How to Safely Watch Friends: The Reunion In 2024

Julia Olech
Last Updated by Julia Olech on February 27, 2024

Like any other Friends fan, I was really excited to watch Friends: The Reunion special. However, it’s only streaming on Max, meaning it’s not available in every country.

An alternative would be to change your IP address with a VPN and stream the show from anywhere. However, this would go against Max’s terms of service, and my team and I don’t condone any illegal activity, like circumventing geo-blocks.

Even if you’re in the US, I still advise using a VPN before streaming to protect yourself. For the best security, I advise getting ExpressVPN. Its military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, and various other safety features make it a standout choice. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can contact support to ask for a refund if you’re unsatisfied with how it performs.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free

Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Safely Watch Friends: The Reunion

  1. Get a VPN. Start by installing a VPN. I suggest you get ExpressVPN to ensure the best online security.
  2. Connect to a US server. Navigate the server browser and connect to a US server near your location.
  3. Stream Safely on Max. Log into Max and stream Friends: The Reunion safely with an encrypted connection.

How a VPN Helps You Stay Safe While Streaming

A VPN is critical for ensuring safety while streaming or doing anything else online. VPNs work by encrypting your connection to ensure that no one spying on your traffic can see what you’re doing. They also mask your identity and keep you completely anonymous. Plus, the best VPNs have no-logs policies to ensure none of your browsing activity is stored.

Best VPNs for Staying Safe While Streaming in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Provides Blazing-Fast Speeds and Unbreakable Security

Key Features:

  • Has AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard online activity.
  • Provides the Lightway protocol to enable fast speeds without reducing security.
  • Allows up to 8 simultaneous device connections.
  • Provides customer support via 24/7 live chat.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN guarantees security without compromising speeds. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and has a no-logs policy, leak protection, and other safety features. Plus, the proprietary Lightway protocol guarantees the fastest possible speed without compromising security.

During tests, my colleague in the US could easily access Max and stream Friends: The Reunion without issues. I also conducted several speed tests and found that all of ExpressVPN’s servers deliver lightning-fast speeds, thus ensuring lag-free browsing and streaming when connected to its servers.

Screenshot of speed tests carried out on 4 ExpressVPN servers.

ExpressVPN’s servers offer consistently fast speeds

I especially like that ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections. This lets you secure your traffic on multiple devices at once to enjoy secure browsing and streaming.

You don’t have to blindly trust me, as ExpressVPN’s plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you try ExpressVPN for yourself and get your money back if you don’t like it. The VPN has “no question asked” refunds, and I instantly canceled my own account using the 24/7 live chat. The money was refunded to my bank account only 4 days later.

ExpressVPN works on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Playstation, Xbox, routers, and more.

2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

2. CyberGhost — Has Airtight Security and Multiple Optimized Servers for Smooth Streaming

Key Features:

  • Protects traffic via AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Has a no-logs policy to ensure no browsing data is kept.
  • Provides a massive network of 11,800+ servers, including multiple streaming-optimized servers.
  • Has 24/7 live chat to provide help whenever needed.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost’s optimized servers provide an excellent streaming experience. During tests, the optimized connections easily let my colleague in the US stream in UHD on Max without any lag. I also ran speed tests and found that its streaming-optimized servers deliver faster connection speeds.

Screenshot comparing speed test results in a CyberGhost VPN Review, showing performance on optimized versus regular servers.

You’ll get better speeds when connected to the streaming-optimized servers

The optimized servers might sometimes be crowded, but this isn’t an issue because CyberGhost has an impressive network of 11,800+ servers. It’s easy to find an uncrowded nearby server whenever needed.

Of course, the app also delivers airtight security. CyberGhost has military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy, meaning it’ll safeguard your online activity and keep you completely anonymous while streaming or surfing the web.

Though I checked the VPN meets the highest standards, you should give CyberGhost a try yourself with its 45-day money-back guarantee. The policy gives you enough time to decide if the VPN is worth keeping and get a refund if you don’t like it. A CyberGhost representative approved my request in less than 2 minutes, and the full fee was refunded to my bank account the same week.

CyberGhost works on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, routers, and more.

2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Allows unlimited Simultaneous Connections for Watching Friends: The Reunion With Your Friends

Key Features:

  • Protects online activity with AES 256-bit encryption and a zero-logs policy.
  • Comes with an impressive network of 35,000+ servers.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Joey may not share food, but PIA lets you share your login with other Friends fans in your household, as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. My testing proved that adding more connections won’t disrupt your streams, as my PIA speeds didn’t budge even when I connected 10 devices at once. So, everyone can enjoy UHD video with zero lags.

I really liked that PIA has an extremely user-friendly app interface, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. Setting up my connection took less than a minute as all I had to do was choose the US as my preferred country and press the “On” button.

Screenshot of PIA's app user interface.

PIA has a beginner-friendly interface

It’s also a highly secure VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, a zero-logs policy, and more. PIA’s safety features will keep you safe and anonymous whether you’re streaming shows, surfing the web, or doing anything else online.

I still recommend you test PIA on your devices, as the VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee provides a no-risk way of testing it. I tested the refund policy by connecting to the 24/7 live chat to request a refund. After explaining I didn’t need a VPN anymore, a PIA agent approved my request — my money was back in my account within 7 days.

PIA works on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, routers, and more..

2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!

FAQs on Watching Friends: The Reunion With a VPN

Is Friends: The Reunion on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or other streaming sites?

Yes, besides being on Max, Friends: The Reunion is available on SkyTV. So, you can stream it in the UK if you’ve subscribed to the platform. If you have Hulu, you can use your existing Hulu account to access the Max library, including Friends: The Reunion.

Can I watch Friends: The Reunion for free?

Though HBO Max doesn’t have a free trial anymore, you can watch Friends: The Reunion for free when you sign up for Hulu using your usual payment details. Just remember to connect to a VPN before creating a new account to ensure safety. After paying, you can use your subscription to access the Max library for free for 7 days.

Similarly, as a UK resident, you can get NowTV’s 7-day free trial to access SkyTV without spending a penny. Sign up for the Entertainment Pass, and you’ll get unrestricted access to Friends: The Reunion.

What devices can I watch Friends: The Reunion on?

When you set up your VPN connection, you’ll be able to watch Friends: The Reunion on:

  • PCs: Windows, macOS, and Chromebook
  • Phones and tablets: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Windows
  • Smart TVs: Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku
  • Gaming consoles: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S

To catch up with the spin-off episode though, you need a VPN compatible with as many devices above as possible. Out of the 3 recommended VPNs, ExpressVPN has native apps for all popular operating systems — and you can also install it directly on your router. That way every device connected to your home network gets automatically connected to the VPN server, even if it’s not compatible with its app.

Can I use my VPN for anything else, other than watching Friends: The Reunion?

Yes, you can use a top-tier VPN to:

  • Stay safe from hackers, malware, and tracking software when you use public WiFi at the airport, hotels, restaurants, or any other location.
  • Avoid technical issues on your home network and local servers to stream what you want without interruptions
  • Protect your identity as you torrent and browse P2P websites

However, not all VPNs offer the same benefits so I always test multiple vendors to make sure they’re worth their subscription price. That’s how I learned that ExpressVPN gives you the best value for your money as it offers ultimate security, great streaming quality, online freedom, and more. Since it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can buy it and get a quick and easy refund if you don’t like it.

Stay Safe While Watching Friends: The Reunion

As excited as you may be to stream Friends: The Reunion, you must remember to protect yourself with a VPN to ensure you remain safe. A VPN will provide an encrypted connection, meaning no one can see what you’re doing. Also, the no-logs policy and other features help add more layers of security,

For the best possible protection, I advise getting ExpressVPN. It has unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, and more. Plus, the Lightway protocol provides excellent speeds without hurting security. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can easily contact support to claim a refund if unsatisfied.


Summary — These Are the Best VPNs to Watch Friends: The Reunion in 2024

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$6.67 / month Save 49%
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%
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