HBO Max Cost (2025) — Detailed Pricing Breakdown
HBO Max has undergone significant changes recently, including a rebranding to simply “Max” and some notable price increases. If you want to subscribe or consider keeping your existing subscription, the main question is, “How much does HBO Max cost now?”
Streaming services are constantly evolving, and Max’s pricing is no different. This guide cuts to the chase, laying out the exact costs for each Max plan in 2025.
We’ll analyze what you get for your money, see how it stacks up against rivals, and point out some tricks to keep more cash in your pocket.
HBO Max Cost Details
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Max’s current subscription options. The table below gives you a snapshot of what each plan offers and how much it’ll set you back:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max With Ads | $9.99 | $99.99 | Ad-supported streaming, HD quality, 2 simultaneous streams |
| Max Ad-Free | $16.99 | $169.99 | Ad-free streaming, HD quality, 2 simultaneous streams, 30 offline downloads |
| Max Ultimate Ad-Free | $20.99 | $209.99 | Ad-free streaming, 4K UHD quality, 4 simultaneous streams, 100 offline downloads |
Note: All plans currently include free access to the B/R Sports add-on for a limited time
How Much Does HBO Max Cost Per Month?
Now let’s take a closer look at each Max plan to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget
1. Max With Ads
At $9.99 per month, this is the most affordable way to access HBO Max’s extensive content library. You’ll enjoy HD streaming quality and can watch on two devices simultaneously.
The trade-off is that you’ll encounter ads during your viewing experience, similar to traditional TV.
2. Max Ad-Free
Priced at $16.99 per month, this plan eliminates ads for uninterrupted viewing. You’ll still get HD quality and two simultaneous streams but with the added benefit of being able to download up to 30 titles for offline viewing.
This is ideal for travelers or those with limited internet access.
3. Max Ultimate Ad-Free
The premium tier, costing $20.99 per month, offers the most comprehensive experience. You’ll enjoy ad-free viewing in stunning 4K UHD quality (where available), can stream on up to four devices at once, and have the ability to download 100 titles for offline viewing.
This plan is perfect for households with multiple viewers or those who demand the highest quality experience.
HBO Max Bundles With Disney+ And Hulu
For those looking to maximize their streaming options, HBO Max offers bundles with Disney+ and Hulu. The ad-supported bundle starts at $16.99 per month, while the ad-free version is priced at $29.99 per month.
These bundles provide significant savings compared to subscribing to each service individually.
Does HBO Max Offer A Free Trial?
As of 2025, HBO Max no longer offers a standard free trial. However, they occasionally run promotional offers that may include trial periods. Without any HBO Max free trial, you can only watch the first episodes of select series.
It’s worth checking their website or authorized partners for any current promotions that might allow you to test the service before committing.
Check out our separate coverage on HBO Max free trial to know the other ways in which you can gain free access to HBO Max for free.
Which HBO Plan Is Best For You?
Choosing the right Max plan depends on your viewing habits and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Max With Ads ($9.99/mo): Best for casual viewers on a budget who don’t mind commercials.
- Max Ad-Free ($16.99/mo): Ideal for regular streamers who want uninterrupted viewing and offline downloads.
- Max Ultimate Ad-Free ($20.99/mo): Perfect for cinephiles and households with multiple users who demand 4K quality.
Consider your priorities and pick the plan that aligns best with your needs.
How To Get Started With HBO Max?
Getting started with HBO Max is a straightforward process and does not require a credit card to sign up:
Step 1: Visit the HBO Max website or download the app on your preferred device.
Step 2: Create your HBO Max account by clicking the “Sign Up Now” button.
Step 3: Choose your desired subscription plan and the term period.
Step 4: Create your account by providing an email address and password.
Step 5: Verify your selected plan details. Enter your payment information (Card or PayPal)
Step 6: Confirm your subscription and start streaming!
HBO Max Available Deals
Max offers several ways to trim your streaming costs without sacrificing content. Let’s explore the current deals that can help you save on your subscription:
1. Annual Subscription Plans
Opting for an annual subscription can save you up to 17% compared to monthly billing. The Max With Ads annual plan costs $99.99, saving you $19.89 per year.
The Max Ad-Free annual plan is $169.99, saving you $33.89, while the Max Ultimate Ad-Free annual plan at $209.99 saves you $41.89 annually. This is an excellent option for those committed to long-term streaming.
2. HBO Max Student Discount
Students can take advantage of a significant discount on HBO Max. Verified students can get the Max With Ads plan for just $4.99 monthly, a 50% savings off the regular price.
This offer is available for up to 12 months and requires verification through UNiDAYS. It’s a great way for budget-conscious students to access premium content. Follow this guide to claim your exclusive HBO Max student discount deal.
3. HBO MAX Black Friday Sale
While specific details for future Black Friday sales aren’t available, HBO Max has historically offered substantial discounts during this period. Previous sales have included up to 70% off on select plans.
Check out what to expect from HBO Max Black Friday deals by the end of the year. Keep an eye out for announcements as Black Friday approaches, as it could be an opportunity to secure a year of HBO Max at a significantly reduced price.
HBO Max Shows and Movies To Watch
HBO Max boasts an impressive array of content, including HBO originals, Max originals, and a vast library of movies and TV shows.
You can enjoy critically acclaimed series like “Succession,” “The Last of Us,” and “House of the Dragon.” Film buffs will appreciate access to Warner Bros. blockbusters, classic movies, and exclusive Max original films.
The platform also offers content from DC, Cartoon Network, Studio Ghibli, and more.
The best part? Max is constantly refreshing its library. New HBO shows debut weekly, Max Originals drop regularly, and the movie selection rotates to keep things exciting.
With new releases on Max and rotating selections, there’s always something fresh to watch, ensuring you get value for your subscription.
Important Note: At times, when the platform faces issues, they are mostly resolved soon. To identify if HBO Max is down and the ideal steps to follow, read the attached post we covered earlier.
HBO Max Features
HBO Max offers several features that enhance the viewing experience. The platform supports multiple user profiles, allowing each family member to have personalized recommendations and watchlists. Parental controls ensure a safe viewing environment for children.
What’s better is that, HBO Max is now available to be used on Apple Vision Pro, allowing you a whole new experience of streaming your favorite shows and movies.
The ability to download content for offline viewing (on ad-free plans) is perfect for travel or areas with poor internet connectivity. HBO Max also supports 4K UHD and HDR streaming on select content with the Ultimate Ad-Free plan, providing stunning visual quality.
The user-friendly interface makes it easy to discover new content and resume watching across different devices.
HBO Max Pricing Against Competitors
To help you gauge the value proposition of Max, let’s compare its pricing and offerings to other major streaming players:
| Streaming Service | Starting Price (Monthly) | Ad-Free Price | 4K Streaming | Offline Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max | $9.99 | $16.99 | $20.99 (Ultimate) | Yes (Ad-Free plans) |
| Netflix | $6.99 | $15.49 | $22.99 (Premium) | Yes (Standard+) |
| Disney+ | $7.99 | $13.99 | Included in Ad-Free | Yes (Ad-Free) |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99 | Included | Included | Yes |
| Hulu | $7.99 | $17.99 | No (Limited) | Yes (Ad-Free) |
While Max’s entry-level price is higher than some competitors, it offers a compelling mix of high-quality content. Max stands out with its HBO prestige shows, blockbuster movies, and now an expanded library including Discovery content.
The ad-free tier, while pricier, is in line with Netflix’s standard plan. For cinephiles and TV enthusiasts who value premium content, Max’s pricing can be justified by its diverse, critically acclaimed library and exclusive originals.
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Conclusion: HBO Max Pricing Starts From $9.99/mo
HBO Max offers a range of subscription options to cater to different viewing preferences and budgets, starting at $9.99 monthly for the ad-supported plan.
While the HBO Max plans are priced higher than some competitors, the quality and variety of content, along with features like 4K streaming and offline downloads, provide substantial value for many viewers.
You can maximize your savings while enjoying premium HBO Max entertainment by taking advantage of annual subscriptions, student discounts, or seasonal promotions. Consider your viewing habits, desired features, and budget to choose the best plan.
HBO Max remains a compelling choice in the crowded streaming market with its popular content library and user-friendly features. Which plan are you getting?
FAQs
HBO Max allows account sharing within a household, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan (2 for standard plans, 4 for Ultimate Ad-Free).
4K UHD content is only available with the Max Ultimate Ad-Free plan.
You can cancel your subscription at any time without any cancellation fees. Your access will continue until the end of your current billing cycle.
While HBO Max primarily focuses on on-demand content, it occasionally streams live events and has recently added a sports add-on feature for an additional fee.