How Much Does HBO Max Cost: Best Deals [2024]
Since its rebranding to ‘Max,’ this streaming platform has continued to generate excitement with a variety of top-tier entertainment.
You can dive into shows like Succession and The Last of Us, and 2024 promises even more with new series such as The Penguin, a spin-off from Robert Pattinson’s Batman movie.
Additionally, you can look forward to season 2 of House of the Dragon, and major film releases like Wonka, Barbie, and Aquaman And the Lost Kingdom.
With a subscription starting at $9.99 a month, Max offers a compelling variety of original content.from The White Lotus and Euphoria to HBO classics like Chernobyl and Mare of Easttown, there’s something for everyone.
Besides movies from TCM and Warner Brothers, you can also enjoy reality shows from Discovery Plus.
But how does Max stand up against other streaming giants like Disney Plus, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video? Read on to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Max rebranded and now offers a mix of HBO shows and new Max Originals.
- Subscriptions for Max start at $9.99 a month.
- We’ll compare Max with other streaming platforms like Disney Plus and Hulu.
Max subscription price and plans
Max offers three different subscription plans, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Each plan provides access to a wide range of content, including TV shows and movies from Warner Bros, DC, and Cartoon Network, as well as new Max Originals and popular reality TV shows from Discovery Plus.
Here’s a quick overview of the Max subscription plans:
Plan | Monthly Price | Yearly Price | Features |
Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | Includes ads, HD streaming, access to all HBO Max content |
Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | No ads, HD streaming, access to all HBO Max content |
Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | No ads, 4K streaming, access to all HBO Max content |
Ad-Lite Plan
The Ad-Lite plan is the most affordable, priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. This plan is ad-supported but gives you access to all the content available on Max, excluding 4K streaming.
Ad-Free Plan
For $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year, the Ad-Free plan removes ads and provides high-definition streaming. It’s a middle-ground option for those who want an uninterrupted viewing experience without the need for 4K.
Ultimate Ad-Free Plan
The Ultimate Ad-Free plan costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. This is the only plan that includes 4K streaming, making it ideal for viewers who want the highest video quality. This plan is also ad-free.
With these plans, you get access to HBO Max’s robust lineup, including classic TV shows, new Max Originals, and hit reality shows from Discovery Plus like Fixer Upper and 90-Day Fiance.
Exciting upcoming titles include a Harry Potter TV series, a Big Bang Theory spin-off, and new additions to the Game of Thrones universe.
All plans are compatible with multiple devices including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, iPads, and smartphones.
Are there currently any HBO Max deals?
If you’re with Cricket Wireless, their Unlimited package offers a free ‘With Ads’ HBO Max subscription. However, the 7-day free trial for HBO Max was discontinued in December 2020 in the U.S., and the free trial options for Hulu and Prime Video subscriptions are no longer available after the merger with Discovery Inc.
Currently, you can save up to 20% on annual plans. This is one of the best deals available for Max.
The savings apply to both ad-supported and ad-free plans, making it a great time to subscribe.
How Does the HBO Max Price Compare to Other Streaming Services?
When examining the ad-free plans of major streaming services, you’ll find varied pricing. HBO Max ranges from $15.99 to $19.99 per month. Disney Plus offers a plan at $13.99 per month. Next is Netflix, with rates between $15.49 and $19.99 per month. Hulu charges $17.99 monthly for its ad-free tier. Paramount Plus is priced at $11.99 per month, the same rate as Peacock TV. Finally, Apple TV Plus offers a plan at $9.99 per month.
How does the HBO Max price compare to Netflix?
When comparing the prices of HBO Max and Netflix, you need to consider both the monthly and annual costs, as well as the features offered by each plan.
Netflix Plans:
Netflix offers four different plans:
- Standard with ads: $6.99/month
- Streams on two devices at the same time
- Resolution up to 1080p
- No downloads
- Basic: $9.99/month
- No ads
- Streams on one device at a time
- Resolution limited to HD
- Download capability
- Standard: $15.49/month
- No ads
- Streams on two devices at the same time
- Full HD quality
- Download on two devices
- Premium: $19.99/month
- No ads
- Streams on four devices at the same time
- 4K quality with Netflix spatial audio
- Download on up to six devices
HBO Max (Max) Plans:
Max has three primary subscription options:
- Ad-Lite: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Streams on two devices at the same time
- Resolution up to 1080p
- No downloads
- Ad-Free: $15.99/month or $149.99/year
- Streams on two devices at the same time
- Resolution in Full HD
- Download up to 30 titles
- Ultimate Ad-Free: $19.99/month or $199.99/year
- Streams on four devices at the same time
- 4K quality
- Dolby Atmos sound quality
- Download up to 100 titles
Price Comparison:
- Netflix’s Standard with ads plan at $6.99/month is more affordable than any Max plan. However, it comes with ads and lacks download capabilities.
- At $9.99/month, Netflix’s Basic plan is ad-free and includes downloads, but it’s limited to one device and HD quality. This plan is comparable to Max’s Ad-Lite plan, which costs the same but allows streaming on two devices with 1080p resolution, although without downloads.
- Netflix’s Standard plan costs $15.49/month, which is more expensive than Max’s Ad-Lite but cheaper than Max’s Ad-Free plan. The Standard plan on Netflix offers Full HD and downloads on two devices.
- Both Netflix’s Premium plan and Max’s Ultimate Ad-Free plan are priced at $19.99/month. These top-tier plans offer 4K streaming on four devices, but Netflix provides downloads on up to six devices compared to Max’s 100 downloads.
Content Comparison:
While pricing is similar, the content libraries differ greatly. Max boasts acclaimed TV shows like The Sopranos, Succession, Curb Your Enthusiasm, South Park, and The Wire. Additionally, it features newer hits like The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Station Eleven, and Euphoria.
Netflix, on the other hand, offers popular shows such as Stranger Things, Wednesday, Sex Education, and Better Call Saul. It also has a larger catalogue, with about 17,000 titles globally compared to Max’s 2,500+. Netflix leads in offering Ultra HD titles, having over 500 compared to HBO Max’s approximately 40, although HBO is expanding its 4K content.
Overall, your choice may depend on whether you value more titles or prefer specific shows exclusive to each service.
How does the HBO Max price compare to Amazon Prime Video?
When it comes to pricing, Amazon Prime Video is available for $14.99 a month or $139 a year. Your subscription allows you to stream on three devices at once and download movies and TV shows. The video quality can reach up to 4K.
Here is a breakdown of HBO Max plans:
Plan | Monthly Price | Yearly Price | Streams | Video Quality |
Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 | Full HD |
Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 | Full HD |
Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 | 4K |
If you choose the Ad-Free Max plan at $15.99/month or $149.99/year, you get two concurrent streams in Full HD. The Max Ultimate Ad-Free plan is priced at $19.99/month or $199.99/year and lets you stream in 4K on four devices at once.
Amazon Prime Video offers more than just streaming. Besides a vast and diverse content library, you get free delivery and music streaming. You can also watch live sports like NFL’s Thursday Night Football. Plus, new users can enjoy a 30-day free trial.
In comparison, HBO Max has a strong content lineup which might give you more entertainment value, especially with its base-level Ad-Lite plan at $9.99/month or $99.99/year. This plan includes various shows without breaking the bank.
Choosing between the two services often comes down to your personal preferences. While Amazon has an extensive content library and additional perks, HBO Max’s diverse and critically acclaimed shows might provide more consistent enjoyment.
How does the HBO Max price compare to Disney Plus?
When looking at the costs of HBO Max and Disney Plus, there are some differences to note. Disney Plus provides two main plans:
- Disney Plus Basic: $7.99 per month
- Disney Plus Premium: $13.99 per month (or $139.99 annually)
Even with ads, Disney Plus offers great value at $7.99 every month. The price increase to $13.99 for an ad-free experience (or $139.99 annually) can be a factor for some subscribers.
For HBO Max, the pricing model also includes both ad-supported and ad-free options. The HBO Max With Ads plan is priced at $10 per month. The HBO Max Ad-Free plan costs $14.99 monthly, which is a slight increase compared to the Disney Plus Premium.
Here is a brief comparison:
Streaming Service | Plan Type | Cost Per Month | Annual Option |
Disney Plus | Basic (with ads) | $7.99 | N/A |
Premium (no ads) | $13.99 | $139.99 | |
HBO Max | With Ads | $10.00 | N/A |
Ad-Free | $14.99 | N/A |
From a content standpoint, you get what you pay for. Disney Plus boasts beloved properties such as Marvel, Pixar, The Simpsons, and exclusive Star Wars spin-offs. For fans of these franchises, Disney Plus is a must.
HBO Max, on the other hand, shines with its larger catalogue of over 2,000 films and various TV shows, compared to Disney Plus’s 500 films. It caters to those who enjoy DC Comics, Studio Ghibli, and edge-of-your-seat dramas. For this larger range of content, especially for grown-up viewers, HBO Max might be worth the slightly higher cost.
Both services have their own strengths, making the decision largely dependent on your preferences and which types of shows and movies you prefer.
How does the HBO Max cost compare to Apple TV Plus?
When comparing costs between HBO Max and Apple TV Plus, there are clear differences. HBO Max offers multiple pricing plans:
- With Ads: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Ad-Free: $16.99/month or $169.99/year
In contrast, Apple TV Plus keeps it simple with:
- $9.99/month or $99.99/year
A key benefit of Apple TV Plus is that it provides a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Additionally, if you purchase an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, you can get between three to twelve months for free.
Apple TV Plus allows you to share your account with five additional users.
This is an advantage over HBO Max, especially if you have a large family or want to share with friends.
However, HBO Max offers significantly more content. You get thousands of hours of viewing options, including popular shows like The Wire, Euphoria, Sex and the City,The Sopranos, House of the Dragon, The Penguin, Game of Thrones, Succession and more.
Apple TV Plus, on the other hand, is known for its high-quality, exclusive content with around 115 films and series, including popular shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show.
In terms of quality, Apple TV Plus has gained a reputation for superb production values and offers 4K streaming. While the library of Apple TV Plus is smaller, it hosts critically acclaimed content like Severance and Slow Horses.
Both platforms have their unique strengths. Apple TV Plus, despite its smaller catalogue, provides excellent original content and is more budget-friendly.
HBO Max delivers a vast array of shows and movies, catering to a wide range of tastes but comes at a higher price point.
Upcoming releases on Apple TV Plus, like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and exclusive MLB games, make it an intriguing option for future subscribers.
Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a vast library of content with HBO Max or more affordable, top-quality original productions with Apple TV Plus.
How does the HBO Max cost compare to Hulu?
When comparing Max to Hulu, cost becomes an essential factor. Hulu’s Hulu With Ads plan costs $7.99 monthly or $79.99 annually.
This plan offers an impressive library of over 4,000 titles. If you’re looking to skip ads, you can opt for the Hulu Ad-Free plan at $17.99 per month or $179.99 per year.
In contrast, Max starts at $9.99 per month for its With Ads plan and goes up to $20.99 per month for the Ultimate Ad-Free plan. Here’s a handy table to summarize:
Service | Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
Hulu | Hulu With Ads | $7.99 | $79.99 |
Hulu | Hulu Ad-Free | $17.99 | $179.99 |
Max | With Ads | $9.99 | N/A |
Max | Ultimate Ad-Free | $20.99 | N/A |
For those looking for added functionality, Hulu offers various add-ons. The Unlimited Screens option costs an additional $9.99 per month.
So, if you want ad-free streaming and the ability to watch on more than two devices, your monthly cost with Hulu can be around $28.
On the other hand, the Max Ad-Free plan costs $15.99 per month. While Hulu may seem cheaper initially, the extra add-ons can make it pricier than Max.
Hulu does offer great value with its student plan priced at $1.99 per month. For those wanting a cable-like experience, Hulu with Live TV costs $76.99 per month, including access to over 75 live channels, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus.
In terms of content, many argue that Max has a superior library. HBO’s high-quality original series and vast library of WarnerMedia content offer a diverse range of entertainment, giving Max an edge in content quality over Hulu.
FAQs
Yes, certain service providers include HBO Max at no additional cost. For example, some wireless carriers and cable companies offer HBO Max as part of their premium packages. It’s best to contact your service provider to see if you qualify for this benefit.
To get HBO Max at a reduced price, you can consider the following options:
Annual Plans: As mentioned, choosing an annual subscription can save you money.
Bundled Services: Some telecom providers and streaming services might offer HBO Max for a reduced rate when bundled with other services.
Currently, HBO Max does not provide any special discounts for students. It’s advisable to visit their deals page frequently to catch any new offers or promotions that may become available.
At the moment, HBO Max does not provide a free trial to new users. It is recommended to check their website for any updates on trial offers.