HBO Max is a standalone streaming platform that continues to expand into new markets, like Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Andorra. However, the platform remains region-locked, and watching HBO Max outside the US or abroad is quite a challenge unless you use a VPN service.

The following guide will show you how to access HBO Max from anywhere in the world using a trusted and reliable VPN.

If you’ve ever signed up for HBO Max in one of the supported countries, you may still receive an alert that says, “Sorry, HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet.” This is primarily because HBO Max uses server location restrictions to limit or prevent access to anyone outside the United States.

The good news is that an easy solution to help bypass these geo-blocks is a reliable VPN service. A VPN service or virtual private network uses an app to encrypt your isp Internet connection and route it through a server in another location.

Therefore, while abroad, in order to watch HBO Max, you need to connect to a VPN server in a supported country. That being said, some VPNs have been blacklisted by HBO, and many others are way too slow to ensure a high quality of streaming.

When it comes to looking for a VPN designed explicitly for great streaming, there are a few things to keep an eye out for as follows:

  • Excellent speeds with limited or no buffering
  • A decent variety of servers
  • Reliable access to streaming sites

Additionally, the top VPN for streaming will offer a polished and clean interface making the streaming experience simple and enjoyable.

However, not all VPNs have a combination of the features mentioned above, and it may take much trial and error before you find the right VPN.

We’ve tested several VPN services for streaming, and below, you’ll find the best VPN service providers to use when it comes to streaming HBO Max.

We’ve tested several VPN services to bring you the best streaming VPNs on the market today. So let’s take a closer look:

1. ExpressVPN

Our top pick!
  • Always evades internet control in the PRC
  • Keeps ahead of the Netflix VPN detection algorithm
  • Benchmark tests show excellent speed

ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is the number one choice for the best streaming VPN today, irrespective of whether you’re on a business trip or vacation and want to watch your favorite shows on either HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer or Prime, Apple TV, etc. ExpressVPN allows you to stream content from around the world in HD quality. The bonus is that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Installs on routers
  • Simultaneous connection allowance of five devices
  • Split tunneling
  • Large choice of server location
  • Very strong connection encryption

Cons

  • One of the most expensive VPN services
  • China blocks its main website (but not functionality)
  • Live chat support is not always responsive

2. Surfshark

  • Smart DNS service, understands the technology
  • Comprehensive security add-on package.
  • No data throughput limits and has a no-logs policy

Surfshark is another excellent option if you’re looking for streaming high-quality content, but you’re on a budget. So you will also receive access to Amazon prime, iPlayer, and many other streaming platforms. It’s also compatible with iOS, android, and windows devices.

Pros

  • A long list of locations in the USA
  • Dodges the Great Firewall of China
  • Virtual servers to access India
  • Add-on cybersecurity protection package
  • Smart DNS option for fast streaming
  • Unlimited devices can be connected simultaneously per account

Cons

  • 7-day free trial only available on mobile apps
  • Not as many VPN servers as NordVPN
  • Runs static IP servers but doesn’t sell dedicated IP addresses
  • Can’t get into BBC iPlayer or Hulu

3. NordVPN

  • More US city locations than its rivals
  • Includes malware protection
  • No-logs policy

According to our NordVPN review, NordVPN offers users access to many Netflix libraries, including networks and sites from around the world. Additionally, it is a brand name in the world of VPNs and a pretty safe choice that is affordably priced. You can also download the VPN app for even more features.

Pros

  • A large number of servers
  • Threat protection with a proprietary security system called CyberSec
  • Split tunneling
  • Obfuscated servers for China and other locations where VPNs are discouraged
  • No-logs policy
  • Automatic wi-fi protection

Cons

  • Parts of the server network have poor download speeds
  • No servers in India
  • Onion over VPN can be slow

4. ProtonVPN

  • Proton VPN gives access to the Tor network
  • The Proton VPN package includes a secure email service
  • The free version of Proton VPN provides an excellent secure VPN service

ProtonVPN is considered one of the most secure VPNs for streaming. The Swiss provider is, in fact, a streaming powerhouse that easily evades geo-restrictions on Netflix, HBO now, HBO go, and various other HBO Max content, etc., in multiple locations.

Pros

  • The free plan is great
  • Simultaneous connection allowance of ten devices
  • Bundle plans offer secure file storage, email and calendar as well
  • Private mini-Tor
  • Connects to Tor network
  • App for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, and Arch Linux

Cons

  • Connection profiles and threat models are complicated
  • The free version only gets three server locations
  • No browser extensions

5. CyberGhost

  • Precise locations
  • Very large VPN server network
  • Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost is a dedicated streaming VPN provider with servers all around the world. Not only does this VPN offer excellent speeds as per our speed tests, making it one of the fastest VPN services, but it unlocks various streaming services, including Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

Pros

  • The cool VPN app design
  • A larger number of servers than most of its rivals
  • Split tunneling options
  • Proprietary nospy server technology that can avoid detection in places like China
  • A strict no-logs policy
  • A 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Some server locations are spoofed – the CyberGhost servers aren’t really where they say they are
  • The VPN has to be manually set up on routers
  • Not as fast as advertised

6. PrivateVPN

  • PrivateVPN was created by internet privacy activists.
  • PrivateVPN’s creators particularly wanted to protect users of P2P file sharing.
  • This VPN service is run by Swedish activists who ensure that they are constantly up to date with the legal requirements of the country.

PrivateVPN is a highly affordable VPN service provider with servers that work best with specific streaming platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Prime Video, and more. It offers fast speeds, including great download speeds, and a privacy-friendly no-logs policy.

Pros

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Port forwarding for file sharing
  • Simultaneous connection allowance of 10 devices

Cons

  • No split tunneling
  • Not the fastest VPN
  • No VPN app for Linux
  • No mobile app for Blackberry – only manual setup
  • No browser extension
  • The advertised 7-day free VPN trial is no longer available

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a fast streaming VPN that works with HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and more. A huge benefit of using Atlas VPN is the unlimited simultaneous VPN connections per account.

8. IPVanish

  • No limit on the number of devices you can connect at the same time
  • SOCKS5 proxy, which its main rivals don’t have
  • More VPN servers in more US cities to dodge blackouts

If you’re looking for a fast enough VPN to stream HD quality, look no further than IPVanish. This service offers speeds of up to 100mbps and has a competent customer support team.

Pros

  • Good at dodging blackouts on US sports streaming sites
  • A large IP address pool
  • Split tunneling available
  • Strong IP leak protection
  • IPVanish support is available around the clock via chat and email

Cons

  • No app for Linux
  • No browser extensions
  • 30-day money-back guarantee only for the annual plan
  • Prices increase after the first subscription period
  • No malware or antivirus service

9. PureVPN

  • Excellent client with pre-configured modes for streaming, P2P, privacy
  • Kill switch
  • Support for wide range of protocols, including OpenVPN

PureVPN is for anyone looking to stream with solid speeds. The VPN service has approximately 6500 servers in more than 78 countries and unblocks a wide range of streaming platforms.

Pros

  • Excellent client with pre-configured modes for streaming, P2P, privacy
  • Kill switch
  • Support for wide range of protocols, including OpenVPN
  • Great for newbies and experienced users alike
  • Wide server coverage
  • Good speeds
  • 24/7 support
  • Accepts Bitcoin

Cons

  • No free trial
  • 7-day money-back guarantee comes with restrictions
  • No Netflix
  • No BBC iPlayer
  • Client is not as “one-click” as advertised, and troubleshooting requires technical skills

10. VyprVPN

  • Golden Frog, the business behind VyprVPN also runs a gaming platform
  • VyprVPN pioneered obfuscation techniques and they have always worked well
  • VyprVPN’s no logs policy is confirmed by an independent audit

VyprVPN allows 30 simultaneous connections making it a great option for large households. Therefore, this is one of the best streaming VPNs if you have many people wanting to watch or stream on multiple devices, all while connected to the same VPN service provider.

Pros

  • Dodges detection, even in China
  • Simultaneous connection allowance of ten devices
  • Split tunneling
  • Large choice of VPN server locations
  • Can unblock a lot of premium streaming services

Cons

  • One of the most expensive VPN services
  • No VyprVPN app for Linux or Chrome OS
  • No browser extensions
  • Can’t get into Disney+, ABC, NBC, or Channel 4

What is an HBO max account?

You’ll receive an HBO Max account when you sign up with HBO Max. HBO Max is ultimately a stand-alone streaming platform that bundles various aspects of HBO into one package. You’ll also find a handy HBO Max app to watch your favorite shows using your HBO account on the go.

What is an HBO max VPN?

An HBO Max VPN is a streaming-optimized VPN that assigns the user a US IP address that allows you to bypass HBO’s geo-blocks.

Why should I use a US server location?

You should use a US server location when streaming HBO, as it will give you the best speeds.

What operating systems are compatible with streaming VPNs?

Most streaming VPNs work well with Mac, android, windows, and Linux. Additionally, you may use many of them with other platforms like Roku, Xbox, chrome, and various smart TVs.

What’s the purpose of a VPN-enabled router?

By installing a streaming VPN such as Express VPN on your router, every device in your home will be able to stream content simultaneously.

Is a free VPN worth it?

Many free VPNs may or may not work with HBO and other reputable streaming services in the USA. Additionally, many free VPN services do not work with Android TV and Amazon Fire TV stick and won’t work on unlimited devices.