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HBO Max is an online video streaming service, developed by American television network HBO.
Launched in the U.S. in 2020, the platform is popularly known for its original programming, which runs the range from comedy to renowned drama.
The platform merged with non-fiction streaming service Discovery+ in May 2023, subsequently changing its name to “Max”.
Although Max has been rolled out in Sweden, Norway, Andorra, Denmark and Spain, it’s yet to be introduced to India.
However, Indian residents can still watch some of HBO’s flagship shows elsewhere, or just get access to the full Max catalog using a virtual private network (VPN).
What’s on Max?
Max offers you a library of super hit TV programmes, including Succession, Game of Thrones, Euphoria and The Last of Us.
Subscribers can also watch blockbuster movies such as Dune, The Exorcist, The Dark Knight, Joker, Parasite and Avatar: The Way of Water.
Thanks to the merger with non-fiction streaming service, Discovery+, documentary lovers can also get their fix on Max.
Popular non-fiction titles include Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, and The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, which follows the rise and fall of disgraced Theranos founder, Elizabeth Holmes.
Like its competitor, Hulu, Max produces original shows, with popular titles including the superhero action comedy, Peacemaker, Just Like That and the highly anticipated Sex and the City reboot.
Using a Virtual Private Network
While Max at present is not available in India, viewers may be able to outmaneuver its geo-restrictions using a VPN.
VPNs are a type of software that allows users to access the internet – legally – via a separate computer, known as a ‘server’, rather than access it directly.
These servers can be located anywhere around the world, and when you connect your device to the internet using one, your connection then appears to originate in that location, rather than your actual whereabouts.
This means you can often access content that wouldn’t otherwise be available in your home country.
If you wish to watch Max, you’ll need to find a VPN service that has many servers in locations where the HBO Max platform is available, such as the US, Norway or Spain.
According to the Forbes Advisor India, ExpressVPN is the best VPN option to opt for. It is one of the reliable VPNs. It has major VPN features like split tunneling, a kill switch, DNS protection measures, aircove, etc.
Some other options to consider include CyberGhost VPN, NordVPN or ProtonVPN. Once you’ve installed a VPN on your device, launch it, select a server in the US and navigate to Max’s website.
Max also requires users to sign up with a US-issued credit or debit card.
However, Indian viewers can get around payment by using PayPal, since the service acts as an intermediary and does not share details of your card with any person or business you are paying.
PayPal might charge you a currency conversion fee of 4%.
What Are My Alternatives?
If you don’t want to use a VPN, you can find a selection of Max shows on other streaming platforms.
Game of Thrones is available on Disney+Hotstar in India.
The Disney+Hotstar package, which includes Game of Thrones and its prequel series, House of The Dragon, costs INR 299 per month.
Disney+Hotstar also hosts HBO’s hit zombie drama The Last of Us.
How Much Does It Cost to Watch HBO Max?
A basic Max subscription with ads, costs $9.99 per month (about INR 831), or $99.99 per year (about INR 8,321)
The ad-free version of Max costs $15.00 per month (about INR 1,248), or $149.99 (about INR 12,483) for a year.
Both subscriptions allow you to stream on up to two devices at once, in full HD 1080p quality.
With the ad-free tier, you can download up to 30 shows or movies to watch offline, too.
Max also offers an ‘Ultimate’ subscription tier, which is ad-free and allows four devices to stream at once. This tier also includes 100 downloads to watch offline, and allows viewers to watch certain titles in 4KHD with Dolby Atmos sound (provided they have the kit to support this).
The Ultimate plan will cost you $19.99 per month (about INR 1,663), or $199.99 (about INR 16,644) for 12 months.
If you’re watching from India, you will have to pay a subscription fee for your VPN service.
Exactly how much users pay depends on the speed of their connection and number of servers your plan includes, but initial price starts from around INR 150 per month.
