How to Watch HBO Max in the UK (Jan. 2021 Updated)
HBO is an American TV network owned by WarnerMedia Studios & Networks. It features a wide range of entertainment services on mainly motion pictures released in theatres, original TV programs, cable TV and movies, random comedy, and documentaries.
If you are wondering how to watch HBO Max in the UK to enjoy hot favorite shows like Chernobyl, Watchmen, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, The Wire and Friends, you will need a VPN service for unblocking content. This is because even NOW TV in the UK lacks in offering the complete HBO Max US library.
👉 So keep scrolling down, follow the instructions, and keep updating yourself about the best VPNs available to watch HBO in the UK.
5 Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in The UK [Overview]
- PureVPN: The Best VPN for HBO Max in the UK. 168 servers across the UK mainly located in Maidenhead, London, Glasgow and Manchester. 7-Day trial for a minimal £0.76. Starts at £2.23/mo on a 2-year plan.
- Surfshark: Low-cost VPN for HBO Max in the UK. 52 servers across London, Glasgow and Manchester. 7-Day free trial for Android and iOS. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Starts at £1.67/mo on a 2-year plan + 3 months free.
- NordVPN: Watch HBO Max in the UK Seamlessly. 690 servers in 5 different cities in the United Kingdom. 7-Day free trial and also a 30 Day Money-Back Guarantee. Starts at £2.86/mo on a 2-year plan.
- ExpressVPN: Fast Streaming for HBO Max in The UK. 150 servers across the UK located in Docklands, East London, London, and Wembley. 7-Day free trial on Android and iOS. Starts at £5.21/mo on a 1-year plan.
- IPVanish: Optimized Servers for HBO Max in the UK. 89 servers located in different cities in the United Kingdom. 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee available. No leak issues. Starts at £2.45/mo on a 1-year plan.
How to Watch HBO Max with a VPN: Easy Steps
Once a suitable VPN has been selected, just follow these simple steps and simply get going with your favorite HBO content:
- Visit the official website of PureVPN.
- Tap the “Get This Deal” button.
- Look for a plan from the options and select the suitable one.
- Choose a payment method.
- Complete the checkout process.
- Install & Download the specific VPN app.
- I will use the Windows Application.
- Launch the VPN Windows App.
- Connect to a recommended server in the US.
- Enjoy your favorite HBO shows and programs.
5 Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in The UK [Detailed Analysis]
Here is a detailed analysis of the 5 best VPNs for unblocking HBO in the UK based on their features like speed, security, servers, multi-logins, device compatibility, ratings/endorsements from relevant recognized bodies and platforms!
1. PureVPN: The Best VPN for HBO Max in The UK
Total Servers: 6,500+ | Countries: 140+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.8 | Maximum Devices Supported: 10 | Price: £2.23/month on a 2-year plan
Based in Hong Kong, PureVPN started their commercial services in 2007 and leads the list of best VPNs for unblocking HBO in the UK. They are certified by Forbes and audited by the AltiusIT and strictly follow a No-log policy.
For enhancing user experience, PureVPN also provides the users with a ‘Popular Websites’ menu when streaming. PureVPN is even capable of getting along with platforms that do not even support VPN software e.g. Apple TV. In addition to this, they offer 168 servers across the UK and huge global presence with 6,500+ servers and services in 140+ countries.
PureVPN offers three pricing slabs: Monthly (£8.25/mo), 6 Months-Plan (£3.13) and an exclusive yearly plan that offers a 7-Day trial for just £0.76. To get the best value, I recommend going for the 2-year plan, which starts at £2.23/month.
PureVPN Server Testing (January 2021)
Users can unblock HBO in the UK through PureVPN’s popular website menu or use these recommended servers: Ashburn, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Atlanta.
PureVPN unblocks the infamous ‘Birds fo Prey: Harley Quinn’ on HBO through their US servers easily, without any “VPN/proxy detected” error!
Pros
- No-Log Policy
- Certified by Forbes and audited by Altius IT
- Strong global presence in more than 140+ countries
- A reasonable number of simultaneous connections
- Smart combination of Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Torrenting
- Enhanced security and data protection through Advanced Encryption Standard
Cons
- No free trials
- Ineffective Technical Support
2. Surfshark: Low-Cost VPN for HBO Max in the UK
Number of Servers: 3,200+ | Countries: 65+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited | Price: £1.67/month on a 2-year plan
Surfshark is another reliable VPN service for unblocking HBO in the UK. With 52 servers across Europe including the UK, it offers extensive global coverage with more than 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries, which offer great speeds and watching capabilities.
Like PureVPN, it also ensures the highest level of advanced security and data protection through implementing the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys. The most exciting feature about Surfshark is the unlimited number of devices.
It can be considered a treat for addicted streamers. It has dedicated servers for streaming services that convert the VPN traffic into standard HTTP traffic that results in speedy and continuous access to different VoDs (Video On Demand).
Surfshark Server Testing (January 2021)
Surfshark users who want to unblock HBO in the UK can stream in 4k quality using these recommended servers: Boston, Detriot, and Denver!
Using the “United States – Los Angeles” server, Surfshark successfully manages to unblock “The Haunting” currently only available on HBO Max.
Pros
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Reliable and Good Speed
- Strong Global Presence in 63 countries
- Unlimited Devices Connectivity at The Same Time
- Quick Access to VoD’s Through Dedicated Servers
- Enhanced security and data protection through Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
Cons
- 7-Day free trial for only iOS and Android
3. NordVPN: Watch HBO Max in the UK Seamlessly
Number of Servers: 5,400+ | Countries: 59+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 | Maximum Devices Supported: 6 | Price: £2.86/month on a 2-year plan
NordVPN stands as a strong contender in the list of best VPNs for unblocking and streaming purposes in terms of reliability, speed, protection and user-friendliness of their apps. It has a huge global network with more than 5400+ servers in 59 countries.
In order to provide enhanced streaming solutions on user’s smartphones and Smart TV’s, NordVPN has a dedicated server list. Furthermore, it operates smoothly with various other platforms including gaming consoles even like PS4. A maximum of 6 devices can be connected simultaneously that becomes an attractive feature for the users.
NordVPN is fully trusted and offers complete ease of mind with respect to data protection and security as they have been audited by PwC Switzerland twice. It has an additional feature of providing protection against ads and malware through its CyberSec feature.
NordVPN Server Testing (January 2021)
NordVPN’s US servers work smoothly for watching HBO Max in the UK, minus any hassles. Recommended choices:#3097, #2497, #3288, #3325.
By connecting to the #3097 server, NordVPN successfully unblocks the American comedy prequel series of the Big Bang Theory, “Young Sheldon”.
Pros
- User-friendly apps
- Blocks malware and ads using CyberSec features
- 7-day free trial for both iOS and Android devices
- More than 690 servers in the UK along with 5400+ servers in 59 countries
- Along with HBO, Netflix and other streaming platforms can be unlocked as well
- Enhanced security, privacy a nd data protection through Kill Switch feature and Military-Grade Encryption
Cons
- No discounts for short term subscriptions
4. ExpressVPN: Fast Streaming for HBO Max in The UK
Number of Servers: 3,000+ | Countries: 94+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Maximum Devices Supported: 5 | Price: £5.21/month on a Yearly Plan
ExpressVPN launched its services commercially in 2009. Located in British Virgin Islands and having been audited by reputed security companies like Cure52 and PwC Switzerland, ExpressVPN is considered a highly secure VPN for data protection.
This is because ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer Technology for all of its servers across 94 countries that ensures unblocking all kinds of streaming platforms including HBO in the UK. Enjoy seamless connectivity with inflexible platforms like Roku, that does not go along well with VPNs. It allows maximum 5 multi-logins.
ExpressVPN offers three pricing slabs: Monthly (£10.11/mo), 6 Months plan (£7.80/mo) and a yearly plan (£5.21/mo) that saves 49% for the users. All the plans offer a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, which you can avail, without any questions asked!
ExpressVPN Server Testing (January 2021)
Through their RAM-infrastructure technology, ExpressVPN offers amazing support for HBO Max. Recommended servers: New Jersey-1, Washington DC, New York.
Using the US servers of ExpressVPN, the Famous American Sitcom on HBO ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ can be unblocked in the UK!
Pros
- Strictly implements ‘No-Logs policy”
- Users get unlimited bandwidth and speed
- Connectivity and access to 5 devices simultaneously
- A 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee on all the pricing plans
- Fast, secure, and authenticity ensured by two reputed security companies
- 150 servers across the UK along with 3000+ servers worldwide in 160 locations and 94 countries
Cons
- Expensive as compared to other VPNs
5. IPVanish: Optimized Servers for HBO Max in the UK
Number of Servers: 1,600+ | Countries: 75+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Maximum Devices Supported: 10 | Price: £2.45/month on a Yearly plan
Based in the US, IPVanish brings upon another exciting option for unblocking and accessing HBO content in the UK. It offers an ideal combination of price and value that users get out of the service. They strictly follow and implement an no-logs policy.
A reasonably good presence with 89 servers across the UK along with 1,600+ servers globally in 75+ countries ensures trouble-free HBO streaming services in the UK along with file sharing services as well. The best part of all: you can connect to 10 devices simultaneously.
Although no free trial is available, all plans are backed by a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. As far as pricing is concerned. IPVanish offers three subscriptions: Monthly (£3.77/mo), 3 Months Plan (£3.39/mo), and a yearly plan (£2.45/mo) that saves 73% for the users.
IPVanish Server Testing (January 2021)
IPVanish’s US servers to watch HBO in the UK and that too in ultra HD quality. Recommended choices: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Denver.
Using IPVanish’s US servers, the famous American Drama ‘Joker’ on HBO can be unblocked in the UK, minus any hassles!
Pros
- No IP Leaks and a strict No-Logs policy
- Connectivity with 10 Devices Simultaneously
- An economically reliable VPN for HBO in the UK
- Apps for all the devices and platforms like Android, iOS and Linux etc
- A good presence and connectivity with 89 servers across the UK along with 1500+ servers and 75+ countries worldwide
Cons
- Poor Customer Support
HBO’s Streaming Services and Their Categorization
HBO offers a wide range of channels and Video On Demand (VOD) streaming options. HBO’s streaming services have been categorized into three types:
- HBO Max: It offers its viewers streaming of all of HBO’s programs, shows, films along with additional content exclusively produced by Warner Bros and other studios.
- HBO Go: This is HBO’s online app that allows its users who have subscribed to any TV service that offers HBO, to stream, access and view their content on their devices.
- HBO Now: HBO Now is a totally separate version of the channel that does not require viewers to have any TV subscriptions, and viewers may access it directly.
Unblocking HBO Max Using Amazon Prime Platform
Amazon brings up yet another opportunity to unblock HBO content for viewers who have Amazon Prime Video Channel that helps them access the content of another company through Amazon’s Prime Video Interface.
If viewers have already subscribed for Amazon’s Prime Video or they use either a Fire Tablet or a Firestick, they can still unblock HBO using these subscriptions. It is not going to save any money for them, but they can keep all their content at one place using the same apps and devices.
However, it is important to mention that HBO channel and content is restricted for US subscribers and viewers only, so anyone living outside the US will have to use a VPN.
Using a DNS for Unblocking HBO Max Outside the US
The idea behind using a VPN is to act as if you are located elsewhere. Similarly, people use DNS services for region-hopping to unblock HBO Max. However, where these tools did work previously for unblocking VoDs, they now get detected instantly by VoDs.
As a result, if you use a DNS service for unblocking HBO outside the US, you will get the “VPN/proxy detected” error and will not be able to stream any title. The only reliable solution users have is to use a VPN service, which utilizes obfuscation technology.
By transforming VPN traffic into regular HTTPs traffic, obfuscation gives region-hoppers the ability to seamlessly unblock streaming websites. Best part of all: VPN features like Split Tunneling and Automatic Kill Switch further help in avoiding detection by VoDs!
How to Watch HBO Max in the UK: FAQs
For the reader’s convenience, I have added below a couple of relevant questions regarding how you can unblock HBO in the UK. I hope these answers help clear any confusions or ambiguities you may have after reading the article:
💭Why Use A VPN for HBO?
HBO geographically restricts the content which makes it impossible for people living outside the US to access it. For this purpose, a VPN is used that bypass the browsing restrictions and let the people unblock the content as if they are browsing from another country/region.
📍Can I unblock HBO with a VPN?
Yes, a VPN will trick the HBO server in the US and hint about your location to be somewhere within the US. This way you can unblock all your favorite HBO shows and programs while living outside the US anywhere in the world.
💳Does HBO Max work internationally?
No, HBO shows and programs, movies and all the content is not available to access outside the US. If you want HBO Max to work internationally, you will have to subscribe to a VPN service. Once done, simply connect to a server in the United States!
⭐Is HBO Go available in the UK?
No, only HBO cable service is available in the UK with Sky Atlantic and Now TV Pass, but HBO Go is not. Use any reliable VPN to access HBO Go and then you can unblock your favorite shows and programs on HBO.
❓Which VPN is better for unblocking HBO in the UK, NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
Although both the VPNs are reliable and equally good for unblocking and streaming purposes, NordVPN takes the lead because it has fast IKEv2 that works with mobile devices faster.
💭Why is HBO Max not available in my region?
In order to fix this issue, you need a VPN to get you an IP address from the USA. Once you have that, you can unblock and access HBO Max from anywhere in the world. By using a VPN, users can also receive data protection and security when connecting to a public Wifi.
Final Remarks
It is tricky to learn how to watch HBO Max in the UK and programs outside the USA and service providers mostly restrict the content geographically, due to licensing obligations and requirements. For this reason, a VPN service comes in handy.
At times, it seems a little bit difficult to select from the whole lot of available VPNs, however, you can figure it out by comparing VPNs features and also keep in mind the purpose for which you are selecting a VPN.
Once a reliable VPN is selected, you can unblock and enjoy a whole new world of entertainment including your favorite HBO shows and programs along with other related streaming platforms.