Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHBO Max is now Max. To stream it, install or open the Max app on a supported device—or use the Max website on a computer—then sign in or subscribe. You can also activate Max through an eligible internet, mobile, TV, app-store, or channel provider.
To stream HBO Max, use the Max app or website. HBO Max is now branded as Max, so search for and install Max—not a separate HBO Max app. You can subscribe directly through Max or connect an eligible internet, mobile, TV, app-store, or channel provider account.
Quick setup
- Choose direct Max billing or an eligible provider.
- Confirm that your phone, computer, TV, streaming player, or game console is supported.
- Install the Max app from your device’s official app store, or open the Max website on a computer.
- Sign in with your Max account email and password.
- Select a profile, choose a documentary or other title, and start watching.
Existing HBO Max customers do not normally need to start over: Max retains HBO Max account information such as profiles, watch history, and settings.
How to subscribe to Max
If you do not already have access through another company, subscribe directly through Max. The process is to choose a plan and billing period, create or sign in to a Max account, enter a payment method, and begin streaming. Direct subscriptions recur until canceled.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
| Plan | U.S. listed price | Useful when… |
|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $9.99/month or $99.99/year | You want the lowest listed price and accept advertising. |
| Standard | $16.99/month or $169.99/year | You want downloads but do not need Premium’s 4K and four-stream features. Includes up to 30 downloads. |
| Premium | $20.99/month or $209.99/year | Your household needs up to four simultaneous streams, up to 100 downloads, or 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos where available. |
These are the listed U.S. prices and features in the supplied Max plan documentation. They can change, and 4K, Dolby Atmos, downloads, content rights, and simultaneous-stream availability may depend on the title, device, location, and plan. Check the live Max plan page before subscribing.
How to use Max through an internet, mobile, or TV provider
You may already receive Max as part of an eligible provider subscription. Provider eligibility and activation terms vary by country and package.
- Open Max on your TV or go to the Max login page on another device.
- Choose the provider-sign-in option. If your provider is not shown, choose the option to view all providers and search for its name.
- Sign in with the credentials for the provider account.
- If prompted, create or verify your Max account.
- Return to the TV, phone, computer, or other supported device and sign in with the Max account.
Max support cannot access or reset provider credentials. If authentication fails, first confirm that you can sign in on the provider’s own website. If that provider login does not work, contact the provider. If the provider login works but Max activation does not, follow Max’s provider-connection instructions.
How to stream Max on a computer
- Open the Max website in a supported browser.
- Enter your Max account email and password.
- Choose a profile and select a title.
Max’s browser troubleshooting guidance refers to Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. If playback will not start or stops unexpectedly, update the browser, test the internet connection, and try another supported browser. You may also need to enable third-party cookies, disable a problematic browser extension or ad blocker, or clear the browser cache and cookies.
Rank #2
- 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.
How to stream Max on a phone or tablet
- Open the device’s official app store.
- Search for Max and install the official app.
- Open Max and sign in.
- Choose a profile and start a title.
Use the official app store for your device. In particular, Max does not support installing its Android app from somewhere other than the official Google Play store. Downloads are intended for supported mobile devices, not every device on which Max can stream.
How to stream Max on a smart TV
- Open the TV’s app store.
- Search for Max, install the app, and open it.
- Sign in using the on-screen instructions.
Many televisions display a QR code or six-digit activation code. Scan the QR code or use a phone or computer to enter the code and finish signing in. Some TV platforms also offer activation through the Max mobile app; when that option is available, the phone and TV may need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Do not assume that every smart TV is compatible. Support depends on the exact television model and operating-system version, particularly on older sets. If Max does not appear in the TV’s official app store, check Max’s supported-device guidance or use a separate supported streaming player.
How to stream Max with a streaming player or game console
Max supports streaming players, set-top boxes, and game consoles, including platform families such as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, and Samsung TV. The exact app and activation steps vary by platform.
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- PLAYS 4K ULTRA-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 4096x2304@30fps over UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
- Open the device’s official app store.
- Search for and install Max.
- Open the app and sign in, either with your Max credentials or through the QR-code or six-digit-code activation process.
A streaming player is useful when your television lacks the Max app or its built-in software is too old. An Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one optional example of a streaming device that can provide access to supported streaming apps, including Max on supported Fire TV configurations. It is not required: a compatible smart TV, computer, mobile device, console, or another supported player may work just as well. Check the current device and Max compatibility information before buying.
Disclosure: This optional product mention may be eligible for affiliate monetization. It is not an endorsement by Max, and buying a streaming stick will not fix every internet or playback problem.
How fast must your internet be?
Max states that HD streaming requires a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps. For the best 4K streaming experience, Max recommends 50 Mbps or more on relevant devices.
A speed test is only part of the diagnosis. Buffering can also result from unstable Wi-Fi, congestion caused by other devices, outdated software, browser extensions, an app problem, the viewing device, or the route between your network and the service. Meeting 5 Mbps on a test does not guarantee uninterrupted playback.
What to do when Max buffers or will not play
- Test the connection. Check whether other devices or services are also slow.
- Reduce network activity. Pause large downloads, cloud backups, game updates, and other high-bandwidth activity.
- Update everything involved. Update Max, your browser, streaming player, TV, or game console.
- Restart Max. Close and reopen the app or browser tab.
- Restart the equipment. Restart the viewing device and network equipment.
- Try another supported device. This helps distinguish an account or service issue from a TV, app, or browser problem.
- On a computer, test the browser. Try another supported browser, review extensions and ad blockers, and check third-party-cookie settings.
- Clear or reinstall. Clear the Max app cache where the platform supports it, or uninstall and reinstall the app.
A faster router or a new streaming stick may help with an old or poorly supported setup, but neither is a guaranteed cure for buffering. If every supported device has the same problem, investigate the internet connection, provider, or a broader service issue rather than replacing only the TV hardware.
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
Can you download Max shows and documentaries for offline viewing?
Yes, downloads are available on supported plans and supported mobile devices. The current listed limits are up to 30 downloads on Standard and up to 100 downloads on Premium, subject to Max’s download rules and limits.
Do not assume that downloads work on a TV, computer browser, or game console simply because that device can stream Max. For a trip or unreliable connection, download titles in the Max mobile app while connected to Wi-Fi, then confirm that the title and device meet Max’s current offline-viewing requirements.
Which Max setup is best for you?
- Lowest cost: Choose Basic with Ads if advertising is acceptable and you do not need the higher-tier features.
- Offline mobile viewing: Choose Standard if its download allowance meets your needs and you do not require Premium’s four-stream or 4K features.
- Large household: Choose Premium when up to four simultaneous streams are important.
- 4K home theater: Choose Premium only if your title, TV or player, audio equipment, connection, and location all support the relevant 4K or Dolby Atmos experience.
- Existing provider customer: Check your internet, mobile, or TV package before paying Max directly, then use the provider-connection flow if Max is included.
- Older television: Check the exact model first. If the Max app is unavailable, consider a supported streaming player rather than replacing the entire TV.
Frequently overlooked details
- Search for Max, not a separate HBO Max app.
- Provider-billed access requires the provider account login, not necessarily the Max password you would use for direct billing.
- Max availability, plans, prices, content, and device support can vary by country and change over time.
- 4K is not guaranteed for every title or device, even with Premium.
- Unofficial Android app downloads are not a supported installation method.
- Third-party computer-optimization software is not required by Max. Start with Max’s own browser, app, connection, and restart troubleshooting steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HBO Max the same as Max?
No. The current service and app are called Max. Readers looking for HBO Max should install or open Max. Existing HBO Max profiles, watch history, and settings remain available in Max.
What internet speed do I need for Max?
Max states that HD streaming requires at least 5 Mbps, while it recommends 50 Mbps or more for the best 4K experience. Wi-Fi stability, congestion, device software, and browser or app issues can still cause buffering.
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- 【1080P MP4 Player】-- Full HD 1080p@60Hz supports most video decoding formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, DIVX, MKV, MOV, HD MOV, MP4, M4V, PMP, AVC, FLV, VOB, MPG, DAT, MPEG, TS, TP, M2TS, WMV, (H.264,H.263,WMV9/VC-1,MPEG1/2/4),Not support VPR files. Note: Please use our 4K player to play some videos taken with smart phones, ASIN: B07WPY8VKL
- 【HDMI or AV Output】-- Supports 1080p HDMI output, allowing you to transmit crisp, clear video and audio in a pure digital format to an HDTV; it also supports composite AV output for use with analog TVs. An analog AV cable is included. While using HDMI video output, you can also connect external speakers via the AV output. However, video cannot be output via both AV and HDMI at the same time.
- 【USB 2.0/3.0 Compability】-- Drive external USB 2.0/3.0 storage devices such as USB flash(up to 512G)/SD card(up to 128G) and hard drive(partition should be MBR, up to 8TB), you can also delete or copy files in the USB drive(FAT or FA32) directly, Also plays subtitle files as well as loop videos
- 【Support Multiple Formats of Files and Playback Modes&Multi-functional Remote Control】-- Supports most video, audio, and image formats on the market, supports random playback of video and image modes, and supports loop playback. Supports repeat, zoom, fast forward, fast rewind, rotation, breakpoint playback method, start from scratch playback method and time selection playback method. It is also equipped with a convenient remote control for easy navigation of menu screens (ASIN: B0C9PZPFL8)
Can I watch Max offline?
Yes, if Max is available for your device and subscription. The current listed limits are up to 30 downloads on Standard and up to 100 on Premium, with downloads directed to supported mobile devices.
Does Max work on every smart TV?
No. Max supports many smart TVs, but compatibility depends on the exact model and operating-system version. If the app is unavailable, use a supported streaming player, console, computer, or mobile device.
What should I do if my TV provider login will not activate Max?
Check the provider login on the provider’s own website first. If that works but Max activation still fails, follow Max’s provider-connection instructions or contact the appropriate provider for account authentication problems.
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For most viewers, the simplest route is to install the Max app on a supported device, sign in or subscribe, and begin watching. Use a provider connection if Max is already included in your package; use a streaming player only when your TV lacks a compatible app. For reliable HD playback, aim for at least 5 Mbps, and for the best 4K experience Max recommends 50 Mbps or more.
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.
