HBO Max costs between $5.99 and $22.99 per month, depending on which plan you choose and whether you pay annually

HBO Max offers four subscription tiers. The cheapest is the ad-supported plan at $5.99 per month. The standard plan without ads costs $15.99 per month or $155.99 per year if you pay upfront. The premium plan is $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually. A bundle option that combines HBO Max with other services runs $22.99 per month, though this bundle composition changes depending on your provider and region.

The price you see when you sign up may differ from these figures if you are a new subscriber, as HBO Max periodically offers introductory rates for the first few months. Existing customers do not receive these promotional prices. If you already have HBO Max through a cable or internet provider package, you may not need to pay separately — check your current bill first.

Key Takeaways

  • HBO Max has four subscription levels: $5.99 with ads, $15.99 without ads, $19.99 for premium, and $22.99 for the bundle tier.
  • Annual payment options save you money compared to paying month-to-month, typically reducing the yearly cost by about $20 to $40.
  • New subscribers sometimes see lower introductory rates for the first two or three months before the regular price takes effect.
  • If you have HBO through a cable, internet, or phone provider, you may already have HBO Max included at no extra cost.

What each price tier includes

The $5.99 ad-supported plan gives you access to the full HBO Max library, but you will see advertisements during shows and movies. Video quality maxes out at 1080p, and you can stream on one device at a time. This plan is the entry point if cost is your main concern.

The $15.99 standard plan removes ads entirely and raises video quality to 4K on compatible devices. You can stream on two devices at the same time, which means two people in your household can watch different things simultaneously. This is the most common choice for single households or couples.

The $19.99 premium plan keeps everything from the standard plan but allows four simultaneous streams instead of two. If you have a larger household or want to share access across multiple locations, this tier prevents conflicts over who gets to watch when.

The $22.99 bundle typically pairs HBO Max with other services — often Max (formerly Cinemax), Hulu, or Disney+ depending on your region and provider. The exact contents vary, so check what your bundle includes before you commit.

How to check if you already have HBO Max

Before you pay for a subscription, verify whether HBO Max comes with something you already pay for. If you have cable through providers like Comcast, Charter, or AT&T, or if you have internet or phone service through those same companies, HBO Max may be included. Log in to your cable provider's website or app and look for the HBO Max tile or link.

Some internet and phone plans bundle HBO Max at no extra charge. Others require you to add it for a small monthly fee — usually $5 to $10 — which is still less than the standalone subscription. Call your provider's customer service line and ask whether HBO Max is part of your plan or available as an add-on.

Annual versus monthly payment

Paying for a full year upfront saves money compared to month-to-month billing. The standard plan costs $155.99 per year if you pay annually, versus $191.88 if you pay $15.99 twelve times. That is a savings of roughly $36 per year. The premium plan saves about $40 annually when you pay upfront.

The ad-supported plan does not currently offer an annual option — you pay $5.99 each month. If you think you might cancel within a few months, monthly billing lets you stop without losing money to unused time. If you plan to keep the service for a year or longer, annual payment is the better deal.

Introductory rates for new subscribers

HBO Max sometimes offers new subscribers a reduced rate for the first two or three months. These promotional prices vary — you might see $5.99 for three months on the standard plan, or similar discounts on other tiers. These offers are not available to people who have had HBO Max before, even if they cancelled years ago.

The promotional period ends automatically, and your billing switches to the regular price unless you cancel. Check your confirmation email or account settings to see when your introductory rate expires so you are not surprised by the charge increase.

Price changes and what to expect

HBO Max has raised prices multiple times since launch. The standard plan cost $14.99 before increasing to $15.99. The premium plan was $19.99 when it launched. These increases typically happen once per year or less frequently, and the company usually notifies subscribers by email before the change takes effect.

If your price increases mid-subscription, you usually have a grace period — often 30 days — to cancel before the new rate applies. Check your email for price-change notices so you can decide whether to continue or cancel before the increase hits your payment method.

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, non-commercial use within a single household. The company has indicated it may restrict password sharing in the future, similar to what Netflix has done. Currently, enforcement is limited, but sharing with people at different addresses technically violates the terms.

What happens if I cancel and want to come back later?

You can cancel anytime and restart your subscription whenever you want. If you had a promotional rate before, you will not receive it again — you will pay the current standard price. Your viewing history and saved shows remain tied to your account if you log back in within a reasonable time.

Is there a free trial?

HBO Max does not currently offer a free trial period. Some promotional offers for new subscribers provide a discounted rate for the first few months, but you must provide a payment method to start. Check the sign-up page to see what introductory offer, if any, is available in your region.

Do I pay the same price if I sign up through a third-party app?

Prices are the same whether you sign up directly on HBO Max's website or through an app like Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video. However, if you sign up through a third-party platform, that platform may take a processing fee, which could affect your total cost. Direct sign-up on HBO Max's website avoids this middleman fee.

Can I change my plan anytime?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time through your account settings. Changes take effect immediately if you upgrade, or at your next billing date if you downgrade. You will not be charged a penalty for switching plans.