How to Watch HBO Max in Ireland in 2024
HBO Max, which recently became Max in the US, is a super-popular streaming platform available in 60+ countries. Its strong geo-blocks prevent anyone in other regions from getting access. Unfortunately, HBO Max - and the new Max platform - are not available in Ireland. If you travel outside the US or any other supported country, you won't be able to stream HBO Max.
While Max is available as an add-on to Hulu, that streamer is also exclusive to the US. That said, while it’s technically blocked in the country, you can access HBO Max in Ireland if you use a VPN. Connect to a US server since the full newly launched Max library is available in the US and its territories only. (The older HBO Max is available in other areas.)
In this article, we’ll show you how to watch HBO Max in Ireland, which VPNs work best with Max, and why you need a VPN. We’ll also provide a guide to how much Max costs, as well as how to pay for it with different methods, and give you some recommendations on what to watch on Max. Lastly, we wrap things up with answers to some FAQs.
How to Watch HBO Max in Ireland
For streaming Max in Ireland, you have to connect to a VPN server in the US, which is the only place where the newer Max service is currently available. Once you get a US IP address, you can watch your favorite Max titles. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Get a VPN that unblocks Max in Ireland (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on the device(s) you'll use to watch HBO Max.
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in the US.
- Visit the Max website and click "Sign Up Now."
- Select the plan that best meets your needs.
- Create an account and fill in the info required, then click “Continue.”
- Add your preferred payment info (US debit/credit card or PayPal required).
- Click “Start Subscription” and enjoy watching HBO Max in Ireland!
HBO Max requires payment with a US debit or credit card or PayPal account attached to a valid US billing address. If you can't use one, not to worry. There are a few alternative payment options you can try, including a virtual prepaid credit card, a Google Play gift card, or an Apple gift card. We'll provide step-by-step guide for each method later in this article.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in Ireland?
You need a VPN for streaming US Max in Ireland because it's not available in the country. The newly launched Max's full content library is only available in the US. Max is also available in Latin America and the Caribbean, but the libraries will be different. The older version of HBO Max is available in select European countries. Max is also available as a Hulu add-on, but Hulu is geo-restricted to the US, too.
If you try to watch HBO Max abroad from an unsupported region, you’ll receive an error saying the following: “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.”
A VPN can hide your real IP and give you one from a country where Max is available. You'll need to connect to a server in the US, the only country where Max is currently fully accessible, to be able to stream on the platform.
However, keep in mind that not every VPN works with Max. You need to choose the best VPN for HBO Max to unblock the platform consistently and provide super-fast speeds. That’s why our #1 recommendation is NordVPN, based on our hands-on tests. It had no problems unblocking Max, and we were able to seamlessly stream in 4K.
The Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in Ireland
When choosing a VPN, you need to make sure it meets specific criteria. First, you need to get a VPN that unblocks Max and other streaming platforms consistently. For this, you’ll need to get a VPN with a large server network. Keep in mind you'll need plenty of US-based servers primarily, as that's where Max is available.
Moreover, you need a VPN that provides fast speeds and stable performance so your videos won’t buffer. In addition, the VPN should offer state-of-the-art privacy and security. For instance, it should have obfuscation to hide your VPN traffic, a no-logs policy, secure protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard), a kill switch, and AES 256-bit encryption.
Finally, you should be able to stream HBO Max on various different devices like smartphones, computers, and smart TVs. The VPN must allow multiple simultaneous connections. On top of that, it should be affordable and come with a money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
Based on the criteria mentioned above, these are 4 best VPNs for watching HBO Max in Ireland:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Ireland
- Surfshark - Fast and Secure VPN to Get HBO Max in Ireland
- ExpressVPN - Premium VPN That Unblocks US HBO Max From Anywhere
- CyberGhost VPN - Budget-Friendly VPN for Streaming Max in Ireland
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Ireland
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching HBO Max in Ireland. This is because it consistently and effortlessly unblocks Max and other streaming services, so you can always binge-watch your favorite content. The VPN gives you access to 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, including 1,970+ in 16 US locations, which means its servers aren’t overcrowded.
Based on our speed tests, NordVPN provides super-fast speeds and reliable performance, so you can watch Max without buffering. It didn't matter whether we connected to a nearby server or one further away; we enjoyed the same streaming experience regardless.
As for privacy and security, NordVPN has excellent security features to protect your device and data from malware and cybercriminals. Most of its servers are obfuscated, so your VPN usage will be hidden. Plus, it has secure protocols (NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec), AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy.
NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, and it has native apps for the most popular operating systems. It's also compatible with devices that don't directly support VPN installation, like gaming consoles, routers, and some smart TVs.
As one of the more affordable providers, NordVPN offers a 2-year plan for as low as $3.09 per month. Lastly, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Effortlessly unblocks HBO Max.
- 6,300+ servers worldwide.
- High-end privacy features.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Obfuscation isn't network-wide.
2. Surfshark - Fast and Secure VPN to Get HBO Max in Ireland
Surfshark is an excellent VPN to get HBO Max in Ireland. It can easily unblock Max from anywhere, thanks to its 600+ US servers in 25 cities. These are part of a wide network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. This means you shouldn't experience any issues connecting to a suitable server for streaming Max or any other services.
During our testing, we enjoyed blazing-fast connection speeds and stable performance across the board. All Surfshark servers have automatic obfuscation that turns on when restrictive firewalls are detected.
When it comes to security, Surfshark doesn't disappoint. It offers robust protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 for secure data transmission. AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption are employed to safeguard your data, and they follow a strict no-logs policy. Plus, it has a kill switch to cut your Internet if the VPN fails.
Allowing unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark supports all popular devices like phones, computers, tablets, smart TVs, and more. It's compatible with routers, too, so you can protect devices like gaming consoles, which don't allow VPN installation.
Surfshark is quite budget-friendly, costing just $2.29 per month for a 2-year plan. Plus, you'll be able to test it out for 30 days thanks to its money-back period. If you decide it doesn't work for you, you can contact its customer support, available 24/7 via live chat, to request a refund.
PROS
- Works for streaming Max.
- Wide, high-speed server network.
- Strong security and privacy measures.
- 24/7 customer support.
- 30-day refund guarantee.
CONS
- iOS app can have issues.
3. ExpressVPN - Premium VPN That Unblocks US HBO Max From Anywhere
ExpressVPN is another solid VPN provider that can access Max in Ireland, as well as any other streamers. The VPN has thousands of servers in 105 countries, so it’s easy to find a nearby server to connect to for fast speeds. For instance, to unblock US-based Max, you can connect to one of its many servers in 24 US locations.
We performed speed tests, and ExpressVPN proved to be very fast with dependable performance. Plus, it has automatic obfuscation on its entire network, which is handy for when you're connected to restrictive networks or when you want to bypass VPN detection.
Moreover, it has many other high-end security and privacy features. The VPN employs secure protocols (Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, and AES-256 and WolfSSL encryption standards. The protocol you choose determines which encryption is employed.
You can install ExpressVPN on all popular devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. It allows 8 simultaneous connections. On the down side, it is more expensive than the competition - its annual plan is $6.67 per month. Luckily, it also comes with a 30-day money-back policy and 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Unblocks Max easily.
- Blazing-fast speeds.
- Secure protocols and encryption.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Can be expensive.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Budget-Friendly VPN for Streaming Max in Ireland
CyberGhost is another super-efficient VPN for streaming Max in Ireland. It has streaming-optimized servers that change their IPs more often, so the streamer will have a harder time detecting the VPN. This is why it's very capable of unblocking US Max and other streaming services. It also has a huge server fleet of 11,500+ servers in 100 countries, including 2,100+ in 11 US cities.
CyberGhost delivers medium-fast speeds and stable performance across its network. You might notice some drops in speed if you connect to a server that's physically located very far from you. But it still worked well for HBO Max.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn't have obfuscation, but there is a reliable kill switch. This VPN also has AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption options, secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec), and a freshly audited no-logs policy.
CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections, so it’s very convenient if you have many devices. It supports all popular streaming devices like smartphones, computers, and smart TVs. It's one of the cheapest premium VPNs, too - with a 2-year plan ringing up at $2.19 per month. It also offers 24/7 live chat support and a 45-day money-back guarantee (if you subscribe to longer plans).
PROS
- Unblocks Max and other streamers.
- Dedicated streaming servers.
- Huge server fleet.
- 7 parallel connections.
- 45-day money-back policy.
CONS
- No obfuscated servers.
How Much is HBO Max in Ireland?
HBO Max can cost anywhere from $9.99 (€9.20) to $19.99 (€18.41) per month or $99.99 (€92.08) to $199.99 (€184.18) per year. However, keep in mind that the HBO Max price might vary depending on the country where you buy your Max subscription.
In the US, the cost of an HBO Max subscription is as follows: the "With Ads" plan is $9.99 per month, the "Ad-Free" plan is $15.99 per month, and the "Ultimate Ad-Free" plan is $19.99 per month.
You can see the price in both US dollars and euros and find out what each subscription offers in the table below:
How to Pay for HBO Max in Ireland
If you want to pay for HBO Max in Ireland, you’ll need a payment method based in the US. There are 4 methods for signing up directly (not as an add-on through another streamer like Amazon Prime Video): you can pay with a virtual US credit card, a US PayPal account, a US Apple gift card, or a US Google Play gift card. Follow the steps below to see how the various methods work.
Using a Virtual Credit Card
To get a virtual credit card with a US billing address and buy a Max subscription in Ireland, you’ll need a VPN with US servers. Follow these easy steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on your streaming device.
- Connect to any server in the US.
- Go to US Unlocked, then click “Get Started.”
- Fill in your details to register for an account.
- Add funds to your account, which will allow you to get your new card details.
- Access Max’s main page and complete the sign-up process as we instructed earlier.
- During checkout, set your payment method to Credit Card.
- That's it! Pay with your virtual credit card and start streaming Max!
Using a US PayPal Account
If you have a friend in the US, you can ask them to let you borrow their PayPal account to get a Max subscription. Here’s everything you need to do:
- Sign up for a trustworthy HBO Max VPN for Ireland (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on any device you want to stream Max on.
- Connect to a US server.
- Go to HBO Max and click on "Sign Up Now."
- Pick the plan that fits your needs.
- On the "Choose How to Pay" screen, select PayPal as your payment method.
- Pay for Max via PayPal's interface, and you'll be redirected to start streaming!
Using a US Apple Gift Card
This method requires creating a US-based Apple ID. First, subscribe to a VPN and connect to a server in the US. Here's what to do:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works for Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on your device for watching HBO Max.
- Connect to any US server.
- Sign up for a new Apple ID using a US address.
- Open MyGiftCardSupply and purchase a US Apple gift card.
- Add the gift card funds to your US App Store account.
- Download the Max app on your device from the App Store.
- Launch the app, pay for HBO Max via the App Store, and start streaming.
Using a US Google Play Gift Card
Just like the Apple process, you have to create a US Google account for this method to work. This means you need to use a VPN with US servers. Follow the steps below:
- Get a VPN that unblocks HBO Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on your streaming device.
- Connect to a server anywhere in the US.
- Create a US Google account with a US address.
- Buy a US Google Play gift card from MyGiftCardSupply.
- Add the gift card funds to your Google Play Store account.
- Download the Max app on your Android device.
- Open Max, complete payment via Google, and you can start watching Max.
What to Watch on HBO Max in Ireland?
On Max, you can watch a wide variety of beloved shows and movies like Game of Thrones, The Dark Knight, Parasite, or The Sopranos. Max’s library also includes popular Emmy-nominated shows like Succession, The Last of Us, or The White Lotus.
In addition to all that, you can also watch content from other great networks like Discovery+, TLC, The Food Network, Adult Swim, HGTV, Turner Classic Movies, or Cartoon Network. Last but not least, you can also watch shows and films from Studio Ghibli and Crunchyroll.
Here are some interesting HBO Max titles you can watch:
Can You Stream HBO Max in Ireland with a Free VPN?
Yes, you can stream HBO Max in Ireland with a free VPN, but we don't recommend them. This is because free VPNs lack important privacy and security features. Also, most of them collect and sell private data, putting your identity at risk. They usually can't unblock Max, either.
Plus, free VPNs come with limited features and bandwidth, which makes streaming an annoying experience. In addition, free VPNs have limited server networks, so you end up connecting to an overcrowded server, which provides slower speeds. This is why you're better off getting a VPN free trial from a premium provider that won't impose restrictions.
For a pleasant streaming experience, we recommend using the NordVPN free trial. It's available on Android for 7 days, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try it on other devices. After the trial is done, you can get a long-term plan from one of the best VPN providers to get unlimited bandwidth, optimized servers, and excellent security and privacy features.
Final Thoughts
HBO Max, which just recently became Max, is one of the most popular streaming platforms with thousands of movies and shows. Unfortunately, it's not available in Ireland. Even if you have an account already, if you travel to countries like Ireland where Max is not supported, you won't be able to use it. Moreover, US Max has the largest library. To watch Max in Ireland, the solution is to use a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for accessing HBO Max in Ireland. It’s both the best VPN on the market for streaming and for protecting your privacy. With thousands of super-fast servers all over the US, you can unblock HBO Max without a hassle. It also comes with SmartPlay and obfuscation to help bypass geo-blocks and keep your VPN usage hidden.
You’ve reached the end of our article on the best VPN to watch HBO Max in Ireland. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!