Best VPNs for HBO Max (2024)

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.

Why a VPN is needed for HBO, specifically

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.

What to look for in a VPN specifically for streaming services?

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.

Best VPNs for 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

Check best price ExpressVPN Review

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.

2. Surfshark

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

Check best price Surfshark Review

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.

3. NordVPN

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

Check best price NordVPN Review

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.

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

Check best price ProtonVPN Review

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.

5. CyberGhost

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

Check best price CyberGhost Review

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.

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.

Check best price PrivateVPN Review

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.

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

Check best price IPVanish Review

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.

9. PureVPN

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

Check best price PureVPN Review

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.

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

Check best price VyprVPN Review

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.

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