✦ Edited and fact-checked by Mia Carter, our Contributing Writer with over 27 years covering tech and mobile apps.
What you get with HBO Max
HBO Max includes HBO series and movies, Max Originals, Warner Bros. titles, and programming from other Warner Bros. Discovery brands.
Basic with Ads includes on-demand programming with ads and supports two simultaneous streams in Full HD 1080p. Standard adds up to 30 offline downloads, select live sports, and live HBO and CNN Max channels. Premium adds up to four simultaneous streams, up to 100 downloads, and 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos on supported titles and devices. Live sports and live channels include ads regardless of plan.
For a complete breakdown of what HBO Max offers, explore our full HBO Max review.
How much do HBO Max streaming plans cost?
HBO Max Plans and Pricing
| Package Name | Price | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|
HBO Max™ Basic with Ads | $10.99/mo. | — |
HBO Max™ Standard (No Ads) | $18.49/mo. | — |
HBO Max™ Premium (No Ads) | $22.99/mo. | — |
HBO Max™ Basic with Ads Yearly | $109.99/year | — |
HBO Max™ Standard (No Ads) Yearly | $184.99/year | — |
HBO Max™ Premium (No Ads) Yearly | $229.99/year | — |
Data effective as of post date.
HBO Max offers three U.S. plans: Basic with Ads, Standard, and Premium.
Basic with Ads and Standard support Full HD 1080p and two simultaneous streams. Standard also includes up to 30 offline downloads, live TV channels from HBO, and select live sports. Premium supports up to four simultaneous streams, up to 100 offline downloads, and 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos where available. HBO Max currently offers monthly and annual billing for all three direct plans, with the annual options advertised at a lower total cost than paying the regular monthly rate for 12 months.
HBO Max plans FAQ
What's the difference between HBO Max's Basic and Standard plans?
Basic with Ads and Standard both support Full HD 1080p and two simultaneous streams. Basic with Ads plays ads before and during on-demand shows and movies. Standard removes those on-demand ad breaks, adds up to 30 offline downloads, and includes select live sports plus live TV channels from HBO. Live sports and live channels can still contain ads.
Does HBO Max include live sports?
Select live sports are included with HBO Max Standard and Premium, while Basic with Ads doesn't include live sports. HBO Max's 2026 lineup includes select MLB and NHL games, a selection of NCAA Men's March Madness games, select Big 12 and Big East college sports, U.S. Soccer, NASCAR coverage, cycling, Roland-Garros, and other events. Sports streams are limited to two simultaneous devices, including for Premium subscribers.
Can I watch HBO Max outside my household?
HBO Max accounts are intended for the account holder and people who live with them. Subscribers can add an Extra Member Add-On for someone who lives outside the household. The add-on is billed separately each month and isn't available to subscribers billed through another provider or to Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle subscribers. Extra Member accounts are limited to one simultaneous stream.
What original series make HBO Max worth the price?
CableTV.com's editorial staff named HBO Max its 2025 Best of the Best pick for exclusive content, citing the combination of HBO titles and Max Originals. Current HBO Max programming includes acclaimed series such as "Succession," "The Last of Us," "Hacks," and "The White Lotus," alongside a broader library of Warner Bros. Discovery programming. Check our what to watch on HBO Max guide for recommendations, or browse current HBO Max deals for promotional offers.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
