HBO Max continues to expand into new markets. However, this service is still region-locked, meaning most people traveling abroad will need a VPN to watch.

Even if you signed up for HBO Max in a supported country, you’ll get an alert like this if you try to watch from somewhere else:

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) uses an app to encrypt your internet connection and route it through a server in another location. To watch HBO Max while abroad, you’ll need to connect to a VPN server back home in a supported country (for instance, you could use a US server to get a US IP address).

But not all VPNs will work. HBO Max blocks most VPN connections. Comparitech has tested several providers to find out which VPNs work with HBO Max.

Later we’ll go into some depth on each VPN provider but for anyone short on time, here’s a summary of the best VPNs for HBO Max:

  • NordVPN: Our top recommendation for HBO Max! Fast and versatile with strong security and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. No device limit. Works with lots of streaming services including HBO Max.
  • ExpressVPN: No issues with HBO Max. Fast speeds and 24/7 live chat support.
  • CyberGhost: Clearly labeled servers make it easy to find one that works with HBO Max.
  • IPVanish: No problems streaming HBO Max. Speeds fast enough to stream in HD.
  • PrivateVPN: A simple VPN that ‘s suitable for securely accessing a wide range of streaming services including HBO Max.
  • Atlas VPN: One of the fastest VPNs tested. Works with HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account.

There are so many VPN providers online, it can be very difficult to figure out which one will unblock the services you want and provide a secure connection. We researched the best VPNs for HBO max based on the following criteria:

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

  • Can help you securely access HBO Max
  • Fast speeds for HD video streams
  • Helpful customer support
  • Strong privacy and security
  • Comes with a money-back guarantee

Best VPNs for HBO Max – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for HBO Max.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPNAtlas VPNWebsitewww.NordVPN.comwww.Surfshark.comwww.ExpressVPN.comwww.Cyberghost.comwww.IPVanish.comwww.PrivateVPN.comwww.atlasvpn.comHBO Max reliability1234567Streaming reliabilityExcellentExcellentGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodDevices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidAvg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps71 Mbps100+ MbpsBest deal (per month)$3.49SAVE 57% on a 2yr standard plan$2.30Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan$6.67SAVE: 49% on the annual plan$2.19SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months FREE$2.50SAVE 77% on the 2 year plan$2.00SAVE 85% on the three year plan$1.83SAVE 83% on a 3 year plan + 3 months FREE

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

works with hbo maxTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

We had no issues unblocking HBO Max with NordVPN. It’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested this year, so you’ll have no problem streaming high-quality video. It’s a great budget option with strong security and good customer support.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. You can connect up to six devices at once.

BEST FOR HBO MAX:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Works great with HBO Now and similar services. Best in class security and privacy. Extremely fast. All plans include a risk-free a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Can securely access HBO Max from abroad
  • Great low-cost alternative for streaming
  • Works anywhere in the world
  • Excellent security and encryption standards
  • The fastest VPN on the market

Cons:

  • A few unreliable servers

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

works with hbo maxTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a relatively new provider with an emphasis on unblocking streaming services. We were able to unblock HBO Max on our first attempt when connected to a US server. Speeds are solid, more than enough to stream HD quality video, despite a somewhat smaller server network.

Connections are well-secured and Surfshark keeps no logs of your online activity. Live chat support is available on Surfshark’s website.

Best of all, Surfshark has no device limit, so you can connect as many laptops and smartphones as you want on a single plan. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is affordable, able to unblock HBO Max from anywhere, and a great choice for sharing thanks to its lack of a connection limit. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with HBO Max

  • Fast enough for HD streaming

  • Unlimited devices

  • Great set of security features

  • Keeps no logs

  • Has the occasional slow server

Read our full SurfShark review.

3. ExpressVPN

works with HBO MAXTested Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a solid choice. We were able to unblock HBO Max without any trouble. Just install the app, enter your verification code, and connect. Speeds are fast enough for the highest quality streams that HBO Max has to offer. Should you encounter any issues, 24/7 live chat support stands ready to help.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:ExpressVPN is quick and reliable. It works with HBO Max from any country. Provides impressive security and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Can access HBO Max

  • High speeds for downloading and video streaming

  • One of the best all-around VPNs

  • Solid privacy and security

  • Slightly higher cost than others

  • Doesn’t provide much control over advanced features

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost lets you choose a server based on which streaming service you want to unblock instead of guessing at which locations might work. HBO is in that list, which takes the guesswork out of unblocking it.

You can connect up to seven devices at once. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.

EASY UNBLOCKING:CyberGhost makes it easy to unblock HBO Max and offers a reliable, safe service. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with HBO Max

  • Decent, reliable speeds

  • 45-day money-back guarantee

  • 7 simultaneous connections

  • Doesn’t reliably work in China or UAE

  • May be less suitable for advanced users

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a veteran VPN provider that offers fast speeds and strong security. It works great with HBO Max, as well as Netflix and a few other streaming services. You’ll also get plenty of security and privacy protections with this no-logs provider.

Any number of simultaneous connections are allowed, making IPVanish a solid option for a family or group of housemates with a lot of devices. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.

SECURE STREAMING:IPVanish offers a reliable VPN service that can access HBO Max. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with HBO Max

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • Use any number of devices simultaneously

  • Apps don’t work in China

  • No live customer support, email and ticket support only

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

You can connect up to six devices at once. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.

FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a simple-to-use VPN that can access HBO Max from anywhere. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with HBO Max

  • Very fast speeds

  • Works with a wide range of streaming services

  • Small number of servers to choose from

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

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

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN averaged 247 Mbps in our latest speed tests, making it one of the fastest VPNs for streaming. When combined with this VPN’s ability to bypass restrictions, you’ve got a great option for traveling abroad, be it on vacation or business. We’ve tested Atlas VPN against a wide range of streaming services and found it works not only with HBO Max but also the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

It may be that you have a lot of devices to secure or that you plan on sharing your VPN with family. Atlas VPN is highly suitable for this because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This secure service offers 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. In fact, it even has an ad, malware, and tracker blocker and MultiHop servers for an additional layer of encryption.

Secure all of your devices at once with Atlas VPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. In order to use this VPN with Linux or your home wifi router, you’ll need to set this up manually.

FAST SPEEDS:Atlas VPN combines high-speed connections with strong unblocking ability. Watch HBO Max in high resolution without lag. Connect as many devices as you want at the same time. Includes an ad blocker. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Consistent unblocking of streaming services such as HBO Max

  • High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth

  • Secure all of your devices at once under a single account

  • MultiHop servers encrypt your data twice for extra security

  • Privacy policy could be clearer

  • Only offers a little over 700 servers

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

How to Watch HBO Max With a VPN

Using a VPN to watch HBO Max is pretty straightforward. Once you’ve connected to a VPN server in a supported HBO Max country, streaming the platform from anywhere is a breeze.

Here’s how to watch HBO Max with a VPN:

  • Sign up for one of the VPNs we recommend above. Download their app and install it on your device.
  • Run the VPN app and select a server location in the United States or another supported country.
  • Hit the Connect button.
  • Now, you’ll need to sign up for HBO Max. This requires a US payment method.
  • Once you’re signed up and the VPN connection is established, open HBO Max and start watching!

If you’re using one of the VPNs we recommend, but HBO Max is blocking it, try these troubleshooting steps:

– Clear your browser cache and cookies – Try a different VPN server – Contact your VPN provider’s customer support – Try a different device or watch it in a browser

If none of the above works, let us know in the comments. Note that all of the VPNs we recommend come with generous money-back guarantees, so you can always switch to a different provider if your first choice doesn’t succeed.

HBO Max VPN testing methodology

Hundreds of VPNs are on the market, and they were not all created equal. To enjoy watching HBO Max on vacation. You require specific features, such as fast servers. However, a solid VPN should also provide robust data security and privacy.

At Comparitech, we use a specialist VPN testing methodology to test market-leading VPN services. This lets us compare the market and recommend VPNs for specific use cases. Below, we have included a list of the most important criteria we looked for when recommending VPNs for HBO Max.

  • Fast servers. We test VPNs server speeds to ensure that they are fast enough to stream HBO in HD. We also look for a wide choice of US servers that work to access popular services, including HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and more.
  • Apps for all platforms. We check that each VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices. This ensures that you can install the VPN and use it to gain privacy or to watch HBO Max on Windows, macOS, iOS, or an Android device.
  • Fully featured apps. We look for versatile VPN services with apps that are packed with useful features. We look for a kill-switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, P2P compatibility, Smart DNS, malware protection, ad blocking, and any other useful features that make the VPN better value for money.
  • Strong security. We look for VPNs that have strong privacy policies and security features. This includes testing for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks – as well as checking that they implement the encryption to a high standard.
  • Superb customer care. We only recommend VPNs with live chat and email support. This allows you to get help with setting up and using the VPN at any time of day.
  • Outstanding accessibility. We only recommend VPNs with a reliable global server network that has been tested and works to access a wide range of international services. This ensures the VPN is good for bypassing censorship and gaining online freedom anywhere in the world.

See also: How to watch HBO Max online abroad

We strongly recommend against using a free VPN to watch HBO Max. HBO has historically been one of the few streaming services to actually penalize users who they catch using VPNs, so it’s best to invest in one that works. If you use a free VPN, it’s more likely to have been blocked, and HBO could suspend or terminate your account.

Furthermore, free VPNs are usually too slow to stream high quality video. They often have data caps or bandwidth limits. Many are even known to spy on users’ online activity or contain malware.

That said, it is worth noting that using a VPN to access an HBO account from abroad is technically in breach of HBO’s terms of service. Thus, you could theoretically have your account disabled. The good news is that HBO Max does not go after paying subscribers, and there is no precedent of HBO Max account holders having their account shut down for VPN use.

Instead, HBO Max works hard to block IP addresses associated with VPN providers. This prevents the VPN’s users from accessing HBO from abroad. Due to these VPN blocks, there are only a few services that work with HBO Max. This is why you must pick a recommended VPN that has been tested and still works.

While it’s true that your connection will almost always be slower with a VPN connected, providers have really been pushing to make their networks as efficient as possible lately. This means that unless your base speeds are already very low, it’s unlikely you’ll notice any real reduction in video quality.

  • House of the Dragon
  • Euphoria
  • Pretty Little Liars
  • Peacemaker
  • The Flight Attendant

A better option would be to invest in a VPN service, which will encrypt your traffic and keep your data secure. All the VPNs above offer a free trial period so you can test their services before committing to a subscription.