What is HBO Max (Max)?
HBO Max, often referred to online as "hbomax" and marketed to many users as Max, is an American subscription video-on-demand streaming service operated by Warner Bros. Discovery.[1] It brings together HBO programming, Warner Bros. films, Max Originals, and content from networks including Discovery Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, and others into a single platform.[1][3]
The service functions as a premium hub for both on‑demand TV and movies, spanning prestige dramas, comedies, documentaries, animated series, kids’ content, and more.[1][3] Available through web, mobile, smart TV, and set‑top apps, HBO Max has expanded well beyond the original HBO cable audience to reach global streaming users.
Internationally, Warner Bros. Discovery has used HBO Max and the Max brand to replace earlier HBO streaming products and roll out into new territories across Europe and beyond.[1] This expansion strategy aims to leverage well-known HBO and Warner Bros. franchises as anchors for growth in competitive streaming markets.
HBO Max plans and pricing today
HBO Max uses a tiered subscription model, with three primary plans that vary by price, ad load, video quality, and download capabilities.[2][3] A lower-priced Basic or with-ads plan offers full catalog access with commercial breaks, usually at around ten dollars per month in the U.S., and is intended to make the service more accessible without fully undercutting its premium positioning.[2]
Above that, an ad-free tier removes commercials, enables more generous offline download options, and maintains Full HD quality while supporting multiple concurrent streams for typical households.[2] This plan targets viewers who want HBO content without ad interruptions but do not necessarily need 4K or maximum device limits.
The top Ultimate or Premium tier raises the price again but adds up to four concurrent streams, 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos on supported titles, and higher download caps—up to 100 offline titles in some plan structures.[2][3] While this makes HBO Max one of the more expensive mainstream streaming options, it also positions the service as a technical and content leader for users who prioritize quality and flexibility.
Content library and latest developments
HBO Max’s library includes more than 2,000 films and over 580 shows across genres, giving it one of the richer catalogs in subscription streaming.[3] Flagship HBO series, Max Originals, and Warner Bros. movies form the backbone of the service, supported by older library titles and international co-productions.[1][3]
A major change in recent years has been the integration of Discovery-branded unscripted programming, which brings hours of reality TV, lifestyle series, and true crime into the same app as scripted HBO and Warner Bros. content.[2][3] This broader mix helps the platform appeal to families and mixed-viewing households, not just fans of prestige dramas.
New releases and updates keep "hbomax" in the news cycle, including monthly waves of fresh TV shows and films highlighted by entertainment and tech outlets.[4] At the same time, features like a Channels tab for live HBO feeds and bundled B/R Sports events for ad-free and premium plans add live viewing and sports to its primarily on‑demand offering, making HBO Max a more direct competitor to both traditional TV and other major streamers.[1][2]