HBO Max 2026: Plans, Pricing, Channels, and More

Disclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It's time to learn everything you need to know about HBO Max, one of the most popular streaming services in modern times. And, yes, for those of you out of the loop, it's officially called HBO Max again. Long gone are the days of just "Max". And, for that, we're thankful. 

HBO Max originally launched in late 2020 replacing HBO Go and HBO Now. This on-demand streaming platform includes popular HBO shows and films, along with originals created exclusively for HBO Max. It even includes exclusive Warner Bros. Discovery movie releases 45 days after they come out in theaters, which isn't the case with most other streaming services. 

To keep it frank, HBO Max has been dominating the streaming service space lately. It's affordable with an easy-to-use interface that has thousands upon thousands of TV shows and movies. Here's everything you need to know about HBO Max in 2026.

Subscribe to HBO Max Subscribe Now

Subscribe to HBO Max via Prime Video Subscribe Now

How Does HBO Max Work?

HBO Max is an on-demand streaming platform. When you sign up for HBO Max, you'll gain access to a streaming library that contains more than 35,000 hours of premium content. Which, is like, a lot. Included in that library are many of HBO's most popular TV shows and movies including Heated Rivalry, Game of Thrones, Hacks, and more, exclusive access to Warner Bros. Discovery releases, and many other fan favorites.

You can access your HBO Max subscription and stream content on a wide range of devices, including Roku and Fire TV devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

How Much Does HBO Max Cost?

How much HBO Max costs depends largely on which plan you choose. Check them out below:

• Basic with Ads: $10.99/month, or $109.99 for the year (saving you 16%)
• Standard: $18.49/month, or $184.99 annually (also a 16% discount)
• Premium: $22.99/month, or $229.99 for a full year (yep, the same 16% savings)

HBO Max Deals and Discounts

HBO Max does not have a free trial, but it does often offer seasonal deals to promote new TV shows and movies. That being said, don't write off the potential for a future HBO Max free trial. Sadly, that day just isn't today. There are other ways to get HBO Max for free and discounted, though.

• Verizon: Get HBO Max and Netflix together for just $10.99/month with Verizon
• Disney Bundle: Get HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+ together for as little as $19.99/month
• DIRECTV STREAM: Get HBO Max, ESPN Unlimited, Hulu, Disney+, STARZ, Paramount+ Premium, Cinemax, and 185+ channels with the Premier plan at $169.99/month
• DIRECTV STREAM MyEntertainment Plan: Get HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+ in addition to 60+ live channels for $34.99/month

What Add-ons for Premium Channels and Extras Does HBO Max Have?

HBO Max doesn't offer any in-app premium add-ons or extra channel upgrades. Unlike services such as Prime Video or Hulu that let you stack additional premium channels onto your subscription, HBO Max is a standalone service with no internal add-on options.

However, many people subscribe to HBO Max as an add-on through another streaming provider. If you prefer to manage all your subscriptions in one place, several platforms let you add HBO Max to your plan, including:

• Prime Video Channels
• Hulu
• YouTube TV
• DIRECTV STREAM
• Philo

Not every service supports HBO Max as an add-on (for example, Fubo does not), but the platforms above all offer ways to bundle HBO Max into your existing subscription.

What About Local Networks on HBO Max? 

You can't access any local networks to watch on HBO Max. However, you can take advantage of a HBO Max add-on alongside your favorite live TV streaming service that does include local networks. Several of the most popular live TV streaming services include access to ABC, CBS, NBC, and more. A DIRECTV STREAM subscription with an HBO Max add-on, for instance, is one way to get the best of both worlds.

Does HBO Max Have Sports?

Yes, HBO Max does offer live sports. The streaming service covers over 300 live games across NBA, NHL, MLB, March Madness, and U.S. Soccer through the Standard or Premium options. That said, you will not have access to live sports with the ad-supported tier.

Our Final Take

HBO Max does come in a bit pricier than most on-demand streaming options, but it makes up for it with quality over quantity. Its library isn't the biggest, yet the movies and series it does offer are some of the most polished, critically acclaimed titles you'll find anywhere. And with live news and sports now in the mix, it's become a far more complete package than it used to be. See more from the streamer below.

For more deals on streaming services and entertainment products, check out TV Guide's Shopping hub.