What HBO Max offers at each price tier

HBO Max has four subscription tiers, each with different costs, ad loads, and streaming quality. The basic plan costs the least but includes ads and limits video quality to 1080p. The standard plan removes ads, allows 1080p streaming, and costs more. The premium plan adds 4K resolution and the ability to download content. A fourth tier bundles HBO Max with other services at a combined price.

The exact monthly cost varies by region and changes periodically, so you should check the HBO Max website directly for current pricing in your area. What matters more than the dollar amount is understanding what each tier actually gives you — which devices work with it, how many people can watch at once, and whether you can watch offline.

Key Takeaways

  • HBO Max offers four tiers with different combinations of ads, video quality, and download rights, ranging from basic to premium.
  • The ad-supported tier costs less but shows commercials; ad-free tiers cost more and let you watch without interruption.
  • Only the premium tier includes 4K resolution and the ability to download shows and movies to watch offline.
  • The number of people who can stream at the same time depends on which tier you choose, from one simultaneous stream on basic to four on premium.
  • You can change tiers or cancel at any time; most changes take effect at the start of your next billing cycle.

Simultaneous streaming and device limits by tier

The basic tier with ads allows only one person to stream at a time on one device. If a second person tries to watch on another device, the first stream stops. This matters if you live with others or want to watch on your phone while someone else watches on the TV.

The standard tier without ads allows two simultaneous streams on two different devices. The premium tier allows four simultaneous streams on four different devices at the same time. If you live alone or rarely watch with others, the basic or standard tier may be enough. If your household has multiple people who watch at different times, the premium tier prevents interruptions.

Video quality and download options

The basic and standard tiers stream at 1080p resolution, which is full HD — clear on most TV screens and phones. The premium tier streams at 4K resolution (also called Ultra HD), which is sharper on large screens but requires a faster internet connection and a device that supports 4K.

Only the premium tier lets you download shows and movies to your device to watch later without an internet connection. This is useful for travel, commutes, or times when your connection is unreliable. Downloads use storage space on your device, and downloaded content expires after a set period (usually 30 days for most titles).

Ad-supported versus ad-free viewing

The basic tier includes ads — typically 4 to 5 minutes of commercials per hour of content. These ads play before, during, and after shows and movies. The standard and premium tiers are ad-free, meaning you watch without commercial interruption.

Some HBO Max originals and licensed content may have restrictions on the ad-supported tier; a small number of titles are not available to ad-supported subscribers at all. The HBO Max website lists which shows have these restrictions. If you watch a lot of content, the ad-free tiers save time and provide a smoother viewing experience.

Bundled plans and combined pricing

HBO Max is sometimes bundled with other services — most commonly with other Warner Bros. Discovery streaming services or with traditional cable packages. These bundles combine the cost of multiple services into one monthly charge. The specific bundles available depend on your location and your cable or internet provider.

If you already subscribe to another service in the bundle, bundling can lower your total monthly cost. However, you pay for all services in the bundle even if you use only one. Compare the bundle price against paying for HBO Max alone to see whether bundling saves you money.

How to change or cancel your plan

You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your HBO Max subscription through your account settings on the HBO Max website or app. Changes usually take effect at the start of your next billing cycle, not immediately. If you downgrade (for example, from premium to standard), you keep access to your current tier until the next billing date, then move to the lower tier.

If you cancel, you lose access at the end of your current billing period. You can resubscribe at any time without penalty. If you subscribed through a third-party service like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, you may need to cancel through that service instead of through HBO Max directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my HBO Max password with people outside my household?

HBO Max's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use within a household. Sharing passwords with people in different locations may violate these terms. HBO Max has implemented technology to detect and restrict password sharing across different geographic locations, so accounts shared widely may be flagged or restricted.

Do I need a fast internet connection for 4K streaming?

Yes. HBO Max recommends at least 25 Mbps download speed for 4K streaming. For 1080p, 8 Mbps is usually sufficient. Your actual speed depends on your internet service provider and network conditions. You can test your speed through your provider's website or a speed-testing tool.

What happens to my downloaded content if I cancel my subscription?

Downloaded content becomes unwatchable once your subscription ends. The files remain on your device but cannot be played. If you resubscribe later, you can download the content again, but you cannot access downloads from a previous subscription period.

Can I use HBO Max on multiple devices at the same time with the basic tier?

No. The basic tier allows only one simultaneous stream, so only one device can play content at a time. If you try to start playback on a second device, the first stream stops. The standard tier allows two simultaneous streams, and the premium tier allows four.

Does HBO Max offer a free trial?

HBO Max does not currently offer a free trial period. However, some internet service providers, phone carriers, or other services include HBO Max access as part of their package. Check with your provider to see whether HBO Max is included in your plan.