How to watch HBO Max anywhere

How to watch HBO Max anywhere
(Image credit: HBO Max logo)

Launched May 2020, HBO Max is one of the best streaming services on the scene, effectively replacing the network's previous HBO Go and HBO Now offerings.

If you're looking to watch the box-fresh Euphoria season 2 and Succession alongside old favorites like Friends, The West Wing, Westworld, and The Sopranos, plus exclusive releases of blockbusters like The Matrix Resurrections, HBO Max is the place to go for both classic and brand new entertainment.

So, if you're wondering how to watch HBO Max right now, all you need to do is follow our quick and easy guide below.

Best shows on HBO Max: Euphoria

(Image credit: HBO)

How to watch HBO Max in the US

This is the easy part. If you're in the US, all you need to do is sign up to HBO Max online. 

While it's a little more expensive than Disney Plus, HBO Max charges $14.99 per month, a similar price to Netflix's middle plan – plus you can save if you pre-pay six months for $69.99. And, truth be told, we'd put a little more faith in HBO's original programming than Netflix's.

Once you've signed up, all you need to do is log in and enjoy ad-free entertainment wherever you are in the US.

How to watch HBO Max abroad

HBO Max is now available in a wide range of countries worldwide. In some territories it's a standalone streaming platform, and in others, broadcasters like Sky Atlantic hold the rights to HBO content. 

Over time, we're likely to see HBO Max become more widespread, and you can currently find a comprehensive list of supported regions on this Wikipedia article.

Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, Brian Cox and Kieran Culkin in the post for Succession

(Image credit: HBO)

How to sign up to HBO Max

First, head on over to the HBO Max website. Press 'sign up now', and you'll be shown your options. HBO often offers pre-pay discounts which are great value if you know you'll want to stay with the service for a while.

Whichever option you pick, you'll then be asked to sign up and create an account. Once you've done that, all you need to do is input your payment details. After the payment goes through, you'll have access to all the content on HBO Max ad-free.

Be aware that HBO Max auto-renews, so make sure to set a reminder before your paid period is up so you can review if you want to carry on with the service or not – you can cancel at any time.

Is there an HBO Max free trial?

Unfortunately there's currently no HBO Max free trial available, even for new users.

The FAQ states that if you sign up directly through WarnerMedia there are also no refunds, although if you pay though another provider you may get in touch with them to discuss refund options.

However, HBO Max is reasonably priced and you can cancel your subscription any time, so if you're unsure if you'll want to stick with the service for the long term, we recommend paying monthly and canceling whenever you want.

Can you sign up to HBO Max outside the US?

Short answer: No. HBO Max is only available in the US, which means the rest of world will have to go elsewhere for its Game of Thrones fix.

How to watch HBO Max - The Sopranos

(Image credit: The Sopranos/HBO)

Can you watch HBO Max on Roku?

After a lengthy spell of unavailability on the popular streaming device, you can now watch HBO Max on your Roku box – say goodbye to that laptop/HDMI cable combo.

All you need to do is find the HBO Max channel on your Roku and add it to your device. Then log in with your HBO Max credentials, and get watching.

Can you watch HBO Max on Fire Stick?

Yes, HBO Max is available on the Amazon Appstore, and super simple to get up and running on your Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick. All you need to do is download the app, sign in, and figure out what it is you want to watch.

What devices can I watch HBO Max on?

Since its launch, HBO Max has gradually expanded which devices you can use the service on. At the time of writing, that includes:

  • Amazon Fire TV devices
  • Amazon Fire tablets
  • Android-based devices
  • Android TV (2015+)
  • All iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
  • Apple TV (4th Gen+)
  • Samsung TV (2016+)
  • Windows PC
  • Mac
  • PS4
  • PS5
  • Xbox One 
  • Xbox Series X
Mo Harber-Lamond
VPN Editor

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.