5 Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2024

HBO Max (recently rebranded as "Max" in certain countries) is a US-based streaming platform that offers close to 8,000 titles - but not in all of its markets. It's available in 60+ countries, but each country has a different content library. Aside from that, there are still countries without access to HBO Max.

Plus, if you sign up for HBO Max, you can’t stream it if you travel to an unsupported region. You also can’t access Max outside the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Then, there's the issue with ISP-induced throttling, as many Internet providers cut their costs by throttling those who stream plenty of content every day.

However, with a VPN for Max, you can unblock the streaming app from any country, as well as experience other countries' content libraries. You'll also bypass geo-blocks when traveling and bandwidth throttling, as VPNs hide your activities from your provider.

In this article, we’ll present the 5 best VPNs for HBO Max and explain how to watch HBO Max. We’ll also discuss why you need a VPN, where Max is available, and give you some streaming recommendations. We'll finish with some troubleshooting tips and a round of helpful FAQs.

Best VPNs for HBO Max - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for HBO Max in 2024
2. Surfshark – Streaming-Friendly HBO Max VPN with Many Servers
3. ExpressVPN – Privacy-First VPN to Unblock HBO Max from Anywhere
4. CyberGhost VPN – Beginner-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers
5. Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN for Streaming on Any Device

How to Watch HBO Max with a VPN

If you want to stream HBO Max using a VPN, you should first find a provider that works with both Max and HBO Max. Then, download and install it on your streaming device. Here are some easy steps to follow:

1. Sign up for a VPN that can unblock HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your streaming device(s).
3. Launch the VPN app and sign in with your account.
4. Connect to any server in a region that supports HBO Max. 
5. That’s it! Now you can open HBO Max and start streaming. 

If you want to bypass geo-restrictions to access the most extensive Max library from outside the US, just connect to a server in the US. This will give you a US IP address so you can watch all the HBO Max US content from wherever you are—including the exclusive Discovery+ titles.

The Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2024

To find the top VPN that works with HBO Max, stick to the criteria we established in our best streaming VPNs article. First, your chosen VPN should easily unblock HBO Max and Max, as well as other streaming apps. It needs a vast server fleet covering the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and some European countries, so you can get access to different libraries.

Furthermore, your chosen VPN must have fast speeds and top-notch performance because streaming requires strong and stable connections. Obfuscated servers and a kill switch are musts, as are other robust security features like AES-256 encryption, strong VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy. 

In addition, the provider should support many different devices and offer native apps for them. Multiple simultaneous connections are important, too. Last but not least, your VPN needs to offer a good price, a money-back guarantee, and knowledgeable customer support for an issue-free experience.

Based on the criteria above, these are the 5 best VPNs for HBO Max in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for HBO Max in 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max in 2024, offering an extensive server network with 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, so this VPN can easily unblock HBO Max and Max US. By using one of its servers in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Europe, you will be able to access regional HBO Max libraries, including the Discovery+ content.

We'll also add that NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs. Even its remote servers seem suitable for streaming, as they feature ultra-fast performance. Also, your privacy will be front and center, as it offers obfuscation, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy. Plus, it offers the NordLynx protocol built around WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec paired with AES-256-GCM. 

What’s more, you’ll get an app for whatever iOS, macOS, Android, or Windows device you want to use. NordVPN's apps are highly polished and modern-looking, and they seem suitable even for complete beginners. With this VPN, you can enjoy streaming with up to 10 simultaneous connections.

NordVPN is priced as low as $3.09/month for its 2-year subscription plan. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that grants refunds if you don’t find the VPN’s services appealing. Last but not least, you can contact NordVPN’s 24/7 customer support, which is available via live chat.

2. Surfshark – Streaming-Friendly HBO Max VPN with Many Servers

Surfshark is a streaming-friendly HBO Max VPN with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries that can get HBO Max unblocked with ease. It also works smoothly with other streaming platforms. There are servers in the US, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe, so you can access their regional libraries. You can even watch Discovery+ content.

Surfshark provides blazing-fast speeds and consistent connections, essential for streaming. It also comes with obfuscation to hide that you’re using a VPN and a reliable kill switch feature. What’s more, you’ll benefit from AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption with protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, as well as an independently audited no-logs policy. 

In addition, it comes with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, meaning you can install Surfshark on any smart device like phones, computers, and more. You’ll also get unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect your entire household at once.

Surfshark is priced at $2.29/month (2-year plan), and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee that makes your purchase risk-free. Like other top-rated VPNs, this one also has reliable customer support, including 24/7 live chat, installation guides, FAQs, and more.

3. ExpressVPN – Privacy-First VPN to Unblock HBO Max from Anywhere

ExpressVPN is another trusty option to unblock Max and HBO Max from everywhere, as well as dozens of other streaming services. It has a huge fleet with thousands of servers in 105 countries and covers the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. This means you can easily access the exclusive Discovery+ content of the Max library. 

ExpressVPN delivers lightning-fast speeds and reliable performance, crucial for a smooth streaming experience. There are obfuscated servers, and you will also benefit from its kill switch, which will jump in immediately in case of a connection failure. Moving on, this VPN has AES-256 and WolfSSL encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and various protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. 

This provider is compatible with many devices, such as smartphones, computers, tablets, routers, and more. It comes with dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. In total, you can connect up to 8 devices at once. 

The lowest you can pay for this VPN is $6.67/month (1-year plan). ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to cancel your plan if you’re not satisfied and get a refund. There's also 24/7 live chat support, which can solve any issue that may arise.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Beginner-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers

CyberGhost has an extensive network with thousands of servers in 100 countries, allowing you to unblock HBO Max & Max from everywhere. You can connect to its servers in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Europe to bypass all geo-restrictions. It effectively unblocks exclusive Discovery+ content in the Max library, as well as other streamers.

With this VPN, you get medium-fast speeds and consistent overall performance. While CyberGhost doesn’t have obfuscation, it comes with NoSpy servers that work similarly to allow you to hide your online activities. Moreover, this VPN has a kill switch and additional security features, such as AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, a no-logs policy, and protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard.

Another benefit is that you can connect using up to 7 simultaneous connections and download its apps for smartphones, PCs, tablets, routers, and more. CyberGhost's apps are very user-friendly, and they work without any fine-tuning, making them suitable even for beginners.

This VPN is priced at just $2.03/month (2-year plan), and it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for its longer plans. Lastly, you can contact the VPN’s 24/7-available customer support for any type of issue.

5. Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN for Streaming on Any Device

Private Internet Access (PIA) has thousands of servers in 90+ countries and lets you bypass all geo-restrictions to unblock Max and HBO Max from everywhere, along with other streaming apps. This VPN has servers in all 50 US states, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe, enabling access to any libraries blocked in your region. 

When it comes to streaming, fast speeds are a must. Luckily, PIA has decent speeds and performs reliably. That said, it's somewhat slower than its competitors. On the plus side, it's a top choice for privacy due to its obfuscated servers. Other security features include a kill switch and an audited no-logs policy.

PIA is very customizable, allowing you to choose your encryption level between AES-256-GCM and AES-128-GCM for its IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN protocols. WireGuard is also available and paired with ChaCha20 encryption.

Furthermore, PIA comes with native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing you to enjoy streaming on different mobile and desktop devices. But that’s not all! You will even get unlimited simultaneous connections.

PIA offers a 2-year subscription for as little as $2.03/month, and its 30-day money-back guarantee protects your purchase. Lastly, PIA offers 24/7 customer support, installation guides, explainers, FAQs, an active blog section, and more.

Best HBO Max VPNs - Compared

Why Do You Need a VPN for HBO Max?

If you want to access HBO Max from outside its 60+ supported countries, you need a VPN. This is also how you can watch regional content libraries. A VPN is the best way to watch HBO Max outside the US, whether you want to unblock the service or simply access more content.

If you try to stream Max from anywhere outside the US, you'll encounter a geo-block, and the following message will pop up on your screen: “Max is Not Available in Your Region Yet.”

Other reasons why you need an HBO Max VPN include:

• Unblock HBO Max and Max from Anywhere – HBO Max is currently available in 60+ countries, including regions in Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. A VPN will give you unrestricted access when you connect to a VPN server near the HBO Max server of your choosing. Moreover, the largest Max library is only available in the US, so you’ll need to use a US server to access it from anywhere else.
• Access Max-Exclusive Discovery+ Content – If you want to access Max’s Discovery+ library, you need to be located in the USA, Latin America, or the Caribbean or use a VPN with servers in those countries to bypass geo-restrictions effectively.
• Watch HBO Max While Traveling - As you travel, you'll see that HBO Max has a different selection of shows in each country, and it's fully unavailable in some regions. Once you start using HBO Max with a VPN, you'll get to enjoy your favorite titles no matter where you are.
• Bypass ISP Throttling – If you’re into binge-watching, then you might face ISP throttling. Your ISP can slow your speeds when it detects high data usage. Therefore, you need a VPN to hide your online activity and bypass your provider's throttling attempts.
• Stream Privately on Public Wi-Fi - Most public Wi-Fi networks are designed to collect your sensitive information and your browsing history. Since a VPN introduces encryption to any connection, you'll get to stream HBO Max privately, even on public Wi-Fi.
• Make Your Web Browsing History Private - Your Internet provider can see everything you do online, and some ISPs are even obligated to store that data for up to 6 months. The best way to fix this privacy intrusion is to hide your Web history using a VPN.
• Hide Your IP Address - Trackers follow you based on your IP address, which is how they also see your physical location. A VPN remedies that by giving you a new IP address every time you connect to a VPN server, which hides your actual IP address.
• Block Ads and Trackers While Streaming - Some VPNs have an ad-blocking component, which means you see fewer ads while browsing the Web or streaming media. They also have anti-tracking features, helping you reach a higher level of privacy while streaming.

When you use a powerful VPN to unblock HBO Max, like NordVPN, it tricks the streamer into thinking you’re located in a supported country. Simply connect to a server in any location where HBO Max is available. Obfuscation comes in handy for this because it will help bypass any VPN detection measures.

How to Choose the Best VPN for HBO Max?

When trying to find the best VPN for HBO Max, you need to ensure that your VPN can unblock the streaming app every single time. It should also have plenty of servers and fast speeds. Here's everything to keep in mind when looking for the best HBO Max VPN:

• Ability to Unblock HBO Max & More - Your chosen VPN should give you unrestricted access to HBO Max and other streaming apps on any device you own, any time you wish to stream.
• Server Network Size & Distribution - You'll want plenty of servers in the US, Max's home country. However, you'll also want servers in more countries where the streaming app works.
• Speed and Performance - We're talking about streaming here, so you need a fast VPN service that won't slow you down. The best ones allow you to stream in HD and 4K.
• Access to Obfuscated Servers - Obfuscation is useful for bypassing geo-blocks as it hides your VPN data. That makes it easier to bypass even the toughest digital roadblocks.
• Privacy & Security - Aim for a VPN that offers protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, making your data extra-private.
• Sufficient Number of Simultaneous Connections - Think about how many devices you use for streaming, and then get a VPN that offers a sufficient number of simultaneous connections.
• Pricing - Even the best VPN shouldn't cost too much. If you're looking for a good deal, focus on long-term subscription plans, as those usually bring the steepest discounts.
• Customer Support - Don't waste any time troubleshooting your VPN on your own. Pick one that offers 24/7 live chat support, in addition to installation guides and other explainers.
• Money-Back Policy - Lastly, make your purchase risk-free by getting a VPN that has a generous money-back guarantee. Today's VPNs typically have a 30-day refund policy.

Where is HBO Max Available?

You can access HBO Max in many European countries, whereas Max is available in the US, Latin American, and the Caribbean. And then you have HBO Go, which is only available in Southeast Asia. Here is a full list of available locations:

• 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 and Jan Mayen, and Sweden.
• North America (as Max) – United States including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
• Latin America (as Max) – Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
• Caribbean (as Max) – Anguilla, Antigua and 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 and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos.
• Southeast Asia (as HBO Go) – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

What Can You Watch on HBO Max?

HBO Max offers around 8,000 titles in total supplied by HBO, Discovery, and Warners Bros. The streaming service focuses on movies and TV shows that are produced by third parties, as well as the streaming platform itself. It also delivers live sports in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

HBO Max sources its content from DC, TCM, Discovery, HGTV, Cartoon Network, Magnolia Network, Food Network, TLC, Adult Swim, Discovery ID, and Travel Channel. That means you'll find something new to watch every single day, as most episodes are available right after they air on their home network.

Here's a handy overview of the most popular titles in December, 2024:

Title	Year	Genre
Succession	2018 - 2023	Drama
Game of Thrones	2011 - 2019	Fantasy; Action
The Sopranos	1999 - 2007	Crime; Drama
And Just Like That...	2021 - Present	Comedy; Drama
Starstruck	2021 - Present	Comedy
Peacemaker	2022 - Present	Fantasy; Action
Property Brothers	2011 - Present	Reality
House Hunters	1999 - Present	Reality
Fixer Upper	2013 - Present	Reality
Chopped	2009 - Present	Cooking show
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives	2007 - Present	Reality
Rick and Morty	2013 - Present	Sitcom; Animated
Robot Chicken	2005 - Present	Sitcom; Animated
Ghost Adventures	2008 - Present	Reality; Paranormal
Evil Lives Here	2016 - Present	Documentary

Why Is HBO Max VPN Not Working?

If you're having issues with your HBO Max VPN and it's not functioning properly, it might be because you're trying to connect to an overcrowded server. Also, you'll want to check your baseline connection and update your VPN software. Here's what you can try:

• Check Your Internet Connection - The first thing you need to check is your baseline connection. Disconnect your VPN and see if everything works as it should. That will help you figure out if you should troubleshoot your VPN or your baseline Internet connection.
• Restart Your Device – Restart your device, which will also restart your VPN. That said, we also highly recommend restarting your router by keeping it unplugged for 30 seconds.
• Switch to a Different Server – VPN servers can get overwhelmed by heavy traffic, which may result in HBO Max buffering. Choose a VPN with an extensive server range so you can easily switch servers. Also, those servers need to be distributed across many countries.
• Turn On Obfuscation – If HBO Max detects your VPN, it will block your access. To prevent this, you need to use a VPN that offers obfuscation. This will hide your VPN usage and trick HBO Max into thinking your VPN traffic is regular Internet traffic.
• Change VPN Protocols – VPNs often come with more than one VPN protocol. However, not all protocols are strong enough or offer the required streaming speed. We recommend WireGuard, as it supports streaming and provides impressive speeds. 
• Clear Your Browser's Cookies and Cache - Existing cache and cookies might reveal your location despite you being connected to your VPN. Remove your browser's cache to force HBO Max to read your VPN location instead of your actual location.
• Update VPN Software – Your VPN might not work with HBO Max if it has outdated software. You must regularly update your VPN, as software updates contain bug fixes and add new security patches. This will help avoid disruptions and deliver a smooth HBO Max experience. 
• Temporarily Disable Your Device's Firewall - Windows devices have strong built-in firewalls that often block VPN connections. We recommend disabling your firewall to check if your VPN connections can be established properly.
• Temporarily Disable Your Device's GPS - HBO Max checks your location based on your GPS coordinates as well. Disable your device's GPS to force the VPN to look at your IP address instead, which should come from your chosen VPN server.
• Contact Your VPN's Customer Support - If nothing else helps, visit your VPN's official website and initiate a live chat session. You can also email your provider or open a customer support ticket.

Can You Use a Free VPN for HBO Max?

Yes, you can stream HBO Max with a free VPN, but we don’t recommend it. Free VPNs usually come with severe risks, especially the less reputable ones. Due to this, they are unreliable and can leak your real location, which could result in a VPN block. 

Additionally, free VPN providers don’t offer advanced security features. Some even sell your data to third parties, as this is their primary source of revenue. Furthermore, they have limited unblocking capabilities and can easily cause disruptions while you stream. Free VPNs also have limited bandwidth, making them unsuitable for streaming that requires fast and consistent speeds.

A better option is to go for a free VPN trial, which is how you'll get premium-level features without any risk. For example, go with NordVPN's free trial, which can be activated on Android and then used on other devices for 7 days.

Finally, you can also check our guide to the best VPN providers, which will come in handy once you go through a couple of trials. You'll see that many of them offer very affordable plans.

Final Thoughts

HBO Max is very popular worldwide, but its access is limited to some European countries. Also, Max (and its Discovery+ content) is only available in the US, Latin American, and the Caribbean. Even residents of the supported countries can’t access it while traveling to restricted locations, and that's also the issue with ISP throttling. Luckily, an HBO Max VPN will allow you to bypass all restrictions.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for HBO Max because it has strong unblocking capabilities, advanced security features, ultra-fast and stable speeds, and many servers in Max-supported countries. With NordVPN, you’ll be able to unblock any HBO Max library, including exclusive Discovery+ content on Max.

That's all for our guide to choosing a VPN for HBO Max. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!