HBO Max Unblocked: How to Stream Around the World in 2025
HBO Max has been expanding for the past few years, but it is still not available worldwide. If you’re in an unsupported country, or you just want to enjoy content that’s not available in your region, here is how to get HBO Max unblocked.
Written by Andrej Hadji-Vasilev (Writer)
Reviewed by Jackie Leavitt (Editor at Large)
Facts checked by Vildana Bratic (Video Editor, Fact-Checking Editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: Unblocking HBO Max Streaming
- HBO Max has expanded its market, but the streaming service is still not available worldwide; if you want to access it from an unavailable country, you’ll need a VPN and valid payment option.
- HBO Max rebranded to Max in May 2023 after its merger with Discovery+. However, in 2025, the service rebranded once again to its original name.
- NordVPN is the best VPN that works with HBO Max. You can use it to enjoy HBO Max content anywhere in the world.
Best VPNs for HBO Max Streaming
- NordVPN — Secure, swift and packed with advanced features. NordVPN offers 76% off on the first two years for new users.
- Surfshark — Unlimited devices, unbeatable price. Sign up now to get 87% off the first two years.
- ExpressVPN — Seamless security for the tech-shy. Sign up now to get 61% off the first two years.
If you’ve wanted to watch HBO Max, you were probably thrilled when the service announced its expansion a few years ago, becoming accessible in many new locations around the world. That said, it’s still not available in every country, so we’ll show you how to get HBO Max unblocked wherever you are.
HBO Max has grown rapidly in the past couple of years, especially after its merger with Discovery+. While it still doesn’t have the subscriber count of streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney Plus, the streaming service has a large content library with something for everyone.
Unfortunately, the library depends on your region, so not everything is available everywhere. If you’re looking to unblock HBO Max in a location where it’s not yet available, you can do so with a virtual private network (VPN) service.
A VPN service not only provides a new IP address in a different location, but it also encrypts your connection, keeping your activities away from prying eyes. You can read our best VPN guide and best VPN for HBO Max guide for more specific information about the VPNs that can unblock HBO Max and other streaming platforms.
Max rebranded back to HBO Max in 2025.
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11/30/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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10/01/2024
We revised the provider order based on our comprehensive reevaluation of the VPNs’ capabilities and value.
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02/19/2025 Facts checked
Updated the article to discuss new NordVPN features and its expansion of server presence from 60+ to 118 countries. We’ve also included extra tips and considerations for using a VPN with Max.
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08/26/2025 Facts checked
We updated this article to reflect Max’s rebrand back to HBO Max and changes to Surfshark’s service. We also added information on when HBO Max will be available in the U.K. and updated pricing and plan information.
HBO Max/Max Rebrands
In May 2023, HBO officially rebranded HBO Max to just Max. However, in July 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery did a U-turn, rebranding back to the original “HBO Max.”
HBO Max Unblocked: Where Is HBO Max Available?
Here is a list of countries where you can access HBO Max. Remember that, as we mentioned, you won’t be able to enjoy the entire content library in every location.
Some countries may have significantly smaller Max libraries compared to the US library, making VPN access to the US server particularly valuable for viewers in these regions.
Europe
Since we first wrote this guide HBO Max has also become available in France, Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Georgia, Cyprus, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, and Turkey.
| 🇦🇽 Åland Islands | 🇫🇮 Finland | 🇵🇱 Poland |
| 🇦🇩 Andorra | 🇬🇱 Greenland | 🇵🇹 Portugal |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 🇷🇴 Romania |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 🇵🇹 Madeira | 🇷🇸 Serbia |
| 🇮🇨 Canary Islands | 🇪🇦 Melilla | 🇸🇰 Slovakia |
| 🇪🇦 Ceuta | 🇲🇩 Moldova | 🇸🇮 Slovenia |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | 🇲🇪 Montenegro | 🇪🇸 Spain |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇸🇯 Svalbard & Jan Mayen |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Latin America & Caribbean
| 🇦🇮 Anguilla | 🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda | 🇦🇷 Argentina | 🇦🇼 Aruba |
| 🇧🇸 Bahamas | 🇧🇧 Barbados | 🇧🇿 Belize | 🇧🇴 Bolivia |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands | 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands | 🇨🇱 Chile |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇨🇼 Curacao | 🇩🇲 Dominica |
| 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | 🇸🇻 El Salvador | 🇬🇩 Grenada |
| 🇬🇹 Guatemala | 🇬🇾 Guyana | 🇭🇹 Haiti | 🇭🇳 Honduras |
| 🇯🇲 Jamaica | 🇲🇸 Montserrat | 🇳🇮 Nicaragua | 🇵🇦 Panama |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 🇵🇪 Peru | 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts & Nevis | 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia |
| 🇻🇨 St. Vincent & the Grenadines | 🇸🇷 Suriname | 🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago | 🇹🇨 Turks & Caicos |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | 🇻🇪 Venezuela |
North America
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇺🇸 United States* |
Asia Pacific
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong |
| 🇭🇰 Indonesia | 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
| 🇲🇾 Philippines | 🇸🇬 Singapore |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is HBO Max Available in the UK?
While HBO Max continues to expand globally, U.K. viewers will need to wait until 2026 for an official launch. According to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, the U.K. release is strategically timed to coincide with the debut of the highly anticipated Harry Potter series.
This explains why using a VPN remains necessary for U.K. residents in the foreseeable future, despite Max’s expansion to other European countries.
However, for U.K. viewers specifically, many HBO shows are currently available through Sky and NOW TV due to an exclusive licensing agreement between Warner Bros. Discovery and Sky.
Why Is HBO Max Blocked?
HBO Max is subject to licensing deals that mean certain shows may not be available in certain countries. For example, if a TV station holds exclusive rights to HBO Max’s library in a certain country, the streaming service may not be available in said country. The same applies to individual TV shows and movies.
A VPN service can unblock HBO Max by giving you a new IP address from a location of your choice. Simply choose a VPN server in a location where HBO Max isn’t blocked or where your content of choice is accessible. Note that to sign up for and create a HBO Max account, you will need a payment method from the country of choice.
Ads vs Ad-Free: Which HBO Max Plan Do I Need to Stream Abroad?
It doesn’t matter what plan you have: You can stream HBO Max abroad in countries where it’s available, though the content library may be different from your home country’s library.
You have the choice between three subscription plans: Basic with Ads, Standard and Premium. The prices are $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year for the Basic with Ads plan, $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year for the Standard plan, and $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year for the Premium plan.
Premium plan subscribers get four simultaneous streams instead of two, full 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos audio support, and the ability to download up to 100 movies and episodes for offline viewing.
Is There a HBO Max Free Trial?
HBO Max doesn’t offer a free trial, at least not in the typical sense of the word. However, some U.S. providers occasionally have special offers that may include a free trial of HBO Max. Considering that they’re only available to U.S. customers, you may be able to take advantage of such offers using a U.S. VPN server and a U.S. payment method.
How to Watch HBO Max From Anywhere With a VPN
You can access the streaming service from anywhere in the world if you use a VPN for HBO Max. Here is how to do it — we’ll use NordVPN as an example, as it is the best VPN for streaming.
Max’s mobile apps for iOS and Android work seamlessly with VPN connections, allowing you to watch content on the go.
- Sign Up for NordVPN
Go to the NordVPN website and click “Get NordVPN”. Follow the steps to choose a plan and subscribe.
- Download and Install NordVPN
Once you’ve finished the signup process, download the NordPN app for your device of choice. Install the app on your device and log in.
- Connect to a VPN Server
In the NordVPN app, click on the country name to open the server list. Find a server in a country where HBO Max is unblocked, and then click the country. On the home screen, click the “connect” button and give NordVPN a few seconds to establish a connection.
- Sign In to HBO Max
Go to the HBO Max website and sign in. You should be able to watch movies such as Miracle Workers, Harley Quinn or any content available in the country you chose in the server list.
How to Sign Up for HBO Max Outside the HBO Country List
If you don’t have a HBO Max account and you are not in a country where HBO Max is supported, you can still use the HBO Max app to enjoy content. Use steps one and two from the guide above to subscribe to NordVPN and download an app, and then do the following steps — we’ll use a signup in the U.S. as an example.
For additional security when streaming HBO Max internationally, enable two-factor authentication on your HBO Max account to prevent unauthorized access.
To sign up for HBO Max from outside the supported countries, you will need a payment method from a supported country. The option we used is StatesCard, a provider that gives you a virtual U.S. card and billing address. In the off chance it doesn’t work, you may need to find an alternative payment method to start a subscription.
- Connect to a U.S. VPN Server
In the NordVPN app, click on the country name to open the server list. Choose one of the servers in the U.S. and click the server location. On the home screen, click the “connect” button and give NordVPN a few seconds to establish a connection.
- Go to the StatesCard Website
Go to the StatesCard website to set up a prepaid card account, and click “sign up now.”
- Create a StatesCard Account
Enter your email address and password, and then click “sign up.” You will need to verify your account by clicking the activation link in the verification email you receive.
- Enter Your Account Info
On the next page, enter your personal details, including your name, date of birth and address, and click “next.”
- Load Funds on Your StatesCard
Choose how much you want to load on your card, but make sure it’s enough to cover the Max subscription, plus tax. You will be charged a processing fee, a one-time card activation fee of $14.99 and the first monthly fee for StatesCard, which is $3.95. Choose a payment method and click “confirm order.”
- Pay for the Top Up
Enter your payment details, choosing either PayPal or a credit card as your payment method. Once you’ve entered the details, click “pay.”
- See Your Billing Address
When you’ve completed the signup process, check your StatesCard account. You should see the funds you have added, along with the U.S. billing address you will need to use when signing up for Max.
- Go to the HBO Max Website
Go to the HBO Max website, and in the top-right corner, click “sign up.” Choose a plan that works best for you and use the StatesCard information and billing address to pay for the subscription. Once done, you should be able to watch HBO Max with a VPN — just install the HBO Max app on your device of choice and enjoy.
Best 3 VPNs for Watching HBO Max
Various HBO Max VPNs can do the job, but these three let you enjoy HBO Max most. We’ll kick things off with our favorite, NordVPN. All recommended VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to test HBO Max access risk-free.
1. NordVPN— Best VPN for Streaming HBO Max
Very Fast
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If you want to watch HBO Max with no regional restrictions, even in countries where it’s not yet available, NordVPN is the best tool for the job. With servers in 118 countries around the world, you can unblock HBO Max in almost any region. You can find out more about it in our NordVPN review.
Thanks to easy-to-use apps that you can install on almost any device, including smart TVs and streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, NordVPN’s performance and security are top-notch, with the only downside being its finicky mobile map.
NordVPN now offers NordWhisper, an advanced protocol specifically designed to bypass VPN restrictions. This makes it particularly effective for streaming in regions where VPN usage is typically blocked or restricted.
In addition, NordVPN’s browser extension now includes advanced location spoofing that matches both your location and time zone to your chosen server location, making it more effective at accessing geo-restricted content.
If you want the best VPN app to stream HBO Max, it’s worth it. You can sign up for any plan using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- **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–Cheapest VPN for Streaming HBO Max
as well as the static IP, MultiHop and dedicated IP servers.
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to watch HBO Max and other streaming platforms from multiple devices at once. If you’re looking for a Max VPN that lets you share your VPN subscription, Surfshark is perfect.
As for recent updates, Surfshark’s new FastTrack technology optimizes VPN routes in real-time, increasing connection speeds by up to 70% when connecting to certain locations. This feature is particularly valuable for streaming HBO Max content in high definition, as it automatically selects the most efficient network paths to reduce buffering and improve overall performance.
In addition, Surfshark has expanded its Dedicated IP offering to 20 locations worldwide, including new servers in Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, Denver, New York, Sao Paulo and Singapore. A dedicated IP can significantly reduce CAPTCHA challenges and IP blocklists when accessing HBO Max — you can purchase one within the Surfshark app.
Surfshark’s large server network comprises over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. It has apps for almost any platform, so you can watch HBO Max on any device, including Android TV devices thanks to smart DNS support. Surfshark also offers excellent security, which you can find out more about in our Surfshark review. It also has a 30-day refund period on all plans.
- 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. ExpressVPN— Best User-Friendly VPN for HBO Max
websites to the shortcuts bar for easy access.
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN making this list should be no surprise to anyone who’s read our comparison versus ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has over thousands of servers in more than 100 countries, making it easy to watch HBO Max in different regions. It also has a VPN app for almost any platform, and smart DNS for devices like Apple TV or Android TV that don’t support a native VPN.
ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service provides an alternative method to access Max on gaming consoles and smart TVs that don’t support direct VPN installation, though it lacks the encryption benefits of a full VPN connection.
Connection speeds are excellent, and ExpressVPN also offers strong security as we discuss in our ExpressVPN review. If you’re looking for a good and beginner friendly VPN for Max, ExpressVPN is a solid choice. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
Extra Tips for Using an HBO Max VPN
Before we move on, here are a few things to bear in mind when choosing or using an HBO Max VPN:
- We recommend looking for VPNs with the WireGuard protocol, as this offers the fastest possible streaming speeds while maintaining security, making it ideal for HD and 4K HBO Max content.
- If need be, you can enable split tunneling to route only HBO Max traffic through the VPN while maintaining direct connections for other apps and services.
- A VPN kill switch prevents accidental exposure of your real location by cutting internet access if the VPN connection drops.
- Streaming services like HBO Max often implement sophisticated VPN detection systems. To maintain reliable access, ensure you pick a VPN with a strong track record of getting around this, like our top three recommendations above.
Can I Use a Free VPN for HBO Max?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch HBO Max, but we don’t recommend using just any free VPN. Many of the free VPN providers out there won’t give you a secure VPN connection, with some going as far as collecting user data and selling it to third parties, or even bundling malware with their app installers.
If you encounter Error Code 420 when using a free VPN with HBO Max, this specifically indicates a geo-restriction detection issue rather than a general connection problem, requiring you to switch to a more capable VPN service with better obfuscation technology.
That said, our top recommendations for reputable free VPNs to stream HBO Max include Proton VPN, Windscribe and Tunnelbear. You can read our full list of reliable free VPNs for more suggestions.
Proton VPN gives you a free plan with no data limits, with a caveat — you only have three server locations to choose from (U.S., Japan and the Netherlands), and they’re often under high load, so speeds may vary. We talk about this in more detail in our Proton VPN review.
Windscribe is another popular free VPN. As we mention in our Windscribe review, you have 10 server locations you can tunnel through, but only 10GB of data per month (you can get an extra 5GB if you tweet about the service). TunnelBear is another suggestion, but as we mention in our Tunnelbear review, you only have 2GB of data per month.
Final Thoughts: Access HBO Max Streaming
The HBO Max library isn’t identical worldwide, so even if you can watch HBO Max, there is a chance you can’t see all the content available. NordVPN takes the title of the best VPN that unblocks HBO Max, so take it for a test drive with peace of mind, knowing you can request a full refund within 30 days if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
We have an HBO Max U.K. guide, but if you’re after U.K. shows instead, check out our guide to the Acorn TV free trial.
Have you tried to watch HBO Max with a VPN? What was your VPN of choice? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thank you for reading.
FAQ: Unblock HBO Max From Anywhere
A reliable VPN unblocks HBO Max, with providers such as NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, all being solid choices. You will need to connect to a VPN server in a country where HBO Max is available.
HBO Max is now available in Australia.
Not all VPNs work with HBO Max. To increase the chances of bypassing such blocks, you should use a reputable VPN such as NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN.