How to Watch HBO Max in Australia [2024 Guide]

HBO Max (rebranded as Max) isn’t planning to come to Australia any time soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t access its award-winning shows/ movies. If you are an HBO Max Australia fanatic looking for a way to watch HBO Max in Australia, we’ll tell you how to access Max in Australia to watch your favourite shows in a secure and legitimate way.

You’re not going to tell your friends, alright, mate? Cool. Here’s what you need to do to access HBO Max in Australia (detailed guide).

What is HBO Max and Can You Watch it in Australia?

What is all the hype about? An addition to the HBO family, HBO Max is a super form of video-on-demand streaming service by WarnerMedia.

Launched in the US on 27 May 2020, Max is providing both original and industry-produced content.

And for the very first time in history, viewers can watch all the upcoming Warner Bros movies on the same day of theater release on HBO Max including, A Christmas Story Christmas 2022, The Batman, House Party, Dune, Tokyo Vice, The Garcias, Avenue 5, Godzilla vs. Kong, Tom and Jerry, Justice League Snyder’s Cut, Suicide Squad, The Batman, and much more.

Now there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that HBO Max is restricted to the US only due to content licensing and streaming rights policies – which means HBO Max Australia aficionados cannot watch it from Australia.

The good news is—I’ve got a solution. Using Virtual Proxy Networks or VPNs, we can access geo-restricted content (like HBO Max) while in Australia. Bummer, isn’t it?

Let me show you how it’s done.

How to Watch HBO Max in Australia?

To watch HBO Max in Australia, you need three things:

• A VPN that can unblock HBO Max
• HBO Max subscription
• Steps to download the Max app

Once you subscribe to a VPN, it’s time to get an HBO Max subscription in Australia if you haven’t already.

How to Subscribe to HBO Max in Australia?

Subscribing to HBO Max in Australia is effortless with a VPN if you have an American credit/debit card, PayPal, or any other payment method that is linked with a bank in the US.

However, if you don’t have any, you can use the following non-US payment methods to get a Max subscription in Australia.

Paying for HBO Max Subscription from Outside the US without American Payment Method

Due to unavailability, you cannot simply go to the website and purchase a subscription. So, I’ve come up with a few magic tricks:

1. Change your App Store/Google Play Store region to the US to Get HBO Max in Australia (Method 1)
2. Use Virtual Prepaid Card to Subscribe to HBO Max in Australia (Method 2)

Method 1

This method is pretty straightforward:

Using Android OS

1. Subscribe to a VPN service, and activate the US location—again, my best recommendation is ExpressVPN, safest, and fastest.
2. Change your Google Play Store region to the US.
3. Download and sign up for HBO Max.

Using iOS

1. Create and log into your new Apple ID using the US as your region (you can use your Australian phone number, no problems there).
2. Download HBO Max using your new ID.
3. Connect ExpressVPN and sign up for Max.

No need to thank me.

Method 2

Another way to get an HBO Max subscription in Australia is by using a virtual prepaid card.

1. Sign up with a virtual prepaid card StatesPay (US-based), and add funds using your credit/debit card or PayPal.
2. Now connect to the US server using a VPN – We used ExpressVPN.
3. Make sure your device location is off.
4. Visit HBO Max and click on “Sign Up Now.”
5. Now choose your desired plan.
6. Enter all the required information and click on “Create Account.”
7. Head to account.statespay.com, sign in, and click on “Show Card Details.”
8. Enter the virtual card details and click Sign up.
9. Congratulations you just subscribed to HBO Max in Australia.

Note: Make sure the billing and shipping addresses should be the same. Otherwise, Max won’t let you complete the sign-up process.

Once you subscribe to HBO Max in Australia using one of the mentioned above methods, it’s now time to watch HBO Max in Australia.

Here’s how you can watch Max in Australia:

1. Connect to the US server using a VPN.
2. Now make sure your device location is off.
3. Head to HBO Max, sign in, and watch in Australia!

Note: If you want to know how to cancel your HBO Max subscription in Australia, read this guide.

Devices You Can Watch HBO Max On

Here’s a list of devices you can use to watch HBO Max:

• Android and iOS
• Windows and Mac
• Android TV
• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire devices
• Roku
• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Google Chromecast
• Samsung Smart TV
• LG Smart TV
• Vizio Smart TV
• Sony Smart TV

You’re more than likely to have at least one of these—that’s all it takes to watch HBO Max.

Next Up – How to download the HBO Max app in Australia on different devices.

How to Download the HBO Max App in Australia?

How to Get HBO Max in Australia on Windows and Mac?

If you are looking to watch HBO Max on your laptop or PC (Windows/Mac) in Australia, there is no need to download the app since you can stream it on Max’s official website through an internet browser.

However, before accessing HBO Max, make sure that you are connected to the US server using a VPN and that your location is off.

How to Get HBO Max in Australia on iPhone/iPad?

Here’s how you can download the HBO Max app in Australia on your iPhone/iPad:

1. First, go to “Settings” on your iPhone/iPad, and click on your profile.
2. Now tap on “Media & Purchases”, then tap on “View Account”. It will ask for your “Passcode” or “Touch ID” for verification. Enter your “Passcode” or “Touch ID”.
3. Now tap on “Country/Region” → “Change Country or Region”, then select the United States as your country.
4. Once you select the United States, the “Terms and Conditions” page will open. Select “Agree” to proceed.
5. Now enter all the required details. You can easily find US addresses and postal codes on Google – use any one of them.
6. Now enter “Done” and wait for the process.
7. Once the process is complete, your App Store region is changed to the USA. Go to the App Store and download the HBO Max app.
8. After downloading the Max app, open the VPN app, connect to the USA server, and start watching!

How to Download HBO Max in Australia on Android Devices?

Here’s how to download the HBO Max app in Australia on your Android smartphones, tablets, and TVs:

1. First, open the VPN app on your Android device and connect to the USA server.
2. Now open the Play Store app and tap on the 3 bars located on the top left of the screen.
3. Go to the “Account” section where you will find your name and country.
4. Now select the USA as your country and enter all the required details.
5. Once your region changes to the USA, you can download the Max app and start streaming in Australia.

How to Download HBO Max in Australia on Amazon Firestick/Fire TV?

1. Visit the Amazon website and log in to your existing account.
2. Now click on the “Accounts & Lists” option and then click on “Your Accounts and Content”
3. Now change your region to the USA from Australia.
4. Connect your Amazon Firestick device with your TV and then click on “Settings”.
5. Log out or deregister your account and then sign in again.
6. Now download the HBO Max app and VPN app from the App Store.
7. Open the VPN app and connect to the USA server.
8. Open the Max app and start watching.

How to Download HBO Max in Australia on Roku, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and Smart TV?

Downloading the HBO Max app outside the USA on devices like Roku, Apple TV, PlayStation, and Smart TV without Android OS is very technical since these devices do not support the VPN app directly.

Due to this high level of complexity in downloading the Max app on these devices, we recommend using devices like Amazon Firestick/Fire TV and casting through your smartphones to watch HBO Max in Australia on big screens.

While VPNs are safe, you might watch some HBO Max content on Foxtel, Binge, and Stan—but the content is limited. So, that pretty much kills the whole purpose of going wild on HBO Max.

Too good to be true? Well, the thing is that HBO Max, Hulu, and the likes are ‘geo-blocked’, not banned. A geo-restrictions mean that a company hasn’t yet started operating in your country. While banned means they’re restrained from operation by the government.

So, yeah, it’s not that big of a deal. You’re paying for the services, and you’re not breaking any law—how cool is that?

Choosing the Best VPN for HBO Max in Australia

As you might have guessed already, VPN is the name of the game. But since there are a plethora of them out there, it’s hard to find the one that works wonders. So, to help you out, we’ve tested top VPNs to watch HBO Max in Australia based on the following criteria:

• Abundant and highly responsive servers worldwide with excellent unblocking and bypassing geolocation restrictions— especially in the US.
• Offers apps or support for all the major streaming devices including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV/Firestick, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Smart TV etc.
• Provides dedicated servers for streaming geo-blocked streaming services like Max, Peacock, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and many more in Australia.
• Offers a great streaming experience after connecting to different country servers without any buffering and poor video quality issues.
• Gives the option for simultaneous connections to use on multiple devices at the same time.
• Provides military-grade encryption, IPS, and DNS leak protection to keep users online activities anonymous and safe from hackers.
• Offers money-back guarantee and live chat support.

Best VPNs to Unblock HBO Max in Australia

After testing all the top VPNs based on the above-mentioned criteria, we have listed the following VPNs as the best VPNs to watch HBO Max in Australia:

1. ExpressVPN – Recommended VPN to Watch HBO Max in Australia

ExpressVPN tops every expert’s choice because of lightning-fast speeds, impregnable security, and thousands of servers across 94 countries. It’s the most complete form of a VPN.

This provider offers over 1000 servers in the US alone that allow us to stream HBO Max in Australia in HD without any video lags.

With ExpressVPN you can connect up to five devices simultaneously which is quite enough for one family.

Besides Max, this provider can also unblock American Netflix, ESPN+, Paramount Plus, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, BT Sport, TV Player, Peacock TV, Disney+ Hotstar, Sling TV, and Hulu in Australia.

2. NordVPN – Best VPN for HBO Max in Australia

NordVPN is a network with extravagantly fast servers, a two-way-encrypted Double VPN feature, a no-log policy, and the VPN-made-easy ‘quick connect’ button. Nord packs affordability and ease-to-use which makes it user-friendly by all means.

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is like Ryan from The Office (US), who is promoted from a temporary position to the VP of Dunder-Mifflin in no time. With a strict no-log policy, a superfast torrenting capability, and a user-friendly attitude, PrivateVPN is set to top the charts real soon. 

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee!

These are some authentic, secure, and fast VPN brands to subscribe to. Any downside to these? Well, you have to pay for them, of course. But, is it too big of a price to pay when you can bypass geo-restrictions and watch all the amazing content from your home?

Sports events/ movies you can watch with PrivateVPN:

• Spider-Man No Way Home in Australia

Is HBO Max available in Australia?

As of 2024, HBO Max is not available in Australia due to licensing restrictions. However, you can use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to stream HBO Max content from Australia.

How the VPN Works to Unblock HBO Max?

Why VPNs are legal is a good question to start with. Virtual Proxy Networks help internet users surf the web in a safe and undetected way—everyone has the right to privacy. These VPNs protect you against hacking threats as well as spying.

Essentially, a VPN service is a company with servers across the world (or any specific country). When you request a connection, it connects you to one of its servers— say, in the US—and then when you surf the web, you’re among the US traffic, not your actual area (Australia, in your case).

In short, the service takes a little detour to their servers and then connects you to the web. This way, your web searches, and data remain secure and anonymous.

How much does HBO Max Cost in Australia?

To get HBO Max in Australia, you need to pay for two things:

• A VPN
• HBO Max subscription

A reliable VPN will cost you around $8.32 (AUD 12) a month. We highly recommend ExpressVPN to watch Max in Australia.

For HBO Max Australia, there are three plans available based on your budget starting from $9.99 ($14.73 AUD) a month.

Here is the complete breakdown of HBO Max plans in USD:

Monthly Plans:

Yearly Plan:

This means if you go for the Max basic plan with VPN, it will cost you AUD $14.5 + $12 = $26 a month and so on.

Note: If you want to know about the free trial of HBO Max, read our guide on the topic.

How to Watch HBO Max on Foxtel in Australia?

You can watch HBO Max on Foxtel Australia, well, most of it anyway but not all of it. Some shows are only exclusive to people living in America, like American Netflix’s library.

If you want to watch HBO Max in Australia you’ll need a set-top box (STB) or a gaming console to watch your favorite shows on HBO Max Foxtel. You can purchase a set-top box for Foxtel’s website.

How to sign up for Foxtel Now

To get started, you’ll first need to visit Foxtel Now’s website. Then select the pricing plan that suits your budget. After you’ve done that, follow the steps below for the setup.

1. Click on the free trial.
2. Sign up for their service once you’ve added the necessary details.
3. You’ll receive a verification code on your phone. Add it to the website and then click on validate.
4. Click on continue.
5. Enter your payment details and agree to their terms and conditions.
6. Click on sign me up to start binging on Foxtel.

How to Watch HBO Max in Australia on Binge?

Just like Foxtel, you can also get HBO Max in Australia on Binge. However, Binge has a very limited library when compared to Foxtel. But for accessing the Max originals you’ll need a VPN like ExpressVPN.

To get started with Binge, follow the steps below:

1. Go to binge.com.au and select your desired pricing plan
2. Enter the information required
3. Insert the verification code that you receive on your phone
4. Enter the payment info to activate your account
5. Binge on!

How to Watch HBO Max on Stan?

As an HBO Max Australia enthusiast, you can watch HBO Max on Stan just like you can on Foxtel and Binge. The sign-up process is fairly simple. All you need to do is visit their website stan.com.au and sign up for their subscription.

But Stan does not have all the HBO Max originals, some of your favorite shows might be limited to the American audience only. If you really want to enjoy Max in its full glory you’ll need a VPN like ExpressVPN.

HBO Max Must-Watch: Best TV Shows and Movies

When the tagline says, “Where HBO meets so much more”, trust me, they’re right. Here are my recommendations for must-watch HBO Max shows and movies:

• How to with John Wilson
• My Adventures with Superman
• Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai
• Doom Patrol
• Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo
• Branson
• A Christmas Story Christmas
• Titans
• Mama’s Boy
• Game of Thrones
• The Batman
•  Harry Potter
•  Joker
•  Silicon Valley
•  Deadpool 2
• The Sopranos
•  Westworld
• Wonder Woman 1984
• Justice League Snyder’s Cut
• Suicide Squad
• Tom and Jerry
• Godzilla vs. Kong
• Los Espookys
• House of Ho
• Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off
• Father of the Bride
• Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Detroit Lions

Just like the theme of Westworld, HBO Max has more than what meets the eye. It has got a list of stellar titles, and original and industry-content, that HBO Max Australia friends don’t want to miss out on.

Difference Between HBO and HBO Max

HBO and HBO Max are streaming services that offer various shows. But in comparison, HBO Max has more exclusives and licensed originals than HBO. Max offers all your favorite shows on-demand along with tons of titles from other producers. These include CNN, TNT, TBS, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, TruTv, and many more.

Here are SOME of the exclusives.

• Love Life.
• Doom Patrol.
• Search Party.
• Adventure Time Distant Lands: BMO.
• Adventure Time Distant Lands: Obsidian.
• Close Enough.
• An American Pickle.
• The Fungies.

and many many more…

Has Discovery Plus Been Turned into Max?

Despite collaborating with HBO Max, Discovery+ will retain its independence as a separate and cost-effective streaming video service.

It’s important to highlight that the recently launched Max streaming platform will only include a portion of Discovery’s content. Specifically, it will mainly focus on episodes from well-known Discovery channels like TLC, Discovery, Magnolia Network, Food Network, ID, and HGTV.

For those interested in exploring the entirety of Discovery’s offerings instead of the limited content available on Max, utilizing a VPN to unblock Discovery Plus in Australia is a viable option. With a VPN, you can gain access to Discovery’s complete library of shows and programs.

Does HBO Max Offer a Free Trial?

No, HBO Max does not offer a free trial to its subscribers anymore.

Will HBO Max come to Australia?

As per the report by Australian Financial Review, HBO Max may launch in Australia in 2025. During a Media Partners Asia APOS event, Jean-Briac Perrette, the CEO of Warner Bros Discovery, declared their intention to introduce Max in Australia as a replacement for their existing partnership with Foxtel and Binge.

But for now, HBO Max shows are spread out on different streaming services in Australia like Binge, Stan, and Foxtel.

FAQs

Conclusion

You can stream HBO Max for hours on end sitting on your couch in Australia using this little secret technique. Bear in mind, however, that connecting the VPN isn’t a one-time thing.

You can either keep it connected at all times (preferably) or you can connect it every time you’re going to watch Max. Now you know how to watch HBO Max from Australia and access exclusive content, all at minimal costs. Have a great time!