How to Watch HBO Max in UK: HBO Max UK Release Date & Pricing Info for 2026
This guide on how to watch HBO Max U.K. is a must-read for anyone who wants to access Max (HBO Max rebrand) from the U.K. or anywhere else -- even in locations where it's unavailable.
Written by Kit Copson (Writer, Briefing Editor)
Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: How to Watch Max in the U.K.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider with U.S. servers, like NordVPN.
- Download the VPN provider’s app to your device.
- Connect to a U.S. server and start streaming Max.
Best VPNs for Streaming Max in the U.K. at a Glance:
- NordVPN – The best VPN for Max, with top-tier unblocking ability and fast speeds. Explore NordVPN’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a 76% discount.
- Surfshark – One of the best VPNs for Max, with unlimited simultaneous device connections. Get 87% off the first two years with Surfshark, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Proton VPN – Great VPN for Max with 10 simultaneous connections and rock-solid U.S. speeds. Try the free plan or get 70% off paid plans.
- ExpressVPN – A user-friendly Max VPN, with unmatched unblocking ability and fast speeds. ExpressVPN’s best deal is available at a 73% discount.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Streaming Max in the U.K.
- The U.K. and Max: The word on the street is that the American streaming platform Max (formerly HBO Max) won’t set sail for the U.K. until 2026 — the year that the Harry Potter series is expected to drop.
- Current availability: Max is spreading its wings worldwide. In addition to its U.S. birthplace, the service has recently arrived in several European, Latin American and Caribbean countries. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the platform is still known as “HBO Max” as of July 2024, though this seems set to change in the near future.
- Bypassing geoblocks: Though Max isn’t available in the U.K. yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t access it. Connecting to a top VPN server in the U.S. means you can swerve past geoblocks and enjoy Max faster than you can say “tea and crumpets.”
In 2023, the American streaming platform HBO Max rebranded to “Max” in the U.S., and it has recently commenced its global rollout. However, Max is still unavailable in the U.K. and will be for a few years yet. If you need a workaround, check out our “how to watch HBO Max U.K.” guide to learn how to get an account in the U.K. and dodge geoblocks with a VPN.
Though U.K. viewers can catch some HBO content via Sky and NOW, those who want to access the full streaming service known as Max will need to use a top-notch VPN that can handle geoblocks, like NordVPN. A VPN assigns you a new IP address in a country of your choice, allowing you to access content when connected to a server there. In this case, that would be the U.S. or another country where Max is available.
This is particularly useful for British fans who missed the live broadcast and need to find where to watch Succession all the way through its dramatic series finale. We’ll explain everything in this guide.
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03/28/2026
I updated the article with new providers and speed test analysis.
How Do I Watch HBO Max in the UK?
To watch HBO Max in the UK, you’ll need to use a VPN and follow these steps if you already have a Max account. If you don’t have a Max account, scroll to the next part to find out how to get one. You can also use a VPN to access other streaming platforms. Find out more in our best Netflix VPN, Amazon Prime Video VPN and Hulu VPN guides.
- Subscribe to a VPN
First, you’ll need to subscribe to a respectable VPN service. Go to the provider’s pricing page to explore its plans and pick one that suits your needs and budget. We recommend using NordVPN, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Install the VPN on Your Device
Go to the “download” tab and select the device you want to use the VPN on. Download the VPN app’s file and open it to start the installation. If you’re installing the app on a smartphone, download it from the Apple app store (iOS) or Google Play store (Android).
- Connect to a U.S. Server
Open the app and search for a server in the U.S. (or use another location that offers Max, as content can differ by country). Click “connect.”
- Start Streaming Max
Log in to your Max account and pick what you want to watch.
How Do I Get HBO Max in the UK?
To get HBO Max in the UK, you need a payment method linked to a country where Max is available, so your U.K. bank card won’t work. Fortunately, there is a way to maneuver this roadblock: Use a virtual U.S. visa card service like StatesCard.
When you subscribe to StatesCard and load funds onto it, you’re assigned a virtual card (no shipping involved) with a U.S. billing address, which you can use to sign up and pay for geoblocked U.S. services like Max. You can learn more about signing up for Max with StatesCard on StatesCard’s dedicated help page.
Some sources have mentioned that you can sign up for Max by creating a U.S. Apple ID or Google Play account and then paying via PayPal. However, some users have reported that their U.K. PayPal accounts were rejected as a payment method for U.S. platforms (on iOS in particular).
The Best VPNs for HBO Max UK
To get the best VPN for HBO Max in the U.K., you’ll need one with fast speeds and a proven strong streaming performance. Here are the top streaming VPN options.
1. NordVPN — Excellent VPN for Streaming Max in the UK
Very Fast
We regularly test a host of VPNs with geoblocked streaming platforms like Max. In our experience, NordVPN has always been at the top of the pack in terms of unblocking ability, security, privacy and ease of use. Its speeds are also among the best in the business. If you’re new to VPNs, you can explore the ins and outs of our top-recommended provider in our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — Budget-Friendly VPN for Watching Max in the UK
Very Fast
Surfshark is good at unblocking services and providing high-quality streams. During testing, Surfshark easily accessed popular streaming platforms, usually on the first connection attempt. Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, so everyone in the household can stream Max at the same time. To find out more, check out our Surfshark review or try its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. Proton VPN — Privacy-First VPN for Streaming Max in the UK
Very Fast
Proton VPN is an excellent option for privacy-conscious viewers who want to stream Max from the U.K. In our tests, U.S. download speeds averaged an impressive 274 Mbps, making it capable of handling 4K streaming. Its Stealth protocol helps disguise VPN traffic, which is handy for swerving past geoblocks. You can learn more in our Proton VPN review or by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
4. ExpressVPN — Beginner-Friendly VPN for Watching Max in the UK
Very Fast
In testing, ExpressVPN consistently unblocks Netflix across multiple regions, as well as popular platforms like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Disney+, so getting into Max from the U.K. shouldn’t be an issue. Among ExpressVPN’s tools are the Lightway protocol, a global network, and features to block ads and trackers. Head over to our ExpressVPN review or try its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 12
- Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 14
Is HBO Max Available in the UK?
HBO Max is not available in the UK at the moment, but that’s set to change in the future (scroll to the next section to find out more).
For the time being, those in the U.K. with a NOW or Sky TV subscription can catch several popular HBO Max shows like ‘The Last of Us,’ ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’ This list also includes historical dramas that were co-produced with British broadcasters; for instance, many viewers in the UK specifically look for where to watch Rome because of its unique status as a joint HBO and BBC venture.
This library also includes Nathan Fielder’s highly unique project, though availability on regional services can be spotty; if you’re looking for specifics, we have a guide on where to watch The Rehearsal that explains how to access it from the U.K. using the methods described above.
Fans of teen comedy-dramas should also look for where to watch The Sex Lives of College Girls to enjoy Mindy Kaling’s hit series from the UK.
This local availability often extends to newer true-crime dramas as well; for instance, you can find out where to watch Love and Death for free on ITVX, saving you the need for a U.S. subscription entirely. However, change is afoot for the Sky-WBD partnership, too — find out more below.
When Is HBO Max Coming to the UK?
HBO Max is coming to the UK in 2026, according to Yahoo News Singapore — meaning that a long wait is on the cards for HBO fans in the land of tea, weather talk and over-apologizing.
The Yahoo report also links the Max launch in the U.K. to the release of the upcoming Harry Potter series, where David Zaslav — the Warner Bros. Discovery CEO — explains that the company is “aiming for a debut in 2026.”
Why Is HBO Max Cutting Ties With Sky for the UK Launch in 2026?
HBO Max is cutting ties with Sky for the UK launch in 2026 because Warner Bros. Discovery’s partnership with Sky Atlantic has prevented Max from rolling out to U.K. viewers. However, the deal is due to come to a close at the end of 2025. A report by Deadline quotes Gerhard Zeiler — the president of WBD — in reference to launching Max in the U.K., Germany and Italy:
“Sky was always a great partner for us, and it’s still a great partner today. That’s number one. But we want, we need to, and we will launch Max in these three markets.”
Gerhard Zeiler–president of WBD
What Does HBO Max Cost in the UK?
HBO Max costs start from $9.99 per month in the US (roughly £8.00), though Max isn’t currently offered in the U.K., but farther up, we touched on how you can get a U.S. subscription via a virtual payment card like those offered by StatesCard.
In the U.S., Max prices start from $9.99 per month (with ads and streaming on up to two devices), which is roughly £8.00 based on the exchange rate. Please note that you can’t download content to watch offline with the ads plan; you must have at least the Ad-Free plan to use this feature.
In some countries — like France, where Max is new — the service is a little cheaper, starting from €5.99 per month with ads. This works out to around £5.00 or $6.50 (approx). If you have a payment method linked to a country where Max is cheaper, such as France, you can connect to a VPN server there and pay for an account on the Max website for that country.
Can You Watch HBO Max in the UK for Free?
NOW — a U.K. streaming service that hosts some HBO content — has a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, meaning you can temporarily indulge in shows like ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Euphoria.’
Unfortunately, Max itself doesn’t offer a free trial — something to bear in mind if you opt for the full experience by subscribing to Max U.S. with a virtual U.S. payment card. Furthermore, we can’t be sure if Max will offer a free trial in the U.K. when it arrives there.
Final Thoughts
While Max has spread to various European markets, it has yet to reach the U.K. Meanwhile, U.K. viewers can watch some HBO content via the NOW or Sky channels, but there’s always the option to connect to a U.S. VPN server to bypass the geoblocks.
Remember, NordVPN is the best VPN for Max, but Surfshark, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN are also excellent options and you can try any of them risk-free with their 30-day money-back guarantees. Other shows on Max, like ‘Industry,’ are available BBC iPlayer.
Do you plan to get a Max account via a virtual payment method, or are you happy to wait it out until Max officially launches in the U.K.? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
FAQ: UK HBO Max
Max hasn’t launched in the U.K. yet, though some HBO content is on NOW and Sky. However, U.K. viewers who lack a U.S. payment method can get a virtual U.S. payment card like StatesCard to sign up for Max U.S. You’ll also need to download a VPN and connect to a U.S. server to pay for and use Max.
Warner Bros. Discovery (which owns HBO) has a deal with the U.K. TV provider Sky, which means Sky has the rights to broadcast some HBO content. Max can only make its move in the U.K. when the deal with Sky ends, which is set for the end of 2025.