Max, formerly HBO Max, is a streaming service by Warner Bros. Discovery, offering content from HBO, Warner Bros., DC, and more.
It features HBO Originals like Chernobyl, The Sopranos and House of the Dragon. Popular films on the platform include Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
Max is available in several countries besides the US, but not in Ireland. To watch HBO Max in Ireland, you will have to use a VPN and connect to the US server and bypass geo-restrictions.
If you try to access HBO Max from Ireland without a VPN, you will see an error message that says:
“Max is not available here yet.”
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How to Watch Max in Ireland
Since Max is unavailable to stream in Ireland, use a VPN to bypass the geo-restrictions and then access it on your browser.
Follow the steps below to watch HBO Max in Ireland:
Step 1: Subscribe to a trusted VPN service (We recommend ExpressVPN)
Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device
Step 3: Open the app and connect to the US Server (i.e., New York)
Step 4: Go to the Max website and select a plan if you don’t already have an account
Step 5: Choose the bundle you want
Step 6: Enter your email
Step 7: Add credentials and click Create account
Step 8: Choose a Payment method. e.g., PayPal or Credit/Debit card
Step 9: Add your payment credentials
Step 10: Go to the homepage. Select a show to watch. e.g. The Pitt
Step 11: Scroll down to select a season and an episode
Step 12: Play the episode and enjoy streaming!
How Much Does Max Cost?
HBO Max offers two types of subscriptions, Max plans and bundles. Check the following
Max Plans
Max Bundles
Max Student Discount – With Ads Plan at $4.99/month
Additionally, Max provides a Student Discount on the With Ads plan, offering a 50% reduction for eligible students, valid for 12 months upon verification.
How to Pay for Max in Ireland
Though HBO Max gift cards aren’t available anymore, you can still subscribe using US Apple Gift Card or US Google Play gift cards on your streaming device.
Using a US Apple Gift Card (for Apple Devices)
Step 1: Log in to your iTunes account and set your billing address to the United States. (Creating a separate account for this is recommended.)
Step 2: Add funds using a US Apple Gift Card and buy it.
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the US server.
Step 4: Download the HBO Max app from the Apple App Store.
Step 5: Open the HBO Max app and subscribe to your desired plan.
Step 6: Select the show or movie you want to watch and enjoy!
Using a US Google Play Gift Card (for Android Devices)
Step 1: Log in to your Google Play account and set your billing address to the United States. (Creating a separate account for this is recommended.)
Step 2: Add funds using a US Google Play Gift Card.
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the US server.
Step 4: Download the HBO Max APK.
Step 5: Open the HBO Max app and subscribe to your desired plan.
Step 6: Choose what you want to stream and enjoy watching.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Access HBO Max Outside the US?
As stated previously, HBO Max is not officially available in Ireland due to content copyright and licensing. You will have to use a VPN to bypass its geo-restrictions and watch Max content in the country.
When you connect to a VPN, it replaces your original IP address (i.e. Ireland as it indicates your location) with a proxy US IP address.
This proxy US IP address shows your location as the US and tricks Max into assuming that you are accessing the platform from the authorized location and grants you access to its content.
Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in Ireland
I’ve tested around 35+ premium VPN services and found three VPNs that can effortlessly unblock Max in Ireland within the first attempt. Following are my recommended VPNs:
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Streaming Max Outside the US
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200 servers in 100+ countries |
| Server locations | 24 US cities |
| Exclusive deal | €4.87/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Connect up to 8 devices at once – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Fast and throttle-free streaming with Smart DNS, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol. |
| Top-notch Privacy | Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy. |
Recommended Servers: New York, New Jersey, Washington
Use this VPN for a seamless streaming experience with a vast network of high-speed to watch your favourite shows and sports on geo-restricted services.
Speed Test: When I connected to ExpressVPN’s New York server, I achieved a speed of 41 Mbps out of 50 Mbps.
Beyond HBO Max: You can access other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland such as USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, etc.
2. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN to Unblock Max in Ireland
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Server locations | 600+ US servers across 25 cities |
| Price | €2.19/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Device Compatibility | Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Fast Streaming | Uninterrupted streaming with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers |
| Added Privacy | Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, and No-Logs Policy. |
Recommended Servers: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas
Surfshark is a top-tier option for accessing Max in Ireland, combining affordability with advanced technology to stand out on our list.
In my tests, it excelled at bypassing geo-restrictions while ensuring privacy with full forward secrecy.
Moreover, this VPN effectively unlocks other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, including 9 Now, Servus TV, 7Plus, Netflix, Prime Video etc.
3. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Access Max in Ireland
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 6000+ servers in 60 countries |
| Server locations | 1,970+ US Servers across 19 cities. |
| Price | €3.39/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Device Compatibility | Up to 6 devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol. |
| Added Privacy | Military-grade encryption, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy, |
Recommended Servers: San Francisco, Dallas, San Jose
NordVPN features an extensive server network and delivers smooth streaming. Its intuitive interface ensures easy navigation.
In my tests for unblocking HBO Max, its wide server coverage offered a reliable and fast connection, ensuring uninterrupted viewing.
In addition to HBO Max, it also enables access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as ORF, Hulu, FuboTV, Sling, BBC iPlayer etc.
Where is Max Available?
Here’s a complete list of countries and territories where Max is currently available.
| Region | Country/Territory |
|---|---|
| Asia Pacific | Hong Kong |
| Asia Pacific | Indonesia |
| Asia Pacific | Malaysia |
| Asia Pacific | Philippines |
| Asia Pacific | Singapore |
| Asia Pacific | Taiwan |
| Asia Pacific | Thailand |
| Europe | Åland Islands |
| Europe | Andorra |
| Europe | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Europe | Bulgaria |
| Europe | Canary Islands |
| Europe | Croatia |
| Europe | Czech Republic |
| Europe | Denmark |
| Europe | Faroe Islands |
| Europe | Finland |
| Europe | France |
| Europe | Greenland |
| Europe | Hungary |
| Europe | Madeira |
| Europe | Moldova |
| Europe | Montenegro |
| Europe | North Macedonia |
| Europe | Norway |
| Europe | Poland |
| Europe | Portugal |
| Europe | Romania |
| Europe | Serbia |
| Europe | Slovakia |
| Europe | Slovenia |
| Europe | Spain |
| Europe | Svalbard & Jan Mayen |
| Europe | Sweden |
| HBO Max (Europe) | Belgium |
| HBO Max (Europe) | Netherlands |
| Latin America | Argentina |
| Latin America | Belize |
| Latin America | Bolivia |
| Latin America | Brazil |
| Latin America | Chile |
| Latin America | Colombia |
| Latin America | Costa Rica |
| Latin America | Ecuador |
| Latin America | El Salvador |
| Latin America | Guatemala |
| Latin America | Guyana |
| Latin America | Honduras |
| Latin America | Mexico |
| Latin America | Nicaragua |
| Latin America | Panama |
| Latin America | Paraguay |
| Latin America | Peru |
| Latin America | Suriname |
| Latin America | Uruguay |
| Latin America | Venezuela |
| Caribbean | Anguilla |
| Caribbean | Antigua & Barbuda |
| Caribbean | Aruba |
| Caribbean | Bahamas |
| Caribbean | Barbados |
| Caribbean | British Virgin Islands |
| Caribbean | Cayman Islands |
| Caribbean | Curacao |
| Caribbean | Dominica |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic |
| Caribbean | Grenada |
| Caribbean | Haiti |
| Caribbean | Jamaica |
| Caribbean | Montserrat |
| Caribbean | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Caribbean | Saint Lucia |
| Caribbean | St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Caribbean | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Caribbean | Turks and Caicos |
| United States | United States |
| United States | American Samoa |
| United States | Guam |
| United States | Northern Mariana Islands |
| United States | Puerto Rico |
| United States | U.S. Virgin Islands |
Max is set to launch in Australia on March 31, 2025, followed by Türkiye on April 15, 2025. You will be able to access HBO Max Ireland in early 2026.
What Can You Watch on HBO Max?
HBO offers a terrific collection of movies and shows. If you are confused, what to watch first, here’s a list of recommendations.
Shows
| Drama | Comedy | Thriller | Science Fiction & Fantasy |
|---|---|---|---|
| The White Lotus | Friends | The Sopranos | Raised by Wolves |
| The Last of Us | Rick & Morty | Tokyo Vice | Station Eleven |
| The Pitt | Veep | Full Circle | The Sympathizer |
Check Out the Free Episodes on Max Before Subscribing
Max offers select episodes of popular Original series for free, allowing users to sample content without a subscription.
This approach enables potential subscribers to experience Max’s offerings before committing, enhancing content discovery and user engagement.
Movies
| Action | Drama | Comedy | Science Fiction & Fantasy |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dark Knight | Elvis | The Big Lebowski | Dune |
| Mad Max: Fury Road | Faye | The Wedding Singer | The Matrix |
| The Suicide Squad | The Pitt | Mamma Mia! | Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon |
Upcoming Shows/Movies on Max in 2025
| Last Night In Soho | Paula | The Wild One |
| Thirteen Lives | Omen | Control |
| Midwives | The Hotel | Last of Us Season 2 |
| Peacemaker Season 2 | The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 | It: Welcome to Derry |
| A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms |
Sports
For sports enthusiasts, Max has introduced the B/R Sports Add-On, currently available at no extra cost for a limited time; afterward, it will be priced at $9.99/month.
Following are the sports available with the add-on:
| Sports Events 2025 |
|---|
| 2024-2025 NBA regular season |
| 2025 NBA All-Star |
| 2025 NBA Playoffs |
| 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals |
| 2024-2025 NHL regular season |
| 4 Nations Face-Off |
| 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs |
| 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final |
| 2025 NCAA Men’s March Madness |
| 2025 MLB regular season |
| 2025 National League Division Series |
| 2025 National League Championship Series |
| NASCAR five-race in-season tournament |
| NASCAR summer and fall race practices and qualifiers |
| NASCAR Driver Cam coverage |
| 2025 College Football Playoff |
| Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s basketball |
| Roland-Garros (Men’s & Women’s Singles Championships) |
| 2024-2025 Big 12 men’s college basketball regular season |
| 2024-2025 Big 12 college football regular season |
| 2024-2025 BIG EAST men’s college basketball regular season |
| 2024-2025 BIG EAST women’s college basketball regular season |
| Early-season college basketball tournaments |
| U.S. Men's National Soccer Team matches |
| U.S. Women's National Soccer Team matches |
| 2025 SheBelieves Cup |
| Over 300 live cycling events (road, mountain bike, track, BMX, cyclocross) |
| T100 Triathlon races |
| T100 Grand Final |
| The Match (golf event) |
Max Brands
Subscribers can watch programming from HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, TBS, TNT, and Eurosport.
Discovery Channel Documentaries on Max offer engaging non-fiction series covering a variety of topics. Whereas, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim content includes animated series for both kids and adults.
TBS and TNT programming on Max features popular TV shows and special events. You can find all this categorized under the Brands section on the platform.
Click here for more details on Channels on Max.
Explore the ‘Collections’ Section on Max
Max’s Collections section curates content into thematic groupings, allowing users to explore titles based on specific interests or genres.
These collections are regularly updated to reflect current trends, seasonal events, or notable themes, enhancing content discovery.
This feature provides a tailored viewing experience by organizing movies, series, and specials into easily navigable categories.
It enables subscribers to efficiently find content aligned with their preferences or discover new titles within curated themes.
Stream HBO’s Acclaimed Series on NOW in Ireland
Stream hit HBO series like House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, and Euphoria on NOW. It’s available in Ireland, so no VPN is needed.
Enjoy great stories and entertainment with a NOW Membership for as low as €6.99/mo.!
Is HBO Max Free with Amazon Prime?
No, HBO Max is not free with Amazon Prime, but Prime members can get a 7-day free trial. After the trial, the subscription costs $15/month, billed through Amazon. You can cancel anytime.
Important Details About HBO Max on Prime
- The ad-supported plan is not available on Prime Video.
- You can subscribe through Amazon Appstore, Apple, Google Play, Roku Channel Store, and more.
Other Ways to Get HBO Max for Free
- AT&T Unlimited Plans include a free Max subscription.
- Cricket Wireless offers free Max with a $60 unlimited plan.
Devices Compatible with Max
Below is a list of devices compatible with Max.
| Phone or Tablet | PC or Mac | TV Device |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire tablet | Chrome | Amazon Fire TV |
| Android phone or tablet | Firefox | Android TV |
| iPhone, iPad, iPod | Edge | Apple TV |
| Safari | Cox device | |
| Hisense VIDAA TV | ||
| LG Smart TV | ||
| PlayStation | ||
| Roku | ||
| Samsung TV | ||
| Sharp TiVo TV | ||
| VIZIO Smart TV | ||
| Xbox | ||
| Xumo TV | ||
| Xfinity X1 and Flex |
Click here to see system requirements for these devices.
How to Watch Max on Android Phone in Ireland
Max is available on Google Play Store in the US only, so to access the service in Ireland, you’ll need to download its APK.
If your mobile device doesn’t support the APK, you can also visit the Max website on your mobile browser to stream.
Here’s how you can watch Max from your mobile phone via a browser:
Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN and connect to the US server
Step 2: Open the Max website and click on Sign In
Step 3: Add your ID and password
Step 4: Select any show to watch
Step 5: Enjoy streaming!
How to Watch Max on Fire TV Stick in Ireland
Step 1: Go to Firestick settings on the Homepage, click on settings and select My Fire TV.
Step 2: To enable the Developer Option, click About. Then, click on the Fire TV Stick option quickly 7 times
Note: When you see the message at the bottom saying “No need, you are already a developer”, stop clicking.
Step 3: The Developer option will appear, click on it and then turn on ‘Apps from Unknown Sources.’
Step 4: Press the Home button on your remote to return to the FireStick home screen, then click Find.
Step 5: Go back to the home screen and select the Search icon.
Step 6: Enter Downloader in the search bar and press Search.
Step 7: Choose the Downloader app in the Amazon Store from the search results.
Step 8: Click Get or Download to install it.
Step 9: Open the Downloader app and select Allow to grant the necessary permissions.
Step 10: On the Downloader App, choose the Home tab and click the Search Bar.
Step 11: Now enter the HBO Max Downloader Code 801315 OR URL tinyurl.com/wtx6pdan and click Go.
Step 12: Open ExpressVPN and connect to a U.S. server.
Step 13: Open the Max app and sign in.
Step 14: Select your favourite show or start a live stream.
Step 15: Enjoy streaming HBO Max on FireStick!
How to Watch Max on iPhone in Ireland
Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN app and install its iOS app.
Step 2: Connect to a U.S. server.
Step 3: Download the Max app from the App Store.
Step 4: Sign in or create a new Max account.
Step 5: Search for your favourite show or movie.
Step 6: Start streaming Max!
Kids Profile on Max
Kids profiles limit content based on ratings and provide a separate Home screen designed for children.
They also include a My List and Continue Watching section tailored to your child’s preferences.
To prevent kids from switching profiles, you can enable Kid-Proof Exit or set a Profile PIN on Adult profiles.
Kids profiles cannot access account settings, including password and subscription details, ensuring a safer viewing experience.
Accessibility Features on Max
Following are the accessibility features on Max that improve your streaming experience.
- Closed Captions – Available on most shows and movies, easily enabled in the Audio & Captions menu.
- Sign Language (ASL) – Some content includes ASL interpretation; search for “ASL” in Max to find supported titles.
- Audio Description – Narrates visual elements between dialogues; browse the Audio Description collection in Max.
- Screen Readers – Supports VoiceOver, TalkBack, NVDA, JAWS, and more across devices.
- Alexa Voice Commands – Control playback hands-free with an Alexa-enabled device.
- Photosensitivity Warnings – Alerts for intense flash patterns on select titles.
Blackout Restrictions on Max
Some live sports games on Max may be blacked out due to league restrictions, regardless of where they’re played.
To check availability in your area, use the Game Lookup Tool and enter your ZIP Code. If a game is restricted, a blackout message will appear when you try to stream it.
If a game is blacked out, check local listings to find where it’s being broadcast.
FAQs – HBO Max
What’s the cheapest way to get HBO Max?
The most affordable option is the ad-supported plan for $9.99/month. It includes full access to HBO Max content but with commercials, making it cheaper than the ad-free plan.
Can I cancel HBO Max anytime?
Yes, you can cancel anytime. To avoid charges for the next billing cycle, be sure to cancel before your next billing date.
How do I cancel my HBO Max subscription?
Log into your HBO Max account on the website or app, go to Settings > Subscription, and follow the prompts to cancel.
What is CNN Max and how can I watch it?
CNN Max is a 24/7 live news stream available free for all Max subscribers in the U.S. To watch, go to News in Max or find CNN Max in the Brand Spotlight row.
Can I download Max shows and movies for offline viewing?
Yes, you can download shows and movies to watch offline on Apple iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, Android phones and tablets, and Amazon Fire tablets.
How can I watch my Max downloads while traveling?
You can watch downloaded shows and movies anywhere. Open Max, tap the Downloads icon, and select what you want to watch. Make sure to download content before traveling.
How do I change the audio language on Max?
Max plays content in the last selected audio language. To change it, select a new language in the audio settings. If unavailable, it defaults to your app language or English.
What video quality does Max stream in?
Max automatically plays the best quality for your device and plan. 4K UHD titles are also available in HD on all supported devices.
How many profiles can I create on Max?
You can create up to 5 profiles for a personalized experience. Profiles track your watch history and preferences. Choose between Adult and Kids profiles for tailored content.
Why is my Max subscription charge different than expected?
Your charge may include taxes, a different plan or billing period, or an expired discount. If billed through WarnerMedia Direct, contact Max support. If billed by another provider, reach out to them for assistance.
Other Streaming Services to Watch in Ireland
Similar to HBO Max, I have listed some of the other top streaming services that you can watch in Ireland but with the help of a VPN:
- Watch Hulu in Ireland
- Watch YouTube TV in Ireland
- Watch Prime Video in Ireland
- Watch Disney+ in Ireland
- Watch Netflix in Ireland
Conclusion
Max is a leading OTT streaming platform, known for its vast library and commitment to producing top-tier shows and movies.
The platform offers original series and movies, and content from other top networks, making it a top choice for content consumers.
Since HBO Max isn’t available in Ireland, to watch Max in Ireland, you will have to use a VPN to bypass its geo-restrictions.
