Are you looking to watch Max in Canada? Officially, HBO Max that has rebranded as Max is not available in Canada due to licensing restrictions. But don’t worry, I got you covered.
Here I will provide you actionable guide step-by-step guide to watching HBO Max in Canada and how to sign up for it if you don’t have an American payment method.
- How to Watch HBO Max in Canada (Actionable Steps)?
- Can I Download HBO Max Canada app on my Devices?
- What is HBO Max (Max)? (Complete Overview)
- Why is Max Streaming Canada not Available in 2023?
- Is Crave a better option for watching HBO Max in Canada?
- How Much Does HBO Max Cost in Canada?
- What are the Best Shows and Movies on Max in Canada?
- What’s New Coming on Max Streaming Service Canada in June 2023?
- Best VPNs That Works With HBO Max in Canada
- How VPN Allows you to Stream HBO Max in Canada?
- FAQs – HBO Max Canada
- Final Thoughts
Though some HBO content is available on Canadian streaming service Crave but if you want to stream every single HBO Max show and movie, you need to learn how to access Max streaming services Canada.
However, watching HBO Max is a little tricky in Canada since it is not available officially due to content licensing.
You need to have a VPN subscription to change your location from Canada to the USA before you can start HBO streaming.
For this, I break down the process in steps to make it easier for you to follow.
So without any further delay, let’s dive in.
How to Watch HBO Max in Canada (Actionable Steps)?
To watch HBO Max in Canada, you need two things:
- A reliable VPN
- HBO Max subscription
I tested top VPN services recommended by reputable websites such as TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, CNET, PC Mag, and Comparitech. And after testing, I found ExpressVPN the best among all followed by NordVPN, CyberGhost (detailed analysis is available at the end of the blog)
Once you have subscribed to a VPN, it’s time to subscribe to HBO Max in Canada.
How to Subscribe to HBO Max in Canada in 2023?
There is no straightforward method to sign up for HBO Max in Canada unless you have an American payment method such as US PayPal, credit/debit card linked to US bank etc. etc.
And since HBO Max no longer offers a direct free trial, you must pay for the subscription to stream the content.
But if you don’t have an American payment method, you can use these 2 methods to get HBO Max in Canada:
- Subscribe for HBO Max via US Virtual Prepaid Card (Recommended)
- Get HBO Max Subscription using Apple ID or Google ID.
Method 1 – Using US Virtual Prepaid Card (Recommended)
You can use this US virtual prepaid card to get an HBO Max subscription in Canada:
- First, head to the StatesPay website and click on the “Sign up” option to create a US virtual prepaid card.
- Now enter all the relevant information to register your account.
- Once you created your StatesPay account, now you can add funds through your master and visa debit or credit card or PayPal account.
- Now connect to the US server using a VPN and head to the HBO Max website.
- Click on the “Sign Up Now” button.
- Now choose your plan.
- Once you choose your plan, enter all the required information and click “Create Account.”
- Now for payment visit account.statescard.com, sign in and click on “Show Card Details.”
- Enter your US virtual card details on the HBO Max website and Voilà!
Note: Make sure that your billing address and shipping address are the same. Otherwise, HBO Max won’t let you sign up even with the US virtual prepaid card.
Method 2 – Using Apple ID or Google ID to Pay for HBO Max in Canada
After testing multiple methods, we found that Canadians can also get an HBO Max subscription via Android or IOS devices since the VoD doesn’t verify the region or country’s payment option.
Follow these steps to get an HBO Max account in Canada without a US payment method:
For iOS Users
- First, log out from your existing Apple ID.
- Now create your Apple ID and select the USA as your country and enter all the required details. For a phone number, you can use your Canadian since Apple doesn’t verify it.
- Once your US Apple ID created, log in to your iPhone/iPad.
- Now download the HBO Max app. You can easily find it on App Store as now you are using a US Apple ID.
- Sign up and download a VPN on your iPhone/iPad if you don’t have it already and connect to the US server. We highly recommended ExpressVPN.
- Now open HBO Max and sign up for it.
For Android Users
- Download and sign up for VPN on your Android device if you don’t have it already.
- Now launch the VPN app and connect to the US server.
- Open the Google Play Store and tap on the menu and go to Account.
- Now select your region or country and set it to the US.
- Once your region changed to the U.S., download the HBO Max and sign up.
Once you subscribe to HBO Max in Canada by using one of the mentioned above methods, now it is straightforward to watch it in Canada.
Here’s how you can watch HBO Max in Canada:
- Connect to the US server using a VPN.
- Now make sure your device location is off.
- Visit HBO Max, sign in and start watching in Canada!
Can I Download HBO Max Canada app on my Devices?
If you’ve finally subscribed to a VPN service, you’re one step closer to streaming the best shows and movies on HBO Max in Canada.
Here’s a list of devices you can stream your favorite HBO Max shows and movies through its official website or by downloading its app:
- Android smartphones, tablets, and Android TV
- iPhone and iPad (iOS 12.2 or later)
- Google Chromecast
- Roku (Roku OS 10.0 or later)
- Apple TV (2nd generation or later)
- Amazon Firestick/Fire TV (Fire OS 5.1 or later)
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
- LG Smart TV (WebOS 4.0 or later)
- Samsung Smart TV (2016 or later models)
- Vizio Smart TV (2016 or later models)
- Internet browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.)
What is HBO Max (Max)? (Complete Overview)
From 23rd May, HBO Max will be rebranded as Max with the new tagline “The One to Watch”.
It’s yet another standalone streaming service by WarnerMedia and Discovery where you can watch 10,000 hours of premium content of Max originals plus content from Discovery Plus and Warner Bros.
Max (previously HBO Max) library also includes content from DC, Adult Swim, Studio Ghibli, TCM, Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes, Sesame Workshop, Cartoonito, HGTV, TLC, Food Network, CNN Originals, Magnolia Network, Travel Channel, Wizarding World and more.
The best thing if you already have an HBO Max subscription, you don’t need to sign up for Max separately.
The streaming service will automatically upgrade with the new logo, features, and catalog and customers will see the changes when opening the app on May 23.
Or subscribers will get the notification to update their app. If you want to change your subscription plan, you can do so through your billing provider.
HBO Max/Warner-billed subscribers can switch plans in the settings section on their profile.
Why is Max Streaming Canada not Available in 2023?
Max streaming service Canada is not available due to official rights and licensing restrictions. Warner Media made an agreement with Bell Media that does not allow HBO Max to be broadcast in Canada.
However, you can watch some HBO Max shows on Crave (owned by Bell Media) in Canada.
But sadly, even with Crave, you don’t have full access to the HBO Max content library in Canada, especially Max movies.
Also, due to these content licensing and agreements, HBO Max has no plans to officially launch its streaming platform in Canada.
Is Crave a better option for watching HBO Max in Canada?
In our opinion, no. Crave is readily available in Canada and through its subscription you can watch HBO Max originals, but you still won’t have access to its full library.
The Crave video quality is also not as good as HBO Max. You can feel the videos dropping a frame or two. The low frame rate hampers the viewing experience.
Another annoying issue is that usually the subtitles don’t keep up with the dialogues. You’d be hearing something but reading something else. This is probably because of the low frame rate.
Overall, HBO Max has a much better quality and viewing experience. In our opinion, Getting HBO Max with a VPN is a much better option.
Also See: HBO Max vs. Crave: Which Streaming Service is Better in Canada
How Much Does HBO Max Cost in Canada?
HBO Max are the same for Canadians as those in the United States. It offers two plans that are as follows:
HBO Max without Ads
HBO Max Canada available at cost $15.99 (CAD 21.75) per month without ads, with the addition of taxes.
In this plan of HBO Max, you will get ad-free access to all HBO, Max originals and content from different studios such as Studio Ghibli, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Sesame Street, and more.
Also, you can stream Warner Bros movies the same as they hit theaters, including Dune, The Matrix Resurrections, King Richard, Wonder Woman, and others.
With this HBO Max plan, you can stream on three screens simultaneously and create up to five user profiles on a single account.
And you can stream HBO Max on almost every streaming device such as Smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon FireStick, Gaming Consoles, iPhone/iPad, and Android smartphones and tablets.
HBO Max with Ads
If you are looking for a more affordable plan, you can subscribe to HBO Max with ads that will cost you $9.99 (CAD $13) per month.
Will this HBO Max plan, you will see ads before and between the content. According to HBO Max, users will get four minutes of ads on every hour of streaming.
However, all the content which is labeled as HBO Original won’t get ads, such as Westworld, Game of Thrones, Lovecraft Country, The Nevers and so much more.
Also, you won’t get access to Warner Bros movies premiere on the same day of theater release if you opt for this plan.
Plus, you can upgrade or downgrade HBO Max plans anytime based on your experience and usage.
Though if you go down the VPN route – there’ll be a small addition to your HBO Max price in Canada.
Excited to get started with streaming HBO without the annoying blocks? Let us introduce you to some of the best titles on HBO Max right now!
What are the Best Shows and Movies on Max in Canada?
Here is the list of best shows and movies that you can watch on HBO Max right now:
Best Shows to Watch on Max
- Doom Patrol
- The Wire
- The Flight Attendant
- Gossip Girl
- The Office
- Succession
- House of the Dragon
- Raised by Wolves
- The Big Bang Theory
- Friends
- South Park
- DC Titans
- The Sopranos
- Game of Thrones
- Silicon Valley
- Big Little Lies
- Westworld
Best Movies on Max
- Shazam!
- Parasite
- Heartbreakers
- Crazy Rich Asians
- The Silence of the Lambs
- All The Beauty and The Bloodshed
- Mortal Kombat
- Black Adam
- Suicide Squad (2021)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- The Batman (2022)
- The Last Duel
- The Exorcist (1973)
- The Jurassic Park Trilogy (1993-2001)
- Spawn
- Men In Black Trilogy
What’s New Coming on Max Streaming Service Canada in June 2023?
Here are the best shows and movies coming on HBO Max in June 2023:
- A Star is Born – June 1
- Magic Mike’s Last Dance – June 2
- The Idol – June 4
- Avatar: The Way of Water – June 7
- Vacation – June 13
- Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, season 3 – June 15
- Downey’s Dream Cars – June 22
- Warrior, season 3 – June 29
Click here for a complete list of shows and movies coming on HBO Max in June 2023
Best VPNs That Works With HBO Max in Canada
If you’ve finally decided to switch to a VPN to watch HBO in Canada – it’s time to choose a VPN service. Unfortunately, not all of them are the best for bypassing HBO’s restrictions. Here’s our list of some of the best VPN services you can subscribe to right away:
1. ExpressVPN – Recommended to Stream Max in Canada
After testing several VPNs, ExpressVPN tops our list to watch HBO Max in Canada, thanks to its ultra-fast servers, superb unblocking capabilities, and easy-to-use apps.
This provider offers 3000+ servers in 90+ countries and 1000+ US blazing fast servers to unblock HBO Max and other popular services like YouTube TV in Canada.
We tested 57 of its American servers to access Max in Calgary, Canada. 55 out of 57 servers successfully unblocks HBO Max and allows us to stream in HD, UHD, 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos on different devices and titles.
Besides HBO Max, we tested ExpressVPN to unblock Peacock TV and other popular geo-blocked streaming services such as Hulu, US Netflix etc and it works like a charm.
And it did work very well in unblocking all these geo-blocked streaming services without any video lags and buffering issues.
ExpressVPN offers five simultaneous connections on a single subscription. And you don’t have to worry about device selection as this provider offers apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, and Fire tablets.
This provider also offers MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) and router set up for devices that do not support VPN directly such as Roku, Apple TV, Smart TV (without Android), PlayStation, and Xbox.
In short, if you want to enjoy hassle-free streaming of your favorite movie or TV show on Max in Canada, ExpressVPN is the excellent choice for you.
And it is totally risk-free to use ExpressVPN as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Exclusive Offer: Save 49% Now! 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN – Best VPN to Watch HBO Max Canada
NordVPN is another fine option to access HBO Max in Canada. This provider offers 5000+ servers in 60 countries, including 1500+ US servers.
We tested, this provider’s 50 American servers to unblock HBO Max in Calgary, Canada. 37/50 unblocks HBO Max for us in HD without any buffering issues.
NordVPN offers six simultaneous connections on a single account and offers apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Firestick.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, NordVPN is a good choice to watch HBO Max and stream Sling TV in Canada.
Offers 30-day money-back guarantee!
3. PrivateVPN – Work with HBO Max in Canada
Though PrivateVPN has a small network of servers it does work great when it comes to unblocking US geo-blocked streaming services such as Max in Canada.
The most distinctive feature of this provider is that it offers pre-configured apps for streaming geo-blocked content.
For example, you need to search for the streaming service instead of the server in the PrivateVPN’s app and it will show the list of best working servers.
We tested all six PrivateVPN servers that we get when we search for the HBO Max. And four out of 6 six servers successfully unblock HBO Max in HD.
This provider offers apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and Max and offers six simultaneous connections on a single account.
If you are looking for a preconfigured VPN for streaming, PrivateVPN is for you.
Offers 30-day money-back guarantee!
Why do we recommend these five? They don’t just get the job done, i.e. get you unrestricted access to HBO Max in Canada – they’re the ‘best’ at it.
With the provision of hundreds of servers across the United States and blazing fast speeds, you wouldn’t notice using a VPN at all.
Pair it with the ability to establish multiple connections, use it with multiple devices, and a money-back guarantee – it’s a win-win situation!
How VPN Allows you to Stream HBO Max in Canada?
As soon as you hit the ‘Connect’ button on your VPN app, a few things come to motion here.
We’ll take a quick non-technical look at how it gets the job done. First thing’s first – your identity has got to change to you being in the States.
How is that?
Your IP address! It’s changed to that of the VPN server so that HBO Max can’t hit you with their snappy geo-restrictions.
Now – it doesn’t have to be the States necessarily, but you may choose any country where HBO Max is available.
FAQs – HBO Max Canada
Is HBO Max Available in Canada?
As of 2023, you can use ExpressVPN to get Max subscription at cost $9.99 (CAD 13.37) per month. HBO Max was released in the USA back in May 2020 but sadly it is not available in Canada. However, you can still access HBO Max in Canada by using a VPN on your devices.
Is It legal to watch Max in Canada with a VPN?
Yes, using a VPN is 100% legal to watch geo-blocked content and protect your online privacy. This means watching HBO Max in Canada is legal with a VPN.
Will HBO Max ever come to Canada?
Unfortunately, there is no official announcement by HBO Max to release its service in Canada.
As of 2023, HBO Max is available in the USA, UK, Spain, Germany and other European countries but not in Canada.
Can I get HBO Max without HBO cable subscription?
Yes, you can use HBO Max without an HBO cable subscription. All you need to do is visit “www.hbomax.com” and choose the sign-up without TV provider option and start streaming.
Does HBO Max Canada have a free trial?
No, HBO Max no longer offers a free trial to its new subscribers.
Can you get an HBO subscription in Canada?
No, but you can watch some HBO and Max originals on Crave in Canada such as Game of Thrones, Westworld, Euphoria, The Flight Attendant, raised by Wolves, Scenes from a Marriage, Landscapers, and more.
Can a Canadian get HBO Max?
Yes, Canadian can use VPN to get HBO Max sbuscription. ExpressVPN (US server) can change your device location and help you to get Max streaming service in Canada.
Can I stream Max in Canada through a VPN?
Yes, you can stream Max in Canada by connecting to a US server with the help of a VPN (ExpressVPN). In fact, VPN is the most reliable way to access HBO Max in Canada.
Does ExpressVPN work with HBO Max?
If you are using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN and still can’t access HBO Max in Canada or anywhere outside the USA, you can try the following tips to fix this issue:
- Try connecting to different US server
- Makesure that your device location is off
- Ask your VPN provider which server is working best with HBO Max
Is HBO Max on Roku Canada?
No, HBO Max is only available on Roku USA. However, you can still get HBO Max on Roku in Canada by creating a US account and set up a VPN on your home router (Roku does not support the VPN app directly).
Does Crave Canada include HBO Max?
Yes, you can get some of HBO Max content on Crave at cost CAD $19.99 per month. However, if you want to access the full content library, you need an HBO Max subscription and a reliable VPN service to access in Canada.
Is HBO Max free through Amazon Prime?
No, HBO Max is not free with Amazon Prime. This means you need to subscribe to HBO Max separately or get with bundle package along with other streaming services like Hulu+Live TV and YouTube TV by paying $14.99/month more.
How Can I pay for HBO Max in Canada
You can use one of the following methods to pay for HBO Max in Canada:
How Can I get HBO Max outside USA?
You can get HBO Max outside the USA through its official website or app if you are residing in a country where HBO Max is available (see here). Other than HBO Max countries such as Canada, UK, VPN is the only reliable to get HBO Max since it is geo-blocked due to content licensing and streaming rights.
How Can I get HBO Max on YouTube TV?
You can get HBO Max on YouTube TV through purchasing Entertainment Plus or separate HBO Max add on. Once you subscribe for the add-on, you can log in to HBO Max website and app using your YouTube TV credentials.
Final Thoughts
That concludes our article on how you can stream HBO Max Canada without their restrictions. Premium VPN like ExpressVPN can help you stay private over the network while allowing you to seamlessly enjoy streaming TV shows online. So, what are you waiting for? Get to streaming now!
Can I get a free trial in Canada?
No! HBO Max is no longer offering a free trial to new subscribers.
To subscribe, you need a valid us credit card. No other way to pay. When you’re a the checkout stage, they ask for your card info AND your address, and it can only be a US address.
It has also become impossible to pay with an HBO gift card. And HBO gift cards are now only available on the HBO website. To buy a card, you AGAIN need a US credit card.
So there you go: even with a VPN, there’s no way to subscribe unless you have a US credit card.
After trying several payments, we found that you can sign up for HBO Max via your Apple or Android devices since the VOD service doesn’t verify the payment options by country. But first you need to create Apple or Google Play US ID to download the HBO Max app in Canada
For iOS Users
For Android Users
This still doesn’t work. Already tried it. US ID, downloaded app but still when you subscribe it asks for a US credit card.
Hey Riggedy if this method doesn’t work for you, we have added another subscription method to get an HBO Max subscription in Canada via using us virtual card method. here is how you can do it:
1. First head to the StatesPay website and click on the “Sign up” option to create a US virtual prepaid card.
2. Now enter all the relevant information to register your account.
3. Once you created your StatesPay account, now you can add funds through your master and visa debit or credit card or PayPal account.
4. Now connect to the US server using a VPN and head to the HBO Max website.
5. Now sign up for HBO Max via your StatesPay US virtual prepaid card in Canada.
Did you figure it out? I can’t get passed the country either. Even through iOS! I’ve gotten as far as the download and then I’m stuck
If I follow the steps for the iOS setup, can I log onto HBO Max via another device after (always within a VPN) like a FireStick?
Hey Nick, yes you can watch HBO Max up to three devices simultaneously with a VPN.
I have a dreamlink Android box and a Samsung tv. HBO Max streams for about 30 seconds and then the video goes black but the audio still plays. Any suggestions?
Hey there,
We understand your frustration. You aren’t the only one who is facing this issue. This seems like a problem generating from the HBO Max services. Have you tried contacting the support? In the meanwhile we will also try to look for a solution.
Thank you I used statespay worked very well thank you for sharing this had me very fustrated
Hey Horhey, we are glad that our guide is helpful for you.
Method 3 does not work. HBO Max would not accept my StatesPay/StatesCard. Tried switching VPN servers several times.
Hey Jesse, try gift card method, it is the most recommended method to get HBO Max subscription in Canada.