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The Best VPN for HBO

HBO is one of the better-known networks inside the USA. Unlike others, they now have two streaming platforms.

HBO GO, and HBO Now, so for any cord cutter, there is still an option to watch all your favorite TV shows. Later in the year, they will also have HBO Max, so this could be service number three.

For anyone living outside the USA; or anyone who travels outside the USA.

Both services have geo-restricted content, which is only accessible inside the USA.

Luckily, there is a workaround for this, and using a VPN, we will show you how you can watch HBO from anywhere in the world.


Quick Guide

Here is a quick summary of how to unblock HBO:

  1. Sign up for the best streaming VPN
  2. Run the VPN Client and connect to a USA VPN server
  3. Sign up to HBO Now, or Access HBO Go through your provider.

Best VPN for HBO

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers an impressive streaming optimized network, covering 94 countries, with more than 3,000 servers.

There are numerous servers located in the United States, so avoiding geographic restrictions for HBO and other streaming services to stream shows and movies, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and others is simple.

ExpressVPN enables torrenting, and thanks to faster download speeds, you’ll never be waiting for downloads or suffer from buffering when you stream HD video.

Users have five simultaneous connections available on the broadest range of devices such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, browser extensions, routers and many others.

Security is one of the best and includes AES-256 bit encryption, a kill switch and DNS leak protection as standard. The VPN service offers an industry-leading 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat. (Read our Full ExpressVPN Review)

Pros

  • World’s fastest streaming speeds
  • Covers over 20 US locations
  • Bypasses geo-restrictions for all streaming platforms
  • Industry leading 24/7 live chat

Cons

  • No ad-blocker
  • Limited configuration settings

Uses TrustedServer technology, servers are faster, and no user data is written to slow hard disks.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN has one of the largest server networks out there. It offers good speeds, but not the best.

Users can use a wide range of features to remain anonymous, with TOR over VPN, 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a “kill switch” function. Torrenting is possible, and many geographic restrictions are circumnavigated when streaming.

Users can have six device connections, for most devices such as Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, and Android TV, along with Chrome and Firefox extensions are available.

The client applications are easy to use, and a wide range of payment options are available. Users also have a decent 30-day money-back window. (Read our Full NordVPN Review)

Pros

  • Bypasses many geo-restrictions
  • Packs in lots of privacy features
  • High levels of security and zero-logging

Cons

  • Can suffer from slow speeds on some servers
  • Slow customer support

Double-hop feature passes data around numerous servers before reaching its destination. Tracking becomes nearly impossible.

3. GooseVPN

GooseVPN is still in its infancy in comparison to other larger VPN’s. It is in the Netherlands, which unfortunately sits inside a 9-eyes country. The company claims they retain zero logs, and offer AES 256-bit encryption.

The network is the smallest from any provider in this list, they only have around 100 servers, and most of these reside around Europe.

With unlimited connections, you can find device support for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux and routers. There is one extension available for Chrome.

Even with a small network, it copes well with torrenting and streaming for most services, so it should suffice to watch full episodes from the website. (Read our Full GooseVPN Review)

Pros

  • First month free
  • Can unblock HBO and Netflix
  • Decent streaming speeds
  • Kill switch included in desktop apps

Cons

  • Located inside a 9-eyes country
  • Money-back guarantee has restrictions

One of a couple of VPN’s, which offer unlimited device connections for one account.

4. Proton VPN

ProtonVPN comes from the same company as the highly secure email service. You know you are highly secure, and all your activities will remain private. Using AES-256-CBC along with HMAC SHA-512 authentication with the leading protocols, they are as safe as can be.

With zero logging, the company does all it can for security. Device connections vary depending on which tier you subscribe; this can be from 2 up to 10 devices. This runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, along with Linux, yet there is full support for many others.

Network size offers decent speeds, even if they only have 600+ servers in 44 countries. (Read our Full ProtonVPN Review)

Pros

  • A free version (with limitations)
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Great privacy
  • Bundled with ProtonMail

Cons

  • Small server network
  • Not the fastest
  • Expensive on some plans

Users can use the Secure Core feature. This is a highly secure double-hop feature to prevent tracking.


What to Watch on HBO

HBO has some of the best shows on TV. There are things like Big Little Lies, The New Pope, and The Outsider.

Recurring shows include:

For long-time fans, there is Westworld and High Maintenance.

 

Can You Watch Game of Thrones on HBO Go?

You can watch Game of Thrones on HBO Go; you can also watch it on HBO Now as the content between the two is precisely the same.

Can You Watch Live on HBO Go?

If you are accessing HBO Go, then you will be able to watch HBO with a minute of a live broadcast. You find this is purely a technical thing and content requires some preparation before it is available on the streaming platform.

If it isn’t available in a few minutes, any live shows and events will be online within 24 hours according to the HBO website.

How Many People Can Watch HBO Go at Once?

Subscribers can register up to three devices for each account. However, when it comes to how many can be used at once, this number is set to two, for one HBO Go account.


How to Watch HBO With a VPN

Because the two services are accessible in different ways, it does mean there are two ways to access either.

HBO Go vs. HBO Now

Both services have the same content; here is a quick breakdown of the differences.

The critical difference is HBO Now is an à la carte streaming platform, whereas HBO Go comes with a cable subscription, or you can add it to Amazon Prime as one of your additional channels. This costs $14.99 after your 7-day free trial. You will also find, this is one of the only ways you can get free trials for HBO GO.

HBO Now can be purchased as a standalone service, or you can have it as an add-on to streaming platforms that have the chance to include it such as Hulu. This also comes with a one week trial.

If accessing via Hulu, or another service, you can use their app, or use your log in details for the HBO Go app.

Every way you can access HBO requires a VPN. It doesn’t matter if you are going through Hulu, Amazon, or signing up direct with HBO. You will face the same restrictions.

Signing up direct can cause issues when it comes to payments, and it does mean you need an American payment method.

Every HBO subscription for HBO Now is handled by Apple unless you go through a streaming platform. For international viewers, you do need a US iTunes account, or additionally an app store gift card.

You will also require a US address, although you can use any hotels address. Using this method can allow you to access the best of HBO.

The way to watch HBO with a VPN is to open the client software after installation. Once you are connected, you can easily change the server location to one inside the USA.

This will then change your IP address, and thus getting around the HBO geo-restrictions. Not every VPN can do this, but the number one option in the list above bypasses restrictions for any service, in any country.


Conclusion

HBO delivers one of the largest libraries of TV content out of any network. With the likes of GOT, and many other classics. it is easy to see why there is such demand to become a subscriber of HBO.

No matter how you access the HBO service, either way can be an easier option for you, but you will need the best VPN to offer the best experience.

From the short reviews, it is easy to see why the world’s number one streaming VPN sits at the top of our recommendations. ExpressVPN does deliver the ultimate online experience from any other VPN services.

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