Summary
Missing out on HBO Max shows due to geo-blocks? Not anymore! Here’s a quick and tested guide on how to watch HBO Max outside US with a genuine VPN.
HBO Max is a premium VoD platform that is owned by Warner Bros Discovery. Previously, HBO had two sister projects, HBO Go and HBO Now, which were merged into HBO Max. HBO Max was launched in 2020 to cater to the storytelling needs of the public which was not being fulfilled due to the 2020-22 pandemic.
Max offers a plethora of content like Arrow, Justice League, Sex and The City, The Last of Us, etc. Moreover, users who love fantasy can also watch shows like House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. This expansion of the content library came after the collaboration of Discovery Plus and Max in May 2023.
Following the merge, HBO Max was renamed Max, a newer and expanded service. So, Max is still HBO Max, just a revised version with a new name.
Though HBO Max doesn’t work in many countries outside USA, a VPN is enough to unblock it in any region. VPNs are great tools to have as they are efficient at concealing your IP address to make it look like a US-based IP so Max doesn’t catch it.
So, if you’re curious about how to watch HBO Max outside USA, then you will find this article super helpful.
Stream Max outside the USA with a VPN [Quick 5 Steps in May 2024]
Streaming Max in non-US regions requires a VPN, yet many users don’t know that this works. Simply follow these instructions and you will be able to watch Max in no time:
- Get yourself a VPN subscription that can bypass Max. (Pro tip: ExpressVPN works best!)
- Install and configure the VPN app on your device and sign in with your credentials.
- From the servers list, select a US-based server. [“New York” server is recommended]
- Now, go to the official website of Max and log in with your ID and password.
- There you have it! You now have access to Max outside USA with a VPN.
Why do you need a VPN to watch Max internationally?
You need a VPN to watch Max because even though HBO has rebranded itself, the platform is still not available in all the countries worldwide. If you attempt to access Max in a region where it is geo-limited, then you will be restricted by this dreaded line:
“HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet.”
This is why we recommend everyone to always use a VPN if Max is not available in their region. And not just any VPN they see at first sight, they should use one with top-quality security features, able to swiftly bypass every limitation.
Which VPNs are Best with Max? [Overview May 2024]
Here are VPN recommendations that you can choose from:
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN comes with 3000+ high-end servers around the globe and 25+ highly optimized servers in the United States. It also offers extremely fast speed and cutting-edge data-wide technology to let you watch Max outside the USA. It costs $6.67/month for the yearly plan + three months of free service and a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee without logging any of your activity.
- NordVPN: NordVPN offers 5,200+ servers in 80+ locations across 59 countries and 16 highly optimized U.S. servers. Cop the NordVPN subscription at 72% off for $3.71/month with its 2-year plan and use it on up to 6 devices simultaneously. Additionally, you can avail of a 7-day free trial on Android devices and a universal 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Surfshark is your wallet-friendly VPN option with great service. Offering 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries and 23 highly optimized US servers, Surfshark gives you trusted protection. You can purchase the 2-year subscription plan for just $2.49/month + 4 months free.
How to Sign Up for Max in May?
Signing up to Max requires little to no effort. However, if it is still difficult for you, you can take help from these instructions. Before you start, take note that these initial steps are absolutely necessary if you’re not in the USA and/or Max targeted regions, so you can use a VPN to connect.
Steps for VPN connection:
- Subscribe to a paid VPN [Editor’s pick: ExpressVPN].
- Download and configure the VPN app on your device and log in with your credentials.
- Now, select an American server. [“New York” server is recommended]
Then sign in to Max using these steps:
- Visit HBO Max’s official website and click on Sign Up Now.
- Select your preferred HBO Max plan, and then click ‘Continue.’
- Provide all the necessary information to register yourself as a subscriber.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, such as adding your zip code and payment method.
- There you have it! You are now registered as a Max subscriber.
What are the Best VPNs that Work with Max? [In-depth May 2024]
Do you want to know more about the best VPNs to access Max globally? Here:
ExpressVPN – Editor’s Choice!
- ExpressVPN is highly compatible with watching HBO Max outside USA. Offering a fully secured connection with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and enhanced speed, this VPN is the best you could get for streaming.
- As a highly reliable VPN to unblock Max internationally because it is affordable. You can save 49% on its 1-year subscription, costing $6.67/month + 3 months free, protecting your digital life for as low as $0.22 a day.
- With 3,000 servers worldwide and 25+ highly optimized servers in prominent US states like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, you can connect up to 5 devices with one subscription so you can secure yourself and the people around you.
- You will receive all the best features from ExpressVPN, including support for the Tor browser, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
- ExpressVPN also has a ton of cutting-edge features, including VPN split tunneling, Lightway Protocol, and threat management to give you the best streaming session.
Pros:
- Strict logging policy.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 customer service.
Cons:
- Costly than other competitor VPNs.
- Limited simultaneous connections.
Recommended Servers: New York, Seattle, Chicago, and Dallas.
NordVPN – Trustworthy VPN
- A VPN with the largest server count, NordVPN comes with 5,400+ servers in 50+ countries, including 1970+ servers across 15 locations in the US.
- Equipped with tunneling protocols such as PPTP, SSTP, IPSec, and IKEv2 to protect your online life, you can secure up to 6 devices under one subscription and stream Max from anywhere.
- The cost for such security is $3.71/month for 2 years + 7-day free trial on Android devices with a 30-day refund guarantee.
- NordVPN stands by its promise to ensure that no IP or DNS information is stolen. Using the essential AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy, NordVPN has a kill switch, a user-friendly UI, and a dedicated streaming mode.
Pros:
- Double the protection with a double VPN.
- Connect 6 devices on many platform types.
- Fast & stable speeds all around.
Cons:
- Slow app and server connections.
- Torrenting is only supported on some servers.
Recommended Servers: Seattle, Denver, and Miami.
Surfshark – Affordable VPN
- Surfshark is easy on your wallet while offering around 3,200 servers from 100 countries.
- Surfshark employs the unique WireGuard tunneling mechanism to secure your data, making it a safe and trusted choice to access Max outside USA.
- Available for an affordable price of $2.30/month with its 2-year subscription + 2 months free, you can save 69% and stream on a budget with a 30-day money-back policy.
- With a powerful IP Rotator that can change your IP every 10 minutes for secure browsing, Surfshark is practical for the user with unlimited screens to protect.
Pros:
- Reasonable prices.
- Smooth user experience.
- Speedy and helpful live chat support.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Cons:
- Dodgy customer service.
- Weak social media presence.
- Kill switch windows stop working sometimes.
Recommended Servers: New York, Chicago, and Detroit.
Can I unblock Max with a free VPN?
Max can detect and restrict user access if a VPN or proxy is detected. That possibility occurs with free VPNs though and not paid ones.
The reason is simple – you pay the VPN provider a small fee and it diligently updates and maintains its pool of IP addresses and servers for you. Because free VPNs are just that – free – they do not have any capacity to renew their IP addresses which have all been caught and blacklisted by HBO Max already.
That’s why we always recommend that users stay away from free VPNs, as they’re not reliable for accessing Max.
Moreover, free VPNs are dangerous because they do not bear the advanced security features that you require to safely bypass Max’s geo-limitations.
Plus, using a free VPN can make you prone to cyber threats, since your IP is not properly concealed. This is super risky because there are numerous malware and botnets available to easily trick your computer and gain access to all the sensitive data.
Opt for a premium VPN as they are equipped with all the necessary features you need to be secure in your digital life.
What to look for in the best VPN for Max?
A VPN is a useful tool to get you safe access to geo-blocked platforms along with disguising your real IP address to protect you from the dangers of the internet. Here are a few must-haves to keep in mind when you’re signing up for a VPN:
- The VPN you choose must have great unblocking capabilities, so it can also access other geographically limited services and websites.
- Your VPN is required to have amazing protocols and features to work well even with a slow internet connection.
- It must have many servers to choose from, and in the case of Max, the VPN should have servers in all regions where Max is available.
- Must be compatible with every major device from smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to routers and TVs.
- Good streaming speed is another must-have for a VPN, especially if you’re getting for streaming mainly.
- The VPN should also be hosting capable live chat support that you can count on.
How to subscribe to Max when you’re not in the USA?
The ways to subscribe to Max while you’re not in the USA are super easy. Since Max is not available in your region, you can choose either of these options:
- Apple Gift Card (iTunes)
- Gift Card
- Google Pay
- Asking Your Friends/Family
Pay for Max with an Apple Gift Card
Apple Gift Card used to be iTunes, but the name was changed. Paying for Max outside the USA with an Apple Gift Card is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:
- Subscribe to a VPN of your choice. We would recommend ExpressVPN because of its features.
- Download and install the VPN and connect to a server in the US. [Recommended Server “New York“.]
- Go to Settings, click on your name, then select “Media & Purchases,” choose your country or region, and change your location to the United States. (or simply make a second account for this)
- Go to the Max website, choose your preferred plan, and enter the necessary information. Since you are using an Apple Gift Card to pay for your Max subscription, the payment will be charged to your US Apple account.
- Download the Max app from the App Store and sign in to your account.
- Now you can log in to Max and stream all you want!
Purchase a Max Subscription with a Gift Card
If you want to watch Max while being outside USA, you can also pay for it via a gift card. Let us demonstrate:
- Purchase a subscription to a VPN.
- From the server list, connect to a US server. [Recommended Server “New York“.]
- From an online retailer that sells gift cards, purchase one for Max. Some of the popular retailers include MyGiftCardSupply and eGifter.
- Select the card amount you prefer. The amount ranges from $25 to $100.
- Add the Max gift card to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- When you’re asked for payment information to be added, you should select an option that accepts your payment type, for example, PayPal or international credit cards.
- Make sure everything is correct before you confirm the purchase. Once done, you will receive an email with the Max gift card and the code.
- Now, visit Max’s official website to redeem your gift card and sign in using the necessary information.
- Then, enter the code you get with the gift card and a US-based zip code.
- Click on “Redeem” to activate your Max subscription. That’s it!
Get Max with Google Pay
Following are the steps to get Max with Google Pay outside USA:
- Get a VPN subscription that has several US servers.
- Connect to an optimized US server. We recommend the New York server.
- Make sure your Google ID is created, if not, create one.
- Set your current location to the USA and purchase the US-based Google Play Gift Card.
- The gift card will be sent to you in your email with a code.
- Choose Google Pay when paying for the subscription to Max
- Now, type the code provided and complete the registration process to enjoy streaming.
Subscribe to Max with a Friend/Family Member’s Credit Card
It’s super convenient to simply ask a friend or family in the US to pay for a Max subscription. But still, you will need a VPN if you are borrowing their card number to pay for it.
- First, make sure you’re connected with a VPN.
- Then, you download the VPN app and set it up.
- Connect to a USA-based server. [“New York” server is best]
- Now, go to the official website of Max, or download the Max app on your device.
- Choose your preferred plan and enter all the details necessary from the card you borrowed.
- There you go, now you can enjoy Max Outside USA with your friend/family’s card.
How much does HBO Max cost?
Max outside USA costs the same as it does in the USA. There are 3 plans that Max offers, which come with different prices, ranging from 10 USD to 20 USD. Here’s the chart to make it convenient for you:
Max Plans | Ad-Lite | Ad-Free | Ultimate Ad-Free |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly price | $9.99/mo | $15.99/mo | $19.99/mo |
Yearly price | $99.99/yr | $149.99/yr | $199.99/yr |
Screen count | 2 devices | 2 devices | 4 devices |
4K content | No | No | Yes |
Dolby Atmos Sound | No | No | Yes |
Offline download | 0 Videos | 30 Videos | 100 Videos |
If you’re still confused, here is the full detail:
Is Discovery Plus combined with HBO Max?
Turning HBO Max into “Max” was a joint venture between Discovery Plus and HBO Max. So, yes, those two services are now joined, not combined, and you can get Discovery content in your Max library.
Significantly, the existing subscribers of Discovery can transition to Max smoothly without paying a penny. While it is mention-worthy that both services may be joined, Max and Discovery still operate as distinct and separate platforms, while retaining their identities.
Which devices are compatible with Max?
Max is compatible with almost all the major devices. Here’s a complete list:
- Windows
- Mac
- Roku
- Linux
- Apple TV
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- Smart TVs
- Chromecast
- Amazon Fire Stick
- iOS (iPhone, iPad)
- Android (phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs)
Access Max on Android
It’s fairly easy to access Max on your Android phone/tablet. But if you get stuck, here’s a small step-by-step guide:
- Launch the VPN app on your Android device. (optional if not in Max targeted region)
- Connect to a US-based server from the server list.
- Log in to your Google Account or make a new one.
- Search for Max app in the Play Store and download it.
- After installing the app, sign up for a Max account and purchase the subscription.
- Sign in to your Max account using your credentials.
- Max is now available to watch on your Android device.
Stream Max on iOS
If you’re in the USA, you won’t have to do step #1, but if not, then begin from the first step.
- Change your Apple ID region to the United States by going to Settings > Network.
- Download and configure a VPN on your iOS device. (optional if not in Max targeted region)
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server in the US.
- Do a quick search for Max in the App Store and download it.
- Wait for the app to install and sign up for an account with a preferred subscription.
- Sign in again and there you have it, Max on an iOS device.
Watch Max on a Smart TV
Some Smart TVs don’t come with pre-installed VPNs, and neither can you install a VPN on them. What you can do is install the VPN directly on your router, so all your devices can have the advantage of VPN protection.
For TVs that allow you to download the VPN from the store, these are the instructions:
- Get the VPN from the app store of your device and install it.
- Connect your VPN to a server in the United States.
- Go to the app store again and download the Max app.
- Sign in with your credentials and that’s it, you can now watch Max on your Smart TV.
Get Max on Apple TV
Since you can now get a VPN on your Apple TV without having to change your DNS, it’s easier to watch Max on an Apple TV.
- Go to the App Store and download the VPN along with the Max app.
- Log in to your VPN account and choose a server from the United States.
- Open the Max app on your Apple TV and log in using your credentials.
- That’s it, you can now watch Max on your Apple TV.
How do I Cancel My Max Subscription?
The process of canceling is very easy, and it can be done in no time if you follow these steps:
- Log in to your account on Max.
- Go to your profile and click Settings > Subscription.
- Then you select Manage Subscription and you will see ‘Cancel Subscription.’
- Enter the reason for cancellation, which can be anything but honesty is appreciated.
- Follow the prompts to verify the cancellation.
- You have now unsubscribed to the Max subscription until after the expiration date.
Note: You will see an expiration date for your cancellation; if you come back before that day, you can resume your subscription, so keep the date in mind.
What to Watch on Max?
Are you wondering what shows and movies to watch on Max? Here’s the Max content list that you can start from:
Best Shows to Watch on Max
Here’s a list of top shows on Max:
- Catfish
- Fear the Walking Dead
- Killing Eve
- Rick and Morty
- How I Met Your Father
- Euphoria
- Tiny Toons Looniversity
- Chernobyl
- Full Circle
- Succession
- Harley Quinn
- The Sopranos
Best Movies to Watch on Max
These are the top movies on Max to start from:
- Evil Dead Rise
- Harry Potter Series
- Meg 2: The Trench
- The Dark Knight
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- Empire of Light
- The Meg
- A Space Odyssey
- Dune
- Spirited Away
- The Exorcist
- Kingsman: The Secret Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did HBO Max change to Max?
HBO Max changed to Max because they wanted to broaden the seams of streaming content, while the quality remains the same, if not better.
How many people can watch HBO Max at once?
HBO Max subscribers can view up to three streams at once while having five user profiles.
Can I use HBO Max worldwide?
Yes, you can use Max worldwide, but in select countries.
Can I use my HBO Max account in another country?
Yes, you can use your Max account in another country if it is selected in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. If you’re planning on using your account outside of any of these regions, you must purchase a subscription to a VPN because Max will give you the geo-restriction error.
Is it legal to watch HBO Max outside USA with a VPN?
Of course! It is legal to watch Max outside USA with a VPN. Just make sure you’re using a good kind, such as ExpressVPN.
Can I stream HBO Max outside USA with a VPN?
Yes, you can stream Max outside USA with a VPN. Ensure that the VPN has good security features.
Is HBO Max different in different countries?
Yes, Max has a library that proceeds to offer content based on your location. If you’re in America, you will see a different library than when you access Max in Latin America. You can use a VPN to make every content available to you.
Can I watch HBO Max outside USA for free?
No, you can not watch Max outside USA for free, as it is a subscription-based platform. Wherever you watch Max, you will have to pay for the preferred subscription.
Can I watch HBO Max outside USA without the app?
Yes, you can watch Max without the app, just visit the official website of Max, log in with your ID and password and start streaming.
Can you watch Max on multiple devices?
Yes, you can watch Max on multiple devices, depending on your subscription package.
Where is Max available?
Max is available in the USA, Latin America, the Caribbean, and certain European countries.
Can HBO Max detect VPN?
Yes, Max can detect VPN usage, if it is not strong enough. When this happens, you should delete the cache memory and restart with a better VPN provider.
Is HBO available outside USA?
Yes, HBO is available outside USA, but you can only watch Max in America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and select European countries.
Will I Get Max if I am already subscribed to HBO Max?
HBO Max was simply rebranded to Max. Your subscription should still remain if it is not nullified due to the expiration or cancelation.
Is HBO Max free trial available?
Max doesn’t offer a free trial. You can select a free trial of Max only if you’re billed by Hulu and get Max as an add-on.
Wrapping it Up
Max offers all the original HBO content along with its hugely popular original productions. Since HBO Max was rebranded to Max, this platform has been a fan-favorite among the top streaming platforms.
You, too, can get Max outside USA now, all thanks to VPNs. And if you crave high-speed streaming without any hassles, you can thank ExpressVPN for that.
With every information you were curious about, we hope this article covers it all. Now all that’s left is for you to sign up to Max now and start streaming the most popular content!
Happy binging!