HBO Max Review
HBO Max is a subscription video streaming service that gives access to the full HBO library and exclusive Max Originals. There are hubs for content from TLC, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, TCM, Cartoon Network, Travel Channel, ID, and more. Watch hit series like “The Last of Us,” “House of the Dragon,” “Succession,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and more. Within HBO Max, B/R Sports allows users to watch live NBA, MLB, NHL, March Madness, and NASCAR events.
HBO Max has three tiers: an ad-supported plan for $10.99, an ad-free plan for $18.49, and the ultimate tier that includes 4K for $22.99.
All HBO Max subscribers will get the full libraries of shows like “Friends”, “The Big Bang Theory”, “South Park”, “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, “The West Wing”, and more.
You can choose to add HBO Max as a subscription through Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or other Live TV providers.
Review
We tested HBO Max and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. HBO Max is compatible with most streaming players, gaming consoles, smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and smartphones.
You can see a full list of Max supported devices here.
Content
TV Shows
The biggest draw for HBO Max is the wonderful HBO library. You’ll get “Succession,” “Love & Death,” “Band of Brothers,” “Euphoria,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” “Sex and the City,” “Barry,” “Veep,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “House of the Dragon,” “The Last of Us,” “Peacemaker,” and many, many more.
HBO Max is also the exclusive streamer of classic comedies like “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” You’ll also see dramas like “Nancy Drew,” “The West Wing,” “The Vampire Diaries,” and “Pretty Little Liars.”
HBO Max is also home to many reality TV standouts like “House of Hammer,” “Impractical Jokers,” “90 Day Fiancé,” “Chopped,” “Say Yes to the Dress,” and “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Movies
HBO Max is home to films released by Warner Bros., usually arriving on the platform 45 days from their theatrical debut.
You’ll see superhero films featuring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. You’ll also get Scorsese and Kubrick films like “Goodfellas,” “The Departed,” “The Shining,” “A Clockwork Orange,” and “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Thanks to the studio’s history, you’ll also have access to all-time classics like “Casablanca,” “Gone With the Wind,” “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Seven Samurai.”
HBO Max is home to large numbers of films from:
For Japanese film lovers, HBO Max has acquired the exclusive U.S. streaming rights to all Studio Ghibli films like “Spirited Away.”
Kids
HBO Max does offer some kids’ content, but it’s not as comprehensive as something like Disney+ or Netflix. It currently holds classic cartoons like “The Looney Tunes Show.”
Older kids may enjoy “Justice League,” “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” and “Samurai Jack.”
Features
Up to 5 Profiles
HBO Max will allow you up to 5 profiles and lets you choose a unique color for each one.
Parental Controls
For kids, you can create specific profiles. They will limit the content that the child sees, but also will disallow playback of certain types of shows and movies by rating.
To activate, you will set a PIN, which will allow you to unlock or change the restrictions.
Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ also have parental control features.
Up to 3 Devices
HBO Max allows you to stream up to three different devices at the same time.
Offline Downloads
HBO Max allows you to download your favorite shows and movies to tablet and mobile devices on the ad-free tiers. You will have to refresh content every 30 days.
If you have the ad-free plan, you can download 30 titles. With ultimate ad-free, you can download 100.
Offline downloads aren’t available to those with Max With Ads.
International Access
Compatible Devices
HBO Max is compatible with these devices:
TV App
Confused how to install HBO Max on your streaming player, smart TV, or gaming console?
- How to Install Max on Roku
- How to Install Max on Amazon Fire TV
- How to Install Max on Apple TV
- How to Install Max on Chromecast
- How to Install Max on Android TV
- How to Install Max on Xbox
- How to Install Max on PS4
- How to Install Max on VIZIO Smart TV
- How to Install Max on Samsung Smart TV
- How to Install Max on LG Smart TV
Phone & Tablet Apps
Confused how to install HBO Max on your iOS or Android device?
Tech Specs
1080p HD
(Up to 4K UHD)
HBO Max offers nearly all content in HD. As of now, the streaming service only offers new release Warner Bros. movies in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision. They expect to expand this to other content.
4K is not available for those on an HBO Max ad-supported plan.
Some Surround
Stereo/Surround Sound
Most shows and movies on HBO Max are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
Dolby Atmost is available on the ultimate ad-free tier.
