Key Takeaways
- HBO Max subscription prices increased across all plans effective October 21, 2025
- This marks the third consecutive year of price hikes for the streaming service
- Existing subscribers get 30 days’ notice before price changes take effect
Warner Bros. Discovery has implemented another round of price increases for HBO Max, requiring subscribers to pay more across all subscription tiers. The changes took effect on October 21, 2025, continuing a trend of annual price adjustments since the service launched in 2020.
Updated HBO Max Pricing Details
The new subscription rates represent increases of $1 to $2 per month depending on the plan:
- HBO Max Basic With Ads: $10.99/month (+$1) or $109.99/year (+$10)
- HBO Max Standard (ad-free): $18.49/month (+$1.50) or $184.99/year (+$15)
- HBO Max Premium (4K, ad-free): $22.99/month (+$2) or $229.99/year (+$20)
New subscribers face the updated prices immediately, while existing monthly customers receive 30 days’ notice before the increase applies to their billing cycles starting November 20, 2025. Annual subscribers won’t see changes until their renewal dates.
Recent HBO Max Changes
This price adjustment follows previous increases in June 2024 and January 2023. In July 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery also reverted the service’s name from “Max” back to “HBO Max” after a two-year rebranding period.
Industry-Wide Streaming Price Increases
HBO Max joins several major streaming platforms implementing price hikes around the same timeframe. Competitors including Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Netflix have all adjusted their pricing structures, reflecting broader cost pressures in the streaming industry.
The consistent price increases highlight the challenge streaming services face in balancing premium content investments with sustainable business models, especially as consumers manage multiple subscriptions.
Warner Bros. Discovery stated the price adjustments are necessary to fund ongoing content development, including original programming and expanded library offerings for subscribers.
