HBO Max has come a long way from its May 2020 launch, when it was widely panned as the worst streaming service ever, thanks to its extensive catalog of films, new series like House of the Dragon and The White Lotus and returning favorites like The Vow, and real crime documentaries like The Vow.
You’ve come to the correct spot if you’ve been thinking about subscribing to HBO Max but have some questions before you do. Here’s a summary that doesn’t skimp on the details, including how much HBO Max costs, which plans are available, and what else you need to know about this hot commodity.
How to Get HBO Max?
You may already have access to HBO Max, so there’s no need to whip yourself into a lather about whether or not you should pay for yet another streaming service. Also, if you haven’t already, joining is simple.
HBO Max (the commercial-free version) is included with your subscription to HBO via a cable, satellite, or internet TV provider, so there’s no need to pay more for it. Download the HBO Max app on a compatible device (which we will discuss in more detail below) and log in using your service provider’s credentials to get started. The HBO Max website has a comprehensive list of cable and satellite companies that provide the service in case you want to be sure you have access even if you use a smaller, lesser-known provider (opens in new tab).
You already have access to HBO Max if you have one of the qualified AT&T plans. HBO Max is a premium channel provided at no extra cost with the AT&T Unlimited Elite (wireless plan) and AT&T 1000 plan (where applicable). AT&T is where you can get all the specifics and phrases (opens in new tab).
If nothing of those options works for you, you may still enjoy HBO Max in very little time by signing up for it independently.
How to Get Free HBO Max Trials?
Depending on what kind of 4K TV and streaming device you buy, you may receive up to four months of free HBO Max access so that you can enjoy the service’s UHD movies, such as The Batman, which was introduced in April 2022.
If you purchased a Samsung QLED TV from BJ’s Wholesale(opens in new tab), Costco, or Sam’s Club between March 3, 2021 and October 31, 2022, you are entitled to get four months of HBO Max’s commercial-free option at no additional cost. In order to participate in this offer, you must register your TV before December 31, 2022, acquire a “Your Choice” Club Bundle Offer coupon code, and then pick the HBO Max option as the gift service (there are other streaming services also available). The HBO Max website provides an extensive explanation(opens in new tab) that details every aspect of the service.
Anyone who purchases a Chromecast between July 20, 2021 and December 31, 2022 is eligible for a comparable extended free trial of HBO Max. This is especially helpful if a new TV is out of your price range. Getting your hands on the Chromecast with Google TV and HBO Max Bundle from the Google online shop is as simple as purchasing the product, setting it up, and redeeming the discount code that is sent to you at the end of the setup process. You may get more details about this package on the HBO Max website (new window).
How Much Does HBO Max Cost? It’s Your Choice Between Two Options
HBO Max has been available for either $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, with the more expensive, ad-supported version costing $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year from May 2020. While both programs provide access to similar programming, we’ll highlight the important distinctions between them below.
What’s Included With HBO’s Max Ad-Supported Version
To save $5 a month, you can switch to the ad-supported version of HBO Max, but there are some major drawbacks to consider. Of course, advertising is inevitable, but Next TV claims theirs are far less in quantity compared to competing providers. You may have noticed that commercials interrupt Friends, Big Bang Theory, and other licensed programmes on HBO, but not any of HBO’s own programming.
What Is Included With The HBO Max Ad-Free Model?
HBO Max’s regular ad-free package has all the perks of the basic package without any of the limitations. All of HBO Max’s content, including certain movies in 4K Ultra HD and the ability to download series and movies on compatible devices, will soon be at your fingertips. Movies like The Suicide Squad and Dune, among many others, are available in the best quality here, so you can watch them whenever you want, whether that’s before bed, after work, or any time in between.
HBO Max Compatible Devices
If you want to be sure that your streaming box, gaming console, or smart TV can handle all the movies, programmes, and other programming offered by a service like HBO Max, you should look at the list of compatible devices before signing up. Some of us will never forget that Roku didn’t start supporting HBO Max until more than six months after the service went live, just before the release of Wonder Woman 1984 in December 2020.
Certain examples of compatible hardware are listed below: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Samsung TV, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and some cable boxes. Check out HBO Max’s support website for a complete rundown of compatible gadgets and information on each one (opens in new tab).
Are HBO GO and HBO still available?
Until HBO Max debuted in May of 2020, the fate of the HBO GO (cable-required) and HBO Now (standalone) applications was unknown. The Verge reports that the HBO Go app, which WarnerMedia “sunset,” or killed out, in July 2020, is no longer available on any devices and is now just called the HBO app. After HBO Max was made accessible on the last generation of streaming devices like Roku in December 2020, the HBO Now app did the same. HBO Now, however, is still active as of the year 2022.
With any luck, you now have a better grasp of HBO Max’s pricing tiers and the content offerings available to you within those tiers. If you’re interested in both HBO Max and Discovery+, you should keep an eye out for updates on their planned merger. In the meanwhile, I highly recommend seeing a few of the top films now available on HBO Max.
