Another HBO Max Price Hike Just Dropped: Here's Everything You Need to Know

Get ready to adjust your budget, folks! Hbo Max just announced its third price increase in three years, affecting all subscription plans starting this October. We've got all the new numbers, the effective dates, and even a potential workaround for some AT&T customers.

TL;DR

• HBO Max is increasing prices across all tiers by $1 to $2 monthly, effective October 21, 2025, for new subscribers.
• Existing monthly subscribers will see changes after November 20, 2025; annual subscribers will be notified 30 days before renewal.
• Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav attributes hikes to the "quality" of content, as the company seeks profitability in a crowded streaming market.

Decoding the Latest HBO Max Subscription Cost Increase

If your wallet has been feeling a little lighter lately thanks to rising streaming costs, you're not alone. HBO Max is the latest platform to announce a price adjustment, marking its third hike in just as many years. This isn't just a minor tweak; all three of their subscription plans are getting a bump, making it more expensive to keep up with your favorite shows and movies from the vast Warner Bros. Discovery library.

Let’s break down exactly what you’ll be paying for each tier, both monthly and annually:

• HBO Max Basic with Ads: The entry-level plan is going up by $1 to $10.99 per month. If you prefer paying yearly, that rate will increase by $10 to $109.99 annually. This tier lets you stream on two devices simultaneously with full HD (1080p) resolution, but yes, you'll still see ads.
• HBO Max Standard (Ad-free): This popular tier will now cost you an extra $1.50, bringing the monthly total to $18.49. For those who opt for the annual subscription, expect to pay $15 more, making it $184.99 per year. With the Standard plan, you get ad-free viewing, streaming on two devices at once in full HD (1080p), and the ability to download up to 30 titles for offline viewing. Plus, you get access to select live sports events!
• HBO Max Premium (Ad-free, 4K UHD): The top-tier experience is seeing the biggest jump, increasing by $2 to $22.99 per month. Annually, it’s a $20 increase, totaling $229.99 per year. This plan offers everything in Standard but kicks it up a notch: ad-free content, 4K Ultra HD video quality with Dolby Atmos immersive audio (where available), streaming on up to four devices simultaneously (though only two for sports), and a generous 100 downloads.

These new prices don't include applicable taxes, so factor that into your budgeting!

Understanding When These New Prices Will Hit Your Account

No one likes a sudden billing surprise, so it's good to know exactly when these new prices will take effect. For anyone signing up for HBO Max starting on October 21, 2025, the updated rates are effective immediately. You'll simply pay the new, higher price from day one.

Existing subscribers, however, have a bit of a grace period. If you’re on a monthly plan, you'll start seeing the increased rates on your first billing cycle that occurs on or after November 20, 2025. HBO Max will notify you 30 days in advance of your plan renewing at the higher rate, giving you time to consider your options.

Annual subscribers are in the best position for now. You won't see an increase until your current yearly subscription is up for renewal. Just like monthly subscribers, you’ll receive a notification 30 days before your renewal date, informing you of the new annual price. If you get HBO Max through an internet, mobile, or TV provider, they will be the ones to notify you about any changes to your billing.

Why Are Streaming Service Prices Constantly on the Rise?

It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the "death of cable" and the freedom of streaming, right? Now, it seems like every month another service is bumping up its price. HBO Max's latest hike is part of a larger, industry-wide trend where streaming giants are shifting their focus from aggressive subscriber acquisition to achieving actual profitability.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has been quite open about this strategy. He reportedly told Wall Street last month:

"I think our ability to raise price as people become more and more in love with the quality that we have and the series that we have and the offering that we have will have a real ability because I think the pricing across the board—not only is there too many players, in order to stay alive, a lot of the players have just decided to drop prices aggressively."

— David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO

He's essentially saying that with HBO Max's premium content library, they believe the service has been "underpriced" compared to its value and the quality it offers. In a market where many players tried to undercut each other on price, the tide is turning, and companies are realizing they need to charge more to stay afloat and generate profit.

This push for profitability also includes other "consumer-unfriendly tactics," as some reports put it, like the crackdown on password sharing. It's all part of a concerted effort to maximize revenue from their existing subscriber base and new sign-ups. Adding another layer to WBD's situation, the company also recently announced it's "happy to sell if anyone is looking to buy," indicating that strategic moves like price hikes could also be about bolstering their value proposition in potential acquisition talks.

Navigating the Streaming Wars: How HBO Max Compares to Other Services

HBO Max isn't alone in this trend; it's part of a massive industry-wide movement. In the past year alone, major players like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV, Paramount+, Discovery+, Dropout.tv, and Fubu have all implemented their own price increases. This makes comparing streaming services a bit of a moving target, but let's see where HBO Max now stands.

At $10.99 per month, the HBO Max Basic with Ads tier is still more expensive than ad-supported plans from Netflix ($7.99), Paramount+ ($7.99), Peacock ($7.99), and Prime Video's standalone plan ($8.99). However, it remains slightly cheaper than the ad-supported tiers of both Disney+ and Hulu, which both sit at $11.99 per month.

Moving to the ad-free tiers, HBO Max Standard at $18.49 per month is pricier than Peacock Premium ($10.99), Paramount+ ($12.99), and even Netflix's Standard ad-free plan ($17.99). Yet again, it's still a hair cheaper than Disney+ and Hulu's ad-free plans, both now at $18.99.

When it comes to the premium, 4K offerings, not all services have a direct equivalent. HBO Max Premium at $22.99 per month is more expensive than Peacock's Premium Plus tier ($16.99) but remains cheaper than Netflix's top-tier Premium plan ($24.99). These comparisons highlight that while HBO Max is on the pricier side, it's generally in the middle of the pack for its respective tiers, often priced just below Disney+ and Hulu, which many consumers also consider essential.

The Rising Cost of Bundles: Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max

It's not just individual services getting more expensive; popular bundles are also feeling the pinch. The three-way bundle that includes HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu is also increasing its price by $3 per month. This bundle was originally introduced in July 2024 at $16.99 (with ads) and $29.99 (no ads). With the new changes:

• The three-way bundle with ads is now $19.99 per month, still offering a 41% discount compared to subscribing to each service separately.
• The no-ads tier for the bundle is now $32.99 per month, maintaining a 39% discount.

This shows that while bundles still offer savings, the cost of even these consolidated options is steadily climbing, reflecting the overall upward trend in the streaming market.

Exploring the Premium Content Library: Is HBO Max Still Worth the Investment?

With these new price points, many subscribers will be asking: is HBO Max still worth it? Warner Bros. Discovery is clearly banking on the strength and quality of its content library to justify the increases. And to be fair, HBO Max boasts an impressive collection that often earns critical acclaim and generates significant buzz.

The platform is home to the legendary lineup of HBO original series, both current hits and timeless classics. Think gripping dramas like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Succession, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus. Comedy fans get Hacks and Peacemaker (which recently wrapped its second season). Upcoming HBO originals teased for later this year and early 2026 include the highly anticipated IT: Welcome to Derry and the Game of Thrones prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, as well as new seasons of The Pitt and Industry.

Beyond HBO, the service pulls from the vast Warner Bros. Pictures archive, DC Studios (hello, Superman!), Turner Classic Movies for film buffs, independent darlings from A24, and enchanting animation from Studio Ghibli. It's also a hub for popular TV shows like Friends, Abbott Elementary, Rick and Morty, and The Big Bang Theory. This diverse and high-quality library is undoubtedly HBO Max's biggest selling point, aiming to offer something for almost every taste, from prestige dramas to family-friendly movies.

Attention Wrestling Fans: AEW Content on HBO Max Just Got Pricier

For fans of All Elite Wrestling, these price hikes directly impact how much you'll pay to watch your favorite wrestlers. HBO Max is the go-to platform for AEW content, and all three subscription tiers include access to live streaming episodes of AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision, along with a robust back catalog of older AEW content.

While the monthly or annual subscription gets you access to the regular programming, it’s important to remember that AEW Pay-Per-View (PPV) events incur additional charges on top of your standard HBO Max fee. So, if you recently tuned into the WrestleDream event (where Darby Allin famously made Jon Moxley say "I Quit" in a controversial match featuring skewers and an aquarium!) or are planning to catch the upcoming Full Gear PPV on November 22nd (teasing Mercedes Moné vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's World Championship), those additional costs will now be layered on top of a more expensive base subscription.

The AEW All Out event in September was the first PPV to stream on HBO Max, a big move for wrestling fans. However, with the rising subscription costs, keeping up with both weekly shows and special events means a slightly bigger hit to the wallet for dedicated followers.

A Potential Lifesaver: Free HBO Max with AT&T Wireless or Fiber Plans

Feeling the sting of these price increases? There might be a silver lining if you're an AT&T customer. Many AT&T Wireless and Fiber plans actually come with a complimentary HBO Max Standard subscription, potentially saving you the new $18.49 per month!

Here’s who might be eligible for this fantastic perk:

• AT&T Unlimited Plans: If you're subscribed to any of the Unlimited Elite, Plus, Plus Enhanced, Choice, Choice II, Choice Enhanced, or Premium plans, you likely have access to free HBO Max.
• AT&T Fiber Customers: If you purchased AT&T Fiber 1000, 2000, or 5000 between September 20, 2021 (or May 27, 2020, for Fiber 1000) and June 5, 2022, and are still a subscriber, you could also be eligible.

So, how do you claim your free HBO Max Standard plan? It's pretty straightforward:

1. Head over to the HBO Max main page.
2. Click "Sign In" in the top-right corner.
3. Select "create an HBO Max account" (if you don't already have one linked this way).
4. When prompted to connect your provider, choose "AT&T."
5. Sign in using your AT&T user ID and password. If you've forgotten your user ID, AT&T can send you a hint to your linked email.

Once you've done that, you can enjoy your HBO Max Standard plan without the extra monthly charge. This is definitely worth checking out before you accept those new, higher rates!

Final Thoughts on the Evolving Streaming Landscape and Your Options

The latest HBO Max price hike is a clear sign that the streaming landscape is continuing its rapid evolution. What started as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cable is now, in many ways, beginning to resemble it – with multiple subscriptions adding up and companies prioritizing profitability. The "dream of streaming" might not be dead, but it's certainly becoming more expensive and complex to navigate.

For consumers, this means being more strategic about your streaming choices. It’s a good time to:

• Re-evaluate your subscriptions: Do you truly use every service you pay for? Consider rotating subscriptions, canceling ones you don't use regularly, and re-subscribing only when your must-watch shows drop new seasons.
• Check for bundles and perks: As we saw with the Disney+/Hulu/HBO Max bundle, and especially with the AT&T offer, there are still ways to save. Dig into your current phone, internet, or other provider plans to see if you have any hidden streaming benefits.
• Consider ad-supported tiers: While many prefer ad-free, the Basic with Ads plan is consistently the most affordable option. For some, the cost savings might be worth a few commercial breaks.

Ultimately, Warner Bros. Discovery is betting that the quality and breadth of HBO Max's content will keep subscribers loyal despite the rising costs. Only time (and your viewing habits!) will tell if that bet pays off.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBO Max Price Changes When did the HBO Max price increase go into effect? The new prices went into effect on October 21, 2025, for all new HBO Max subscribers. For existing monthly subscribers, the new rates will apply to their first billing cycle on or after November 20, 2025. Existing annual subscribers will see the change upon their next yearly renewal. What are the new monthly costs for HBO Max? The new monthly prices are: Basic with Ads for $10.99, Standard (ad-free) for $18.49, and Premium (ad-free, 4K UHD) for $22.99. Does my AT&T plan include free HBO Max? Many AT&T Unlimited Wireless plans (Elite, Plus, Plus Enhanced, Choice, Choice II, Choice Enhanced, Premium) and certain AT&T Fiber plans (1000, 2000, 5000 purchased during specific periods) include a complimentary HBO Max Standard subscription. Check your AT&T account details or follow the sign-up steps in our article to confirm eligibility. Is AEW content affected by the HBO Max price hike? Yes, all AEW content available on HBO Max, including live weekly shows and the back catalog, will now be accessed through the higher-priced subscription tiers. Pay-Per-View events will continue to be an additional charge on top of your chosen HBO Max plan.

Sources:

• Multiple industry reports (Oct 21, 2025 - including articles from Kotaku, Variety, ScreenRant, Mashable, The Hollywood Reporter, WebProNews, MassLive, SlashFilm)