Showmax is available in dozens of countries not only in Africa, but around the world. However, you won’t find it in the US or Canada, for example. Furthermore, its content can vary from country to country for copyright and licensing reasons. Here, we’ll explain how you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access Showmax and your favorite TV shows and movies while traveling abroad. You’ll also find out the best VPNs to use to do this.

A VPN is a service that creates an encrypted tunnel for the data traveling to and from your browsing or streaming device. When connecting to a VPN server in another country, you receive a new IP address. This makes it appear as if you’re browsing from that particular location. Aside from the fact that this helps you to browse securely and anonymously, another advantage is that you can then access region-locked services like Showmax!

Showmax is geo-restricted, this means if you want to continue watching your favorite content while traveling away from home, you’ll need to use a VPN.

How to watch Showmax online from abroad with a VPN

Even if this is your first time using a VPN, you’ll likely be all set up in a matter of minutes. That’s because the VPNs recommended in this post offer user-friendly apps and include live chat and email support.

Here’s how to watch Showmax online from anywhere:

  • Sign up with a VPN service that unblocks Showmax. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. You can use any of the VPNs listed in this post to connect multiple devices at once.
  • Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a country in which Showmax is available. For example, you could use a server in South Africa to get a South African IP address.
  • Go to Showmax (via web or app) and select your preferred content. This should now play without any further geographic restrictions.
  • Still doesn’t work? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Alternatively, connect to another server or contact your VPN’s customer support.

Below, we’ll review the best VPNs for Showmax so you can watch it online from anywhere. First, here’s a list of key criteria each VPN had to meet in order to be considered:

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Servers worldwide for accessing different country versions of Showmax
  • Fast, unthrottled speeds for the smoothest streaming possible
  • High level of security with encryption and a kill switch
  • No-logs policy ensuring your privacy is protected
  • Live chat and email support, ideally available 24 hours a day
  • Allows at least five simultaneous connections per account

We explain more about our VPN testing methodology later in this article.

We’ve almost arrived at our reviews of the best VPNs for watching Showmax! First, here’s a quick rundown of each in case you’re looking to make a quick decision.

Best VPNs for Showmax:

  • NordVPN: The best VPN for Showmax. 5,000+ servers in 60 countries including South Africa. Fast speeds and P2P servers. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy, 24/7 support, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. Works well with Showmax and Netflix. Connect all of your devices at once. Fastest speeds of any VPN listed. 24/7 support and Double VPN servers.
  • ExpressVPN: Network of around 3,000 servers in 94 countries. High-speed connections for streaming Showmax lag-free. User-friendly with 24/7 support and strong security.
  • CyberGhost: 7,000 servers in 90 countries. Unblock and stream Showmax as well as Netflix US. Can be used on up to seven devices at once. Strict no-logs policy.
  • IPVanish: Good speeds for streaming Showmax abroad. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Encryption and zero-logs policy help protect your privacy.
  • PrivateVPN: Reliable unblocking of Showmax, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. High-speed servers and strong security with strict no-logs policy. Option to pay in Bitcoin.
  • Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries for easy unblocking of Showmax. No throttling. 24/7 support and lots of security features including a password manager.

Best VPNs to watch Showmax online from anywhere

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Showmax:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

unblocks showmaxTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for watching Showmax. It provides more than 50 servers in South Africa, and with 5,000+ servers in 60 countries worldwide, you should be able to unblock most countries’ versions of Showmax. NordVPN is a particularly strong choice for streaming thanks to its fast speeds (we averaged 115 Mbps in testing) and unlimited bandwidth. Upon signing up, you’ll be able to secure up to six of your devices simultaneously.

You may notice that NordVPN provides a range of specialty servers. Some are optimized for P2P traffic while others (Double VPN and Onion Over VPN) provide an extra layer of security. All of your internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel while NordVPN also operates a strict no-logs policy (it completed its second no-logs audit in 2020). You can also expect DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and 24/7 support (available via live chat and email).

BEST VPN FOR SHOWMAX:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation. 5,000+ servers globally and very fast speeds for lag-free streaming of Showmax. Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support. Secure with strict no-logs policy and encryption. Try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Large server network (5,000+ in 60 countries)
  • Fast server speeds combined with unlimited bandwidth
  • Specialty servers including P2P and Double VPN
  • Independently audited to verify its strict no-logs policy
  • Provides 24/7 support via live chat and email
  • Lets you connect up to six of your devices at once

Cons:

  • Suffered a data breach in 2018

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks showmaxTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark now offers more than 3,000 servers in 65 countries. As such, you’ll have no problem unblocking and streaming Showmax. Indeed, this VPN also works well with Netflix — we’ve been able to use it to unblock some 30+ Netflix libraries to date! While most VPNs only allow a handful of simultaneous connections, Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number at the same time. It’s also the fastest VPN here, averaging 207 Mbps in our tests.

This VPN includes live chat and email support which you can reach 24 hours per day, should you need it. There’s also an impressive selection of security features. These start with256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and kill switch. However, Surfshark goes one step further with the option of connecting to a MultiHop (Double VPN) server for an extra layer of encryption. The CleanWeb feature also works to block ads, trackers, and malware.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark offers great value with its offer of unlimited simultaneous connections. Fastest speeds for streaming Showmax and Netflix. 24/7 support via live chat and email. Double VPN servers for an extra layer of security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with Showmax as well as Netflix

  • Fastest VPN we’ve tested — stream Showmax lag-free

  • Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously

  • Live chat and email support available 24 hours a day

  • Double VPN servers provide an extra layer of security

  • Occasionally slow to connect to servers

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than any other VPN in this list. Overall, there are over 3,000 servers which are located in 94 countries. Needless to say, this includes many of the countries in which Showmax is available. This VPN is a consistent unblocker of many popular streaming services including Netflix. Furthermore, you can expect very good speeds (we averaged 135 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection) with absolutely no bandwidth throttling.

The beginner-friendly apps make ExpressVPN particularly easy to use. Note also that there’s 24/7 support via live chat as well as email. Security-wise, ExpressVPN keeps you safe from hackers by using 256-bit AES encryption. You’re also protected from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks while a kill switch cuts your connection should the VPN connection drop. Notably, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs so you can browse anonymously.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN offers fast speeds and reliable unblocking of Showmax, Netflix, and more. Easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat and email support. Security includes high-end encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in 94 countries for easy unblocking of Showmax

  • High-speed connections for consistent streaming

  • Very secure thanks to high-end encryption and kill switch

  • 24/7 live chat and email support available

  • Beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions

  • Slightly more expensive than most of its rivals

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a network that now stands over 7,000 servers strong. Better still, this is spread across over 90 countries. With so much choice, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that works with Showmax. Further, the unlimited bandwidth allows for seamless streaming at 1080p or even 4K, provided your base connection is fast enough. CyberGhost also works well with Netflix US. You can use it to connect as many as seven of your devices simultaneously.

This is one of the most secure VPNs you can use thanks to its 256-bit AES encryption and strict no-logs policy. This security is further reinforced with a kill switch and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Should you encounter any issues, you can contact staff via live chat or email support, 24 hours per day. Recent further additions include CyberGhost’s own password manager while a Security Suite for Windows has also been released.

STRONG SECURITY:CyberGhost has an impressive 7,000 servers in 90 countries. Unlimited bandwidth for non-stop streaming of Showmax and Netflix US. Can be used on seven devices at the same time. Lots of security features. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Over 7,000 servers in 90 countries worldwide

  • No bandwidth throttling so you can stream lag and buffer-free

  • Secure up to seven of your devices at the same time

  • Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email

  • Now includes a password manager (currently in beta testing)

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish continues to expand its network, which now stands at nearly 2,000 servers in dozens of countries. Aside from Showmax, you can use this VPN to unblock and stream Netflix US among other services. Speeds should be more than fast enough for lag and buffering-free streaming. You’ll also be able to enjoy unlimited bandwidth. If you’re looking to share your VPN with family, it’s worth knowing that IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you want at once.

This VPN operates a zero-logs policy so you can be sure that your identity is intact. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. While IPVanish is easy to use (you can even automatically connect to the best available server), 24/7 live chat and email support is available. Unlike most VPN providers, IPVanish owns and operates its servers, providing it with a greater level of control and reduced risk of interference from third parties.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Good speeds for streaming Showmax. Also works with Netflix US. Includes 24/7 support and has a zero-logs policy so you can browse anonymously. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Use it to stream Showmax and Netflix US from anywhere

  • Connect all of your devices at once

  • Security includes encryption and a zero-logs policy

  • Live chat and email support around the clock

  • Headquartered in the US which is a Five Eyes member

  • No option to pay for the service anonymously such as Bitcoin

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a solid choice for streaming. It offers high-speed servers in over 63 countries, many of which receive Showmax. In 2021, this VPN has increased its server count to over 200, further reducing user load and improving performance as a result. There’s no bandwidth throttling so you can stream and torrent without restriction. It also possesses very reliable unblocking abilities, and works with both Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

The PrivateVPN apps are particularly easy to navigate and you can connect to a server in a single click. Live chat support is available while the email support is very fast to reply compared to many other VPNs we’ve tested. You can pay for this VPN anonymously in Bitcoin. Indeed, PrivateVPN protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy. 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks are also included.

Connect up to six devices simultaneously via PrivateVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. While it’s compatible with Linux and select routers, manual configuration is required in these cases.

LAG-FREE STREAMING:PrivateVPN combines fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag and buffer-free streaming of Showmax. User-friendly apps and fast and friendly support. Strict no-logs policy and encryption for your security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, unthrottled speeds for streaming Showmax

  • Also works with the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer

  • Protects your privacy with a no-logs policy

  • Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms

  • Smaller network of servers

  • Doesn’t offer any browser extensions

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

If you sign up with Hotspot Shield, you’ll have 24/7 access to its live chat and email support. Indeed, you can benefit from a whole host of features including a password manager and spam call blocker. When it comes to security, you’re protected with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously.

To use Hotspot Shield, download an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux. A Chrome browser extension is also available. To use this VPN with your router, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions.

  • Some past privacy concerns
  • Doesn’t offer a browser extension for Firefox

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for watching Showmax

It can be frustrating to travel abroad only to find that your favorite online content is geo-blocked. Showmax is available in many countries but it isn’t available everywhere such as in the US. Furthermore, available content varies by country. Aside from a VPN that unblocks Showmax, you need one that offers sufficient speed so you can stream without having to contend with lag or buffering.

  • Servers worldwide: A quality VPN should provide servers in dozens of countries around the world. We looked for those with servers in Africa as well as other Showmax countries such as Australia and the UK. Some of the VPN providers listed above have servers in 80–90 countries making it easy to access Showmax.
  • Speed: It’s not good enough if a VPN unblocks Showmax but is then too slow for streaming. It’s important that it has not only fast server speeds but unlimited bandwidth. This means there’s no restriction on how much you can stream. The fastest VPNs allow for streaming in 1080p HD and 4K lag and buffer-free.
  • Unblocking: While we prioritised recommending VPNs that can unblock Showmax, it’s still with a bigger picture in mind. There may be moments when you want to access another streaming service such as Netflix or perhaps a news site or online banking account. The VPNs in this post are known for their reliable unblocking ability.
  • Security: A VPN should keep your internet traffic secure through the use of encryption. Of course, there should be further security features such as a kill switch. That way, you can travel abroad and use public wifi without compromising your data and identity. Need extra protection? Look for VPNs that offer Double VPN servers.
  • Privacy: Don’t want your ISP knowing what you’re doing online? We only recommend VPNs with no-logs policies. This means that even if there was an official request for user data, there shouldn’t be anything to provide. We’ve analysed some 140 VPN logging policies to find the best for protecting your privacy.
  • Ease of use: You should find that the VPN you choose offers apps for a wide range of operating systems. In many cases, browser extensions are also available. Setup shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes while live chat and email support will ideally be available around the clock if you require any assistance.
  • Value for money: While there are plenty of VPNs to choose from, not all are fairly priced. We select VPNs that we feel offer the best value for money. This often means providing multiple subscription options for greater flexibility. Better still, you can get the best VPNs for Showmax for even less with our discount coupons!

These are just some of the factors we take into account when deciding the best VPNs for streaming Showmax online. However, we don’t just take each VPN at its word. Instead, our VPN testing methodology dictates that we use each VPN ourselves. It’s only with this hands-on experience that we can recommend the right VPN for your needs.

Did you know that free VPN services also come with some security risks? This is due to many lacking essential security features. Furthermore, some compromise your security by logging your browsing data and selling the information to third parties! In contrast, the best VPNs for Showmax provide fast speeds for seamless streaming and strong security so you can stay safe online at all times.

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