How to Watch HBO Max From Anywhere in 2023: Easy Guide

Accessing HBO Max from abroad can be tricky since it's only available in a handful of locations. Even if you already have an account, you still encounter geoblocks when you attempt to stream from a location where HBO Max isn’t licensed.

The easiest way to watch it from anywhere is with a VPN. A VPN is a simple app that lets you change your online location in a couple of clicks. With it, you can connect to a server where HBO Max is available (like the US). This makes it look like you’re streaming from a licensed location, so HBO Max won’t block you.

I tested over 30 VPNs with HBO Max, and ExpressVPN worked the best. It has fast speeds, and a large server network, and works reliably for accessing HBO Max’s full library from anywhere. You can also test ExpressVPN with HBO Max risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you can easily claim a refund.

Watch HBO Max With ExpressVPN

Why You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max

Due to licensing agreements and broadcasting restrictions, HBO Max is only available in some countries, including the US, Brazil, Spain, and Sweden. This means it will block you from watching shows if you're outside the licensed regions. To determine your location, the platform looks at your IP address and decides whether to grant you access.

A VPN replaces your real IP address with one from another country to make it look like you’re in that location. For example, connecting to a US server makes it appear as if you’re accessing HBO Max from the US. This way, if you're traveling outside your home region or somewhere HBO Max isn't available, you'll still be able to watch it without restrictions.

Watch HBO Max With ExpressVPN

Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max From Anywhere in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN With Super Fast Speeds to Watch HBO Max in UHD

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs, so it's perfect for streaming in Ultra HD on HBO Max. I tested 5 of its US servers and my download speeds averaged 48.5 Mbps (only 7% slower than my starting speed). You only need 25 Mbps to enjoy lag-free Ultra HD streaming, so I could watch Euphoria in crisp, clear quality for hours without slowdowns.

Its proprietary Lightway protocol is recommended for streaming HBO Max; it's designed to prevent speed loss

Thanks to its network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you can easily access HBO Max from anywhere. It has connections in most of HBO Max’s licensed countries, so you can always find one that’s not crowded. While testing I used its global servers to watch content from the US, Sweden, Spain, and Brazil.

It has apps for the most popular devices — including streaming devices, like Fire Stick. In addition, ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS (MediaStreamer) lets you watch HBO Max on devices that don’t support VPNs. This includes smart TVs and gaming consoles. The process is pretty straightforward and took me less than 5 minutes to set it up on my Samsung smart TV. You just need to paste the given DNS code into your TV’s network settings and you’re ready to watch HBO Max on your big screen.

The only slight issue with ExpressVPN is its higher prices starting at $6.67/month for a long-term plan. There are also short-term options, but they will cost you more overall. Luckily, when I signed up for its long-term plan, I was able to get 49% off my subscription, making it a pretty good deal.

ExpressVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free. If It's not right for you, then you have 30-days to request a refund. I tested this policy after using the VPN for 3 weeks, and it was hassle-free using the 24/7 live chat. They quickly approved my request, and it only took 4 days to get my money back.

Watch HBO Max With ExpressVPN

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming HBO Max Reliably

CyberGhost has 9,753 servers worldwide, including optimized ones that reliably unblock HBO Max. You can find these when you click on the ‘For streaming’ tab in the app and type “HBO Max” in the search bar. CyberGhost tests and updates these regularly to be sure you can depend on them. I tested HBO Max servers in Sweden and the US and could access the site on each attempt with no issues.

CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers let you watch HBO Max from several regions

Thanks to its user-friendly interface, this VPN is also an excellent choice for beginners. It only took me 2 minutes to download and install it on my Fire TV; finding and connecting to a server took only a few seconds. I liked that there is no manual configuration required, as CyberGhost automatically selects the fastest protocol and best settings for streaming by default.

Although I got an average of 40.34 Mbps with its US servers (23% drop), the European servers (which are further from me) were not so fast. My average in Sweden and Spain was just 21.32 Mbps (60% drop), but this was only noticeable in loading times between episodes. Luckily, it was always fast enough for HD since only 5 Mbps are required for it.

CyberGhost’s long-term plan is pretty affordable — you can get it for just $2.19/month. It has the same features as the shorter plans, plus, you can get a dedicated IP address for a few bucks more per month. This is an IP that only you can use, so HBO Max will be less likely to detect that you’re using a VPN.

This plan also comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than most VPNs. I tested it and didn't have any issues canceling my subscription within the timeframe. I just had to answer a few simple questions, and I got my money back in 5 days.

Watch HBO Max With CyberGhost

3. Private Internet Access — A Wide Server Network for Streaming HBO Max From Anywhere

Private Internet Access (PIA) has one of the biggest server networks, including servers in all US states. This means you can always find a server that isn’t overcrowded and hence your speeds will be good for streaming. I tested 5 US servers and each one unblocked HBO Max within seconds. My connection was reliable and I didn’t have any disconnections. It also offers streaming-optimized servers but they differ from CyberGhost’s in that they’re not specifically dedicated to HBO Max.

You can access HBO Max on a wide array of devices — PIA offers support for Fire Stick, Roku, and more

It's fast, so you can enjoy HBO Max without buffering. During my tests, I recorded an average download speed of 44.5 Mbps across the 5 US servers. Although it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, these speeds are still impressive since I’m over 10,000 miles from the servers. I expected the distance to reduce my speed significantly. It was only a 15% speed loss overall, which didn’t make a noticeable difference.

My only complaint is that its app comes with too many customization options, which can be a bit overwhelming for new users. However, the app comes pre-configured with the best settings for streaming, so you don’t have to change anything to watch HBO Max.

It has multiple plans to choose from, but they all offer the same features. The long-term plan offers the best value at just $2.19/month. Plus, I got 1 free year of encrypted cloud storage when I signed up.

Since PIA comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it out with HBO Max before you commit. To test this, I contacted customer support via live chat to cancel my subscription. The sales agent didn't pressure me to stay and just asked for a reason to cancel. I had my money back in my account after 5 days.

Watch HBO Max With PIA

4. NordVPN — SmartPlay to Access HBO Max Without Changing Settings

SmartPlay lets you quickly bypass geoblocks with ease. It’s integrated into the app, and automatically changes your DNS and masks your IP. This means sites like HBO think you’re in a permitted region, and you can watch your favorite shows without any extra setup. I also tested NordVPN’s SmartDNS feature — this let me access HBO Max on my smart TV (no native app) simply by entering the DNS details provided.

Obfuscated servers help you avoid VPN detection

NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, NordLynx, balances security with impressive speeds. Based on the WireGuard protocol, it’s fast enough to maintain speeds close to your base level. On the US servers (while watching House of the Dragon) I only had a 22% drop at most. Even on distant European servers, I could still watch without buffering.

There are ample worldwide servers, including 15 US locations — it’s easy to get a new IP. HBO Max worked with each IP I tried, and the obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. The app is easy to navigate, so if you find one server problematic, there are plenty of others to use instead.

One hitch was that a few servers took too long to connect. For example, a New York server took almost 20 seconds to establish a connection. However, this wasn’t an issue as the alternative servers I tried connected much sooner.

You can get a NordVPN subscription from $3.49/month. I recommend getting the 2-year plan for the best value. There are shorter plans (like a monthly one), but you don’t gain anything.

All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can get a refund without any hassle if you want to. I logged into 24/7 live chat and asked for my money back after canceling. My initial fee was reimbursed to my bank account within 6 days.

Watch HBO Max With NordVPN

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections to Watch HBO Max on as Many Devices as You Like

Surfshark gives you unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use the HBO Max app on multiple devices. I connected 7 devices in my Surfshark tests without any slowdowns (including my smart TV, iPhone, and Windows Laptop). If you like to stream on different devices away from home, this means you don’t have to sign out of Surfshark on the ones already in use.

Regardless of how many devices I connected, my speeds remained high

Smart DNS means you can still bypass geoblocks on devices that don’t support VPN apps. Using the DNS information provided on the Surfshark website, I accessed HBO Max on my Sony smart TV. Although it doesn’t provide security benefits, if you’re just looking to unblock content it’s an easy solution.

Servers are spread across 100 countries, so it’s easy to grab a new IP for HBO Max. I loaded up The Staircase and watched 3 episodes without any buffering. Speeds were great too — at worst I saw a 26% drop but it had no impact on streaming.

It’s a bit frustrating that there aren’t any streaming-optimized servers. Luckily, they weren’t needed as the regular servers I tried did a great job of changing my IP. HBO Max worked just as well as when I’m in the US.

Surfshark subscriptions are available from $2.30/month. I recommend the 2-year plan as it’s the most cost-effective option. The more expensive (shorter) plans have all the same features.

You can effectively try Surfshark for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t quite work out, it’s not a problem. I used the 24/7 chat to ask for a refund, and only had to answer a few quick questions. My money was credited back to my credit card within the week.

Watch HBO Max With Surfshark

How to Watch HBO Max On Any Device With a VPN

Computers and Smartphones

You can watch HBO Max on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices with a VPN just by installing the VPN app on your corresponding device.

1. Download a good VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has reliable servers that work reliably with HBO Max and lightning-fast speeds for HD streaming. To download the VPN app on your phone, go to the respective app store. For computers, go to the VPN’s website and download the installation file from there. Signing up for ExpressVPN only takes a few minutes
2. Connect to a server. I usually connect to the US since HBO Max’s largest library is there. However, you can choose a server in any of the countries where it’s available for different region-exclusive content. The fastest server is usually the closest one to you
3. Sign in to your HBO Max account. For smartphones, open your HBO Max app. For computers, go to the HBO Max website. There are a few methods for signing up for HBO Max US from anywhere
4. Pick your show and start streaming! For quicker access, you can "favorite" your go-to HBO Max server with ExpressVPN

Streaming Devices, Smart TVs, and Gaming Consoles

HBO Max is also available on several streaming devices, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. These include Amazon Fire TV Stick, Samsung TVs, LG TVs, Apple TV, Roku players, PlayStations, and more.

However, not all of these devices support native VPN apps, so to watch HBO Max on them, you’ll need to connect your VPN to a router. That way, all of your devices on the same network will be connected to the VPN.

1. Get a VPN that supports routers. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s one of the rare VPNs that come with a router app that makes it very easy to install and use from your router.
2. Download the router firmware. Go to your account dashboard, select your router, and click “Download Firmware”.
3. Connect your router to the internet. After you connect it, you can install the ExpressVPN firmware.
4. Select a server from the router app. Choose a server where HBO Max is available.
5. Install the HBO Max app. Search for the HBO Max app on your device and choose your favorite show.

You can also use a Smart DNS feature like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer. As long as your device lets you edit network settings, you can use Smart DNS to slightly tweak your DNS settings to allow you to stream HBO Max US without a complicated router setup. Not all VPNs offer a feature like this, so this is another reason why I chose ExpressVPN as the best overall.

If your VPN has a native app for Fire Stick or some smart TVs, the process of installing it is similar to that for smartphones and desktops.

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How to Sign Up for HBO Max US From Anywhere

A US payment method and US-based billing address is required to sign up for HBO Max US. This isn’t an issue when signing up for HBO Max in other licensed locations. It doesn’t prompt for an address (like HBO Max US) and accepts payment methods from various locations.

You also need to change your virtual location, and a VPN is the best way to do so. I recommend using ExpressVPN; it’s the VPN I used while testing these methods. It has tons of US servers that work reliably with HBO Max.

If you don’t have a US payment method or address, the following methods will help. The prepaid credit card route is the easiest — it’s straightforward and has the least amount of steps.

Get a Prepaid Credit Card

You can pay for HBO Max US using a US-issued prepaid card. It works like a credit card, but instead, you transfer funds to the account and can only use what is in your balance. To sign up for HBO Max with a US prepaid card, take the following steps:

1. Connect to a US server. This way, it will appear to HBO Max as if you’re accessing the site from the US so you can sign up and stream the content in that location.
2. Visit a prepaid card site. I recommend StatesCard for quick and easy setup. Follow the prompts to enter your details (like address, phone number, and email). You’ll likely have to verify your email to confirm the account creation.
3. Add funds to your card. Once your account is set up, revisit the site to transfer funds to your digital prepaid card so you can pay for your HBO Max subscription.
4. Sign up for HBO Max. Go to the main website and click “SIGN UP NOW” in the top right corner. Then, choose a plan, enter your email, create a password, and click “Create Account”.
5. Add your payment method. HBO Max will prompt you to enter payment via either PayPal or a credit card. Click “Credit/Debit” and proceed to enter your new prepaid card details.
6. Start streaming HBO Max. You now have access to the entire US library and are ready to stream. Keep in mind that you’ll need to keep your VPN connected to a US server every time you want to use your new HBO Max account.

Sign Up For HBO Max With ExpressVPN

Create a new Apple ID

You can change your Apple ID to the US and sign up with a gift card in the same location.

1. Connect your VPN to the US. I used ExpressVPN’s Miami 2 server, since it’s the closest to my location and gave me the fastest speeds for streaming.
2. Go into your account. Open the iTunes app and click “Account” > “View My Account”. You may need to sign in.
3. Change your country or region. Navigate to the Account Information page and click “Change Country or Region”. Choose the US.
4. Skip adding a payment method. When you’re asked to include payment information, select “None”.
5. Enter an address. You’ll need to provide an address in the new country. You can ask relatives or friends in the US to help you with this step.
6. Buy a gift card. Get an iTunes gift card online in an amount that will pay for your HBO Max subscription. Note the gift card code.
7. Redeem your gift card. Visit the Apple App Store, sign in using your new credentials (if needed), and click the redeem button at the bottom of the screen. Then, enter the provided gift card code.
8. Sign up and start streaming. Download and sign up for HBO Max through the Apple App Store. Your subscription will be billed to the iTunes gift card you provided. Then, you’re ready to begin streaming.

Open a US Google Play account

For Android users, creating a US Google Play account will allow you to sign up for HBO Max US. To do so, take the following steps:

1. Connect to a US server. Choose a VPN connection from anywhere in the US to get access to HBO Max’s US site.
2. Navigate to your Android’s settings. Tap “Google” and then the arrow next to your existing account.
3. Add a new account. Click where it says “Add Another Account”. Enter your information, being careful not to give location-specific details.
4. Buy a US Google Play gift card. You can get one through Amazon. Check your email (the email address assigned to your new Google Play account). Your gift card will arrive there. Copy the code.
5. Redeem your gift card. In the Google Store, go to “Payments and subscriptions” and paste the emailed code to redeem it. You may have to enter a US ZIP code.
6. Install the HBO Max app. Search for the app through the Google Play Store, download it, and sign up for HBO Max using your gift card balance.
7. Watch HBO Max US from anywhere. Enjoy a vast library of shows and movies, wherever you are.

Access HBO Max US With ExpressVPN

FAQs on Watching HBO Max With a VPN

What should I do if I can't access HBO Max with a VPN?

A few simple tricks can help get your VPN working with the platform. However, for your VPN to access HBO Max, it needs strong unblocking abilities and servers in the location you wish to stream from. All the VPNs I recommended were reliable for watching HBO Max during testing. Listed below are a few tips for getting your VPN to work with the platform:

• Connect to a different server. Servers sometimes get discovered and blacklisted by the platform. Try using a different connection in the same location.
• Clear your cache. HBO Max uses cookies to track your location. Your browser won’t give away your real location when you clear this data in the browser’s settings. If this doesn’t help, try opening a private window or using Incognito mode.
• Access HBO Max via a different method. If you’re using the app, try using the HBO Max website instead, and vice versa. You can also try streaming via a different device. In addition, you can try your VPN's browser extension (if available), or manually install it.
• Make sure your VPN is updated. As geoblocks continue to get stronger, VPN technology continues to improve to keep up with this. Check that you're running your VPN's most recent update to ensure you're utilizing its full unblocking abilities.
• Ask your VPN’s support for help. Reputable VPNs usually offer 24/7 live support — a rep may be able to recommend a server or other tips for overcoming HBO Max’s geoblocks.
• Enable security settings. Ensure that your VPN’s leak protection and kill switch are enabled. These features protect your real location from being exposed to HBO Max when you visit the site. You can also use a free online tool to check for DNS/IP leaks — if the VPN is leaking your location, you may want to consider switching services.

Can I get HBO Max through Hulu or Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, you can. It’s available through a Hulu subscription, and on Prime Video you can access select HBO content for an extra cost. All of Hulu's content is restricted to the US, so you’ll need a VPN with servers in the US to sign up for HBO Max via Hulu. Since Amazon Prime Video is available in many locations, you can just sign in to your regular account and see what's available, but it won’t provide you with access to all of HBO Max's originals.

What devices can I watch HBO Max on with a VPN?

You can watch HBO Max with a VPN on any device where the platform is available, including:

• Smartphones and tablets: Android and iOS devices, Fire tablets, and more
• Desktops/laptops: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook
• Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung TV, Android TV
• Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV
• Gaming consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One.

Not all of these devices support native VPN apps, including some smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. However, you can still install the VPN on any device by configuring it on your router. Or you can use your VPN’s Smart DNS feature if it offers one, like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer.

Can I use a free VPN to unblock HBO Max?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. Not only do most free VPNs fail to unblock HBO Max, but they also come with several hidden downsides. It’s simply not worth the trouble when you can easily get a low-cost premium VPN with a money-back guarantee.

Several free VPNs I tested gave me slow speeds, making the streaming experience quite frustrating and almost impossible. This can be due to their small server networks that often get overcrowded. They also impose data caps — sometimes as low as 500MB per month, which means you can barely watch a single episode of your favorite HBO Max show.

The most concerning part is that most free VPNs make money by selling your data to third parties. This leads to annoying ads and pop-ups, which sometimes contain malware.

Is it illegal to use a VPN to access HBO Max?

Not in most countries, but there’s more to it. Accessing HBO Max with a VPN is legal, as long as VPNs are allowed in the country you’re streaming from. In countries with strict censorship (like China and the UAE), VPN use is either banned entirely or limited.

For example, China only allows government-approved VPNs, which are heavily monitored, so most people go for other options. However, not all VPNs work there. ExpressVPN is one of the only ones that reliably work in China. There hasn’t been a case of a tourist getting fined for using any VPN there yet. Nevertheless, I advise you to check and respect each country’s laws before deciding to use one.

Also, using a VPN goes against HBO Max’s terms and conditions, which is why you’ll get an error message if it detects your VPN. But the platform blocks the VPNs’ IPs to solve this rather than punish its paying customers.

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Start Watching HBO Max Now

You don’t want to miss out on House of the Dragon just because you’re abroad. If you’re unable to access HBO Max from your location, a reliable VPN can help. It redirects your internet traffic through a server in another location, making it look like you’re in an HBO Max location.

After testing tons of VPNs, ExpressVPN is my top pick for HBO Max. With its fast speeds and extensive server network, you can easily keep up with your favorite shows while traveling. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you test ExpressVPN out with HBO Max risk-free. If it’s not for you, you can get a refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for watching HBO Max are…