Looking for the latest information on HBO Max subscription costs? Streaming services adjust their prices regularly, and Max (formerly HBO Max) is no exception. The Max Ad-Free plan now costs $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year, which is an increase from its previous price of $15.99 monthly or $149.99 annually.
Max offers several subscription tiers to fit different budgets and viewing preferences. The budget-friendly Ad-Lite plan is available for $9.99 monthly or $99.99 yearly. For those wanting premium features like 4K streaming, the Ultimate plan costs $21 monthly, making it one of the more expensive streaming options on the market.
Some subscribers might already have access to Max through other services they pay for, so it’s worth checking before signing up directly. Max occasionally offers special promotions, though these limited-time deals often switch to regular pricing when they expire.
Current Max Subscription Plans
Max, formerly known as HBO Max, provides three main subscription options: Basic with Ads, Standard, and Premium. The Basic with Ads plan is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The Standard plan costs $16.99 per month or $169.99 annually. The Premium plan is available for $20.99 per month or $209.99 annually.
Max (formerly HBO Max) offers the following subscription plans:
Max Subscription Plans
- With Ads: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Stream on 2 devices simultaneously
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- Limited ads during streaming
- Ad-Free: $16.99/month or $169.99/year
- Stream on 2 devices simultaneously
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- 30 downloads for offline viewing
- No ads during streaming
- Ultimate Ad-Free: $20.99/month or $209.99/year
- Stream on 4 devices simultaneously
- 4K Ultra HD resolution with Dolby Atmos (where available)
- 100 downloads for offline viewing
- No ads during streaming
These prices reflect the latest adjustments made in June 2024, where the Ad-Free and Ultimate Ad-Free plans saw a $1 increase in their monthly rates.
Live Sports and News Access
Previously, Max’s With Ads plan included access to B/R Sports and CNN Max. However, starting March 30, 2025, these features are exclusive to the Ad-Free and Ultimate Ad-Free plans. Subscribers on the With Ads plan will need to upgrade to access live sports and news content.
Student Discount
Eligible students can subscribe to the With Ads plan at a discounted rate of $4.99/month for up to 12 months. Verification through UNiDAYS is required to avail of this offer.
Password Sharing Policy
Max is initiating a crackdown on password sharing. The company plans to implement measures over the coming months, encouraging users outside the primary household to obtain their own subscriptions. This approach aligns with industry trends aimed at reducing unauthorized account sharing.
For the most current information on subscription plans and features, visit Max’s official website.
Key Takeaways
- Max offers three main subscription tiers: Ad-Lite ($9.99/month), Ad-Free ($16.99/month), and Ultimate with 4K ($21/month).
- Annual payment options provide a discount compared to paying monthly for all Max subscription plans.
- Subscribers should check if they already have Max access through other services before purchasing a separate subscription.
HBO Max Subscription Plans
Max, formerly known as HBO Max, offers several subscription options for viewers. The service provides different pricing tiers with varying features to suit different needs and budgets.
Max With Ads vs. Max Ad-Free
Max currently offers two main subscription tiers: Max With Ads and Max Ad-Free. The Ad-Lite plan costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, providing a more affordable entry point for budget-conscious viewers.
For those who prefer uninterrupted viewing, the Ad-Free plan is priced at $16.99 monthly or $169.99 per year. This represents a price increase from its previous rate of $15.99 monthly or $149.99 annually.
Both plans provide access to Max’s extensive library of content, including HBO Originals, Max Originals, and other programming. The key difference is that the Ad-Lite version includes commercial breaks during content.
Users can save approximately 17% by choosing annual billing instead of monthly payments for either plan.
Premium Inclusions and Features
Max also offers a Premium tier with enhanced features beyond the standard Ad-Free plan. Premium subscribers gain access to 4K Ultra HD streaming quality for select titles, which provides sharper picture quality on compatible devices.
This top-tier subscription also enables up to 100 offline downloads for viewing content without an internet connection. Premium members can stream on multiple devices simultaneously, making it suitable for households with several viewers.
The Premium plan includes:
- 4K Ultra HD streaming where available
- Dolby Atmos audio support
- 100 offline downloads
- Streaming on multiple devices
- Full access to all HBO and Max Originals content
These premium features appeal to cinephiles and viewers who prioritize the highest quality viewing experience.
Comparisons to Other Streaming Services
When compared to competitors, Max’s pricing structure falls in the mid-to-high range of the streaming market. Hulu’s ad-supported plan is less expensive at $7.99 monthly, while its ad-free option costs $17.99.
Max distinguishes itself through its content library, which includes prestigious HBO Originals and blockbuster Warner Bros. films. The service combines HBO’s acclaimed programming with Discovery content following their merger.
Unlike Prime Video, which is included with an Amazon Prime membership, Max requires a standalone subscription. However, viewers can sometimes access Max through Prime Video Channels as an add-on.
Content quality remains Max’s strongest selling point despite its higher price point. The service continues to produce award-winning original programming that viewers can’t find elsewhere.
Exclusive Content and Device Support
Max offers a wealth of unique content and supports viewing across many devices. Subscribers get access to different features depending on their plan choice and preferred viewing method.
HBO Max Originals and Exclusive Series
Max (formerly HBO Max) features an impressive library of exclusive content. The platform hosts popular HBO Originals like “Succession,” which concluded its critically acclaimed run, and “House of the Dragon,” the “Game of Thrones” prequel that continues to draw viewers.
Warner Bros. Discovery has invested heavily in Max Originals, creating content that’s only available through the streaming service. Shows like the “Sex and the City” revival “And Just Like That…” remain major draws for subscribers.
The platform also features early access to Warner Bros. films, sometimes releasing movies on the service the same day they hit theaters. This strategy changed somewhat in 2024, but the service still offers films faster than traditional release windows.
Device Compatibility and Resolution Support
Max supports viewing across numerous devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Most modern streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV are fully compatible with the service.
Video quality varies by subscription tier. The Premium plan, priced at $19.99 monthly, offers 4K Ultra HD streaming for select titles, providing the highest quality viewing experience. The Standard plan ($16.99) delivers 1080p resolution, while the Ad-supported tier ($9.99) also streams at 1080p but with commercial interruptions.
Each plan allows for different numbers of simultaneous streams. Premium subscribers can watch on up to four devices at once, while Standard allows two streams, and the Ad-supported option limits viewers to two simultaneous streams.
Frequently Asked Questions
HBO Max, now known as Max, offers several subscription options with varying features and price points. Recent updates to their pricing structure have affected both monthly and annual plans across different tiers.
What is the current monthly cost for an HBO Max subscription?
Max currently offers three subscription tiers. The Basic with Ads plan costs $9.99 per month. The Standard (Ad-Free) plan is priced at $16.99 per month.
The Premium plan, which includes 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos sound, costs $20.99 per month.
Are there any annual subscription options available for HBO Max, and if so, what are the rates?
Max offers annual subscription options for all its plans, providing approximately 16% savings compared to monthly payments. The Basic with Ads annual plan costs $99.99 per year.
The Standard (Ad-Free) annual plan is $169.99 per year. The Premium annual plan costs $209.99 per year.
Does HBO Max offer a free trial to new subscribers, and what are the terms?
Max has largely phased out its free trial offers for direct subscribers. However, occasional promotional trials may be available during special events or partnerships.
Some third-party providers like cable companies or cellular services occasionally offer free trial periods when subscribing through their platforms.
Can Amazon Prime Video members access HBO Max, and what additional cost is involved?
Amazon Prime Video members can subscribe to Max as an additional channel through Prime Video Channels. This requires a separate subscription payment on top of the Amazon Prime membership.
The pricing through Amazon typically mirrors Max’s direct subscription costs. Users can access Max content directly through the Prime Video interface.
What are the differences in pricing between the ad-supported and ad-free versions of HBO Max?
The ad-supported Basic plan costs $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually. The Standard Ad-Free plan costs $16.99 monthly or $169.99 annually, a $7 monthly difference.
The Ad-Free plans offer HD streaming quality, while only the Premium plan ($20.99 monthly/$209.99 annually) includes 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos sound.
Are there any special deals or promotions currently available for HBO Max subscriptions?
Max occasionally offers promotional pricing for new subscribers or returning customers. These may include limited-time discounts on monthly rates or annual subscriptions.
Some mobile carriers and internet service providers bundle Max subscriptions with their services. For example, certain AT&T plans have historically included Max subscriptions at no additional cost.
Partner streaming platforms sometimes offer combined package deals that include Max at a discounted rate.
