Wondering if HBO Max is available in South Africa? Unfortunately, HBO Max South Africa isn’t available owing to its geo-blocking policy that restricts users outside the US from accessing the platform. However, you can still unblock HBO Max South Africa using a reliable VPN with US servers. ExpressVPN is our recommended HBO Max VPN!
HBO Max is a much sought-after American video streaming platform owned by Warner Bros. Besides its original programming, you can watch several TV dramas produced by HBO, blockbuster movies, and documentaries. Besides, HBO Max and Discovery Plus announce their merger, heralding the dawn of Max, a rebranded streaming platform that combines their exceptional programming into one cohesive experience.
Some of the latest TV shows and movies you can watch on HBO Max are House of the Dragon, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Euphoria, Nightmare Alley, Dune, and Death on the Nile.
Currently, the HBO Max available countries list includes the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and several European countries. Sadly, the platform hasn’t been launched in South Africa yet, but we have a perfect hack for you to get HBO Max South Africa.
This guide will explain how to watch HBO Max South Africa, so stay put and read till the end!
How to Watch HBO Max South Africa? [Quick Steps]
Follow the simple steps given below to watch Max in South Africa using a premium VPN:
- Get a reliable VPN app; Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN due to its fast servers!
- Download the VPN app and log in with your credentials.
- Connect to a fast US server (New York recommended).
- Head over to the HBO Max website or the smart app and log in to your account.
- Now you can easily stream HBO Max South Africa!
Note: To access HBO Max content, you must get a paid subscription. Wondering how to subscribe to HBO Max South Africa? We will explain shortly.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max South Africa?
HBO Max is a geo-restricted service unavailable in every country due to licensing agreements, copyright laws, and distribution rights. That’s why you need a VPN to watch HBO Max South Africa.
When you try to access HBO Max South Africa without a VPN app, it detects your current location through your device’s IP address, and you get the following geo-restriction error message:
“Sorry, HBO MAX isn’t available in your region yet.”
“Sorry, HBO MAX isn’t available in your region yet.”
However, bypassing these annoying geographical limitations is possible through a premium VPN app like ExpressVPN. It allows you to hide your actual IP address by rerouting your device’s web traffic through its remote US servers.
Once your IP is reflected within American territories, HBO Max gets tricked into assuming that you are located within their coverage area. Hence, you can unblock HBO Max South Africa.
How to Subscribe to HBO Max South Africa?
A credit/debit card is required to sign up for HBO Max, which is not possible for everyone to get. So how to get HBO Max South Africa then? Luckily, we also have a working hack to overcome this barrier. You can use an HBO Max gift card to pay for your subscription package.
Wondering what the HBO Max price is? The platform offers two subscription plans to choose from. The ad-supported plan costs US$9.99 per month, and the ad-free plan costs US$15.99 per month. Sadly, the HBO Max free trial option has been discontinued by the streaming platform.
Here’s how to subscribe to HBO Max South Africa using a digital gift card:
- Get a subscription to ExpressVPN.
- Connect to one of its US servers (the New York server is recommended).
- Purchase an HBO Gift Card from a trusted source like “MyGiftCardSupply”.
- Check your email for the redemption code and copy it.
- Now, open the HBO Now gift page and enter the redemption code.
- Fill in all the information to create an HBO Max account and then click on the “Redeem” option.
- Boom! You’ve just subscribed to HBO Max South Africa!
What are the Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max South Africa?
HBO Max’s firewall system is not easy to bypass, therefore, only a premium VPN service must be selected if you want to watch Max in South Africa. For your convenience, we tested more than 50 VPNs and narrowed down the 3 ultimate best VPNs to watch HBO Max South Africa.
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Watch HBO Max South Africa
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to watch HBO Max South Africa. It offers unmatched speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a large network with a fast downloading speed of 89.42 Mbps.
This VPN provides access to 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. In the US, there are tons of servers operating in 25+ locations. We personally tested its US servers and recommend New York as the best location for online streaming in terms of speed and connection stability.
We opted for the New York server and unblocked HBO Max instantly in South Africa!
When tested for speed on a 100 Mbps connection, ExpressVPN offered an excellent downloading speed of 89.42 Mbps and an uploading speed of 84.64 Mbps. With this blazing-fast speed, you can also access HBO Max in India.
ExpressVPN delivered amazing results on the New York server at a 100 Mbps connection.
We don’t recommend the Chicago server. Apart from unblocking HBO Max outside USA, ExpressVPN lets you enjoy other top-tier US streaming platforms like Hulu and Peacock TV from anywhere.
ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer tool offers extended compatibility by allowing you to enjoy geo-restricted content on those devices that don’t support VPN apps. Moreover, with its exclusive feature, you can unblock HBO Max in Thailand onto big screens without worrying about compatibility issues.
With an option to connect five devices simultaneously, you can configure ExpressVPN on Windows, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Android. You can even watch HBO Max in Malaysia on any of the compatible devices using ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN offers the highest-quality encryption like AES-256-Bit Protocol and OpenVPN. Other privacy features include Split-tunneling, Automated Kill Switch, and a Zero-Logging Policy.
You can subscribe to this amazing VPN to watch Max in South Africa for just US$6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free with a 30-day money-back warranty.
2. Surfshark – Pocket-Friendly VPN to Unblock HBO Max South Africa
Surfshark is the most pocket-friendly VPN to watch Max in South Africa. With its value-for-money plan, you can get hold for a mere US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This VPN offers 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, including 600+ dedicated servers in the US.
Surfshark got us an impressive downloading speed of 88.14 Mbps and an uploading speed of 83.72 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, which is enough for watching HBO Max in Belgium as well.
Surfshark Speed Test Result!
Furthermore, you can also enjoy other top-grade US streaming platforms like US Paramount+ and American Netflix from anywhere.
Surfshark puts no limits on simultaneous connections and offers compatibility with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux. Also, apps are available on Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Fire Sticks, Apple TVs, and Chromecast.
With an Unlimited simultaneous connection, you can also watch HBO Max in New Zealand and HBO Max in Ireland.
You can enjoy safe browsing and online streaming with the help of Surfshark’s advanced AES-256-Bit encryption protocol and OpenVPN. Other key features include Automated Kill Switch, Multi-Hop, No-Logging, and Camouflage Mode.
3.NordVPN – Largest Servers Network VPN to Stream HBO Max South Africa
NordVPN is a reliable name in the VPN industry when discussing top-quality networks and upgraded security. It’s the largest servers network VPN to stream HBO Max South Africa.
With a network of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries, including 1970+ servers in the US, you can easily unblock HBO Max with NordVPN anywhere.
We also conducted several speed tests and NordVPN didn’t disappoint us. It offered an outstanding downloading speed of 86.49 Mbps and an uploading speed of 79.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
NordVPN Speed Test Results!
On the other hand, the Dallas server should be avoided because it gave us a pretty hard time watching HBO Max in SA!
With its huge network of servers, particularly in the US, you can also enjoy HBO Max in Germany. It also lets you unblock several other premium streaming platforms like Starz and Showtime from anywhere.
Compatibility-wise, NordVPN supports all operating systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, and macOS. It also offers a SmartPlay feature for streaming devices, such as Fire Sticks, Game Consoles, Roku, Apple TVs, and Smart TVs.
Using one account simultaneously on six devices will also help you access HBO Max in Italy.
NordVPN offers splendid security and privacy features like AES 256-Bit Encryption, OpenVPN protocol, DNS & IP Leak Protection, Split-tunneling, Obfuscated Servers, and Automated Kill Switch.
You can subscribe to this VPN app for just US$3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, including a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
What to Watch on HBO Max South Africa?
HBO Max has one of the best content libraries in the streaming services available in US. The platform pulls together content from HBO, Warner Bros., Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, and their partner production brands. So you will have so much on your hands to watch no matter what your favorite genre is.
“Max Originals” are the key reason why the popularity of HBO Max has skyrocketed, as it has titles like House of the Dragons, Game of Thrones, and Euphoria.
Besides its original programming, you can watch several TV dramas produced by HBO, blockbuster movies, and documentaries. You can watch some of the latest TV shows and movies on HBO Max.
What are the Best Movies on HBO Max in 2024?
You can watch some of the best movies on HBO Max. Here is a short list of movies to stream on HBO Max in South Africa:
- Prancer: A Christmas Tale
- Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!
- 90 Day Fiance: Holiday Special 2023
- Teen Titans Go!: Great Holiday Escape & Christmas Magic
- Daniel
- North by Northwest
- Annabelle
- Sex and the City 2
- The Many Saints of Newark
- Hackers
- Eraser: Reborn
- The Passion of Joan of Arc
- The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
- The French Dispatch
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- Godzilla vs Kong
- Beauty and the Beast
- Te Critic
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
- Bringing Out the Dead
What are the Best Shows on HBO Max in 2024?
To stream the best shows on HBO Max, see the tiles listed below. You can watch any of these titles on HBO Max in South Africa.
- Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage & Reckoning
- Street Outlaws vs. The World: After Hours
- Elmo & Tango Holiday Helpers
- OWN Holiday Movie: The Christmas Detective
- 90 Day Pillow Talk: The Other Way, Season 5
- Tokyo Voice Season 2
- Game of Thrones
- Rap Sh!t Season 2
- White House Plumbers
- His Dark Materials
- The Flight Attendant
- The Great Food Truck Race Season 16
- House of that Dragons
- The Flight Attendant
- Made for Love
- Mind Over Murder
- Big Bang Theory
Which Devices are Compatible with HBO Max South Africa in 2024?
There are many HBO Max-compatible devices that you can find in your home. So, when it comes to streaming HBO Max, you needn’t worry. See the HBO Max-compatible devices listed below:
- Android TV
- Android (minimum 5.0 version)
- Apple TV
- iOS (minimum 12.2 version)
- macOS
- Windows
- Roku
- Chromebook
- Amazon Fire TV
- Fire Tablet (minimum 4th Generation)
- Samsung TV (minimum 2016 model)
- PlayStation (4 & 5)
- Xbox (One & Series X|S)
How to Watch HBO Max in South Africa on Android?
To get HBO Max South Africa on Android, one of the HBO Max-compatible devices, see the simple steps given below:
- Get a reliable VPN app; Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN due to its fast servers!
- Download the VPN app on your Android and log in with your credentials.
- Connect to a fast US server (New York recommended).
- Create a new email account.
- Log out of your current account from Google Play Store and sign in with the email ID you just created.
- Download the HBO Max App on your Android device.
- Log into your HBO Max account.
- And now you can watch HBO Max South Africa on your Android devices. So start streaming!
How to Watch HBO Max in South Africa on iOS?
You can get HBO Max on your iOS device by following the guide given here:
- Get a reliable VPN app; Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN due to its fast servers!
- Download the VPN app and log in with your credentials.
- Connect to a fast US server (New York recommended).
- Open the App Store and in the account settings change your region to US.
- Download the HBO Max App on your iOS device in use.
- Log into your HBO Max account.
- And now you can watch HBO Max South Africa on your iOS devices. So start streaming!
Has HBO Max rebranded itself in 2023? HBO Max and Discovery Plus merger answered
Yes, HBO Max has undergone a remarkable rebranding in 2023, aligning its brand identity with its mission of providing innovative and diverse content options to viewers worldwide.
FAQs – HBO Max in South Africa
Can we get HBO Max in South Africa?
Can you see HBO Max in Europe?
Which countries is HBO Max available in?
What is happening to HBO Max?
Wrap Up!
Although HBO Max is available in several countries outside the United States, it has yet to be officially launched in South Africa. That’s why you face geo-restrictions whenever you attempt to open HBO Max’s streaming service online.
If you don’t want to miss out on the amazing content offered by HBO, you will need to subscribe to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. This VPN lets you watch HBO Max South Africa without letting you get trapped in the firewall system of the streaming platforms.
