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Is HBO MaxTM Worth Getting?
HBO Max launched in mid-2020 with a goal to take a slice of the streaming service pie that has gotten extremely popular these days. This article will break down all you need to know about the service so you can decide if it’s worth adding another streaming platform to your monthly bills.
Table of Contents
- What Is HBO Max?
- How Much Does HBO Max Cost?
- Why Should You Get HBO Max?
- HBO Max Content
- Where to Watch HBO Max
- HBO Max Best Perks
- Is HBO Max Worth It?
Summary
HBO Max is a streaming service that hosts content from WarnerMedia and HBO, including premium series such as “Game of Thrones” and “Westworld” on top of hit animation from Comedy Central, Cartoon Network and anime.
The service boasts releasing big-time blockbuster movies the same day they hit theaters, meaning subscribers can watch the biggest movies right in their home.
What Is Max?
Max is a streaming service that includes all of HBO’s library along with original content and movies and shows owned by WarnerMedia. The streaming platform was launched in mid-2020 to compete with other services such as Disney Plus, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
How Much Does Max Cost?
If your current pay-TV provider includes HBO, you likely already have access to the streaming platform. If you don’t have HBO and want to purchase HBO Max, the ad-free plan will cost $15.99/mo. The ads-included plan costs $9.99/mo.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Max (with ads) | $9.99/mo. |
| Max (no ads) | $15.99/mo. |
Why Should You Get Max?
It seems like there are millions of TV and streaming services that just keep coming. Some are pretty minimal and for the extreme cord-cutters while others are practically a full-fledged cable service over the internet. Streaming services provide a vast library of content, both licensed and original, on demand. They allow viewers to watch practically whatever they want, whenever they want. That being said, each service has its respective pros and cons and offer different features and exclusives.
Each streaming service has a certain area of expertise. For example, Disney Plus is a must for any Disney lover. This is pretty obvious, but Disney+ is also great for MARVEL Universe fans and also nature lovers because it includes National Geographic.
Max’s selling point is its library of the hit HBO shows one would expect – “Game of Thrones”, “The Sopranos”, “Euphoria”, to name a few – but also its inclusion of blockbuster movies, top series from major networks and more.
What Movies and Shows Does Max Have?
As you might expect, Max includes HBO’s library of premium originals, including:
- "The Sopranos"
- "Game of Thrones"
- "Westworld"
- "Euphoria"
- "Boardwalk Empire"
- "Watchmen"
and many more. Max also includes a large selection of both children’s and mature animated shows from Cartoon Network, Hanna-Barbera and Comedy Central. This includes:
- "Looney Tunes Cartoons"
- "Scooby Doo Where Are You!"
- "The Flintstones"
- "Yogi Bear"
- "Dexter's Laboratory"
- "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends"
- "Adventure Time"
- "South Park"
- "Rick and Morty"
- "The Boondocks"
and so many more. Max also features an extensive anime selection, including series such as:
- "Death Note"
- "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood"
- "Hunter x Hunter"
- "Inuyasha"
and the list goes on! For blockbuster film and animation lovers, it doesn’t get much better than Max.
What Shows Are On Max?
Maybe you feel like binge-watching “Friends” again for the fifteenth time. Max’s show selection includes hits such as:
- "Friends"
- "The Big Bang Theory"
- "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
- "Luther"
- and many more!
Where Can I Watch Max?
Max is available on max.com and pretty much any device that has a screen. This includes:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Android
- iPad/iPhone
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- PS4/PS5
- Xbox One/Xbox X/S
- Roku
- Samsung Smart TV
What Are the Best Perks of Max?
Max comes standard with a pay-TV HBO subscription if you have one. If you don’t have the HBO subscription and need to pay for HBO monthly, the best perks are the vast animation library full of the classics and the obscure and also its blockbuster movie library right on the platform. If you love big-budget movies and don’t want to go out to the theater, you get to experience the movies everyone is talking about from the comfort of your own couch.
Is Max Worth It?
These questions might prove useful in determining if the $15.99/mo. or $9.99/mo. for HBO Max is worth it for you.
Do you love watching blockbuster movies?
Max’s movie library is perhaps the best of any streaming service.
Do you love animation?
Whether you enjoy classic cartoons like “The Jetsons”, humor like “Rick and Morty” or “South Park” or an expansive collection of anime, HBO Max has it all.
What do you expect out of your streaming service?
If you’re looking for a huge library full of more obscure and niche titles, Max may not be your best bet. If you expect a premium experience – which is understandable given its price – look no further than Max. It’s akin to having a movie theater in your living room, without the stepping in gum part.
There are plenty of shows and movies to entertain everyone in the family.
Do you use other streaming services?
Using more than one streaming service can definitely get expensive but different ones exist because they offer different things. Disney Plus offers ESPN+, National Geographic, MARVEL and Star Wars. Netflix has a massive library full of viral and original content with lots of movies for a decent price. If you have a couple of these services and view them as complementary to one another and not as competition, your pandemic-induced binge-watching experience can be heightened. Of course, not a lot of people want to or can afford multiple streaming services.
Do you love HBO content?
This question might be the ultimate factor in guiding your decision. If you love Disney, you’re probably going to buy Disney Plus. If you love HBO content, it’s probably a smart idea to buy Max.
Frequently asked questions
Is Max on Roku?
Yes, HBO Max is on Roku along with numerous other devices.
Is Max free?
HBO Max could be included with your current pay-TV provider, including DIRECTV. Check with your provider first before paying for the subscription.
What is Max vs. HBO?
HBO is the base version of HBO Max. HBO has all the HBO originals and series that you think of when you see "HBO." HBO Max is the upgraded, expanded version of HBO. You get everything you get with HBO plus blockbuster movies, hit shows and the best animation.
Is Max included with DIRECTV?
The more expensive DIRECTV packages include Max for free. Other plans may include it for three months. Check with your TV provider.
Why did HBO Max change to Max?
HBO Max rebranded to "Max" in May 2023 to shift focus away from the "HBO" aspect of its branding and create a more universal name. More specifically, WarnerMedia and Discovery merged, and the service's library is becoming too diverse to keep "HBO" in its name. The rebrand has caused minor controversy and confusion, especially as HBO's direct streaming service has rebranded multiple times in a span of a few years.
