The streaming service Max has solely been round for a yr. It’s a mix of Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) merger of HBO Max with Discovery. But though it’s solely a yr outdated, it’s shortly change into one of many finest streaming companies. That’s as a result of Max is full of an enormous library of flicks and TV reveals. So no matter you’re into, there’s all the time one thing so as to add to your watchlist.
In this information, we’ve collected collectively all you’ll want to know in regards to the Max streaming service. We’ve included all the things you’ll need to get began, together with details about value, which gadgets are supported by Max, what the most recent 4K availability seems like, in addition to updates about the most effective TV reveals and the most effective Max motion pictures to observe proper now. Read on for our final information to Max.
What is Max?
Max was born when Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) merged its streaming platforms, HBO Max and Discovery Plus, in May 2023.Â
Max is a much bigger and extra streamlined streaming service than its predecessor. Not solely do you achieve entry to all of HBO Max’s huge library (together with most DC comics content material, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and extra) – the leisure behemoth additionally permits you to stream the most effective packages from Discovery Plus’ TV manufacturers, together with TLC, Magnolia Network, and HGTV (NB: It’s value noting that Discovery Plus continues to be accessible as a separate service).
Here are among the different large advantages that the Max service presents over its predecessor:
- Smarter suggestions
- Improved efficiency
- Easier sign-in and use
- Profile PINÂ for grownup profiles
- New hubs and genres
To begin viewing, you may must obtain the Max app in your system of selection (extra on these later) or to go to Max.com to start streaming through an internet browser.
Where is Max presently accessible?
This is the place issues get barely extra sophisticated. Before 2024 started, HBO Max had solely been rebranded to Max within the United States. That modified on February 27, when Max rolled out in Latin American and Caribbean international locations. Later (May 21 and June 11, to be exact), Max landed in Europe, which means it is now accessible in 25 European nations, together with France, Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands.
What about in international locations the place HBO Max was by no means accessible? Will they be getting Max? In the UK and Australia, for instance, HBO-developed motion pictures and TV reveals air on Sky and Foxtel/Binge, respectively. These licensing agreements aren’t anticipated to finish for a while, so WBD’s HBO-based contracts with Sky and Foxtel will merely proceed as they’re. With Sky’s deal not set to run out in December 2025, UK viewers will certainly have to attend one other two years earlier than they get Max. Still, a minimum of the in-development Harry Potter TV present, which is slated to reach in 2026, could also be a Max UK launch title.
Max value: how a lot does it value?
There are three most important Max value factors to select from, with the costlier tiers providing further perks over their cheaper cousins. All three can be found for month-to-month and annual charges, with the 12-month offers providing important financial savings of as much as 20%.
Here’s a more in-depth have a look at what’s accessible:
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Max Ad-Lite | Max Ad Free | Max Ultimate Ad Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99/month or $99.99/yr | $15.99/month or $149.99/yr | $19.99/month or $199.99/yr |
| Ads? | Yes | No | No |
| Resolution | 1080p HD decision | 1080p HD decision | 4K UHD decision |
| Streams | 2 concurrent streams | 2 concurrent streams | 4 concurrent streams |
| Sound | 5.1 encompass sound high quality | 5.1 encompass sound high quality | Dolby Atmos sound high quality |
| Offline assist | No offline downloads | 30 offline downloads | 100 offline downloads |
Max has additionally launched a Bleacher Report sports activities add-on. This was initially included at no further cost to current Max subscribers however will value $9.99 month-to-month from February 29, 2024.
If you are subscribed to HBO by your cable or satellite tv for pc TV package deal, web plan, or wi-fi plan, the Max house web page explains that customers might have entry to Max at no further value. However, you may want to go to the Max suppliers web page to see should you’re eligible. You may add Max to your Hulu plan for $15.99 per 30 days. A new Max, Disney Plus, and Hulu bundle can be now accessible that’ll prevent cash in the long term with costs beginning at simply $16.99 per 30 days.
When HBO Max converted to Max final May, WBD promised that current subscribers “will nonetheless have entry to their present plan options for at least six months following launch”. This was excellent news within the brief time period, however – when these six months have been up – they did not waste a lot time reducing again on options for former HBO Max customers on the $15.99/month choice.
As we reported in December 2023, Max turned off 4K streaming on outdated plans. This meant that subscribers on that tier misplaced their 4K and HDR image high quality, and noticed the variety of simultaneous streams accessible to them reduce from three to 2. If they need to recreate the options of their outdated package deal, they should pay the $19.99/month Max Ultimate Ad Free tier.
Lastly, college students can now save 50% on a Max with Ads month-to-month plan. To discover out extra and get began, head to the Max scholar sign-up web page. This supply lasts for 12 months and can value subscribers $4.99 a month.
Is there a Max free trial?
No. In the early days of HBO Max, potential subscribers have been allowed to provide the brand new platform a free spin for seven days earlier than deciding whether or not to enroll. But since December 2020 that wasn’t an choice on HBO Max. For essentially the most half, this stays the case with Max regardless that the streaming service will put out restricted presents that give individuals free entry, however there are no round as of this text’s newest replace.
Max motion pictures: DC, A24, Studio Ghibli, and extra
Max is full of loads of critically-acclaimed and highly-rated motion pictures. Netflix’s library would possibly comprise notable highlights from different studios, however Max presents tons of fantastic movies from Warner Bros’ spectacular library, a again catalog that is been over a century within the making.
So, what’s on supply? For one, an eclectic vary of flicks based mostly on DC Comics, together with Batman (1989), Joker, and The Dark Knight, in addition to DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies together with Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Black Adam, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. You may learn how to observe the DC motion pictures so as when you’re right here.
Genre motion pictures are usually effectively represented, with The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and Dune additionally accessible. Take a have a look at our devoted information to the most effective Max motion pictures for our top-tier decisions and our new Max motion pictures record, which is up to date each month with the most recent motion pictures to hit the platform.
One of Max’s bespoke channels options Studio Ghibli motion pictures, which provides subscribers entry to each animated movie from the legendary studio, together with Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro. There’s a lot extra for youths among the many finest Max household motion pictures, too. Another channel – TCM (Turner Classic Movies) – delivers loads of classics, comparable to Casablanca.
More than 100 A24 movies have joined Max’s library since December 2023 because of a brand new licensing deal between Max and A24, which is able to now see the latter’s movies solely debut on the service just a few months after their theatrical launch.
It’s additionally value noting that Max’s film choices aren’t restricted to Warner Bros releases. For instance, Disney’s blockbusting Avatar: The Way of Water is not simply accessible on Disney Plus, as Max has change into the beneficiary of a earlier deal signed between twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros earlier than Disney acquired Fox in March 2019. The settlement sees choose twentieth Century Studios motion pictures additionally made accessible on WBD’s streaming platforms.
Max reveals: The Penguin, House of the Dragon, and extra
Max might have ditched the HBO from its branding however the cable behemoth’s acclaimed content material stays a significant a part of the brand new streaming service’s providing – and that is a giant cause to be cheerful.
Indeed, that reference to HBO implies that few platforms can compete with the TV drama providing accessible on Max, with long-standing classics comparable to The Wire, The Sopranos, and Game of Thrones sitting alongside more moderen (however equally acclaimed) fare comparable to Chernobyl, Succession, Euphoria, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, The Flight Attendant, the most recent Jodie Foster-starring season of True Detective and the long-awaited The Penguin, with Colin Farrell within the main function.
HBO is not simply recognized for its extremely bingeworthy dramas. Smash-hit comedies together with Veep and Flight of the Conchords can be found, whereas the twelfth and last season of Curb Your Enthusiasm is presently airing on the platform. The documentary line-up contains McMillions and The Case Against Adnan Sayed, whereas HBO’s wealthy historical past of stand-up specials can be showcased, with among the largest US comedians’ dwell reveals accessible to stream.
Older reveals from Warner’s archive (and past) assist complement the HBO providing. Max has the unique US streaming rights to all 10 seasons of Friends and 26 seasons of South Park. The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air are among the many different sitcoms you possibly can take pleasure in.
Great animated reveals from the ’90s like Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series and the extra futuristic Batman Beyond could be beamed proper into your lounge, too. And, should you’re after some anime, Crunchyroll has a channel on Max that gives a broad choice. Access to Cartoon Network encompasses reveals like Steven Universe and Adventure Time, whereas the channel’s extra grown-up cousin, Adult Swim, provides not-for-kids animated reveals, like Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
Import reveals embrace Italian crime drama Gomorrah, Brit hit I Hate Suzie, and the primary 13 seasons of the BBC’s profitable 2005 Doctor Who reboot (Who‘s current sixtieth anniversary specials, plus its newest season, can be found on Disney Plus). For extra suggestions encompassing Max’s spectacular suite of TV content material, try our complete information to the most effective Max reveals.
Max vs HBO: what is the distinction?
The most important distinction between HBO and Max comes all the way down to the vary of programming you possibly can entry. Subscribing to HBO will help you stream each authentic sequence and film that the premium channel has to supply.Â
Signing up for Max, in the meantime, will get you greater than triple the content material. You will not solely achieve entry to Max’s originals line-up, however you may get all the things on HBO and quite a few different channels, comparable to Adult Swim and the most effective of Discovery Plus’s again catalog. Essentially, there is not any cause to get HBO over Max. They value roughly the identical, however you get far more stuff with the latter.Â
What gadgets is Max accessible on?
Want to know what gadgets assist Max through internet browsers or its app? Read the record under:
- Amazon Fire tablets (4th technology or later)
- Amazon Fire TV (Fire OS 5 or later)
- Android (5.1 or later)
- Android TV (with TV OS 5.1 or later)
- Apple TV 4K or HD (with tvOS 14 or later)
- Airplay
- Chromecast
- Chrome/Firefox/Microsoft Edge (newest variations) and Safari (model 13 or later)
- Cox Contour 2 and Contour Stream Player
- HDMI cable
- iOS (14 or later)
- LG Smart TV (webOS 3.5 or later)
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Roku (OS 11.0 and later)
- Samsung good TVs (2016 fashions or later)
- VIZIO Smart TV (2016 fashions or later)
- Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X
- XClass TV
- Xfinity X1 and Flex
Max app: what options can be found?
Max helps you to obtain content material for offline viewing, besides on its Ad-Lite tier. It additionally has a PIN system for parental management, personalised profiles, and brand-based content material hubs much like how Disney Plus categorizes Star Wars content material and Marvel movies. As talked about earlier, these hubs embrace TCM, Studio Ghibli, DC, Crunchyroll, Looney Tunes, and Sesame Workshop.Â
Other options are additionally accessible for subscribers, together with SharePlay. This is now accessible to Max subscribers globally with Ad-Free and Ultimate Ad-Free tiers with grownup profiles, permitting customers to observe reveals and films on Max alongside their family and friends over meetTime and iMessage. There are additionally grownup profile scores, and in participant discovery for sequence.Â
Max additionally comes packaged with a lot of accessibility options, together with Alexa voice instructions, audio description and audio description fast entry, shut captions, keyboard navigation, and display screen readers.
Does Max assist 4K streaming?
Yes. Max helps 4K streaming on a collection of suitable gadgets, with over 1000 motion pictures and TV reveals accessible to observe in 4K UHD. That’s eight occasions (!) the amount that was accessible on HBO Max, together with a bunch of recent motion pictures that weren’t supported beforehand.
There are a few caveats, thoughts you. First off, the 4K UHD assist is simply supplied as a part of the Ultimate Ad-Free tier, which is able to set you again $19.99 a month / $199.99 per yr. Additionally, Dolby Atmos and Vision are solely supported on particular movies and TV sequence (learn the complete record on this WBD weblog put up), in addition to on sure gadgets, which you’ll be able to see under:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube
- Android TVs, together with AT&T Streaming Box
- Apple TV 4K
- Google Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV
- PlayStation 5
- Roku Ultra 4800x, Roku 4k TVs, Roku Premiere, and Roku Streaming Stick Plus
- Xbox Series X
- Xfinity X1 (Xi6) and Flex
Is Max definitely worth the cash?
Max is constructing on its affiliation with each HBO (house of among the finest TV of the twenty first century) and WBD’s 100-year-plus catalog of flicks. Not all streaming companies will survive the continued content material battle, however Max has a variety of positives in its nook, particularly with WBD’s ongoing funding in blockbuster motion pictures, the addition of the Discovery Plus library, wider 4K UHD assist, and aggressive value factors. In reality, TechRadar named Max as Streaming Service of the Year in 2023.
HBO Max was already an awesome streaming service, and Max has constructed upon the foundations laid by its predecessor in spectacular model. However, it stays to be seen whether or not its authentic releases make it stand out in an overpopulated US streaming panorama, particularly when the worth of entry (notably on its ad-free tiers) is greater than the equivalents on Disney Plus, Netflix, and Prime Video.
For us, Max’s very good film and TV line-ups make it value investing in even earlier than all of its different options are accounted for, particularly with the spectacular raft of unique upcoming content material already confirmed for the platform. Big hitters within the pipeline embrace new TV reveals set within the worlds of The Conjuring and The Big Bang Theory, plus the primary DCU Chapter One sequence in Creature Commandos.
Watch On
Perhaps essentially the most headline-grabbing information, nonetheless, is that Max would be the house of extra Game of Thrones prequel reveals – one, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is already in manufacturing – and a big-budget TV adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter franchise – the latter lately discovering its showrunner and lead director.
We’re uncertain how standard Max will show to be in the long run – it solely launched in 2023 – and WBD might want to make sure that any early teething issues are ironed out shortly. But, if Max can begin to make a dent in Netflix’s dominance of the panorama – in addition to actively competing with different standard streamers, comparable to Disney Plus for viewers consideration – WBD’s determination to merge its two platforms will change into a justifiable expense. As all the time, nonetheless, the proof will probably be in what number of new subscribers Max can entice within the coming months and years.
For extra Max-based protection, learn our guides on The Last of Us season 2, Euphoria season 3, House of the Dragon season 3, and Creature Commandos.
