HBO Max has four subscription tiers, and the price you pay depends on whether you want ads and whether you bundle it with other services
HBO Max offers four ways to subscribe: with ads at $5.99 per month, ad-free at $15.99 per month, ad-free with extra features at $19.99 per month, and a bundle with other Warner Bros. services at $14.99 per month. The exact price you see may vary slightly by region or if you are a new subscriber getting a promotional rate. The plan you choose determines what you can watch, how many screens you can use at once, and whether you see commercials.
These prices are current as of 2024, but streaming services change their rates regularly. If you already have a subscription, check your account settings to see which plan you are on and what you are paying. If you are considering signing up, you can view the current prices and features directly on the HBO Max website before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- The cheapest HBO Max plan costs $5.99 per month and includes ads; the most expensive standalone plan is $19.99 per month with no ads and extra features.
- The ad-supported plan ($5.99) and the standard ad-free plan ($15.99) both let you watch on one screen at a time, while the premium plan ($19.99) allows up to four screens simultaneously.
- HBO Max offers a bundle with Max, Cinemax, and DC+ for $14.99 per month, which is cheaper than paying for ad-free HBO Max alone.
- You can change your plan or cancel at any time through your account settings; you will not be charged for the next billing cycle if you cancel before your renewal date.
The four HBO Max subscription plans explained
With Ads ($5.99/month): This is the lowest-cost option. You watch the same movies and shows as other subscribers, but you see ads before, during, and after content. You can stream on one screen at a time. This plan works well if you are willing to sit through commercials and do not need to watch on multiple devices simultaneously.
Standard ($15.99/month): You get no ads and access to the full HBO Max library. Like the ad-supported plan, you can watch on one screen at a time. This is the middle option for people who want ad-free viewing but do not need the extra features of the premium tier.
Premium ($19.99/month): This plan includes no ads, access to all content, and the ability to stream on up to four screens at the same time. It also includes the option to read content to watch offline. Choose this if multiple people in your household watch at once or if you travel and want to read shows to your phone or tablet.
Bundle ($14.99/month): This combines HBO Max with Cinemax and DC+ into one subscription. You get ad-free viewing and one screen at a time. The bundle costs less than the standard HBO Max plan alone, so it is worth considering if you are interested in any of those other services.
How to compare plans before you subscribe
The main differences between plans come down to three things: ads, simultaneous screens, and offline downloads. If you live alone and do not mind ads, the $5.99 plan saves you money. If you share an account with family members who watch at different times, you need at least the $19.99 premium plan so everyone can watch simultaneously.
Before you choose, think about your actual viewing habits. Many people subscribe to the ad-supported plan and upgrade later if they find the ads annoying. You can change your plan at any time, so you do not have to commit to the most expensive option right away. Log into your account, go to settings, and select "Plan" to see your current subscription and the option to upgrade or downgrade.
How to manage your subscription and make changes
You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your HBO Max subscription through your account settings on the HBO Max website or app. Go to your profile, select "Account," then "Plan," and you will see your current subscription and the option to change it. Changes take effect on your next billing date.
If you cancel your subscription, you keep access until the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be charged again unless you resubscribe. If you cancel and want to come back later, you can sign up again at any time; there is no penalty for taking a break.
Bundled subscriptions and where HBO Max fits
The $14.99 bundle is one way to get HBO Max, but it is not the only way to access it through another service. Some people get HBO Max as part of a larger package through their internet or phone provider. If you have a cable or internet plan with Warner Bros. content included, check your account to see whether HBO Max is already available to you at no extra cost.
You can also find HBO Max bundled with other streaming services through third-party platforms. For example, some phone carriers or internet providers offer HBO Max as an add-on. The price and terms vary depending on your provider, so contact them directly to ask what options are available to you.
What you get with each price tier
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Ads | Screens at Once | Offline Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Ads | $5.99 | Yes | 1 | No |
| Standard | $15.99 | No | 1 | No |
| Premium | $19.99 | No | 4 | Yes |
| Bundle (HBO Max + Cinemax + DC+) | $14.99 | No | 1 | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch HBO Max on my phone, tablet, and TV at the same time?
Only if you have the Premium plan ($19.99/month), which allows four screens simultaneously. The With Ads and Standard plans limit you to one screen at a time, so if someone else in your household tries to watch while you are watching, their stream will stop.
Do I have to pay for a full year, or can I cancel anytime?
You can cancel anytime. HBO Max charges month to month, and you keep access through the end of your current billing cycle. Cancel before your renewal date and you will not be charged again.
What is the difference between the Standard plan and the Premium plan?
The Premium plan ($19.99) costs $4 more per month than Standard ($15.99) and gives you two things: the ability to watch on four screens at once instead of one, and the option to read shows and movies to watch offline. Both plans have no ads.
Is the bundle cheaper than buying HBO Max alone?
Yes. The bundle with HBO Max, Cinemax, and DC+ costs $14.99 per month, which is $1 less than the Standard HBO Max plan alone ($15.99). You get ad-free viewing on one screen, but you cannot read content or watch on multiple screens.
Do new subscribers get a discount or trial period?
HBO Max occasionally offers promotional rates for new subscribers, but these vary and are not always available. Check the HBO Max website to see if a current offer applies to you before you sign up.