How to Watch HBO Max in Germany in 2024

Don’t know where to watch The Last of Us or House of the Dragon? Well, HBO Max (recently rebranded as Max) has both, along with other award-winning titles and a host of Discovery+ content. But while it’s available in 60+ territories, an exclusivity deal between Sky and Warner Brothers means you can’t watch HBO Max in Germany.

Moreover, if you already have an account, the content you can access on HBO Max will be different in every country. You can avoid all these geo-restrictions by using a VPN to change your location. This will make it look like you're in a supported region, so you can get HBO Max.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to watch HBO Max in Germany, explain why you need a VPN, and present a few providers that can unblock HBO Max without a hitch. We’ll also teach you how to pay for the service outside the US, provide pricing and a quick watch guide, and share how to get HBO Max on all your devices. Lastly, we'll answer some FAQs at the end.

How to Watch HBO Max in Germany

To watch HBO Max in Germany, you should unblock the US Max service, as it has a more complete library than other countries. The easiest way to accomplish this is by changing your IP address with a VPN, like in the guide below:

1. Get a VPN that can unblock Max in Germany (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the VPN app and connect to the US.
3. Go to the HBO Max website and click “Sign Up Now.”

4. Choose a plan and click “Continue.”

5. Enter your email and create a password.

6. Choose how to pay (US PayPal or debit/credit card).

7. Add your payment details, then click “Start Subscription.”

8. Pick a show or movie and enjoy Max in Germany!

HBO Max requires a valid US form of payment. For those of you without one, later on in the article, we’ll show you 4 other methods to subscribe to Max: US iTunes or Google Play gift cards, a US virtual credit card, or a borrowed US PayPal account.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in Germany?

You need a VPN to watch HBO Max in Germany because it won’t be available in the country for at least a few more years. Why, you ask? Well, Max’s parent company has an exclusive deal with Sky Group in Germany, Italy, and the UK, so they can’t launch there just yet.

Trying to access Max in Germany will result in the following geo-block error: “Max Is Not Available in Your Region. To learn more about where you can stream Max or to get troubleshooting tips, visit our Help Center.”

If you want to watch HBO Max outside the US, you’ll have to use a VPN to change your IP address. Basically, what that does is make services like HBO Max think you’re physically located in the country you’re connected to. In this case, you’ll want to connect to the US to get the unfiltered Max experience.

We do have to mention that only a few VPNs can unblock HBO Max, though. Most streaming sites know people try to get around their regional restrictions and block VPN IPs as a result. Thus, you'll need the best VPN for HBO Max to avoid any issues. We recommend using NordVPN because it's blazing fast, it has thousands of US servers, and it easily unblocks Max no matter your location.

The Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in Germany

The VPN you choose should provide everything you need to unblock Max in Germany, along with other streaming services. Things like obfuscation (to hide your VPN usage) and plentiful servers in the US (and worldwide) are necessary for a top-notch streaming VPN.

Of course, the VPN must deliver incredible speeds and performance anywhere in the world. Look for a kill switch to keep your location hidden in case of disconnections. Plus, you'll need strong AES-256 encryption and the best protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard to safeguard against hackers. Get a VPN with a strict no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about privacy either.

For your streaming convenience, the VPN needs to allow enough simultaneous connections and work on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, and more. Finally, you’ll need a trustworthy money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat, just in case there are any issues.

Based on the criteria listed above, these are the best VPNs for unblocking US HBO Max in Germany in 2024:

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Germany
2. Surfshark - Get HBO Max in Germany with Full Network Obfuscation
3. ExpressVPN - Secure VPN for Streaming HBO Max Anywhere
4. CyberGhost VPN - Unblock HBO Max in Germany on a Budget

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Germany

NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming HBO Max in Germany because it can easily unblock Max from anywhere. Its SmartPlay feature effortlessly bypasses geo-blocks by switching DNS servers on the go. And with 6,000+ servers in 61 countries globally (and 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations), you’re spoiled for choices when it comes to streaming.

This VPN also works well with any other streaming services around the world. Since NordVPN is one of the fastest providers on the market, you can expect top-notch speeds and incredible performance, even while connected to remote servers. During our in-depth tests, we could stream Max in HD and crisp 4K with no buffering or dips in quality.

NordVPN’s fleet includes useful obfuscated servers to conceal your VPN usage online. Otherwise, you can customize the kill switch to disable traffic to specific apps (like HBO Max) if the VPN disconnects. This way, you don’t interrupt any downloads or other background activities.

NordVPN guarantees your data privacy through third-party audits of their zero-logs policy. They also use advanced encryption like AES-256 with protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec to keep your data secure against cyber threats. There's also the proprietary NordLynx (with the ChaCha20 cipher), which is great for streaming.

You can install NordVPN on most popular systems out there: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, you name it. Also, you can connect up to 6 devices at once with a single subscription, ideal for streaming Max, online gaming, and more.

NordVPN offers round-the-clock live chat support, plus a flexible 30-day money-back policy, allowing you to explore other VPNs before committing to a full subscription.

2. Surfshark - Get HBO Max in Germany with Full Network Obfuscation

Surfshark made our list, of course, because it easily unblocks HBO Max in Germany, along with any other streaming services you want to watch. This is possible thanks to its 600+ US servers in 25 cities, which are part of its overall network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Even better, all of them are obfuscated.

This provider delivers blazing-fast speeds and consistent performance, regardless of which server you connect to. We tested US servers to make sure we could stream Max in 4K, as well as many other locations around the world. It didn't matter whether the servers were close to us or not because connection speeds were comparable on all of them.

Surfshark comes with excellent privacy-focused features like a kill switch and an audited no-logs policy. On the security side of things, you'll get protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption pairings.

The VPN can be installed on all popular streaming devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. It also works well with routers. Surfshark is a great choice for larger households and subscription sharing because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

You can thoroughly test Surfshark because it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it's not the right fit or you need any assistance otherwise, their customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

3. ExpressVPN - Secure VPN for Streaming HBO Max Anywhere

ExpressVPN is another solid option that can unblock HBO Max from anywhere thanks to its fully obfuscated server network. With over 3,000 servers spanning 105 countries, including servers in 24 US locations, accessing HBO Max and many other streaming sites becomes a breeze.

Impressively, ExpressVPN’s exceptional speeds and performance remain consistent whether you’re streaming in Germany or from abroad. Even better, the provider’s obfuscation technology has no noticeable impact on your streaming speeds.

In case of disconnections, ExpressVPN offers a dependable kill switch that temporarily switches off Internet traffic until the VPN connection is re-established. Moreover, the provider’s no-logs policy has undergone (and successfully passed) multiple independent audits.

Your data is kept safe by tried-and-tested protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, featuring robust AES-256 encryption. Or, you can try out ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol (WolfSSL-enabled) for a more lightweight experience without sacrificing security.

ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, from computers to smart TVs, phones, tablets, and everything in between. You can even get VPN capabilities on your PlayStation, streaming boxes, and other smart gadgets, provided you have a compatible router for it.

Conveniently, ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections. This works well for Max’s 4-screen limit, with plenty left over for other activities. Finally, you get a generous 30-day money-back guarantee on any plan, plus 24/7 support through live chat for any issues.

4. CyberGhost VPN - Unblock HBO Max in Germany on a Budget

CyberGhost VPN comes with a massive network that can unblock HBO Max in Germany and 40+ other popular services around the world. It has 11,000+ servers in 100 countries, which includes 2,100+ in 11 US cities. On top of that, many of them are optimized for streaming.

While it's not the fastest option, CyberGhost is still delivers decent speeds and stable performance overall and great for streaming Max in Germany. They also provide great value through their budget plans, so no complaints there.

Notably, CyberGhost lacks obfuscation, but it still effectively unblocks every streaming site advertised on its website. It also has an always-on kill switch, so you never risk exposing your IP to any of these services.

As with other top-tier providers, CyberGhost maintains a strict no-logs policy with an audit to prove their claims are legit. Naturally, you have the most secure encryption protocols at your disposal, such as AES-256-enabled OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec, and lightweight, ChaCha20-encrypted WireGuard.

With CyberGhost, you can enjoy up to 7 simultaneous connections, making it a great option for multi-device streaming on HBO Max, secure web browsing, and so on. You can install the VPN on Windows, macOS, Android (and Android TV), iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

Opting for longer subscriptions gets you an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more than enough to test the ins and outs of the VPN. Plus, there's 24/7 live chat support for any issues you encounter.  

How Much is an HBO Max Subscription in Germany?

As you can’t get an HBO Max subscription in Germany, the monthly options for the US version range from $9.99 (€9.26) per month for the "With Ads" plan to $19.99 (€18.54) per month for the Ultimate Ad-Free plan. For the yearly plans, you’re looking at anywhere from $99.99 (€92.73) to $199.99 (€185.47), respectively.

Here’s a table with the pricing for the US Max service in both US Dollars and Euros: 

Subscription	Price in USD	Price in Euros	Features
With Ads	$9.99/month ($99.99/year)	€9.26/month (€92.73/year)	- 2-screen limit - Watch titles in full HD
Ad-Free	$15.99/month ($149.99/year)	€14.83/month (€139.10/year)	- 2-screen limit - Watch titles in full HD - 30 downloads to watch on the go
Ultimate Ad-Free	$19.99/month ($199.99/year)	€18.54/month (€185.47/year)	- 4-screen limit - 4K video - Dolby Atmos audio - 100 downloads for offline viewing

How to Pay for an HBO Max Subscription in Germany

Paying for an HBO Max subscription in Germany can seem tricky if you don't have a US credit or debit card. However, there are 4 other methods you can try. First, you can get a US Apple ID or Google account and top them off with their respective stores gift cards. Or, you can register for a virtual credit card or borrow a friend’s US PayPal account. More details below.

Method 1: Get an HBO Max Subscription with an iTunes Gift Card

Neither Max nor HBO Max have separate gift cards at the moment. However, you can get an iTunes gift card to pay for a subscription. Just remember you’ll need a US VPN and a separate US Apple ID for this to work. Full steps below:

1. Get a VPN that can unblock HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN on your Apple device, then launch it.
3. Connect to a US server using the VPN app.
4. Sign up for a separate Apple ID with a US billing address.
5. Get a US iTunes gift card from MyGiftCardSupply.



6. Add the funds to your App Store account.
7. Download the HBO Max app from the App Store.



8. Open the app and subscribe as usual.
9. Select a title and start watching HBO Max in Germany.

Method 2: Get an HBO Max Subscription with a Google Play Gift Card

Similar to the iTunes method, you can purchase a US Google Play gift card to pay for HBO Max, but first you have to create a new US Google account. Also, you need a VPN with US servers. Follow these steps to make things easy:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock HBO Max in Germany (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your Android device.
3. Connect to a server in the US.
4. Set up a new US Google account (with your billing address set to the US).
5. Purchase a US Google Play gift card and redeem it in the US Google Play Store.



6. Install the Max app using the US Play Store.



7. Launch Max and subscribe through the app using your Google Play funds.
8. Pick something to watch and enjoy!

Method 3: Get an HBO Max Subscription with a Virtual Credit Card

You can also register for a US virtual credit card on various online services (like USUnlocked). Then, you’ll need a VPN to unblock Max and sign up for the service, as shown below:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works on Max in Germany (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the VPN and connect to a server in the US.
3. Go to USUnlocked and click on “Get Started.”

4. Register for an account with all the necessary details.

5. Fund your account to receive your payment info.
6. Go to the HBO Max website and subscribe using our intro tutorial.
7. When prompted, add your virtual payment card details.

8. Click “Start Subscription”, select a show or movie, and enjoy streaming.

Method 4: Get an HBO Max Subscription with a US PayPal Account

An easy way to get a US HBO Max subscription is by asking a friend or family member who lives in the US to borrow their PayPal account. You'll still need a VPN to unblock Max, too. Follow these instructions: 

1. Get a VPN that unblocks Max from anywhere (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Install the VPN on your streaming device. 
3. Connect to a US server. 
4. Go to the HBO Max website and complete the usual registration process. 
5. At checkout, select the PayPal option.  



6. Finish paying through PayPal's interface and wait to be redirected.
7. Now you can start streaming! 

Best HBO Max Movies & Series to Watch in Germany

You could go to HBO Max for the usual suspects - hit shows like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, or Chernobyl are aplenty. Or, you could go for HBO’s new batch of critically acclaimed favorites, with shows such as The Last of Us and House of the Dragon, movies like The Menu, and Max Originals like Tokyo Vice, Peacemaker, and more.

Better yet, with Max, you can dip into the Discovery+ library of documentaries and reality TV from channels like ID, Magnolia, TLC, HGTV, Discovery Channel, or Food Network. You can also enjoy plenty of DC hero movies or shows from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim (not all of them for the whole family, though!).

Here’s an overview of the best movies, shows, and originals to catch on HBO Max in Germany:

HBO Series	Max Originals	HBO Max Movies	HBO Max Classic Shows
True Detective: Night Country (2024)	Our Flag Means Death (2022-2023)	Barbie (2023)	Doctor Who (2005-Present)
Succession (2018-2023)	Love & Death (2023)	Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)	Friends (1994-2004)
The Gilded Age (2022-Present)	And Just Like That (2021-Present)	The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)	Rick and Morty (2013-Present)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-Present)	Gossip Girl (2021-2023)	Hereditary (2018)	South Park (1997-Present)
Barry (2018-2023)	Station Eleven (2021)	Parasite (2019)	The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

How to Get HBO Max on Your Devices in Germany

To get HBO Max on your devices in Germany, first you’ll have to connect to a US VPN server to unblock Max. You can set up a VPN on your router if you want to stream on a PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, or other device that doesn’t support VPN apps. Here are some tutorials for streaming HBO Max in Germany on any device:

• How to Get HBO Max on a Smart TV
• How to Get HBO Max on Xfinity X1 and Flex
• How to Get HBO Max on Amazon Fire TV
• How to Get HBO Max on Samsung Smart TV
• How to Get HBO Max on LG Smart TV
• How to Get HBO Max on TiVo
• How to Get HBO Max on Android TV
• How to Get HBO Max on Apple TV
• How to Get HBO Max on Roku
• How to Get HBO Max on PlayStation
• How to Get HBO Max on Xbox
• How to Get HBO Max on iPhone & iPad
• How to Get HBO Max on Android

Can You Watch HBO Max on Sky in Germany?

You can't watch the standalone HBO Max service on Sky in Germany, but some HBO content is available through Sky subscriptions. Warner Brothers, Max’s parent company, has an exclusive agreement with Sky Group in Germany, Italy, and the UK. This allows Sky channels and streaming services to offer select HBO titles.

If you want to get access to more HBO content, you'll need to use a VPN to subscribe to the HBO Max service in another country. The largest content library is only available through the US Max service (which is different from HBO Max). Therefore, we suggest connecting to US servers to subscribe.

Final Thoughts

Due to licensing issues, HBO Max won’t be coming to Germany any time soon. The good news is you don't have to wait because you can use a VPN to bypass their annoying geo-blocks right away. This will also allow you to travel and access your Max account anywhere.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for watching HBO Max in Germany. It has lightning-fast speeds, thousands of US servers, and obfuscation to unblock any streaming service without being detected. You'll be able to subscribe and watch Max in 4K no matter where you are in the world.

And that’s everything you need to know about watching HBO Max in Germany. Feel free to comment below if you need any more pointers. Thanks for reading!