HBO has joined the ranks of streaming giants Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ by debuting its very own streaming platform: HBO Max.
HBO Max is the latest addition to HBO's collection of streaming platforms, and introduces a ton of new streamable content.
If you already subscribe to other streaming services, you're probably wondering whether HBO Max is worth your time and money. Before hitting "Subscribe," make sure you know all of these essential facts about HBO Max.
1. HBO Max Has a Wide Collection of Shows and Movies for All Ages
HBO Max's lineup of shows and movies is too long to list, and there's still more to come. In addition to the HBO Originals that you know and love, like Game of Thrones, Veep, and The Wire, HBO Max also includes content from WarnerMedia.
WarnerMedia owns many different networks—that means you'll see shows that originally debuted on Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, CNN, and TruTV.
HBO has also scored some amazing contracts with major movies and TV series. Some highlights include:
- DC Comics Movies (Aquaman, Joker, Wonder Woman, and more)
- The entire Harry Potter series
- BBC Series (Doctor Who, Top Gear, The Office UK, and more)
- Crunchyroll anime (Kill La Kill, Berserk, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and more).
- Pretty Little Liars
- Friends
- The Big Bang Theory
- Rick and Morty
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Fortunately, HBO Max has content for the younger crowd as well. It comes packed with kids' classics like Looney Tunes, The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry, and much more.
2. It's More Expensive Than Other Streaming Services
HBO Max's costly subscription plan tops the streaming showdown in terms of price, which isn't necessarily a good thing. At $15/month, HBO Max is more expensive than Netflix's standard tier, and it's also pricier than Hulu's ad-free plan.
If you're already subscribed to a streaming service, you're probably wondering what makes HBO Max better than your existing subscription.
Some defining perks include access to Max Originals, premium HBO and WarnerMedia content, as well as an ad-free viewing experience.
In case that doesn't entice you to splurge on the subscription, HBO Max will have a cheaper tier coming sometime in 2021, but you'll have to endure those dreaded ad breaks.
3. You Can Get HBO Max for Free
Not only does HBO Max give you a weeklong free trial, but you might already be qualified to get a free subscription.
As outlined on AT&T's website, a large number of AT&T customers will receive a complimentary subscription with their cable, dish, internet, or mobile phone plan.
But what if you're already subscribed to an HBO service? This is where it gets complicated. Customers subscribed to HBO Now directly through HBO, Apple, or Google will automatically receive HBO Max for free.
On the other hand, any customers subscribed to HBO Now through third-party providers, like Roku or Amazon Prime Video, won't get the free upgrade. Viewers with the HBO channel bundled into a non-AT&T TV plan also don't get the luxury of free HBO Max.
4. It Gives You Access to Max Originals
Just like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Apple TV+, HBO Max has a collection of TV shows and movies exclusive to its service. At the time of writing, HBO Max only has a select number of Max Originals available, but there are plenty more in the works.
Some Max Originals that are available right now include the revamped classic Looney Tunes Cartoons, as well as Love Life, starring Anna Kendrick. The Not Too Late Show With Elmo, Craftopia, On the Record, and Legendary are some other notable Max Originals.
5. HBO Max Isn't HBO Now or HBO Go
HBO Max is separate from HBO Now and HBO Go—and no, HBO won't be replacing any of these platforms with HBO Max. All of these streaming services will coexist, which only adds to the confusion.
It's easy to get mixed up with all the services HBO offers, so here's a quick breakdown of the three:
- HBO Max: WarnerMedia's streaming platform that includes thousands of hours of content from HBO and WarnerMedia.
- HBO Now: HBO's standalone streaming service that only offers content from HBO.
- HBO Go: HBO's streaming service that's only available through an HBO subscription from a TV provider.
To make matters more confusing, HBO offers HBO Now and its channel add-on at the same price as HBO Max.
6. HBO Max Is Available on Most Devices
You can download HBO Max on almost all modern devices. This makes it perfect for streaming on the go, as well as at home. Besides your laptop or desktop computer, you can also watch on the following devices:
- Android smartphones and tablets
- iPhones and iPads
- Xbox One
- PlayStation 4
- Google Chromecast
- Modern smart TVs by Apple, Samsung, LG, or Vizio
You might've noticed that Roku and Amazon Fire devices aren't on this list. Unfortunately, HBO Max doesn't have a dedicated app for either of these devices right now.
Will You Subscribe to HBO Max?
HBO Max has a lot to offer, and it's hard to resist the number of TV shows and movies on this platform. Plus, HBO Max already has a solid selection of content, so you can only expect more good things to come in the future.