Updated November 2, 2026 • By Isabella Endrinal
AGMTW score, out of 10
The strongest film catalog of any subscription here, and the one to keep if you only keep one.
Value for money8.1
The biggest film catalog of any subscription, and the ad tier keeps the price low.
$10.99 a month. The cheapest service in the same category is $8.99 ($2 less). Weighed against what it carries (content 7.9/10), that comes to 8.1 on value.
Content quality7.9
304 recommended titles, a serious catalog.
Carries 304 titles from our recommended list.
Apps and devices8.2
Solid app, available on 8 of the 12 major devices.
Rated 4.87 on iPhone and 4.78 on Android. Works on 8 of 12 devices.
Streaming quality8.5
1080p with surround sound; 4K lives on the pricier plan.
Base plan streams in 1080p with 5.1 sound. 4K is on the more expensive plan.
Best for Award-winning originals
HBO Max is a subscription-based on-demand platform available in the US and a growing number of international markets. New subscribers can choose from three monthly tiers ranging from $10.99 (with ads) to $18.49 (no ads) to $22.99 (no ads, plus more concurrent streams, downloads, and 4K streaming). An annual subscription option is also available.
When you subscribe, you’ll get HBO’s world-class exclusives, such as The Wire and Game of Thrones, but HBO Max also functions as a bundle: you’ll get content from Discovery, DC, Criterion Collection, Looney Tunes, Studio Ghibli, Turner Classic Movies, and Crunchyroll.
Most devices that can stream video support HBO Max, including Amazon Fire TV and Roku.
HBO Max carries 1+ channels, including CNN.
With shows from other networks from Cartoon Network to CNN, there's a good chance you'll find something that's worth watching. While Max has a lot more to offer than what you'd get on the HBO channel, it also provides all the hits, like Game of Thrones, The Wire or Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
Programming: The breadth of shows and movies justifies the higher price of Max. As of the pandemic, the platform has also begun to release new movies originally intended for the big screen. It even includes podcasts.
How much does HBO Max cost?
HBO Max starts at $10.99/month. Plans range from $10.99 to $22.99/month.
Does HBO Max have a free trial?
HBO Max does not currently offer a free trial.
What channels does HBO Max include?
HBO Max carries 1 channels, including CNN.
What devices support HBO Max?
HBO Max is available on Airplay, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Google TV Streamer, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung TV, Xbox.
Can I cancel HBO Max anytime?
HBO Max is a month-to-month subscription with no long-term contract. You can cancel at any time without penalty.
Is HBO Max worth it?
Programming: The breadth of shows and movies justifies the higher price of Max. As of the pandemic, the platform has also begun to release new movies originally intended for the big screen. It even includes podcasts.
Five criteria, each scored out of 10. The overall score is their weighted average: content 50%, value 20%, apps 20%, streaming quality 10%. Live TV packages are also scored on customization and add-ons (20%), with the other four scaled to 40%, 16%, 16% and 8%.
Value for money
0The most expensive service of its kind.
10The cheapest service of its kind, with full content.
Content quality
0None of the 20 most-watched cable channels, or nothing from our recommended list.
10All 20 channels, or the deepest catalog of titles we recommend.
Apps and devices
0A one-star app that runs on none of the 12 major devices.
10Five-star apps on all 12 major devices.
Streaming quality
0Below 720p.
104K on the plan we price.
Customization and add-ons
0A live TV package with no add-on packs to build on.
10Eight or more add-on packs at $15 a month or less.