How To Watch “The Last of Us” From Anywhere

If you’ve been itching to watch HBO’s “The Last of Us” season one, there’s no better time than now. Since we don’t yet know the release date of the second season, we’re left rewatching the first season to get our fix.

Officially, “The Last of Us” is available only on HBO, but there are other services that offer HBO access where you may already have a subscription. Keep reading to discover the best way to watch the hit show, regardless of where you live.

Where to watch “The Last of Us” TV series in the U.S.

“The Last of Us” is currently available only on HBO. If you don’t have an HBO Max streaming service subscription, you can still watch the channel on cable, DIRECTV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV if it’s included in your package. You could also choose an unrelated service that includes Max as a bonus. For example, some cell providers like Verizon give out a monthly subscription for free.

Cable, DIRECTV, and Sling TV all have a variety of packages, while YouTube TV is a flat rate. And, if you have a smart TV or a streaming-enabled device like a Roku or Firestick, you can just purchase a Max subscription. HBO isn’t included as standard on any of these options, so you’ll need to add it on. 

• Cable: Between $15 and $250 monthly, depending on what package you choose and where you live
• DIRECTV: Starts at $69.99 per month and tops out at $149.99 monthly for the Premier plan (HBO is included in the Premier plan, or it can be added to other plans for $15.99 a month)
• Sling TV: $20 for the first month and $40 each month after that. HBO add-on is $15 per month
• YouTube TV: $72.99 monthly after the introductory three-month price of $64.99 a month, add HBO for an extra $14.99 per month
• Max: Ranges from $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year) with ads to $20.99 per month for the “ultimate ad-free experience”
• Hulu: Add Max to your subscription for another $15.99 a month
• Amazon Prime Video: Sells a Max add-on for $14.99

How to watch “The Last of Us” from anywhere

You’ll need a virtual private network (VPN) to access Max content if you live or travel outside areas where HBO Max is offered, like Australia, South America, or Russia. A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear that you are somewhere else and allowing you to bypass geo-restricted content.

Unfortunately, Max, like Netflix, works hard to block VPN usage with its app. You’ll need a good streaming VPN that can unblock geo-restricted content on Max.

Even if you aren’t in a geo-restricted region, you may want to use a VPN while you watch “The Last of Us.” VPNs help you avoid ISP speed throttling, encrypt your home traffic, and protect your connection on shared Wi-Fi networks like public or hotel Wi-Fi.

Whatever your reason, you should be able to watch what you want, when you want. Of course, you’ll still need a paid subscription to Max or another service like Sling or YouTube TV to be able to view the show.

How to use a VPN to watch “The Last of Us”

The best way to ensure you get a VPN that will unblock Max is by using a reputable one with obfuscated servers. An obfuscated server makes it look like you aren’t using a VPN even when you are, in fact, connected. VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN are just some of the providers that offer obfuscated servers for better streaming.

You’ll need to determine if all of the servers available use obfuscation technology or if you need to connect to a streaming-optimized server. In either case, once you’ve chosen the server that will allow you to stream, all you’ll need to do is connect. You’ll then be able to log into your Max app or the Max website, and you’re ready to go.

The best VPNs 

If you’re looking for some of the best streaming VPNs to watch “The Last of Us” but don’t know where to look, check out our suggestions below. These are some of the best VPNs available, and they include obfuscated servers and streaming-optimized servers to make sure you can binge the entire series uninterrupted. 

• NordVPN: There’s a reason you see NordVPN mentioned everywhere. It’s a powerful VPN with over 6,400 servers. The obfuscated servers offered mean you’ll likely be able to watch “The Last of Us” without HBO Max blocking your VPN.
  
  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• Surfshark: Surfshark very quickly became one of the most popular and trusted VPNs on the market. It offers over 3,200 servers to choose from, so you can watch “The Last of Us'' as well as geo-restricted HBO content from other countries. Surfshark makes it easy to use obfuscated servers by simply switching your protocol to OpenVPN. Once you do, you’re ready to stream.
  
  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost is the Stream Queen. Seriously. CyberGhost works with Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, and so many more. You’ll really be able to watch from anywhere.
  
  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

• Proton VPN: Proton VPN is one of our favorites. It’s superfast, secure, and offers quality VPN services. It’s privacy-focused with a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited and confirmed. We love how easy it is to use and how well it unblocks streaming platforms.
  
  Get Proton VPN | Read Our Proton VPN Review

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

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AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 72% off 2-year plans + a Saily eSIM data gift

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices

FAQs

Bottom line

It can be endlessly annoying to want to watch a hit TV show you’re hearing about nonstop and not be able to access it. That’s why using one of the best VPNs to watch “The Last of Us” and other HBO shows is a painless option. VPNs offering obfuscated servers can even help you hide your VPN usage if you’re in a location that outlaws VPNs.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 72% off 2-year plans + a Saily eSIM data gift

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices

Author Details

Mary James

About the Author

Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.