What HBO Max offers at each price tier
HBO Max has three subscription tiers: With Ads, Standard, and Premium. The main differences are the monthly cost, whether you see advertisements, video quality, and how many people can watch at the same time on different devices. All three tiers give you access to the same library of shows, movies, and Max Originals — the tier you choose only changes how you watch, not what you can watch.
As of 2024, pricing and features can change, so you should check HBO Max directly for current rates in your region. The information here describes how the tiers typically work and what to expect from each one.
Key Takeaways
- With Ads is the lowest-cost option and includes advertisements during shows and movies, but streams in standard video quality.
- Standard removes ads and allows you to download content to watch offline, but limits you to one device streaming at a time and standard video quality.
- Premium costs the most and includes no ads, offline downloads, 4K video quality, and the ability to stream on up to four devices at once.
- All three tiers access the same content library, so your choice depends on budget, video quality preference, and how many people in your household watch simultaneously.
- You can change tiers or cancel anytime, and HBO Max does not lock you into a contract.
With Ads tier: lowest cost, advertisements included
The With Ads tier is the most affordable option. You will see advertisements before, during, and after shows and movies, similar to watching cable television. Video streams in standard definition (up to 1080p), which is clear on phones and tablets but noticeably less sharp on larger screens.
With Ads allows one person to stream at a time. If someone else in your household tries to watch on a different device while you are watching, their stream will not start until you stop. This tier does not include the ability to download shows and movies to your phone or tablet for offline viewing.
Standard tier: no ads, one device at a time
Standard removes advertisements entirely. Shows and movies play without commercial breaks. Video quality improves to 1080p, and you gain the ability to download content to a mobile device so you can watch it later without an internet connection.
Like With Ads, Standard limits you to one active stream at a time. Only one person can watch across all devices simultaneously. This tier works well for a single person or someone who is the primary watcher in a household, but creates friction if multiple people want to watch at the same time.
Premium tier: 4K quality, multiple simultaneous streams
Premium is the highest-cost tier and removes all advertisements. Video streams in 4K resolution on compatible devices and screens, which produces noticeably sharper, more detailed images than standard definition. You also get offline downloads like the Standard tier.
The defining feature of Premium is that up to four people can stream at the same time on different devices. This makes it the right choice for a household where multiple people watch simultaneously, or for a family that wants to avoid conflicts over who gets to watch when. Each person can watch a different show or movie at the same time without interrupting anyone else.
How to compare tiers side by side
| Feature | With Ads | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Lowest | Mid-range | Highest |
| Advertisements | Yes | No | No |
| Video quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K |
| Simultaneous streams | 1 device | 1 device | 4 devices |
| Offline downloads | No | Yes | Yes |
| Content library | Full access | Full access | Full access |
Changing tiers or canceling your subscription
You can change from one tier to another at any time through your account settings. The change takes effect immediately, and your next billing date uses the new tier's price. There is no penalty for switching, and you will not lose your watchlist, viewing history, or saved preferences.
If you decide HBO Max is not for you, you can cancel without a contract or early termination fee. Your access ends on your next billing date. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until that date arrives. You can restart your subscription later without losing your account information.
Choosing the right tier for your situation
Pick With Ads if you watch alone, do not mind advertisements, and want to keep costs as low as possible. This tier works for people who use HBO Max occasionally or as a secondary streaming service.
Choose Standard if you are the primary watcher in your household, want no ads, and value the ability to download shows for travel or commutes. Standard is a middle ground between cost and convenience.
Select Premium if multiple people in your home watch at the same time, you want the sharpest video quality on a large TV, or you want the flexibility for everyone to watch what they want without waiting for someone else to finish. Premium is the most expensive but removes all friction around simultaneous viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my HBO Max password with people outside my household?
HBO Max's terms of service state that your account is for personal use within your household. Sharing passwords with people who do not live with you violates the terms. HBO Max has implemented technology to detect and restrict password sharing, so accounts used in multiple locations may be flagged or require verification.
Does HBO Max offer a trial period?
HBO Max occasionally offers free trial periods, but these are not always available and vary by region and promotion. Check the HBO Max website directly to see if a trial is currently offered in your area. Trials typically last 7 to 30 days, depending on the promotion.
What happens to my shows and movies if I downgrade from Premium to Standard?
Your watchlist, viewing history, and saved preferences stay with your account. You will not lose any of that information. The only change is that you can no longer stream in 4K or watch on four devices simultaneously, and any 4K downloads will play in standard quality instead.
Can I use Premium on my TV and phone at the same time?
Yes. Premium allows up to four simultaneous streams, so you could watch on your TV, phone, tablet, and laptop all at the same time. Each stream counts as one of your four allowed connections, regardless of device type.
Does the With Ads tier have fewer shows or movies than the other tiers?
No. All three tiers have access to the complete HBO Max library. The With Ads tier includes every show, movie, and Max Original that Standard and Premium have. Your tier only affects how you watch — advertisements, video quality, downloads, and simultaneous streams — not what content you can watch.