Recently, HBO and Turner Media combined to form WarnerMedia, one of the largest media companies in the world. Now, WarnerMedia has launched a new streaming platform to compete with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other popular streaming services. Here’s everything you need to know about HBO Max, including what content you will be able to watch, how much it will cost, how to get it for free, and more.
What is HBO Max?
HBO Max is a new streaming platform with 10,000 hours of content from HBO, Warner Bros., and more. Just like Netflix or Disney+, you can watch all this content over the internet or by using certain streaming devices.
With HBO Max, you also get access to movies and TV shows from New Line Cinema, TNT, Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies, Crunchyroll, Adult Swim, and lots of other licensed media that WarnerMedia has acquired.
HBO Max Shows
All shows and movies that were on HBO are now also on HBO Max. That means you get access to new shows like Westworld and movies like The Joker. Plus, you get access to all seasons of Game of Thrones, Veep, The Wire, The Sopranos, and more.
On top of the original HBO content, the platform will also showcase licensed franchises from third-party entertainment companies. Perhaps the biggest addition to the new streaming service is the ‘90s hit show, Friends. However, the planned Friends cast reunion show is currently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other popular TV shows that are also now available on the platform include Rick and Morty, The Big Bang Theory, Doctor Who, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, new episodes of South Park, and much more.
As for movies, the platform has got something for everyone, including popular titles from Casablanca to Harry Potter. You also get access to Studio Ghibli films that are not available elsewhere in the US, the highly-anticipated Zack Snyder cut of Justice League, and more.
HBO Max will have exclusives, too, which will be called Max Originals. The streaming service will release 31 Max Originals this year alone, including Jordan Peele’s new horror series, Lovecraft Country.
HBO Max vs HBO NOW vs HBO Go
HBO NOW is a standalone streaming service like Netflix, while HBO Go is a streaming service that comes free with an HBO cable subscription. On the other hand, HBO Max has everything that’s on HBO, plus thousands of hours of content from WarnerMedia.
HBO Max Features
Offline Viewing – You will be able to download any TV shows and movies from HBO Max to your devices, so you can watch them offline.
Simultaneous Streams – You can stream to three different devices at the same time. The number of simultaneous streams does not affect your monthly rate.
Multiple Profiles and Recommendations – You can also set up multiple profiles, which can be especially helpful if you have family members sharing the same account. This new streaming service also has recommendations from real people, instead of algorithm-based recommendations that you get with Netflix.
Parental Controls – You can create an account for your kids, and limit the movies and TV shows they can watch based on ratings. You set a PIN for these kids accounts to block them from watching R, PG-13, or PG-rated movies.
Brand Hubs – You can browse HBO Max by entertainment company or brand. For example, if you want to browse DC movies, go to Max Hubs and click on the DC logo. All the movies in the DC Universe will then be laid out for your next movie night. The same goes for Studio Ghibli, TNT, Cartoon Network, and all the other bands offered by HBO Max.
HBO Max Price
HBO Max costs $14.99 per month. However, if you pre-ordered the service or signed up for an account before the launch, your discounted rate is $13 per month for one year. You can also get HBO Max for free if you already have HBO through your cable provider.
How to Get HBO Max
You can get HBO Max by heading over to their website and signing up for an account or get the 7-day free trial. After you sign up for an account, you then download the app to your device in order to enjoy the platform’s programs.
You can get the HBO Max app on the following devices:
- Android and Apple smartphones and tablets
- Apple TV
- Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers
- Sony Android TVs (2016 or newer models)
- Samsung Smart TVs (2016 or newer models)
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
HBO Max is currently not available on Roku or Amazon Fire devices.
How to Get HBO Max for Free
If you already have a cable subscription for HBO, you can get HBO Max for free. All you have to do is sign in with your cable provider credentials. Then you can download the app on your device or start watching online.
- Download the HBO Max app on your device. You can find the app for iPhones and other Apple devices on the Apple App Store. If you have an Android device, you can download the app from the Google Play Store. You can also go to HBOMax.com and click Sign In.
- Then select a movie or episode to watch.
- Next, select Sign In.
- Then select Sign in Through TV or Mobile Provider.
- Next, choose your provider. You can sign in with any cable provider or through Apple TV, YouTube TV, Hulu, or any other provider that you currently use to watch HBO.
- Then enter your login credentials and select Sign In.
- You will then be asked to create an HBO Max account. You will need to enter your name and email address. Also, make sure to check the box next to I agree to the HBO Max Terms and Privacy Policy before selecting Create Account.
- Finally, select Let’s Go to start streaming HBO Max for free. This will take you to the app’s homepage, where you can start watching any movies or TV shows you want.
If you are currently paying for an HBO NOW subscription, you will already have access to HBO Max at no extra cost. Your app will automatically be updated. All you have to do is log in with your existing account details, and you’re good to go. If you can’t see the app, make sure that you have automatic updates turned on.
If you want to know how to stream content from your iPhone, Android, or computer to your TV, check out our guide on how to use Chromecast here.