Best HBO Max Deals & Sales for April 2025

You might remember it as HBO Max, but the streaming powerhouse has evolved! Now simply called Max, this service is your go-to destination for an absolutely massive library of top-tier entertainment. We're talking about the award-winning prestige dramas and comedies HBO is famous for, blockbuster movies straight from Warner Bros. Pictures, captivating reality and lifestyle shows from Discovery brands like HGTV and Food Network, epic adventures from the DC Universe, and even animated favorites from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.

Whether you're a fan of gripping series like House of the Dragon, need a family movie night with the Harry Potter collection, or just want to unwind with 90 Day Fiancé, Max aims to deliver.

With such a huge vault of content catering to everyone from serious cinephiles and drama lovers to reality TV aficionados and families, Max definitely packs a punch. But the big question for savvy streamers and deal hunters is always: what's the cost, and how can I get the best value?

That's exactly what we're diving into here at DealNews. We'll break down the different subscription plans, explore potential bundles and discounts, and uncover all the tips and tricks for maximizing your savings on a Max subscription. Let's find the perfect way for you to start watching (and saving)!

This Year's Subscription Pricing

Alright, let's talk about the cost. Max offers a few different subscription tiers, giving you options based on your budget and how you like to watch. Like many streaming services, you can choose between paying month-to-month for maximum flexibility or opting for an annual plan to snag some savings if you know you'll be sticking around.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the current Max plans and their prices:

As you can see, committing to a full year of just Max upfront saves you about 16% compared to the monthly cost across all tiers – definitely something for deal seekers to consider! The biggest savings, though, can be found when bundling Max with other streaming platforms. Although you can't sign up for an annual plan, you'll score a significant deal over subscribing to each service separately.

While the "With Ads" plan is the most budget-friendly entry point, the higher tiers offer significant upgrades like ad-free viewing (aside from live channels and events), more simultaneous streams, offline downloads, and higher video/audio quality, which we'll dive into next.

Pricing in Previous Years

Streaming prices aren't set in stone, and Max has seen a few adjustments, particularly around its transition from the original HBO Max branding and the introduction of new features and tiers. Understanding the recent history can give context to the current value.

Here’s a look back at some key price points for the main ad-free tier over the last couple of years:

By the way, this table focuses on the ad-free offerings. The Basic With Ads tier has pretty much remained steady around the $9.99/month mark, unlike the other plans that saw the increases.

Subscription Package Differences

So, what exactly do you get for your money with each Max plan? The main differences boil down to ads, video/audio quality, how many people can watch at once, and offline downloads. Let's break it down:

Basic With Ads

This is your entry-level ticket to the Max library. As the name suggests, you'll see commercials during shows and movies (though HBO Originals typically remain ad-free). You can stream on two devices simultaneously in Full HD (1080p) resolution with standard 5.1 surround sound. A key limitation is that you cannot download titles for offline viewing. This plan currently includes access to CNN Max for live news, but be aware that Max has indicated plans to potentially remove this feature from the Basic tier in the future.

Standard

Stepping up to Standard gets rid of most ads for a smoother viewing experience (though some live content might still have them). You still get full HD streaming on two devices at once, but you gain the ability to download up to 30 titles to watch when you're offline – perfect for commutes or travel. Crucially, this tier (and Premium) now includes access to live sports content (like select MLB, NHL, NBA, and NCAA games) at no extra charge, which used to be part of a separate paid add-on.

Premium

This is the top-of-the-line Max experience. It keeps things ad-free and bumps up your simultaneous streams to four devices. This is also the only tier that offers 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR visuals, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on compatible content and devices. Your download limit increases significantly to 100 titles.

Like the Standard plan, live sports are included. If you have a 4K TV setup, want the best possible picture and sound, need downloads for the whole family, or have more than two people watching at once, this is the plan for you.

Max Bundle (With Ads)

This package combines Max (Basic with Ads) with Disney Plus (Basic with Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for a single, discounted price currently at $16.99 per month. You get access to all three streaming libraries, but you'll encounter ads on each service. Streaming limits and quality are based on the basic tiers of each individual service (e.g., 2 streams, HD for Max). It's a great value option if you want content from all three platforms and don't mind commercials.

Max Bundle (No Ads)

This premium bundle includes Max (Standard), Disney Plus (Premium), and Hulu (No Ads) for a higher price point — currently $29.99 per month. You get ad-free viewing on all three services (with exceptions for live content). Importantly, while this bundle gives you the premium versions of Disney Plus and Hulu (which support 4K/Atmos), the included Max plan is the Standard tier – meaning ad-free HD streaming on 2 devices with 30 downloads and live sports, but not the 4K/Atmos/4-stream benefits of the Max Premium plan. Still, it represents significant savings compared to subscribing to the ad-free versions of all three services separately.

Don't forget that Max is sometimes available through other bundles and potentially included at no extra cost depending on your cable, internet, or wireless provider. So, always check those avenues for potential savings too!

Okay, running that request again using the source material provided. Here's the "What to Watch" section for Max:

What to Watch on Max This Year

One of the biggest draws for Max is its absolutely stellar library, blending the prestige TV powerhouse of HBO with popular reality and lifestyle content from Discovery, blockbuster movies from Warner Bros., DC superhero sagas, beloved animation, and curated classics.

Whether you're in the mood for edge-of-your-seat drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, captivating documentaries, or family-friendly fun, Max truly offers a deep well of content to explore, making it a go-to destination for almost any kind of viewer.

• House of the Dragon: The fiery Game of Thrones prequel diving deep into Targaryen history.
• The Last of Us: The critically lauded adaptation of the acclaimed video game.
• The White Lotus: Mike White's sharp social satire set in luxurious (and dangerous) resorts (Season 3 ongoing).
• Hacks: The Emmy-winning comedy exploring the complex bond between a legendary Vegas comic and her young writer.
• Dune: Parts One and Two: Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi saga, available to stream.
• Barbie: Greta Gerwig's record-smashing, imaginative cultural phenomenon.
• The Penguin: Colin Farrell reprises his role in this gritty crime series spun off from The Batman.
• The Righteous Gemstones: Danny McBride's dark comedy about a dysfunctional televangelist family (Final season ongoing).
• Succession: The complete, biting drama about the power struggles within the Roy media empire.
• The Sopranos: The iconic, game-changing mob drama that defined modern television.
• Friends: The eternally popular sitcom comfort watch.
• Curb Your Enthusiasm: Larry David's improvisational comedy masterpiece (Final season recently concluded).

Max continues to be the essential home for HBO Originals, which are consistently among the most talked-about and critically acclaimed shows year after year. Series like House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus keep viewers hooked with stunning production values and compelling narratives.

Alongside these newer hits, the platform boasts HBO's legendary back catalog, including timeless classics like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Sex and the City, ensuring there's always a masterpiece ready for a first watch or a nostalgic revisit.

The comedy offerings are just as strong. Hacks continues to rack up awards, while The Righteous Gemstones delivers unique, dark laughs. Max also scored big by becoming the streaming home for beloved network sitcoms like Friends and The Big Bang Theory, alongside animated hits for adults like Rick and Morty and Harley Quinn. Add in the library of stand-up specials and acquired comedies, and there’s no shortage of ways to get your chuckle on.

Beyond the scripted world, the integration of Discovery content means Max is now a major player for reality and lifestyle fans. You can dive into hours of home renovation with Fixer Upper and Property Brothers on the HGTV hub, indulge in culinary journeys with Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network hub, or get lost in the relationship drama of 90 Day Fiancé on the TLC hub.

Plus, the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) hub offers a curated selection for film buffs, and the DC hub features extensive superhero content, including recent theatrical releases and original series like Peacemaker. And don't forget the steady stream of Warner Bros. theatrical movies like Dune: Part Two and Barbie that land on the service after their cinema runs, often alongside exclusive Max Original films and documentaries.

New Releases to Keep in Mind

Max keeps the content flowing with exciting new seasons of returning favorites and brand-new series constantly on the horizon. Looking ahead to 2025, subscribers have a lot to anticipate as several high-profile shows are scheduled to make their debut or return.

April 2025 is shaping up to be a big month. The critically acclaimed comedy Hacks returns for its fourth season on April 10th. Perhaps the most anticipated release is The Last of Us Season 2, which adapts the next, intense chapter of the video game saga, premiering on April 13th. Fans of Nathan Fielder's unique brand of experimental comedy can look forward to The Rehearsal Season 2 arriving on April 20th. Additionally, Max continues its partnership with A24, bringing the buzzy erotic thriller Babygirl starring Nicole Kidman to the platform on April 25th, and the Kyle Mooney-directed apocalyptic comedy Y2K on April 4th.

Beyond April, the 2025 slate includes the highly anticipated third season of The White Lotus, transporting viewers to Thailand. Game of Thrones fans can look forward to the new spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Other confirmed returning series include Peacemaker , The Gilded Age, and And Just Like That…. New series generating buzz include the It prequel Welcome to Derry, the medical drama The Pitt starring Noah Wyle, and the animated Gremlins: The Wild Batch. Keep an eye on the "New and Last Chance" section in the Max app for the latest arrivals!

How to Save the Most on Your Max Subscription

Max offers a premium library packed with high-quality shows and movies, but that doesn't mean you have to pay the absolute top dollar. For deal-savvy streamers, there are several strategies you can use to lower your monthly or annual cost, ranging from choosing a different plan type to leveraging bundles and special offers.

Let's break down the best ways to keep more money in your wallet while still enjoying everything Max has to offer.

Opt for the "With Ads" Plan

The most straightforward way to save is by choosing the Max Basic with Ads plan. At $9.99 per month, it's significantly cheaper than the ad-free options ($16.99 for Standard, $20.99 for Premium). You still get access to the vast majority of the Max library, including HBO Originals (which typically remain ad-free even on this tier).

The trade-off? You'll encounter commercials during most other shows and movies – Max aims for about four minutes of ads per hour. If you're used to traditional TV or other ad-supported streaming tiers and don't mind the interruptions, this plan instantly saves you $7 to $11 each month compared to the ad-free plans. Just remember, this tier also limits you to HD streaming on two devices and doesn't allow offline downloads.

Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

If you know you'll be sticking with Max for the long haul, consider paying for a full year upfront. Max offers an annual subscription option for all three of its main tiers (With Ads, Standard, and Premium). Choosing the yearly plan typically saves you about 16-17% compared to paying month-to-month for 12 months. For example, the Standard plan costs $169.99 annually versus $203.88 if paid monthly, saving you around $33. It requires a larger upfront payment, but it's a guaranteed discount for committed subscribers.

Look for Bundles and Provider Deals

Max frequently partners with other companies, offering potential savings through bundles or included access.

• Streaming Bundles: The most prominent is the Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max bundle. Available with or without ads, this package offers significant savings (around 35-40%) compared to subscribing to each service individually. Plans start at $16.99/month for the ad-supported version.
• Wireless/Internet/TV Providers: Companies like ATandT, Cricket Wireless, and DirecTV sometimes include Max access (often the ad-supported tier) with certain premium plans at no extra cost. It's always worth checking your current provider's website or contacting them to see if you're eligible for free or discounted Max access.
• Add-on Channels: You can also sometimes subscribe to Max through other platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Hulu. While the base price is usually the same, these platforms occasionally run their own short-term promotions for the Max add-on (like a brief free trial or a discounted rate for a few months).

Promo Codes and Seasonal Sales

Max, like many streaming services, occasionally offers promotional discounts, especially around major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In the past, these deals have included offers like the "With Ads" plan for as low as $1.99 or $2.99 per month for a limited time (usually 6 months), or significant percentage discounts off annual plans.

However, these promotions are often restricted to new or returning subscribers, meaning you might need to cancel your current subscription and wait for a promo period to resubscribe. Keep an eye on deal sites (like DealNews!) around the holidays. Some users also report getting targeted "win-back" offers via email after canceling their subscription. Additionally, check credit card offers (like Amex Offers) as sometimes discounts for Max subscriptions appear there.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

If you're a college student, Max offers a generous discount. Eligible students (18 years or older) verified through UNiDAYS can get the Max Basic with Ads plan for 50% off, bringing the cost down to just $4.99 per month. This discount typically lasts for 12 months, after which you'd need to re-verify your student status if still eligible, or the plan renews at the standard rate.

Consider Discounted Gift Cards

While not always a huge saving, you can sometimes find Max gift cards sold at a slight discount through third-party retailers or gift card marketplaces like G2A or potentially during special promotions at stores like Amazon. Be cautious when buying from unofficial sources, but it's another avenue to potentially shave a few dollars off the cost, especially if combined with other discounted gift card strategies.

Use Free Trials (When Available) and Free Episodes

Direct free trials from Max itself are rare these days, having been largely discontinued. However, you can sometimes snag a short free trial (usually 7 days) when adding Max as a channel through partners like Amazon Prime Video or Hulu. Max also offers a selection of free episodes from popular series directly on their platform (usually accessible without logging in or subscribing) allowing you to sample some content before committing.

Share an Account (Within Household Limits)

Max allows you to create multiple user profiles (up to 5) under one account. If you live with family or roommates, sharing a single subscription and splitting the cost is a practical way to save. Just be mindful of the simultaneous stream limits: the Basic and Standard plans allow two concurrent streams, while the Premium plan allows four.

Rotate Your Subscriptions

If you're not tied to watching shows the moment they air, consider the "churn" or rotation method. Subscribe to Max only when there's a specific show or movie you want to binge (perhaps waiting until a full season is available), watch what you want, and then cancel or pause your subscription. You can then jump to another service for a month or two before potentially returning to Max later when new content arrives. This requires more active management but ensures you're only paying when you're actively using the service.

Need to Cancel HBO Max? Here's How

If you've decided Max isn't the right fit for you anymore, or you just need to take a break, canceling your subscription is definitely possible. The most important thing to know is that the exact steps depend on who bills you for the service – whether you signed up directly through Max or through a third-party company like Apple, Google, Roku, Amazon, or your TV/internet provider.

Here’s a simplified guide to canceling your Max subscription:

1. Find Out Who Bills You: First, identify your billing provider. The quickest way is usually to sign in at max.com/subscription or check the 'Subscription' section within the Max app settings on your phone, computer, or TV. Your billing provider will be listed there. (Alternatively, check your bank statement or TV/internet provider's bill).
2. Go to Your Billing Provider's Website or App: Once you know who bills you (e.g., Max, Apple, Google Play, Roku, Amazon, your TV provider), navigate to their specific platform. Log in to your account settings with that provider.
3. Find Your Subscriptions: Look for a section like 'Subscriptions,' 'Billing,' 'Memberships and Subscriptions,' or 'Account Management.' Locate "Max" (or possibly "HBO Max") in your list of active subscriptions.
4. Choose to Cancel or Turn Off Auto-Renewal: Click the option provided to end the subscription. This might say "Cancel Subscription," "Turn off auto-renew," or something similar.
5. Follow the Confirmation Steps: Complete any additional prompts your provider requires to finalize the cancellation. Your provider should tell you when your access to Max will officially end. You can usually continue streaming until that date.

Make sure you get an email or see an on-screen message confirming the cancellation was successful. Keep this for your records. And remember, just deleting the Max app from your device will not cancel your subscription or stop the billing. You must follow these steps through your billing provider.

Canceling is usually pretty simple once you know who is charging you. The key is always going back to the source where you initially signed up or where the charge appears on your statement. To avoid being charged for the next billing cycle, it's always a good idea to cancel at least 24-48 hours before your renewal date.

Max FAQs and Terms and Conditions

Before you dive headfirst into streaming House of the Dragon or the latest season of The White Lotus, it's always a good idea to understand the rules of the road and know where to turn if you have questions. Max, like any service, has its own set of guidelines and a helpful support system.

The Terms of Use for Max are a lengthy legal document outlining everything from eligibility requirements (you generally need to be 18+ and reside in a supported service area) to how you can (and can't) use the platform and its content. Key points include restrictions against sharing your account outside your household, copying or redistributing content, and using the service for commercial purposes.

While we won't dive into every detail here, it's crucial to remember that by signing up and using Max, you're agreeing to these legally binding terms. For the complete, official details, you should always refer directly to Max's Terms of Use page.

Have questions about how something works, experiencing technical difficulties, or need help managing your account? The Max Help Center is your best resource. It covers a wide range of common topics, including managing your subscription, understanding different plans, troubleshooting playback issues, setting up parental controls, and how to cancel if needed.

You can usually find answers to most questions by searching their extensive FAQ database. If you need direct assistance, the Help Center also provides contact options for customer support.