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HBO has long since established itself as home to the best television shows of the past decades. It continues to prove its excellence in producing high-quality and award-winning content to this day, receiving a staggering 127 nominations in this year’s Emmy awards.
Since HBO’s foray into the streaming business in 2020 with HBO Max, it has gained over 90 million subscribers through its extensive collection of renowned entertainment choices that appeals to both loyal HBO viewers and newcomers to the platform. In May 2023, the platform sealed a deal with Discovery Plus and officially rebranded as Max.
Through this merger, Max provides its users with an even greater selection of programming beyond the beloved HBO classics. Now, subscribers don’t just get to enjoy iconic series like “Game of Thrones” or “The Sopranos,” they can also indulge in binge-watching Discovery Plus’ addictive reality shows and documentaries, including “90 Day Fiancé” and “Deadliest Catch,” all on one platform.
In this detailed guide on Max’s new membership tiers, we will show you how much it costs in Canada to help you decide which plans suits your needs the most.
Table of Contents
Max’s Subscription Plans
Before you get to enjoy Max’s impressive collection of shows and movies, you would need to sign up for a Max account first. Unfortunately, Max is still unavailable in many countries, including Canada. So, you would need a VPN to access the platform. Here are the simple steps to subscribe to Max.
- Visit the Max website. www.max.com/subscribe
- Click “Sign In” on the upper right of the home page
- Enter your email and password
- Choose a membership plan: Ad-Lite, Ad-Free, and Ultimate Ad-Free
- Add your payment method
- Click “Start Subscription”
- Choose your profile and start streaming
With its relaunch, a new tier of subscription plans was also added, giving users more options to choose from. Whether you want an ad-free plan that gives you unlimited access to its extensive library, or a cheaper, ad-supported alternative, Max has you covered.
Max Basic Plans
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Simultaneous streams | Video resolution | Number of downloads |
| Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 streams | HD | None |
| Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 streams | HD | 30 titles |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 streams | HD to 4K | 100 titles |
Max’s Plan Benefits
The best you can get with your Max subscription is its library of award-winning content. Even without HBO in its name, you can still binge-watch some of the network’s most coveted shows of recent years, like “Succession,” “The White Lotus,” “House of the Dragon” and “The Last of Us,” down to the cult classics such as “Sex and the City,” “Six Feet Under,” and “True Blood.” Original programming from studios like Cartoon Network, DC, Warner Bros., and Discovery Plus are also available on the rebranded platform.
Additionally, users can enjoy Max’s content in the highest sound and video quality. Max offers content in 4K resolution, complete with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. However, this would still depend on the compatibility of your device with 4K and Dolby features. Max can also be streamed on almost all types of devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming media like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
What Makes Max Different From Other Streaming Platforms?
With the increasing abundance of streaming platforms in the market, it can be difficult to choose the right service that will truly cater to one’s entertainment demands. See how other platforms compare to Max.
Crave
Crave is a great alternative if you do not want to go through the hassle of using a VPN to watch Max’s content. The Canada-exclusive platform has partnered with HBO to bring its high-quality programming to Canadian viewers. Aside from HBO, Crave has third-party content from networks like Showtime, STARZ, and Super Echran. However, Crave’s monthly plan starts at CAD$19.99, which is a bit more expensive than Max’s Ad-Free tier.
Netflix
Netflix and Max’s price points are generally similar. The key distinction is in the quantity of content they provide. Netflix has over 17,000 shows and movies, while Max has 2,500. While Max boasts a long list of critically acclaimed shows, Netflix also has its own hits, such as “Stranger Things,” “Black Mirror,” and “Sex Education.”
Apple TV Plus
Like Max, Apple TV Plus prioritizes the quality of its content, as seen in its widely acclaimed shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Severance.” Its plans are twice much more affordable than Max’s and offer Dolby features. However, Apple TV Plus does not offer third-party content and is mostly only compatible with Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Max available outside the US?
No, Max is only available in the US.
When will Max be available in Canada?
There is no news of Max bringing the platform to Canada in the near future as of now. However, it will be available in Southeast Asia and Europe by 2024.
How can I watch Max in Canada?
You will need to use a VPN to stream on Max.
Does Max have a free trial?
You can avail of Max’s 7-day free trial through Amazon Prime Video.
How Much Will Max Cost After The Trial Period?
Max no longer offers a trial after its relaunch. However, you can avail of a 7-day free trial if you have an Amazon Prime Video account. After the trial ends, you will automatically be charged $15.99.
Recommendation
Max’s biggest disadvantage is its geo-restrictions. But if you value excellence and quality in storytelling and don’t mind the inconvenience of using a VPN, then HBO’s commitment to bringing top-notch content will surely make your subscription worthwhile. Max’s Ad-Free plan might be the best choice for those who want an uninterrupted and affordable viewing experience. You can access its growing collection of exceptional programming matched with premium sound and video quality at a reasonable price. But it does not end there as Max has more exciting content in store for its users in the next few months, including the streaming debut of the hit “Barbie” movie, the much-anticipated “Harry Potter” series adaptation, and a second “Game of Thrones” prequel, among others.
