Max Review
Max is a subscription video streaming service that gives access to the full HBO library, along with 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. The service changed its name from “HBO Max” on May 23, 2023.
Max has three tiers, an ad-supported plan for $9.99 an ad-free plan for $15.99, and the ultimate tier that includes 4K for $19.99.
All 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 Max as a subscription through Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or other Live TV providers.
Review
We tested Max and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. 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
Originals
Max includes all originals shows that air on HBO like “Westworld,” “Succession,” “Euphoria,” “Barry,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Watchmen” — as well as originals that are only available to Max subscribers.
TV Shows
One of the big draws to Max is that it is the exclusive home to classic comedies like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Joining them will be The West Wing and streaming access to BBC shows like Doctor Who, Top Gear, and Luther.
The service has also snagged the rights to CW shows like Pretty Little Liars, Batwoman, and Riverdale spinoff Katy Keene.
Movies
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,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Seven Samurai,” and “Citizen Kane.”
For Japanese film lovers, Max has acquired the exclusive U.S. streaming rights to all Studio Ghibli films like “Spirited Away.”
Kids
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
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.
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, SHOWTIME, and STARZ also have parental control features.
Up to 3 Devices
Max allows you to stream up to three different devices at the same time.
Offline Downloads
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
Max is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad
- Android Phone/Tablet
- Mac
- Windows
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- LG Smart TV (2018+ )
- Samsung Smart TV (2016+)
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV
Max is not compatible with Nintendo devices.
TV App
Confused how to install 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 Max on your iOS or Android device?
Tech Specs
1080p HD
(Up to 4K UHD)
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 Max ad-supported plan.
Some Surround
Stereo/Surround Sound
Most shows and movies on Max are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
Dolby Atmost is available on the ultimate ad-free tier.