How to Watch HBO Max in Italy in 2024

HBO Max (now known as Max in the US and a few other countries) offers a rich, diverse content library that’s available in 60+ countries. Unfortunately, HBO Max isn’t available in Italy due to licensing issues. On top of that, HBO Max libraries vary based on region, so the content is quite limited in some countries. The US Max service has the largest, most complete library.

For the same reasons, when you travel, you won't see the same content on HBO Max that you're used to at home. Luckily, there’s a simple fix for this problem. You can use a VPN with US servers to unblock HBO Max from anywhere. This will hide your Italian IP address and give you one from the US. Once Max thinks you’re in a country where it’s available, you’ll unblock all its content.

In this article, we’ll show you how to watch HBO Max Italy, why you need a VPN to accomplish this, and which VPNs are best. We’ll also share how much HBO Max costs, list a few ways to pay for the service, recommend some TV shows and movies to watch, answer some FAQs, and more. 

How to Watch HBO Max in Italy

To watch HBO Max in Italy, you’ll have to get a VPN and connect to a server in the US to access the best library. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your device. 
3. Connect to a VPN server in the US. 
4. Access the Max website and click “Sign Up Now."
   
5. Pick a plan that fits your needs and click on "Continue."
   
6. Fill in your information to create a Max account.
   
7. Select a payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal).
   
8. Click “Start Subscription” to finish.
   
9. Choose your favorite title and start streaming. 

If you’re interested, be aware that you’ll need a valid US payment method (PayPal account or credit or debit card with a US billing address). If you don't have one, don’t worry. In a few moments, we’ll show you some other payment options, including a virtual credit card, a Google Play gift card, and an Apple gift card. 

Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming HBO Max in Italy?

You need a VPN for watching HBO Max in Italy because the platform isn’t available in the country yet. This is because HBO must comply with different broadcasting restrictions in each country. Max is only available in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean, whereas HBO Max is available in various European countries.

If you try to watch HBO Max outside the US, you’ll receive the following 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.” 

However, you can avoid this by connecting to a VPN server in a country where Max is available. That will hide your Italian IP address and give you a new one. This way, you’ll trick the service into thinking you’re in a different country and automatically unblock your favorite titles. 

But keep in mind that most VPNs will be blocked. So, you need to make sure you get one of the best VPNs for HBO Max. Out of all the options, we recommend that you use NordVPN. It offers fast speeds for buffer-free streaming and thousands of US servers, so you can get the largest Max library.

The Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in Italy

To find the right VPN, you need to make sure it satisfies several criteria. First, it must be able to unblock HBO Max consistently. For this, the VPN needs a large global network with plenty of servers in the US so you can access the largest Max library. You’ll also want fast speeds and optimized performance for high-quality streaming. 

A kill switch makes sure your real IP never leaks online, and the VPN also needs obfuscation to mask your VPN traffic. A strict no-logs policy, strong protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard), and secure encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20) are other important features that ensure your privacy. 

The VPN must have compatible apps for the top operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, FireOS, Linux, and so on. Moreover, it should allow plenty of simultaneous connections, so you can take advantage of the streaming service’s 4-device limit. Last but not least, value-packed pricing, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 live chat are essential. 

Based on the criteria above, here are the best VPNs for unblocking HBO Max in Italy: 

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Italy
2. Surfshark - Secure VPN to Get HBO Max in Italy 
3. ExpressVPN - Unblock Max in Italy with Fully Obfuscated Servers 
4. CyberGhost VPN - Affordable VPN for Streaming HBO Max

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Italy

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching HBO Max in Italy because it can consistently unblock Max and other streaming services. It has an impressive network of 6,800+ servers in 111 countries. Among these, you can connect to 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations. Many of them are obfuscated to hide your VPN usage. 

The provider offers excellent speed and consistent performance on all servers for smooth streaming. We didn't experience any slowdowns when connected to distant servers. So, 4K videos took no time to load, and we were able to skip around in them without any buffering. 

When it comes to security, NordVPN offers a kill switch, bank-grade AES-256 encryption, and an audited no-logs policy. It also has secure protocols (NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec) and SmartPlay for extra streaming support.

NordVPN has easy-to-use apps for most devices like phones, smart TVs, PCs, and more. It also lets you connect 10 devices at the same time. The most cost-effective plan is its 2-year option for $2.99 per month. Plus, all plans come with a 30-day money-back policy, and you can chat with reps live 24/7. 

2. Surfshark - Secure VPN to Get HBO Max in Italy 

Surfshark is a great option for HBO Max Italy fans because it can easily unblock Max and other streamers in Italy. With 600+ US servers in 22 major cities, you can access the US Max library without any issues. It has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries in total. Even better, its entire network is obfuscated, so your VPN use will be hidden.

With Surfshark, you'll enjoy lightning-fast speeds and reliable performance across the board. We connected to servers all over the world, and they all demonstrated the same impressive speeds. So, 4K streaming on Max won't be a problem.

Surfshark is packed with security and privacy features, including a reliable kill switch to prevent data leaks and an audited no-logs policy. It also comes with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. You can choose from WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, which will determine the encryption used.

Surfshark can be installed on any popular streaming device, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, Firestick, and more. We are big fans of its unlimited simultaneous connections, too.

This VPN has very budget-friendly plans, with your best bet being the 2-year option for $1.99 per month. You'll be able to test Surfshark risk-free thanks to its 30-day refund period, and if you need help, customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

3. ExpressVPN - Unblock Max in Italy with Fully Obfuscated Servers 

ExpressVPN is another great choice because it unblocks HBO Max consistently, as well as other online streaming services. It offers servers in 105 countries, which includes tons of servers in 24 US locations to get the most extensive Max library. Plus, all servers are obfuscated, so HBO Max can’t detect your VPN traffic. 

During our tests, ExpressVPN always delivered fast speeds and optimized performance on servers at any distance. So, we could easily stream 4K videos without quality drops or buffering.

Privacy-wise, ExpressVPN offers a dependable kill switch to prevent IP leaks. It also upholds a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. In addition, it comes with strong protocols (Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) and nearly unbreakable encryption (AES-256 and WolfSSL). 

ExpressVPN is compatible with most operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. It also works with several smart TVs. Even better, it offers a dedicated router app, so you can protect devices that don’t natively support VPNs. 

The provider lets you use up to 8 simultaneous device connections, so it’s perfect for larger households. It is a bit pricier than the competition, with the most cost-effective option being its annual plan at $4.99 per month. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat. 

4. CyberGhost VPN - Affordable VPN for Streaming HBO Max

CyberGhost VPN reliably unblocks HBO Max and many other streaming platforms, so it has secured a spot on our list. It has extensive servers in 100 countries, including 11 city locations in the US. However, it doesn’t have obfuscation. Despite that, we still managed to bypass HBO Max geo-blocks easily. 

On nearby servers, CyberGhost provides medium-fast speeds and stable performance, but there were slowdowns on distant servers. This meant videos took an extra 4-5 seconds to load when we skipped through them. 

Security-wise, CyberGhost is super safe. It has an always-on kill switch to prevent IP leaks, an audited no-logs policy, and secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec). Plus, it offers military-grade AES-256 encryption, which is nearly impossible to crack.

The VPN has bug-free, intuitive apps for almost any device in your household, including computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and more. On top of that, you can connect up to 7 devices at the same time, so it’s convenient for big families. 

CyberGhost offers very affordable plans (with your best option being its 2-year plan at $2.03 monthly) and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee if you make a longer commitment. It's also easy to get your questions answered since knowledgeable reps are available 24/7. 

How Much Does HBO Max Cost in Italy?

The cost of HBO Max in Italy is based on the 3 different US Max plans. The "With Ads" plan will cost you $2.99 (€2.85) per month, which is the cheapest option right now. Then you have the "Ad-Free" plan, which will cost you $16.99 (€16.21) per month. Lastly, the "Ultimate Ad-Free" Plan costs $20.99 (€20.02) per month.

You can also choose to get an annual plan to save some money. They cost $99.99 (€95.38), $169.99 (€162.16), or $209.99 (€200.31) yearly, respectively.

See below to learn what each plan gets you and how much they cost in both US dollars and euros:

Subscription	Price in USD	Price in Euros	Features
With Ads	$2.99/month ($99.99/year)	€2.85/month (€95.38/year)	- 2-screen limit - Watch titles in full HD
Ad-Free	$16.99/month ($169.99/year)	€16.21/month (€162.16/year)	- 2-screen limit - Watch titles in full HD - 30 downloads to watch on the go
Ultimate Ad-Free	$20.99/month ($209.99/year)	€20.02/month (€200.31/year)	- 4-screen limit - 4K UHD video - Dolby Atmos audio - 100 downloads for offline viewing

What to Watch on HBO Max in Italy?

Once you've subscribed to HBO Max in Italy, prepare to enjoy hit series such as "Succession" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," or immerse yourself in movies like the "Harry Potter" series, "Dune," and "Parasite." Plus, you can choose from Max Originals like "The Flight Attendant" and "Love & Death."

HBO Max also offers excellent documentaries and reality shows from networks like Magnolia, TLC, and The Food Network. Plus, there's kid-friendly content from Cartoon Network or Adult Swim for after-hours viewing. Finally, if you access the US Max library, you’ll get additional content from Discovery+. 

Here's a curated list of content available on the US Max library in Italy:

HBO Series	HBO Max Classic Shows	HBO Max Movies	Max Originals
The Gilded Age (2022-Present)	South Park (1997-Present)	A Star Is Born (2018)	The Other Two (2019-2023)
True Detective: Night Country (2024)	Rick and Morty (2013-Present)	Barbie (2023)	Tokyo Vice (2022-Present)
House of the Dragon (2022-Present)	Friends (1994-2004)	The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)	Our Flag Means Death (2022-2023)
The Last of Us (2023-Present)	The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)	Hereditary (2018)	And Just Like That (2021-Present)
Game of Thrones (2011-2019)	Doctor Who (2005-Present)	Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)	Peacemaker (2022-Present)
The Regime (2024)	The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)	Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)	Hacks (2021-Present)
Call Me Ted (2024)	Adventure Time (2010-2018)	The Color Purple (2023)	Warrior (2019-2023)

How to Sign Up for HBO Max in Italy?

To sign up for HBO Max Italy, you’ll need to use a VPN and a US-based payment method like a virtual credit card, Google Play gift card, Apple gift card, or a US PayPal account. Just connect to a US VPN server and use one of these payment options. Below are multiple ways to do that.

Method 1: Google Play Gift Card

To sign up for Max with a Google Play gift card, you’ll need to connect to a US VPN server and create a US Google account. Here are the steps: 

1. Get a subscription from a reliable VPN (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your device. 
3. Connect to a US server. 
4. Create a new Google account, and make sure to enter a US address. 
5. Buy a US Google Play Gift Card from a retailer like MyGiftCardSupply.
   
6. Fund your US Google Play Store account with the redeemed gift card. 
7. Download the Android Max app from the US Play Store.
   
8. Launch the app and create an HBO Max account.
9. Pay with your account funds.
10. Choose a show and enjoy Max in Italy.

Method 2: Apple Gift Card

Like the Google Play method, this option requires making a US Apple ID and using a VPN. After you connect to a US server, you can buy an HBO Max subscription with a US Apple gift card. Follow along below:

1. Get a VPN for iOS that unblocks Max in Italy (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN and connect to a US server.
3. Make a new Apple ID with a billing address in the US.
4. Buy an Apple gift card from MyGiftCardSupply or a similar online retailer.
   
5. Redeem the gift card funds in the US App Store, which you can now access.
6. Install the iOS Max app from the US version of the App Store.
   
7. Open Max and pay with the preloaded Apple funds. 
8. Pick something to watch and start streaming!

Method 3: US PayPal Account

The easiest method (if you don't have a US credit or debit card) is if you have a friend or family member who will let you borrow their US PayPal account. Then, simply subscribe to a VPN, connect to a US server, and pay for Max, as we covered at the beginning of this article. Here's how to do it:

1. Subscribe to and download a VPN that unblocks Max (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Connect to a US-based server. 
3. Open the Max website and create an account like we showed you earlier.
4. When checking out, choose PayPal as your payment method.
   
5. Pay for Max through the PayPal portal.
6. Once you've completed the payment, you can start streaming Max.

Method 4: Virtual Credit Card

To pay for an HBO Max subscription with a virtual US credit card, you’ll need to use a VPN to connect to a US server. Here’s all you need to do: 

1. Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks Max (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your device.
3. Connect to a US VPN server. 
4. Go to US Unlocked and select “Get Started.”
   
5. Fill in the necessary info and create an account.
   
6. Add money to your account to get your credit card details.
7. Visit the HBO Max website and sign up for an account. 
8. At checkout, pick “Credit or Debit Card” as your preferred payment method.
   
9. Enter your information and pay with your virtual credit card.
   
    
10. After starting your subscription, pick a title and enjoy!

How to Get HBO Max on Your Devices in Italy

To access HBO Max on all your devices, you’ll need to install a VPN and select a server from a country where the service is available. You'll find our detailed setup guides below on how to watch HBO Max on any streaming device:

Final Thoughts

HBO Max has tons of great content and is available in many countries, but due to different copyright agreements, the service isn't offered in Italy. Besides that, the biggest library is only available with the US Max version of the service, and if you travel, the content you can access on HBO Max will differ regionally.

However, you can unblock Max and any of its libraries by using a VPN. To do this, choose NordVPN. It's the best VPN for watching HBO Max in Italy because it gets you past those geo-blocks easily, has 1,970 US servers, and offers lightning-fast streaming speeds. Once connected, you can watch Max just about anywhere and enjoy its extensive US library.

That's all for our guide on how to watch HBO Max Italy. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!