Table of Contents
Are you curious about how much is HBO Max subscription costs? The membership plans start at US$ 9.99 /mo for ad-supported streaming and goes up to US$ 15.99 /mo for an ad-free package. You can also watch specific episodes for free.
HBO Max is a Warner Bros. premium service. Merging with Discovery+, it is set to become Max. The new Max’s service will now include Discovery+ shows, including all the popular HBO catalogues, such as The Climb, The Last of Us, Velma etc.
The updated version will be available on May 23. Because this upgrade is only available in the United States, you need ExpressVPN support to watch HBO Max outside USA.
This article will cover all you need to know about How Much is Max streaming costs, whether is there any HBO free trial or discount deal and what happens if you already have HBO Max? So let’s begin!
Max Price and Plans in USA: Your Quick Guide for How much is HBO Max
Following the consolidation of HBO Max and Discovery+ into a single app service, the main question is how much is HBO Max pricing plans.
The good news is that Warner Bros. Discovery disclosed the Max price list, emphasizing that the plans are the same price as HBO Max, so there will be no price hike right now.
Here are the three Max Prices Streaming tiers:
Max | Ad-Lite | Ad-Free | Ultimate |
Cost per month | US$ 9.99 /mo | US$ 15.99 /mo | US$ 19.99 /mo |
Cost per year | US$ 99.99 /yr | US$ 149.99 /yr | US$ 199.99 /yr |
Concurrent Stream | 2 devices | 2 devices | 4 devices |
Resolution Quality | 1080p | HD | 4k UHD |
Sound Quality | 5.1 surround sound | 5.1 surround sound | Dolby Atmos |
Offline streaming support | 0 | 30 | 100 |
Current HBO Max plans
Currently, HBO Max is available with two subscription tiers: With Ad and Ad-free: You have, however, an option to select a monthly or annual payment cycle.
HBO Max price
Here is a detailed overview of how much is HBO Max subscription and the related features:
HBO Max Plan | With Ad | Ad-Free |
Cost per month | US$ 9.99 /mo | US$ 15.99 /mo |
Annual Subscription (16% off) | US$ 99.99 /yr | US$ 149.99 /yr |
Simultaneous streaming | 3 devices | 3 devices |
Ads | Yes | No |
Video Quality | HD | 4k UHD |
Offline Download | Not supported | 30 titles |
These offers include HBO Max’s best content, HBO Originals or DC Classics. Warner Bros productions, Studio Ghibli, or Adult Swim.
It is worth mentioning that HBO Max is unavailable in certain areas because of its licensing agreements with the production houses. If you want to watch HBO content in restricted countries, the best way is to get a reliable HBO Max VPN service.
The optimized US servers of ExpressVPN make it easy to watch HBO Max in Germany or other countries.
HBO Max Deals and Free Trial Availability in USA
Although the HBO Max price plans and content are appealing, they do not offer special deals or discounts. The only advantage to avail is a discount of 16% on its yearly plans, which cost US$ 99.99 /yr and US$ 149.99 /yr , respectively.
Moreover, it no longer provides a free trial, aligning itself with rivals. Fortunately, you can still sign up for an HBO Max free trial for a week by purchasing a Hulu + Live TV subscription.
In addition, when you subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM, you will receive two free months for HBO Max streaming.
Also, remember that the streamer never locks you into a lengthy contract. So if the program you love is on break, you can cancel HBO Max subscription anytime.
How can I sign up for HBO Max?
You can sign up for HBO Max easily using its app or website. However, if you are outside USA, you must use a high-quality VPN service to circumvent the geo-restrictions placed on the service.
Follow the steps below to sign up for HBO Max outside USA.
- Subscribe for a high-end VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Download and set up the VPN software on your device.
- Open the VPN app, then enter your login information.
- Select the US Server from the location list to connect to. The New York server was our suggestion.
- Check out the HBO Max website.
- Select a price plan and billing cycle.
- Choose Create Account after completing the account form. With this email and password, you can log in.
- Include your payment method and, if applicable, a promotional code.
- After selecting your profile, you can begin streaming.
How to Pay for Max in USA?
You can pay with any of the following credit card types after registering on HBOMax.com: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and PayPal.
Please be aware that your credit or debit card must be issued in the United States and must enable continuing automatic payments.
People outside USA are concerned about how to pay to Max subscription because the streaming giant solely accepts payments using US-certified methods.
We looked at some alternatives and discovered the following ways to pay for an HBO subscription from anywhere:
- Gift card for HBO Max!
- A friend’s US credit card.
- Use Google Pay or Apple Pay.
What if I already have an HBO Max account?
All the existing HBO Max subscribers will be automatically moved to Max on May 23. The new app retains your previous profiles and preferences, such as My List, parental controls, Downloads and Continue Watching.
However, you may be requested to download the newest version manually for specific devices.
The Max on Firestick is available through the Amazon Store, while Android and iOS users may find it in the Google Play Store and App Store.
Merger of HBO Max and Discovery Plus – MAX
HBO Max and Discovery+ have announced Max, an integrated mega-streaming service featuring a new emblem and catalogue from both media providers.”
The discovery plus HBO Max merging date is May 23, 2023. It will be implemented in the US library first, then in others (Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean) by the end of 2024.
Max seeks to bring together HBO Max’s created content, Discovery+’s reality shows, and Warner Brothers’ collection of children’s entertainment under the motto “The One to Watch.”
While HBO Max will become a super-service that combines both providers’ offerings, Discovery+ will continue to exist as a separate, lower-tiered entity that users can subscribe to if they aren’t interested in HBO content.
Max Plan and HBO Max Plan Comparison
Max is an improved version of HBO Max. It offers all the exciting entertainment material from HBO Originals and HGTV, Food Network, Discovery Channel, ID, TLC, and other channels.
Here are the main distinctions between Max and HBO Max, including how much is Max compared to how much is HBO Max.:
Cost & Features | Max | HBO Max |
Ad lite | US$ 9.99 /mo or US$ 99.99 /yr | US$ 9.99 /mo or US$ 99.99 /yr |
Ad free | US$ 15.99 /mo or US$ 149.99 /yr | US$ 15.99 /mo or US$ 149.99 /yr |
Ultimate | US$ 19.99 /mo or US$ 199.99 /yr | N/A |
Content Collection | All HBO movies and shows, plus a library of Discovery content | All content from Max Originals, DC, Adult Swim, Studio Ghibli films, TCM |
The number of screens used simultaneously. | 2 devices with an ad-free plan and 4 with Max Ultimate | 3 devices |
Streaming in 4k UHD | Available on Ultimate | Limited to Ad-free |
Offline download | 100 titles | 30 titles |
HBO Max Plan and Netflix Plan Comparison
Even though Netflix and HBO Max are fierce rivals, they are equally the best. Regarding content, Netflix acquired over three times as much and continues to be inundated with original material.
Despite having fewer titles than Netflix, HBO Max boasts the best catalogue and is in line for the throne of top streaming service.
Given the massive popularity of the two most expensive primary on-demand streaming services, we compared Netflix and HBO Max in key areas.
Cost & Features | HBO Max | Netflix |
Basic with Ads | US$ 9.99 /mo | US$ 6.99 /mo |
Standard (ad-free) | US$ 15.99 /mo | US$ 15.49 /mo |
Premium Plan | US$ 19.99 /mo | US$ 19.99 /mo |
Video Quality | 1080p and 4k (for limited titles) | HD, full HD and 4K Ultra HD |
No of titles | 2,000 films and 600 TV shows | 17000 titles |
No of profile | 5 (simultaneous streaming on 4) | Up to 5 |
Availability across worldwide | 61 countries | 190 countries |
It is worth mentioning that the content of both services changes from region to region because of their licensing agreements with the production houses.
If you want access to content unavailable in your region, getting a Virtual Private Network like ExpressVPN is the best way to do this.
HBO Max Plan and Disney Plus Plan Comparison
Despite substantial differences in content and pricing, Disney Plus is a close competitor of HBO Max after Netflix.
Both are well-known among streamers for their massive selection of content geared toward children and many incredibly well-liked TV shows and movies you can easily watch from anywhere with ExpressVPN.
The cost with pros and cons of both Disney+ and HBO Max are described here so you can decide which will give you the finest pleasure.
Cost & Features | HBO Max | Disney Plus |
Price (with Ads) | US$ 9.99 /mo | US$ 7.99 /mo |
Price (Without Ads) | US$ 15.99 /mo or US$ 149.99 /yr | US$ 11.99 /mo or US$ 119.99 /yr |
Bundles | Not Available | Disney+ Hulu for US$ 9.99 /mo and Disney+ Hulu & ESPN for US$ 12.99 /mo |
No of titles | 2,000+ films and 600+ TV shows | 750+ films and 200+ TV shows |
Simultaneous stream | 4 devices | 4 devices |
No of Profile | 5 users | 7 users |
Offline Download | 100 titles | Unlimited titles |
HBO Max Plan and Amazon Prime Video Plan Comparison
We’re broadening your set of streaming service choices by comparing HBO Max to Amazon Prime.
Cost & Features | HBO Max | Amazon Prime Video |
Price | US$ 9.99 /mo and US$ 99.99 /yr | US$ 14.99 /mo or US$ 138.99 /yr |
Ads during streaming | Yes (on the Ad-supported plan) | No |
Free Trial | Not Available | 7 days |
Add-ons | No | HBO, hayu, Showtime, PBS and may others |
No of titles | 2,000+ films and 600+ TV shows | 26,000 movies and TV series |
Simultaneous stream | 4 devices | 3 devices |
No of Users Profile | 5 | 6 |
Offline Download | 100 titles | 15-25 titles |
Overall, Amazon Prime Video provides a greater selection of perks and content for a somewhat higher cost, including free shipping and music streaming.
However, HBO Max heavily emphasizes high-quality original programming and maybe a better choice for people seeking a certain type of programming or genre.
Since both platforms are US-based and unavailable everywhere, we suggest you have ExpressVPN to enjoy the benefits of these VoD services in your home country.
HBO Max Plan and Hulu Plan Comparison
Both are highly regarded and popular streaming services offering an independent array of exclusive content and features.
Here is side by side comparison of HBO Max with Hulu:
Cost & Features | HBO Max | Hulu |
Price (with Ads) | US$ 9.99 /mo | US$ 7.99 /mo |
Price (Without Ads) | US$ 15.99 /mo | US$ 14.99 /mo |
Free Trial | Not available | 30-day free trial on an ad-free plan |
Live TV | No | Yes |
No of titles | 2,000+ films and 600+ TV shows | 2,500 films and 1,650 TV shows |
Simultaneous stream | 4 devices | 2 devices |
No of Profile | 5 | 5 |
Offline Download | 100 titles | 25 titles |
The comparison shows that HBO Max is the winner, though Hulu has many great features, including a live TV add-on.
However, HBO Max offers better original content and better service with a broader range of movies and TV shows. You can even watch HBO Max on Chromecast everywhere using ExpressVPN.
Is HBO Max or Max Worth it?
You must be unsure whether the streaming service is worth the cost, given how much is HBO Max! As we mentioned earlier, there are various ways in which this streaming service stands out from others.
Despite having fewer shows and films than its rivals, Max serves various interests rather than concentrating on one franchise. It has a considerable classic content archive, and its forthcoming exclusives aren’t available to stream anywhere else.
For lovers of the DC Universe, it has titles such as Peacemaker and the upcoming Suicide Squad film. Furthermore, HBO Max is the only site that offers anime films from the famed Japanese film studio Studio Ghibli.
The recent combination of Discovery and Warner Bros. has significantly altered the future of HBO Max. You can expect a blend of the best TV series of HBO Max and lifestyle programming from Discovery+.
Another significant distinction between HBO Max and other streaming services that makes a subscription worthwhile is that HBO and WarnerMedia hold the rights to streaming content.
It implies that your favourite movies and TV series will not be removed when the license agreements have ended.
What Shows and Movies are on HBO Max in USA?
HBO Max is home to award-winning programs. Because of the Discovery Max merger and its strong ties with several production houses, we now have diverse titles spanning all genres.
The HBO Max subscription cost is worthwhile if you want to watch Originals such as watch 8-Bit Christmas, the Harry Potter series, Selena and Chef and Raised by Wolves.
Aside from that, some of the best shows and movies to watch on HBO Max are:
Spy/Master Season 1 | Love and Death | Annabelle |
Bama Rush Documentary | DC Titans Season 4 | Smartless on the Road |
White House Plumbers Season 4 | The Other Two Season 3 | And Just Like That Season 2 |
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal Season 1 | Shazam Fury of God at Home | Love to Love You Donna Summer Documentary |
Batman and Superman: battle of the Super Sons | Expedition Unknown Season 11 | Young Sheldon Season 6 |
HBO Max Price -FAQs
Is there a way to get HBO Max for cheaper?
Is HBO Max free with Amazon?
Does 4K streaming cost more on MAX?
What will happen to the Discovery Plus bundle?
How much is Max per month?
How much is the Max app?
What is included in Max?
Is Max free with an HBO subscription?
Wrapping it up!
We believe you thoroughly enjoyed this guide explaining how much is HBO Max in USA and what are the new HBO Max subscription cost options.
HBO Max is an absolute must-have streaming service that provides fantastic content at a decent price. With the completion of its merger with Discovery Plus, there is a lot to be thrilled about,
Just keep in mind that HBO Max is only available in the United States. So, you will need a VPN to unblock it. We highly recommend ExpressVPN because of its reliable performance and strong security features.