5 Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2023

HBO Max (now known simply as Max in the US) is a popular streaming platform for quality TV shows, movies, documentaries, and originals. Though available in 60+ locations, HBO Max is geo-restricted for most countries. Plus, if you sign up for HBO Max in another country, you can’t stream it if you travel to the US, and you can’t access Max outside the US. 

Furthermore, because HBO Max US and Discovery+ recently merged to form Max in the US, there is now exclusive Discovery+ content available on Max. However, it's currently only available in the US library. Fortunately, you can easily bypass geo-restrictions by using a VPN for HBO Max. Simply connect to servers in HBO Max–supported regions to access their libraries or use a US server to watch Max.

In this article, we’ll present the best 5 VPNs for HBO Max and explain how to watch HBO Max with a VPN. We’ll also discuss why you need an HBO Max VPN, in which countries the streamer is available, how to troubleshoot errors, and more.

Best HBO Max VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for HBO Max
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for HBO Max with Extra Security
3. CyberGhost VPN – HBO Max VPN with Streaming-Optimized Servers
4. Private Internet Access – US VPN That Works with HBO Max
5. Surfshark – Incredibly Fast VPN for Streaming HBO Max

How to Watch HBO Max with a VPN

To watch HBO Max with a VPN, you should first find a VPN that works with both Max and HBO Max. Then, download and install it on your streaming device. Here are some easy steps to follow:

1. Sign up for a VPN that can unblock HBO Max (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your streaming device(s).
3. Launch the VPN app and sign in with your account.
4. Connect to any server in a region that supports HBO Max. 
5. That’s it! Now you can open HBO Max and start streaming. 

If you want to bypass geo-restrictions to access the most extensive Max library from outside the US, just connect to a server in the US. This will give you a US IP address so you can watch all the HBO Max US content from wherever you are—including the exclusive Discovery+ titles.

The Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2023

To choose the best VPN for HBO Max, stick to the criteria we established in our best streaming VPN article. First, the VPN should easily unblock HBO Max and Max, as well as other streaming services. It needs a vast server fleet covering the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and some European countries, so you can get access to different libraries.

Furthermore, the HBO Max VPN must have fast speeds and top-notch performance because streaming requires strong and stable connections. Obfuscated servers and a kill switch are musts, as are other robust security features like AES-256 encryption, strong VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy. 

In addition, the provider should support many different devices and offer native apps for them. Multiple simultaneous connections are important, too. Last but not least, your VPN needs to have a money-back guarantee and knowledgeable customer support for an issue-free experience.

Based on the criteria above, these are the 5 best VPNs for HBO Max:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for HBO Max

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max because it unblocks Max and HBO Max from everywhere, along with other streaming services. It has a huge fleet of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and covers the US, Latin American, the Caribbean, and Europe. This means you can easily access the exclusive Discovery+ content in the US Max library. 

There are obfuscated servers that turn on automatically to help you hide that you're using a VPN. You will also get the benefits of its kill switch feature, which will jump in immediately in case of a connection failure. 

Moving on, ExpressVPN prioritizes your online safety with robust AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy that goes under regular audits, and various VPN protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. 

This provider is compatible with many devices like smartphones, computers, tablets, routers, and more. It comes with dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. In total, you can connect up to 5 devices at once. 

Once you get HBO Max unblocked, ExpressVPN delivers lightning-fast speeds and reliable performance, which are crucial for a smooth streaming experience.

What’s more, ExpressVPN has reliable customer support, which can solve any issue that may arise. Lastly, this VPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to cancel your plan if you’re not satisfied and get a refund.

2. NordVPN – Best VPN for HBO Max with Extra Security

NordVPN is the second-best VPN for HBO Max. Due to its extensive server network that includes 5,700+ servers in 60 countries, this VPN can easily unblock HBO Max and Max US. By connecting to one of its servers in the US, Latin America, or Europe, you will be able to access regional HBO Max libraries, including the US Discovery+ content.

Your privacy will be front and center with NordVPN, as it offers obfuscated servers and a kill switch. This VPN for HBO Max also comes with an audited no-logs policy, a NordLynx protocol built around WireGuard, and military-grade encryption.  

NordVPN might not be as fast as ExpressVPN, but it indeed has medium-fast speeds and stable performance. What’s more, you’ll get an app for whatever iOS, macOS, Android, or Windows device you want to use. You can enjoy streaming Max on up to 6 simultaneous connections.

Last but not least, you can always contact NordVPN’s customer support, which is available via live chat. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that grants refunds if you don’t find the VPN’s services appealing. 

3. CyberGhost VPN – HBO Max VPN with Streaming Optimized Servers

CyberGhost has one of the biggest networks with 9,500+ servers in 91 countries, allowing you to unblock HBO Max & Max from everywhere. You can connect to its servers in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Europe to bypass all geo-restrictions. It effectively unblocks exclusive Discovery+ content in the Max US library, as well as other streamers.

While CyberGhost doesn’t have obfuscation, it comes with NoSpy servers that work similarly to allow you to hide your online activities. Moreover, this VPN has a kill switch feature that protects you if your VPN connection fails. 

CyberGhost has additional robust security features, such as AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a few VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2). Despite these protocols, CyberGhost is noticeably slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN. But this doesn’t mean you won’t get sufficient speeds and consistent overall performance to stream HBO Max.

Should CyberGhost be your choice of VPN for HBO Max, you can connect up to 7 simultaneous connections and download its apps for smartphones, PCs, tablets, routers, and more. 

CyberGhost has a 14-day money-back guarantee for its monthly plan and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee for all other plans. As a result, you can get a refund if you are unsatisfied. Lastly, you can contact the VPN’s customer support for any type of issue.

4. Private Internet Access – US VPN That Works with HBO Max

Private Internet Access (PIA) has thousands of servers in 84 countries. You can bypass all geo-restrictions and unblock Max and HBO Max from everywhere, along with other streaming streamers. This VPN has servers in all 50 US states, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe, enabling access to any libraries blocked in your region. 

Furthermore, its extensive US servers make PIA a great option to unblock Max’s US library and exclusive Discovery+ content. It’s also a top choice due to its obfuscated servers that hide VPN usage. Other security features include a kill switch, AES-265 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and different VPN protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN).

When it comes to streaming, fast speeds are obviously a must. Luckily, PIA has decent speeds and performs reliably. Still, it’s not as fast as the previous VPNs for HBO Max.  

Furthermore, PIA comes with native apps for various Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, allowing you to enjoy streaming on different mobile and desktop devices. But that’s not all! You will even get unlimited simultaneous connections. 

Lastly, PIA offers 24/7 customer support and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee contributing to a risk-free journey.

5. Surfshark – Incredibly Fast VPN for Streaming HBO Max

Surfshark has an extensive fleet of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries to effectively unblock Max and HBO Max from everywhere. Surfshark also works smoothly with other streaming platforms. There are servers in the US, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe, so you can access their regional libraries. You can even watch the Discovery+ content in the US.

If you want top-notch safety, Surfshark is perfect. It provides you with obfuscation to hide you’re using a VPN, as well as a reliable kill switch feature, which cuts your Internet if your VPN connection fails. What’s more, you’ll benefit from AES-256 encryption, the WireGuard protocol, and an independently audited no-logs policy. 

Surfshark provides you with blazing-fast speeds—second to ExpressVPN—and consistent connections, which is essential for streaming VPNs. In addition, it comes with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, meaning you can install Surfshark on any smart device like phones, computers, and more. You’ll also get unlimited simultaneous connections.

To wrap it up, Surfshark comes with reliable customer support, which is available 24/7, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. As a result, you can request a refund if you’re not satisfied with Surfshark’s services. 

Why Do You Need a VPN for HBO Max?

You need a VPN for HBO Max to stream it from unsupported countries and access regional libraries. Plus, if you try to stream Max from anywhere outside the US, the following message will pop up on your screen: “Max is Not Available in Your Region Yet.”

Other reasons why you need an HBO Max VPN include:

• Unblock HBO Max and Max from Anywhere – HBO Max is currently available in 61 locations, including some countries in Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. A VPN will give you unrestricted access when you connect to a VPN server near the HBO Max server of your choosing. Moreover, Max is only available in the US, so you’ll need to use a US server to access it from anywhere else.
• Access Discovery+ Content – If you want to access Max’s Discovery+ library, you need to be located in the USA or use a VPN with US servers to effectively bypass geo-restrictions.
• Bypass ISP Throttling – If you’re into binge-watching shows, then you might face ISP throttling. Your ISP can slow your speeds when it detects high data usage. Therefore, you need a VPN to hide your online activity.
• Enjoy Seamless Streaming – Overwhelmed network connections may result in HBO Max buffering. Use a VPN for HBO Max with various tunneling protocols to avoid this. You can selectively route your VPN traffic and choose which apps use the VPN.

When you use a VPN to unblock HBO Max, it tricks the streamer into thinking you’re located in a supported country. Simply connect to a server in any location where HBO Max is available. Obfuscation comes in handy for this because it will help bypass any VPN detection measures.

Where is HBO Max Available?

HBO Max is available in many Latin American, Caribbean, and European countries. Max is only available in the US. Here is a full list of available locations:

• Europe – Åland Islands, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Ceuta, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Hungary, Madeira, Melilla, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, and Sweden
• North America (as Max) – United States (including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands)
• Latin America – Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela
• Caribbean – Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos

HBO Max Not Working with a VPN? Do This!

Even if you use a reliable VPN provider, you may still encounter HBO Max issues. Here are some possible explanations along with a few helpful methods for troubleshooting if HBO Max isn’t working with your VPN:

• Switch to a Different Server – VPN servers can get overwhelmed by heavy traffic, which may result in HBO Max buffering. Choose a VPN with an extensive server range so you can easily switch servers. 
• Turn On Obfuscation – If HBO Max detects your VPN, it will block your access. To prevent this, you need to use a VPN that offers obfuscation. This will hide your VPN usage and trick HBO Max into thinking your VPN traffic is regular Internet traffic.
• Change VPN Protocols – VPNs often come with more than one VPN protocol. However, not all protocols are strong enough or offer the required streaming speed. We recommend WireGuard, as it supports streaming and provides impressive speeds. 
• Update VPN Software – Your VPN might not work with HBO Max if it has outdated software. You must regularly update your VPN, as software updates contain bug fixes and add new security patches. This will help avoid disruptions and deliver a smooth HBO Max experience. 
• Restart Your Device – Is your VPN not working after trying all these tips? If not, restart your device, then reconnect to your HBO Max VPN and try again.

Can You Use a Free VPN for HBO Max?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for HBO Max, but we don’t recommend it. Free VPNs usually come with severe risks, especially the less reputable ones. Due to this, they are unreliable and can leak your real location, which could result in a VPN block. 

Additionally, free VPN providers don’t offer advanced security features. Some even engage in selling your data to third parties, as this is their primary source of revenue flow. 

Furthermore, these providers have limited unblocking capabilities and can easily cause disruptions while you stream. Keep in mind that free VPNs also have limited bandwidth and storage, making them unsuitable for streaming that requires fast and consistent speeds.

Therefore, we recommend using a paid VPN, which you can choose from our list of the best VPN providers. As a result, you’ll get blazing-fast streaming speeds, robust security features, and extensive server fleets covering Max-supported locations.

Final Thoughts

HBO Max is very popular worldwide, but its access is limited to some Latin American, Caribbean, and European countries. Moreover, Max (and its Discover+ content) is only available in the US. Even residents of the supported countries can’t access HBO Max while traveling to restricted locations. Luckily, an HBO Max VPN will allow you to bypass all geo-restrictions.

We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for HBO Max. It has strong unblocking capabilities, advanced security features, ultra-fast and stable speeds, and many servers in Max-supported countries. With ExpressVPN, you’ll be able to unblock any HBO Max library, including exclusive Discovery+ content on Max in the US.

That's all for our guide to choosing a VPN for HBO Max. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!