What is HBO Max? Everything you need to know

HBO has been the king of exclusive subscription content for nearly 50 years now, currently operating seven 24-hour channels filled with high-quality original and licensed content. The company took its first steps into the digital age with HBO Now five years ago, which laid the groundwork for a much-expanded service called HBO Max. This service combines HBO’s impressive library of original shows and movies with even more content from its parent company Warner Media into a single subscription service. 

HBO Max isn’t just a name change. There’re tons of new content, and HBO is aggressively working to expand its subscriber base through some very bold moves. Chief among them, HBO recently announced that many of Time Warner’s key theatrical releases will be released to HBO Max on the same day as they hit theaters. This includes the hotly anticpated Wonder Woman 1984, which debuts on Christmas day.This is a big deal when you consider that going to a movie for two can easily cost $20 or more, and that’s not including concessions! HBO Max will have some of the best movies of late 2020 and 2021 for no added costs beyond the service’s $14.99 a month subscription. This is a big deal, to say the least. 

Don’t have HBO Max yet? Sign up now via the button below.

What is HBO Max?

HBO Max is a streaming service from Home Box Office and its parent company Warner Media. It’s home to all of HBO’s premium TV shows and movies, as well as additional programming from the Warner Media library.

Subscribers can gain access to more than 10,000 hours of content, including HBO shows like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones as well as recent movies like The Harry Potter series and Studio Ghibli catalog. It’s also the exclusive home of the biggest show of the 90s and early 2000s: Friends.

The service first launched in the United States in May of 2020, largely replacing the company’s two older streaming services HBO Go and HBO Now. HBO Go has since become defunct, with HBO Now becoming the default HBO app on a few select platforms.

What’s the difference between HBO Max and HBO Now?

HBO Now used to be the only way for non-cable subscribers to gain access to HBO’s content, with cable subscribers pointed toward the (now defunct) HBO Go. With the release of HBO Max, all HBO Go subscribers and most HBO Now subscribers were switched over to the new service free of charge.

Learn more: HBO Max, HBO Now, and HBO Go: What’s the difference and what’s changing?

The reason why HBO Now still hangs on while mostly being overshadowed by the new service mostly has to do with backroom business deals. More specifically, Roku (and Amazon until November) could not come to an agreement with Warner Media about hosting the new HBO Max app, instead renaming the existing HBO Now app to just HBO.

If you’re not an existing subscriber or have no interest in streaming on a Roku device, HBO Max is the better service. They cost the same at $14.99 a month, but Max includes far more content from the Warner Media catalog, whereas the other includes just HBO original shows and movies.

How does it work?

Like most streaming services, all you need to do is access the service from a computer, phone, or other supported device, select the show you want to watch, and start streaming.

Read also: HBO not working? Here’s how to fix HBO and HBO Max

Both the web and app interfaces separate content into “hubs” like Cartoon Network, DC Comics, Studio Ghibli, and of course, HBO. This allows you to quickly browse and find the content you want to watch.

The media files themselves are kept on a remote server, and as long as you have a consistently good internet connection you shouldn’t experience any stutters or pausing. HBO recommends a minimum speed of 5mbps for HD streaming, but you might want to step that up slightly for the best experience.

You can also download shows and movies to watch offline, but only via the official Android or iOS app.

Is HBO Max worth it?

HBO Max is one of the most expensive streaming options out there, but there’s a reason for this! HBO has some of the best exclusive content, and that’s even more the case in 2021 with tons of great movies heading its way. 

In Android Authority‘s own HBO Max review, we found that the amount of content on offer was impressive, especially compared to other streaming services. It has an excellent library of content for both kids and adults, with as well as a host of exclusive HBO series and movies.

HBO Max is more expensive than other streaming services, but it has the content to back it up.

Granted, most of these HBO original series can also be watched over the air on the subscription TV channels. The online streaming service itself only has a handful of truly original content (called Max Originals), such as Legendary, Craftopia, On the Record, and the Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo.

Content alone nearly makes HBO Max worth it, but our biggest complaints were the lack of 4K quality and, more importantly, device support. The fact that Roku devices don’t support the platform excludes a huge portion of streaming enthusiasts. Hopefully, these companies and HBO can come to an agreement soon, but for now, it’s a major roadblock.

The good news is that if you’re on the fence about an additional streaming fee and already subscribe to HBO channels, odds are you can get HBO Max for free. With most cable companies, all you need to do is enter your details into the HBO Max app and you’re good to go.

Where is HBO Max available?

Currently HBO Max can only be streamed in the United States, but international localized versions are scheduled for rollout starting in 2021. The first countries to receive HBO Max will be in Latin America and Europe, mostly to replace existing HBO streaming services that currently operate in a single market.

Until then, you can still stream HBO content on local affiliates. We’ll update this article as soon as HBO makes the service available in more countries.

How much is HBO Max?

HBO Max costs $14.99 per month, which is the same amount as HBO Now. This is significantly more than services like Apple TV Plus or Disney Plus, but it has much more content on offer. Click the button below to sign up.

Users used to be able to sign up for a seven-day free trial of HBO Max, but that is no longer an option. As of December 3, 2020, WarnerMedia has terminated the free trial option just a few weeks before the much-anticipated Wonder Woman 1984 is set to debut. To soften the blow, WarnerMedia is now offering a 22% discount to new and returning subscribers if they prepay for six months of the service at $69.99. The special price is available from December 3, 2020 through January 15, 2021.

How can I get HBO Max for free?

There are a few ways to get HBO Max for free apart from the seven-day free trial. The first is by being a current HBO Now subscriber. If you’re already paying for HBO’s previous streaming service, you just need to enter your details and you can get HBO Max for no additional fee.

You can also (probably) get HBO Max for free if you subscribe to HBO programming through your cable TV service. HBO has agreements with Charter (Spectrum), Altice USA, Verizon, Comcast, Cox, and others.

HBO Max is also included with some AT&T plans free of charge. The service is currently included with the AT&T Unlimited Elite wireless plan, which runs $85 for the first line with discounts on additional lines. Certain AT&T TV plans, like AT&T TV Now Max and DirecTV Premier, also include HBO Max streaming.

Learn more: How can you get HBO Max for free?

How do I get HBO Max?

You can sign up for HBO Max by clicking on the button below, or via the app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

What devices does HBO Max support?

HBO Max supports a variety of devices, starting with web browsers and both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Just download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to get streaming. The service also has apps for Android TV and Apple TV, as well as support for Google Chromecast streaming dongles.

Read also: The best media streaming devices you can buy

Many smart TVs, such as those made by Samsung, LG, and Sony, are also compatible with HBO Max. Many more are supported via Casting and AirPlay 2 technology. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles are also supported, although the Nintendo Switch is not. In mid-November, the HBO Max app launched on Amazon Fire TV devices. In December, Comcast cable and internet customers added the HBO Max app to the company’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex set-top boxes. It also added support for the Playstation 5 game console and, at long last, the many Roku devices and smart TVs that same month.

What’s on HBO Max?

HBO Max offers a huge amount of great content for both kids and adults. These include HBO’s impressive catalog of original shows and movies as well as content from its parent company Warner Media. Check out the full list of shows and movies at the link below.

Read also: HBO Max: The master list of movies and TV shows right now

To give you a quick idea of what you can expect, here’s a short list of some of the best content HBO Max has to offer.

HBO Max TV shows

It should come as no surprise that HBO Max has a host of great TV shows after decades of great HBO originals like The Sopranos, Westworld, Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, and others. All of these can be streamed in their entirety on the service in HD quality.

But HBO Max offers much more than just that. It includes more hit shows like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and South Park, as well as popular children’s shows like The Jetsons, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, and Sesame Street. It also includes many anime series and movies from the streaming service Crunchyroll.

Here’s a short list of a few of our favorite TV shows on HBO Max:

Best HBO Max movies

HBO Max has no shortage of movies on offer, either, with tons of great options for all ages. This obviously includes HBO originals like Gia and Behind the Candelabra, but thanks to Warner Media and other third-party licenses it includes literally hundreds more new and classic movies.

Read also: The top 10 best HBO Max movies

At your disposal you have most of the Turner Classic Movies catalog, the entire DC Universe of movies (Batman and Superman), Studio Ghibli’s entire catalog, and many classics from the Criterion Collection.

Check out a short list of some of the best HBO Max movies below:

On December 3, 2020, Warner Bros. Picture Group announced that every one of its movies slated for the 2021 calendar year will debut first on HBO Max. The films will also launch in theaters, but now you won’t need to wait to see them from the comfort of your own home. The list includes Wonder Woman 1984, the next sequel in The Matrix series, Dune, a new Mortal Kombat film, Godzilla vs Kong, and many others. You can learn more about the change here.

HBO Max original TV shows and movies

Last but not least, there is a short list of HBO Max Original TV shows and movies that you can’t stream on any other service. In fact, you won’t even be able to watch them on HBO cable channels!

There still aren’t too many originals on the platform, but the list is slowly growing. Below we’ve included a list of both what’s currently available and what’s coming soon.

Current HBO Max original TV shows and movies:

Upcoming HBO Max original TV shows and movies: 

HBO Max vs the competition

In a way HBO Max already has its own niche carved out by the sheer quality of the existing HBO catalog, but if you’re still on the fence it’s worth checking out some competitors. Most of these are less expensive overall, but few offer the same incredible library of shows and movies.

Read also: The best video streaming services that are worth your time and money

Below we’ve compared HBO Max to a few other leading streaming services on the market. This way you can be sure of your decision before spending your hard earned money.

Netflix

No discussion of streaming services would be complete without talking about Netflix. The current king of the streaming world has far more subscribers worldwide due to an impressive library of licensed content, more originals than any other service can muster, and a running head start.

Despite an increase in competition, Netflix is still the go-to platform for streaming. However, price increases have reduced the previously great value proposition. The cheapest plan for most of the world costs $9 a month, and only includes SD quality streaming. To stream in HD you’re looking at $13 a month, which is only slightly less than HBO Max.

Not all Netflix original content will be as high-quality as HBO’s originals, but there will always be something new to watch. That’s what makes Netflix such an excellent first choice for those looking to cut the cord or just keep up with the latest popular streaming shows.

Apple TV Plus

If you’re looking for original and exclusive content, Apple TV Plus is a great alternative to HBO Max. The service offers almost exclusively original series and movies that you won’t see on any other platform.

For now, that library is fairly small, but there are many shows worth checking out like Mythic Quest, The Morning Show, and See. As time goes on even more big-budget shows will be produced for the platform, with Apple’s deep pockets to prop up it up as it grows.

The biggest thing Apple TV Plus has going for it is that it only costs $5 a month. It doesn’t have the most impressive library, but at that price it’s the perfect secondary platform for heavy streamers.

Disney Plus

HBO Max has a great selection of children’s content, but Disney Plus arguably offers even more for those with small children. Disney’s streaming service offers the full Disney and Pixar catalogs, as well as documentaries from National Geographic and movies from the Marvel and Star Wars universes.

Disney Plus also has a growing list of completely original content, like the hit show The Mandalorian. Several more Star Wars, Marvel, and animated shows will soon be added to the platform, as well.

At just $7 a month, Disney Plus is one of the most affordable streaming services out there. If you want even more TV shows or sports content you can get a great bundle deal of Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus for just $13 a month. That’s currently the best deal there is in the streaming world!

Amazon Prime Video

When it comes to pure value, there is nothing like Amazon Prime Video. Bundled with an Amazon Prime subscription, it has an enormous library of shows and movies to stream right away, with even more content available to rent or buy at the click of a button.

But what really makes the service shine is all of the extra perks that come with it. These include not only a huge streaming video library, but also free shipping on orders, ebook rentals on Kindle, unlimited photo storage, and discounts at Whole Foods supermarkets.

If that doesn’t seal the deal, Amazon also offers 4K quality at its base tier, which HBO Max doesn’t offer on any of its content. You can get Amazon Prime for less than HBO Max at $13 a month, but if you’re not interested in the extra perks you can access just the streaming library for even less at just $9 a month.

Other FAQs

Q: How many people can stream at the same time on HBO Max?
A: The service can be streamed on up to three devices at once.

Q: Can the service be shared with friends and family?
A: Yes. Thanks to the generous allowance of three simultaneous streams, the service can be shared without worrying about interrupted streams.

Q: Does HBO Max offer streams in 4K?
A: No. The highest quality currently offered is HD. There is no word on when or if UHD content will be supported in the future.

Q: Does HBO Max have a free plan?
A: Currently HBO Max does not have a free plan, but there are tentative plans to launch an ad-supported plan some time in 2021, bundled with AT&T TV.

Q: Does the service feature advertisements?
A: No, there are no advertisements while streaming content on HBO Max.

Q: When will HBO Max launch internationally?
A: The service will launch in Europe and Latin America in 2021, with a further rollout some time in the future.

Q: Does HBO Max work with a VPN?
A: Although it’s not officially supported, many VPN services work with HBO Max. Learn more about the best VPN services.

Q: Can I download shows from HBO Max and watch them offline?
A: You can download shows and movies to watch offline, but only on the HBO Max app.

Q: How do I unsubscribe from the service if I don’t want it anymore?
A: It’s easy to unsubscribe and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it.

Q: Will there be a Friends reunion on HBO Max?
A: Yes. Deadline reports that all six cast members, along with the original creators of the show, will reunite for an unscripted Friends special that will be shown exclusively on the service. However, it will be a behind-the-scenes reunion rather than a new episode.

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