How to Subscribe to HBO Max and How to Upgrade?
The long-awaited HBO Max launch is nearly here, and we have all the details you need! Subscribing directly to HBO Max is the easy option, but you may also get the service if you're already a subscriber. Things are, however, pretty complicated.
HBO Max has its roots back in late 2018 when WarnerMedia announced they would launch an over-the-top streaming service in late 2019. Over time, the announcement came that they wanted to use the HBO brand to establish a more inclusive service, featuring even more content than HBO already got.
HBO Max is launching on May 27th and will cost $14.99 per month if you subscribe directly to the service. There are different deals for subscribing through a third party and existing subscribers.
How Can I Subscribe to HBO Max?
If you're new to HBO and want to take advantage of all this new content, you can do that easily. You simply have to visit the HBO Max website. They're currently offering the platform for $11.99 per month for the first year. Following the 12 months of the deal, the price will go up to $14.99.
You can subscribe early for the service, which means that if you sign up now, you'll first get access to HBO Now until May 27th when the official launch takes place.
Here's how you can subscribe to HBO Max:
- First, visit HBO Max and tap the "Sign Up Now" button.
- You'll immediately get directed to a new area where you have to provide your name, email address, and a password to set up your account.
- Finally, you need to fill in your card details, add in your ZIP code, and pick the state or territory, and you're done!
How to Get HBO Max with Various Subscriptions
We've already mentioned that getting HBO Max as a stand-alone subscription is pretty easy. Things get a lot more complicated for those who are already HBO subscribers through various services.
If you have HBO Now
Most HBO Now subscribers will get HBO Max for free. We say "most" because if you pay for HBO Now through Amazon, Roku, or Comcast, you'll have to wait before HBO Max becomes available.
You can still change your subscription in your HBO Now app to pay directly to HBO so that you can get Max instead.
If you have HBO through a cable company
If you've subscribed to HBO through a cable company, you'll likely get HBO Max. WarnerMedia has announced partnerships with a wide range of providers, including Altice USA, Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios TV, Cox Communications, AT&T, and more.
You won't get HBO Max if you have a Comcast subscription, as they didn't get to strike a deal so far. You should switch to HBO Now or go right ahead and start your HBO Max subscription ahead of time.
If you have HBO through a live TV service or app
For those who have chosen to subscribe to HBO through a live TV service or another digital service, HBO Max is also a likely option. They have already signed deals with Apple, Google, Hulu, Optimum, Samsung, Verizon Fios internet, and YouTube TV. You'll automatically get upgraded to HBO Max on May 27th, so there's no extra step to take.
If you subscribe through Amazon or Roku, HBO Max is not available for now.
If you're an AT&T subscriber
AT&T subscribers have multiple possibilities to subscribe to HBO Max, depending on the type of plan they have.
Here's who gets HBO Max at no additional cost - DirecTV Premier, DirecTV Lo Maximo, U-Verse U400, U-Verse U450, U-Verse U450 Latino, AT&T TV Now Max, AT&T TV Premiere, AT&T Unlimited Elite, AT&T Internet 1000.
Here's who gets HBO Max free for a year: AT&T TV Choice, AT&T TV Xtra, AT&T TV Ultimate, AT&T TV Optimo Mas, DirecTV Choice, DirecTV Xtra, DirecTV Ultimate, DirecTV Mas Ultra, DirecTV Optimo Mas.
Here's who gets HBO Max free for three months: U-verse U-Family, U-Verse U-Basic, AT&T TV Now Plus, DirecTV Family.
Can I Get HBO Max With a Live TV Service?
Yes! HBO is currently available as a premium network alongside Hulu and YouTube TV. Going forward, HBO Max will also be available through the same two platforms.
What's the Difference Between HBO Max, HBO Go, and HBO Now?
The short answer to this question is "the content." The new platform - HBO Max - is a stand-alone service that allows you to stream everything that HBO has, as well as HBO Max originals, and extra series everyone knows and loves. Moreover, you get blockbuster movies from WarnerMedia., DC Universe shows and films, classics, and others.
HBO Now and HBO Go remain options for those looking to stream only HBO content - original series, blockbusters, specials, and more. HBO Go comes with the standard subscription to HBO via cable companies. HBO Now is a stand-alone streaming service that gives people access to the same content as HBO Go, but it doesn't rely on a cable TV subscription.
What Can I Watch on HBO Max?
We've already mentioned that HBO Max will feature everything that HBO Go and Now already have. On top of these, we'll get extra content from WarnerMedia and original shows and movies. Here's what you can watch.
- Gossip Girl
- Raised by Wolves
- The Flight Attendant
- Love Life
- Adventure Time: Distant Lands
- Craftopia
They also got the streaming rights for Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Looney Tunes, Sesame Street, Doctor Who, Rick and Morty, and more.
Where Can I Watch HBO Max?
HBO Max is launching the United States in the first phase. Expansion plans include Latin America and parts of Europe in 2021. For Canada, Bell Media has expanded its partnership with WarnerMedia for more content, including HBO Max programming.
Should I Upgrade to HBO Max?
There you have it. There are a lot of ways to subscribe to HBO Max, and since the price is pretty much the same as HBO Now has to offer, there's no reason not to upgrade.