MAX Review: Pricing, plans, subscriptions, free trials and more

In an oversaturated market dominated by the rise of streamers, it can be hard to work out which sits close to the top of the pile - but when it comes to boasting brand-name recognition, not many carry the pedigree of Max, boasting some of the biggest movies and shows of the twenty-first century and beyond.

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Launched initially as HBO Max in 2020, before a rebrand following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. to become Warner Bros Discovery in 2023, it has carved out a place as one of the major popular services alongside Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV+ over the last few years.

Boasting a solid mix of live and on-demand coverage and original and library content offered across film, music, entertainment, television, and sport, with and without add-on packages, it is forging a reputation as a market leader for the discerning subscriber.

From acclaimed comedies such as Hacks and Our Flag Means Death to great dramas such as The Flight Attendant and Tokyo Vice, plus hits such as The Sopranos, Succession, Game of Thrones, and The Wire from the HBO archives, there’s no lack of great stuff to watch.

Throw in films as diverse as Barbie and Parasite, The Dark Knight and The Green Knight, Dune and Citizen Kane, and you can see why, for many, Max offers the best selection from among its rivals.

But why should you choose Max? Here, GOAL walks you through the streaming service's features, how to watch content, and any further information you may need.

Max subscription plans

Max offers multiple monthly or yearly subscription plans, each priced differently across three tiers: Max With Ads, Max Ad-Free, and Max Ultimate Ad-Free.

Offering coverage from across the Warner Bros. Discovery stable of original content and library material, customers can watch all that, live sport and more from just the starting price of $9.99 per month.

Below, you can find the three available tiers for Max subscribers and their monthly and yearly costs.

The basic tier - Max With Ads - offers the lowest price for subscribers and includes their entire library of content with advertisements, while the next tier - Max Ad-Free - removes advertisements from your full subscription.

The final tier - Max Ultimate Ad-Free - allows customers to watch certain shows and broadcasts in 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos, a feature with no other Max brand tier.

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Max Programming and Coverage

Max boasts a broad selection of shows and movies and recently expanded its slate with additional films. Subscribers can watch both live sports and an extensive library of content. Below, you'll find a breakdown of movies, TV series, comedies, dramas, and much more.

Max Most Popular Movies and Shows

Max Original Movies and Shows

Max Comedies

Max

Among its stable of original shows, MAX has already earned acclaim for some of its comedy works, with several riding their way to awards season success and cult love among passionate fanbases.

Hacks, about the professional bond between a rising comedy writer and a veteran stand-up comedian, has earned its fair share of acclaim, while the pirate-themed Our Flag Means Death delivers a period romantic comedy that has been lauded for its LGBTQ+ representation.

Additionally, the inclusion of HBO archival content means acclaimed shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and the DC Studios action comedy Peacemaker, following John Cena’s titular vigilante, add further depth to an impressive roster.

Max also offers content from the libraries of Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, HBO, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Comedy Central, which are perfect for lovers of South Park and Rick and Morty.

Max Dramas

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With its fair share of gripping drama, too, MAX has carved out an acclaimed place for those who love shows that keep viewers invested and on the edge of their seats, from crime procedurals to post-apocalyptic showcases.

Tokyo Vice, which recently wrapped its second season, has been underappreciated so far but is gradually finding a crucial audience. The twists of The Staircase and the haunted pandemic parallels of Station Eleven have also earned love.

Furthermore, thanks to the excellent HBO library archive, subscribers can access some of the most legendary shows from peak television, including Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Succession, The Sopranos, and True Detective.

Max Movies

Max

Unlike several of its rival services, Max does not boast many original movies. Less than a dozen narrative features have been released to date, including the comedies An American Pickle and Superintelligence and the superhero epic Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

But it does boast a broad selection of films from the Warner Bros. archives, which makes for one of the most diverse and impressive portfolios of blockbuster hits and arthouse favorites available anywhere in the United States.

From seminal franchises such as Harry Potter and The Dark Knight Trilogy to Oscar fares like Parasite and Casablanca and modern heavyweight hits such as Barbie and Dune, there’s no shortage of terrific films to sit back and enjoy on MAX.

In addition to great movies, Max also houses some great docuseries and documentaries, like the recent Quiet on Set documentary.

What's new on Max in October 2024?

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October 1

• 21 Jump Street (2012)
• 22 Jump Street (2014)
• A Day in the Country (1950)
• A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
• A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)
• A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
• A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)
• A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)
• A Return to Salem's Lot (1987)
• Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)
• Altitude (2017)
• Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
• Annabelle: Creation (2017)
• Barry Munday (2010)
• Contraband: Seized at Sea, Season 1 (Discovery)
• Contraband: Seized at the Border, Season 5 (Discovery)
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
• Dinner for Schmucks (2010)
• Doctor Sleep (2019)
• Dune (1984)
• Edge of Darkness (2010)
• Four Christmases (2008)
• Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
• Frost / Nixon (2008)
• George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey (1984)
• Godzilla vs. Biollante (1992)
• Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1998)
• Green Porno
• Gremlins (1984)
• Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
• I Was a Teenage Zombie (1987)
• Interview with the Vampire (1994)
• Invictus (2009)
• It (2017)
• It: Chapter Two (2019)
• Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
• Knife in the Water (1962)
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
• Major Barbara (1941)
• Mecum Main Attractions: Monterey CA
• Misery (1990)
• Mississippi Masala (1992)
• Monte Carlo (2011)
• My Life as a Dog (1987)
• Ondine (2010)
• Open Your Eyes (1999)
• Poltergeist (1982)
• Practical Magic (1998)
• Red Dawn (2012)
• Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel (1937)
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
• Scooby-Doo (2002)
• Stephen King's It (1990)
• The Conjuring (2013)
• The Conjuring 2 (2016)
• The Cranes are Flying (1960)
• The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
• The Death of Superman (2018)
• The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016)
• The Life and Times of Farmer Al (2024)
• The Naked Kiss (1964)
• The Return of Godzilla (1985)
• The Rise of Catherine the Great (1934)
• Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005)
• Traffik (2018)
• Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Tough Love (2015)
• Walkabout (1971)
• Water for Elephants (2011)

October 2

• Destinations of the Damned with Zak Bagans, Season 1 (Discovery)

October 3

• Expedition Bigfoot, Season 5 (Discovery)
• Expedition X, Season 8 (Discovery)
• Gremlins: The Wild Batch, Season 2 (Max Original)
• Las Bravas F.C., Season 2 (Max Original)
• Salem’s Lot (2024) (Max Original)

October 4

• Angel of Death (Szadź), Season 2-3 (Max Original)
• Angel of Death (Szadź), Season 4 (Max Original)
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2024 (HGTV)
• Mini Beat Power Rockers: A Hairy Halloween (Discovery International)
• Mini Beat Power Rockers: What a Monster (Discovery International)
• Scariest House in America, Season 1 (HGTV)

October 6

• Have I Got News for You (CNN)
• The Franchise, Season 1 (HBO Original)

October 7

• House Hunters: Amazing Water Homes, Season 1 (HGTV)
• Kids Baking Championship: Scary Good (Food Network)
• La Mente del Poder, Season 1

October 9

• 1000-lb Sisters, Season 6 (TLC)
• Bargain Block New Orleans, Season 1 (HGTV)

October 10

• Caddo Lake (2024) (Max Original)
• Expedition Unknown, Season 14 (Discovery)
• Good Hair (2009)
• Roller Jam (Max Original)

October 11

• The Confidante (Une Amie Dévouée) (Max Original)
• The Disappearance (Chyłka - Zaginięcie), Season 2-5 (Discovery International)
• Tuesday (A24)

October 13

• Love & Marriage: Detroit, Season 2 (OWN)

October 14

• Barney's World, Season 1

October 15

• I'm Not A Monster: The Lois Riess Murders (HBO Original)

October 17

• LOUDER: The Soundtrack of Change (Max Original)

October 18

• MaXXXine (A24)
• Mecum Full Throttle: Indianapolis Fall Special 2024
• My Lottery Dream Home, Season 16 (HGTV)
• The Sancho Case (Caso Sancho) (Max Original)

October 19

• Bering Sea Gold, Season 18 (Discovery)
• Vacation House Rules, Season 5 (HGTV)

October 21

• Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part Three (2024)

October 22

• Residential Rage (ID)

October 23

• 1000-lb Best Friends, Season 3 (TLC)
• Breath of Fire (HBO Original)
• Sin City Tow, Season 1 (Discovery)

October 25

• Trap (2024)

October 26

• First-Time Buyer's Club, Season 2 (OWN)
• Impractical Jokers, Season 11 (truTV)

October 27

• Chris Brown: A History of Violence (ID)
• Somebody Somewhere, Season 3 (HBO Original)

October 28

• Paranormal Caught on Camera, Season 8 (Travel Channel)
• People Magazine Investigates, Season 8 (ID)

October 30

• Skin Hunters (Max Original)
• Supermarket Stakeout, Season 6 (Food Network)

October 31

• Dark Souls Among Us (aka Senales del Mas Alla), Season 1

Max compared with other streaming services

Is Max worth it?

Max might not have the sheer depth of content offered by Netflix. Still, as one of the multiple streaming services striving to challenge for its crown, it has plenty up its sleeve to recommend to customers, especially with a reasonable price tag.

Next to the more extensive streaming packages offered with pay-television channels included, this is a positive steal, especially on its lowest tier. With plenty of the hottest shows coming to its service, television fiends will get their top fix.

Throw in a roster of terrific films, and there are all the ingredients to enjoy a great night in or spend a lazy weekend camped in front of the television with a Max subscription.

So what are you waiting for? Get signed up and start watching Max!

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FAQs

What TV channels does Max carry?

Max does not carry any additional linear channels itself, much like other streamers such as Netflix, Prime Video and Amazon Prime, but does include programming from across the Warner Bros Discovery stable of networks.

That means that content from HBO, TCM, Cartoon Network, and more is part of your Max subscription.

Does Max offer a free trial?

Unlike several other streaming services that offer a free trial to prospective buyers - effectively allowing you to try before you buy - Max does not currently offer a free trial in the United States.

The service occasionally allows free access for individual episodes and limited broadcasts and periodically offers a fire sale price, typically around holidays such as Black Friday, where it will be available short-term for a low-cost rate.

During its initial run as HBO Max, a seven-day free trial was offered to first-time subscribers. However, this has been discontinued since the service was rebranded from HBO Max to Max.

Can I watch Max in high definition?

You can indeed watch Max in high definition, with regular HD coverage available for all subscription tiers across most content in the streamer’s library.

However, those looking to watch in 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos must opt for the Max Ultimate Ad-Free option, giving you that ultra-crystal clarity.

What devices can I stream MAX on?

Max is available to stream across multiple hardware, including Android devices, smart televisions and video game consoles.

Download the Max application to your device or third-party system to stream all your favorites.

• Android
• GoogleTV
• HiSense
• LG
• Panasonic
• PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5
• Prime FireTV
• Roku
• Samsung TV
• Sony TV
• VIDAA
• VIZIO
• Xbox One / Xbox Series X / Xbox Series S

How many simultaneous streams does Max support?

You can simultaneously stream your Max subscription on two devices if you have a Max With Ads or Max Ad-Free subscription and up to four devices if you have the Max Ultimate Ad-Free subscription.

How do I sign up for Max?

If you are ready to complete your subscription to MAX and get started streaming a world of excellent film, television, and more, then follow the simple steps below:

• Go to auth.max.com/product, where you will be presented with your subscription tiers.
• Choose a plan and billing period, then click “Continue”.
• Fill out the account form as prompted and then choose “Create Account”.
• You will be prompted to enter your payment information. Add your details as required, then click on “Start Subscription”.
• Once done, you’re ready to go! Simply hit “Start Streaming” and get ready to enjoy MAX!

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