HBO's current subscription options and pricing

HBO offers three subscription tiers as of 2024: HBO (the base plan), HBO Max (the standard plan with ads), and HBO Max Ad-Free (premium without ads). The base HBO plan costs $9.99 per month and includes HBO's original series, movies, and back catalog. HBO Max with ads runs $9.99 per month and adds the full Max library — thousands of films, shows, and HBO originals in one service. HBO Max Ad-Free costs $19.99 per month and removes advertisements from the same content.

These prices explore if you pay month-to-month directly through HBO's website or app. Some people pay through third-party services like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video Channels, which may charge slightly different amounts or bundle the subscription differently. Annual plans are not currently offered by HBO, though that changes periodically.

Key Takeaways

  • HBO's base plan at $9.99 per month includes HBO originals and classic content but not the broader Max library.
  • HBO Max with ads costs $9.99 per month and includes everything HBO offers plus thousands of additional films and shows.
  • HBO Max Ad-Free removes commercials and costs $19.99 per month for the same full library.
  • Prices may differ if you subscribe through a third-party platform like Apple or Amazon Prime Video Channels.
  • You can cancel anytime without penalty, and the service does not lock you into a contract.

What content comes with each tier

The base HBO plan ($9.99/month) gives you access to HBO's original series like The Last of Us, True Detective, and Succession, plus HBO's film library and back catalog. You do not get the broader Max content library, which includes shows and movies from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and other sources.

HBO Max with ads ($9.99/month) includes everything in the base plan plus the full Max library — roughly 10,000 titles across film, television, and documentaries. The trade-off is that you see advertisements during playback. Most ads run 15 to 30 seconds and appear at the start, middle, and end of content.

HBO Max Ad-Free ($19.99/month) is identical to HBO Max with ads in terms of content, but removes all advertisements. This tier also allows you to read content to watch offline on up to 30 devices, a feature not available on the ad-supported plan.

How to check your current plan and billing date

If you already subscribe, you can see which plan you have and when you are billed by logging into your HBO account on the website or opening the app. On the website, go to your account settings and select "Subscription" or "Billing." On the app, tap your profile icon, then "Account," then "Subscription Details." This page shows your current plan name, your next billing date, and your payment method.

If you subscribed through a third-party service like Apple, Amazon, or Google Play, you will not see billing details in HBO's system. Instead, check your account with that service — Apple users go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, Amazon Prime members check their Prime Video settings, and Google Play users check their subscriptions in the Google Play app.

Switching between plans or canceling

You can change your plan at any time without losing your account, watch history, or saved lists. To switch plans on the HBO website, go to Account > Subscription and select "Change Plan." Choose your new tier and confirm. The change takes effect on your next billing date — you will not be charged twice or refunded for the current month.

If you want to cancel, go to the same Subscription page and select "Cancel Subscription." HBO will ask if you want to keep your account (you can reactivate later) or delete it entirely. If you cancel mid-month, your access continues until your next billing date; you are not refunded for the unused portion of the month.

If you subscribed through a third party, you must cancel through that service, not through HBO directly. For example, Apple subscribers cancel in Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > HBO > Cancel Subscription. The process is the same — access continues through the end of your billing period.

Bundled options and discounts

HBO sometimes offers bundled packages with other services. The most common is a bundle with Max and Discovery+, though availability and pricing vary by region and change throughout the year. Some wireless carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon have offered HBO subscriptions as part of their phone plans, though these deals are not permanent and depend on your specific plan.

HBO does not offer a student discount, military discount, or senior discount directly. However, if you receive HBO through a carrier or employer benefit, you may pay less than the standard monthly rate. Check your phone bill or employee benefits portal to see if HBO is included.

Why prices vary between payment methods

If you pay through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video Channels instead of directly through HBO, you may see different prices. This happens because those platforms take a percentage of the subscription fee, and HBO adjusts the price to account for it. For example, subscribing through Apple might cost $10.99 per month while HBO's website charges $9.99, even though you get the same service.

You also cannot switch plans as easily through third-party platforms. If you subscribe through Apple and want to change from HBO Max with ads to HBO Max Ad-Free, you may need to cancel your current subscription and start a new one, which could interrupt your access briefly. Subscribing directly through HBO's website or app avoids this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my HBO password with family members?

HBO allows you to create multiple profiles within one account, and each profile has its own watch history and recommendations. However, HBO's terms of service state that your account is for personal use only and should not be shared outside your household. HBO has not enforced password-sharing restrictions as aggressively as some competitors, but this could change.

Does HBO offer a free trial?

HBO does not currently offer a free trial period for new subscribers. However, some carriers and services occasionally bundle HBO subscriptions as part of a promotion — for example, a new T-Mobile customer might receive three months free. Check with your phone carrier or internet provider to see if they offer any HBO deals.

What happens if I cancel and want to resubscribe later?

You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in and selecting a plan. Your watch history, saved lists, and profiles remain on file if you kept your account when you canceled. If you deleted your account entirely, you will need to create a new one, though you can use the same email address.

Is the price the same on all devices?

The price is the same regardless of whether you watch on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV — it depends only on which plan you choose and where you pay. However, some features like offline downloads are only available on certain devices. Check HBO's device compatibility page to see what your device supports.

Do I pay sales tax on my HBO subscription?

Sales tax on subscriptions varies by state and by payment method. Some states tax digital subscriptions, others do not. If tax applies in your state, it will appear as a separate line item on your billing statement. The amount depends on your state's tax rate and is not set by HBO.