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

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.

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.

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.

HBO is available on a wide range of devices, including:

• Smartphones and tablets, including iOS and Android

• Computers, including Mac, Windows, and Linux

• Smart TVs and TV box systems, including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV Stick and Roku

• Game consoles, including PlayStation and Xbox

ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for many of these devices and covers five devices simultaneously. But even if your device cannot install ExpressVPN directly, you can still enjoy full VPN benefits by connecting it to a router running ExpressVPN.

Want HBO on the big screen? Learn about all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your TV.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. In 2021, HBO also introduced two-tier pricing for HBO Max, with both ad-supported and ad-free subscription plans available.

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.

Read more on the hidden costs of free proxy services.

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.

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.