How to watch Showmax anywhere in 2026

Showmax is a video streaming service available only in certain African countries. It offers a wide range of movies, TV series, and documentaries, giving users access to a large library of local and international content through partnerships with companies such as Comcast and HBO.

Unfortunately, if you are outside of one of the countries where Showmax is available, you won’t be able to access its content.

However, with a VPN, you can access Showmax from anywhere in the world by connecting to a server in a country where it’s available, such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. This is achieved by creating an encrypted tunnel for the data traveling to and from your streaming device.

As well as unblocking geo-restricted services, like Showmax, a VPN will also help you to browse securely and anonymously.

In this article, I have reviewed the best VPNs for Showmax in detail. But, before you get started, let’s start with some simple instructions on how to use a VPN for streaming Showmax.

How to watch Showmax online with a VPN

Follow these steps to get set up with a VPN and watch Showmax from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Showmax using a VPN:

1. Sign up for a VPN service that works with Showmax. I recommend using NordVPN since it is fast, great at unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms, secure, and has server locations in Africa. Plus, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Download and install the app onto the device(s) that you want to watch Showmax on. Some of the VPNs in this list offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Open your VPN app and connect to a server in a country where Showmax is available, such as South Africa or Kenya. This will give you an IP address in the respective country.
4. Head to Showmax (website or app). You should now be able to watch the content you want without any issues, no matter your location worldwide.

If you run into issues, try clearing your cache/cookies. If this still doesn’t work, try another server or contact your VPN’s customer support team.

Ready to get started? Before we get to my in-depth VPN reviews, here’s a quick summary if you’re short on time.

The best VPNs for Showmax:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for watching Showmax from anywhere. It is fast, great at unblocking, and has a large server network in Africa and globally. Offers users a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for watching Showmax. Fast and secure, allowing users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
3. Total VPN: Offers great value for those who want to watch Showmax, thanks to its competitive pricing and reliability. Decent speeds and security features.
4. Proton VPN: Has a very large server network, offering users many servers in Africa and around the world. Fast speeds for streaming.
5. ExpressVPN: One of the best in the business for unblocking geo-restricted streaming platforms. Easy to use, with excellent customer support.
6. IPVanish: No cap on the number of devices you can connect at once, and it’s very popular with the Kodi community. Decent speeds for streaming and browsing.
7. CyberGhost VPN: Boasts a large server network and servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. A solid option for Showmax users.
8. PrivateVPN: A robust, privacy-centric provider with great unblocking capabilities. Strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and uncrackable encryption.
9. Hotspot Shield: Provides dedicated servers for streaming, ensuring you don’t have to worry about buffering or lag when watching your favorite shows.

Not all VPNs are created equally. So, while looking for the best VPNs for Showmax, I considered the following factors to ensure I found the top choices:

• Fast streaming speeds
• Decent server network across Africa and globally
• Strong security and privacy features
• Easy to use and reliable
• Excellent value for money

For more information on my criteria, see the VPN testing methodology section later in this guide.

Best VPNs for Showmax

Need more information about the VPN providers I mentioned above? Let’s explore the best VPNs for Showmax in more detail.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my number one choice for watching Showmax from anywhere. It provides a server network comprising over 8,800 servers in more than 126 countries. This includes over 50 servers in South Africa and other African nations like Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya. NordVPN is also fast and can unblock all major geo-blocked streaming platforms.

This provider’s security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch. NordVPN also has a range of specialty servers. These include servers optimized for P2P traffic and those that provide extra security through measures such as Double VPN (double the encryption). You can connect 10 devices simultaneously with a single subscription.

If you ever need technical assistance, NordVPN’s customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and email. Apps can be downloaded on Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS, and some routers can have NordVPN set up manually.

Pros:

• Large server network
• Fast connection speeds
• Good array of specialty servers
• Strong security measures
• Multi-platform support

Cons:

• Can be complicated to use the desktop app

BEST VPN FOR WATCHING SHOWMAX:NordVPN is my top choice for watching Showmax from anywhere. It has a great selection of servers, is fast and secure, and has great unblocking capabilities. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a well-priced option for watching Showmax. It is fast, and it can unblock many different streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Its server network comprises over 4,500 servers in 100+ countries, including African countries such as Ghana and South Africa.

Security and privacy features include obfuscation, leak protection, a kill switch, MultiHop servers, and built-in ad and malware blocking. It also enforces a strict no-logs policy. If you ever run into any difficulties, the customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat to assist.

It offers subscribers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, and it works on Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. You’ll have to manually set it up on routers if you want to configure it that way.

Pros:

• Great unblocking ability
• Secure platform
• Unlimited simultaneous connections supported
• 24/7 live chat available

Cons:

• Can result in an increased number of CAPTCHA requests

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable option for Showmax users, and doesn’t compromise on quality. Speeds are fast for streaming and gaming online, so you never have to worry about lag. Unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a solid choice for watching Showmax, with over 1,800 servers in 90+ countries, including those that allow access to the streaming platform. It can also unblock other services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

The provider has robust security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place, and split tunneling is supported.

Total VPN offers apps for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows devices. However, if you have several different devices, it might be too restrictive since it only allows for five simultaneous connections. With that being said, the service is easy to use, and there is 24/7 live chat support.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Fast streaming speeds
• Bundled with security software
• Works with many different streaming services

Cons:

• Only supports five simultaneous connections

FAST, SECURE VPN:Total VPN is a great choice for those who enjoy streaming. It is a secure platform with easy-to-use apps, and 24/7 live chat support should you need it. Subscribers get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN has a very large server network, with over 17,276 servers in 126+ countries. This includes good coverage in African countries that allow access to Showmax, such as South Africa (35+), Kenya (8+), Nigeria (40+), and Mozambique (32+). In addition to Showmax, Proton VPN works with many other streaming services, such as Netflix and Disney+.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There is also a no-logs policy in place. Split tunneling and port forwarding are also supported.

ProtonVPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. It can also be manually installed on routers. The customer support team is available 24/7 to provide support, and it allows you to connect up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Very large server network
• Can unblock many different services
• Strong security features
• Great customer support

Cons:

• Not beginner-friendly

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:Proton VPN can unblock Showmax without any issues and has the largest network of servers on this list. It also has strong security and privacy measures. 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 105+ countries, including locations in South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. Thanks to these server locations, ExpressVPN is a great choice for Showmax. It can also unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. ExpressVPN is fast and easy to use overall.

It offers several security features, such as a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and DNS leaks. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs, so you can browse anonymously. You can connect up to 14 devices simultaneously on the Pro plan, and 10 on the Basic.

This service’s apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can also be manually set up on some routers. ExpressVPN even has its own line of Aircove routers if you’re interested. The customer support team is available 24/7, and payments can be made anonymously for subscriptions with cryptocurrency.

Pros:

• Very fast speeds
• Strong security features
• Accepts crypto payments
• Beginner-friendly

Cons:

• On the more expensive side
• Lacks some advanced functionality

FAST STREAMING SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is fast and easy to use. Thanks to its diverse server network, it can unblock streaming services like Showmax with ease. It offers its subscribers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is another great option for streaming, which is why it’s a popular choice in the Kodi community. It has a server network that consists of over 3,100 in 145+ locations worldwide, including across Africa. This makes it a solid choice for those who want to watch Showmax regardless of their location.

IPVanish also has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Split tunneling is also supported. IPVanish lets subscribers connect an unlimited number of devices, which is perfect if you have many different devices in your household.

If you need assistance, the customer support team is available 24/7 (email and live chat). In addition, apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This service can be set up manually on Linux and routers.

Pros:

• Great option for streaming
• Unlimited connections
• Great choice for Kodi users
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Based in the US

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a great option for streaming and imposes no device connection limit. Security is also powerful, and there is a zero-logs policy in place. Subscribers have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a very large server network spanning over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries. It is great at unblocking streaming services and provides users with specialized servers for activities such as streaming, gaming, and even torrenting.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. You’ll also benefit from a strict zero-logs policy, which means your online activities are never tracked, and you can remain anonymous.

This provider’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. In addition, subscribers can connect up to seven devices simultaneously. Live chat support is available 24/7, allowing you to get help when you need it.

Pros:

• Very large server network
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 24/7 live chat support
• Fast streaming speeds

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well in China
• Lacks some advanced functionality

SPECIALIZED SERVERS FOR STREAMING:CyberGhost VPN offers specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, which is a real bonus for Showmax users who want reliable performance. Boasts strong security features and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a privacy-conscious VPN with 200+ servers in 63+ countries, including Nigeria and South Africa. It’s easy to use overall, but it does offer an advanced view for users who need more customization options. In addition to Showmax, it works with services like DStv, Netflix, and Hulu.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. You can pay for this VPN anonymously in Bitcoin, and it protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux, and some routers can be manually configured. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. In addition, live chat support is provided. However, it isn’t available 24/7, unlike some other popular providers.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Strict no-logs policy
• Beginner-friendly apps

Cons:

• Small server network
• No browser extensions offered

STRONG ON PRIVACY:PrivateVPN is a great choice for privacy-minded users, and even gives you the option of paying with Bitcoin for added anonymity. Unblocks Showmax and other leading streaming services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

9. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield has servers in around 80 countries globally, including South Africa for Showmax users. In addition to Showmax, you can access other geo-blocked streaming services, such as Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Hotspot Shield is fast enough to stream without lag or buffering, which is also great news for gamers who need fast speeds to get the best out of multiplayer gaming sessions.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. No logs are stored either, ensuring your information remains private in the online environment. Other handy features include obfuscation and a password manager.

Hotspot Shield provides apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. There is also a Chrome browser extension available. This VPN can be manually installed on routers. You will also have 24/7 live chat support.

Pros:

• 24/7 live chat support
• Password manager and obfuscation

Cons:

• Past privacy concerns are concerning
• Smaller server network

PACKED WITH FEATURES:Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds and lots of extra features, such as a password manager and obfuscation. 24/7 live chat support is included. Users receive a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I found the best VPNs for Showmax

While looking for the best options for watching Showmax from anywhere, I considered several VPNs to ensure I found the best providers in the market. Here are my key criteria:

• Streaming speeds: Fast speeds are essential to ensure you can stream services like Showmax without streaming or buffering. The VPN options above are fast, allowing users to stream and game without missing a beat.
• Server availability: Large server networks ensure users can access a wide range of services, regardless of location. All of the VPNs above have extensive global server networks, including locations in Africa. This includes countries where Showmax is available, such as Kenya and South Africa.
• Security and privacy features: VPNs should also protect users in the online environment, which is why advanced security features are important. These features include encryption, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and leak protection. All of these measures protect user privacy and safeguard against cyber threats.
• Ease of use: The VPNs in this list are all easy to use without significant technical ability. This ensures that as many people as possible can enjoy Showmax without any issues.
• Value for money: VPNs shouldn’t be expensive. All of the providers I have recommended offer plenty of bang for your buck, with discounted subscription rates and money-back guarantees.

You can find out more information about my VPN testing process here.

How to watch Showmax anywhere FAQs