HBO Max price: how much does each plan cost, is it cheaper than Netflix and Hulu, and more big questions answered

HBO Max is back. That's right, after one of the world's best streaming services was bizarrely rebranded Max in May 2023, Warner Bros. Discover (WBD) has performed another U-turn and reinstated its streaming platform's original name.

We've all breathed a sigh of relief over the end of that sorry saga, but I imagine you've been wondering what the return of its original name means for HBO Max's various price points.

In this guide, I'll tell you if there have been any changes to the cost of HBO Max since its original name was reinstated. I'll also give you the lowdown on what you'll get if you subscribe to one of its three tiers, reveal how HBO Max's cost compares to its rivals, and more besides. So, warm up your scrolling finger and let's dive in.

HBO Max prices at a glance

Thankfully, WBD didn't raise the price of HBO Max following its rebrand. As of August 2025, then, the cost of its three tiers is the same as it was earlier in the year. Here's a quick rundown of how much each one will set you back:

• Basic with Ads plan – $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year
• Standard Ad-Free plan – $16.99 a month or $169.99 a year
• Premium Ad-Free plan – $20.99 a month or $209.99 a year

No matter what tier you opt for, you'll gain access to HBO Max's incredibly packed library of movies and TV shows. There's plenty to enjoy, too, including new and classic films from Warner Bros. Pictures, a whole host of live-action and animated DC Comics content, and various TV Originals from HBO, Cartoon Networks, and more.

On top of that, the integration of Discovery+ allows you to stream reality TV hits including Fixer Upper and 90-Day Finance at no extra cost. Following a deal that WBD struck with acclaimed indie studio A24 last December, the latter's latest films are exclusively available to stream on HBO Max, too. Lastly, a new in-app featured called 'Channels' allows subscribers to seamlessly watch a live feed of various HBO programs across numerous channels.

There are some notable differences between these tiers, however.

Indeed, those who sign up for the ad-supported tier can only watch HBO Max on two concurrent devices at 1080p resolution and with 5.1 surround sound quality. You can't download content for offline viewing, either.

In contrast, the Ad-Free plans allow up to four people to watch some of the best HBO Max movies and best HBO Max shows at the same time, and offers 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos sound quality. The Standard plan lets you download up to 30 things to stream without an internet connection, while the Ultimate package lets you do that 100 times.

HBO Max offers: are there any available?

Yes. Black Friday 2025 is expected to deliver some great deals, but there are a few available right now that might take your fancy.

First, new or existing Cricket Wireless customers can sign up for its Unlimited package and bag themselves an ad-supported HBO Max subscription at no extra cost.

Want more streaming bang for your buck? An HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu mega bundle is available for the surprisingly cost-effective price of $16.99 a month. That represents a saving of almost $12 every 30 days if you signed up to each platform's ad-supported tier.

Anyone who secures an Amazon Prime subscription, which comes with Prime Video included, can also add HBO Max to their Prime Video plan. You'll need to pay an extra $15.99 per month for the privilege, though.

Perhaps the cheapest deal on offer is one that's available to anyone who doesn't live in the same household as you. The introduction of Max's password crackdown last year, which continues to be implemented despite its rebranding to HBO Max, means people who live in a different place can no longer access your account. However, a new 'extra member' HBO Max subscription option means they can now add themselves to your plan for $7.99 a month. Just make sure you bill them at the end of every month!

As for whether a HBO Max free trial is available to take advantage of, I've got bad news. A seven-day offer was discontinued almost five years ago and it hasn't been seen since. I had predicted its return when HBO Max, well, returned, but WBD opted not to bring its free trial period for a limited time. Sighs all around.

How does HBO Max's price compare to other streaming services?

Want to know how the cost of HBO Max stack up against its competitors? Check out the table below to see whether its ad-free tiers are cheaper than Netflix and company:

Based on the above information, only two of HBO Max's rivals – Netflix and Hulu – are more expensive if you opt for an ad-free experience. Unsurprisingly, that makes WBD's super streamer one of the costliest platforms around if you forego ads.

Nevertheless, HBO Max's library is one of the biggest around – indeed, only Netflix and Prime Video, who license content from other TV networks and streamers, can boast bigger back catalogs. Throw in the additional benefits of HBO Max's ad-free tiers, such as 4K and Dolby Atmos 5.1 support, and its $16.99 and $20.99 per month price brackets are slightly more appealing, too.

Is HBO Max worth the price?

Yes, especially if you opt for its ad-supported subscription. $9.99 a month is certainly affordable for most households and, as long as you can stomach the occasional ad break, HBO Max's seemingly infinite library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries – many of which are critically acclaimed and/or award-winning – is worth the investment.

Of course, my opinion could change if WBD raises the price of HBO Max's various tiers in the years ahead. Its cheapest subscription is still likely to be worth the cost if it goes up a dollar or two, but it's perfectly understandable if you decide to close your HBO Max account if you are working, or ever have to work, towards a budget every month.

If that ever happens, check out our best streaming deals guide for more details on how to make your money stretch further.

For more HBO Max-based coverage, read my guides on House of the Dragon season 3, The Last of Us season 3, Peacemaker season 2, and Creature Commandos season 2.