What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The reported U.S. price increase took effect for new HBO Max customers on October 22, 2025; existing subscribers were to see it at a renewal after November 20, 2025, with at least 30 days’ notice. The reported monthly rates rose to $10.99 for Basic with Ads, $18.49 for Standard, and $22.99 for Premium. This is a past increase, not a newly announced August 2026 change. There is also a pricing discrepancy: Max’s indexed U.S. help page currently shows the older rates. Check the price and next billing date in your account or at checkout before deciding what to do.
Reported U.S. prices after the October 2025 increase
The October 22, 2025 report said Warner Bros. Discovery raised prices across all three direct-billed U.S. tiers. Here is the reported comparison with the previous rates:
| Plan | Previous monthly | Reported new monthly | Monthly increase | Previous annual | Reported new annual | Annual increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $9.99 | $10.99 | $1.00 (about 10%) | $99.99 | $109.99 | $10 |
| Standard | $16.99 | $18.49 | $1.50 (about 9%) | $169.99 | $184.99 | $15 |
| Premium | $20.99 | $22.99 | $2.00 (about 10%) | $209.99 | $229.99 | $20 |
These are the rates reported in the October 22, 2025 coverage, not a guarantee of the price currently offered to every account. The Max U.S. plans and prices help page retrieved for this article still displays the older prices. The sources do not resolve that conflict. Your account’s subscription screen or the final checkout price is the better guide to your own charge.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For context, the reported monthly increases work out to roughly 9–10% depending on the tier. The report described this as the second increase in about 18 months: an earlier June 2024 increase affected ad-free tiers, while the October 2025 change also raised Basic with Ads. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav was quoted as saying HBO Max was “underpriced”; that is the company’s stated rationale, not an independent measure of whether the service is worth the new price.
#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.
When did the change reach existing subscribers?
The timing depended on whether you were a new or existing customer and on your billing cycle:
- New customers: The report said the new rates applied immediately on October 22, 2025.
- Existing subscribers: The increase was scheduled for the next renewal after November 20, 2025, with at least 30 days’ notice.
- Annual subscribers: A higher annual price would generally matter at the next annual renewal, rather than changing the amount already paid for the current term.
November 20 was not a universal date on which every subscriber’s bill changed. It was the threshold after which an existing customer’s renewal could carry the increase. Your own renewal date—and, for third-party billing, the provider’s notice and billing process—determines when you might see a different charge. Apple, Google Play, Amazon, Roku, cable companies, and other distributors can manage the subscription separately from Max.
How to check your plan, price, and billing date
- Open Max on a phone, tablet, or computer and select your profile icon.
- Choose Subscription and review your plan, billing period, billing provider, and next billing date.
- On a TV device, open Settings using the gear icon, then choose Subscription.
Only adult profiles can manage subscriptions. If the account identifies Apple, Google Play, Amazon, Roku, Samsung, a cable or internet provider, or another company as the biller, use that provider’s account or support channel for changes. The listed provider may control the price, notices, cancellation, and refunds. A plan shown in Max may not include a promotion or bundle detail held by the provider, so check the bill or provider account as well.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Max’s official subscription guidance notes that plan management depends on who bills you. Some provider changes may require canceling and resubscribing after the current term ends. Changes may also be unavailable while traveling outside the country where the subscription began.
What the reported tiers include
Max’s U.S. plan documentation describes the tiers as follows. Features and availability can vary by title, device, provider, and location.
- Basic with Ads: Two simultaneous streams and Full HD (1080p); ads appear before and during programs.
- Standard: Two simultaneous streams, Full HD, and up to 30 downloads. Select live sports are included in the retrieved U.S. documentation.
- Premium: Four simultaneous streams, up to 100 downloads, and access to 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos where available. Select live sports are included.
Enhanced formats such as 4K, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, or HDR are not available for every title or device. Live programming may include ads even on an otherwise ad-free plan. Max’s ad-help page describes an approximate ad load of four minutes per hour, but actual loads may vary. See Max’s explanation of ads for its guidance.
Rank #3
- 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.
Does annual billing save money?
At the reported October 2025 rates, annual billing costs less than paying monthly for 12 months. The figures below are calculations from those reported prices, not separate savings promises from Max.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Plan | Annual price | Effective monthly cost | 12 monthly payments | Calculated annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $109.99 | About $9.17 | $131.88 | $21.89 |
| Standard | $184.99 | About $15.42 | $221.88 | $36.89 |
| Premium | $229.99 | About $19.17 | $275.88 | $45.89 |
That is roughly a 16–17% discount versus 12 monthly payments at these reported rates. Annual billing is most attractive if you expect to keep the service for most or all of the year and are comfortable paying more upfront. It is a weaker fit if you subscribe for one series or a short stretch, need the flexibility to cancel, or might lose a promotional rate by switching. Refunds and plan-change rules depend on the billing provider. Confirm the current annual price and terms before paying.
Should you downgrade, switch, or cancel?
Start with what you actually use, rather than choosing by the name of the tier:
Rank #4
- 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
- Consider Basic with Ads if two streams and 1080p are enough and you accept ads. It is the lowest reported standalone monthly tier.
- Consider Standard if you want downloads or prefer not to have the ordinary on-demand ad experience, but do not need more than two streams or Premium’s enhanced formats.
- Keep Premium only if its features matter to your household: it is the tier for four simultaneous streams, more downloads, and supported 4K or Dolby Atmos playback.
- Cancel or subscribe only when needed if you watch intermittently. A month or two around a particular release can cost less than paying year-round, though availability and prices may change before you return.
Before switching, check whether you receive Max through a cable, wireless, employer, promotional, or other bundle. A discount or legacy rate may not survive cancellation or migration. Do not cancel through Max alone if another provider bills you; use the account that controls the subscription. Cancellation also does not necessarily mean an immediate refund: access may continue through the paid period, and refund terms depend on the biller.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Could the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle be a better value?
Max’s bundle help page lists two U.S. options: $16.99 per month with ads, including Max Basic with Ads, Disney+ Basic, and Hulu with ads; and $29.99 per month for the no-ads bundle, including Max Standard, Disney+ Premium, and Hulu without ads. Max Premium is not included.
Compared with the reported standalone prices, the with-ads bundle is about $6 more than Basic with Ads alone. The no-ads bundle is about $11.50 more than Standard alone. Those are not savings over Max by itself; the extra cost buys access to Disney+ and Hulu too. The bundle may make sense if you already pay for both services or expect to use them. If you only want Max, it costs more than the standalone Max tier. Check eligibility, taxes, current prices, and bundle terms at checkout.
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Why did Max raise prices?
The October 2025 coverage attributed the increase to Warner Bros. Discovery’s position that HBO Max had been underpriced. It also noted the earlier 2024 increase. That explains the company’s stated reasoning, but it does not settle the consumer question of value: compare the features you use, your household’s viewing, and the alternatives before renewing or changing plans.
What “HBO Max” means in current account guidance
The service has used both Max and HBO Max branding. The branding change itself did not mean that plan features automatically changed; Max’s help documentation says the app, programming, plans, and pricing stayed the same when the service became HBO Max. Your bill and plan are determined by the subscription terms and provider, not the name alone. See Max’s branding explanation.
Bottom line: The $10.99, $18.49, and $22.99 monthly prices are the reported U.S. rates from the October 2025 increase, not a verified universal price for every account in August 2026. Because Max’s indexed help page still shows older figures, check your account or provider’s billing screen for the amount and renewal date that apply to you.
Quick Recap
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.
