How to Watch Hacks From Anywhere in 2024

The latest season of the Emmy-award-winning Hacks is looking to be just as funny as its predecessors, which is no small feat. Unfortunately, season 3 of Hacks is only coming out on a few platforms in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Theoretically, a VPN can change your IP address to let you watch Hacks even if you’re not in one of these countries. However, using a VPN like this goes against the terms and conditions of most streaming platforms. It can also constitute copyright infringement, so it’s not recommended.

That said, a VPN can still be useful for watching Hacks in HD (for example, if Max is blocked at your office or if your internet service provider tends to throttle your speeds while you’re streaming). ExpressVPN is my top choice for watching Hacks. It’s got fast speeds for watching episodes in high quality without buffering. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN without risk as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Watch Hacks in HD >>

Why You Need a VPN to Watch Hacks in HD

You can sometimes encounter connection problems when trying to watch Hacks online. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use speed throttling (they slow your connection if they detect that you’re streaming, to preserve bandwidth). Some local networks — like in schools or offices — can also restrict access to Max, TVNZ+, or other streaming sites.

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, solves these issues. By connecting to a VPN server, your traffic gets encrypted, making your activities unreadable to third parties. This prevents your ISP or network admin from seeing what websites or services you’re using, preventing speed throttling and local network restrictions. Whether you love or hate her, you’ll get to see the latest antics of Ava in HD without annoying buffering issues or access errors.

As a bonus, VPNs also protect your personal data online by encrypting your connection. The encryption makes it near-impossible for hackers to intercept your connection and steal your information. This is especially important if you like to stream using public WiFi hotspots, which are usually insecure and vulnerable to cyber threats.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Streaming Hacks in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

How to Watch Hacks on Max (HBO Max)

New seasons of Hacks premiere first on Max (formerly HBO Max). You can find the latest episodes of the series, including season 3, on this platform. Just note that Max is only available in the US. You won’t be able to sign up if you’re in another country (the site uses your IP address to detect where you are).

Here’s how to sign up for a Max subscription if you’re in the US:

1. Connect to a VPN

Use a VPN to keep your data safe during sign-up and payment. You’ll need to choose a service with local US servers you can connect to, as servers in other countries won’t work with Max. Look for a VPN with servers in your state for the best speeds (since your traffic won’t have far to travel to reach the server that way). I recommend ExpressVPN for its high-speed US servers and military-grade security features.

From NYC, I chose a New York server to safely pay for Max Image name: expressvpn-connection-to-watch-hacks

2. Go to the Max website or get the app

Visit the Max website to sign up. Alternatively, you can install the Max app on your mobile or smart TV and register through that.

Note that you’ll pay through the third-party store where you downloaded the app. Regardless of how you register though, you can stream Hacks via Max on any device.

3. Choose a subscription plan

Max offers 3 subscription tiers: With Ads, Ad-Free, and Ultimate Ad-Free. The ad and ad-free plans offer HD quality and the ability to watch shows on up to 2 devices at the same time. The ultimate subscription offers Ultra HD quality and up to 4 concurrent streaming devices.

You can pay every month or annually, with the annual plans working out a bit cheaper. Max does not offer refunds or free trials for subscriptions processed through its service (though, if you subscribe via a third-party store, the refund policy can differ).

Annual subscription lets you save a few months' worth of money

4. Create an account

Sign up with your email address and pick a password. Remember to use a strong password to protect your payment info.

Verify your address later by following the instructions in the email

5. Add a payment method

Max lets you pay with your credit card or PayPal. You need a US billing address to complete sign-up.

With this done, you're ready to watch the latest episodes of Hacks

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best VPNs to Watch Hacks in 2024

The right VPN helps you keep up with Ava’s development as a character without annoying buffering or connection issues. The services I selected have impressively fast servers around the world, intuitive apps for every device, and military-grade security features.

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest VPN to Watch Hacks in HD Without Slowdowns

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Tested July 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN boasts a high-speed server network for streaming without buffering across the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and more. Most VPNs slow you down due to the encryption, but I got great speeds while testing ExpressVPN’s servers. I averaged 236Mbps (only 7% slower than my usual 253Mbps — more than fast enough for 4k streaming). The VPN gives you unlimited bandwidth too, so you can watch all seasons of Hacks in UHD without buffering.

You can connect to the US server to watch TV series on Max

ExpressVPN works well with platforms that air Hacks, like TVNZ+ and Max. Its military-grade encryption keeps your payment info safe, while also stopping your ISP or network admin from slowing you down. The split tunneling feature lets you pick which apps use the VPN too. You can stream Hacks in HD via the Max app while the rest of your apps (like online banking) use your regular internet connection — so unlike Deborah with her work and personal life, you can separate your VPN and regular internet activity.

My only complaint is the high price. On the plus side, ExpressVPN regularly offers excellent deals. After signing up for a year, I got 49% off and 3 extra months for free, so I only paid $6.67/month. The apps were straightforward to install with no extra configuration — you can start watching Hacks in minutes. Besides, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for up to 30 days. If it doesn’t meet your criteria, just get a refund via the 24/7 live chat.

2. CyberGhost — Easy-to-Use Apps to Stream Hacks on All Popular Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s intuitive apps make streaming Hacks (and other Mike Schur shows) stress-free. The VPN allows up to 7 simultaneous connections from one account. So, you can stream on desktops, iOS, Android, and smart TVs or streaming devices (like Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Fire Stick). The VPN also offers streaming-optimized servers for Max, YouTube, Stan, and more. I had no connection problems while testing CyberGhost’s Max server from NYC, so I could watch Deborah struggle to connect with her audience without issue.

The VPN has servers dedicated to streaming platforms with Hacks

While it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is still more than quick enough for HD streaming. The monthly subscriptions are a bit expensive and only give you 14 days to claim a refund, though. That said, CyberGhost has affordable long-term plans with an extended 45-day guarantee. So, there’s no risk in trying it out to watch the new season of Hacks.

3. Private Internet Access — Extensive Server Network Across the US, Ideal for Reliably Streaming Hacks

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a huge number of servers — 29,650 across 91 countries to be exact. This includes plenty of options in the countries where Hacks is available to watch. Its number of US servers is particularly noteworthy, as it’s the only VPN on this list to have a server in every state. So, no matter where you are located in the States, you’ll have multiple closeby servers to choose from.

The above is just a small selection of PIA's total US servers

PIA also allows you to customize your encryption for speed or security. For example, I got the best speeds while testing PIA’s faster AES 128-bit encryption. The only downside is that the configurations can be complex if you’re new to VPNs. Still, the default settings are ideal for streaming so you can ignore the more complicated bits. Plus, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always get your money back if you don’t like the app.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching Hacks

I applied rigorous review criteria to test VPNs for streaming Hacks. Myself and my team first verified that each VPN works with the platforms that stream the series, including Max, Amazon Prime Video, and TVNZ+. My global team then tests the speeds of their local servers on different days and times to make sure you can reliably stream without buffering issues. We also always check if these VPNs protect your data and location and if they can avoid network restrictions.

Where Can I Watch Hacks Online?

If you’re in the US, the easiest place to watch the latest widely-anticipated episodes of Hacks is Max (formerly HBO Max). Just note that you can’t watch Max if you’re outside the US. The platform blocks you if it detects that you’re not in the States.

You need a US-based IP address to watch Hacks on Max

If you live outside of the US, it’s possible to watch Hacks without a Max subscription too. Plenty of international streamers carry the show. You can even watch Hacks for free on TVNZ+ — but only if you have a New Zealand IP address.

Here’s a full list of the streaming platforms that show Hacks, along with where you can watch them and how much they cost:

FAQs on Watching Hacks With a VPN

Is it legal to watch Hacks with a VPN?

In most cases, yes. VPNs are legal in most countries and are a good idea — they keep your sensitive information safe while streaming. However, a small number of restrictive countries such as China and Russia restrict or outright ban VPNs. Always check your local laws regarding VPNs before using one to stream Hacks.

In addition, a VPN with a global server network can change your IP address, hypothetically allowing you to stream geoblocked content (like watching Hacks outside the US). However, doing so usually breaches copyright laws (as well as the streaming platform's terms of service) so it’s not recommended.

How do I download Hacks episodes for offline viewing?

Some streaming platforms like Max let you download episodes for offline viewing. Simply sign up for or log in to a Max account and click the download icon next to the episode title. The Max app for Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire devices allows you to download 25 episodes (100 on the Ultimate plan).

What is the release date for the new Hacks season?

The first 2 episodes of Hacks season 3 premiere on May 2, 2024, after a long hiatus due to the writers’ strike. There’ll be 9 episodes overall, with new episodes coming out in pairs on Thursdays — culminating in the season finale on May 30. You can watch the new series on multiple streaming platforms, including Max in the US, Stan in Australia, TVNZ+ in Zealand, and more.

The new series sees fan-favorites Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder reprise their roles as Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels respectively. They’ll also be joined by returning cast favorites Paul W. Downs, Mark Indelicato, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Megan Stalter, Kaitlin Olson, and Christopher McDonald.

Where can I watch the trailer for the new series of Hacks?

The official trailer for Hacks season 3 is available on Max or YouTube. Simply log in to your Max account to see the trailer, along with other promotional and behind-the-scenes materials.

Can I watch the Hacks series for free?

Yes, you can watch Hacks for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand. TVNZ is a free, legal platform that streams all seasons of Hacks. In Australia, you can watch Hacks free on Stan using the 30-day trial. If you’re in the US, some Cricket Wireless plans include a free streaming subscription to Max, while AT&T Unlimited Elite mobile subscribers also get Max included in their plan, allowing you to effectively watch Hacks for free.

To summarize, the best VPNs to watch Hacks reliably are…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 83%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 82%!

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