How to Watch HBO Max in Australia in 2024

Can’t wait until HBO Max becomes available in Australia? You can watch HBO Max in Australia today with a little help from a quality VPN.

Key takeaways

1. HBO Max content is not available in Australia.
2. A VPN allows you to connect to a USA server to access the site.
3. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are great VPN options for unblocking HBO Max and other streaming services.

Why is HBO Max not available in Australia?

All streaming services, including HBO Max, need a country-specific license for their content.

At the moment, HBO Max isn’t licensed to show any of its content in Australia and uses geo-blocks to prevent copyright violations.

Why you need a VPN to stream HBO Max in Australia

A quality VPN can connect you to a server in the USA while hiding your true location, making it appear that you are actually in the USA. Once you’re on a virtual server in the US, you’ll have full access to HBO Max content from Australia.

How to choose the best VPN for watching HBO Max in Australia 

Here’s what to look for when choosing a VPN to watch geo-restricted content from around the world.

• Customer service. Even as a seasoned VPN user, I want the security that comes with 24/7 live chat support and a money-back guarantee.
• Speed. A fast VPN service is the best insurance against buffering delays interrupting your favourite HBO shows.
• Bypasses geo-restrictions. Only a few VPNs can get past HBO’s geo-blocks.
• Server network. A broad server network gives you access to tons of online content worldwide.
• Compatibility. Look for a VPN that has user-friendly apps for your favorite streaming devices, and allows for multiple simultaneous devices

3 best VPNs for HBO Max in Australia 

These VPNs work great for streaming HBO Max in Australia. Keep reading to find the one that best fits your needs.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is my top pick for unblocking HBO Max in Australia. I love how easy it is to access HBO Max, and its blazing-fast speeds guarantee a smooth viewing experience.

Features: ExpressVPN has an extensive network of over 3,200 servers across 105 countries. It also offers advanced features like split tunneling, ad-blocking, malware protection, data breach monitoring, Smart DNS services, and more.

Speed: When I tested the Internet connection speed on an overseas server, I was impressed that I retained 88% of my baseline download speed.

Privacy & Security: With ExpressVPN, my Internet connection is protected by military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, a verified no-logs policy, and leak protection, keeping me safe from hackers and snoops.

Performance: I’ve had no issues streaming HBO Max, gaming, torrenting, or general browsing.

Streaming: I can easily access streaming services like HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more, so I never run out of content to watch.

Compatibility: I find ExpressVPN easy to use with macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android devices.

Pricing: The lowest price is $6.67/month with 3 months free, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 8 simultaneous devices.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is loaded with advanced features and provides reliable access to HBO Max and other geo-restricted sites.

Features: If you like features, NordVPN is just what you’re looking for! NordVPN offers over 6,400 servers in 111 countries and comes with Threat Protection, dedicated IP addresses, a dark web monitor, Meshnet, split tunneling, Smart DNS servers, and more!

Speed: When I tested my download speed on a long-distance server, I held on to an impressive 91% of my baseline speed.

Privacy & Security: I feel fully protected with Nord’s military-grade encryption, Kill Switch, leak protection, and no-logs policy.

Performance: I’ve experienced consistently great performance for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and browsing.

Streaming: NordVPN can access geo-blocked movies and TV shows on HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: I find the apps are easy to use with iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, and Android devices.

Pricing: Pricing begins at $3.39/month with 4 months free and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can connect up to 10 devices at once.

3. Surfshark

If you’re looking for a dependable, budget-friendly VPN to stream HBO Max content from Australia, Surfshark is my top pick, especially since it includes unlimited simultaneous connections.

Features: Surfshark offers a good range of features with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. It comes with split tunneling, ad-blocking, malware protection, Multihop, 24/7 customer support, Smart DNS service, and more.

Speed: While Surfshark is slightly slower than the premium VPNs, I still held on to 74% of my baseline download speed when connected to a long-distance server, which is fast enough to stream HBO Max.

Privacy & Security: Surfshark provides premium-level security with its military-grade encryption, Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.

Performance: Although there are occasional slowdowns, especially during peak hours, I find Surfshark generally offers smooth performance for streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting.

Streaming: Surfshark can unblock HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, and other major streaming platforms,

Compatibility: The apps are easy to use and compatible with Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, and iOS.

Pricing: At just $1.99/month you get an additional 4 months free, unlimited multiple devices, and a money-back guarantee.

How much does HBO Max cost?

The price for the various HBO Max plans are as follows:

• With Ads. The plan costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year and permits 2 simultaneous devices.
• Ad-Free. The ad-free plan is $16.99/month or $169.99/year. You are allowed to stream on two devices at once and get 30 downloads.
• Ultimate Ad-Free. For an additional fee, at a grand total of 20.99/month or $209.99/year you can use four devices simultaneously, and get 100 downloads.

How to pay for HBO Max in Australia

It’s easy to watch HBO shows from Australia with a good VPN, but paying for a subscription is a bit tricky. There are a couple of payment method options that will work.

Friends or family in the US

The easiest way to purchase a subscription to HBO Max from Australia is to have a friend or family member with a US credit card and address pay for you and you can reimburse them in whatever way you choose.

Hulu Gift card

If you don’t have anyone in the US willing to do the purchasing for you, your next best bet is to buy an HBO Max gift card at MyGiftCardSupply.com and use that to pay for your subscription.

Can I use a free VPN to watch HBO Max in Australia?

I haven’t had much luck using free VPNs to access HBO Max or other streaming services. Most of the time they just can’t get the job done.

I’ve also found that most free services have limited servers, data, and/or bandwidth, which slows down connection speed and makes buffering and pixelation a big problem.

What devices does HBO Max support?

You can watch HBO in Australia on just about any device you want. Here’s how:

PC

You can turn your PC into a home box office for HBO Max. Here’s how.

1. Use your preferred VPN provider to connect to a USA server.
2. Go to the HBO Max website.
3. Sign in to your account.
4. Pick a show and start streaming!

Android

Here’s how to watch content on HBO Max on your Android device.

1. Go to the Google Play Store.
2. Search for the HBO Max app.
3. Install the app.
4. Open the app, sign in, and start watching.

iOS

Here’s how you can access HBO programming on your iOS device.

1. Go to the App Store.
2. Search for and install the HBO Max app.
3. Open the app and sign in.
4. Pick a show and enjoy!

Smart TV

You can watch HBO shows right on your smart TV! Here’s how.

1. Go to the home screen and select the app store.
2. Search for HBO Max’s app and follow the prompts to install it.
3. Go to the home screen and open the app.
4. Sign in to your account.
5. Enjoy watching on your smart TV!

Popular shows and movies to watch on HBO Max

Here are some of the most popular movies, TV shows, and HBO Max originals:

• Batman (2022)
• Curb your Enthusiasm
• Dune (2021)
• The Sopranos
• South Park
• The Studio Ghibli Collection

FAQ

How can I get HBO Max in Australia?

The best way to enjoy HBO Max content in Australia is with a high-quality VPN, like ExpressVPN. Just use the VPN to connect to a US server before you sign in to HBO Max, and you’re all set.

It’s possible to use a Smart DNS service in your network settings to access the streaming service, but smart DNS services are far less reliable.

You can also find much HBO Max content on the Australian streaming service Binge (Foxtel Group). Binge offers a full suite of shows from Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros, Universal Pictures, and HBO Max Content.

What’s the difference between HBO and HBO Max?

HBO is a TV network, while HBO Max is a more comprehensive streaming service where you can watch HBO content as well as a host of other movies and TV shows!

Why does Australia not have HBO Max?

HBO Max isn’t licensed to stream their content in Australia and uses geo-blocks to uphold copyright laws.

When will HBO Max be coming to Australia?

HBO Max is coming to Australia in 2025!

Conclusion

If you want to watch HBO content from Australia, choose one of the best VPN services that we have reviewed and recommended above. These will help you access your HBO subscription anytime you want, from anywhere in the world.

Some VPNs even have a dedicated streaming mode to help you access your blocked content in no time on the best server.

Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN, which offers you access to servers in over 94 countries around the globe, and helps you stream with the very fastest speeds.

You can try ExpressVPN for up to 30 days with its 30-day money-back guarantee, and cancel at any point for a full refund.