Max streaming guide: Signing up, pricing, features, 4K content availability and more

Read this guide for everything about Max. the new streaming service combining HBO Max, Discovery+ and more in one app, and learn about subscription pricing, the availability of 4K content, playback features, supported devices and more.

iPhone screenshot showing the Max streaming app on the App Store
Max has replaced HBO Max | Image: Christian Zibreg/iDB
  • WarnerMedia launched the rebranded Max streaming service on May 23, 2023, offering HBO Max, Discovery+ and more in one app.
  • The new app offers more 4K content than the old HBO Max ever did, with over a thousand movies and TV episodes available in 4K at launch.
  • On top of 4K content, Max will support Dolby Vision, HDR10 and 60 fps video, plus Dolby Atmos audio, for select movies and shows.

What films and shows does Max offer?

All original HBO content can be found on Max, including shows like Succession, The Undoing, the Watchmen series, Sharp Objects and Chernobyl. Blockbuster Warner Bros. films such as Dune, Don’t Worry Darling, Joker and others are also on Max.

Older shows like A Clockwork Orange, Casablanca, Goodfellas and The Wizard of Oz are available in 4K on Max. Warner Bros. will bring all its future movies, including all 2o23 releases, in 4K to Max following their theatrical windows.

Max also brings select Warner Bros. movies and content from the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Turner Library, Looney Tunes, Adult Swim, and TV brands such as HGTV, the Food Network, TLC, ID, Magnolia Network, Discovery and more.

For the full lineup, visit the WarnerBros. Discovery website.

Max subscription plans and pricing

Warner Bros. Discovery offers three distinct subscription tiers for the Max service, including an ad-supported service, but there’s no free trial available:

  • Max Ultimate Ad-Free
    • Pricing:
      • Monthly: 20
      • Yearly: $200
    • Features:
      • Four simultaneous streams
      • 4K resolution
      • 100 offline downloads
      • Dolby Atmos sound
  • Max Ad Free
    • Pricing:
      • Monthly: $16
      • Yearly: $150
    • Features:
      • Two simultaneous streams
      • 1080p resolution
      • 30 offline downloads
      • 5.1 surround sound
  • Max Ad-Lite
    • Pricing:
      • Monthly: $10
      • Yearly: $100
    • Features:
      • Two simultaneous streams
      • 1080p resolution
      • No offline downloads
      • 5.1 surround sound

Which devices does the Max streaming service support?

The native Max app is available on the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV:

The app requires at least iOS 14.0, iPadOS 14.0 and tvOS 14.0 or later.

You can create five viewer profiles, each with its own profile image. The app offers parental controls, profile PINs for adults, content hubs, genres and other perks.

If you have automatic downloads turned on, your HBO Max app will be replaced by Max. Unfortunately, the Apple TV version lacks support for the TV app’s Up Next queue and uses a custom video player instead of the standard tvOS one.

Max is also available on various smart TV sets from LG and Samsung, set-top boxes and PlayStation consoles, including Fire TV, Android TV, Roku and Cox devices.

To stream via a browser, visit Max.com and sign in with your account.

In which countries is Max available?

Max is currently only available in the United States. The service will expand to other countries and geographies but the end of 2023, including Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2024, Max should expand to Europe and South East Asia.

Max surprises with a 4K upcharge

Max offers eight times more 4K content at launch than HBO Max ever did, including popular shows like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and The Dark Knight trilogies, the Matrix films, etc.

The 1,000 movies and episodes available at launch will grow over time. The company has developed technology allowing it to release more 4K content “in a faster, more efficient way,” said Warner Bros. Discovery’s Sudheer Sirivara.

4K and HDR are only available with the most expensive $20/month subscription. Given that the old HBO Max service has always underwhelmed us with its lack of 4K content, Max’s 4K upcharge is understandable to an extent.

During six months, all existing HBO Max subscribers retain features of their subscription plan on the new Max service without paying extra. After your six months have expired, you’ll face a decision: Pay a bit of a premium for 4K content on Max or downgrade to a more affordable tier.

Helpful support documents

You may find these support documents useful:

The company claims that the new app offers collections that are hand-picked by humans, which sounds better than AI recommendations on Netflix.

What about Discovery+?

Discovery+ content remains available as a standalone streaming service. Existing Discovery+ subscribers can sign up as new Max customers.