The Best HBO MAX Deals: Save Up To 50% On Subscription This October

HBO Max, the streaming service you might fondly remember as HBO Max, then Max, and now back again, stands tall as a giant in the streaming world. It's the go-to destination if you're looking for that potent mix of premium, award-winning HBO Originals like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us, blockbuster movies fresh from Warner Bros., iconic series like Friends, and even favorites from the Discovery universe, including hits from HGTV, Food Network, and TLC. Add in exclusive HBO Max Originals and a deep library spanning DC Comics, Turner Classic Movies, and Studio Ghibli, and you've got a seriously comprehensive entertainment package.

With such a high-quality lineup, HBO Max often comes with a price tag that reflects its premium status, positioning it among the more expensive options in the increasingly crowded streaming market. But just because it offers top-tier entertainment doesn't mean you have to pay top dollar. Savvy streamers and deal hunters know there are ways to get access without breaking the bank, whether through special promotions, bundles, or understanding the different plan options. That's exactly what this guide is for – helping you navigate the costs and find the best HBO Max deals and discounts available right now.

Here at DealNews, our team spends its days tracking down and verifying the best offers across the web. We're dedicated to helping you save money, so you can enjoy all the binge-worthy shows and movies HBO Max has to offer, knowing you got the smartest deal possible. Let's explore how you can save.

Best HBO Max Deals Offered in October 2025

Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max (With Ads) Subscription

$19.99/mo.

Sign up for this Disney+ bundle and you'll get it along with Hulu and HBO Max for just $20 per month. Note that all the services will be the ad-supported versions, and you'll save around $14 each month by opting for this bundle.

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Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle

From $19.99/mo.

If you want all the top-notch programming Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max has to offer, bundling the services is the best way to get everything they have to offer. Prices start at just $19.99 per month and opting for the bundle means you'll save at least $14 compared to subscribing to each service separately.

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Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle Ad-Free Subscription

$32.99/mo.

If you can't stand the idea of ads, spring for this bundle that features all the premium programming of Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. That means you'll get all your favorites without ads and save roughly $22 over subscribing to each service separately. Note that Disney+ may serve some ads in select live and linear programming, but it should still be far less than what you see in the ad-supported tiers.

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HBO Max Annual Plans

Up to $45 off

Subscribe to an HBO Max annual plan and you'll save up to $45 compared to the monthly price. Subscribe to Basic with Ads for $109.99 per year and you'll save $21; opt for the Standard plan for $184.99 per year and you'll save $36; finally, pick the Premium plan for $229.99 per year and you'll save $45 compared to subscribing monthly.

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HBO Max Student Discount

$5.49/mo.

Students can snag a subscription to HBO Max with Ads for 50% off the current price. That means for just $5.49 per month, you can enjoy all the premium content the service has to offer when you need a study break. Note that you'll have to verify your status with UNiDAYS; after that, you'll receive a unique discount code that you can then redeem on HBO Max to start your subscription. You must be 18 or older and currently enrolled at an educational institution. The discount is valid as long as you remain a student, but note that you'll need to reverify your status every 12 months.

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Netflix & HBO Max w/ Ads Streaming Bundle at Verizon

$10/mo.

Verizon customers can get Netflix Standard with Ads and Max with Ads for just $10 per month added to eligible plans. (Scroll down the page to see this listed under the perks section.)

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HBO Max Subscription at Sling TV

50% off first month + $5 off monthly

Go big at Sling TV and get Orange & Blue bundled with HBO Max. You'll save 50% on the price of Orange & Blue for the first month, which means you can snag it for as low as $29.99 for your first month. Plus, you'll save $5 on HBO Max every month as long as you stay subscribed. Note that after your first month, the Orange & Blue bundle with HBO Max will cost $72.98 per month unless you cancel.

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HBO Max w/ Ads Subscription at DoorDash

Free w/ DashPass Annual Plan

Sign up for a DoorDash DashPass annual plan and you'll get HBO Max with Ads access at no additional charge. That means dinner and entertainment in one package for just $96, which works out to about $8 per month. You'll also receive $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders, among other great perks.

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HBO Max, Paramount+ Premium, Starz, & More on DIRECTV

Free 3-month trial

Subscribe to an eligible DIRECTV package and you'll get three months of HBO Max, Paramount+ Premium, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax at no additional charge. Qualifying packages include ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE, and after the three month trial, each service will auto-renew at the then-current monthly rates unless you cancel. (Rates are $16.99 per month for HBO Max, $12.99 per month for Paramount+ Premium, $10.99 per month for Starz, $10.99 per month for Cinemax, and $7.99 per month for MGM+ at the time of publishing.)

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HBO Max w/ Ads Subscription at Cricket Wireless

Free w/ Supreme Unlimited plan

Sign up for the Cricket Wireless Supreme Unlimited plan for $60 per month and you'll get HBO Max with Ads at no additional cost. Stream your favorite series, movies, originals, and more for free. Note that you'll need to download the HBO Max app and connect with Cricket as your provider in order to start streaming.

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HBO Max on YouTube TV Free Trial

Sign up today

Sign up for a YouTube TV free trial and you could also give HBO Max a trial at the same time. Note that trial lengths can vary so it's a good idea to check before signing up to make sure you'll have plenty of time to see everything YouTube TV (and HBO Max) has to offer. Trial lengths can be as short as two days, but we've also seen them as long as 21 or even 30 days. Once your trial is up, your subscription will auto-renew at the then-current rate ($82.99 per month at the time of publishing) unless you cancel beforehand.

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HBO Max Basic w/ Ads at Spectrum TV

Free w/ eligible plans

Subscribe to eligible Spectrum TV plans which include TV Select, TV Select Signature, TV Select Plus, Gold, or Silver and you'll get a subscription to HBO Max with Ads at no additional cost. Enjoy everything HBO Max has to offer as long as you're subscribed to one of these eligible plans, but note that you'll need to authenticate your Spectrum provider account through HBO Max in order to ensure you get the service for free.

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HBO Max w/ Ads at Philo

Free 7-day trial

Sign up for a Philo subscription and you'll get access to HBO Max Basic with Ads (as well as discovery+) at no additional cost. Even better, you can get a 7-day trial of the service to explore everything Philo has to offer, including these two premium services. Note that after your trial, your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current price ($33 per month at the time of publishing) unless you cancel first.

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The Best Ways to Save on HBO Max

Best HBO Max Deals Offered in October 2025

Let's cut to the chase: If you're searching for a traditional, widely available discount code to simply type in at the HBO Max checkout for a percentage off, you're unlikely to find one that works. While HBO Max technically has the capability to accept codes, general-use promotional codes aren't a common offering for the service right now. Many sites might list codes, but these are often just highlighting standard deals or are long expired.

But don't despair, deal seeker. Just because universal codes aren't floating around doesn't mean you can't save money on Max. There are several other legitimate ways to get a discount, ranging from paying annually to specific eligibility offers and bundling opportunities. We'll dive into the details of these actual savings methods, like student pricing and bundle deals, a bit later in this guide, so keep reading to find out how you can score HBO Max for less.

Standard Savings: Pay Annually

Outside of special promotions, one of the simplest and most consistent ways to save is by opting for a standard annual subscription instead of paying month-to-month. HBO Max offers a regular discount on all three of its tiers if you pay for a full year upfront, typically saving you 16% or more compared to the monthly cost over 12 months (around $20-$42 saved annually, depending on the tier). If you miss the limited-time 30% off deal, this is still a reliable way to save.

Get 50% Off With the Student Discount

College students enrolled at accredited institutions can score a significant discount. HBO Max offers its With Ads plan for just $4.99 per month, which is 50% off the regular $9.99 monthly price. To get this deal, you need to verify your student status through UNiDAYS. Once verified, you'll receive a code to apply during signup. This discounted rate is typically valid for up to 12 months, after which you may need to re-verify or the plan will revert to the standard price.

Bundle HBO Max with Disney Plus and Hulu

If you're interested in multiple streaming services, bundling can offer substantial savings. HBO Max is available in a popular bundle alongside Disney Plus and Hulu. If you'll put up with ad breaks in the name of saving even more, sign up for the Trio Basic (With Ads) bundle for $16.99 per month. Trio Premium eliminates almost all ads from the three platforms, minus limited commercials during live events, for $29.99 monthly.

Both bundles offer significant savings (around 42-43%) compared to subscribing to each service individually.

Check Offers From Your Existing Service Providers

It's always worthwhile to investigate potential perks from services you already pay for. Deals can sometimes be found through mobile phone, internet, or cable TV providers.

Companies like Verizon, T-Mobile, ATandT, and Cricket Wireless have, at various times, offered HBO Max access or discounts, often tied to specific (usually premium or older unlimited) plans. These promotions change frequently, so check your current mobile plan details or contact your carrier directly to see if HBO Max is included or available as a discounted add-on.

Similarly, companies like DirecTV/DirecTV Stream, Cox, Xfinity, or Spectrum might include HBO Max access with certain packages or offer promotional add-on deals. Check your provider's current offers or your account portal for possibilities.

Can You Watch HBO Max for Free?

The short answer is: yeah, kinda. Unfortunately, the days of a standard, widely advertised free trial directly from the HBO Max website are over; that option was discontinued back in 2020. However, you might still be able to snag a limited-time free trial through specific partners if you're a new HBO Max subscriber trying it via their platform.

Here are the most common ways to skip paying for Max:

Free Episodes and Movies on Max.com

HBO Max occasionally offers a selection of episodes from popular series (both HBO and Max Originals) and sometimes even full movies to watch completely free directly on their website, no subscription required. You can usually find these under a "Watch Free" or similar collection link (like max.com/collections/watch-free). This is a great way to sample a show you're curious about, like the first episode of a hit series, before committing to a paid plan. Keep in mind this isn't a free trial of the entire service; it's a limited, rotating selection of content made available for promotional purposes. You won't get access to the full library or new releases this way.

7-Day Free Trial via Amazon Prime

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can add HBO Max as a channel directly within the Prime Video app or website. Amazon frequently offers a 7-day free trial of the HBO Max channel add-on for eligible Prime members who haven't subscribed to HBO Max through them before.

7-Day Free Trial via Hulu Add-Ons

Hulu subscribers can also integrate HBO Max into their existing plan. Like Amazon, Hulu often provides a 7-day free trial of the HBO Max add-on for qualifying subscribers adding it for the first time through Hulu's platform.

Bundled Trials from TV or Other Providers

Less commonly, certain live TV streaming services (like DirecTV Stream) or other promotional partners might run limited-time offers that include a free trial period for HBO Max (sometimes longer than 7 days) when you sign up for their main service or a specific bundle. These require checking the provider's current promotions.

What You Get With a HBO Max Subscription

What to Watch on HBO Max: A Library for Every Mood

The single biggest reason to subscribe to HBO Max is its incredible, high-quality content library. It's a powerhouse collection that combines the unparalleled prestige of HBO with blockbuster movies, iconic TV classics, and a massive catalog of unscripted reality shows. Here's a curated look at what you can dive into.

Critically-Acclaimed HBO Originals

This is the core of Max's value. For decades, HBO has set the standard for television, and a subscription gives you access to it all—past, present, and future.

• Current Juggernauts: Immerse yourself in the worlds of House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and the Emmy-winning comedy Hacks.
• Modern Classics: Binge every episode of masterpieces like Succession, Barry, and Mare of Easttown.
• All-Time Greats: Revisit the shows that changed television forever, including The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and The Wire.

Blockbuster Movies and Fan Favorites

Thanks to its connection with Warner Bros., HBO Max is a go-to destination for major movies, often appearing on the service shortly after their theatrical run.

• Recent Hits: Catch blockbuster films like Dune and Barbie.
• Franchise Hubs: Explore the entire DC Extended Universe with films and series like Peacemaker.
• Curated Collections: Dive into the classics with a deep library from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) or explore the magical worlds of the legendary Studio Ghibli.

Binge-Worthy Reality TV from Discovery

The "Max" rebrand brought the massive and beloved Discovery library into the fold, creating a one-stop-shop for reality TV fans.

• Home and Food: Get your fix of home improvement and culinary inspiration with countless shows from HGTV (Fixer Upper, Property Brothers) and Food Network (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives).
• Reality and Documentary: Settle in for marathon sessions of iconic reality series from TLC (90 Day Fiancé) and gripping docuseries from Discovery (Naked and Afraid, Deadliest Catch).

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

Beyond the big names, the HBO Max library is full of unique and highly-rated shows you might have missed.

• Our Flag Means Death: A hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt pirate comedy that has developed a passionate cult following.
• The Rehearsal: A bizarre and brilliant comedy from Nathan Fielder that blurs the line between reality and performance art.
• The Mortician: A chilling and unforgettable true-crime documentary series that quickly became one of HBO's most-viewed.

Coming Soon: Mark Your Calendar

The stream of high-quality releases never stops. Here are some of the most anticipated premieres coming up in October:

• October 5: Repossessed (A new dark comedy from Barry creator and star Bill Hader).
• October 12: The Gateway (A mind-bending new science-fiction series from visionary director Alex Garland).
• October 18: Asphalt Saint (The streaming debut of the gritty, award-winning crime thriller).
• October 24: The Harvest Hour (A chilling HBO Original horror film perfect for the Halloween season).

Plus, keep an eye out for premiere dates for new seasons of fan favorites like The Righteous Gemstones and The Gilded Age expected later in the year.

Score Big with Live Sports on Max

While HBO Max is famous for its prestige dramas and blockbuster movies, it has also become a serious contender for sports fans. Through the B/R Sports Add-On, you can stream hundreds of live games and events right within the HBO Max app, making it a powerful all-in-one entertainment hub.

What Sports Are Available?

The B/R (Bleacher Report) Sports Add-On brings a robust lineup of professional and collegiate sports to your screen. Depending on the season, you can expect to catch live games from major leagues and events, including:

• MLB (Major League Baseball)
• NHL (National Hockey League)
• NBA (National Basketball Association)
• NCAA Men's March Madness Tournament
• U.S. National Soccer Team matches (Men's and Women's)
• 24 Hours of Le Mans and other motorsport events

Plan Requirements and Cost

Getting access to live sports requires a specific setup. The B/R Sports Add-On is exclusively available to subscribers of the Ad-Free or Ultimate Ad-Free plans. It cannot be added to the "With Ads" tier. The add-on typically costs an additional $9.99 per month on top of your base plan subscription.

A Note on Blackout Restrictions

It's important for sports fans to understand blackout restrictions. A blackout means that a specific game may be unavailable to stream on HBO Max in your local area. This usually happens because a local or regional sports network has the exclusive broadcast rights for that game in your market. If a game is blacked out on Max, you will typically need to watch it on the designated local channel.

The HBO Max Experience: Streaming Features and Device Support

A great content library is only half the battle; the actual viewing experience is just as important. HBO Max delivers a modern, reliable streaming experience across a wide range of devices, with different features tailored to each subscription plan. Here's what you need to know about the technical side of your subscription.

Device Compatibility

Chances are, you already own a device that can stream Max. The service is available on virtually every major platform, ensuring you can watch at home or on the go. Supported devices include:

• Streaming Media Players: Roku, Amazon Fire TV (Fire Stick), Apple TV, Google Chromecast
• Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Android TV models
• Game Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Mobile Devices: iPhones, iPads (iOS), and Android phones and tablets
• Web Browsers: On your computer via Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows PCs

Streaming Quality: From HD to Cinema-Like 4K

HBO Max tailors its video and audio quality to your plan.

• The With Ads and Ad-Free plans both stream in crisp Full HD (1080p) resolution.
• To get the best possible picture, you'll need the Ultimate Ad-Free plan. This unlocks select movies and series in stunning 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos immersive audio, creating a true home-theater experience for supported titles on compatible devices.

Offline Viewing with Downloads

If you're a frequent traveler or have a long commute, the ability to download content is a game-changer. Both ad-free plans offer this feature, but with different limits:

• Ad-Free Plan: Allows for up to 30 downloads at a time to watch on the go without an internet connection.
• Ultimate Ad-Free Plan: Bumps that limit significantly to 100 downloads, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs to load up devices before a long trip.

Simultaneous Streams: How Many People Can Watch at Once?

The number of devices that can stream HBO Max at the same time depends on your subscription tier, a key consideration for households with different tastes.

• With Ads Plan: You can watch on up to 2 devices simultaneously.
• Ad-Free Plan: This plan also supports 2 simultaneous streams.
• Ultimate Ad-Free Plan: Designed for larger households, this tier allows for streaming on up to 4 devices at once.

Choosing the Right Plan for You

HBO Max Plans and Pricing: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Okay, let's talk plans. HBO Max gives you choices, which is great, but it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. It really boils down to what you value most: the lowest possible price, an ad-free binge session, or the absolute best picture quality for those epic movie nights.

To make it simple, we've broken down all three HBO Max tiers side-by-side. All plans give you access to the same incredible library of shows and movies; the differences come down to price, ads, and technical features.

Who Is Each Plan Best For?

• With Ads: Best for Budget-Conscious Viewers
  This is your straightforward, most affordable entry point. You get access to every single show and movie in the HBO Max library, but you'll have commercial breaks similar to regular TV. If you don't mind a few interruptions and your main goal is access to the content for the lowest price, this plan is the perfect choice.
• Ad-Free: Best for Binge-Watchers and Travelers
  This plan is for viewers who find commercials the ultimate buzzkill. It offers an uninterrupted streaming experience and adds the crucial ability to download up to 30 titles for offline viewing—a must-have for flights, road trips, or subway commutes. It's also the minimum tier required to add the B/R Sports package for live games.
• Ultimate Ad-Free: Best for Families and 4K Enthusiasts
  This is the premium, top-tier experience. It's tailor-made for users with a 4K TV and a sound system who want a cinema-like experience at home. The jump to four simultaneous streams makes it the best option for larger households, and the massive 100-download limit is perfect for families loading up multiple devices before a vacation. If you want the best video and audio quality HBO Max has to offer, this is the plan to get.

Pro Tips for Savvy Streamers

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Subscription

Getting a discount is the first step, but being a truly savvy streamer means getting the most value out of every dollar you spend. Once you're signed up, use these strategies to make sure your HBO Max subscription is working as hard as you do.

1. Time Your Subscription Strategically

If you're not ready to commit for a full year, time your monthly subscription around major premieres. Know that a new season of House of the Dragon or The Last of Us is about to drop? That's the perfect time to subscribe or reactivate your account. By signing up just before a must-watch series begins, you can enjoy the entire season within a month or two and then cancel if you need to, ensuring you only pay for the content you're most excited about.

2. Leverage Profiles and Streams for Your Household

HBO Max is designed to be shared within a household, and using its features correctly can feel like getting multiple subscriptions in one. Create separate user profiles for each family member to keep watch histories and recommendations personalized. Pay attention to your plan's simultaneous stream limit—the Ultimate Ad-Free plan's four streams are perfect for larger families, allowing everyone to watch what they want, when they want, without kicking each other off the service.

3. Switch Plans to Match Your Viewing Habits

Don't be afraid to adjust your subscription tier as your needs change. You can easily switch between plans from month to month. For example:

• Upgrade for Sports: Planning to catch March Madness or the MLB playoffs? Upgrade to an Ad-Free plan and add the B/R Sports add-on for that season, then drop back down when it's over.
• Go 4K for Movie Night: See a new blockbuster movie is being released in 4K? Upgrade to the Ultimate Ad-Free plan for one month to get that premium, cinema-like experience, then switch back to a cheaper plan.
  This flexibility allows you to pay for premium features only when you'll actually use them, saving you money during quieter viewing periods.

When Is the Best Time to Save on HBO Max?

While you can find ways to save on HBO Max year-round, certain periods tend to offer more potential for special promotions. Keep an extra close eye out during major shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November; streaming services often roll out deals for new subscribers around this time, sometimes offering discounted rates for the first few months. The Back-to-School season (roughly August-September) can also be a good time to check, especially if you might qualify for the student discount, as it sometimes gets extra promotion then.

Understanding HBO Max Policies

Understanding the Fine Print: A Guide to Deal Eligibility and Renewals

Getting a great deal on HBO Max is exciting, but it's crucial to understand the terms to avoid any surprises down the road. Most promotions are designed to attract new customers and come with specific rules. Here's a clear breakdown of what you need to know before you commit.

New vs. Returning Subscribers

The most common condition for a deal is your subscriber status. Pay close attention to who the offer is for:

• New Subscribers: Most of the best deals—like limited-time percentage-off discounts or introductory pricing—are exclusively for customers who have never had a HBO Max subscription before.
• Returning Subscribers: Sometimes, "win-back" campaigns are sent via email to people who have canceled their subscriptions in the past, offering a special rate to entice them to return. These are typically targeted and not available to the general public.
• Existing Subscribers: It is rare for major discounts to be offered to current subscribers. The most common way for existing members to save is by switching from a monthly to an annual plan.

Important: All Promotional Deals Auto-Renew at Full Price

This is the single most important rule to remember: Every promotional discount is for a limited time. Whether you sign up for a discounted first year, a student plan, or a special bundle, your subscription will automatically renew at the standard, non-discounted rate once the promotional period ends.

• Annual Plan Deals: If you get a special rate on a yearly plan, you will be billed the full, standard annual price for the following year unless you cancel before the renewal date.
• Student Discount: Your 50% off student discount is typically valid for 12 months. After that, you will likely need to re-verify your student status. If you don't, or if you are no longer eligible, the plan will revert to the standard monthly price for the "With Ads" tier.
• Free Trials (via Amazon/Hulu): The 7-day free trial is a classic example. If you do not cancel before the seventh day is over, you will be automatically charged for your first month of the HBO Max add-on at its regular price.

Always make a note of your renewal date in your calendar so you can decide whether to keep the service at its regular price or cancel beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBO Max Deals and Subscriptions

Navigating the fine print of streaming deals can sometimes be tricky. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about troubleshooting discounts and understanding the terms of your HBO Max subscription.

What if My HBO Max Discount or Promo Code Doesn't Work?

Before contacting support, run through this quick troubleshooting checklist:

1. Check for Typos: Ensure the code is entered exactly as it appears, with no extra spaces.
2. Verify Eligibility: Many offers are exclusively for new subscribers or those who haven't had an active subscription in several months. If you're a current subscriber, a "new user" code won't work.
3. Confirm Plan Match: Some discounts only apply to specific plans (e.g., a code for the "With Ads" plan won't work if you have the "Ad-Free" plan selected in your cart) or billing frequencies (annual vs. monthly).
4. Check Expiration: Promo codes have a shelf life. Ensure the deal hasn't expired.

Can I Stack or Combine Different HBO Max Deals?

Generally, no. HBO Max does not allow you to stack multiple promotional offers. For example, you cannot combine a student discount with a percentage-off promo code for an annual plan. If you attempt to enter a second code, it will usually replace the first one. You will need to calculate which single offer provides the best value for you and use that one.

I Applied My Discount, but the Total Price Seems Higher Than I Expected. Why?

Promotional discounts usually apply only to the base cost of the subscription plan. They typically do not lower the cost of taxes or any premium add-ons, such as the B/R Sports Add-On. These additional costs are calculated and added after the discount is applied to the base plan.

What Happens if I Cancel My Prepaid Annual Subscription Early?

If you sign up for a discounted annual plan and decide to cancel a few months in, you will not receive a prorated refund for the unused months. Instead, your subscription will remain active, and you will continue to have full access to HBO Max until the end of your prepaid one-year period. Afterward, the subscription will not renew, and you will not be charged again.

How Do I Cancel My Subscription?

Decided to take a break from Max? No problem, canceling is usually straightforward, but the most important step is figuring out who actually bills you for the service. HBO Max subscriptions can be billed directly through HBO Max itself, or through third parties like Apple, Google Play, Roku, Amazon, Hulu, or your TV/internet/mobile provider. Deleting the HBO Max app from your device will not cancel your subscription or stop the charges. You need to cancel through the appropriate billing platform.

Here's a general guide:

1. Identify Your Biller: The easiest way is to log in to your HBO Max account on a web browser. Go to your profile, then click on "Subscription." It should clearly state who your subscription is billed through near the top of the page. You can also check your bank or credit card statements.
2. If Billed Directly by Max: While logged into your subscription page on max.com, look for an option like "Cancel Your Subscription." Click it. Follow the prompts to confirm you want to cancel. HBO Max will typically show you the date your subscription will end (usually at the end of your current billing cycle).
3. If Billed by a Third Party: If your subscription page says you're billed through Apple, Google Play, Roku, Amazon, Hulu, your TV provider, etc., you must cancel through that specific service. You won't see a cancel option directly on the HBO Max website. Fortunately, the instructions are essentially the same: go to the specific platform's subscriptions or account settings area, find Max, and follow the prompts.

Once you've successfully canceled, you can typically continue watching HBO Max until the end of your current paid billing period. Don't worry, if you get the itch to re-subscribe later, reactivating your account is usually just a few clicks away.

What Are My Payment Options?

HBO Max accepts several common payment methods when you subscribe directly through their website. Typically, you can pay using major credit cards (like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards. They also usually accept PayPal.

If you subscribe through a third-party provider (like Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Roku Channel Store, Amazon Appstore, or directly via Hulu/Prime Video channels), you'll use the payment method associated with that account. So, if you sign up via your iPhone, you'll likely be billed through your Apple account's payment method. Always check the payment options available during the specific sign-up process you choose.

What Have Discounts Looked Like in the Past?

Max, and HBO Max before it, has offered various types of discounts over the years, giving us clues about what kinds of savings might pop up again. We've seen introductory offers when the service first launched or rebranded, often giving new users a percentage off for their first few months. Targeted email promotions offering significant discounts, like 50% off the ad-free plan for up to six months, have also been sent to former subscribers to lure them back.

While the standard 7-day free trial offered directly by HBO Max is a thing of the past, partner platforms like Amazon and Hulu still frequently offer short trial periods for the HBO Max add-on. Major sales holidays like Black Friday have also historically brought temporary price cuts or special bundle inclusions. So, while the exact deals change, HBO Max has a history of using limited-time offers, partner trials, and targeted discounts beyond its standard annual and student savings.

Are HBO Max Deals Worth It This Year?

So, after exploring the plans, the content, and the deals, the big question remains: Is a HBO Max subscription actually worth the money in 2025? Let's be frank, HBO Max sits on the higher end of the streaming price scale, especially if you opt for the ad-free or ultimate tiers. You can definitely find cheaper ways to get some streaming content. However, HBO Max plays in the premium league for a reason. Its library, anchored by the unparalleled quality of HBO Originals and bolstered by blockbuster Warner Bros. movies, beloved classics, and popular Discovery reality shows, is genuinely hard to beat for sheer breadth and quality.

If you're someone who craves shows like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, or Hacks, wants access to major movie releases after their theatrical run, and enjoys dipping into home improvement or cooking shows, HBO Max packs a massive punch. Features like offline downloads (on ad-free plans), the potential for stunning 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos visuals (on the Ultimate plan), and the inclusion of CNN Max add tangible value. The optional B/R Sports add-on also caters to live sports fans, though that comes at an extra cost.

Ultimately, the "worth it" calculation often comes down to how much you'll actually watch and whether you can snag a discount. If you can get HBO Max for less, its case becomes significantly stronger, especially for savvy streaming fans and deal seekers like our readers.

What Else To Consider

You might wonder how we track down all these savings opportunities. Here at DealNews, finding and verifying the best deals is our bread and butter, and we've been doing it for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of expert deal curators constantly scours the internet, monitors official announcements from HBO Max and its partners, and checks various providers to uncover the latest discounts, promotions, and free trial opportunities.

Interested in saving money on your favorite streaming discounts? Sign up for the DealNews Select newsletter to receive emails with some of the hottest deals every weekday. Make the most of these deal offerings by setting a deal alert for products you're interested in.