Best VPNs for Showmax in 2024: Watch from anywhere

Want to watch Showmax on vacation? With a VPN, you can stream Showmax shows while traveling. We explain how to watch Showmax from anywhere and the best VPNs for the job.

Showmax is a South African streaming service available in dozens of countries around the world. The streaming platform is extremely popular, but it is region-locked for licensing reasons. The good news is that you can watch Showmax in the US, Canada – or anywhere else you need to travel – by using a VPN for Showmax.

Your device has an IP address that’s associated with your location. Showmax checks your IP address to determine if you’re in South Africa. If not, then you can’t watch your favorite shows. When you connect to a VPN server in South Africa, you get a new IP address that works with Showmax. A VPN also encrypts your connection to the internet, which gives you online privacy. You can watch Showmax at work or on campus and nobody will find out.

Not all VPNs offer fast servers that work for streaming Showmax on vacation, so you must pick a provider carefully. In this guide, we explain how to watch Showmax with a VPN, and we pinpointed five of the best VPNs that work to watch Showmax from anywhere.

Below, we have provided a quick list of the best VPNs for Showmax. These VPNs offer servers in South Africa and multiple other countries where Showmax is available. They also offer apps for all devices and strong encryption to ensure that everything you do online remains private. 

Later in this guide, we will provide additional information about each VPN’s features and explain how we test and recommend VPNs. Our tests are designed to find VPNs that not only work for watching Showmax but are also private and secure.

Here are the best VPNs for watching Showmax:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Showmax. More than 5,500 servers across 60+ countries, including South Africa. Provides ideal speeds for streaming. Solid no-logs policy, 24/7 support, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Excellent value for money and is packed with useful features including a kill switch, obfuscation, and ad blocking. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Showmax. Allows unlimited connections making it fantastic value. Servers in 100+ countries work with popular streaming platforms including Showmax, Hulu, HBO Max, and Netflix. Fast WireGuard protocol is great for gaming, HD streaming, and torrenting. 24/7 support.
3. ExpressVPN: Superb all rounder. More than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. Fast proprietary Lightway protocol is ideal for watching Showmax abroad or at work. Works with many popular international streaming platforms. High-speed connections for seamless, lag-free streaming on Showmax. 24/7 support and a no-quibbles.
4. CyberGhost VPN: Massive server network of 9,000+ servers in 100+ countries. Easy for beginners to use thanks to its clearly labeled streaming servers. Works with Showmax and dozens of other streaming services, including Netflix. Connect up to seven devices. Solid AES encryption and a no-logs policy.
5. Proton VPN: Servers in 69+ countries work to access Showmax, DStv Now, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Netflix, and other international streaming services. Supports port forwarding for fast and private torrents.
6. PrivateVPN: A robust and reliable VPN based in Sweden. 350+ servers in 63+ countries, including South Africa. It works to watch Showmax and around a dozen different Netflix regions. Has strong encryption, a kill switch, and a trustworthy no-logs policy. Bitcoin payments are accepted and it has 24/7 live chat support. 

Summary Table

At BleepingComputer we take online privacy seriously. We find VPNs that work with Showmax, Netflix, DStv Now, Vodacom Video Play, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular services from around the world. However, we would not feel comfortable recommending a VPN that works for streaming but isn’t secure and private.

The VPNs in this guide have all been tested and work to access Showmax and other popular TV services from around the globe. They have been inspected by our team to ensure they provide strong encryption and the necessary privacy features to prevent online tracking and surveillance. 

Later in this guide, we will provide more information about how we test VPNs. For now, here is a list of criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Showmax:

• Fast servers in South Africa and other countries where Showmax is available to stream.
• Large global server network that allows you to access region-locked platforms and any censored websites or services, including VoIP.
• Fast speeds for streaming Showmax or other services in HD.
• Reliable privacy and security features that prevent tracking and protect you against hackers and other eavesdroppers.
• Comes with a money-back guarantee to let you try out the VPN yourself.
• Works to watch Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and tons of other popular services.
• Strong encryption and other important security features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
• Apps for all platforms and devices.
• A solid no-logging policy means the VPN never tracks your IP address, the servers you connect to, or any of your browsing activities.
• Reliable customer support that is available at any time of day.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

Best VPNs for Showmax: Detailed reviews

All of the VPNs recommended in this guide have robust apps with the features you need to gain online privacy. These VPNs are reliable for working on public WiFi, for streaming Showmax privately at work or on campus, and for preventing ISPs and government snoops from tracking your web visits. 

Although all our recommendations prioritize data security and have servers that work to watch Showmax on vacation, they all differ slightly. For this reason, we recommend you use the detailed summaries below to pick the best VPN for you.

NordVPN is our top recommendation for streaming Showmax at work or while traveling. It has fast servers in 60+ countries, many of which work with Showmax. This includes more than 50 servers in South Africa. 

The provider is particularly good for unlocking streams thanks to its fast NordLynx protocol, which ensures that you can stream, torrent, play games, or do other data-intensive tasks. You get unlimited bandwidth on up to six connected devices at a time.

NordVPN offers specialized servers catering to diverse needs. Some prioritize P2P traffic, while others, like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, provide enhanced security or access to the dark web. All your online activities are protected using 256-bit encryption, which ensures you gain complete online privacy at home, at work, and while connected to public WiFi. 

NordVPN’s no-logs policy has undergone multiple third-party audits. It runs on diskless servers that prevent storage of personal user data on hard disks. The apps are packed with features including DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and obfuscation. You get round-the-clock support accessible via live chat and email.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, and NordVPN also has extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You can try the VPN yourself using its rik-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

BEST VPN FOR SHOWMAX: NordVPN is the most reliable VPN for streaming Showmax abroad or at work. Lightning-fast NordLynx protocol. Access Showmax South Africa and many other regions in Asia and Europe. Works to watch Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and many more. Strong encryption and a kill switch. Allows torrenting. Has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark users can connect an unlimited number of devices to more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. These include servers in South Africa and other regions where Showmax is currently available. Surfshark works to access over 20 different Netflix libraries, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular TV services. Speeds averaged 207 Mbps in our latest tests, which is plenty fast for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

The provider has a solid no-logs policy, diskless servers that can be erased remotely, and apps that have been fully audited by an independent third party.

Surfshark is easy to use, and you can get help any time by contacting its 24/7 live chat and email support. The apps provide excellent security features including 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, split tunneling, and a kill switch. Surfshark offers MultiHop (Double VPN) servers for added encryption. Its CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. A bundled Smart DNS service works to watch US streaming services from abroad on devices that don’t support VPN apps.

RELIABLE AND CHEAP: Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that can access many international streaming services. Fast speeds and excellent reliability. Strong encryption and excellent privacy features. User-friendly apps for all popular platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try the VPN yourself.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, and provides access to IP addresses across 94+ countries, including South Africa to watch Showmax. 

Its no-logging policy, apps, and servers have been audited by a third-party, so you can be sure ExpressVPN is as secure as it claims. Servers run in RAM and never store any of your personal data on a hard disk.

The apps come with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, protection against DNS leaks, and a kill switch that cuts your internet access if the VPN connection drops out. It also comes with a free Smart DNS service that works to access Netflix US and other American TV platforms from abroad on smart TVs and game consoles.

ExpressVPN never retains any records of your online activities and accepts Bitcoin payments. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data retention directives. The biggest drawback is that it is a touch expensive. But you get what you pay for – a highly effective and reliable VPN that is great for streaming. 

FAST ALL ROUNDER: ExpressVPN provides solid speeds and reliable connections to IPs in 100+ countries. Apps are secure and prioritize user privacy. Includes AES encryption, a choice of protocols, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Lightway protocol is perfect for gaming, torrenting, and streaming. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN apps are slightly different, in that servers are listed not just by country, but also by popular streaming services. This makes it easy to lay your eyes on the exact server you need to watch Showmax, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, iPlayer, and many other international services.

The provider's apps come with reliable encryption, a no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s perfect for watching Showmax at work or on campus without being noticed.

CyberGhost VPN is based in Romania. In our tests, the VPN offered plenty of speed for streaming and gaming. It allows torrenting, but bear in mind that it doesn’t include split tunneling or port forwarding, which some other VPNs have. Live chat support is available day and night on its website. You can use the VPN on up to seven devices at the same time. 

CHEAP SUBSCRIPTIONS: CyberGhost VPN is perfect for beginners who want to gain online privacy and access to international services. Works to bypass blocks in most countries, and is private enough to watch Showmax at work or on campus. Has more than 9,000 servers worldwide. Solid no-logging policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Proton VPN was developed by the people behind ProtonMail. The VPN has a superb reputation for protecting its users’ privacy. Based in Switzerland, it does not need to abide by any mandatory data retention directives, and it has a trustworthy no-logging policy.

Servers are available in 69+ countries. Proton VPN works with Showmax, Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, and many other popular international streaming platforms. Although it does have a free plan that lets you connect to servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands, they are not optimized for streaming and might block access to Showmax, Netflix, and other popular services. Get a premium account for fast connections that work for streaming.

Proton VPN subscribers get access to advanced apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Those apps are packed with features designed to protect you online whether you connect at home, at work, or when using public WiFi. These include robust encryption, Secure Core servers for added protection, split tunneling, a kill switch, obfuscation, ad and tracker blocking, and port forwarding.

IDEAL FOR TORRENTING: Proton VPN is perfect for techy users. It has servers in 69+ countries, including South Africa and other countries where Showmax is available. Also works with Netflix and other streaming services. Has port forwarding and split tunneling. No logging policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN. 

PrivateVPN, despite not being the fastest VPN on our list, is more than capable of accessing South African streams from abroad, or watching Showmax at work or on campus. With approximately 200 servers spread across 63+ countries, PrivateVPN works to access international services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, as well as over a dozen Netflix regions.

It offers strong encryption and access to servers in more than 63 different countries. The VPN was launched by hacktivists and actively supports people's rights to browse the internet and torrent without being tracked. Port forwarding capabilities make it a solid all-rounder for torrenting as well as watching Showmax.

You can use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android on up to 10 devices at the same time. Those apps come with a useful selection of privacy features including a no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. You can contact live chat support at any time of day.

SECURE AND RELIABLE: PrivateVPN offers excellent value for money, solid encryption, and apps for all devices. Protects you against online tracking at home, at work, and on public WiFi. Works with Netflix, Showmax, and many others. Includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and port forwarding. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Showmax VPN testing methodology

Choosing a VPN can be extremely confusing. With numerous services vying for your business, it is easy to wind up with a service that doesn't meet expectations. Not all VPNs live up to their claims, which is why we thoroughly test the market to ensure we never recommend VPNs that make false claims or are unfit for purpose.

At BleepingComputer, our priority is your privacy. We endorse VPNs that safeguard against online surveillance and tracking. They are safe for using the internet privately regardless of which network or country you connect from.

Our evaluation process includes checking the encryption, carrying out leak tests, analyzing the privacy policy, and speed assessments that ensure we only recommend VPNs that are good for streaming Showmax in HD.

In this article, all our recommended VPNs meet our strict criteria. Those looking for the most stringent levels of privacy are advised to choose one of our top three choices.

Below, we have listed some of the things we looked for when choosing the best VPNs for Showmax:

• Robust security and privacy: Our selected VPNs prioritize data security. They all offer strong encryption, advanced protocols, kill switches, and DNS leak protection.
• Privacy protection: Each VPN in this guide upholds a strict no-logs policy, ensuring they never store or share data related to your IP address, server connections, or online activities.
• High-speed servers: We were careful only to recommend VPNs with fast Tier 1 networks and fast protocols like WireGuard. This makes them ideal for getting seamless access to Showmax and other South African TV services from anywhere in the world.
• Global network access: Our recommended VPNs feature expansive server networks, enabling unrestricted access to region-locked services, or the ability to bypass online blocks at work or when visiting restrictive countries.
• Cross-platform compatibility: The VPNs in this guide have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firesticks. This allows for uninterrupted Showmax streaming and ensures that all your family can use the VPN on any device.
• Customer support: We understand that using a VPN can have a bit of a learning curve. All the VPNs we recommend offer 24/7 live chat support and email support so you can get help setting up or using the VPN. 

In addition to these important considerations, our top three recommended VPNs for Showmax must also meet two other criteria:

• Full third-party audit. Our top three recommendations have completed full third-party security audits. This means that their apps, servers, and privacy policies have been verified and the VPNs are free of any potential vulnerabilities.
• Diskless servers. Our top three recommendations run on a network of diskless servers. This makes it easier for the VPN to comply with its no-logging promise in the event of an emergency (such as the government raiding one of its server locations). 

How to watch Showmax with a VPN 

If you get a fast VPN that can access Showmax, then you will have no trouble streaming it from any country. But many VPNs have slow servers that have already been spotted and blocked by Showmax, so stick to ones we recommend for best results.

How to use a VPN to watch Showmax on vacation or any restricted network:

1. Pick a VPN that has been thoroughly tested with Showmax. We recommend NordVPN because it has fast servers in South Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region that work to watch Showmax. Alternatively, Surfshark is cheap and works great – and ExpressVPN is a fantastic all-rounder. Longer subscriptions carry a heftier discount.
2. Download the VPN app onto your streaming devices. Our recommendations have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick.
3. Log in to the VPN app using your credentials.
4. Choose a server in South Africa (or any other country where Showmax is available).
5. Click “connect” to get an IP address in the location where you need it.

Thats it! All you need to do now is navigate to Showmax in your browser and log in while connected to your VPN. You will be able to stream your Showmax account as if you were back home. 

If you have any trouble watching Showmax, we recommend you clear your cookies and cache. The trackers left in your browser during previous sessions can conflict with your VPN, and cause Showmax to keep blocking you. Alternatively, watch in your web browser’s incognito or private mode.

Showmax VPN FAQs

Can I watch Showmax with a free VPN?

Although free VPNs are available, they will not work with Showmax outside of South Africa (or any other region where Showmax is available). Free VPNs have numerous limitations, including a small choice of servers, download limitations, and speed restrictions. In addition to these restrictions, free VPNs can’t reliably access streaming services like Netflix and Showmax.

In addition to being too slow for streaming, free VPNs are insecure. Many free VPNs have lapse privacy policies that allow them sell your data to third parties. This is the opposite of what a reliable VPN is supposed to do, which is to provide online privacy. 

Free VPNs suffer from leaks and unreliable security features, which exposes you to online threats and gives you a false sense of security.

Why is Showmax blocked overseas?

Showmax is an online streaming platform that licenses its content for South Africa and various other regions around the world. To comply with licensing agreements it must track each visitor’s whereabouts, and block them from streaming if they are outside of the agreed broadcast zone. 

Even where Showmax is available, the TV shows, movies, and events available to stream on Showmax may vary according to your specific country.

By using a VPN, you can conceal your location and get an IP address in a country where Showmax is available. This bypasses the Showmax location error message and allows you to watch Showmax while traveling.

Do I need a fast VPN to watch Showmax?

Yes. Streaming video is a high-bandwidth activity. The vast majority of VPNs available on the market have slow servers and protocols that are unsuitable for streaming. They will cause buffering and low video-quality playback. 

You need a VPN with fast servers and protocols such as WireGuard. These are designed to cope with data-intensive tasks like streaming and torrenting, giving you a smooth experience no matter where you want to watch your Showmax account.

Can I watch Showmax at work or in school with a VPN?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server you can bypass restrictions placed on the WiFi network at work or on campus. The encryption provided by the VPN means that everything you do online remains completely confidential. 

Not all VPNs are fast and secure enough to watch Showmax at work, but the VPNs in this guide have robust encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and various other top-notch privacy features that ensure safe, private access.

Where is Showmax available?

Showmax was originally a South African streaming service but it is now available in various African countries. Although the service did expand outside of Africa for a few years, it recently began closing down its international offering. 

From December 2023 it will no longer be available in Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Poland, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Showmax is also not available in the US or Canada. If you want to stream Showmax in any of those countries, then you need a VPN. 

Below is a list of countries where Showmax is available:

• Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

What can I watch on Showmax?

Showmax boasts a diverse content library, including TV series, movies, original series and movies, kids content, documentaries, lifestyle and reality shows, and various local productions. It also licenses popular international content. Below we have included a list of the most popular Showmax originals that you can stream abroad using a VPN.

• Tali's Wedding Diary
• Tali's Baby Diary
• Tali's Joburg Diary
• The Girl From St Agnes
• Trippin with Skhumba
• Somizi & Mohale: The Union
• Lebo M: Coming Home
• Rage
• Famous
• Life With Kelly Khumalo
• The Real Housewives of Durban
• Crime and Justice
• DAM
• Skemerdans
• Devilsdorp
• Ghana Jollof
• The Wife
• Baba Twins
• Troukoors (Wedding Fever)
• Single Kiasi
• Sex in Afrikaans
• ENO
• Living The Dream With Somizi Season 5
• Igiza
• Pulse
• Journey of the Beats
• Mohale: On the Record
• County 49
• BBNaija S7: The Buzz
• Somizi & Mohale: End of the Road
• Uthando Lodumo
• Steinheist
• Blood Psalms
• Diiche
• Flawsome
• Donkerbos
• This Body Works For Me
• My Perfect Funeral
• Pepeta
• Wura
• The Real Housewives of Abuja
• The Real Housewives of Nairobi
• Sex and Pleasure
• Stella Murders
• Adulting
• The Billionaire's Wife
• Jay Jay: The Chosen One
• Second Family
• The Mommy Club
• Faithless
• Unfollowed
• Outlaws
• Boetie Boer: Inside The Mind Of A Killer
• The Real Housewives of Lagos
• Spinners
• Bae Beyond Borders
• Twende
• Kwa Mam'Mkhize Season 2