reliability with protection for your privacy.
With this VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously and spoof your location to unblock restricted sites such as HBO Max, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
Cyberghost ensures a private connection without the risk of any third party being able to find your data. It has strict no-logs policies and uses strong 256-bit AES encryption and a 2048 RSA key for authentication.
In case the connection is lost, Cyberghost keeps your data safe with the help of its smart killswitch.
The VPN will try to re-establish a connection as soon as possible and block all traffic until you get back on a server.
It also has powerful DNS leak protection which is essential when using a VPN.
Cyberghost is compatible with all major operating systems and device platforms, including Windows and macOS computers, Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Firestick, Android smart TVs, and more.
The VPN promises high-speed rates at all times, providing users with unlimited bandwidth.
It also fights against any ISP-imposed traffic restrictions with its powerful encryption. Your ISP cannot identify how much traffic data you use, as you will be connected to a virtual IP address.
Other key features of Cyberghost VPN include:
- P2P file sharing
- Great customer care
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
However, the free plan has limited locations and ads, but you can easily upgrade to their premium plan which is five times faster and gives you more servers in more countries.
CyberGhost VPN
Unblock HBO Max content for unlimited movies with this encrypted VPN with streaming benefits.6. VyprVPN – advanced DNS security
Our next choice for an HBO Max VPN service is Vypr VPN. Many users report having a great connection and being able to surpass restrictions with no issues.
VyprVPN has a large global server coverage so you can connect to the best local servers and enjoy Westworld, Euphoria, and tons of other shows and movies in the HBO library.
It uses a Chameleon feature to make sure that streaming platforms and ISPs won’t be able to tell that you use a VPN. Services have gotten smarter over time and are able to detect and block VPN users to some degree.
Thankfully, however, VyprVPN uses multiple types of shields, including an OpenVPN packet to make sure you bypass restrictions at all times.
This VPN service is also highly secure, with a private DNS on its servers, a strict no-logs policy, and powerful encryption.
The tool also supports secure cloud work as it adds an extra layer of security for users that access cloud platforms such as DigitalOcean, Amazon Web Services, and VirtualBox.
Other key features of Vypr VPN include:
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- Secure Killswitch
- Automatic port selection
- Startup options
Vypr VPN s a subscription-based service with a few plans available. It is easy to set up on any device.
VyprVPN
Use the Chameleon feature to surpass any restrictions and enjoy high-speed connections.7. ProtonVPN – fast and secure encryption
ProtonVPN is an ideal Swiss VPN that will guard your online privacy and offer you unrestricted streaming content on your HBO Max service.
This VPN software can guarantee hyper-fast servers to help you improve your internet connection and navigate fast on the web nonetheless of the region you live in.
The speed of 10Gbps can suit you for different reasons in your online activities. For example, watching entertaining series and TV shows on the most popular streaming platforms.
Also, it’s likely to use ProtonVPN for security reasons and guard your PC against digital threats like malware or spyware attempts.
You can thus have all-rounded protection given by strong encryption of traffic data. More exactly, with AES 256-bit encryption, you can lock your network from all kinds of online risks.
In addition, your PC will always stay error-free due to Adblocker functionality. NetShield can protect your digital presence with DNS filtering that detects malware and prevent trackers to store your personal info.
Lastly, we reinforce the message that using this trusted VPN will provide you access to numerous movies and TV productions from HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and so on.
Other key features of ProtonVPN include:
- Integrated Adblocker
- Free internet for streaming content
- No-logs policy for private browsing
- Super fast servers in 60+ countries
ProtonVPN
Bypass geo-blocking from various regions and watch streaming content freely using this VPN.How to watch HBO Max outside the US?
HBO Max is actually available in other countries, but the content is geo-restricted.
If the platform detects that you connect from a different location than the one associated with your account, you will not be able to open the video library and watch any content.
If your account information locates you within the US and you travel abroad, you will need to use a VPN and connect to a US-based server.
The same goes for the HBO Max service, which only streams inside the United States.
We recommend you use a premium VPN service that has a large number of serves in the United States. Our top recommendation that has tons of fast US servers is ExpressVPN.
- Get an ExpressVPN subscription plan and install the app to your device.
- Launch ExpressVPN and connect to a server from the United States.
- Open HBO Max and browse around the US content library.
Besides bypassing restrictions, good server coverage also increases the chances of having a high-speed connection.
Are free VPNs good to use for watching HBO?
Provided they give access to US-based servers, a free VPN should be able to bypass geo-restrictions.
The main downside, however with free services is that they place restrictions on bandwidth or the number of servers.
They also generally have fewer servers, and if a large number of users connect simultaneously, there is an increased risk of latency issues or even loss of connection.
What free VPN works with HBO Max?
Reliable free VPNs that have worked for users around the web are TunnelBear and Windscribe.
Keep in mind that these free VPNs are easier to detect so the risk of getting blocked is a little bit higher.
Aside from that, if you do not plan to use a lot of traffic and only access the streaming platform now and then, you can benefit from a free VPN service.
To recap, you can use one of the VPNs above to watch HBO Max anywhere in the world. However, if you have trouble making a decision, we suggest opting for ExpressVPN.
If you are traveling to France, check out this in-depth list of the best VPN to watch HBO GO in France, researched by the security and privacy experts at VPN Central.