Best HBO Max VPN 2024 – Unblock HBO Shows Abroad

What is HBO Max? Where is HBO available? In short, HBO Max is only available in the US, the Caribbean, Latin America, and a few locations in Europe. Canada is not on the list. So, even if you’ve had an HBO account and travel to another country, you will lose access to your account. The best way to unblock Max content is by getting the best HBO Max VPN 

A VPN for HBO Max helps bypass all geo-restrictions that get in the way, plus, it adds extra security to prevent data theft or ISP throttling while streaming. 

It’s true that a VPN can unblock HBO content, but not all VPNs. This is why we’ve tested many and listed only 5 that are currently the best, with ExpressVPN topping our list. 

Quick List & Details – Best VPN for HBO Max

The best VPNs for HBO Max offer high-speed connections, device compatibility, and the ability to overcome geo-restrictions, allowing them an HBOmax login and access its content. 

Here are some of the best VPNs for HBO Max:

VPN	Features	Pros	Cons	Pricing
ExpressVPN	1. Fast speedsStrong security 2. Wide server network 3. Excellent customer support 4. Works with HBO Max	1. User-friendly apps  2. 30-day money-back guarantee 3. No-log policy	1. Relatively higher cost 2. Limited simultaneous connections (8 devices)	1. 1 Month: $12.95 2. 6 Months: $9.99/mo. 3. 1 Year: $8.32/mo.
SurfShark	1. Unlimited simultaneous connections 2. Affordable pricing	1. Good security features 2. Works with HBO Max	1. Occasional server downtime.	1. 1 Month: $15.45 2. 12 Months: $2.79/mo. 3. 2 Years: $2.19/mo.
NordVPN	1. Strong security features 2. Vast server network 3. Obfuscated servers for bypassing restrictions 4. Works with HBO Max	1. User-friendly apps 2. No-log policy 3. 30-day money-back guarantee	1. Slightly slower speeds in some cases 2. Pricier options	1. 1 Month: $11.95 2. 1 Year: $59 3. 2 Years: $89.00
FastestVPN	1. Affordable pricing 2. Good security features 3. Works with HBO Max	1. P2P-friendly servers 2. 31-day money-back guarantee 3. Unlimited bandwidth	1. Limited customer support options	1. 1 Month: $5 2. 1 Year: $1.66/mo. 3. Lifetime plan: $40
PureVPN	1. Large server network 2. Split tunneling 3. Works with HBO Max	1. 31-day money-back guarantee 2. Dedicated IPs available 3. P2P support	1. Past logging controversies 2. Mixed customer support experiences	1. 1 Month: $10.95 2. 1 Year: $49.92 3. 5 Years: $99.00

What is HBO Max?

Max, formerly known as HBO Max in most countries, is among some of the best streaming services popular globally despite being geo-restricted. This platform is an American subscription-based service for on-demand entertainment owned by Warner Bros.

 It holds content accumulated from massive networks, including Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Discovery, HBO, and more. It was launched in the US in 2020 and offers movies, Originals, TV shows, kids’ shows, documentaries, and much more. However, HBO Max is only available in the US and its territories. 

Why Do You Need a VPN for HBO Max?

VPNs are most commonly used to access the best streaming services in any country. In the case of HBO Max, you need a solid VPN to ensure smooth access to it outside the US. An HBO VPN will help you bypass common geo-restrictions and access your account again while traveling. Apart from that, a VPN helps bypass ISP throttling, prevent data theft, keep you anonymous online, and more. 

Best HBO Max VPN – Unblock HBO Content Outside USA

If you’re experiencing the HBO Max not working error or are not sure how to unblock HBO outside the US, a VPN is the best solution. However, not just any VPN works. After testing many popular options, only 5 VPNs for HBO Max worked the best. They are:

1. ExpressVPN – #1 Best VPN for HBO Max

ExpressVPN is the top choice for easy sign-up with HBO Max. It is renowned for its exceptional speed and robust encryption capabilities, with a global presence of over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries. This includes 23 in the United States; it offers a vast network.

The results were impressive during testing on a 100 Mbps connection using the San Francisco server, with download speeds reaching 94.36 Mbps and upload speeds hitting 90.02 Mbps. This level of speed is more than sufficient for an HBOmax login abroad.

For enhanced security, ExpressVPN employs: 

• Military-grade encryption
• HMAC authentication
• Complete forward secrecy
• 256-bit AES-CBC algorithms 

ExpressVPN, as the leading HBO Max VPN, supports up to 8 simultaneous connections and provides user-friendly apps for: 

• MacOS
• Windows
• iOS
• Android

Features

• High-speed servers
• Robust encryption
• Cross-platform compatibility

2. Surfshark

Surfshark boasts an extensive network of over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, ensuring global accessibility. We tested its Houston server and achieved impressive high-speed download and upload rates of 89.52 and 80.76 Mbps, respectively. 

It’s known for its IP masking features, all of which are needed to access the best streaming services that are often geo-locked abroad. This also includes HBO Max. You will be able to stream unlimited Max Originals, TV shows, movies, and catch live TV options. 

The user-friendly Surfshark app is compatible with various platforms, including: 

• Amazon Fire T.V.
• Android
• Windows
• iOS
• Linux
• macOS

It also offers handy add-ons for Firefox and Chrome browsers. In terms of security, Surfshark goes the extra mile with features such as: 

• DNS leak prevention
• Internet kill switch
• Military-grade encryption

Notably, it provides the MultiHop server option, which routes your connection through two VPN servers for enhanced privacy and anonymity.

Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• High-speed download and upload capabilities
• Cross-platform compatibility
• MultiHop server option for added privacy

3. NordVPN

NordVPN is among some of the most secure VPNs and works best for HBO Max and other streaming services. When testing its servers, I experienced exceptionally high speeds in both short- and long-distance locations. 

Additionally, the US servers were mostly optimized, so unblocking HBO Max was simple. Although I encountered occasional buffering on specific servers, most of my streaming sessions were seamless.

On average, the download speed for the NordVPN U.S. servers, tested on a 100mbps connection, reached 92.22mbps, with an upload speed of 88.58mbps

This HBO Max VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all its plans, allowing you to test the service without risk and receive a full refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations. While there’s no advertised free trial on NordVPN’s website, I came across several offers for a seven-day free trial when subscribing through a mobile device.

Features

• High-speed servers
• Robust security with military-grade encryption
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Strict no-logs policy

4. FastestVPN

FastestVPN is the most affordable VPN for HBO Max. Its US servers are optimized to unblock HBO and other US-based streaming services in any country. It costs just $40 for the Lifetime subscription with no other fees and has a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Its latest app revamp gives you more optimized servers and features to bank on. From WireGuard technology to malware protection and other features, FastestVPN is the best for unblocking HBO content abroad. 

Referring to its server speeds, I connected to its Dallas, United States server and could access HBO Max in no time! Although Max is known for its VPN detection and impressively, FastestVPN helped me bypass geo-limitations in almost no time.

On the Dallas server, I found an upload speed of 70 Mbps and a download speed of 120.08 Mbps. 

In conclusion, while FastestVPN isn’t the speediest HBO Max VPN I’d recommend for an HBO Max login, it remains a viable choice if you’re seeking an affordable VPN option. The U.S. streaming server resulted in a 58% reduction in my speeds, whereas most highly-rated VPNs typically only decrease speeds by 10-15% at such a distance.

Features

• Affordable pricing plans.
• Good security features.
• Compatible with a range of devices.
• Unlimited bandwidth.

5. PureVPN

ast on the list of the best HBO Max VPN services is PureVPN. Accessing the service was easy, and I didn’t encounter too many buffering issues.

While it generally provides a secure experience with AES-256 encryption, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols (UDP & TCP), and a British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction, PureVPN is not entirely foolproof. While testing its kill switch, we identified some IP address leaks and concerns regarding its logging policy.

In terms of entertainment, PureVPN doesn’t match the best VPNs for streaming. However, we did experience rapid speeds both locally and over long distances across its extensive server network. We recorded local speeds of 94Mbps, which amounted to minimal speed loss compared to our regular internet connection.

Features

• 256-bit AES encryption
• Offer Internet Kill switch
• WebRTC leak protection

How to Watch HBO Max Outside USA

A VPN is the most effective way to unblock and watch HBO Max abroad. Here is how to get started:

• Select a reliable VPN for HBO Max. I recommend ExpressVPN. 
• Once you subscribe to it, download and install the VPN on a supported device. 
• Open the VPN and sign in.
• Connect to the best server optimized for HBO Max.
• Go to the HBO website and create your account. 
• Download the app and start streaming! 

How to Sign Up for HBO Max Abroad 

This process is for everyone living outside the US. Of course, this method was not easy, but it’s still doable. So, if you don’t have an HBO Max account, here is how you can sign up for it abroad: 

• Launch the HBO Max VPN on your device and sign in. 
• Connect to a US server.
• Now, you must create a new Apple ID/Google Play account.
• Once that is done, register it on the app store. 
• Go to the Store and get the HBO Max app if you haven’t already. 
• You can now create a new HBO account; however, the payments will be made via American Credit Card, PayPal, or a gift card. 

How Much Does HBO Max Cost?

The price of a streaming service or any product matters in accordance with what they offer. So, if you’re wondering how much an HBO Max subscription costs, here are its plans: 

HBO Max Monthly Subscriptions 

The monthly plans are as follows: 

• With Ads: $9.99
• Ad-free: $16.99
• Ultimate Ad-Free: $20.99
• Additional live sports add-ons: $9.99/mo. 

HBO Max Yearly Subscription Packages

• With Ads: $99.99
• Ad-Free: $169.99
• Ultimate Ad-Free: $209.99

HBO Max Not Working / HBO Max Not Available in Your Region 

Just in case you are in the US and HBO Max is not working, there are a few fixes you can do. This also applies to HBO Max VPN issues that are not working. Here is what you can do: 

• Use another VPN or update it: There are high chances of HBO Max not working if you’re using the wrong VPN, a free one, or the VPN app is not updated. Free services never work to unblock streaming giants like HBO Max. Consider going for ExpressVPN and running updates if needed. 
• Subscribe to HBO from the official site: Never go for third-party sellers that give you a half price for an HBO account. It doesn’t work that way. Always use a proper payment method and subscribe from the official site. 
• Change the VPN server: It’s possible that you’re connected to an overcrowded server or one that gives you a blacklisted IP address. You can always switch to another server location. Check if there are any IP leaks, and then try it out with HBO. 
• Ensure that no one else is using your account: If you’ve given your account password to more people than the service allows, it won’t work for you. This is especially true if all are logging in at the same time. 
• Switch VPN protocols: Just like changing servers, finding the right VPN protocol is also important. Not every VPN protocol works the best or the same. Try out WireGuard or OpenVPN for the best results.
• Contact HBO or your VPN customer support: If all of the troubleshooting measures fail to work, consider calling the service providers for both HBO Max and the VPN you’re using. 

What to Watch on HBO Max in 2024

Here’s a list of popular Max shows that you can unlock by subscribing to the best VPN for HBO Max: 

Game of Thrones

In short, Game of Thrones, the ever-popular series, is all about a bunch of kingdoms in a big land. But here’s the twist: there’s only one super-important throne, the Iron Throne. Whoever manages to climb their way to the throne gets to rule it all. 

Now, each of these kingdoms is run by a posh and powerful family known as a ‘House,’ and guess what? They’re all in to claim that Iron Throne and have it all!

Genre

• Action 
• Fantasy television
• Thriller
• Tragedy

The Last of Us

In a solid post-apocalyptic story, this big idea keeps popping up: what’s the real deal with being alive? Is it living if all you’re doing is trying to stay alive? 

The Last of Us doesn’t just look at this whole “what’s the point?” thing but gives us a main character who’s pretty obsessed with finding that point.

Genre

• Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction 
• Drama 
• Thriller

Succession

The show revolves around the Roy clan, which runs a massive media and entertainment giant, Waystar RoyCo. It’s all about their power struggle to take the company’s reins, especially with doubts about the family patriarch’s well-being.

Genre 

• Comedy Drama 
• Dark comedy 
• Family 

The Wire

In The Wire, there’s this group of folks with limited skills and education, and they’re basically stuck in the middle of two things: the drug business and the efforts to combat it. 

The show condenses years of the Baltimore drug scene into its five seasons. But here’s the twist: it uses this drug trade to spin a tale about capitalism, showing the difference between the so-called “legal” ways of making money and the “illegal” ones.

Genre 

• Serial 
• Crime T.V. genre
• Police procedural

Band of Brothers 

So, in a nutshell, Band of Brothers is all about this crew called “Easy Company.” They’re part of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and they roll with the 101st Airborne Division in the U.S. Army during World War II. The series spans ten episodes, and it’s all about what this bunch gets up to during the war.

Genre 

• War
• Armed forces
• Miniseries
• Drama

To Conclude 

Coming to the end of this guide, if you’re wondering what the best HBO Max VPN is, why HBO doesn’t work outside the US, or even looking for troubleshooting guides, we’ve covered it all. Also, if you’re using a free VPN for HBO Max, it’s best you ditch it. Free VPNs, in general, never work, and their speeds are extremely slow. To unblock HBO content, I recommend only top-tier providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, FastestVPN, Surfshark, and PureVPN.