HBO subscribers can’t normally watch all of their favorite movies and original television series such as Game of Thrones while away from home. Even with a premium cable TV subscription package that includes HBO, most services that let you watch HBO online aren’t available outside of the US.

But there is a workaround to access HBO outside America from any overseas destination. By using a VPN, you can get an American IP address that will make geo-blocked services believe you are located within the US. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server in a location of your choosing. By connecting to a VPN server location in the US, you can easily unblock HBO and watch your favorite HBO shows from anywhere in the world.

We get into some detail about each of the VPNs that made this list, but if you’ve not got time to read through the rest of this article, here are the best VPNs for watching HBO:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 choice VPN for HBO. Highly reliable provider with plenty of streaming servers in the US. Unblocks plenty of popular video streaming services. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Budget-friendly VPN that’s adept at unblocking and includes a ton of security features. Intuitive interface for beginners.
  • ExpressVPN: Large number of fast US servers, reliably unblocks HBO and other popular streaming sites. Apps for all platforms, easy to set up and use. Unmatched privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
  • IPVanish: Works with HBO. Good server representation in the US. Apps are easy to use.
  • Private Internet Access: Thousands of servers globally. Includes WireGuard for ultra-fast streaming.
  • PrivateVPN: Smaller up-and-coming network manages good speeds and is fine for unblocking HBO from abroad.

The Best VPNs for HBO

We ranked our list of the best VPNs for HBO based on the following criteria:

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Streaming server locations in the United States
  • Can help you stream HBO on services like YouTube TV and HBO Max
  • Fast, reliable performance for buffer-free streaming
  • Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and FireTV
  • Quick and competent customer support

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Unblocks HBOTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN works with most streaming platforms, including HBO Max, YouTube TV, and Hulu. Not only that, but it operates over 1,700 servers in the United States alone. You can live chat support or just check the knowledge base on the company website to find out which servers work best for a particular streaming content service.

NordVPN touts a true zero logs policy and uses 256-bit encryption, plus a customizable kill switch. You can connect up to six devices at the same time on a basic subscription.

Apps are available for all major platforms including Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR HBO:NordVPN is our top choice. A secure VPN service that works reliably with HBO Max and most popular streaming sites. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Great choice for high-quality content streaming
  • Over 1,700 servers in the US can unblock just about anything
  • Fast enough speeds to stream HD content without interruptions
  • Offers secure, encrypted connections at all times
  • Offers 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Desktop app can take some getting used to

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks HBOTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a strong choice for anyone looking to stream geo-blocked video content abroad. It has over 3,200 servers in 63+ countries, provides high enough speeds for HD streaming, and in addition to unblocking HBO Max, it also lets you use major services like YouTube TV and Hulu. What’s more, Surfshark permits an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, so you’ll be able to stream whatever you want, wherever you are, on whichever device you prefer.

Luckily, this VPN is as secure as it is versatile. It keeps your activities hidden from prying eyes using 256-bit strong encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (which automatically stops all traffic should your connection drop suddenly). Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, although if you’re concerned about privacy, you can register anonymously (by paying in crypto and using a throwaway email address). Live chat-based support is available 24/7.

Surfshark provides MacOS, Android, Windows, iOS, and Linux apps. It can be manually installed on supported network routers.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

  • Protect all of your devices at once

  • Decent speeds

  • Impressive unblocking abilities

  • Budget-friendly

  • Strong on security and privacy

  • Covers fewer locations than some of its rivals

  • Some server locations are slower than others

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark easily evades blocks and comes with digital security add-ons such as split tunneling and automatic wifi protection. Nice and affordable, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN operates servers in well over a dozen locations in the US alone, and in 94 countries worldwide. You really can’t go wrong here. Speeds are fast. Security is cutting edge.

The company keeps no logs of your activity or IP address. Live customer support is available all day every day, so if HBO has blocked a server, just ask the staff which one to connect to.

Apps for all major platforms, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux, are easy to use so you can start streaming the first episode of your favorite show as soon as it is broadcast.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is quick and secure. Reliably unblocks HBO Max as well as many other online streaming services. Exceptional connection speeds for buffer-free HD viewing along with total security and privacy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Can only simultaneously connect 5 devices
  • Slightly more expensive than other providers

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish owns, rather than rents, its huge global network of servers. That includes several locations in the United States that you can connect to when you want to stream an episode of Fargo. You can view a server’s current load and capacity right in the app.

IPVanish has a strict no logs policy, meaning it doesn’t record any of its users’ activity or connection logs. 256-bit AES encryption will keep all of your traffic in a secure tunnel. There’s live chat-based support, but for more technical queries, customer service usually replies within hours of submitting a ticket.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

NO CONNECTION LIMITS:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Generally solid for watching HBO online. Adhere to the highest standard of privacy but can struggle with unblocking some popular media streaming platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Around 1,000 US servers to choose from

  • Speeds are great for HD streaming on most servers

  • All the security and privacy features you need for most situations

  • Handles multiple simultaneous connections well

  • Some servers don’t perform well with Netflix or Hulu

  • No anonymous payment options

Read our full IPVanish review.

5. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access has over 35,000 servers globally, spanning 78+ countries, including the United States. PIA unblocks HBO, Hulu, and other streaming platforms easily, and thanks to its use of Wireguard, your streams will be in HD or 4K.

PIA includes a 10 simultaneous device limit and apps for platforms like Windows and Android, to name a few. It uses AES encryption and lets you customize your encryption level when speed is more vital than security.

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 live chat is available to all customers.

LIGHTNING-FAST STREAMING:Private Internet Access includes a 10 simultaneous device limit, customizable encryption levels, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Strong encryption ensures your connection remains secure and private

  • 24/7 live chat support available

  • Can connect up to 10 devices at the same time

  • Struggles with some streaming services

  • Streaming speeds can be inconsistent

Read our full review of Private internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN, not to be confused with Private Internet Access, is a relative newcomer in the VPN space. Despite that, it’s proven itself to be competent when it comes to securely accessing popular streaming services like HBO Max, YouTube TV, Hulu and Netflix.

Live chat is available during business hours. PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers than others on this list, but don’t let that dissuade you–it ranked near the top in our speed tests.

A single account lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously so everyone in the house can watch Veep at the same time. The service keeps no logs.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks HBO shows and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Small network of servers but fast connections. 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Operates servers out of 12 major US city locations

  • Strong security and privacy features and decent streaming speeds

  • Can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously

  • Small number of servers

  • May need support assistance in locating the best server to choose

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

How to watch HBO outside the US

Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, getting started is simple. Just follow our step-by-step guide below to start watching HBO abroad.

Here’s how to watch HBO online from anywhere with a VPN:

  • Download and install the VPN app from your provider’s website. We recommend NordVPN for HBO.
  • Select a VPN server in the US. If you are unsure which one, ask your VPN’s customer service.
  • Connect to the VPN. Once the connection is established, open your preferred streaming platform (currently, YouTube TV, Hulu, and HBO Max all offer HBO content) and start a video.
  • If you are still having problems connecting try Clearing your cookies and your browser cache.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for watching HBO online

Although HBO Max is slowly starting to expand internationally, many of the other services that let you watch HBO online are still only available in one or two countries. This makes finding a suitable VPN particularly tricky. Below, you’ll find the key things we focused on when finding the best VPNs for watching HBO abroad:

  • Server choice: We primarily focused on VPNs with a large US server presence. Ideally, services would offer servers spread across other regions where it’s possible to stream HBO online (such as Europe and South America) since this hypothetically allows you to access your usual content library.
  • Speed: We regularly run speed tests to ensure that the services we recommend are fast enough for flawless HD streaming. We also take their consistency into account so that you don’t have to put up with long buffering times or random quality changes.
  • Versatility: Several services let you watch HBO content, so we looked for VPNs that worked with as many streaming platforms as possible. This involved testing candidates with services like YouTube TV, Hulu, Now TV, HBO Max, and more.
  • Security and privacy: To make sure you’re able to stream securely, our top VPNs all utilize 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Further, none of them keep any logs that could be used to identify you.
  • Ease of use: The easier a VPN is to use, the better. The best VPNs for HBO all offer live chat-based support and apps for a wide range of platforms. Some even come with specific servers for streaming and the option to connect any number of devices.

Looking to learn more about our VPN testing process? Check out our full methodology post.

Free VPNs typically cap data and limit bandwidth, meaning you’ll either get cut-off mid-viewing or be forced to endure low quality video and long buffer times.

Many free VPNs are out to collect your personal data and sell it to advertising companies. Some even inject tracking cookies and advertisements into your browser. This is a huge violation of privacy and defeats the purpose of using a VPN.

If you find that HBO Max plays in low quality and/or frequently stops to buffer, but all other streaming services appear to work fine, then your ISP could be throttling HBO Max. If that’s the case, then you can use a VPN to hide your online activity from your ISP. If your ISP doesn’t know you’re watching HBO, then it can’t discriminate against HBO streams.

Note that a VPN will only work in situations where your ISP is throttling specific activities or content. If you’ve surpassed your data cap, for example, a VPN won’t help.

That said, using a VPN to bypass HBO’s regional locks is technically in breach of its Terms of Service. This means that HBO could theoretically cancel your subscription if you break the rules.

The good news is that, in reality, HBO does not penalize users for streaming with a VPN. This is because it does not want to lose paying subscribers. Instead, streaming providers like HBO spend time blocking the IP addresses associated with VPNs.

These blocks make it hard to find a VPN that works to watch HBO abroad. Thankfully, the VPNs in this guide have figured out how to stay one step ahead of HBO’s VPN blocks. This means you can use any of our recommendations to legally stream your account while traveling.