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How to Watch HBO Max in India in 2024
Last updated March 11, 2024
HBO Max (now known as just Max) offers award-winning content in 60+ territories, including the US and certain European, Latin American, and Caribbean countries. The full Max library is exclusive to the US due to licensing agreements. Unfortunately, there are no plans to launch HBO Max in India any time soon. Its launch was put on hold due to HBO Max's recent merger with Discovery+.
Even if you have an account already, you won't be able to access it if you travel to India or any other unsupported region. Moreover, HBO Max libraries are different in every country, so the content you can access will vary depending on your location. The good news is that you can use a VPN to get HBO Max in India. You can also use it to unblock HBO Max libraries in any countries.
In the following guide, we’ll show you how to watch HBO Max in India, why you need to use a VPN, and which providers work best for the job. We’ve also included HBO Max pricing, explained how to pay for Max from India, made a watch guide for when you get things working, and put together easy steps to show you how to get Max on any device. Plus, you'll find answers to some common FAQs on the topic.
How to Watch HBO Max in India
To watch HBO Max in India, you’ll need a US IP and a valid payment method, which will allow you to subscribe to the US Max service. The easiest way to get a US IP is with a VPN. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN that unblocks HBO Max in India (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your device(s).
- Connect to a US-based server (in New York, for example).
- Head to HBO Max and click "Sign Up Now."
- Pick a subscription, then click the "Continue" button.
- Add your sign-up info, then click "Create Account."
- Select a payment option (US PayPal or debit/credit card required).
- Add your card or PayPal details and click "Start Subscription." Enjoy!
As previously mentioned, getting an HBO Max subscription in India requires a valid US payment method (either PayPal or a debit or credit card with a US billing address). If you don't have one, we'll discuss some other options like paying with a virtual credit card or using an Apple or Google Play gift card.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in India?
You need a VPN to watch HBO Max in India as the streaming platform is not available in the country. After the Warner Bros. and Discovery+ merger, the company put the launch of HBO Max in India on an indefinite hold. Therefore, Max is only available in the US, and HBO Max is available in various European, Caribbean, and Latin American countries. The reason? Licensing restrictions and distribution agreements.
At the moment, if you try to access HBO Max outside the US in unsupported areas, all you’ll get is this geo-block 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.”
While some HBO Max content is available on JioCinema in India, the only way to access the full US Max library is with a VPN. Just connect to a US server to change your IP address and make it look like you're physically located in the United States. This will allow you to sign up for the standalone Max platform.
That said, not all VPNs can unblock HBO Max. Streaming services are heavily against (and block) VPN usage due to licensing restrictions. Only the best VPN for HBO Max can get around their advanced VPN filters. We recommend NordVPN because it has thousands of blazing-fast US servers and easily unblocks US Max in India.
The Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in India in 2024
The best VPN to choose must satisfy a number of criteria. First, it should be able to unblock HBO Max and other streaming services easily. To that end, you’ll need a provider with a huge server network worldwide and plenty of coverage in the US.
Next, your VPN provider should deliver impressive speeds and impeccable performance on both remote and nearby servers. It should also have obfuscation to get you past the peskiest VPN blocks, plus a kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks during disconnections. Then, you’ll need trustworthy protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard), strong encryption, and a no-logs policy to keep your data secure.
The VPN you go for has to work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and other devices, while offering plenty of simultaneous connections for various activities. Lastly, you need a VPN with 24/7 live chat and a generous money-back policy should any problems arise.
Based on the criteria above, here are the 4 best VPNs for unblocking HBO Max in India:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in India
- Surfshark - Get HBO Max in India on Unlimited Devices
- ExpressVPN - High-Speed VPN for Streaming HBO Max Anywhere
- CyberGhost VPN - Budget Alternative to Get HBO Max in India
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in India
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch HBO Max in India because it can effortlessly unblock HBO Max and other streaming services. This is largely due to its advanced SmartPlay feature, which can change DNS servers to keep your location a secret. You can try it out on any of NordVPN’s 6,000+ servers in 61 countries, including 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations.
Its high-speed network delivers seamless performance for streaming worldwide. Whether we were connected to closer or more remote servers, we had no trouble watching HBO Max and various other services in crisp 4K quality.
NordVPN comes with a wide array of specialty servers, such as P2P, double VPN, onion-over-VPN, and obfuscated. The latter ones are useful for bypassing pesky VPN blocks. Moreover, the VPN also has an advanced kill switch system that can disconnect specific apps to prevent accidental leaks.
As expected, NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited to guarantee complete data privacy. Besides, the provider secures your data with all the industry-standard protocols like AES-256-enabled OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, as well as the WireGuard-based NordLynx with ChaCha20 encryption.
Naturally, NordVPN works on most devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and more. You can install it on all popular platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. All in all, the provider comes with 6 simultaneous connections to use on HBO Max or for online gaming, secure browsing, and so on.
Lastly, all NordVPN subscriptions come with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, and their dependable 24/7 live chat support is ready to answer any of your questions.
PROS
- 1,970+ lightning-fast US servers.
- Unblocks HBO Max in India.
- Has obfuscated servers.
- Advanced SmartPlay feature.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Obfuscation isn’t network-wide.
2. Surfshark - Get HBO Max in India on Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is a solid option if you want to stream HBO Max in India because it unblocks Max from anywhere, along with any other streamers. It comes with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including 600+ US servers in 25 major cities. On top of that, they're all obfuscated, so you'll be able to hide your VPN usage.
If you want to stream in 4K, Surfshark won't let you down. It delivers blazing-fast speeds and consistent performance no matter which server you connect to. This means you can enjoy the highest quality videos without any annoying buffering.
Surfshark has top-of-the-line privacy protection, too. It comes with a kill switch to prevent any data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Plus, it has an audited no-logs policy. Then you have leading protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. The first 2 are encrypted with AES-256-bit keys and the latter is paired with ChaCha20 encryption.
You can install Surfshark on any popular streaming devices running Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. Best of all, you'll get unlimited simultaneous connections to cover all your Internet-connected tech and even share with family.
If you run into any issues, you can contact their helpful customer support 24/7 via live chat. Finally, you'll have a month to test Surfshark thanks to its 30-day refund period.
PROS
- 600+ servers in the US.
- Works for HBO Max.
- Entire network is obfuscated.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Reported iOS app glitches.
3. ExpressVPN - High-Speed VPN for Streaming HBO Max Anywhere
ExpressVPN delivers an excellent streaming experience and has no problem unblocking HBO Max in India. How so? Well, its entire network (3,000+ servers in 105 countries, with servers in 24 US locations) is fully obfuscated, meaning no site out there can tell that you’re using a VPN. This allows it to unblock any other streaming platforms, too.
Despite the built-in obfuscation, ExpressVPN offers super-fast speeds and reliable performance. Throughout our in-depth tests, we’ve had no noticeable buffering issues on HBO Max, even when watching 4K content on remote servers.
ExpressVPN includes a kill switch feature you can use to prevent IP leaks. There’s also a strict no-logs policy in place to keep you safe against India’s intrusive data collection policies.
Security-wise, you get all the top protocols available at the moment, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, with AES-256 encryption. Besides those, you may use ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol (paired with WolfSSL encryption), which is by far the most efficient in terms of speed and security.
ExpressVPN has apps for all popular platforms, whether you’re a Windows, macOS, or Linux user, or watch HBO Max on your smartphone. There are also apps for smart TVs and select routers if you want to stream on consoles and similar devices. You can connect up to 8 devices at the same time with a single subscription.
Furthermore, all plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you have 24/7 customer support via live chat in case of any problems.
PROS
- One-click security.
- High-speed US servers.
- Works flawlessly on HBO Max.
- Built-in obfuscation.
- 24/7 customer support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Not many customization options.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Budget Alternative to Get HBO Max in India
CyberGhost VPN is a great provider to unblock HBO Max in India without putting a dent in your monthly budget. With the help of its massive network of 11,000+ servers in 100 countries (with 2,100+ servers in 11 US cities alone), you can access over 40+ different streaming services in India.
While CyberGhost has an impressively large network, its medium-fast speeds are slightly slower than what you'll find with some competitors - especially on remote servers. That said, its performance is stable and you won’t have trouble streaming HBO Max in 4K.
The apps come with an always-on kill switch, so you don’t accidentally turn off the feature and risk revealing your true location. And while it doesn’t have any obfuscation, CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers reliably unblock any platform advertised by the provider.
CyberGhost's no-logs policy has been recently audited to ensure your privacy. Moreover, the VPN includes protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec (with AES-256 encryption), as well as the advanced WireGuard option (using the ChaCha20 cipher) to safeguard your data.
CyberGhost is a great option for larger households thanks to its 7 simultaneous connections allowance per account. And, of course, the VPN works on every popular device - from Windows to Linux, from smartphones to smart TVs.
Longer CyberGhost plans benefit from a robust 45-day money-back guarantee. Finally, you may contact the service’s round-the-clock live chat for troubleshooting and other issues.
PROS
- 2,100+ US servers.
- Unblocks 40+ streaming sites.
- Budget-friendly VPN.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
CONS
- No obfuscation.
- Slower than competition.
How Much is HBO Max Subscription in India?
An HBO Max subscription in India can cost $9.99 (₹827.36) monthly for the "With Ads" plan, $15.99 (₹1,324.27) monthly for the Ad-Free plan, or $19.99 (₹1,655.54) monthly for the Ultimate Ad-Free plan. If you’re looking to get a yearly plan to save some money, expect to pay $99.99 (₹8,281.01), $149.99 (₹12,421.93), or $199.99 (₹16,562.85), respectively.
Here’s what’s included in all the Max subscription plans, along with the cost in US dollars and Indian rupees:
How to Pay for HBO Max in India
There are several easy ways to pay for HBO Max in India, even without a US credit card. First off, you can pay for the service using either a US Apple gift card or Google Play gift card. Otherwise, you can get a US virtual prepaid card, or pay with a friend’s US PayPal account. Here’s a short guide for each case:
Method 1: Pay for HBO Max with a US Apple Gift Card
Just a heads up: you’ll have to create a separate, US-based Apple ID for this method. Once you purchase and redeem a US Apple gift card, you’ll be able to pay for HBO Max by connecting to a US VPN server. Here’s what to do:
- Get a VPN for your iOS device that can unblock HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the app and connect to a US server.
- Sign up for a new Apple ID and set your billing region to the US.
- Go to MyGiftCardSupply (or a similar retailer) and buy an Apple gift card.
- Add your gift card funds to the US App Store, which you now have access to.
- Go to the App Store and download the HBO Max app.
- Open the Max app and sign up for an account with your wallet funds.
Method 2: Pay for HBO Max with a US Google Play Gift Card
As before, you’ll need a separate Google account (with a US address) and a US Google Play gift card you can get from certain online shops. Then you’ll have to use a VPN to gain access to the HBO Max app in India. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Purchase a subscription for an HBO Max VPN (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your Android smartphone or tablet.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Sign up for a new Google account, ensuring your billing region is set to the US.
- Use MyGiftCardSupply (or other store) to buy a Google Play gift card.
- Redeem your gift card code.
- Head to the Play Store and download the HBO Max app.
- Launch Max, subscribe via the app with your Play Store funds, and enjoy.
Method 3: Pay for HBO Max with a US Virtual Prepaid Card
You can pay for HBO Max anywhere with a US virtual prepaid card from services like USUnlocked. Besides registering for one, all you have to do is get a VPN, connect to the US, and sign up for Max as usual. Follow the steps below:
- Sign up for a VPN that can unblock HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the provider’s app.
- Launch the VPN, then connect to an American server.
- Visit USUnlocked and click “Get Started.”
- Input your account details.
- Fund your USUnlocked account to receive your payment info.
- Go to the HBO Max website and follow our intro guide to sign up.
- Choose “Credit or Debit Card” during checkout.
- Pay for HBO Max using your virtual card details, and you’re done!
Method 4: Pay for HBO Max with a US PayPal Account
Having a friend pay for HBO Max with PayPal on your behalf should expedite the process. When ready, you just have to download a VPN, connect to a US server, and subscribe to HBO Max as we’ve shown before. Details below:
- Sign up for and install a VPN that works with Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Launch the app and connect to any US server.
- Visit the HBO Max website, and create an account.
- During checkout, choose PayPal as your payment option.
- Pay for your subscription through the PayPal interface, and enjoy!
What to Watch on HBO Max in India?
The best shows on HBO Max are still around on the newly rebranded Max platform. Watch Craig Mazin’s widely praised Chernobyl miniseries, catch up on Succession, or laugh Larry David's antics on Curb Your Enthusiasm. You can also catch some of the best movies on HBO Max, such as Grease, Parasite, and new mega-hits like Barbie. Then there are Max Originals like The Flight Attendant and Love & Death.
You won’t get tired of the incredible TV selection anytime soon. But if you’ve been clearing out your backlog, you can always dive into Discovery+ content from The Food Network, ID, Magnolia, Discovery, TLC, HGTV, and others. Try out Warner Bros’ classics, watch the latest hero flicks from DC, or see what Cartoon Network and Adult Swim are up to these days.
We’ve compiled a short watch guide with the best series and movies on Max below:
How to Get HBO Max on Your Devices in India
The fastest way to get HBO Max on all your devices in India is to sign up for a VPN and connect to a server in the United States. Of course, not all devices support such apps (like gaming consoles), in which case you’ll want to install a VPN on your router. Check out our guides below to get HBO Max working on the most popular gadgets in minutes:
- How to Get HBO Max on a Smart TV
- How to Get HBO Max on Xfinity X1 and Flex
- How to Get HBO Max on Amazon Fire TV
- How to Get HBO Max on Samsung Smart TV
- How to Get HBO Max on LG Smart TV
- How to Get HBO Max on TiVo
- How to Get HBO Max on Android TV
- How to Get HBO Max on Apple TV
- How to Get HBO Max on Roku
- How to Get HBO Max on PlayStation
- How to Get HBO Max on Xbox
- How to Get HBO Max on iPhone & iPad
- How to Get HBO Max on Android
Where to Watch HBO Max Shows in India?
You can watch some HBO Max content through JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video in India. Warner Bros. Discovery recently signed a new multi-year agreement with Viacom18, the company that owns JioCinema. In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon Prime Video made a deal to offer 11 HBO Max original series and 10 HBO Max original movies to Prime members in India.
Of course, you won’t find all HBO Max shows and movies on JioCinema (or Prime, obviously). Many of them aren’t available due to local exclusivity deals Max has with their content providers. Other shows may see a delayed release for the same reason.
If you want all the HBO Max hits and flicks with zero restrictions, you might as well grab a VPN and sign up for the US Max service. Our top choice for the job is NordVPN.
Can You Use a Free VPN to Watch HBO Max in India?
Yes, you can use a free VPN service to get HBO Max in India. That said, we don’t recommend doing so for several reasons. First things first, free VPNs may outright not work. Streaming sites like HBO Max block IP addresses of free VPNs to protect their licensing agreements.
Second, free VPNs sell user data to ad agencies to fund their business. Sure, some of them don’t. But you still have to deal with limited servers, slow speeds, monthly data caps, browser ad injection, and other annoyances that don’t mesh well with streaming. There's even a chance of encountering malware. Avoid all the headaches and get a VPN free trial from a premium provider instead.
When you use one of the best VPNs to get HBO Max, you won't have to worry about intrusive data logging or running out of data. We recommend the NordVPN free trial because it has thousands of super-fast US servers to easily unblock Max.
Final Thoughts
HBO Max has a great selection of TV shows and movies, but it's only available in the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. You can watch select HBO Max titles in India on platforms like JioCinema, but a lot of content is missing. Moreover, HBO Max libraries are region-specific, and the full Max experience is US-exclusive. Luckily, using a VPN will let you unblock HBO Max anywhere.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch Max in India. It comes with almost 2,000 servers in the US, and they all deliver blazing-fast speeds for streaming in 4K without buffering. It also has plenty of obfuscated servers, so platforms like HBO Max won’t be able to tell you’re using a VPN.
That’s all you need to know about how to watch HBO Max in India. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
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