HBO is bringing to the masses another streaming service alongside its other offerings. This streaming platform doesn’t yet affect either HBO Go or HBO Now, yet there is no telling how these may change in the future.
All HBO subscribers of cable, or HBO Now subscribers will automatically find they have access to the newer version, and all the added content such as the Fresh Prince and Anna Kendrick in Love Life.
Any fans of HBO shows which were thinking it may be a global rollout like Netflix or Disney+ are at the moment and unlucky. The only way you can access the new streaming platform is to sign up directly or use one of the streaming services, which offers the upgraded version.
- Install the Best VPN (We recommend ExpressVPN – SAVE 49% + Get 3 Months FREE)
- Connect to a US server
- Head over to HBO Max and get a 7-Day FREE Trial
Get HBO Max in Australia with ExpressVPN
Here you can learn all you need to know how to watch HBO Max and get all the most excellent content without too much effort.
Contents
What is HBO Max?
HBO Max launched at the end of May 2020. It is the new streaming service brought to the streaming world by Warner Bros. It will contain over 10,000 hours of premium content, including all the content from the current HBO offerings as well as some HBO Max Originals strictly for this platform.
What to Watch on HBO Max
You will find tons of shows and movies to watch on the new streaming platform. While some are older shows and classic films, they will have a new home on Max, and there will be a raft of content you can’t get in other areas.
There are original series and a collection of movies from studio Ghilibi.
You can also find lots of content from The CW, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, and Looney Tunes Cartoons.
- Game of Thrones
- The Big Bang Theory
- Love Life starring Anna Kendrick
- Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Friends (All Seasons)
- South Park
- Doctor Who
- West World
- The Sopranos
- Sesame Street
- My Neighbour Totoro
- Rick & Morty
- Joker
- Aquaman
- Lord of the Rings
- Matrix
Is HBO Max Available in Australia?
No, HBO Max is only available in the USA and US territories. You can find limited content in some areas, yet for the best experience, you can only find it inside the USA.
How Much is HBO Max?
The monthly rate for HBO Max is $14.99, and this will be the same no matter where you access the service. One thing to note is prime Video isn’t yet upgrading to Max and will still only show the current content and none of the newer stuff.
It does offer a 7-day free trial to subscribers of new accounts when signing up.
Where to Watch HBO Max
You have several choices to stream HBO MAX content.
- HBOMAX.com: This would include the website and access through the HBO Max app.
- Hulu and YouTubeTV as an add-on: Use the Max app or either of the streaming apps.
- App Stores: Samsung TV, Google Play and Apple App Store
HBO Max also works on Windows, Android, and iOS, Chromecast, FireTV, macOS, and others.
Why Do I Need a VPN for HBO Max?
Currently, as registrations are live on the HBO Max website, certain parts of the site cannot be opened with your regular browser, because the website is restricted to the USA.
Nevertheless, you can overcome this by using a VPN. A VPN (virtual private network) enables you to change your IP address and browse the internet as if you are in another country. HBO will think you are in the USA because of this.
To use HBO Max, you will require a US server. We have three recommendations later for the best performance and pricing.
Once you have chosen your VPN, you have overcome the initial hurdle of watching HBO Max. Your next hurdle will be when you are required to enter your payment information.
How to Pay For HBO Max
Paying for HBO Max is the tricky part. The primary reason being you can use Visa, MasterCard, and others. However, the debit or credit card has to be U.S issued and support recurring payments.
How to Unblock HBO Max
By the time you reach this stage, you will be wondering how you can unblock HBO Max with the awkwardness of the payments.
For the following steps, you need to use your VPN and the HBO Max application.
The following methods were tested working. Just in case, you can also use the gift-card alternative method that allows you to create an account in Australia.
Be sure you select the best VPN recommendation from the following. This will ensure you have the best HBO streaming experience and the best chance of bypassing geo-restrictions that are in place.
- Sign up and download your VPN (many offer download links in their confirmation email). You can also download from the Play Store or Apple App Store.
- These following steps are for when you don’t have a U.S payment card.
- Open your VPN client on your device (iOS/Android) select and connect to a US server
- Start by creating yourself a new Apple ID/Google Play account in the browser which is now linked to the US (When adding details, leave the country filed empty)
- Proceed and register your newly created account on the relevant Android or iOS device app store
- Now you can access a US app store. Search and located and download the HBO app (MAX)
- Create yourself a new account with your email address, password, and other details
- When it comes to paying, you can use your Australian PayPal account
- Once you verify your account, it will let you sign in from any device and watch HBO online.
Watching HBO Max on Apple
- Head to the Apple ID site on your computer to create your new US Apple ID. (Never use an iPhone to create a new Apple ID, or it makes you enter US credit card details)
- When signing up, make sure to change the region to the US. It is possible to use an Australian mobile number to sign up, and this won’t affect the region
- Verify the new Apple ID
- On your iPhone, navigate to Settings – iTunes & then App Store
- Tap your Apple ID, and then tap to Sign Out
- Now, sign in using your new US Apple ID
- Navigate to the main Settings menu. Select General – Region, and then change the region to the United States.
- Head to the App Store. Search for HBO Max. (It should now be visible)
- Open your chosen VPN app and connect it to a US-based server. (Don’t try and run the Max app without your VPN connected to the USA)
- Open the Max app
- Create your new account with your email address and password. It doesn’t have to be the US Apple ID you created, but it may help in case of issues
- Use your Australian PayPal for payment, thus allowing you to pay using an Australian card
- Verify your account
Best VPNs for HBO Max in Australia
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, so there is plenty of support to watch HBO online from anywhere.
It also quickly unlocks other platforms like HBO, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and many others.
The speeds are fast enough to stream 4K HD videos without buffering. You can connect up to 5 devices, and the software runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS, along with custom router firmware to back up all your home devices at once.
You have the best security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection and kill switch. Split Tunnelling allows you to stream HBO over the VPN while other data goes through the regular route.
Customer support is the best 24/7 live chat in the industry, and you will never be stuck trying to access HBO. (HBO not working? Read our guide)
2. VyprVPN
VyprVPN includes high-speed servers, which makes it an excellent option for unlocking HBO streaming. It also works for streaming content from other popular websites, including Netflix, iPlayer, and many others.
This VPN service uses secure encryption and includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch. It stores some necessary logs, including the user IP address, which may be a turnoff for the more privacy-aware user.
It performs well in speed tests, even with only 700 servers, so you should have no problems streaming new content to watch HBO Max online. Applications are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android offers 5 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers tons of servers in 90 countries. The streaming speeds are fast enough to stream HD HBO video without noticeable buffering. Besides, it can be unlocked with a single click. Netflix and BBC iPlayer, or HBO Max, all have their menu settings. You can have seven devices connected simultaneously.
It is easy to use and offers robust security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, Kill Switch, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection, as well as malware and ad blockers. It comes with excellent 24/7 customer support in the form of live chat and email.
CyberGhost runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, and you can manually install it like the others on supported routers.
The VPN in the number one position offers the best experience for any online activity in the country. It leads the way in many areas, and others can only hope to provide the same once it becomes commonplace.
To tell the full range of features, you can make full use of the 30-day money-back guarantee, and use it for a free period. By the time comes to either cancel or be satisfied, you’ll find out you have the best VPN for HBO Max Australia. (Read HBO Max Release date)