HBO's current subscription options and pricing

HBO offers two subscription tiers through its streaming service Max: Max with ads and Max ad-free. The ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month, and the ad-free plan costs $15.99 per month. Both plans include the same content library — the difference is whether you see advertisements during playback.

Max replaced the standalone HBO Max service in May 2023. If you had an HBO Max subscription before that date, your plan converted to a Max plan at the same or similar price. The service is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and streams original series, films, documentaries, and licensed content from HBO, Warner Bros., DC, and other studios.

Pricing can vary if you subscribe through a third-party platform. Some cable providers, phone companies, and other services bundle Max into their packages or offer it as an add-on at different rates. If you subscribe directly through Max's website or app, you pay the standard monthly rates listed above.

Key Takeaways

  • Max with ads costs $5.99 per month and includes all the same shows and movies as the ad-free plan, just with commercial breaks.
  • Max ad-free costs $15.99 per month and lets you watch without interruptions.
  • Your price may differ if you subscribe through a cable provider, phone company, or other bundled service rather than directly from Max.
  • Max replaced HBO Max in May 2023, and existing subscribers were moved to equivalent Max plans.

What's included in each Max plan

Both the ad-supported and ad-free Max plans give you access to the same catalog of content. You can stream HBO original series like The Last of Us, True Detective, and Succession; Warner Bros. films; DC superhero shows and movies; documentaries; and licensed programs from other studios. The only functional difference between the two plans is the presence of ads.

Max allows you to create multiple user profiles on a single account, so different household members can have their own watch history and recommendations. The number of profiles varies by plan — the ad-supported plan typically allows four profiles, while the ad-free plan also allows four. Simultaneous streaming (how many people can watch at the same time) also depends on your plan tier.

Neither plan includes a free trial period. When you sign up, your subscription begins when ready and you are charged the monthly rate on your billing date each month until you cancel.

How simultaneous streaming works on each plan

The ad-supported Max plan allows two devices to stream at the same time. If a third person tries to watch on a different device, they will see a message that the limit has been reached and cannot start playback until one of the other streams stops.

The ad-free Max plan allows four devices to stream simultaneously. This means up to four people in your household can watch different content at the same time without interruption.

If you frequently share your account with people outside your household, be aware that Max's terms of service state that subscriptions are for personal use within a single household. The company has not enforced strict household-verification requirements the way some competitors have, but this policy could change.

Discounts and bundled options

Max does not offer annual payment discounts on its direct subscription. You pay the monthly rate every month with no option to prepay for a year at a lower total cost.

However, Max is bundled into several other services at no additional cost. If you subscribe to HBO through a cable or satellite provider, you may already have Max included. If you pay for Hulu with ads, you can add Max with ads for $5.99 per month. If you have Hulu ad-free, you can add Max ad-free for $5.99 per month. Some wireless carriers, including certain T-Mobile plans, include Max at no extra charge.

The best option depends on what services you already use. If you already pay for Hulu, adding Max through that bundle costs less than subscribing to Max separately. If you do not use other services, subscribing directly to Max is usually the most straightforward route.

How to manage your Max subscription

You can change your plan, pause your subscription, or cancel at any time through your Max account settings. If you downgrade from ad-free to ad-supported, the change takes effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade from ad-supported to ad-free, the change is usually when ready, and you may receive a prorated credit or charge depending on where you are in your billing cycle.

If you subscribe through a third-party service like Hulu, a cable provider, or a wireless carrier, you manage your Max subscription through that service's account settings, not through Max directly. Canceling Max through one of these bundles removes Max from your account but does not cancel the underlying service.

Max does not offer refunds for partial months if you cancel mid-cycle. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period, and you are not charged again after cancellation.

Price changes and what to expect

Max has raised its prices multiple times since launch. The ad-free plan started at $19.99 per month in November 2022 and was reduced to $15.99 per month in July 2023. The ad-supported plan launched at $9.99 per month and dropped to $5.99 per month at the same time. These changes happened without advance notice to existing subscribers, though most were grandfathered in at their previous rates for a period of time.

Streaming services regularly adjust pricing, and Max may raise rates again in the future. If your rate increases, Max typically notifies you by email before the change takes effect. You can choose to cancel rather than accept the new price, though you lose access to the service when ready.

The best way to stay informed about price changes is to check your email for billing notifications and periodically review your Max account settings to see your current plan and rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Max on my TV, phone, and computer at the same time?

It depends on your plan. The ad-supported plan allows two simultaneous streams, so you could watch on your TV and phone but not a third device. The ad-free plan allows four simultaneous streams, so you could watch on your TV, phone, computer, and one more device all at once.

Does Max offer a free trial?

No. Both the ad-supported and ad-free Max plans charge you when ready when you sign up, with no trial period. However, if you subscribe through certain cable providers or wireless carriers that bundle Max, you may have a trial through that service.

What happens if I pause my subscription?

If you pause your Max subscription, your account is temporarily frozen and you are not charged. You can resume your subscription at any time, and your profiles and watch history remain saved. Pause periods typically last up to three months, depending on Max's current policy.

Is Max cheaper if I pay for a year upfront?

No. Max does not offer annual plans or discounts for paying upfront. You pay the monthly rate every month. If you want to reduce your cost, you can downgrade to the ad-supported plan or look for bundled options through Hulu, a cable provider, or a wireless carrier.

Will my price go up if I keep my subscription?

Possibly. Max has raised prices in the past and may do so again. When a price increase happens, Max notifies you by email before the new rate takes effect. You can cancel before the increase takes effect if you choose not to pay the higher price.