That’s because all three of HBO’s streaming platforms - HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max - use geoblocks to restrict the content to viewers with a US IP address. No problem. With a VPN, its easy to obtain a US IP address, so you can access HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max from anywhere. Plus, you can try a premium VPN for FREE by taking advantage of money-back guarantees. It’s simple: Give one or more of these services a try, and if you’re not satisfied, you can request a no-questions-asked refund during the guarantee period. Start Streaming HBO Now, Go, or Max!
Why You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max
Although HBO is available in over 60 countries, international streaming rights agreements mean HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max are only available in the US and some of its territories. Because of this HBO geoblocks its content so only users with a US IP address can access it. What happens if you try to connect to one of HBO’s streaming platforms with a non-US IP address? Your access is blocked. However, there’s an easy way to overcome these geo-restrictions. Use a VPN to connect to a server in the US, and you’ll assume a US IP address. This makes it appear to HBO’s streaming services that you’re in the US. By changing your virtual location, you can stream HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max from anywhere.
Best VPNs for Watching HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max - Full Analysis (Updated March 2023)
1. ExpressVPN - Lightning-Fast Speeds and Great Unblocking Powers
Binge-watch every episode of The Wire and Game of Thrones in beautiful HD with no frozen pixels, buffering, or lag courtesy of ExpressVPN’s unlimited bandwidth and lightning-fast speeds. Enjoy smooth streaming with HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max for a month risk-free, with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Cancel any time during the guarantee term, and you’re quickly refunded. Finding the fastest US server is easy thanks to the service’s built-in speed tester for Mac and Windows devices. And as there are more than 20 server locations spread across the US, so I easily found a speedy connection that skipped past HBO’s geoblocks. When I tested the service from the UK, I was very happy with the speeds I saw. My starting speed was 55.73 Mbps download and 11.88 Mbps upload, but when I connected to a US server, I only saw a minimal drop to 44.83 Mbps download and 7.09 Mbps. This meant there was nothing standing in the way of clear, buffer-free streaming. Stream HBO content on more devices with ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature. Because you install it on a router, it enables streaming on some devices—like games consoles and smart TVs—that don’t support an ExpressVPN app. Installation was easy, and I was able to watch HBO Max on my Xbox with no problems. The whole family can stream from their devices at the same time with ExpressVPN’s 5 simultaneous connections. This means you can re-watch Game of Thrones from the beginning, while the kids sing along with their favorite Sesame Street characters. ExpressVPN has a huge knowledge base of guides that will help to answer most of your questions. If you need additional help, responsive live chat support is available around-the-clock. Want to know more? Explore our ExpressVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing. Stream HBO with ExpressVPN!
2. CyberGhost - An Easy-To-Use VPN for Beginners
CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN that’s easy to use. Once downloaded, it only took a few clicks to setup and connect to an optimized server. I was streaming HBO Max in minutes. You’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted with its setup and features thanks to a 45-day money-back guarantee. Excellent streaming speeds stop buffering and long loading times for the fluid streaming of all your HBO favorites. During my tests, I was able to maintain an average download speed of 20.60 Mbps when connected to a US server. This is incredibly fast and allowed me to watch what I wanted in stunning HD. HBO Now’s geoblocks are no use against CyberGhost’s impressive US network of over 950 servers. When you use the VPN’s streaming-optimized servers, you’re guaranteed a reliable connection to HBO Now, HBO Go, or HBO Max from wherever you are. Labelled servers make it easy to find the best one for any of the HBO services. It only took a few seconds to find one for HBO Now and one click to connect. Stream as much as you want, whenever you want, with unlimited bandwidth—you won’t be cut off, even after hours of binge-watching. You also get 7 device connections so everyone in the house can stream their favorite HBO shows on phones, tablets, computers, and more. Want to know more? Explore our CyberGhost review to see the full results of our research and testing. Stream HBO with CyberGhost!
3. Private Internet Access - 10 Simultaneous Connections
A combination of good network speeds, reliability, and unblocking power, makes Private Internet Access a great choice for streaming HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max. Put the premium VPN through its paces for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee. HBO’s geoblocks are no match for Private Internet Access’s impressive US network of over 29,650 servers. I tested five US servers at random and could reliably connect to all of HBO’s streaming platforms with each one. This excellent unblocking ability would be meaningless without solid streaming speeds. Thankfully, with Private Internet Access’s US servers, I experienced speeds between 16 and 20 Mbps. More than fast enough for buffer and lag-free HD-streaming of whatever I watched. You won’t have to worry about data caps cutting off your connection in the middle of a Westworld binge-watching session, as Private Internet Access offers unlimited bandwidth. The whole household and then some, can enjoy an unrestricted internet with the Unlimited simultaneous device connections included with your Private Internet Access subscription. Private Internet Access is compatible with a wide range of devices, but if you are having any connection issues, send a ticket to the support team or consult the knowledge base of guides and tutorials. Want to know more? Explore our Private Internet Access review to see the full results of our research and testing. Stream HBO with Private Internet Access
What else can a VPN do?
VPNs are great for unblocking the three HBO streaming services from anywhere, but they’re capable of much more. A premium VPN also gives you:
Advanced security features to protect your online privacy. Your sensitive data is secured by the likes of military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Anonymous and untraceable streaming and browsing, including in countries with strict censorship. Peace of mind that you’re protected when connected to unsecured public WiFi networks. Adware and malware blockers. Access to widespread global server networks. Unlimited data and bandwidth.
My colleague wrote a great article explaining what a VPN is and why you need one.
Why has HBO Now, HBO Go, and/or HBO Max blocked my access?
Don’t worry, it’s likely that your US IP address has been detected as coming from a VPN. This happens sometimes, but it’s not a big issue for a premium VPN. All you need to do is disconnect from your VPN and reconnect with a different US server. You should now have no problem accessing HBO Now, HBO Go, or HBO Max. If you’re not already using one of my recommended VPNs, it may be time to make the switch. Not all VPNs can unblock all streaming services, but I’ve verified that my recommendations work. You can find out more about VPN blocks and how to bypass them here.
Can a free VPN access the HBO streaming platforms?
It’s unlikely that a free VPN can reliably access HBO Now, HBO Go, or HBO Max, if at all. Free VPNs simply don’t have the large US networks you need to overcome geoblocks. And then with data caps and slow speeds, streaming quality would be poor, even if you could access HBO. A free VPN may also compromise your privacy by storing or selling your data to third parties. Save yourself any potential problems by sticking with a premium VPN. Plus, all the VPNs on my list offer money-back guarantees, so you can try them for free for a limited time.
Can I unblock other streaming sites with my VPN?
Absolutely! Premium VPNs have vast global networks that can fly past the geoblocks of dozens of streaming services. Take a look at the key features section of each of my VPN recommendations to see a selection of the streaming platforms they can access.
Bottom Line
Stream HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max from anywhere using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN to bypass geoblocks. All my VPN recommendations will blast through HBO’s geoblocks, have excellent streaming features, and offer risk-free money-back guarantees. Cancel your subscription at any time during the guarantee period and a refund is yours. Watch HBO Now!
To summarize, the best VPNs for HBO Max, Now, and Go in 2023 are…
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
Visit ExpressVPN
