How to watch Max from anywhere in the world

Bypass geo-restrictions to secure access to your favourite streaming site.
By Joseph Green  on 
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Overview

Best For Speed

ExpressVPN

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Best For Beginners

CyberGhost VPN

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Best For Security

NordVPN

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Best For Multiple Devices

Surfshark

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Best For Server Network

Private Internet Access

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There is no such thing as too many streaming sites. Sure, you might already be subscribed to Netflix and Prime Video, but there might be hit shows and newly-releases movies still out of reach. We're not suggesting you subscribe to everything out there, but one more subscription couldn't hurt.

If you're looking to expand your content options, you might have considered Max. This popular streaming platform offers TV favourites, blockbuster movies, and new Max originals. So what's stopping you? Well, despite Max expanding into Europe in 2021, the UK is still not on the list. Try and visit the platform from the UK, and you'll be greeted with "Sorry, Max isn’t available in your region yet."

We know this is tough news to take, but you still have the ability to stream on Max in the UK. All you need is a VPN.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide protection for your data and identity when you're online. They create a private network that hides your real IP address, which boosts your online privacy and anonymity, and makes sure that your activity is untraceable and secure.

It's not the easiest concept to grasp, so it can be helpful to think about a VPN like an encrypted tunnel. All of your online traffic passes through this tunnel, and nobody can see inside. Everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Why should you consider investing in a VPN?

VPNs are designed to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously a major reason to consider investing in a service. Cybersecurity is an absolutely vital part of existing online these days, and VPNs offer the features needed to secure your online world against the worst of the web. It's not all about online security and privacy though, because an increasing number of subscribers are looking to boost their content options.

VPNs can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. VPNs can bypass the geo-restrictions of the most popular streaming sites, including Max.

How do you access Max with a VPN?

The process of accessing Max with a VPN is not exactly simple. First you need to do is open up your preferred VPN, select an American server in order to spoof your IP to a U.S. address, and then head to Max. This makes Max think you're in the U.S. when you're actually in the UK. The next step is to add your payment information.

Max only lets you sign up if you have a payment card that’s tied to the U.S. If you don't have this, you'll need to follow these steps:

  • Open up your preferred VPN on your iOS/Android device and connect to a server in the U.S.

  • Create an Apple ID/Google Play account

  • Register your account on the app store

  • Download and install the Max app

  • Create a new account in the Max app with your email address and password

  • Pay with your UK PayPal account

We know this is a little laborious, but it's worth it.

What should you consider before investing in a VPN?

Rather than listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about if you're planning on streaming with a VPN. You should look out for connection speed, server network, number of simultaneous logins, and other important features:

  • Connection speed — Using a VPN is likely to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant. This will result in buffering, which is going to make it difficult to stream without frustration.

  • Number of simultaneous connections The best VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. You should seek out services that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stream on all your devices at the same time.

  • Privacy policy — It's worth paying attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using to stream, because access to extra content shouldn't come at the expense of your online privacy and anonymity.

  • Security — We know you're here to find a VPN for streaming, but you shouldn't forget about security. The best services will let you unblock top streaming sites whilst offering powerful protection for your data.

  • Server network — Some VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. The best services offer access to a lot of servers in key locations, so you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

What is the best VPN for Max?

We've lined up a selection of the very best streaming-friendly VPNs for unlocking Max, including popular services like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN. You just need to consider all of these options, and pick out the service that best suits you and your lifestyle.

These are the best VPNs for Max in 2024.

Read our full review of Express VPN.

ExpressVPN offers an impressive number of secure servers, powerful security features, and unlimited bandwidth. It also abides by a strict privacy policy, so you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that your data is secure.

ExpressVPN can reliably unblock HBO Max, and you shouldn't experience buffering due to its strong connection speeds. ExpressVPN can also be set up at the router level so you can stream your favourite shows and movies on multiple devices without the need to install separate apps.

This streaming-friendly is pretty easy to set up, with an intuitive app that makes it a solid option for total beginners. No, it's not thr cheapest VPN, but it offers everything you need and much more.

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Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

CyberGhost VPN offers plenty of advanced features that should suit most users, including access to over 6,200 servers, unlimited bandwidth, AES 256-bit encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, and much more. It also has an intuitive app that's suitable for total beginners.

Subscribers get dedicated streaming servers that are specially optimised for speed, reliability, and location. These servers are capable of unblocking popular services like HBO Max, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, in case you've depleted your Netflix content reserve.

Buying Options

The Good

The Bad

Details

NordVPN logo

NordVPN

Best For Security

Read our full review of NordVPN.

NordVPN is one of the most reliable services out there. Users get powerful encryption, protection from dangerous websites and malware, and a guarantee to not log or retain your data. But what about streaming?

With over 5,200 servers in nearly 60 countries around the globe, watching HBO Max with NordVPN works well. Using it to access content on the platform is as simple as opening the NordVPN app and selecting a U.S. server. All of HBO Max's shows and movies instantly become available.

Streaming with NordVPN is fast and easy, but connection speeds could be better.

Buying Options

The Good

The Bad

Details

Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Best For Multiple Devices

Surfshark offers a wide range of impressive security and streaming features, with an unlimited number of simultaneous connections making this a top choice for anyone with a lot of devices.

Surfshark is a good option for total beginners and experts, with an easy to use app and an intuitive interface. Connection speeds are average, but there's not much else to complain about when you're streaming. It can reliably unblock almost all the most popular streaming sites, including HBO Max.

Surfshark is not the cheapest service, but if you're willing to commit to a longer-term deal, you can get access to everything for less than ExpressVPN.

Buying Options

The Good

The Bad

Details

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

Private Internet Access is a comprehensive service that offers everything you need to stream HBO Max without disruption. Users get strong levels of encryption, decent connection speeds, and a massive server network. It's this network that really helps with streaming, as you should always be able to find a secure and speedy connection for movies and shows from around the world.

Subscribers can connect 10 devices simultaneously, which is great news if you stream on a lot of devices. The app is also really intuitive and easy to use, so even total beginners should consider Private Internet Access.

There's no free version and Private Internet Access is overdue a third-party audit, but there's not much else to complain about here.

Buying Options

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Details

Photo of Joseph Green
Joseph Green
Shopping Editor

Joseph joined Mashable as the UK Shopping Editor in 2018. He worked for a number of print publications before making the switch to the glittery world of digital media, and now writes about everything from coffee machines to VPNs.


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