Two years on, Max's name has reverted to HBO Max . As an old user, I had hoped for some promotional activities, but instead, I was greeted with a new round of price increases.
With subscription costs continuing to rise, many users are now wondering whether HBO Max is still worth the money, or how to enjoy the full experience for less. This guide will help you.
I’ll break down the new pricing, compare plans, and share the best ways to save without losing 4K quality or the ad-free experience.
HBO Max Pricing and Plan Changes
HBO Max Price in 2025
In 2025, HBO Max raised its prices in the US for all users, both new and existing. Unlike in 2023, when Legacy ad-free users were given a 6-month grace period, the new prices took effect immediately.
Currently, HBO Max has three plans:Basic with Ads is $9.99/month ($99.99/year), Standard is $16.99/month ($169.99/year), and Premium is $20.99/month ($209.99/year).
Along with the price hike, Max also made some feature changes. Starting March 30, 2025, Basic with Ads will no longer include CNN Max or Bleacher Report Sports. To keep watching live news and sports, you’ll need to upgrade to Standard or Premium.
HBO Max Price History
HBO Max has raised prices every year since 2023. Premium went from $14.99 to $15.99, then $19.99 in 2024, and hit $20.99 by July 2025. Standard rose to $16.99, while Basic stayed at $9.99.
According to Max, the price hike is due to higher spending on original shows, live sports rights, and rising operating costs. They also want to stay competitive with Netflix and Disney+, without too big a price gap.
But for us, keeping the same viewing experience just keeps getting more expensive. That’s why it makes sense to look for ways to save.
Best HBO Max Deals and Discounts in 2025
HBO Max has a solid library and strong content lineup, but the Premium plan runs $20.99 a month, and that adds up. Luckily, there are ways to get the same experience for less.
Subscribe to HBO Max Premium for Less via GamsGo
If you're like me and prefer the high-quality, ad-free experience of Premium but don’t want to pay the full official price, GamsGo’s shared account option is worth considering.
It offers HBO Max Premium shared account services, with an annual fee of only about $55, which is more than 70% cheaper than the official subscription.
More importantly, the features are fully intact - supporting 4K, Dolby Audio, and allowing up to 100 movie downloads, exactly the same as the official Premium version.
Using it is simple. GamsGo provides verified shared HBO Max accounts. After placing an order, you’ll get new login details and can start watching right away without linking your email or entering any personal information.
The service is also reliable. GamsGo offers 24/7 customer support and handles issues quickly. Several people I know kept renewing after trying it once, saying it’s affordable and stable.
For anyone who loves TV series, blockbuster movies, or live sports, GamsGo is easily one of the best-value options out there. Whether you're waiting for the next season of House of the Dragon or watching games all year round, it's definitely worth a try.
Student Discount
If you're a student in the US and at least 18 years old, there's an even better student deal.
After verifying through UNiDAYS, you can get the Basic with Ads plan for just $4.99 a month instead of the regular $9.99. That’s a full 50% off, but it’s only available to students in the US.
Holiday Promotion
HBO Max sometimes runs big promotions during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, or its own sales events.
In the past, deals included six months of Premium for $44.99, or $1.99 per month for the first three months for select new users. These offers are rare and don’t last long, so if you miss one, it may be a while before the next one comes around.
Operator Gift
Some U.S. providers like AT&T Unlimited Elite, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Cricket Wireless include HBO Max in their plans.
Users with these services can simply turn on HBO Max and start watching. Just keep in mind the offer might not be available in all areas or with every plan, and it could change anytime.
Bundle Subscription
Sometimes, HBO Max comes bundled with other streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Paramount+, or as part of a cable package at a lower price.
If you only want to watch HBO Max and have little interest in other platforms, then although the unit price of the bundle is cheaper, the total expenditure will actually be higher.
In conclusion, although methods such as holiday promotions and carrier giveaways can also save money, they are not always available and have conditional restrictions. In contrast, GamsGo can be used at any time, has a fixed price, and has no difference in functionality, so I still most recommend it.
HBO Max vs Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+
I’ve tried most major streaming platforms in recent years, but I still use HBO Max the most. To show how its pricing compares, I made a quick chart against the other big ones：
| Platform | With Ads (Monthly/Annual Fee) | Standard (Monthly/Annual Fee) | Premium (Monthly/Annual Fee) | Main Content Features |
| Paramount+ | $7.99/month $59.99/year | — | $12.99/month $119.99/year | CBS, Showtime, sports, U.S. TV shows |
| Disney+ | $9.99/month | — | $15.99/month $159.99/year | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, major franchises |
| HBO Max | $9.99/month $99.99/year | $16.99/month $169.99/year | $20.99/month $209.99/year | Warner Bros. library, live sports |
| Netflix | $7.99/month | $17.99/month | $24.99/month | Huge library, strong original content |
HBO Max Premium costs a bit more than Netflix, Disney+, or Paramount+, but with Warner Bros. films, classic HBO shows, and live sports, it still stands out for both content and quality.
If you want to watch high-quality video content in one stop, using the subscription tips shared earlier, you can easily enjoy the full HBO Max Premium experience at a price far lower than the official price, with even higher cost-effectiveness.
How to cancel HBO Max subscription?
Canceling isn’t hard. If you signed up on the HBO Max website, just log in, go to Settings, find Subscription, and cancel. You can still use the service until the end of your current billing period.
Subscriptions through the App Store or Google Play need to be canceled in your device’s settings. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions. On Android, open the Play Store and navigate to Payments and Subscriptions.
For those who joined via third parties like AT&T, Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, or Hulu, cancellation has to be done on their platform. Some providers may ask you to contact customer service, so it’s a good idea to cancel a few days early to avoid being charged again.
Conclusion: The Best Way to subscribe to HBO Max in 2025
The HBO Max library and content quality have always been good, but the Premium price has indeed been rising year after year.
If you only use it occasionally, you can wait for promotions or use the freebies from the carrier;
But if you’re planning to stick with it and want full Premium access, GamsGo is probably the best deal. Its annual fee is less than $55, about a quarter of the official price, yet you can enjoy the same 4K, ad-free, and multi-device support.
With this calculation, whether it's binge-watching TV shows, watching movies, or watching sports LIVE, you can enjoy the best HBO Max experience at an affordable price.
FAQ
How to get HBO Max the cheapest?
The cheapest way to watch HBO Max is through GamsGo. A Premium account costs just $55 per year, offering the full set of features at a fraction of the official price.
Can I share my HBO Max subscription?
Yes, HBO Max allows multiple streams depending on your plan. The Premium plan supports up to 4 simultaneous streams, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.
Can you cancel Max anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your Max subscription at any time. Whether you're on a monthly or annual plan, there are no long-term commitments. After cancellation, you’ll still have access until the end of your current billing period.
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