The best VPNs for unblocking Max

We've lined up all the best VPNs for accessing Max, including streaming-friendly services like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

By Joseph Green

Oct. 1, 2024

Credit: Pexels

NordVPN

Best For Security

You can't go wrong with Nord. It's a well-known and reliable VPN that has over 5,000 servers worldwide and doesn't track your activity.

Pros & Cons

CyberGhost VPN

Best For Simplicity

CyberGhost makes staying protected on your Android device easy.

Pros & Cons

Private Internet Access

Best For Server Network

Installs quickly and comes with loads of premium features for all types of users.

Pros & Cons

Surfshark

Best For Multiple Devices

Surfshark offers an impressive set of features with an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Pros & Cons

There is no such thing as too many streaming sites. Sure, you might already be subscribed to Netflix and Prime Video, but there might be hit shows and newly-releases movies still out of reach. We're not suggesting you subscribe to everything out there, but one more subscription couldn't hurt.

If you're looking to expand your content options, you might have considered Max. This popular streaming platform offers TV favourites, blockbuster movies, and new Max originals. So what's stopping you? Well, despite Max expanding into Europe in 2021, the UK is still not on the list. Try and visit the platform from the UK, and you'll be greeted with "Sorry, Max isn’t available in your region yet."

We know this is tough news to take, but you still have the ability to stream on Max in the UK. All you need is a VPN.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide protection for your data and identity when you're online. They create a private network that hides your real IP address, which boosts your online privacy and anonymity, and makes sure that your activity is untraceable and secure.

It's not the easiest concept to grasp, so it can be helpful to think about a VPN like an encrypted tunnel. All of your online traffic passes through this tunnel, and nobody can see inside. Everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Why should you consider investing in a VPN?

VPNs are designed to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously a major reason to consider investing in a service. Cybersecurity is an absolutely vital part of existing online these days, and VPNs offer the features needed to secure your online world against the worst of the web. It's not all about online security and privacy though, because an increasing number of subscribers are looking to boost their content options.

VPNs can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. VPNs can bypass the geo-restrictions of the most popular streaming sites, including Max.

How do you access Max with a VPN?

The process of accessing Max with a VPN is not exactly simple. First you need to do is open up your preferred VPN, select an American server in order to spoof your IP to a U.S. address, and then head to Max. This makes Max think you're in the U.S. when you're actually in the UK. The next step is to add your payment information.

Max only lets you sign up if you have a payment card that’s tied to the U.S. If you don't have this, you'll need to follow these steps:

Open up your preferred VPN on your iOS/Android device and connect to a server in the U.S.
Create an Apple ID/Google Play account
Register your account on the app store
Download and install the Max app
Create a new account in the Max app with your email address and password
Pay with your UK PayPal account

We know this is a little laborious, but it's worth it.

What should you consider before investing in a VPN?

Rather than listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about if you're planning on streaming with a VPN. You should look out for connection speed, server network, number of simultaneous logins, and other important features:

Connection speed — Using a VPN is likely to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant. This will result in buffering, which is going to make it difficult to stream without frustration.
Number of simultaneous connections — The best VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. You should seek out services that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stream on all your devices at the same time.
Privacy policy — It's worth paying attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using to stream, because access to extra content shouldn't come at the expense of your online privacy and anonymity.
Security — We know you're here to find a VPN for streaming, but you shouldn't forget about security. The best services will let you unblock top streaming sites whilst offering powerful protection for your data.
Server network — Some VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. The best services offer access to a lot of servers in key locations, so you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

What is the best VPN for Max?

We've lined up a selection of the very best streaming-friendly VPNs for unlocking Max, including popular services like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN. You just need to consider all of these options, and pick out the service that best suits you and your lifestyle.

These are the best VPNs for Max in 2024.

NordVPN

Best For Security

The good

One of the sturdiest, most reliable VPNs Fast servers Can connect six devices Doesn't log activities

The Bad

It's expensive

The Bottomline

If you want a VPN that has a fast service and allows you to connect to multiple phones at once, try out NordVPN.

Specs

Monthly: £10.39/month
One-year plan: £3.99/month
Two-year plan: £3.19/month

Read our full review of NordVPN.

NordVPN has a reputation for being amongst the sturdiest, most reliable VPNs out there. NordVPN has fast servers that are also not on any blacklists. You should be able to stream Hulu or Netlfix shows in several European countries without any issues.

NordVPN says it offers over 5,000 servers worldwide. It lets you connect six devices at the same time, and it claims to keep no logs of your activities. INordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, with a wide range of advanced security features that combine to protect your data and identity.

CyberGhost VPN

Best For Simplicity

The good

Great security features Easy to use with Android Generous money-back guarantee

The Bad

Speeds can drop

The Bottomline

CyberGhost VPN keeps things real simple, and focuses on strong security features.

Specs

Monthly: £10.89/month
Six-month plan: £6.19/month
Two-year plan: £1.92/month

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Cyberghost VPN has a really simple interface with easy-to-understand terminology explaining all of its features. It keeps things easy and focuses on strong security features. It’s very fast to set up and has intuitive apps for a variety of popular devices.

CyberGhost might be easy to use but that doesn't mean it's not on par with other options on this list. Users have access to 3,600 servers in over 60 locations around the world, with unlimited bandwidth and traffic. This makes for reliable streaming, but some users have said connections can be slower than with other VPN offerings.

Private Internet Access

Best For Server Network

The good

Encrypted WiFi Kill switch Number and spread of servers Range of apps

The Bad

Interface is dated Not the fastest

The Bottomline

List of features that should suit beginners and advanced users.

Specs

Monthly: £10.99/month
Six-month plan: £5.39/month
Two-year plan: £1.69/month

Private Internet Access (PIA) installs quickly and comes with loads of impressive features for all types of users, no matter if you're a beginner or an advanced user who likes fiddling around with settings.

You get your standard secure VPN account, encrypted WiFi, P2P, IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, plus a whole lot more. PIA isn't a particularly sexy app, but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for with a long list of features. It also has a solid backbone, with thousands of servers in countries all around the world.

It's also relatively speedy. We noticed our "naked" download and upload speeds dropped by only about a half or two-thirds (common for most VPNs). It may not be the fastest VPN around, but it's definitely not the slowest, either.

PIA has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and an extension for Chrome.

Surfshark

Best For Multiple Devices

The good

No limit on simultaneous connections Intuitive app Multi-hop and split tunnelling tools

The Bad

Not the strongest connection speeds

The Bottomline

Surfshark ticks a lot of boxes for streaming sport and should be your top choice if you rely on a lot of tech.

Specs

Monthly: £9.90/month
One-year plan: £3.05/month
Two-year plan: £1.76/month

Surfshark is probably the best VPN for anyone who relies on a lot of tech, as you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same plan. This also makes it something to seriously consider if there is a lot of people in your house looking to stream at the same time.

Surfshark also offers a wide range of impressive features including split tunnelling and enterprise-grade infrastructure, with an easy to use and stylish interface making it a strong choice for total beginners.

Surfshark is not the cheapest provider, but if you're willing to commit to a longer contract, the monthly rate comes down sharply.

Topics: Tech, VPN (Virtual Private Networks), ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN