How to Watch HBO Max in Singapore in 2024
HBO Max (now available as Max in the US) is available in 60+ countries. However, the platform is geo-blocked in certain regions like Singapore. Its content is also different in every supported country. For example, HBO GO is available in Singapore, but it doesn’t contain the full Max library. Moreover, even if you have an HBO Max account, if you travel to an unsupported region, you won't be able to use it.
Fortunately, you can unblock HBO Max in Singapore with a VPN. That’s because a VPN lets you hide the IP address that reveals your location and connect to a server in a country where Max is available. Your best option is to connect to a US server since that’s the only country that offers the new Max platform, which has the most content.
In this article, we’ll show you how to watch HBO Max in Singapore and which VPNs always work with Max. We'll also discuss why you need a VPN, what to watch on the streaming platform, how much a Max subscription costs, and how to pay. Plus, you'll learn the difference between HBO Go and HBO Max, whether you can watch HBO Max on StarHub and other services, and much more.
How to Watch HBO Max in Singapore
If you want to access HBO Max in Singapore, you need to get a reliable VPN and connect to a server from a country where it’s available. This will hide your real IP address and allow you to get Max in Singapore without any issues. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Get a VPN that works for streaming HBO Max in Singapore (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Launch the app and connect to a US server to get the full Max library.
- Go to Max’s website and click on the “Sign Up Now” button.
- Choose any Max plan that fits your needs and press "Continue."
- Create an account by filling in your details.
- Choose your payment method (debit/credit card or PayPal) and enter your payment info.
- Click on the “Start Subscription” button and begin watching your favorite titles!
Keep in mind that you’ll need a payment method with a billing address in the US if you want to sign up for Max and get its complete US library. This includes a US debit or credit card or a US PayPal account. Otherwise, there are a few alternative payment methods, such as a virtual prepaid credit card, an Apple gift card, or a Google Play gift card.
Do You Need a VPN for Streaming HBO Max in Singapore?
Yes, you need a VPN for streaming HBO Max in Singapore because Max isn’t available in this country for now. The only service in Singapore is HBO Go, which is extremely limited. At the moment, Max is only available in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. You can get HBO Max in some European countries and HBO Go in Southeast Asia.
If you try to access Max in Singapore without a VPN, you’ll get an error message saying: “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 will hide your IP address and replace it with another one from a different country. Because of this, Max won’t see that you’re in Singapore. Instead, it’ll think you’re from the VPN server's country you chose to connect to and let you stream HBO Max outside the US. Moreover, after you get an US IP address with a VPN, you can watch any shows and movies from the US Max service.
However, not just every VPN can unblock Max. You'll want to choose one of the best VPNs for HBO Max to enjoy fast speeds that provide better streaming quality. That’s why our #1 recommendation is NordVPN. It has plenty of high-speed US servers that can easily unblock Max and all its content from anywhere.
The Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in Singapore
When choosing the right VPN for the job, make sure it meets specific requirements. First of all, it must unblock Max easily, so it needs to have a large server network. While HBO Max is available in many countries, the new Max platform is only available in the US. Thus, you want a VPN with tons of servers in the US. That's the only way you’ll be able to watch the full Max library.
In addition, the VPN should have fast speeds and optimum performance, so you won’t experience long loading screens, buffering, or quality drops. Plus, it should have premium security features to protect your data. For example, it should come with obfuscation, AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and secure protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard).
The VPN should also allow multiple simultaneous connections with support for numerous devices, so you can watch Max on more screens at the same time. Last but not least, it should have reasonable pricing and offer 24/7 live chat support and a generous refund policy.
Based on the criteria above, here are the 4 best VPNs for accessing HBO Max in Singapore:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Singapore
- Surfshark - Feature-Rich VPN for Streaming HBO Max in Singapore
- ExpressVPN - Unblock HBO Max in Singapore with Full Network Obfuscation
- CyberGhost VPN - Affordable VPN to Stream Max without Buffering
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch HBO Max in Singapore
NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming HBO Max in Singapore. Its SmartPlay feature makes it easy to unblock HBO Max and other streaming services. There are 6,200+ servers in 111 countries, among which are 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations. So, you'll have plenty of US connection locations to choose from.
Moreover, NordVPN delivers blazing-fast speeds and consistent performance, so your videos won’t buffer while you watch Max or any other streamer. We never noticed quality drops or crashes during streaming, either.
NordVPN has obfuscation on most of its servers, and it comes with tons of privacy features, too. It has secure protocols (NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec), a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy. Plus, it comes with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption options, which depend on the protocol you choose.
NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections and works on all popular streaming devices like smartphones, computers, tablets, smart TVs, and more. It's also compatible with routers, so if you need to protect devices that don't allow VPN installation (like game consoles or Roku), you'll be all set to stream HBO Max in Singapore.
With all these features, we're impressed that NordVPN keeps its prices as low as it does. You can get a 2-year plan for a little as $3.09 per month. It also has 24/7 live chat support, updated tutorials, and useful installation guides. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
PROS
- Unblocks Max.
- 1,970+ servers in US.
- Beginner-friendly apps.
- Strong security features.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Not all servers have obfuscation.
2. Surfshark - Feature-Rich VPN for Streaming HBO Max in Singapore
Surfshark is a trustworthy VPN provider that can access Max in Ireland. In fact, it reliably unblocks Max and other streaming platforms from anywhere. This is thanks to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including 600+ servers in 25 US cities.
With Surfshark, you'll enjoy dependable performance with ultra-fast speeds. This means buffer-free streaming on Max and many other services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Plus, all its servers have automatic obfuscation. Surfshark's security suite is also quite impressive, including AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and robust protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
You can make unlimited simultaneous connections with Surfshark, and it supports all popular devices. This means you can stream Max on your phone, computer, tablet, smart TV, and more—all at the same time.
Furthermore, it is very budget-friendly, with a 2-year plan for just $2.29 per month. It also offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way, you can test it and get your money back if need be.
PROS
- Works well with Max.
- 600+ US servers.
- Ultra-fast speeds.
- Automatic obfuscation on all servers.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- User report iOS app issues.
3. ExpressVPN - Unblock HBO Max in Singapore with Full Network Obfuscation
ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN that can unblock Max consistently, as well as other streamers. It gives you access to thousands of servers in 105 countries, so you won’t risk connecting to overcrowded servers. This includes plenty of US servers in 24 locations.
Based on our speed tests, ExpressVPN proved to have high-speed connections and stable performance on both nearby and distant servers. Plus, they’re all obfuscated, so you can hide your VPN traffic from any streaming platform you browse.
In addition, ExpressVPN has excellent security and privacy features. These include a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and secure protocols (Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2). It uses military-grade AES-256 encryption for the latter 2 protocols and WolfSSL for its proprietary Lightway.
ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections. There are native apps for many streaming devices, including computers, mobiles, tablets, and some smart TVs. It even has a dedicated router app, which is unique among most premium VPNs.
The downside is that ExpressVPN is a bit expensive - its annual plan is a hefty $6.67 per month. That said, it also has 24/7 live chat support and up-to-date tutorials on its website. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Unblocks Max consistently.
- Very fast connection speeds.
- Servers in 24 US locations.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Can be expensive.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Affordable VPN to Stream Max without Buffering
CyberGhost VPN made our list because it always manages to bypass Max geo-blocks, as well as those on other streaming services. It also has an impressive server network: 11,500+ servers in 100 countries. This includes 2,100+ US servers in 11 cities. Many of these are optimized for streaming.
All its US servers will allow you to enjoy streaming Max without buffering. When connected to nearby servers, we always had relatively fast streaming speeds and reliable performance. You may notice some declines in speeds on more distant servers, though.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn't have obfuscation. But when it comes to security and privacy, it does come with high-end features. For instance, it employs AES-256-GCM or ChaCha20 encryption - depending on which protocol you use between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec. It also comes with an audited no-logs policy and a reliable kill switch.
CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections, so it’s very convenient if you want to stream on multiple devices at the same time. There is support for computers, mobiles, tablets, routers, smart TVs, and more.
This VPN is one of the most affordable options, with a 2-year plan that costs just $2.03 per month. It also has 24/7 live support and a 45-day money-back guarantee (available for longer plans).
PROS
- Easily unblocks Max.
- Cheap plans.
- 2,100+ US servers.
- 45-day money-back policy.
- Streaming-optimized servers.
CONS
- No obfuscated servers.
How Much is HBO Max Subscription in Singapore?
The price of an HBO Max subscription in Singapore starts at $9.99 (SGD 13.46) per month for the "With Ads" plan. The next level up is the "Ad-Free" plan for $15.99 (SGD 21.55) per month. Finally, you can get the "Ultimate Ad-Free" plan for $19.99 (SGD 26.94) per month. There are also annual options, which will save you some money and start at $99.99 (SGD 134.74) per year for the ad-supported plan.
However, keep in mind that the HBO Max price in Singapore will vary depending on 2 factors. First is the type of subscription you choose - the more premium features you get, the more expensive the plan. Secondly, the country in which you connect to buy your subscription will affect the price. We're focusing on the subscription prices for the US Max service.
Check out our table to see the prices of an US Max subscription in both US dollars and Singapore dollars below:
How to Pay for HBO Max in Singapore
To pay for HBO Max in Singapore, you have to use a payment method with a US billing address. There are 4 methods for getting a Max subscription directly (not through another streamer like Amazon Prime Video as an add-on): you can pay with a virtual US credit card, a US PayPal account, a US Apple gift card, or a US Google Play Store gift card. Below are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Using a Virtual Credit Card
To get a virtual credit card with a US billing address and subscribe to Max in Singapore, you’ll need to connect to a US VPN server. Here's exactly what to do:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works with Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on your streaming device.
- Connect to any US server.
- Access US Unlocked and click “Get Started.”
- Fill in your details to register for an account.
- Add funds to your account, so you can receive your new card details.
- Go to Max’s main page and complete the registration process as we instructed earlier.
- During checkout, set your payment method to Credit Card.
- Pay with your virtual credit card and start streaming your favorite Max content!
Using a US PayPal Account
If you have a generous friend or family member who lives in the US, you can ask them to let you subscribe to Max using their US PayPal account. Follow these steps:
- Sign up for a reliable Max VPN for Singapore (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on any devices you'll stream Max on.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Open the HBO Max website and click "Sign Up Now."
- Pick the plan that's right for you.
- On the Choose How to Pay screen, select PayPal.
- Complete your registration for Max via PayPal, and you'll be redirected to start streaming!
Using a US Apple Gift Card
For this method, you'll have to create a US-based Apple ID. First, subscribe to a VPN and connect to a US server. Here are simple steps to follow:
- Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks Max (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on your streaming device.
- Connect to any server in the US.
- Register for a new Apple ID using a US address.
- Go to MyGiftCardSupply and buy a US Apple gift card.
- Add the gift card 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 with Apple, this method requires creating a US Google account so you can access the US Play Store. This means you'll need to get a VPN with US servers. Here's what to do:
- Get a VPN that can unblock 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.
- Purchase a US Google Play gift card from MyGiftCardSupply.
- Add the gift card to your Google Play Store account.
- Download the Max app on your Android device.
- Open Max, complete payment via Google Play, and start streaming.
What Can You Stream on HBO Max in Singapore?
Max has an impressive list of originals, movies, and shows. For instance, you can watch Big Little Lies, Oz, True Blood, House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, and many more. There are also plenty of movies like Avatar: The Way of Water, The Color Purple, and Hereditary. The content varies from comedy, horror, documentary, sports events, animation, and so on.
You can also stream the best HBO series that everyone's been talking about for the past year, like Euphoria, The Last of Us, and Succession. If you get a Max subscription, you’ll also get access to content from other networks like Crunchyroll, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery+, and HGTV. Basically, you can access thousands of titles, so you’ll never get bored.
Here are some of the best shows and movies on HBO Max that you can include on your watch list:
HBO Go vs HBO Max in Singapore: What is the Difference?
The difference between HBO Go and HBO Max in Singapore is what content is available. HBO Go is the only version of HBO that is officially available in Southeast Asia. It offers HBO broadcast titles, local Asian series and movies, and limited content from Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Max Originals and other Max-exclusive content are not available on HBO Go.
HBO Go used to also be the mobile app for HBO cable subscribers in the US, but they have recently all been migrated over to the Max app. The US Max service is currently the only way to access the entire Max content library. Moreover, Max can be purchased as an add-on through services like Hulu (which is US-exclusive) or Amazon Prime Video in the US.
Can You Watch HBO Max on StarHub, HBO Asia & Singtel in Singapore?
Yes, you can watch HBO on StarHub, HBO Asia, or Singtel in Singapore, but only the HBO Go version. In Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries, you have access to HBO Go, which is a bit different than HBO Max. On HBO Go, the content is limited, while Max gives you access to the complete library.
HBO limits the content that carriers like StarHub, Singtel, and HBO Asia can offer to comply with different copyright regulations. Because of this, an HBO Go subscription gives you access to only those titles that meet specific licensing restrictions. Unfortunately, this means that you’ll often have to deal with delayed releases and the exclusion of Max Originals.
In contrast, Max offers you all the streamer's originals, HBO content, and movies and shows from other networks. So, it’s more convenient to use a VPN to get US Max and stream all your favorite content. NordVPN is the best choice because it has thousands of fast US servers and easily unblocks Max.
Can You Use a Free VPN to Unblock HBO Max in Singapore?
Yes, there are some free VPNs that can unblock HBO Max in Singapore, but we don’t recommend them. Since free VPNs can’t afford to invest in server infrastructure, they can’t bypass geo-restrictions as easily as premium VPNs. Free VPNs also lack privacy features, and some even sell your data. So, you risk getting your personal information stolen.
Free VPNs also come with limited bandwidth, streaming features, and poor server availability. So, you’ll have to deal with overcrowded servers and slow speeds. Besides, you may only be able to stream for a few hours per month, which is very inconvenient. This is why it's a better option to get a premium VPN free trial. Premium VPNs offer fast speeds, unlimited data, tons of servers, and high-end security.
If you want to binge-watch your favorite shows without any issues, we recommend using the NordVPN free trial. It is available on Android devices for 7 days, or you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee for other devices. Once the trial is over, if you want to go with a long-term plan, you can explore our choices for the top VPN services.
Final Thoughts
HBO Max is one of the most popular streaming platforms, with thousands of amazing titles. Unfortunately, it's only available in the US and a few other countries, but not Singapore. Even if you have an HBO Max account, you can't use it if you travel to an unsupported region. The easiest solution is to use a VPN to watch HBO Max in Singapore.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for unblocking HBO Max in Singapore. It has thousands of servers in the US, fast speeds, and works with other streaming services, too. Plus, it has obfuscation to hide your VPN use. It’s a hassle-free way to relax after a hard day and binge-watch Max.
You’ve reached the end of our article on how to watch HBO Max in Singapore. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!