HBO Max costs between $5.99 and $19.99 per month, depending on which plan you choose and whether you pay annually

HBO Max offers three subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month. The standard plan without ads costs $15.99 per month. The premium plan, which includes 4K resolution and the ability to watch on four devices at once, costs $19.99 per month. If you pay for a full year upfront instead of month-to-month, you save money on the ad-supported and standard plans — the annual prices are $59.99 and $139.99 respectively. The premium plan does not currently offer an annual discount.

These prices are current as of 2024, but HBO Max adjusts its pricing periodically. If you already have a subscription, your bill may reflect an older price until your renewal date. When your subscription renews, you will see the current rate unless you downgrade to a cheaper plan.

Key Takeaways

  • The ad-supported plan at $5.99 per month is the cheapest option and includes access to the full library, but you will see advertisements during shows and movies.
  • The standard plan at $15.99 per month removes ads and lets you read content to watch offline, but limits you to one device at a time.
  • The premium plan at $19.99 per month adds 4K video quality and the ability to stream on four devices simultaneously.
  • Paying annually instead of monthly saves you about $20 per year on the ad-supported plan and about $40 per year on the standard plan.

What each plan includes and what it does not

All three plans give you access to HBO Max's full library of movies, TV shows, and original content. The difference is in how you watch and what interrupts your viewing.

The ad-supported plan shows advertisements during content. These ads are typically 15 to 30 seconds long and appear multiple times during a show or movie. You cannot read episodes to watch later. You can stream on one device at a time, meaning if someone else in your household starts watching on another device, one of you will be kicked off.

The standard plan removes all advertisements. You can read episodes and movies to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. You still stream on one device at a time. This plan is the middle ground for people who want ad-free viewing but do not need simultaneous streaming across multiple devices.

The premium plan keeps all the benefits of the standard plan — no ads, downloads, one device at a time — and adds two major features. You get 4K resolution on compatible devices and content, which means sharper, more detailed video. You can also stream on up to four devices at the same time, so multiple household members can watch different shows simultaneously without interrupting each other.

How to find out which plan fits your household

Start by asking whether you watch alone or with others. If you live alone or only one person watches at a time, the ad-supported plan saves you money and covers your needs. If ads bother you but you still watch alone, the standard plan removes them for $10 more per month.

If multiple people in your household watch HBO Max at the same time, you need the premium plan. Without it, the second person to start watching will get an error message and be forced to stop. The premium plan's four-device limit covers most households — it means four people can watch different things simultaneously, or one person can watch on their TV while another watches on a phone.

Consider whether you travel or watch on the go. The ability to read episodes (available on standard and premium plans) is useful if you commute, travel, or have spotty internet. If you rarely watch outside your home, downloading is less valuable.

Think about your screen quality. The 4K resolution in the premium plan only matters if you have a 4K TV or monitor. If your devices are older or you watch mostly on a phone, the standard plan's regular resolution is fine. HBO Max's standard resolution is 1080p, which is clear on most screens.

How to change your plan or cancel

You can change plans anytime through your account settings. Log into HBO Max on a web browser, go to your account menu, and select "Plan and Billing" or "Subscription." You will see your current plan and the option to upgrade or downgrade. Changes take effect when ready — if you upgrade, you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing cycle. If you downgrade, the new lower price applies at your next renewal date.

To cancel, go to the same Plan and Billing section and select "Cancel Subscription." HBO Max will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. If you cancel, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you can still watch until that date even after you have cancelled.

Bundle options that may lower your total cost

HBO Max is sometimes bundled with other services. If you have a phone plan with certain carriers, your plan may include HBO Max at no extra cost or at a discount. Some internet providers also bundle HBO Max with their service. Check your current bills or contact your provider to see whether you already have access.

You can also buy HBO Max through the Hulu or Disney+ apps if you already subscribe to those services. This does not change HBO Max's price, but it consolidates your billing into one place. If you subscribe to both Hulu and Disney+, Disney offers a bundle that includes all three services (Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max) at a lower combined price than buying them separately.

What happens to your price if you already subscribe

If you have had HBO Max for a while, your current price may be lower than the prices listed above. HBO Max has raised its prices several times since launch. Existing subscribers usually keep their old price for a period of time, but eventually your renewal date will trigger the new pricing. When that happens, you will receive an email notification before you are charged the new rate.

You can keep your old price longer by paying annually instead of monthly. Annual plans sometimes lock in a lower rate for a full year. Once your annual plan expires, you will move to the current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my HBO Max password with people outside my household?

HBO Max's terms of service say your account is for your household only. The company has stated it will take steps to prevent password sharing, though enforcement has been gradual. Sharing with people outside your home technically violates the terms, and HBO Max may ask you to verify your account or restrict access if it detects sharing across different locations.

Does HBO Max offer a free trial?

HBO Max does not currently offer a free trial period. However, if you have certain phone plans, internet service, or other subscriptions, you may already have access included. Check your existing services before paying for a new subscription.

What is the difference between HBO Max and Max?

In 2023, HBO Max was rebranded to "Max." The service is the same — same content, same plans, same prices. The name change was part of a company restructuring. If you see "Max" or "HBO Max" used interchangeably, they refer to the same subscription service.

Can I use HBO Max on multiple devices at once with the standard plan?

The standard plan allows you to stream on one device at a time. If a second device tries to play content, the first will stop. Only the premium plan allows four simultaneous streams. You can read content on the standard plan to watch offline, which does not count as a simultaneous stream.

Do I pay sales tax on my HBO Max subscription?

Sales tax on subscriptions varies by state. Some states tax digital subscriptions, others do not. If your state taxes subscriptions, the tax will be added to your bill. Check your invoice to see whether tax appears as a separate line item.