Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2024: Stream HBO Max outside US

It can be frustrating when the HBO Max region lock prevents you from accessing your favorite shows and movies while you’re abroad. Especially when you’re a legitimate subscriber from a supported region! Luckily this problem is easy to overcome. To overcome the dreaded ‘Sorry, HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet’ message, you’ll need to use a VPN.

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are powerful tools that fool the system into thinking you’re back home, giving you the freedom to enjoy HBO Max from anywhere. As a bonus, they also encrypt your internet traffic, keeping your online activities safe from snoopers.

But, before you rush to download any old VPN, it’s important to know that HBO Max is adept at sniffing out and blocking most VPN connections. That’s where we step in. At Comparitech, we’ve tested the top players in the VPN market to find those that work with Max while also keeping your connection secure and private.

We’ll discuss each of the VPN providers in more depth later. First, here’s a summary for anyone short on time.

The best VPNs for HBO Max:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for HBO Max! Fast and versatile with strong encryption and security. Has well-designed apps, powerful security features and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for HBO Max.
2. Surfshark: The best value VPN. Supports unlimited device connections and has a fair subscription price. It works with lots of popular streaming platforms, including HBO Max.
3. IPVanish: Excellent speeds, robust security, and unlimited device connections. Lowest price on our list per single month. No problems streaming HBO Max and other popular streaming services.
4. ExpressVPN: Works great with HBO Max and numerous other platforms. Has an app for routers and its own connection protocol.
5. CyberGhost: Has specific servers for streaming at no extra cost. The most extensive server network of any VPN on this list.
6. PureVPN: Automatic obfuscation and shortcuts to streaming services. Able to access HBO Max and many other platforms.
7. ProtonVPN: Fast servers and great streaming abilities. Comes with many advanced features, including port forwarding and one-click Tor access.
8. PrivateVPN: Suitable for securely bypassing HBO Max geo-blocks. Great for torrenting. Strong on customer support, with apps well-suited to beginners.

Best VPNs for HBO Max: a snapshot of features

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for HBO Max.

Our criteria for the best HBO Max VPNs

There are so many VPN providers online that figuring out which one will unblock the services you want and provide a secure connection can be tricky. We researched the best VPNs for HBO Max based on the following criteria:

• Speed: Max is available in Europe, the US, Latin America and the Caribbean. As such, we wanted to know how fast VPN providers were in these regions. We carried out our speed tests on a home broadband connection to simulate the real-world experience of the average user.
• Streaming ability: After checking that a particular provider worked with Max, we tested its compatibility with other popular streaming platforms. After all, nobody really uses just one service. The more platforms a provider worked with, the higher we scored it.
• Security & privacy: To gauge how well providers protected users’ security and privacy, we scored them according to 15 different metrics. These included each provider’s methods of encryption, authentication, and leak protection.
• Ease of use: To make sure we don’t recommend VPNs that drive users insane with frustration, we only consider those that score highly on 10 different criteria. We looked at the quality of the interface as well as things like the ease of sign-up and cancellation.
• Value for money: Nobody wants to pay more than they need to for a service. To make sure we’re recommending providers that offer a good deal, we score them on eight value-related criteria. We looked for things like discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees.

You can see the full results of our tests later in this article. For now, let’s dive into detailed reviews of each provider.

The best VPNs for HBO Max

Here’s a closer look at our recommended VPNs for HBO Max:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 works with hbo maxTested Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for HBO Max. It had no issues unblocking HBO Max or anything else as far as we can tell. We successfully used it with multiple Max content libraries, as well as with Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and BBC iPlayer.

NordVPN has more than 6,300 RAM-only servers in its network. These are spread across 111+ countries, and cover all three regions where Max is available. To find out what sort of speeds users connecting to NordVPN servers in these regions might expect, we carried out a series of speed tests. Using a home broadband connection with an average download speed of 132.75 Mbps, we recorded the following speeds.

NordVPN was remarkably consistent across all five countries. As with all VPNs, there was a drop in speed from our baseline connection, but it wasn’t drastic enough to affect streaming quality. If you want to stream in 4K, you’ll be able to do so without any issues.

Users new to VPNs will find the apps easy enough to navigate. The interface has a clean design and a handy map that establishes a connection when users click on a particular country.

In addition to its regular servers, NordVPN has servers for users with additional security and privacy requirements. For example, its obfuscated servers disguise VPN traffic so that it can bypass blocks in countries like China.

Its Onion Over VPN servers provide one-click access to the Tor network — this normally requires downloading and installing the Tor browser. NordVPN also has double VPN servers that make third-party tracking more difficult by routing traffic through an additional VPN server.

NordVPN comes with a dark web monitor that checks that your personal information isn’t being made available as a result of a data breach. It also has an ad, tracker and malware blocker to help prevent unwanted interruptions while online.

Uniquely, the provider enables users to set up their own networks of trusted devices via a tool called Meshnet. This makes it easy to access devices remotely or share files. It’s a neat feature and one that doesn’t require a subscription to use.

Other features include public Wi-Fi protection and app-based split tunneling. A kill switch is available for individual apps or for the system as a whole. This prevents specific apps – or the entire device – from remaining connected to the internet if the VPN connection drops out.

Users can choose between the OpenVPN and NordLynx connection protocols. NordLynx is NordVPN’s own protocol that’s based on the lightweight WireGuard. It’s faster than OpenVPN, though it isn’t open-source and hasn’t been around for as long.

NordVPN apps are available for a variety of platforms including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. We confirmed that their built-in leak protection worked as it should by carrying out IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests.

The provider uses strong encryption and has an independently audited no-logs policy. This policy states that NordVPN doesn’t store records of which servers users connect to. Neither does it record user’s true IP address next to connection logs.

Subscriptions allow up to 10 simultaneous device connections, which is more than enough for most people. If not, it’s possible to configure a connection on compatible home routers. This uses one of the allocated connections but protects every device on the network. It also means you can stream Max on devices that don’t natively support VPN software.

BEST FOR HBO MAX:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Works great with HBO Max and similar services. Best in class security and privacy. Consistently fast. All plans include a risk-free 30 day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with hbo maxTested Dec 2024

Surfshark is a popular provider with great value subscriptions and no device connection limit. It has more than 3,200 RAM-only servers spread across 100+ countries.

The software works great with multiple Max content libraries. It also provides consistent access to other popular streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Apple TV+.

As Max is available in four different regions, we wanted to find out how fast Surfshark servers were while connected to countries in these regions.

Surfshark performed admirably in the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and the US. Speeds were easily fast enough for streaming Max content in the highest resolution available.

One of Surfshark’s most interesting features is its Alernative ID tool. This lets you generate an alternative persona at the touch of a button — complete with a name, address, and date of birth. Addresses are available in six countries: the US, Denmark, Australia, Germany, Portugal, and Brazil. The tool is useful for setting up online accounts — like those needed for free streaming services — where you don’t necessarily want to hand over your real personal details.

Other Surfshark features of note include a Rotating IP option, which, as its name suggests, changes your IP address — but without you having to disconnect and then reconnect.

The provider also has static IP addresses available in six countries, which enable users to use the same IP address over and over again. Multi-hop servers are accessible via the app’s dashboard, and users are allowed to choose their own entry and exit servers.

Surfshark has both app-based and IP-based split tunneling available, which makes it easy to stream Max within the VPN tunnel while using other apps or domains outside the tunnel. It also has an ad, tracker and malware blocker; and a NoBorders mode that is effective in countries such as China.

Connections are well-secured using strong encryption, and Surfshark keeps no records of your online activity. This has been verified through multiple third-party audits that examined the provider’s software and infrastructure.

Apps — all of which have a full GUI — are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. Surfshark says these come with built-in leak protection, which we confirmed by carrying out IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests.

Surfshark subscriptions are keenly priced — provided you go for a two-year plan. This costs the equivalent of $2.19 a month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out without risking anything financially.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is affordable, able to unblock HBO Max from anywhere, and a great choice for sharing thanks to its lack of a connection limit. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full SurfShark review.

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3. IPVanish

works with hbo maxTested Dec 2024

IPVanish is a veteran VPN provider that offers fast speeds and strong security. It works great with HBO Max and is a reliable VPN for Netflix and other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.

The provider has more than 2,400 servers available in its network. Unlike other companies which rent their servers, IPVanish has purchased theirs — which is great for security as it reduces the likelihood of third-party interference.

The server location list shows have many servers are available in each city. Users can connect to a particular city and let IPVanish choose a server, or use the drop-down menu to select their own. Each server has its load and ping time listed, making it easy to find the fastest at any given moment.

To find out how fast IPVanish was in the regions where Max is available, we carried out speed tests while connected to servers in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and the US.

IPVanish performed exceptionally well in Portugal, Brazil, Jamaica, and the US. It was less impressive in Finland, but still more than fast enough for streaming Max content in 4K without interruption.

While connected, the IPVanish app provides a real-time visualization of the volume of data being uploaded and downloaded. It also shows the location of the server in use, together with connection data, such as the IP address and protocol.

Users who want to change the connection protocol can do so in the app’s Settings. The options are WireGuard, IKEv2 and OpenVPN. Note that you’ll need to choose OpenVPN if you need to obfuscate traffic using the Scramble feature. Also, note that this doesn’t work in China — look to one of our other recommended providers if you need to get past the Great Firewall.

Other features include a kill switch; an ad, tracker and malware blocker; and app-based and domain-based split tunneling. The provider uses strong encryption and has a no-logs policy stating that it never keeps records of user activity. These claims have been verified by third-party auditors.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV (it’s actually one of our favorite VPNs for Fire TV). DNS protection and IPv6 leak protection are on by default, though you can turn them off if you really want to.

We tested how leak-proof IPVanish was in a series of IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests. As expected, it kept our true location hidden while connected to a server in Japan.

IPVanish subscriptions are great value — particularly the two-year plan, which costs the equivalent of $2.19 a month. This includes unlimited simultaneous device connections as well as access to a free SOCKS5 proxy.

If you want even better value, we would encourage you to consider the Advanced plan. This package includes a VPN with unlimited data, a generous terabyte of secure cloud storage, and a cloud-based browser designed within a sandbox environment that keeps your devices shielded from online threats like malware and trackers.

We also recommend IPVanish for people who want a single-month or month-by-month plan with no long-term commitment. If you use our deal coupon below, IPVanish is the lowest-priced option.

This setup is a strong fit for users who prioritize privacy or need safe access while browsing under restrictive internet conditions.

In testing, the browser handled private browsing with ease, although HD and 4K streaming weren’t as smooth as we had hoped. Although it might not be great for high-quality streaming, it remains a valuable asset for users in heavily censored areas.

On top of its useful features, the Advanced plan comes at a highly accessible price point. Considering it costs about the same as what you usually pay for 1 TB of cloud storage we think this bundle is very a solid choice.

SECURE STREAMING:IPVanish offers a reliable VPN service that can access HBO Max. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

works with HBO MAXTested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN is a great all-around service. It has secure RAM-only servers in more than 105 countries and apps that are very easy for beginners to use. Furthermore, it works particularly well for streaming. We had no problems using it with Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

If you have a VPN-incompatible device that you’d like to use for streaming the US version of Max, you can do so thanks to ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer tool.

For other Max libraries, ExpressVPN provides a router app (essentially firmware). Once this is uploaded onto a compatible router, you’ll be able to watch Max on any suitable device connected to the router — even those that don’t natively support VPN software. If you need any help, the customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat.

We tested ExpressVPN’s speeds in all of the regions in which Max is available. This included the Caribbean, where ExpressVPN has a server in Jamaica. In fact, ExpressVPN is generally hot on the Caribbean, with servers in the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba. But that’s beside the point.

The provider was particularly fast in Finland but performed less well in the US. However, even at its slowest, it was still fast enough for smooth 4K streaming (providing you have a decent base connection speed).

Features of the service include an ad, tracker, malware and adult-site blocker, a kill switch, and app-based split tunneling.

The provider has its own connection protocol that substantially reduces the amount of time it takes to establish a VPN connection. It feels almost instantaneous, which is great if you find yourself frequently hopping between servers.

If you’re connecting from a restrictive country such as China, or need to evade VPN blocks more generally, it’s worth knowing that ExpressVPN obfuscates traffic by default. The provider is cagey about how it does this, but the important thing is that it works — and that users don’t have to worry about enabling or disabling it.

ExpressVPN works on various devices, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. These come with built-in leak protection, which we tested via a series of IP, DNS and WebRTC leak tests. These confirmed that the provider kept our UK location hidden while connected to a server in Japan.

The biggest downside to ExpressVPN is its price. Its subscriptions last a maximum of a year and are more expensive per month than any of the providers in this list. That said, you do get a good quality of service.

The company has had multiple audits of its apps and infrastructure, and has an ongoing commitment to furthering security. This includes practices such as reinstalling the operating systems of every server in its network on a weekly basis.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:ExpressVPN is quick and reliable. It works with HBO Max from any country. Provides impressive security and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with hbo maxTested Dec 2024

CyberGhost has several thousand servers available in 100 countries. Some of these are dedicated to streaming and allow users to choose a server based on which streaming service they want to unblock instead of guessing which locations might work. HBO is on the list, with available content libraries including those from Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the US.

The provider worked seamlessly with several Max content libraries. It also worked great with other big-name platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus.

Connections felt fast, but we tested them just to make sure. You can see the speed results while connected to servers in four different countries below.

CyberGhost performed solidly in Europe, with speeds that were more than fast enough for streaming 4K Max content. Speed were decent in Latin America and the Caribbean too. It was slower in the US, but still fast enough for high-resolution streaming. However, this had a lot to do with our relatively good base connection speed (it averaged 132.75 Mbps without a VPN).

The provider further simplifies the streaming process with a Smart Rules feature. This lets users set up the service so that when they open a particular app, it automatically launches CyberGhost and connects to a VPN server.

So, for example, opening the Max app could automatically connect to the US Max-optimized server. If you regularly stream geo-restricted, it’s a great time-saver.

Smart Rules also allows users to set up public wi-fi protection; URL-based split tunneling; and the automatic launch of a favorite app when CyberGhost first connects.

Other features include a kill switch, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, and a choice of the OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 connection protocols.

IPv6 and DNS leak protection is optional. When toggled to ‘on’ it worked as promised during testing. We also confirmed that CyberGhost didn’t suffer from IPv4 or WebRTC leaks.

CyberGhost subscriptions are great value, provided you opt for the two-year plan. This costs the equivalent of $2.19 and comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. Subscribers can use them with up to seven devices simultaneously, which is less than the industry average but still adequate for most users. Router configuration is possible if you want to stream Max on VPN-incompatible devices.

EASY UNBLOCKING:CyberGhost makes it easy to unblock HBO Max and offers a reliable, safe service. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. PureVPN

Works with HBO MaxTested Dec 2024

PureVPN is fast, secure and available at an excellent price point. It has more than 6,000 servers in its network, which is more than the majority of VPN providers — though these are only available in 65 countries, which is less than most of the other VPNs in this list.

PureVPN worked well with Max during testing — even when switching between content libraries. We also successfully tested it with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

If you have a particular streaming platform that you want to use, it’s worth checking PureVPN’s Shortcuts menu. This lists servers that are optimized for particular streaming platforms, such as Max, Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer. Connecting to one of them will automatically launch the linked platform in your browser. Note that the Max server links to the US version.

If there’s a platform or specific content library that isn’t listed, you can add your own shortcut once you’ve found a working server in the Location list.

PureVPN was fast enough for streaming in the best quality available in all of the four Max regions we tested. We used a home broadband connection (with an average speed of 132.75 Mbps) to simulate the average user’s experience.

Unlike most VPNs, PureVPN obfuscates traffic by default. It enables connections in countries such as China and is handy if you routinely need to bypass VPN blocks. Other features include a tracker blocker, kill switch, and app-based split tunneling. Available protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.

The software uses strong encryption and PureVPN doesn’t store any logs that could identify or monitor user activity. These claims have been confirmed via third-party audits.

Apps have built-in leak protection, which we tested as part of our routine IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests. As promised, PureVPN didn’t leak our UK location which connected to one of its servers in Italy.

PureVPN supports numerous platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Firestick. Its apps are all easy to use if a little uninspiring design-wise.

If you’re looking for the cheapest possible subscription for streaming Max, then PureVPN is well-worth considering. It has a five-year plan that costs the equivalent of $2.16 a month. Note that most VPNs only have two-year plans, after which the price is jacked up. Locking into a long-term deal is therefore a good idea, unless you’re happy to switch providers every couple of years.

Subscriptions allow up to 10 simultaneous device connections. If you need more, it’s possible to configure a connection on some home routers. This protects every device on your network, while only using one of your allocated device connections. Instructions — and a list of compatible routers — are available on the PureVPN website.

LOW COST:PureVPN lets you watch HBO Max on vacation, at work, or on campus for the low cost of $2.16 per month. The VPN is very secure and reliable despite being cheap. Comes with a no-logs policy, AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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7. ProtonVPN

Works with HBO MaxTested Dec 2024

ProtonVPN is based in the privacy-friendly country of Switzerland and has an impressive reputation thanks to its links with Proton Mail. It is renowned for its commitment to privacy, making it a favorite among whistleblowers and activists.

It’s also great for streaming. We had no issues when we tested it with Max, and it worked similarly well with other platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus.

ProtonVPN has more than 8,200 servers in its network and a presence in an impressive 112 countries. Users can select a country to connect to using the map on the app’s dashboard or select one from the Location list next to it.

The drop-down menu next to each country displays all available servers and their relative load. Users can choose between individual servers rather than simply lumping for a location, as with other VPN providers.

As well as its regular servers, ProtonVPN has self-owned bare metal servers (which is refers to as Secure Core). These are located in high security data centers in privacy-friendly countries and provide an additional stop for traffic that needs additional protection.

Other ProtonVPN features include a kill switch; an ad, tracker and malware blocker; port forwarding; obfuscation; and app and IP-based split tunneling. All in all, it’s a great feature set.

IPv6 and DNS leak protection is optional, though enabled by default. This worked as expected when we tested it. We also confirmed that there were no IPv4 or WebRTC leaks while connected to a server in Italy.

Speed-wise, ProtonVPN is very fast. In fact, it was the fastest provider we tested for this article.

The provider was exceptionally quick when connected to servers in Finland and the US, though it was certainly no slouch in the other countries tested. Needless to say, users would have little problem streaming 4K video while connected.

ProtonVPN’s apps — which are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, MacOS, and Amazon Fire Stick — are all open-source, which means anyone can inspect their source code.

The ProtonVPN privacy policy states that it does not keep any metadata logs or any records of users’ VPN activity. The provider has undergone several third-party audits that have verified its privacy claims.

Long-term ProtonVPN subscriptions are fairly expensive compared to the majority of providers in this list. By contrast, its rolling monthly subscription is cheaper than most.

ADVANCED AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is a highly advanced and fast VPN. It is perfect for watching HBO Max abroad or at work. It has apps for all platforms with reliable privacy features, including a kill switch, obfuscation, multi-hop, and AES encryption.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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8. PrivateVPN

works with hbo maxTested Dec 2024

PrivateVPN is a smaller but premium provider that packs a big punch. In addition to Max, it works well with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

The provider has servers in 63 countries, though the number in each is relatively modest — this is primarily because PrivateVPN owns them all. This is great for security.

In places like the US, there are servers in several cities. However, in a country like Brazil there may only be servers in one city. If this location goes down, then your virtual access to Brazil is temporarily removed.

For reference, PrivateVPN has servers in multiple locations for the following countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Sweden, the UK and the US. Unfortunately, it has no servers in the Caribbean.

In terms of its download speeds, PrivateVPN is fast enough for watching Max in your resolution of choice — provided you have a fast enough base connection speed. We carried out speed tests using a home broadband connection with an average download speed of 132.75 Mbps, which gave us plenty of wriggle room.

PrivateVPN apps are easy to use, and have two forms of the dashboard so as not to intimidate new users. The simple view has an ‘on’ button and an obvious way to change between servers.

The Advanced View contains more connection information and modification options. There’s a choice of OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP protocols; together with the option to change the level of encryption used. Reducing it from the default 256-bit AES to 128-bit AES can boost your download speeds by a few Mbps without making your connection insecure.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. These come with a system-wide and app-specific kill switch, port forwarding, and a Stealth VPN feature that obfuscates your traffic so that it can evade VPN blocks — even in countries like China.

DNS and IPv6 leak protection is enabled by default. We tested whether the provider also protected against IPv4 and WebRTC leaks — which it did.

Unlike other VPN companies, PrivateVPN acts as its own hosting provider. This reduces the likelihood of users’ data being exposed to malicious third parties. The PrivateVPN no-logs policy states that it doesn’t keep any records of users’ IP addresses or the servers they subsequently connect to.

Long-term PrivateVPN subscriptions are great value, with the introductory three-year deal lasting a year longer than the market average. This works out as $2 a month, which is also cheaper than other providers.

CUSTOMIZABLE CONNECTIONS:PrivateVPN is a simple-to-use VPN that’s cheap and can access multiple HBO Max content libraries. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

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How to Watch HBO Max With a VPN

Using a VPN to watch HBO Max is pretty straightforward. Streaming the platform from anywhere is a breeze once you’ve connected to a VPN server in a supported HBO Max country.

Here’s how to watch HBO Max with a VPN:

1. Sign up for one of the VPNs in this guide. We particularly recommend a NordVPN subscription. 
2. Download their app and install it on your device.
3. Run the VPN app and select a server location in the United States or another supported country. Hit the Connect button.
4. Now, you’ll need to sign up for HBO Max. This requires a US payment method with a US-based billing address.
5. Once you’re signed up and the VPN connection is established, open HBO Max and start watching!

If you’re using one of the VPNs we recommend but HBO Max is blocking it, try these troubleshooting steps:

– Clear your browser cache and cookies
– Try a different VPN server
– Contact your VPN provider’s customer support
– Try a different device or watch it in a browser

If none of the above works, let us know in the comments. Note that all of the VPNs we recommend come with generous money-back guarantees, so you can always switch to a different provider if your first choice doesn’t succeed.

Our HBO Max VPN testing methodology

Hundreds of VPNs are on the market but they were not all created equal. To find out how one VPN differs from another, we use a comprehensive testing process that examines every aspect of the VPN service and scores it accordingly. We focused on the following areas in order to find the best VPN for Max.

Speed

Although we have existing lab-based VPN speed data, we wanted to know what the average home user might expect from providers when connected to servers in regions where Max is available.

To do this, we tested each provider’s speeds in up to five countries (PrivateVPN doesn’t have servers in the Caribbean). We conducted tests using a home broadband connection with an average download speed of 132.75 Mbps. Measurements were taken using the desktop version of the Ookla speed testing app.

As you can see from the results, IPVanish was fastest in Portugal and Brazil, while ProtonVPN was fastest in Finland, the US, and the Caribbean.

We also took an average of these speeds, and from that, we can see that ProtonVPN Surfshark, IPVanish, and Nord VPN hold the top spots for consistent average speed, while CyberGhost’s poor US score dropped its average below the others. To make it easier to compare providers, we converted those average results to a score of ten. This gives the following visualization:

This shows that ProtonVPN was the fastest provider overall, with Surfshark, NordVPN, and IPVanish coming close behind, good options if you want to preserve your connection speed.

Streaming

Most people use more than one streaming platform. So while we wanted to know how VPNs performed with Max, we also scored providers on how well they were able to access other popular services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.  We also asked one of our resident experts to score each VPN based on their years of experience using them.

Combining these two scores gave us our overall streaming ability score. You can see how the VPNs compared below.

NordVPN was the best for streaming overall, followed by Surfshark and IPVanish. These providers give you access to multiple Max content libraries, as well as making it easy to explore geo-restricted content from other big-name streaming platforms.

Security & privacy

Not all VPNs are able to keep your connection private and secure, despite claims to the contrary. To find out which VPNs make the most effort to keep their users safe, we evaluate them on 15 different security and privacy criteria. You can see them all below.

We assign a score to each of the criteria to create an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.

If you want to be as safe as possible online, the best options are NordVPN and Surfshark. ProtonVPN also provides notably secure and private connections.

Ease of use

Anyone who wants to get on with streaming Max should pay attention to how easy each VPN’s service is to use. We evaluate this value using the ten criteria presented in the table below.

We score each of these criteria and then combine the results to create an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to visually compare providers.

NordVPN and IPVanish are the best overall options for a hassle-free VPN experience.

Value for money

Choosing the cheapest subscription doesn’t necessarily get you the best value for money. To find which VPNs best justified their costs, we evaluated them on eight different criteria. The results are shown below.

We score each metric and then combine them to produce a total score out of ten. We can use this overall score to easily compare providers.

Several of our recommended providers offer great value for money. However, Surfshark is the best of the lot, closely followed by IPVanish, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.

HBO VPNs: FAQs