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Best HBO Max VPNs in 2025

fact-checked Fact-checked by  George Mutune
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Whether you’re looking to catch up on popular shows like House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, Succession, or big Hollywood movies like Barbie and Dune: Prophecy, HBO Max has plenty of great content to offer.

However, if you live outside of the US, chances are you will find that HBO Max is blocked for you. Due to licensing and copyright agreements, the content is limited to users in specific areas. But don’t worry – there is a solution!

By using a virtual private network, also known as a VPN, you can bypass those geographical restrictions and access HBO Max from anywhere in the world. A VPN will help you connect to a server in the US, effectively changing your IP address so it will be as if your device is in the US.

There are tons of VPNs out there to choose from, and I’ve tested and analyzed many of them. I’ve narrowed it down to my top five picks for the best HBO Max VPN and will explain why these ones are the best of the best on the market.

In a hurry? Here are the 5 best VPNs for HBO Max

When it comes to the best VPNs for HBO Max, these are my top five recommendations:

ExpressVPN

Best overall VPN

NordVPN

Best well-rounded VPN

Surfshark

Best budget VPN with premium features

CyberGhost

Best cheap VPN

Proton VPN

Best VPN with a free plan

Why you need a VPN for HBO Max

Because of copyright and licensing agreements, HBO Max is only accessible in select countries and regions, which include the US, parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, Denmark, France, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

If you’re outside of these areas, you will be unable to access the HBO Max platform to watch content. However, a premium VPN will allow you to bypass those geographical restrictions by connecting to a VPN server in a country where Max is available and changing your IP address. So, with a VPN, you can stream HBO Max from anywhere in the world.

What makes a great VPN for HBO Max

When considering which HBO Max VPN is the best choice for you, there are a few things you should make sure you keep in mind:

  • Server network. Make sure to choose a VPN with a broad server network so you’ll have plenty of server locations to choose from and have servers in locations where you can access HBO Max.
  • Unblocking abilities. Unfortunately, not every VPN is capable of unblocking streaming platforms. So, it’s very important to look for a premium VPN that has proven abilities to unblock HBO Max and other sites.
  • Speed. The last thing you want when streaming content is to deal with buffering or lag that interrupts you, so be sure to choose a VPN with fast connection speeds that won’t slow you down.
  • Privacy and security. Keeping safe and secure while online should always be a priority, so look for VPNs that have robust security features to help you stay safe from online threats.
  • Compatibility. Not every VPN will be compatible with every device, so consider which device you plan to stream HBO Max on so that you can check on the device compatibility before subscribing to a VPN provider.

5 best VPNs for HBO Max 

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN banner

Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: Up to 8

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF

+ 3 months FREE!

ExpressVPN is my top choice and what I consider to be the best all-around VPN. It’s great for streaming while also having excellent performance and being user-friendly. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including numerous servers in the US, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Features: ExpressVPN offers its user unlimited bandwidth, as well as 8 simultaneous connections for your devices. It comes with a split tunneling feature and a password manager. It also offers its version of a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer.

Speed: This VPN has lightning-fast speeds, utilizing its Lightway tunneling protocol. So you won’t have to worry about any unwanted buffering or lag while streaming Max.

Security: ExpressVPN has all of the best security features to keep you safe online, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, RAM-only servers, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming: ExpressVPN is great at bypassing geo-blocks on most of the popular streaming services, including HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, Vudu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: This VPN is compatible with most major devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, other Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: This is a more pricey VPN compared to others on the market, with prices starting at $6.67 per month, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN does offer a 7-day free trial, but it is only available for mobile devices.

Pros

  • MediaStreamer feature
  • Broad server network
  • Incredibly fast speeds
  • Strong security and privacy features
  • Excellent unblocking abilities
  • 24/7 live-chat support
  • 7-day free trial

Cons

  • Pricier than other VPNs
  • Free trial is only available for mobile devices

2. NordVPN

NordVPN Banner

Servers/countries: 7,100+ servers in 118 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: 10

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

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NordVPN is a reliable premium VPN, and the NordVPN servers are great for streaming. It has an impressive 7,100 servers located in 118 countries, so you’ll never be short on options for server locations, including the US.

Features: NordVPN offers up to 10 simultaneous device connections as well as unlimited bandwidth. It also comes with split tunneling and a SmartPlay feature, which includes their version of Smart DNS.

Speed: This VPN has breakneck speeds thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, so you can have a smooth streaming experience.

Security: NordVPN has many top security features, including AES-256 encryption, a Dark Web monitor, DNS leak protection, malware protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming: NordVPN is great at unblocking streaming services, including HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more.

Compatibility: This VPN is compatible with most devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for NordVPN start at $3.39 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a 7-day free trial on all devices, so you can try it out before making a commitment.

Pros

  • Huge server network
  • SmartPlay feature
  • Great speeds
  • Robust privacy and security features
  • Strong unblocking abilities
  • 7-day free trial
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons

  • Occasional connectivity issues
  • Sometimes, glitchy on desktop apps

3. Surfshark

Surfshark Banner

Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: Unlimited

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

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+ 4 months FREE!

If you’re on a budget but still want a VPN with premium features, then I would recommend Surfshark. It comes with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including many in the US, so you can access Max.

Features: In addition to unlimited bandwidth, Surfshark stands out by letting you connect to unlimited devices under one subscription. It also offers split tunneling, a double VPN feature, Smart DNS, and a NoBorders mode for those looking to use a VPN in restrictive countries.

Speed: While it might not be as fast as Express or NordVPN, Surfshark still has very fast speeds utilizing the WireGaurd protocol.

Security: Surfshark comes with many of the top standard security features, including AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, a cookie pop-up blocker, obfuscated servers, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming: Surfshark works great at unblocking HBO Max and other streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and Disney+.

Compatibility: Surfshark is compatible with many devices, including Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for Surfshark start at just $1.99 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also has a 7-day free trial available.

Pros

  • Broad server network
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • NoBorders mode
  • Good security
  • Affordable price
  • Free trial

Cons

  • Not as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN
  • Some premium features cost extra
  • Not every US server works with Max

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Banner

Servers/countries: 11,500+ in 100 countries

Money-back guarantee: 45 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: 7

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

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+ 4 months FREE!

CyberGhost is a good streaming VPN that comes at a cheap price. It has a massive server network with over 11,500 servers in 100 countries, including many US-based servers.

Features: CyberGhost lets you have up to 7 simultaneous connections on your devices. It also has split tunneling, Smart DNS, and specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Speed: CyberGhost may not be as fast as others on this list, but it still has fast connection speeds and uses WireGaurd protocol.

Security: CyberGhost has many of the basic security features you need, including AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.

Streaming: CyberGhost works great at unblocking HBO Max and other streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and Disney+.

Compatibility: This VPN is compatible with many popular devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, some Smart TVs, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for CyberGhost start at $2.03 and come with an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee. Free trials are available depending on your device, which is a 1-day trial for desktops, a 3-day trial for Android, and a 7-day trial for iOS users.

Pros

  • Huge server network
  • User-friendly interface
  • Decent speeds
  • Smart DNS feature
  • Specialized servers for streaming
  • 45-day guarantee for money back

Cons

  • Some complaints with lack of consistent customer support
  • Occasional slow-downs

5. Proton VPN

ProtonVPN Banner

Servers/countries: 8,600+ servers in 112 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Android TV

Simultaneous devices: 10

Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more

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+ 3 months FREE!

If you want to take advantage of a VPN with a free version, Proton VPN is the one that I’d recommend as the best free VPN around. However, be aware that with the free service, you’ll only have access to servers in 5 countries. Whereas, with their premium plan, you have access to an impressive 8,600 servers in 112 countries.

Features: Proton does offer an unlimited free version. However, with this free version, you can only use it on 1 device, and you won’t have access to some of the premium features. With a paid premium account, you will be able to use it on up to 10 devices and have access to features such as high-speed servers, secure streaming servers, and P2P support.

Speed: Proton’s free version has fairly decent speeds, but be aware that the VPN traffic could get overcrowded depending on the server location. Its premium version offers great speeds and connections.

Security: Both the free and premium versions offer AES-256-bit encryption, as well as a built-in kill switch and a strict no-logs policy. With the premium version, you will also get secure core servers, obfuscation, and a NetShield ad-blocker.

Streaming: Proton VPN’s premium version is great at bypassing geo-blocks, and you’ll be able to stream services like HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube.

Compatibility: Proton VPN is compatible with many devices, including Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Fire TV stick, and some smart TVs.

Pricing: Proton offers an unlimited free version, but for its premium service, prices start at $4.99 per month. And it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Unlimited free version
  • Located in Switzerland for added privacy
  • Strong security
  • Large server network with premium service
  • Good unblocking abilities
  • Decent speeds

Cons

  • Free version is limited to only 5 server locations
  • No app for Apple TV
  • Lacks 24/7 live chat

How we tested and ranked VPNs for HBO Max

I tested and analyzed many VPNs to choose the best ones for this list, and there are several factors I took into account:

  • Server locations. I chose VPNs that had numerous servers in the locations where HBO Max is available and that had broad server networks so I wouldn’t have to worry about overcrowded servers.
  • Streaming features. I made sure to only choose VPNs that have a proven ability to unblock HBO Max. Additionally, I considered VPNs with Smart DNS features so that you can watch Max on devices, like certain smart TVs, that might not support VPNs.
  • Speed. I conducted speed tests on many VPNs and made sure to choose the fastest ones on my list so that you won’t have to deal with slow speeds while streaming.
  • Security. I take online privacy and security very seriously and only select VPNs that promise strong security features to protect your online activities, such as strong encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
  • User-friendly. I analyzed how user-friendly each VPN platform was and how responsive the VPN provider’s customer support team was and ranked the VPNs accordingly.

How to watch HBO Max outside the US

To watch HBO Max from outside of the US, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a premium VPN to subscribe to. I recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Download the VPN app or browser extension to your device.
  3. Launch the VPN and select a server in the US.
  4. Log in to your HBO account on the HBO Max app or website.
  5. Stream Max and enjoy!

How much does HBO Max cost?

There are a few subscription plans available for an HBO Max account.

A standard subscription that can be used on 2 devices, with ads, costs $9.99 per month.

A standard subscription that can be used on 2 devices without ads and allows for 30 downloads to watch on the go costs $16.99 per month.

The Ultimate Ad-Free plan can be used on 4 devices, has higher video quality, and allows for 100 downloads to watch on the go. It costs $20.99 per month.

How to pay for HBO Max without a US payment method

Max requires you to pay using a US payment method and US address. If you don’t have this, it can be difficult to subscribe, but there are a few ways to work around it.

Friend or family in the US

The first possibility is if you have a friend or family member living in the US who you could ask to borrow their credit card and zip code. With this method, you just follow the regular steps on HBO Max’s website to sign up once you’ve selected your plan.

Virtual credit card

If you don’t have a connection in the US, a good option is to use a virtual credit card through a third party. These services let you use a US-registered payment method, which you can then use to sign up for HBO Max.

Google or Apple Gift card

If you don’t have a US payment method, you could use a Google gift card or an Apple gift card.

If you’re using an Apple device and gift card, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the App Store and sign out of your account.
  2. Create a new Apple ID, and select the United States as your country.
  3. When asked for payment information, select None and add a random US address.
  4. Once your new Apple ID is created, purchase an Apple Gift card from a third party.
  5. Redeem the gift card on your Account page and insert the code.
  6. Download the Max app. Make sure you’re connected to a VPN before opening.
  7. Open the Max app and make a new account, paying with the Apple gift card.

If you’re using a Google gift card, follow these steps:

  1. Using a VPN, connect to a US server location.
  2. Go to your Android Settings, and go to your personal information.
  3. Click on Add another account/Create an account.
  4. Put in all your information for a new account, but leave your location blank.
  5. After the account is set up, purchase a Google Play gift card via a third party.
  6. Open the Google Play app, tap your profile icon, and select payments and subscriptions. Redeem the code and insert the gift card code to add it to your account.
  7. Download the app for Max and sign up for a subscription plan.
  8. Use the gift card in your account to pay for the subscription.

What devices does HBO Max support?

If you’re concerned about device compatibility, HBO Max is available on many devices, including:

  • iOS devices
  • Android
  • Amazon Fire tablet
  • PCs
  • Mac
  • Chromebook
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android TV
  • Apple TV
  • Cox device
  • LG Smart TV
  • PlayStation
  • Samsung TV
  • Roku
  • Vizio Smart TV
  • Xbox
  • Xumo TV
  • Xfinity X1 and Flex

How to watch HBO Max on any device

You can watch HBO Max on most devices using your HBO VPN.

Watch HBO Max on your smart device

To watch HBO Max on your smart device, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a premium VPN for HBO Max. I recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN on your device.
  3. Open the app and connect to a US VPN server.
  4. Go to the HBO Max site and log in.
  5. Enjoy streaming Max with your VPN connection!

Watch HBO Max on your streaming devices

Many streaming devices, like Roku or Fire Stick, don’t support VPN providers and will instead need to be used with the router. So, to use HBO Max on your streaming devices, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a premium VPN that works on routers. I recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN onto your router.
  3. Connect to a server in the US.
  4. Make sure your streaming device is on the same internet connection as the router.
  5. Install the app for HBO Max, login, and start streaming.

Where can I watch HBO Max with a VPN?

There are many countries where you can stream HBO Max with a VPN, including New Zealand and Australia.

There is lots of popular content on HBO Max right now, including:

  • Succession
  • The Penguin
  • Dune
  • Barbie
  • House of the Dragon
  • The Last of Us
  • True Detective
  • Chernobyl
  • The Gilded Age
  • Curb Your Enthusiasm
  • Hacks
  • Band of Brothers

HBO Max not working with a VPN: How to fix

Max is always trying to detect VPNs, and then Max blocks the servers if there’s a VPN detected, so if yours isn’t working, here are some possible solutions:

  • Change servers. It’s possible your server got blocked, so try one of the other VPN servers available to see if that fixes the issue.
  • Upgrade VPN. Make sure your VPN is premium and up-to-date to unblock the streaming platform.
  • Check for IP leaks. Check that your IP address isn’t leaking, revealing your real location.
  • Clear cookies. Clear your cookie cache in case of tracers that could reveal real IP addresses.
  • Contact customer support. When in doubt, contact customer support.

How to bypass HBO Max error codes

Here’s a list of error codes and how to fix them:

  • Error Code 100. This means there’s a problem with your WiFi. Test your connection and restart your router.
  • Error Code 321. There may be an issue with your internet connection, not your VPN. Test your internet connection and restart your router.
  • Error Code 420. This means you’re not in the correct region for the content and need to make sure you use a VPN.
  • Error Code 905. This happens when your internet connection is too unstable to stream the content. Try other VPN servers and refresh Max.

Can I use a free VPN for HBO Max?

Free VPNs are tempting, but I do not recommend them. Free VPN services tend to lack the ability to bypass blocks and access geo-restricted content. They also tend to have very slow speeds and overcrowded servers.

There are also big security concerns with free VPNs, and many free services sell their users’ data to third parties, which could leave you vulnerable.

FAQ

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, it may violate terms of service.


Does HBO Max work with a VPN?

Yes, the streaming service works with a VPN.


Does HBO Max work with ExpressVPN?

Yes, the streaming service works with ExpressVPN.


Does Surfshark work with HBO Max?

Yes, Surfshark works with HBO Max.


Can I watch HBO Max in another country?

Yes. You can stream Max in another country using a virtual private network.


Does HBO Max ban VPNs?

If a VPN is detected, Max will block the server.


Conclusion

HBO Max’s content library is filled with plenty of great shows and movies to watch, but if you’re outside the right region, you won’t be able to watch it. However, by using virtual private networks, the sky is the limit. You can stream Max with a VPN from anywhere in the world. I recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN and the best HBO Max VPN to use.

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