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How to watch HBO Max, Go, and Now with a VPN

Get a risk-free HBO Max VPN and stream original series, same-day movie premieres, and exclusive sports in blazing-fast HD!

Install ExpressVPN on all your devices and connect to HBO Max, HBO Now, and HBO Go* in just a few minutes.

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Get a VPN and watch HBO in 3 steps

Step 1

Step 2

Select a secure VPN location in the U.S.

Step 3

Watch HBO on your smart TV or streaming console.

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How a VPN works with HBO

VPN stands for virtual private network. VPNs are a great way to both encrypt your data and mask your location.

With ExpressVPN, you’ll have access to 160 server locations all over the world! You can stream hundreds of HBO titles with unlimited bandwidth. And you’ll never have to worry about monitoring or logging.

You can even get faster streaming on networks with ISP throttling!

Learn more about how a VPN can speed up your streaming video.

HBO, HBO Go, and HBO Now

HBO (Home Box Office) offers premium television programming—original series, theatrical films, and live sports—in the United States, Canada, and select countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

HBO Go is a streaming service that lets you stream HBO free if you have an HBO cable TV subscription. However, HBO Go ceased operations in the U.S. in August 2020.

It’s also been possible to watch HBO online without cable by subscribing to its standalone streaming service, HBO Now. HBO Now is being renamed to simply HBO.

The latest streaming service from the company is HBO Max, offering a premium selection of programs. Most HBO Go and HBO Now customers can switch over to HBO Max without additional cost.

What is HBO Max?

Launched in 2020, HBO Max is HBO’s premium online streaming service. In addition to the full catalogue of HBO series and movies, HBO Max brings together 10,000 hours of content from companies under WarnerMedia, including Warner Bros., CNN, Adult Swim, TBS, Cartoon Network, HBO, and TNT. Its lineup includes full series of several classic sitcom hits, new DC Entertainment series, the complete library of Studio Ghibli films, and plenty of original programming featuring big-name actors and producers. Most existing HBO Go and HBO Now customers can switch over to HBO Max and its expanded library at no extra cost.

Stream blockbuster movies on the same day they premiere in theatres on HBO Max

In 2021 HBO Max has also become the global go-to for blockbuster movies, with same-day streaming of all Warner Bros. movies on HBO Max to coincide with movie theatre premieres. All movie titles—from Oscar bait, to superhero flicks, to kid-friendly fare—are available to stream on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release.

* ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and HBO Terms of Use for more details.

FAQ: Watch HBO with a VPN

Does ExpressVPN work with HBO?

ExpressVPN has a fast, optimized network of servers that work with streaming services like HBO Max, HBO Now, and HBO Go to deliver high-quality video content without compromising security or privacy.

If your ISP throttles your streaming traffic, or if your school network or public Wi-Fi operator blocks access to streaming apps, using ExpressVPN will allow you to get around these restrictions and start watching HBO again.

HBO Now vs. HBO Go vs. HBO Max: What’s the difference?

HBO Go is the app that comes with your cable TV subscription if you have a plan that includes HBO. HBO Now is the standalone service that doesn’t require a separate TV package. Both offer the same HBO streaming content. HBO Max has everything available on HBO Go or HBO Now, plus a wide array of additional shows and movies, including a full slate of Warner Bros. movies released on the same day they premiere in theatres.

Can I watch HBO shows in another country?

HBO programming is licensed to content providers around the world, including Sky TV in the UK, Italy, and Germany; Hotstar in India; Foxtel in Australia; and Crave in Canada, among many others. In addition, your cable provider may have a website or app that offers streaming of HBO programs.

Can I use a VPN to watch HBO on multiple devices?

Yes. You can use ExpressVPN to watch HBO…

On your computer using our apps for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
On your smartphone or tablet using our apps for iOS and Android.
On your streaming media console, such as Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV Stick.

Check out our complete guide to getting ExpressVPN on your TV.

Does ExpressVPN come with an HBO account?

ExpressVPN does not come with an HBO account. To stream HBO with a VPN, you need to first sign up for an HBO account.

After you have an account with HBO, you can use ExpressVPN to help you watch HBO privately and securely.

Will using a VPN affect HBO video quality?

Usually, no. All VPNs have the potential to slow down your connection, but ExpressVPN is extremely fast, and most users don’t see any buffering issues.

In some cases, using a VPN to watch HBO can actually improve your video quality, especially if your ISP has been throttling bandwidth on streaming services.

Can I stream HBO live?

Almost. All the HBO online services make new episodes of original HBO programming and theatrical films available at the same time they premiere on HBO. Programs that air live on HBO, such as news or sports, are delayed but usually appear online within a few hours.

How do I watch HBO on Hulu?

It’s easy! HBO can be purchased as a Hulu add-on, allowing you to watch via the Hulu app or website or the HBO Now app.

Can I watch HBO on Amazon Video?

Absolutely. HBO is available to Amazon Prime subscribers with U.S.-based accounts as a standalone channel (for an extra fee). You can watch it via the Amazon website, the Prime Video app, or the HBO Now app.

Can I stream HBO free?

HBO is a pay TV service. If you already subscribe to HBO through cable, streaming via HBO Go is probably free for you. Otherwise, you may be able to access HBO free trials through HBO Now, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

Can I use a free proxy for HBO?

We don’t recommend using a free proxy for HBO. Free services rarely operate as advertised, and some may even sell your activity to third parties for a profit.

Why can’t I access HBO Go / HBO Now / HBO Max?

HBO Now, HBO Go, and HBO Max work best when you use the U.S. server location nearest to your actual location. If you’re using a U.S. location and still can’t access an HBO app, contact ExpressVPN Support.

What else can I do with ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN works with other streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Showtime. It’s also a fast and easy way to use the internet privately and securely.

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