The streaming service is fast growing and was launched in the US in May 2020. It’s basically Warner Bros’ attempt at taking on Netflix and Disney Plus.
HBO Max offers a wider range of content than the previously available HBO Now and HBO Go services. It includes all of HBO’s classic series (like The Sopranos) as well as newer HBO originals (like Succession, Euphoria), and a large movie library.
HBO Max is the place to be for new HBO shows. They air at the same time on HBO Max. It truly is a wide-reaching service. It should be for the $14.99 monthly price.
We’ve collected all the information you need to know about HBO Max, including its cost, features, and availability. You can also see if HBO Max is available in 2022.
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Is HBO Max available in your area?
HBO Max was originally launched only in the USA, but HBO Max expanded to the Nordic Countries (Denmark and Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Spain in 2021.
In March 2022, the streamer started rolling out in 15 additional European territories. These include Portugal, Poland and Croatia. Six additional regions, including Turkey and Greece, will be able to access the service in the latter part of the year. WarnerMedia expects to increase HBO Max’s reach to 190 countries by 2026.
However, UK viewers will need to wait longer to access HBO Max. In 2019, HBO signed a four year agreement with Sky, allowing it to air certain HBO-produced TV shows and movies. HBO Max won’t be available in the UK until that partnership is over in 2024.
However, British viewers still have access to HBO Max content. Many of the studio’s most popular properties can be viewed through compatible Sky (or Now TV), with only a few exceptions.
How much does HBO Max cost?
There are currently two HBO Max subscription (opens in new window) tiers. A main, ad free tier costs $14.99 per month (around AU$22/PS11) while an less expensive, ad supported tier is $9.99 per month (about AU$14/PS8/PS126)
This subscription allows you to access the same TV and movie library, but subscribers can’t download content to watch offline. Video quality is also limited at 1080p.
HBO Max’s $14.99 main price places it at the higher end of the streaming services spectrum. However, HBO Max is the same price as HBO Now and offers a significantly better entertainment package for the price.
Comparatively, Disney Plus is $7.99 / PlayStation7.99 / AU$11.99 a month. Netflix’s standard tier costs $15.49 / PlayStation10.99 / AU$16.99 a month. Our HBO Max price guide will help you learn more about the service and compare it to other providers.
Notable is also the fact that HBO Max is free for all current subscribers to HBO Direct.
- Altice One
- Atlantic Broadband
- Apple TV
- AT&T TV
- AT&T U-verse
- Cox
- DIRECTV
- Optimum
- RCN
- Spectrum
- Suddenlink
- Verizon FIOS
- WOW!
- Xfinity
- Hulu
Moreover, if HBO Now is also available through a third party app or service (see below), HBO Max will tell you that subscribers receive HBO Max at no cost: Apple, Google Play Samsung TV, Hulu and Verizon.
All HBO Max subscribers can now watch HBO via AT&T’s related services at no extra cost. AT&T now offers dedicated pages (opens in new tab), which provide information on the deals that include streaming.
Is HBO Max available for a free trial?
Unfortunately, people, you can no longer try HBO Max for 7 days before committing. HBO might still offer a free trial if you are accessing the streamer from a country that just recently acquired the service.
For more information, take a look at our HBO Max no cost trial article.
What HBO Max movies are worth watching?
Although it’s expensive, HBO Max offers a great selection of movies. While Netflix’s movie collection has many highlights from other studios as well, HBO Max’s base contains many incredible movies from Warner Bros. history. This means you can get an enormous range of DC Comics movies right out of the box, including Batman (1989), Joker, and Aquaman.
The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings trilogies are two examples of genre movies that HBO Max has a great record of streaming. For the most recent additions, take a look to our guide to the top HBO Max movies.
Studio Ghibli movies is one of HBO Max’s exclusive channels. This channel gives subscribers access (with the exception of Grave of the Fireflies) to all animated films from the studio behind Spirited Away. TCM (Turner Classic Movies), another channel, is also available. Although it’s not as specialized as The Criterion Channel’s, you’ll still find plenty of classics, including Citizen Kane and All The President’s Men.
There will always be something to watch on HBO Max. Subscribers in 2022 won’t be able to access day-and-date movie releases, which was the case for Dune as well as The Matrix Resurrections. However, HBO Max gives Netflix and Disney Plus more options when it comes blockbuster viewing. The streaming service continues to receive newer movies, such as The Batman, approximately 45 days after theatrical releases.
What’s streaming with HBO Max?
For recommendations on HBO Max’s best TV shows , check out our best HBO Max Shows list. The core of this offering is HBO’s original series. All series, including The Wire and The Sopranos, as well as miniseries such Show Me A Hero or The Night Of, are available to stream. But HBO is not just known for its dramas. You can also stream documentaries such as McMillions or The Case Against Adnan Syed, as well as comedy shows like Veep and Curb Your Enthusiasm. You can also enjoy HBO’s rich history in stand-up specials, featuring some of America’s most famous comedians.
Plus, HBO’s TV offerings are supplemented by older shows from Warner’s archives (and beyond). For example, Rick and Morty’s four first seasons can be streamed. HBO Max also has exclusive rights to South Park and Friends in the USA. The Big Bang Theory and The Middle, Young Sheldon and The Nanny are just a few of the sitcoms that you can stream on the service.
There are many great animated shows here. Batman: The Animated Series, a classic of the ’90s is joined by Superman and the futuristic Batman Beyond. Crunchyroll, a channel on HBO Max, offers anime. Cartoon Network, however, has shows such as Steven Universe and Dexter’s Laboratory.
The latest seasons of Doctor Who, The Office (UK), and the crime drama Gomorrah are all available for import.
HBO Max also has an original series collection that will continue to grow in the years ahead. Succession and Euphoria as well as Raised by Wolves, Flight Attendant, Search Party, and Raised By Wolves are just a few of the streaming service’s upcoming gems. (Oh, and Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon will be a major hit in August 2022).
HBO Max vs HBO Max: What’s the difference?
HBO has reduced its streaming options to HBO Max and HBO from 2022, mainly to avoid confusion. This is simply due to the number of programs subscribers have access. You’ll receive every HBO original series, along with all its movies, by subscribing only to HBO. HBO Max gives you twice the content, including Adult Swim, Friends, and Max’s originals.
There’s no reason to choose HBO Max over HBO. They cost the same and offer more content.
How can you stream HBO Max apps and devices?
Below is a list of devices that are officially supported by HBO Max. You can stream from as many devices as you like with the streaming service. However, there is a limit to the number of simultaneous streams that can be used. This is for security reasons.
- PS4/PS5
- Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
- Roku OS 9.3 or later
- Cox Contour 2 & Contour Stream Player
- iOS (12.2 or later)
- Android (5.0 or later)/Android TV
- Chromecast
- Apple TV
- Chrome/Firefox/Microsoft Edge
- Xfinity X1 & Flex
- Samsung Smart TVs (2016 onwards)
Max App Features: Downloads and Recommendations
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HBO Max allows you to download content for offline viewing. You can also download content for offline viewing via HBO Max’s PIN system.
Subscribers have the option to ‘co-view’ homepages that reflect the tastes of multiple members of your household. If you are tired of Netflix’s algorithmic recommendations, the homepage offers themed content.
Is 4K streaming supported by Max?
Yes. Yes. As of December 2020 HBO Max supports 4K streaming on select 4K-compatible devices (see below), but only if subscribers have signed up for the ad-free Tier of the service.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K & Fire TV Cube
- Android TVs, including: AT&T Streaming Box
- Apple TV 4K
- Google Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast With Google TV
- Roku Ultra 4800x and Roku 4k TVs. Roku Premiere. Roku Streaming Stick+.
- Xfinity X1 and Flex
Could HBO Max win streaming wars?
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HBO is synonymous with high-end TV shows, such as The Sopranos and Oz, and Game of Thrones and Chernobyl. It’ll probably become something entirely different with HBO Max – but that association remains a huge asset. HBO is still the TV talker in the ‘Peak TV” age. It has produced the likes Succession, Euphoria, and Mare at Easttown.
This is the foundation on which HBO Max is building: the best TV in the last 20 years, paired with every major Warner brand. While streaming services may not all survive the content war, HBO Max has a lot to offer, including a large investment in blockbuster films.
It’s already a great streaming site. The question is how its originals will stand out in a saturated US streaming landscape.
