Whatever it’s called these days – HBO GO, HBO Now, HBO Max , or just plain HBO – no one can dispute the enduring appeal of the almost 50-year-old HBO brand.
Unfortunately, if you try to access HBO GO from anywhere outside of the US, you will see any annoying error message:
“Not in service area.” or “HBO GO is only supported in the US and certain US territories.”
The only way to gain access to HBO GO from outside of the US is by using a reputable virtual private network provider (VPN) . Using a VPN, you can access the HBO GO geo-restricted media with a US IP address, no matter where in the world you are actually located.
In a hurry? Here are 6 best VPNs to watch HBO GO If you are in a rush, here is a quick glance at our favorite VPNS:
Surfshark
● Best budget VPN with premium features
What Is HBO GO? Until July 2020, HBO GO was HBO’s token on-the-GO service, allowing subscribers to access HBO movies, TV networks and series, and other media content either on the web or on other devices – like game consoles, media players, mobiles, or apps. If you were an HBO subscriber through your TV provider, this service was free.
This past summer, HBO GO became HBO GO-ing, GO-ing, GO-ne. Now, HBO GO and HBO NOW have merged to become – wait for it – “HBO.”
The newer, more updated service is called HBO Max. HBO Max, which emerged in May 2020, lets you stream all of the content available on HBO (GO), as well as HBO Max originals, and a “Max”-imal selection of shows.
HBO (which combines HBO GO and NOW) is a service that you get for free with your paid TV subscription.
How to choose the best HBO GO VPN If you just google “VPN,” you will see that there are too many to count on the market today – all of which will claim to help you watch your geo-blocked content. So – how do you know which VPN to choose if you want to watch HBO Go from the USA or abroad?
Here are some important criteria to take into consideration before making your decision:
Able to unblock HBO and other popular geo-restricted streaming services.
Large enough server network, including an adequate number of servers in the US.
Provides good safety and security features to ensure your protection and anonymity online.
User-friendly and compatible with multiple devices and platforms.
Has good customer service and a money-back guarantee.
6 Best VPNs for HBO GO When it comes to streaming HBO GO, from outside the USA, these are our 6 top-ranked VPN services:
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 our top VPN pick whenever we want to watch HBO outside the US.
With over 30 server locations in 14 cities in the US, all of which offer high-speed servers, ExpressVPN never gives me any trouble accessing a stable US IP address to watch streaming services, like HBO , Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and ESPN+.
ExpressVPN is compatible with most devices, including Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, routers, Linux, Chromebook, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles; and you can connect up to 8 simultaneous devices to the same ExpressVPN account – all without slowing your browsing.
ExpressVPN offers military-grade 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, OpenVPN across all platforms, and a strict no-logs policy.
I can attest that ExpressVPN has some of the most responsive customer service around, and I have utilized its 24/7 live-chat feature for all sorts of questions, all of which were answered professionally, politely, and expediently.
Pros
Super-fast speeds Easy to use across platforms MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature 24/7 live chat support 8 simultaneous device connections 30-day money refund guarantee Cons
More expensive than the other VPNs Servers/countries: 6,400+ servers in 111 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
Get NordVPN with 72% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
NordVPN comes in a close second in the order of best VPNs to unblock HBO GO in the United States, with over 1,900 servers in 15 cities in the US.
NordVPN’s Smart DNS can easily help you get through the geo-restrictions for buffer-free access to other streaming service options, like Netflix, Hulu US, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ .
NordVPN is completely secure with its military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and it uses its CyberSec malware blocker to protect you from harmful pop-ups. I was happy to see that there were no DNS or IP leaks when I put this VPN to the test, and that NordVPN has a verified no-logs policy .
There is a NordVPN application for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, smart TVs, routers, and Linux, so there should never be a problem finding an app that is compatible with your device, and you can use up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single subscription.
Nord has stellar customer service, including 24/7 live chat support in case any questions or problems arise. If you are not sold after a few weeks, you can get a full refund with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
Very fast streaming speeds DoubleVPN No-logging policy 30-day refund guarantee 10 users can connect on a single account Cons
Speed can be slower when advanced security is engaged 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
Get Surfshark with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you are looking for an affordable VPN for HBO GO, Surfshark is a great option. With over 500 United States servers across over 20 US cities , Surfshark will quickly help you connect, get a US IP address, andwatch HBO GO from anywhere.
Though Surfshark’s speed does not compare to ExpressVPN or NordVPN, its servers are still plenty fast if you want to watch streaming service content with hardly any buffering on HBO GO, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, or ESPN+.
Surfshark uses AES 256-bit encryption , split tunneling, double encryption, a kill switch , and a special CleanWeb Suite , which blocks ads and protects against malware. It also has a strict no-logs policy.
Surfshark has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS , and other platforms, and part of what makes Surfshark so appealing is that it allows for unlimited simultaneous device connections on one user account.
If you are looking for competitive pricing and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee , this is one of the best VPNs around.
Pros
Live-chat customer service Competitive pricing Unlimited simultaneous device connections Smart DNS feature Cons
Slightly slower speeds Split tunneling only available on Windows and Android 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
Get Cyberghost with 84% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you need a VPN to unblock HBO GO video content from anywhere in the world, CyberGhost has over 11,500 servers around the world, including over 1,100 servers in the US. CyberGhost will let you stream sites like HBO GO , Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu , and other media streaming sites.
CyberGhost is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Amazon Fire Stick, and you can connect a pretty sizable 7 devices simultaneously to one VPN account, which means that your family can stream, game, or torrent from their devices, all at once.
CyberGhost VPN features 256-bit AES-encryption, a kill switch, a built-in adblocker, and a strict no-logs policy, so your privacy and security are never an issue with this VPN.
Unlike the other VPN services, CyberGhost offers the user a 45-day money-back guarantee , giving you a bit more time to try out this VPN service with no strings attached.
Pros
No-logging policy 45-day money-back guarantee Use up to 7 connections at once My Smart DNS function Cons
Slower long-distance speeds UltraVPN has over 34 server locations in North America alone. UltraVPN’s connection speed was pretty good whenever I tried to access HBO GO, and it was also able to unblock other streaming sites, including Netflix and Hulu.
UltraVPN has strong security, with AES 256-bit encryption to protect your internet traffic,andan automatic kill switch that will protect your IP addresses and data in the event that your internet fails.
An UltraVPN account only allows you to use 3 devices simultaneously , so if more than three of you want to watch your shows at once, another one of the VPNs might be a better option.
All in all, this is a small and less-advanced VPN that doesn’t offer quite as much value for your money as all of the VPNs listed above.
Pros
7-day free trial with limited servers 30-day money-back guarantee 24/7 support for any issues that arise Cons
In the privacy-unfriendly US Slower speeds Servers/countries: 30,000+ servers in 91 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, Opera
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get PIA with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
PIA has a huge VPN network, with over 29,000 servers in more than 77 countries worldwide – with more than 14,000 servers in over 14 locations in the US alone.
This VPN is able to unblock HBO , Netflix, Disney+, Hulu , and other streaming sites.
PIA lets you customize your encryption standards, giving you the choice between AES-128, AES-256, or no encryption at all. The standard these days for the very best security is AES 256-bit encryption, so that is what I recommend using if you are looking for a secure connection. If you are trying to get the very fastest streaming speeds, using this VPN without encryption will increase your speeds.
PIA has an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and other platforms, and you can use an unlimited number of simultaneous device-connections on a single account.
Pros
Large US network 24/7 live-chat 30-day refund guarantee 10 simultaneous device-connections Cons
Inconsistent speeds In privacy-unfriendly US
How to watch HBO GO outside US
Here are 4 quick and easy steps to watching HBO GO from abroad using a VPN:
Download the VPN provider’s app from their website. We highly recommend ExpressVPN .
Search for a VPN server location in the US and connect to a server.
Download and open the HBO GO app or website.
Stream away!
Can I use a free VPN to stream HBO GO? You are welcome to try, but free VPNs can end up causing a lot more harm than good. And, truthfully, it is hard to get even a paid VPN to work with HBO GO, so the chances of a free one getting through its geo-blocks are slim.
It is also really important to remember that, just because you are not paying a subscription fee to a free VPN service does not mean that the free service isn’t making money off of you. Free services are notorious for their poor privacy and security measures, and have been known on many occasions to actually sell your data to third parties to make a profit.
On top of the lack of privacy and possible ineffectiveness at accessing Game of Thrones , free VPNs often have very few servers, many of which are located in the most popular areas, causing crowding on these servers and buffering (or very poor streaming) if you are able to access your shows.
While a free VPN for HBO seems like a great way to save money, a reputable, proven-effective VPN for HBO is a much better choice.
Difference between HBO GO and HBO Now The recent changes and rebranding within HBO have confused many a fan. Here is the summary of its current services and its new titles:
HBO NOW was HBO’s standalone service that let you watch HBO without a subscription to a TV cable package. People who had NOW can now get HBO Max for the same cost.
HBO GO was a service that was free to use with your current cable subscription that included HBO.
HBO GO and NOW have now merged to become- “HBO.” This new unified HBO is a place to view series, movies, and more.
Using HBO GO with Roku, Chromecast, and FireTV Watching HBO GO, VPN services from the list above should all work fine on your web browser. If you are planning on streaming HBO from mobile apps, a media box, or a smart TV, you may experience some glitches. HBO manages to find ways for its app to use DNS servers outside your VPN, spoiling your IP address’s disguise. If you are having trouble getting this streaming service to work on your Roku, FireTV, or Chromecast, simply switch to watching on your browser (which Roku, FireTV, and Chromecast don’t have).
An alternative is to connect your VPN to your router. This way, all devices connected to your wifi, whether they have a web browser or not, will be covered by your VPN.
FAQ Does HBO GO work with VPN? HBO GO works with some VPNs, but definitely not all VPNs. If you use a VPN (that is reputable and proven to unblock popular streaming services), you can unblock HBO GO/HBO Max from all over the world. VPNs can help you access geo-restricted content by letting you connect to a US server, which will give you a US IP address. This way, HBO will think you are within the United States, and will not block you.
Why is HBO now not available in my region? The reason that it is not available in most regions is because of licensing distribution regulations. Even if you have a subscription from within the US, you will not be able to use your subscription if you leave the US.
Because HBO uses geo-tracking technology to identify from where your IP addresses are coming, it can deny you access if you are not located in the USA.
In which countries is HBO Go available? You can use HBO GO in Latin American countries, such as Brazil, and the Caribbean. However, because content complies with copyright regulations, streaming in one location will only give you the shows available in that particular region. If you need to watch your favorite shows that are only available in the USA, you will need a VPN with US servers that will work with HBO GO, like ExpressVPN.
How can I sign up for an HBO GO account? Check out these 4 quick steps to help you sign up for an HBO GO account:
Download the HBO GO app, or go to its website.
Choose your current cable provider from the list.
Type in your cable account and password.
Enjoy watching!
If you do not have a cable subscription that includes HBO, you can subscribe to HBO NOW standalone service instead of HBO GO. NOW is now simply called HBO. To do this, you will need to sign up with a US-issued credit card.
Is it legal to stream HBO GO outside the US with a VPN? If you are not streaming in a country where VPNs are banned – like North Korea, China, and Russia – using a VPN to unblock GO is legal. Keep in mind, though, that while using a VPN to get around geo-restrictions is common practice these days, streaming services could potentially shut down your user account if VPN use is against their policies, keeping you from watching in the future. We have yet to hear of this ever happening, so don’t be too worried.
Conclusion If you want to unblock HBO GO to watch your geo-restricted content, risk-free, from anywhere in the world, choosing a reputable VPN provider is key. The VPNs listed above are easy to use, able to unblock HBO GO, and will have you watching your favorite shows in no time – all with money-back guarantees.