HBO Max is a remarkable streaming service that lets you stream your favorite films and shows conveniently. The platform offers variety when it comes to its wide-ranging catalog. Many subscribers rave over its collection that includes DC movies, Harry Potter films, and iconic television shows. Whether you’re in the mood to watch romantic movies or laugh out loud at funny series, this streaming platform will surely have a title that’s right for you. While that is all undoubtedly exciting, you might still hold back as you ponder questions like: is HBO Max free or is it worth purchasing?
With this guide, you can learn the essentials about the service and more. This way, you can stay in the know with this fresh and growing streaming platform. Moreover, you can also acquire the needed knowledge before deciding whether or not to avail of a subscription today.
What is HBO Max: Description and Release Date
HBO Max is an independent streaming service owned by the WarnerMedia division of the American conglomerate, AT&T. Related to the distinguished Home Box Office (HBO) channel, its Max counterpart also offers the television service’s regular content and well-known programs. Aside from these, the platform also provides a wide array of third-party shows and films. With the HBO Max release date set in May 2020, many would agree that the platform’s launch was of great timing. The ever-increasing demand for affordable and efficient streaming services certainly helped it bloom, as well.
The streaming platform excellently catered to the specific needs of consumers worldwide. Indeed, avid show and film viewers were pleased to find that this platform lets subscribers access its wide catalog and awesome collections. These include in-demand shows, popular series, and blockbuster movies about Christmas, life, and everything under the sun. Due to the impressive roster of titles to watch, WarnerMedia’s streaming platform garnered over 44 million subscribers—and this number only continues to grow as it continues to provide exclusive content and quality service to its loyal customers.
Perks and Services
From extensive HBO Max content to awesome perks, the streaming novice truly proved its competence from its major competitors in just over a year since its debut. Moreover, its impressive total number of subscribers is a testament to the brand’s success. Since this streaming service is relatively new compared to other well-known or established platforms, you might begin to wonder what drives many consumers to acquire a subscription and make use of its features. The perks that you can get from this platform include:
Practicality
The price of HBO Max which amounts to $14.99 usually gives a bad impression to many people. Notably, it is more expensive than other available streaming platforms. However, this service proves to be a more practical option. For one, an existing HBO cable subscription offers it to you for free as part of its package. Moreover, WarnerMedia also considered non-television cable subscribers as the company launched a $9.99-grade version of the service. With this option, HBO Max serves as a far more affordable choice compared to the $12.99 Disney Plus package. It is also more practical compared to Netflix’s monthly subscription of $14. The discounted version may have advertisements but the streaming device certainly did not sacrifice quality service. Indeed, this subscription plan offers the same impressive collection of shows and movies that its ad-free counterpart does.
Convenience
Many people turn to HBO Max due to the convenient perks that it offers. Today, streaming services are in demand since they can easily be accessed with just an internet connection. With just a click of a button, watching your favorite shows and movies is truly easier. You can efficiently use the service by simply downloading the app on a tablet or mobile phone that you have.
If you prefer watching on your desktop, whether Mac or PC, you can easily stream by visiting and signing in on the official website. You may also opt to watch on your Samsung TV, Apple TV, or other smart TV devices that you own. Moreover, the platform is made even more accessible since it also allows you to stream on other devices such as your Roku, PlayStation console, and Xbox. Since this platform can be used across many devices, it certainly proves to be a hassle-free and efficient way to stream during your free time.
Premium Content
Evidently, this HBO service has the same select-then-stream process as its competitors do. However, the subscription service undoubtedly acquired an edge over others due to its premium content. Many people subscribed to HBO Max because it has lots of exclusives and select titles that are not available on others’ catalogs. Of course, these include HBO originals and favorites such as Game of Thrones, The Wire, and Westworld. If you’re a huge fan of Studio Ghibli, you will also be pleased to know that movies by the renowned Japanese animation studio are also available on the platform. With these premium titles, it is easy to understand why the streaming novice quickly acquired loyal customers for just over a year since its launch.
It is also worth noting that the WarnerMedia company particularly owns rights to many blockbuster films and TV classics such as The Lord of the Rings and Friends. In turn, the mass media conglomerate is the first to give subscribers a front-row seat to its latest movies right on their premiere dates. In 2021, these include much-awaited films such as Dune, The Matrix 4, and Mortal Kombat among other huge titles. For 31 days since their launch date, subscribers can conveniently watch newly-released WarnerMedia movies. All they need to do is log in and access their account.
Constant Development
Without a doubt, this streaming service already offers so many interesting films and exclusive content that subscribers have come to love. Still, there are more to come as new WarnerMedia films are in the works. Moreover, it is not a remote possibility that the streaming device will obtain rights to other titles from third parties. This constant development allows their catalog to be even more extensive in the years to come—garnering even more subscribers and loyal consumers.
How Much Does HBO Max Cost?
Subscription Plans and Costs
With its premium features and quality service established, there is only one more question left to be answered: how much is HBO Max per month? Of course, smart consumerism entails a keen eye on affordability and practicality that any product or service offers. With lots of options to choose from, the cost of these streaming devices certainly serves as a major considering factor. Prices significantly affect whether or not one would want to avail a service. Fortunately, HBO Max offers lots of plans and subscription choices that are tailor-fit to cater to different preferences or budget.
The ad-free option of this streaming device offers a seamless experience which amounts to a monthly subscription price of $14.99. If you’re quite wary of spending this cost, you may also opt for a more affordable option. HBO Max also offers a plan which only costs $9.99 a month, Do take note that this cheaper subscription tier entails advertisements on some content. The download option is also not available on this version. If you happen to have constant access to a WIFI connection or data, this won’t be much of an inconvenience. Moreover, the maximum video quality on the platform is also at 1080 pixels which already serves as a high-definition picture for watching your favorite titles.
Both of these plans give you unlimited access to the awesome titles in the streaming device’s collection. It also allows you to simultaneously watch your favorite shows on up to three different devices. If you have the means to do so, pre-paying for an annual membership is also a choice worth considering since this amazing deal offers up to a 16% discount. Keep in mind that you can also opt out of your subscription anytime regardless of the subscription tier you availed.
How to Get a Free Trial
HBO Max certainly offers considerable subscription plans that give you so much bang for your buck. While these are already amazing, the service continues to entice many customers as it offers free trial options for everyone. However, the platform stopped providing trials last year due to their release of blockbuster titles as soon as they hit the big screen. Whether or not the free trials will come back is still uncertain as of the moment, leaving expectant consumers at the edge of their seats. Fortunately, there’s still a way for you to try this streaming service without shelling out money.
With a Hulu account, you can add HBO Max as an extension to your subscription. If you don’t already have one, you can sign up for a free 30-day Hulu subscription trial which entails you for a free 7-day HBO Max add-on, too. From there, you can have unlimited access to both streaming services right on the app as a paid subscriber could. Once your subscription is up, you can then decide to avail of a monthly or annual plan and if not, just try out other platforms, too. Of course, you also have the choice to opt out anytime if you find that the service is not the right fit for you.
HBO Max Content
Without a doubt, the content on WarnerMedia’s streaming platform is one of its strongest points. From its originals to blockbuster movies, more and more people are enticed to subscribe and access their notable titles. With these available shows and films, you will certainly get so much bang for your buck and stay entertained to your heart’s content.
Justice League Snyder Cut
DC fans would be pleased to know that a much-awaited film from the franchise is available to stream on HBO Max. With Zack Snyder’s direction, various DC superheroes were finally united in this glorious four-hour film filled with plot twists and iconic scenes. The notable cast consists of remarkable actors such as Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and many more. The interesting plot will surely lure you in. This streaming platform also offered the ultimate viewing experience as it gave Justice League Snyder Cut great streaming options. These include HDR10, 4K UHD, and Dolby Vision and Atmo features. In turn, better sound and video quality will make you enjoy the extraordinary film even more—making it more immersive and top-notch.
Wonder Woman 1984
The Wonder Woman film features exceptional stars such as Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Connie Nielsen. The notable actress, Kristen Wiig, also amazed many fans as she portrayed the Cheetah villain in the film. Filled with thrill, action, and a moving plot, this DC movie is surely one of the best movies on HBO Max.
Aside from its comeback, the Wonder Woman 1984 HBO Max premiere on December 25, 2020 was also a much-awaited event by the subscribers of the new streaming service. They were fortunate enough to witness the film in its full glory as it debuted on the streaming service on the same day it was launched in the United States. Aside from this film, many people also anticipate big titles and newly-released films to come to the platform for them to enjoy right in the comfort of their homes.
Cartoon Network Shows and Movies
Whether you’re a kid or a kid-at-heart, you’re in for an amazing time if you subscribe to AT&T’s streaming service. As a subsidiary company of WarnerMedia, Cartoon Network is expected to stay in HBO Max and make many cartoon enthusiasts laugh out loud with its fun shows. As one would anticipate, many childhood favorites from the renowned television channel for kids are available for streaming on the video platform. This includes entertaining classics like Dexter’s Laboratory and Chowder. You can also have a taste of sugar, spice, and everything nice as you watch both the original and 2016 versions of The Powerpuff Girls. Seeing the iconic trio will surely make you even more thrilled and happy.
The Cartoon Network collection also lets you reunite with your favorite characters in Ed, Edd, n Eddy. If you’re in for some thrill and action, Codename: Kids Next Door and Courage the Cowardly Dog will surely have you sitting at the edge of your seat. There are also more recent Cartoon Network favorites such as Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven Universe. All of these and more are waiting for you on the new streaming platform today and will surely make the Cartoon Network fan in you excited.
Aside from series, there are also various specials and Cartoon Network originals available on the platform. These include Ben 10: Race Against Time which premiered in 2007 and Regular Show: The Movie which made many people laugh when it debuted in 2015. The endearing Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear also premiered their first film, We Bare Bears: The Movie, in 2020. This much-loved movie and other Cartoon Network content are still available to watch on the streaming service for you and your loved ones to delight in.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
The 2019 film, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, is also one of the available HBO Max movies that many people have come to love. With Rob Letterman’s direction, the much-adored characters from the franchise were brought to life on the big screen—with Pikachu at its forefront. Exceptional actors comprised the film’s cast which includes Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu, Justice Smith as Tim Goodman, and Bill Nighy as Howard Clifford. If you’re a Pokemon fan and an HBO Max subscriber, don’t miss out on the opportunity to stream this movie and catch all of the good vibes that it brings your way.
Big Bang Theory
The whole universe might just as well feel the thrill as the hit series, Big Bang Theory, makes it on the collection of HBO Max shows. Smart as they are by book and technicality, the main characters such as Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) came to realize that they lack social confidence and life experiences. Their lives also changed forever when a new neighbor (Kaley Cuoco) moved right across their apartment. The unlikely trio and their friends took on many ups and downs as they figured out how to be better versions of themselves with the help of one another.
With this streaming platform, you can follow their life and adventures as they tackle science-related challenges at work and face real-life hurdles. While the show will surely tickle your funny bone, you can also learn a lot of relevant life lessons that can boost your mood and personal growth. More importantly, learning the context behind Sheldon’s ‘Bazinga!’ catchphrase will also be a great habit to pick up and share with your friends.
The Flight Attendant
If you enjoyed and completed the Big Bang Theory series, you might find yourself getting thoroughly attached to the characters such as Penny. Lucky for you, HBO Max lets you easily jump to yet another exciting show featuring Kaley Cuoco as Cassandra Bowden on The Flight Attendant. This comedy-thriller series drew inspiration from author Chris Bohjalian’s book of the same title. As it was launched in November 2020 on HBO Max, avid television viewers were in for a treat as talented actors such as Michiel Huisman and Rosie Perez starred alongside Cuoco in the show.
Before everything else, we must warn you: The Flight Attendant isn’t your typical television show and is certainly not for the faint of heart. As the plot unfolds, viewers will get to witness various twists concerning Cassandra Bowden’s life that was changed forever when she wakes up with a dead man in her hotel room. The catch? Bowden has absolutely no idea or recollection of what transpired before that fateful moment. As the second season of The Flight Attendant is expected to premiere in 2022, many fans were left eagerly waiting for even more clues and answers from the HBO Max original show. Until then, you can always binge and rewatch the show as many times as you want.
Sesame Street
Sweeping the clouds (and boredom) away is certainly a cinch with HBO Max. You can reunite and have lots of fun with your favorite Sesame Street Characters such as Elmo, Big Bird, and Bert as the iconic show is finally available to watch on the streaming service. Watching with your little ones will also keep them occupied as they have fun learning new dances and games all at the same time. Indeed, the fun soundtrack and lively songs of the series will also entertain kids – or the young at heart – for hours on end.
Studio Ghibli Movies
HBO Max also lets you enjoy the magical movies from the esteemed Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. The animated works of the Tokyo-based studio will surely move your heart and make the heart of the child in you flutter with joy. This includes the mind-boggling 1988 film, My Neighbor Totoro, which was directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki. Ghibli movies such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke will also surely capture the attention and hearts of animated films’ avid fans.
As they are finally available to stream on WarnerMedia’s growing streaming platform, many people certainly believe that it is a great way to propel their revered masterpieces into the spotlight—gaining even more recognition for the wonder that they hold. More importantly, the remarkable life lessons that people of all ages can pick up from the films make them relevant then until now. Without a doubt, these Japanese animated works will bring magic into your day with any HBO Max streaming device you own.
Looney Tunes
Yet another iconic series made its way to the American video streaming service as Looney Tunes was launched on HBO Max. It debuted on the streaming platform last May 2020. Looney Tunes‘ first season made many people laugh out loud due to its funny lines and entertaining scenes. Of course, the show features much-loved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Porky Pig, and Daffy Duck. Your whole family will stay entertained as they face mishaps and have great adventures in each episode. If you still haven’t acquired a subscription yet and wish to watch Looney Tunes, you can still catch up today. As you binge-watch the episodes, you will be just in time for the second season. It’s expected to premiere on the platform on July 8, 2021.
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion
Fans of the classic 1990 television series, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, finally acquired their chance of witnessing a much-awaited reunion with this new special. After over 30 years since its debut on television, the actors of the iconic show sat down and talked about various things regarding their life on set and interesting topics about the series. These include Will Smith, Tatyana Ali, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Joseph Marcell among many others. Hardcore Fresh Prince fans were able to reminisce along with them, witness exclusive footage, and watch personal interviews that circled on the emblematic series. Since it was aired in November 2020, the special is still up and available on the streaming service. This way, you can reunite with your favorites and revisit good times whenever and wherever you like.
How to Watch HBO Max
Learning how to Watch HBO Max on Roku, Amazon Fire, and other platforms is fairly easy to do. However, do take note that the streaming service is only available in the United States. Here’s hoping that WarnerMedia considers expanding its reach to other regions, as well. For those who are indeed currently living in the US, you’re in luck since the budding platform is both easy to manage and avail of.
Official Website
Like most video streaming services, signing up is the first step to unlocking their full features. To sign up, you will be needing a compatible device and of course, an internet connection. You can sign up on hbomax.com and fill in all the details required. While you’re at it, you can also start to decide on a subscription plan of your choice. Then, you have to choose a payment method that’s right for you. Once you’re done, you can then download the app or visit the official website and start logging in to your account. Just like that, you can finally start binge-watching your favorite series or much-loved films for days on end.
Roku
Aside from your desktop, you may also opt to watch on your Roku box. To do this, search for HBO Max on your Roku. Once you’ve looked up the application, simply add it to your device of choice and log in using your account. If you don’t have an account yet, you can sign up for one on your device using Roku Pay. This hassle-free payment method will surely prove to be convenient since it can be accessed directly on the platform. This is efficient if you’re looking to commit to the service for a long time. Upon learning how to get HBO Max on Roku, you can then enjoy streaming to your heart’s content.
Apple
You can also stream your favorite content using your iPad or iPhone. The streaming app is available to download on the App Store. After downloading, you can log in to your existing account. You may also purchase the app directly, then later sign up for a subscription account. Aside from your mobile Apple devices, you can also sync and access the app on your Apple TV.
Android
If you own Android phones or tablets, you can also avail of the streaming service through Google. You only have to search for the app and download it to your device straight from the Google Play store. After doing so, you can make an in-app purchase then sign up for a plan that you prefer. Once these steps are done, you can start watching on your Android devices, Google Chromecast, YouTube TV, and Chromebook. You can also stream directly from compatible Android or Smart TV devices that you own.
Comparison to Other Streaming Services
HBO Now vs. HBO Max
WarnerMedia cultivated HBO Now and gave rise to a fresher and better service: HBO Max. Among the similarities between these streaming platforms is that they both offer a monthly $14.99 subscription plan. Essentially, they also provide the same on-demand HBO titles. The key difference between these two HBO services is their catalog size. HBO Max offers more shows and movies in its collection compared to its forerunner. It’s also worth noting that the newer platform is a much more robust version. Many subscribers love the offered premium access to big titles from WarnerMedia as soon as they hit the cinemas. This feature was evidently only made available on this streaming service in 2020.
HBO Max vs. HBO Go
Yet another streaming platform by WarnerMedia that offers more or less the same features as HBO Max is HBO Go. As the latter was released in 2020 and its older counterpart was put to a halt altogether, it was quite inevitable for the two to be compared to each other. Notably, subscribers of the HBO TV cable channel can access both services without extra cost. In turn, they serve as practical choices for budget-conscious consumers who are looking to get their money’s worth and more.
While both services allow people to watch their favorite titles, they are designed to cater to different needs. HBO Go is a free application that comes with an HBO cable subscription. It lets users stream on satellite, cable, or live TV platforms. In contrast, HBO Max can be accessed through more ways and devices. While HBO Go is a promising platform, WarnerMedia will shut it down entirely. With this, the company aims to push its newer streaming service in the market even more.
Netflix
Without a doubt, Netflix serves as one of the biggest competitors of HBO Max. The best movies available on Netflix, as well as its impressive roster of shows appeal to many avid television or cinema fans. Among the most evident differences between the two is that Netflix offers more options. For one, Netflix lets you adjust your plan if you have budget constraints. You can also choose your package according to your personal preferences and needs. This allows you to decide on the number of devices you’ll be accessing it from. Aside from this, you can also decide on even the maximum video quality you need for your streaming. These factors play an important role in determining which package is perfect for you.
On the other hand, HBO Max only provides two subscription plans. While the options are much more limited compared to that of Netflix, these packages prove to be great choices. Taking the premium content that the service provides into consideration, you’ll surely get so much bang for your buck. While on the topic of content, Netflix might offer a wider library but HBO Max gets a one up with its exclusive titles. Same-date premiere movies by WarnerMedia also drive cinema connoisseurs to their streaming platform, as well.
Disney Plus
This service is also one of the relatively new streaming platforms today. An evident difference can be observed right away on Disney Plus’ price difference. Compared to HBO Max, Disney Plus proves to be an affordable option since it only costs $8 per month. While it is more inexpensive, there are also lots of awesome movies on Disney Plus that include our childhood faves and big titles such as Toy Story, Avengers, and more.
In terms of the number of streams, Disney Plus also sets an advantage. Subscribers can enjoy streaming on four different devices that they own. In contrast, HBO Max only allows users to access it on a maximum of three devices at the same time. This one device difference can be trivial for some but it can also be a huge factor for consumers. Indeed, many wish to utilize the platform as much as they can which could entail multiple simultaneous streams.
On another note, consumers who enjoy top-notch video quality would certainly enjoy both streaming services’ 4K HDR features. Both also offer some originals and exclusive content that could appeal to a specific target audience. So if you’re a Game of Thrones fan who also loves classic Disney films, choosing only one of these two platforms could have you at your wits’ end. If you have the means to do so, subscribing to both services could be a worthwhile investment, as well. This way, you can have even more variety in terms of title selection. Moreover, you can truly take pride in having access to their exclusive content.
HBO Max: Is It for You?
With the onslaught of more streaming services, the availability of various options can easily overwhelm you. Moreover, it can cause indecisiveness on what to subscribe to. On the flip side, these platforms truly aim to provide convenient entertainment. They also offer a seamless viewing experience and quality content that you can choose from. When it comes to HBO Max, a target audience with specific preferences or budget considerations will find that this streaming service is perfect for them.
If you have a certain fondness for HBO programs and originals, opting for a subscription plan will surely be an advantage for you. Since the platform owns the rights to these kinds of content, you can easily search and access them on its roster. On another note, TV junkies who love classic series and television shows will also find HBO Max as a worthwhile streaming service. With a subscription, you can conveniently binge-watch your favorite series and even discover new titles on HBO Max to love.
Above all, being an avid film connoisseur also makes this streaming service perfect for you. With great features and customizable video or sound options, your viewing experience will surely be of the utmost quality. The cherry on top is the chance to watch blockbuster films and big titles as soon as they hit the cinemas. This exclusive access and other awesome perks surely make HBO Max a suitable choice for you.
