What HBO Max costs and what each plan includes

HBO Max offers three subscription tiers, each with different pricing, ad load, and streaming quality. The With Ads plan is the lowest cost option and includes commercials during shows and films. The Ad-Free plan removes ads but costs more per month. The Ultimate Ad-Free plan adds the ability to read content to watch offline and stream on four devices at once instead of two.

Pricing varies by region and changes periodically. As of early 2024, the With Ads plan starts at a lower monthly rate, the Ad-Free plan costs roughly double that, and the Ultimate Ad-Free plan adds another tier above it. Exact dollar amounts depend on your location and whether you pay monthly or commit to an annual subscription — annual plans typically offer a discount per month when you divide the yearly cost by 12.

HBO Max is bundled with other services through some providers. If you have a may have access to AT&T wireless plan, you may receive HBO Max at no additional cost or at a discount. Some cable and internet providers also bundle HBO Max into their packages, so checking your current bill is worth doing before purchasing a standalone subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • HBO Max has three tiers: With Ads (lowest cost), Ad-Free (no commercials), and Ultimate Ad-Free (offline downloads and four simultaneous streams).
  • Monthly pricing varies by location and plan type, and annual subscriptions usually cost less per month than paying monthly.
  • Some AT&T wireless customers and cable subscribers receive HBO Max included or discounted as part of their existing service.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, and the service does not lock you into a contract.

How to find the current price for your region

HBO Max pricing is not the same everywhere. The United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe each have different rate structures, and prices within the US can vary slightly by state or by when you first signed up. The most direct way to see what you would pay is to visit the HBO Max website, select your region, and look at the plan comparison page without logging in.

If you already have an HBO Max account, log in and go to your account settings to see your current plan and what it costs. The settings page also shows you the price you would pay if you switched to a different tier, which may differ from the advertised price for new subscribers. Some existing customers are grandfathered into older pricing and will see a higher price if they change plans.

Differences between monthly and annual payment

Paying for a full year upfront costs less per month than paying month-to-month, but you lose the flexibility to cancel without losing money. If you pay monthly, you can stop your subscription at the end of any billing cycle. If you pay annually, you commit to 12 months of charges all at once.

The annual discount is typically 15 to 20 percent of the total yearly cost compared to adding up 12 monthly payments. For example, if a monthly plan costs $10, paying for 12 months separately would be $120, but an annual plan might cost around $100 to $102. The exact savings depend on which tier you choose and your region.

When HBO Max runs promotional pricing

HBO Max periodically offers discounted rates for new subscribers, usually during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school periods. These deals typically reduce the monthly cost for the first few months or offer a discount on an annual subscription. Promotional pricing is not permanent — once the offer period ends, your subscription renews at the regular rate unless you cancel.

Existing subscribers do not usually receive the same promotional rates as new customers. If you want to take advantage of a deal, you may need to cancel your current subscription, wait a short period (often a few days to a few weeks), and then sign up again under the promotion. Check the terms of any offer to see whether there is a waiting period before you can resubscribe.

How to switch between HBO Max plans

Changing from one HBO Max tier to another takes a few steps. Log into your account, go to account settings, and select the plan management or subscription section. You will see your current plan and the option to upgrade or downgrade to a different tier. The change usually takes effect when ready or at your next billing date, depending on whether you are upgrading (when ready) or downgrading (usually waits until the next cycle).

If you upgrade mid-cycle, HBO Max typically charges you a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period, then charges the full new plan price at your next renewal. If you downgrade, the lower price takes effect at your next renewal date, and you do not receive a refund for the difference. Some promotions or special circumstances may have different rules, so check the confirmation screen before you confirm the change.

Bundled HBO Max options through other services

AT&T offers HBO Max as part of certain wireless plans. Customers on AT&T's higher-tier unlimited plans may receive the Ad-Free or Ultimate Ad-Free tier at no extra charge. To see whether your plan includes HBO Max, log into your AT&T account or call AT&T customer service — they can confirm what is included and help you set up it if it has not been set up yet.

Some cable and internet providers bundle HBO Max into their packages. Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, and other major providers sometimes include HBO Max with certain internet or TV plans. Check your bill or contact your provider's customer service to see whether HBO Max is already part of what you pay for. If it is, you may still need to create or link an HBO Max account to start watching.

Canceling or pausing your HBO Max subscription

You can cancel HBO Max at any time through your account settings without a penalty or early termination fee. Go to account settings, find the subscription or plan section, and select the option to cancel. HBO Max will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay, but you are not required to accept. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle, not when ready.

HBO Max does not offer an official pause feature, but you can cancel and resubscribe later. If you cancel and then sign up again within a certain timeframe, you may not be treated as a new subscriber for promotional pricing purposes — check the terms of any offer before canceling if you plan to come back soon. Your viewing history and watchlist are tied to your account, so they will be there if you resubscribe with the same email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my HBO Max password with family members?

HBO Max's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only. However, the number of people who can watch at the same time depends on your plan: With Ads and Ad-Free plans allow two simultaneous streams, while Ultimate Ad-Free allows four. If more people try to stream than your plan allows, the oldest stream will be interrupted.

Does HBO Max offer a free trial?

HBO Max does not currently offer a free trial period for new subscribers. However, the service sometimes runs promotional offers that reduce the cost of the first month or months. Check the HBO Max website to see whether any current promotions are running in your region.

What happens if I downgrade from Ultimate Ad-Free to a lower tier?

Downgrading takes effect at your next billing date. You will lose access to offline downloads and the ability to stream on four devices at once — you will be limited to two simultaneous streams. Any downloads you made will no longer be available to watch offline once the downgrade is active.

Can I use HBO Max on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. With Ads and Ad-Free plans allow two people to watch at the same time on different devices. Ultimate Ad-Free allows four simultaneous streams. If a third person tries to watch on a With Ads or Ad-Free plan, the oldest active stream will stop.

Is there a student discount for HBO Max?

HBO Max does not offer a dedicated student discount. However, some wireless carriers and internet providers that bundle HBO Max may offer student discounts on their overall service, which could reduce the cost of your HBO Max access. Check with your provider to see whether a student plan is available.