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HBO Max is Warner Bros. Discovery’s subscription streaming service, combining HBO series, films and documentaries with a wider selection of Warner Bros., DC, animation, reality and lifestyle programming. In the United States, plans currently range from $10.99 to $22.99 per month; Standard is the practical choice for ad-free HD viewing, while Premium adds 4K where available and more simultaneous streams. U.S. prices and plan details below were checked against HBO Max’s official plan information in August 2026.
What is HBO Max?
HBO Max is a paid, on-demand streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery. It includes HBO programming alongside selected films and shows from the company’s broader catalog. That makes it different from the HBO premium television channel: HBO Max is a streaming library, not simply a live feed of that channel.
It is also distinct from HBO Go and HBO Now, earlier services associated with HBO, and from Discovery+, a separate service focused primarily on unscripted programming. A subscription may come directly from HBO Max or through a participating television, internet, mobile, app-store or streaming-platform provider. If HBO is part of a TV package, check with the provider rather than assuming streaming access is activated automatically. HBO Max’s service and account information describes its library, devices and signup options.
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Yes: in the United States, HBO Max is the current name for the broader service that was branded Max between 2023 and 2025. The timeline explains why older instructions or billing records may still say “Max.”
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- HBO Max launched in 2020.
- Warner Bros. Discovery introduced the Max name in May 2023 as it combined its streaming strategy.
- In 2025, the company announced the return to the HBO Max name, emphasizing HBO while retaining the broader catalog. Axios reported the 2025 rebrand.
HBO Max plans and U.S. prices
The official U.S. plan page lists the following prices, features and allowances as of August 2026. Prices exclude applicable taxes. Annual prices are lower than 12 monthly payments, but require a longer commitment.
| U.S. plan | Monthly | Annual | Ads | Simultaneous streams | Video | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $10.99 | $109.99 | Yes | 2 | Full HD/1080p | Not listed as included |
| Standard | $18.49 | $184.99 | No | 2 | Full HD/1080p | Up to 30 |
| Premium | $22.99 | $229.99 | No | 4 for ordinary programming; 2 for sports | Up to 4K UHD where available | Up to 100 |
The annual options save approximately 16% versus paying monthly for a full 12 months, according to HBO Max’s plan page. That comparison assumes you keep the subscription for the year; monthly billing is more flexible if you expect to cancel sooner. See the official U.S. plan details.
Which HBO Max plan should you choose?
| Your priority | Plan to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest standard U.S. price | Basic with Ads | It is the least expensive principal tier, but includes advertising and does not list downloads as included. |
| Ad-free viewing in HD | Standard | It removes ads from ordinary on-demand viewing and includes downloads, without charging for Premium’s 4K and extra-stream features. |
| Several household members watching ordinary programming at once | Premium | It allows four simultaneous ordinary-program streams. |
| 4K TV or compatible home-audio setup | Premium | It is the tier offering up to 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos when the title and setup support them. |
| Offline viewing while traveling | Standard or Premium | Both list downloads, subject to content and account restrictions. |
| Selected live sports | Standard or Premium | Eligible sports are included on these plans, but events and stream limits vary; Premium allows two sports streams at once. |
| Eligible U.S. college student seeking a lower price | Student Basic with Ads offer | HBO Max lists $5.49 per month for eligible students, subject to verification and a limit of up to 12 months. |
The difference between Basic with Ads and Standard is $7.50 per month at the listed monthly rates; Standard adds ad-free on-demand viewing and downloads, not more streams or 4K. The Standard-to-Premium difference is $4.50 per month; Premium adds two ordinary streams, up to 4K UHD, Dolby Atmos where available and a higher download allowance.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
The student offer is for U.S. students aged 18 or older enrolled at an accredited college or university and verified through UNiDAYS. Check the official eligibility terms before relying on the offer.
What can you watch on HBO Max?
The catalog spans HBO’s scripted and nonfiction programming and selected content from across Warner Bros. Discovery. Examples of content families identified by the service include:
- HBO series, films, documentaries and specials.
- HBO Max Originals and selected Warner Bros. films.
- DC programming and Wizarding World titles.
- Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Looney Tunes and other Turner Library programming.
- Unscripted, home, food, lifestyle and true-crime programming associated with brands such as HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Magnolia and Discovery.
- Selected live sports and events on eligible plans.
“Selected” matters: not every Warner Bros. film, HBO title or program from a listed brand is necessarily available. Licensing, release windows and regional rights change the catalog, so a title’s availability should be checked in the app for your location. The service’s official description names its content families.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Does HBO Max have ads?
Basic with Ads is the principal U.S. tier explicitly sold with advertising. Standard and Premium are marketed as ad-free for ordinary on-demand viewing. “Ad-free” should not be read as a promise that every screen or type of content will be free of promotional material: trailers, sponsorships, branding and live-event treatment may differ from conventional commercial breaks. Check the current plan terms if interruptions are a deciding factor.
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Does HBO Max include 4K and Dolby Atmos?
Premium is the plan that offers up to 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos where available. The format depends on the specific title and may also require a compatible device, app, display, sound system, connection and settings. A 4K television alone does not make an HD title play in 4K. Some selected live sports broadcasts may support formats such as Full HD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision or HDR10, but support is not universal. The official plan description states the plan-level capabilities and availability qualification.
Can you download HBO Max shows to watch offline?
Standard includes up to 30 downloads and Premium up to 100, according to the official U.S. plan page. These are temporary offline-playback downloads, not permanent purchases. Availability and limits can vary by title or content category, device, account status and expiration rules. Basic with Ads does not list downloads as an included feature.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Does HBO Max include live sports?
Standard and Premium include selected live sports and events; Basic with Ads does not qualify for the plan’s included live-sports feature. Examples listed by HBO Max include selected MLB, NHL, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer and premier cycling events. This does not mean every game, sport, local market or event is available: rights restrictions, blackouts and regional availability apply.
Premium permits four simultaneous streams for ordinary programming but only two while watching sports. Certain pay-per-view events may be purchased on eligible devices, and a purchased PPV event can be streamed on one device at a time. Check event details before subscribing for a particular game or broadcast. HBO Max’s plan page outlines sports and stream limits.
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HBO Max supports categories including phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming players, set-top boxes and game consoles. The app is not guaranteed to work on every model: compatibility depends on country, device and operating-system version. Check the current supported-device information before buying a subscription for an older television or player. HBO Max’s device and service information covers supported categories.
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Is HBO Max available outside the United States?
HBO Max is available in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and selected countries and regions in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its library, plan names, prices, sports rights and features are market-specific, so the U.S. prices in this article should not be applied elsewhere. Warner Bros. Discovery’s 2025 annual filing says the service launched in Germany and Italy in January 2026 and anticipated a U.K. launch in March 2026. The company filing provides that market information.
For example, a reported U.K. offering has four entertainment tiers priced from £4.99 to £14.99 per month, with TNT Sports handled separately; those are not U.S. plan prices. Tom’s Guide reported the U.K. launch and pricing. Check HBO Max’s local site for current availability and terms in your country.
How to sign up, change or cancel a plan
Sign up
- Visit the official HBO Max website and select the plan available in your country.
- Create an account or sign in, then provide a payment method. U.S. direct signup lists Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, JCB, PayPal and Apple Pay, subject to applicable requirements.
- Before paying, check whether HBO Max is already included with a mobile, internet or pay-TV provider, a bundle, student benefit, or another billing arrangement. Provider payment methods and available plans vary.
- Install HBO Max on a supported device, sign in and set up profiles if offered.
Third-party billing can simplify payment or come with a promotion, but it can also mean plan changes, cancellation and refund requests must go through that provider. Confirm the renewal price and billing provider when signing up.
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Check or change your subscription
On a phone, tablet or computer, open the profile menu and choose Subscription. On a TV device, open the Settings icon and choose Subscription. Only adult profiles can manage subscriptions. If Apple, Google, Roku, Amazon, a cable company or another provider bills you, you may need to make changes through that provider. The official plan help page gives the account-management path; exact options depend on the billing route.
How HBO Max compares with other streaming services
There is no single “best” catalog for every viewer. Compare services by the programming you actually watch rather than assuming one has universally better value.
| Service | Best fit |
|---|---|
| HBO Max | Viewers drawn to HBO programming, Warner Bros. films, DC and selected unscripted content. |
| Netflix | Households seeking a broad general-entertainment catalog and Netflix originals. |
| Disney+ | Viewers focused on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. |
| Hulu | U.S. viewers interested in current-TV programming and Disney bundle options. |
| Prime Video | Amazon Prime members who also value rentals, purchases and add-on channels. |
| Paramount+ | Viewers seeking Paramount, CBS, Showtime and selected live-TV interests. |
| Peacock | Viewers interested in NBCUniversal programming and selected live events. |
| Discovery+ | Viewers mainly looking for unscripted, lifestyle, home, food and true-crime programming. |
Is HBO Max worth it?
HBO Max is most compelling if you regularly watch HBO series or documentaries, Warner Bros. films, DC programming or its selected lifestyle and reality shows. Basic with Ads suits a viewer who prioritizes the listed entry price. Standard is a useful middle ground for ad-free HD viewing and offline downloads. Premium makes sense when four ordinary streams, 4K-capable titles, Dolby Atmos or the larger download allowance will actually be used. If your main interest is a large live-TV channel bundle or programming centered on another studio’s brands, compare alternatives before subscribing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
