HBO subscription plans and their current prices

HBO offers three subscription tiers in the United States: HBO with ads, HBO, and HBO Max. The price you pay depends on which plan you choose and how you pay — monthly or annual.

As of now, HBO with ads costs $7.99 per month. The standard HBO plan (ad-free) costs $15.99 per month or $155.99 per year if you pay annually. HBO Max, which includes the full HBO catalog plus additional content, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. These prices can change, and different payment methods or promotional offers may affect what you actually pay.

If you have a cable or streaming bundle through your internet or phone provider, HBO may be included at no extra cost or bundled at a discount. Check your current bill or contact your provider to see whether you already have access.

Key Takeaways

  • HBO with ads is the lowest-cost option at $7.99 per month, while HBO Max (ad-free with more content) is $19.99 per month.
  • Annual payment plans save you money compared to paying month-to-month, with HBO at $155.99 per year and HBO Max at $199.99 per year.
  • Your cable, internet, or phone provider may include HBO at no extra cost or offer it bundled with other services.
  • Prices change periodically, so confirm the current cost on the HBO website or your billing statement before you commit to a plan.

What each plan includes

The main difference between plans is the presence of ads and the breadth of content. HBO with ads includes HBO's original series, films, and documentaries, but you will see advertisements during playback. You can stream on one device at a time.

The standard HBO plan removes ads and allows you to stream on two devices at the same time. HBO Max adds a larger library of content beyond HBO's own productions — including Warner Bros. films, DC Comics shows, and content from other studios — and permits streaming on four devices at once. HBO Max also includes the ability to download content to watch offline on mobile devices.

None of these plans include live television or sports. If you want to watch HBO's sports programming (boxing, golf, or other events), you typically need a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service that carries HBO.

How to pay and when charges occur

You can pay for HBO directly through the HBO website or app using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Monthly subscriptions renew automatically on the same date each month. Annual subscriptions renew once per year.

If you pay through a third-party platform — such as Apple, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video Channels, or Roku — the charge appears on that platform's bill instead of directly from HBO. The price may differ slightly depending on the platform, and cancellation works through that platform, not through HBO's website.

You can cancel your subscription at any time. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until the end of your current billing period. There are no early termination fees or penalties.

Comparing HBO to other streaming services

HBO Max's price of $19.99 per month (or $199.99 per year) sits in the middle range of major streaming services. Netflix's standard plan costs $15.49 per month, while its premium plan is $22.99 per month. Disney+ costs $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 without. Hulu ranges from $7.99 to $14.99 depending on the ad tier you choose.

The choice between services depends on what content matters to you. HBO Max emphasizes Warner Bros. films and HBO's original series. Netflix has a broad catalog of originals and licensed content. Disney+ focuses on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars properties. Hulu carries current-season television shows and older series. Many people subscribe to more than one service.

Bundled options that may lower your cost

If you already pay for other services, bundling can reduce your total monthly spending. Disney offers a bundle that combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ starting at $13.99 per month with ads. Some internet and phone providers bundle HBO with other services or offer discounts on HBO subscriptions for existing customers.

Amazon Prime Video Channels allows you to add HBO Max as an add-on to a Prime membership, though the price through Amazon may differ from the standalone cost. Check whether your current internet, phone, or streaming subscriptions already include HBO or offer it at a discount before you pay full price.

Free trial periods and promotional offers

HBO occasionally offers free trial periods for new subscribers, though the length and availability of these trials change. Some promotions run for a limited time, while others may be tied to specific platforms or payment methods. Check the HBO website directly or the platform through which you plan to subscribe to see what offers are currently running.

Promotional pricing — such as a discounted first month or a reduced annual rate — may be available to new subscribers but not to people who have had an HBO subscription within the past year. Read the terms of any offer carefully to understand when the promotional price ends and what the regular price will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my HBO subscription with family members in different homes?

HBO allows multiple simultaneous streams depending on your plan — two for the standard plan and four for HBO Max — but the account is meant for household use. Sharing across different addresses may violate the terms of service. HBO has begun enforcing restrictions on out-of-home sharing, similar to other streaming services.

What happens if I cancel and then want to resubscribe later?

You can resubscribe at any time. If you cancelled recently, you may see a promotional offer to return, but this is not may provide. Your previous viewing history and saved content may or may not be restored depending on how long you were away.

Is the price the same if I pay through my cable provider versus directly?

Not always. If HBO comes bundled with your cable package, you pay nothing extra. If you add it as a standalone service through your provider, the price may differ from HBO's direct subscription cost. Compare the price on your provider's website or bill before you commit.

Do I need a credit card to pay for HBO?

You need some form of payment method — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. If you subscribe through a platform like Apple or Google Play, you can use whatever payment method you have set up with that platform instead.