Best VPN for HBO Max: 7 Picks to Unblock Region-Locked Content

The best VPN for HBO Max must bypass region blocks and hold fast enough speeds for crystal-clear video quality.

As simple as it sounds, not all VPNs will work because HBO Max is actively trying (and succeeding) to block them. As a VPN expert, I thoroughly tested 20+ VPNs and only listed the best options below.

All unlock regional content, offer exceptional speed in different locations across the globe and are compatible with multiple devices so you can stream both at home and on the go.

So, if you’re ready to enjoy HBO Max region-locked content, stick around.

Does HBO Max work with a VPN?

Yes, a VPN works with HBO Max. This tool allows watching favorite shows by bypassing detection for unlimited streaming. Though HBO Max content varies by region, VPN helps access different libraries and access from countries where it’s not yet available. Even more, with VPN you can get HBO Max cheaper regional pricing.

Why does the HBO Max region lock content

HBO Max restricts content in some regions primarily due to licensing agreements. These contracts dictate where users can access shows, often varying by location.

Region-locking also helps the platform manage and control its content distribution. It forms part of HBO’s strategy to tailor offerings to compete effectively in diverse markets.

So, HBO will restrict access to some shows depending on your location. You will encounter the error: Max is Not Available in Your Region.

Fortunately, this limitation is easy to evade using a reliable VPN. The service masks your location, fooling the platform into granting you access.

Check out the details next.

Best VPN for HBO Max- Quick Overview

Here’s a quick look at my top picks and their most relevant features for HBO Max users. For more in-depth descriptions, read further.

VPN Name	Server Base	Speed	Compatible Devices
ExpressVPN	105countries	• North America: 90% • South America: 85% • Europe: 92% • Africa: 80% • Asia: 88% • Oceania: 86%	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs
NordVPN	59 countries	• North America: 88% • South America: 84% • Europe: 91% • Africa: 78% • Asia: 87% • Oceania: 85%	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs
Private Internet Access (PIA)	80+ countries	• North America: 86% • South America: 81% • Europe: 88% • Africa: 74% • Asia: 84% • Oceania: 82%	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs
Surfshark	100+ + countries	• North America: 85% • South America: 82% • Europe: 89% • Africa: 75% • Asia: 85% • Oceania: 83%	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs
CyberGhost	91 countries	• North America: 87% • South America: 83% • Europe: 90% • Africa: 77% • Asia: 86% • Oceania: 84%	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs
VyprVPN	70+ countries	• North America: 85% • South America: 80% • Europe: 87% • Africa: 73% • Asia: 83% • Oceania: 81%	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs
ProtonVPN	68 countries	• North America: 83% • South America: 78% • Europe: 86% • Africa: 72% • Asia: 82% • Oceania: 80%	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs

Let’s take a closer look at these VPNs.

What are the best VPNs for HBO Max?

Here is a more in-depth look at each provider – regarding special features, ease of use, and performance with HBO Max.

1. ExpressVPN – best for fast uninterrupted HBO Max streaming

ExpressVPN is synonymous with speed, offering ultra-fast servers that are perfect for streaming HD content on HBO Max without any buffering.

With servers in 100+ countries, including multiple locations across the United States, finding a server that works great was never an issue when I tested it.

Also worth noting is Express VPN’s Media Streamer. This unique feature allows you to stream on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.

I used this VPN for years and it bypasses the restrictions imposed by video-on-demand platforms beyond HBO Max without getting detected or blocked.

Even more, it offers unlimited VPN data. This means you can binge as many White Lotus episodes as you want without any caps.

Other key features of ExpressVPN include:

• Seamless streaming of HBO Max in Ultra HD quality.
• Reliable access to HBO Max, even in regions with strict censorship.
• AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
• Zero logs policy

ExpressVPN

Unblock HBO Max from anywhere and enjoy fast streaming with this optimized VPN software.

Check price Visit website

2. NordVPN – advanced privacy features to prevent HBO VPN block

NordVPN‘s extensive server network and advanced technologies like the NordLynx protocol provide a balance of speed and security, making it ideal for streaming HBO Max content without interruptions.

This VPN has over 5500 servers available in 59 different countries, which will allow you to access any geo-restricted show in just a few clicks.

NordVPN also lets you use two VPN server at the same time, adding an additional level of encryption. This prevents HBO Max from detecting and blocking your VPN.

Additionally, the SmartPlay feature: combines VPN and Smart DNS technologies, enabling you to bypass geo-restrictions and access over 400 geo-blocked streaming services, including HBO Max.

Even more, it is available on all major platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS, and Android and as a browser extension.

Regarding privacy, NordVPN uses military-grade 256-bit encryption that ensures that your browsing data can be seen only by you.

NordVPN’s key features:

• Over 5,100 servers in 59 different countries around the world
• Available on all major desktop and mobile platforms
• 256-bit encryption
• Supports Nordlynx and OpenVPN protocols
• Strict no-logs policy
• Double VPN, DNS Leak, and Kill Switch features
• Support for Onion network and P2P

NordVPN

Need a VPN that works great with HBO Max and can unblock them? Check out NordVPN.

Check price Visit website

3. Private Internet Access – great US server coverage

PIA offers one of the largest server networks, enhancing your chances of finding a fast and reliable server for HBO Max.

Installing it takes only minutes and you can bypass geo locks in just a few clicks. When I tested it, I switched between different servers from the US, France, the UK, and some other regions.

I was pleasantly surprised to see regional HBO Max content from each country quickly, without having to try out several servers for it to work.

While PIA is known for its strong privacy features, it also provides good speeds and reliability for streaming HBO Max. I was able to get 80% of my initial internet speed even on far away servers from Australia.

This means you can stream hitch-free regardless of where you are.

Lastly, PIA 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.

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 80+ countries
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Complete anonymity – no data will be stored on the PIA servers

Private Internet Access

This is your top VPN for accessing HBO Max content without buffering and at great speed.

Check price Visit website

4. Surfshark – best to watch HBO Max on multiple devices at the same time

Surfshark is a great HBO Max VPN that comes at a competitive price.

With servers in over 100 countries, this service will let you access anything you want, from anywhere.

It can automatically detect the fastest server configuration for your location, but you can also manually select your location in just a few clicks.

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 US.

Not only does Surfhark provide access to a generous number of servers, but it also lets you connect an unlimited number of devices.

Even more the NoBorders Mode allows you to use Surfshark in restrictive regions, ensuring you can access HBO Max from anywhere.

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.

Key Surfshark features for HBO Max streaming & more

• Next-generation smart DNS
• Camouflage mode: your internet provider cannot see your VPN connection
• No logs
• Works in China and Russia
• Smooth streaming experience free from ads and online threats

Surfshark

Pick this software as a great VPN service that can successfully unblock HBO Max.

Check price Visit website

5. CyberGhost VPN – simple cross-platform apps

CyberGhost provides servers optimized for streaming platforms, including HBO Max, ensuring you get the best possible speeds and reliability.

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 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.

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.

Though it is a premium VPN and has no free trial, it has a 45-day money-back guarantee. This is great if you’re not sure if you want to spend money on your VPN as you have plenty of time to test it out.

VPNCentral’s team tested its refund policy and the process was fast, simple and not many questions were asked.

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.

Check price Visit website

6. VyprVPN – advanced DNS security

VyprVPN‘s proprietary Chameleon protocol helps bypass restrictive networks and VPN blocks, making it an ideal VPN to watch HBO Max in countries with heavy internet restrictions.

It 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.

This VPN service is also highly secure, with a private DNS on its servers, a strict no-logs policy, and powerful encryption.

After testing it, I can assure you that VyprVPN offers reliable performance and speed. This is thanks to its owned and operated servers.

As opposed to other VPNs, this provider has full control over its network translates to consistent access to HBO Max and other streaming apps.

Other key features of VyprVPN include:

• Public Wi-Fi protection
• Automatic port selection
• Secure Killswitch
• Startup options

VyprVPN

Use the Chameleon feature to surpass any restrictions and enjoy high-speed connections.

Check price Visit website

7. ProtonVPN – fast and secure encryption

ProtonVPN will guard your online privacy and offer you unrestricted streaming on HBO Max.

It’s a reliable VPN for HBO because it can guarantee hyper-fast servers for HD and even 4K streaming.

It also offers all-rounded protection given by strong encryption of traffic data.

And if you want a VPN for HBO Max that’s free, Proton VPN has your back. It offers a free plan that, while limited, can be used to access HBO Max with some success.

The cool thing about it is that it offers unlimited data. However, it only has a few server locations and can be slow during peak use hours.

For the best experience, I recommend getting the premium plan, which has much more servers and is faster.

Lastly, I 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.

Check price Visit website

How do I unblock HBO Max?

Here’s a quick guide on how to unblock HBO Max US using ExpressVPN as an example. The steps are similar even if you use another VPN.

1. Get an ExpressVPN subscription plan and install the app to your device.
2. Launch ExpressVPN and connect to a server from the United States.
   
3. Open HBO Max and browse around the US content library.

And if you’re interested in another country, all you have to do is pick another location where HBO Max is available and connect to it.

Below is a quick rundown of the available regions.

HBO Max geo availability

• United States: HBO Max launched in the U.S. and is available to U.S. residents, including those in U.S. territories.
• Latin America: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
• Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos
• Europe:
• Åland Islands, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Ceuta, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Hungary, Madeira, Melilla, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard & Jan Mayen, Sweden

Are free VPNs good to use for watching HBO?

No, free VPNs aren’t as reliable for HBO Max as premium options. A free VPN might work to some extent provided it gives access to US-based servers. But you can’t count you’ll have fast speeds and a free option is much easier to detect and block.

Such services 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.

Wrap up

To recap, with the best VPN for HBO Max, you can watch it anywhere in the world, including France, the UK, Qatar, or even restrictive places like China.