HBO Max free trial: is there one, are there any great HBO Max deals available, and more big questions answered

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Is a seven-day trial for Warner Bros Discovery's super streamer still available?

HBO Max logo in white writing on a purple background on a smartphone
HBO Max has returned, but its seven-day free trial hasn't (Image credit: rafapress / Shutterstock.com)
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HBO Max is back. The streaming service formerly known as Max has had its original name reinstated by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). So, you might be wondering if the streamer's owner has celebrated this fact by making its HBO Max free trial available again.

Unfortunately, that isn't the case on one of the world's best streaming services and it hasn't been for years. If you want more details on why it hasn't returned and/or whether there are any big deals to take advantage of, though, this guide provides answers to your biggest questions. So, get scrolling, dear reader!

HBO Max free trial: is one available?

Ellie and Dina riding on horseback in the snow in The Last of Us season 2

The Last of Us' TV adaptation can only be watched with a full HBO Max subscription (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

As I outlined in this article's introduction, a HBO Max free trial doesn't exist. Outside of a all-too-brief return in mid-2024, the streamer's free trial hasn't been available for over five years.

Back then, the HBO Max free trial was available for a seven-day period. However, despite HBO Max's launch in other territories in the years since it originally launched in the US, its free trial offer hasn't been, well, offered to customers in non-US regions.

Are there other ways to get a HBO Max free trial?

Michael Rabinavitch and another doctor look at something off-camera in The Pitt season 1

The Pitt, a medical drama that began airing in January, is one of the best HBO Max Originals in years (Image credit: Max)

US readers, rejoice! By signing up to one of Cricket Wireless' $60 a month unlimited plans, you actually get a 'free' subscription to HBO Max as part of the package. Okay, it's for the ad-supported tier, so you'll need to sit through some ads while you stream. Nevertheless, you can watch some of the best HBO Max shows and best HBO Max movies at no extra cost if you make use of this deal.

There was a time when you could get a HBO Max free trial via your Hulu plan, too. However, one of the best streaming deals isn't available anymore, so the aforementioned Cricket Wireless deal is the only way to get HBO Max for 'free'.

What's the cheapest way to get HBO Max without a free trial?

A stern-looking Clark Kent standing in the Fortress of Solitude in James Gunn's Superman movie

James Gunn's Superman movie will take flight on HBO Max at some point (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Studios)

Currently, you can save up to 20% by committing to an annual plan across HBO Max's various subscription tiers. Starting at $99.99 a year for its ad-supported plan, you can go ad-free and pay $149.99 annually, or check out HBO Max's Ultimate Ad-Free plan – i.e. the only way to watch content in 4K – for $199.99 a year.

Alternatively, with HBO Max's password crackdown plan rolling out worldwide, people who don't live in the same household as you, but who still want access to your account, can spend $7.99 a month to add an extra member to your subscription. That's a far cheaper option for them, but just make sure they wire you the money for the privilege!

While the HBO Max free trial has gone for customers in the US, some users can still check out some of their biggest shows for nothing. Indeed, by visiting the Free Episodes section of the HBO Max website, you can watch the premiere episodes of hit shows including The Last of Us, Euphoria, House of the Dragon, and True Detective: Night Country to sample what's on offer before you decide whether to sign up or not.

What can I watch on HBO Max?

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is one of many top-tier TV shows you can watch on HBO Max (Image credit: HBO)

Some of the finest films and TV series ever created, that's what.

Max is home to everything that multi-award-winning cable network HBO has ever produced, a seemingly infinite number of classic movies and more recent big-screen offerings, and a plethora of HBO Max Movie and TV Originals.

Here's just a snippet of what you can stream if you sign up today:

For more Max-based coverage, check out our guides on House of the Dragon season 3, Peacemaker season 2, Creature Commandos season 2, and the forthcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation.

Tom Power
Senior Entertainment Reporter

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

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