Cost of HBO Max plans, comparison to Netflix and Hulu prices, and answers to other significant questions concerning affordability
In the ever-evolving world of streaming, HBO Max has made some notable changes to its pricing structure and services. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
New Features and Offerings
HBO Max has reinstated its original name after a rebrand in May 2023. The service now offers an 'extra member' subscription option for $7.99 a month, allowing more households to enjoy its extensive library of movies and TV shows.
The integration of Discovery+ allows streaming of popular reality TV hits like Fixer Upper and 90-Day Finance at no extra cost. Moreover, a mega bundle with Disney+ and Hulu is available for $16.99 a month, offering a wide range of content for a competitive price.
Pricing Structure
After its name reinstatement, HBO Max's pricing structure remains consistent with its previous tiers. Here is a summary of its current pricing:
HBO Max Pricing Structure
- Basic with Ads: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. This tier offers HD video quality with two simultaneous streams.
- Standard (Ad-Free): $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year. It provides HD video quality with two simultaneous streams.
- Premium (Ultimate Ad-Free): $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year. This tier offers 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos and supports four simultaneous streams.
Comparison with Competing Services
HBO Max is positioned as a premium service with a focus on high-quality content and a higher price point compared to Disney+ and Netflix's lowest tiers. However, it offers fewer simultaneous streams than some competitors at similar price points.
| Platform | Starting Monthly Price | Ad-Free Option | Notable Content & Features | |---------|------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------| | HBO Max | $9.99 (with ads) | Yes | High-quality movies and shows, popular franchises like Harry Potter and DC Comics | | Netflix | $6.99 (with ads) | Yes | Originals like Stranger Things, global films, multiple simultaneous streams | | Prime Video | $8.99 standalone | Yes | Huge film library, original series, multi-device support | | Disney+ | $7.99 (with ads) | Yes | Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, Nat Geo, IMAX Enhanced |
For those who can stomach occasional ad breaks, the ad-supported subscription of HBO Max is worth the investment for most households. On the other hand, HBO Max's ad-free tiers are more expensive than Apple TV, Peacock TV, and Prime Video, but cheaper than Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu.
A Word of Caution
It's important to note that the price of HBO Max's tiers may increase in the future, which could affect its value. However, with its extensive library, exclusive deals, and bundle options, HBO Max continues to be a compelling choice for streaming entertainment.
For more information on streaming deals, check out the best streaming deals guide. For more HBO Max-based coverage, check out guides on House of the Dragon season 3, The Last of Us season 3, Peacemaker season 2, and Creature Commandos season 2. Anyone with an Amazon Prime subscription can add HBO Max to their Prime Video plan for an additional $15.99 per month.
[1] The HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu mega bundle [2] HBO Max's deal with A24 [3] Details on HBO Max's tiers [4] Comparison of HBO Max with other streaming services [5] Details on simultaneous streams offered by HBO Max and its competitors
- The integration of Discovery+ into HBO Max now provides access to popular reality TV shows like Fixer Upper and 90-Day Fiance, without any additional cost, broadening the entertainment options available on technology-driven platforms.
- In the world of movies-and-tv, HBO Max, through its mega bundle with Disney+ and Hulu, offers a comprehensive library of content for just $16.99 a month, compelling viewers to consider it as a competitive choice for their streaming entertainment needs.
