Curious about Max but worried about the price? Learn everything you need to know now.
Lara Vukelich,
Tyler SchoeberDisclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
It's time to learn everything you need to know about Max, one of the most popular streaming services in modern times. Max originally launched in late 2020 replacing HBO Go and HBO Now. This on-demand streaming platform includes popular HBO shows and films, along with originals created exclusively for Max. It even includes exclusive Warner Bros. Discovery movie releases 45 days after they come out in theaters, which isn't the case with most other streaming services.
To keep it frank, Max has been dominating the streaming service space lately. It's affordable with an easy-to-use interface that has thousands upon thousands of TV shows and movies. Here's everything you need to know about Max in 2024.
How Does Max Work?
Max is an on-demand streaming platform. When you sign up for Max, you'll gain access to a streaming library that contains more than 35,000 hours of premium content. Which is like, a lot. Included in that library are many of HBO's most popular TV shows and movies, exclusive access to Warner Bros. Discovery releases, and many other fan favorites.
You can access your Max subscription and stream content on a wide range of devices, including Roku and Fire TV devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
How Much Does Max Cost?
How much Max costs depends largely on which plan you choose. Max prices range from $9.99/month (With Ads) to $20.99/month (Ultimate Ad-Free). There are also annual plan options available to help you save more.
What Plans Does Max Offer?
Max has three plans to choose from:
- With Ads: $9.99/month or $99.99/year (16% savings). This plan allows streaming on two devices simultaneously and offers Full HD 1080p quality.
- Ad-Free: $16.99/month or $169.99/year (16% savings). It also allows streaming on two devices at once, Full HD 1080p quality, and 30 downloads for offline viewing.
- Ultimate Ad-Free: $20.99/month or $209.99/year (16% savings). This plan offers streaming on four devices simultaneously, 4K UHD streaming, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR 10 on select titles, and 100 downloads for offline viewing.
Max Deals and Discounts
Max does not have a free trial, but it does often offer seasonal deals to promote new TV shows and movies. That being said, don't write off the potential for a future Max free trial. Sadly, that day just isn't today. There are other ways to get Max for free and discounted, though.
If you are a Hulu subscriber, you can add on Max and get a seven-day free trial. Just go to your Hulu account and select "Manage Add-Ons" to find Max.
Many AT&T wireless or internet customers can get Max for free. The service is included in any of the following AT&T wireless plans:
- AT&T Unlimited Elite
- AT&T Unlimited PlusSM
- AT&T Unlimited Plus EnhancedSM
- AT&T Unlimited ChoiceSM
- AT&T Unlimited Choice IISM
- AT&T Unlimited Choice EnhancedSM
- AT&T Unlimited & MoreSM Premium
*No longer offered to new customers or eligible for upgrades. Current wireless and internet users who registered for Max will continue to have access.
In addition to AT&T, DIRECTV STREAM's Choice, Ultimate, and Premier plans also include free access to Max for three months.
What Add-ons for Premium Channels and Extras Does Max Have?
One of the biggest differences between Max and some other streaming services is that it doesn't come with any premium channels or add-ons. Many people choose to purchase Max as an add-on to one of their other streaming services. Although some services like Fubo don't offer a Max add-on, many have an option to add Max to your plan, including Hulu, YouTube TV, Prime Video, and DIRECTV STREAM.
What About Local Networks on Max?
You can't access any local networks to watch on Max. However, you can take advantage of a Max add-on alongside your favorite live TV streaming service that does include local networks. Several of the most popular live TV streaming services include access to ABC, CBS, NBC, and more. A DIRECTV Stream subscription with Max add-on, for instance, is one way to get the best of both worlds.
Does Max Have CNN?
Yes, Max does have CNN. As of late September 2023, Max began streaming CNN with 24/7 live news at no additional cost. How's that for live TV?
Does Max Have Sports?
Max also offers live sports. The streaming service covers over 300 live games across MLB, NBA, and NHL franchises per year through a B/R Sports Add-On. Streaming is offered with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos surround sound with this add-on, and, currently, the add-on is being offered completely free for a limited time.
Our Final Take
Max is slightly more expensive than other on-demand streaming services, especially for what you get. It doesn't include as many titles as many of the leading streaming platforms, but it does offer live news and sports.
That being said, Max has some of the best exclusive content. Not only that, but movie lovers can enjoy Warner Bros. Discovery movie premieres just 45 days after they're released in theaters. For those reasons, we still think Max is worth the price.
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