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How to Watch HBO Max in Canada in 2024
Last updated February 2, 2024
HBO Max (now known as Max) is yet another hugely popular media streaming platform that’s restricted in many countries. Specifically, it’s only available in certain countries in Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean—but not Canada. This is due to copyright restrictions and licensing agreements between Max and various studios.
Luckily, there is an easy way for you to watch HBO Max in Canada: the trick is to use a VPN. With a VPN, you'll be able to change your location to a country where Max is available. VPNs can bypass the geo-blocks that Max has in place, so you can watch it from anywhere on any device.
In this article, we'll teach you how to watch Max in Canada and why you need a VPN to do it. Then, we'll recommend the top VPNs that can unblock HBO Max and give you step-by-step instructions on how to get Max with various payment methods. We'll also provide some suggestions of what to watch on Max, help you troubleshoot if HBO Max isn't working with your VPN, answer some FAQs, and more.
How to Watch HBO Max in Canada
To watch HBO Max in Canada, you’ll have to unblock the US Max service by changing your IP with a VPN. Note that you’ll need a US credit card or PayPal to sign up. More details below:
- Sign up for a VPN that can unblock HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your preferred device(s).
- Connect to a US server from the provider’s list.
- Visit the HBO Max website and click “Sign Up Now.”
- Choose a plan, then click “Continue.”
- Input your account details and click “Create Account” to proceed.
- Choose how to pay (US credit card or PayPal).
- Add your payment info, click “Start Subscription,” and enjoy HBO Max in Canada!
No valid US payment option? No worries! Later in this article, we’ll go over several methods to pay for HBO Max outside the US. These include registering for a virtual credit card or subscribing with a US Apple or Google Play gift card.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in Canada?
You need a VPN to watch HBO Max in Canada because the service is unavailable in that country. This is due to a long-term deal between WarnerMedia and the Canadian Bell Media group to have HBO Max programming on their “Crave” streaming service.
Attempting to watch HBO Max from Canada will result in a fairly straightforward error message: “Max is Not Available in Your Region. To learn more about where you can stream Max or to get troubleshooting tips, visit our Help Center.”
Luckily, there’s an easy fix for that. If you want to watch HBO Max outside the US without pesky geo-blocks getting in the way, you can change your IP address to the US with a VPN. This will let you access all sorts of US-exclusive services as if you were physically in the country.
Of course, only the best VPN for HBO Max will actually be able unblock it to begin with. In fact, most popular streaming services block VPN IPs due to licensing issues, and only premium providers have the necessary tools and resources to bypass their VPN filters.
We recommend NordVPN for accessing Max in Canada, as its SmartPlay feature uses smart DNS elements to bypass IP blocking. Not to mention, you get 1,970+ powerful servers in 16 US locations, so there’s no risk of overcrowding or slow speeds.
The Best VPN to Watch HBO Max in Canada
The best VPN to watch HBO Max in Canada should be able to easily unblock HBO Max from anywhere, plus all other popular streaming sites. This means you’ll need a widespread global and US server network, with some form of obfuscation to mask your VPN usage online.
Next on the requirements menu are great speeds and stable performance while streaming, along with a kill switch to prevent IP leaks that would allow Max to see your real location. A strict no-logs policy will guarantee your privacy, while advanced encryption (AES-256) and protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard) keep hackers at bay.
Look for VPNs that allow multiple concurrent connections for multi-device streaming. Moreover, make sure they work on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, and other popular platforms. Finally, ensure the provider has a generous money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support in case of any issues.
Based on these criteria, these are our 3 choices for the best VPN to unblock HBO Max in Canada in 2024:
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Canada
- Surfshark – Get HBO Max in Canada on All Your Devices
- ExpressVPN – Stream HBO Max Anywhere with Obfuscated Servers
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Canada
NordVPN is the best VPN to unblock HBO Max in Canada, not to mention other popular streaming sites from around the globe. You get 6,000+ servers in 61 countries to choose from (1,970+ in 16 US locations), all equipped with SmartPlay, which uses smart DNS elements to disguise your DNS requests. That way, it’s even harder for HBO Max to see your location.
Naturally, NordVPN delivers blazing-fast speeds anywhere in the world. Whether you’re diving into Max’s award-winning library of shows or following your favorite teams with the B/R Sports add-on, you can expect reliable performance at any time.
The VPN does not log your browsing activity and has been thoroughly audited in that respect. NordVPN also has obfuscated servers, among other specialized ones (P2P, Onion-over-VPN, and double VPN). Moreover, you get a customizable kill switch to disable app traffic in case the VPN connection drops.
Securing your data are classic protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 (with robust AES-256 encryption), as well as the provider’s own NordLynx (with ChaCha20). This protocol enhances the usual WireGuard formula with its own security additions and is a lightweight choice for streaming.
NordVPN works on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV, smart TVs, routers, and other popular devices. Each subscription gets you 6 simultaneous connections to stream HBO Max, secure your online transactions, and so on.
Lastly, all NordVPN plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can contact customer support 24/7 via live chat for any issues.
PROS
- 1,970+ US servers.
- Unblocks HBO Max with ease.
- Excellent streaming support.
- SmartPlay and obfuscated servers.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Limited simultaneous connections.
2. Surfshark – Get HBO Max in Canada on All Your Devices
Surfshark is a great budget VPN option to stream HBO Max in Canada. With 3,200+ servers in 105 countries (600+ in 25 US cities) and exciting features like smart DNS and Nexus, you have no shortage of options to unblock HBO Max in Canada. It also works with any of the many streaming services available nowadays.
What’s Nexus, you ask? Well, this unique technology routes your traffic through the whole network, thus boosting speeds and stabilizing connections. This is why Surfshark can deliver such lightning-fast speeds and consistent performance. Suffice to say, you won’t run into annoying buffering wheels on HBO Max in Canada or anywhere else in the world.
All apps include a kill switch to keep your location a secret upon disconnection. You also get an obfuscation feature called Camouflage Mode. Try it out on public networks (like hotels or college Wi-Fi) to bypass potential VPN filters, or use it if you simply want to hide the fact you’re using a VPN.
Surfshark comes with a no-nonsense, audited no-logs policy. The VPN also includes the big three protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), with ChaCha20 and AES-256 encryption ciphers to prevent any hacking activity.
Best of all, Surfshark subscribers get to enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections, making sharing with friends and family easier than ever. You can watch HBO Max or browse securely on platforms like Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, and more.
Furthermore, 24/7 live chat support is available for troubleshooting, and you get a 30-day refund period in case you want to try out other providers.
PROS
- 25 US cities, 600+ servers.
- Enhanced performance with Nexus technology.
- Camouflage Mode for obfuscation.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 customer support.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Initial connection times can lag.
3. ExpressVPN – Stream HBO Max Anywhere with Obfuscated Servers
ExpressVPN is another industry titan that excels when it comes to its ability to unblock HBO Max in Canada (and similar streaming platforms). Get all your favorite content with a sizable network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries (including ones in 24 US locations)—all equipped with obfuscation to mask your VPN usage from any onlookers.
Good news, too: they’ve managed to implement network-wide obfuscation without sacrificing anything in terms of speed. Expect high-speed connections for seamless streaming with dependable performance in Canada and any other countries.
The VPN includes a kill switch to avoid any unwanted IP leaks on HBO Max or in other scenarios where privacy is key. Of course, ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy (with multiple audits to boot), ensuring that your data is never stored anywhere on their servers.
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol offers impenetrable security without sacrificing performance, thanks to its lightweight WolfSSL encryption library. Naturally, you can also connect using the tried-and-tested OpenVPN and IKEv2 options (both AES-256-enabled).
The provider has easy-to-use apps for all popular gadgets, whether you’re on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Linux, or others. You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously, which should easily cover most households.
Otherwise, ExpressVPN provides expert customer support available round the clock whether you’re a subscriber or not. Last, but not least, you can use their services for up to 30 days risk-free, thanks to their generous money-back policy.
PROS
- Fast, consistent streaming support.
- Servers in 24 US locations.
- Built-in network-wide obfuscation.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Not very customizable.
How Much is HBO Max in Canada?
At the moment, HBO Max costs anywhere from $9.99 (CAD 13.39) per month to $199.99 (CAD 268.03) per year in Canada. Max offers 3 subscription plans, and you can choose to pay either monthly or annually.
The plan with ads is the cheapest tier and doesn't have any content restrictions. In other words, the "With Ads" plan includes everything that the Ad-Free plan has. You just won't be able to download anything or stream in 4K.
Here’s a breakdown of how much the US version of Max costs right now in Canada:
How to Get HBO Max in Canada?
To get HBO Max in Canada, there are 4 alternate ways for non-US card holders. You can either sign up with a US virtual credit card, pay with a US iTunes gift card or US Google Play gift card, or ask a friend from the States to pay on your behalf with their US PayPal account.
Here are easy guides for each method below:
Method 1: Get HBO Max in Canada with a US Virtual Credit Card
A virtual credit card issued with a US billing address will let you subscribe to HBO Max in Canada and many other US-exclusive platforms later down the road. You’ll also need a VPN to unblock it, as shown below:
- Subscribe to a VPN for HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN to your system.
- Open the VPN and connect to the US.
- Go to USUnlocked and click “Get Started.”
- Follow the registration process.
- Add money to your new virtual credit card.
- Head to the HBO Max website and sign up as usual.
- During checkout, select “Credit or Debit Card” and add your virtual credit card details.
- Click “Start Subscription” and enjoy!
Method 2: Get HBO Max in Canada with a US Apple Gift Card
For this method, you’ll have to create a separate Apple ID with a US billing address, then fund your App Store account with a US iTunes gift card. A VPN is also necessary to unblock it in Canada, so follow these steps:
- Get a VPN that works on HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the app to your iPhone or iPad device.
- Connect to a server in the United States.
- Create a new Apple ID (with a US billing address).
- Buy a US iTunes gift card from MyGiftCardSupply or similar e-stores.
- Redeem your gift card funds.
- Download the Max app from the App Store.
- Launch Max and sign up for HBO Max in Canada with your account funds.
- Now you can pick a TV show or movie and start watching!
Method 3: Get HBO Max in Canada with a US Google Play Gift Card
Similar to the iTunes method, just create a US Google account and grab a US Google Play gift card. Then, you can use a VPN to get the HBO Max app in Canada. The full guide below:
- Sign up for a VPN that works on HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Get the provider’s app on your Android device.
- Connect to an American server.
- Create a US-based Google account.
- Buy a US Google Play gift card from your preferred retailer.
- Redeem the funds in your Play Store wallet.
- Download the Max app from the Google Play Store.
- Open Max, then sign up as usual.
- Pick something to watch and start streaming!
Method 4: Get HBO Max in Canada with a US PayPal Account
Things are way easier if you know someone in the US who can lend you their PayPal account. The only other thing you need is a VPN so you can unblock and subscribe to the service. Follow these steps to make things simple:
- Grab a VPN that can unblock HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN to your system.
- Connect to a US server.
- Access the HBO Max website and go through the sign-up process.
- At checkout, select the PayPal option.
- Pay with the US PayPal account via the PayPal interface to finish up.
- That’s it! Now you’ll be redirected back to Max to start streaming.
Is HBO Max Available in Canada?
No, HBO Max isn't available in Canada. However, you can unblock HBO Max in Canada with a VPN. A streaming-friendly VPN will allow you to pick from thousands of servers in different countries. All you need to do is choose a server in a country where HBO Max is available and connect to it.
That way, you'll change your location, making it seem as though you're located there instead of in Canada. For example, you can connect to a server in the USA to watch content from the main Max library (which is the largest one). When you do, HBO Max will think you're in the USA and will grant you access.
Where Is HBO Max Available?
HBO Max is available in many countries across Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean the new Max service is available in these locations, as Max is only accessible in the US right now. Furthermore, HBO Go is available in some Southeast Asian countries.
All that said, you can find the full list of countries where Max, HBO Max, and HBO Go are available below:
- North America (Full Max Service) – United States (including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands)
- Europe (HBO Max) – 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, and Sweden
- Latin America (HBO 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 (HBO Max) – 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, and Turks and Caicos
- Southeast Asia (HBO Go) – Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore
Is HBO Max Coming to Canada?
There is no indication that HBO Max will be coming to Canada anytime soon. HBO Max and its parent company, WarnerMedia, have licensing deals in place with multiple Canadian companies, giving them the exclusive rights to stream various movies and shows. Those deals are long-term, so HBO Max will not be available in Canada for at least the next few years.
Does HBO Max Work in Canada?
No, HBO Max doesn't work in Canada. This is due to long-term licensing agreements that HBO Max's parent company (WarnerMedia) has with certain Canadian services that distribute some HBO content. Thus, Canadians can't get the whole HBO Max library in one place.
However, a VPN can help. With a VPN, you can change your location from Canada to a country where HBO Max works and watch all the shows and movies you want. VPNs can also improve your Internet connection and provide you with faster speeds. That way, you'll be able to stream HBO Max in Canada in 4K with no buffering.
What Can You Watch on HBO Max in Canada?
HBO Max has hundreds of movies and TV shows you can watch in a wide variety of genres, including comedy, horror, documentary, sports events, animation, and so on. You can watch classic HBO titles like True Blood and Oz, or binge more recent releases like House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, and Big Little Lies.
You can also get caught up on the most talked-about, Emmy-winning series from the last couple years like Euphoria, The Last of Us, and Succession. Moreover, Max includes content from DC, Crunchyroll, Adult Swim, Studio Ghibli, Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes, and more.
Here are some of the best shows and movies on HBO Max that you can include on your watch list:
Why Is HBO Max Not Working in Canada with a VPN?
There are a few reasons why HBO Max might not be working in Canada with a VPN, including connectivity problems, out-of-date software, conflicts between your firewall and VPN app, or the usual filters blocking your VPN IP or protocol. Here’s what you can do about it:
- Restart Your Device/VPN – Start with a quick restart (on smartphones most of all) to rule out any system hiccups causing HBO Max to not work in Canada.
- Check Your Internet Connection – Slow or unstable Internet can affect VPN performance. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting to HBO Max through a wired or mobile connection to see if your network is the root of the issue.
- Update Your VPN Application – Always keep your software up-to-date because you never know when the provider implements new fixes for platforms like Max.
- Switch to a Different VPN Server – Your current server may have been blocked or could be experiencing technical issues. Switch to another US server to see if that fixes the issue.
- Try Another VPN Protocol – Certain protocols can have problems on public networks like the ones in hotels, workplaces, or schools, as they often block VPNs by protocol.
- Temporarily Disable Your Firewall – Firewalls often interfere with the proper functionality of VPNs. You can see if this is the problem by temporarily disabling it. Alternatively, check if there’s a firewall exception rule for your VPN to allow incoming and outgoing connections.
- Uninstall Other VPNs – Using more than one VPN can cause unnecessary software or tunneling conflicts. See if uninstalling all other VPN apps solves the problem.
- Contact Your VPN Provider’s Support – As a last resort, customer support may give you a better idea of why HBO Max is not working in Canada at the moment.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch HBO Max in Canada?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch HBO Max in Canada, but there’s no guarantee it will work. HBO Max has some of the strictest VPN filters out there, and free VPNs just don’t have the resources to keep up.
Many free VPNs also cap your monthly data or throttle your bandwidth to save on resources, making them a poor choice for streaming. Moreover, free providers may log and sell your info or even leak your data online in extreme cases.
To unblock HBO Max in Canada without putting your data at risk, we recommend the NordVPN free trial. You get 30 whole days to try out their super-fast network of 1,970+ US servers equipped with their geo-block-smashing SmartPlay option. Want to explore some other choices? Check out the best VPN providers, many of which have free trials as well.
Final Thoughts
While HBO Max (now known as Max) is very popular around the world, it is not available in Canada. Furthermore, based on the deals its parent company has with streaming services in Canada, it looks like it won't be available for at least a few more years. Thankfully, you can easily get HBO Max in Canada with a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch HBO Max in Canada. It has strong content-unblocking features, thousands of high-speed servers in the US and many other countries, and military-grade encryption that will ensure your real location and personal information are always hidden.
That's all for our guide on how to watch HBO Max in Canada in 2024. If you have any remarks, drop us a comment through the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
