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Max (formerly HBO Max) is a subscription-based streaming platform owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The service offers a diverse and massive collection of TV shows, movies, and original content from networks like HBO, Warner Bros. Studios, Discovery Channel, CNN, Adult Swim, and more.
In 2020, HBO ventured into the streaming business with the launch of Max, quickly amassing over 90 million paying subscribers. Max capitalizes on its HBO classics by providing subscribers access to a vast library of iconic and beloved HBO shows, including timeless favorites like “The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” “Sex and the City,” “Game of Thrones,” and many more. This propelled the platform to become one of the major players in the streaming market, emerging as a strong competitor to other services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
In May 2023, HBO Max signed a partnership with Discovery Plus and officially rebranded as Max, expanding its already vast and diverse collection of original and third-party content. This collaboration ensures that users don’t just get to immerse themselves in HBO’s beloved classics; it also allows them to indulge in captivating content from Discovery Plus’ channels. Popular shows from Discovery like “Deadliest Catch,” “Naked and Afraid,” and “90 Day Fiance,” are now conveniently accessible through Max, providing a diverse and engaging streaming experience.
In this guide, we’ve prepared a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about Max, from its subscription price, features, and other benefits to help you decide whether it is the right service for you.
Table of Contents
What Is Max
Max Review
- Max is quite pricey. Clocking in with an Ad-Free plan at CAD$15.99 per month
- 35,000+ hours of content
- Max houses endless content from reputable brands like HBO, Discovery, DC, TCM, etc.,
- The service works with most smart devices
Product Specs
- Access to all content
- 4K video resolution
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision feature
- Compatibility with almost every device
- Simultaneous streaming
- Offline streaming
- Profile customization features
Why Should You Get a Max Subscription
Contemplating getting a Max subscription? We have you covered. Read on to discover Max’s brand new and enhanced entertainment features that will surely elevate your streaming experience to new heights.
Award-winning streaming library
The platform’s rebrand to Max gives users access to around 35,000 hours of content. While the service is best known for its long list of critically acclaimed shows from HBO, Max also houses other entertainment choices from reputable networks like Discovery, Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies, DC, TLC, Food Network, Adult Swim, Magnolia Network, HGTV, and Trvl Network, which expands its already massive content library. From popular TV series, blockbuster movies, and educational documentaries, down to family-friendly content, users will never run out of options to choose from Max’s endless stream of entertainment choices. In Max, you can stream some of the greatest shows that graced our television screens, including “Game of Thrones,” “Succession,” “Chernobyl,” and “The Sopranos,” to name a few. Max’s library is set to become more impressive this year with its upcoming lineup of exciting content, including this year’s blockbuster movies “Barbie” and “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and the much-anticipated series adaptation of the “Harry Potter” franchise, as well as several spin-offs based on the widely coveted “Game of Thrones” series.
Immersive video and sound resolution
Users can enjoy Max’s content with the highest video and sound quality. With Max, you can watch your favorite shows in 4K, complete with premium Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. However, this will still depend on your device’s compatibility with 4K and Dolby features.
Offline streaming
Max allows users to download up to 100 episodes of shows and movies, surpassing the download limits of most of its competitors. This feature is perfect for subscribers who are always on the go and have limited internet connectivity.
Enhanced user-friendly interface
Max also launched a significant makeover, presenting a much more sophisticated interface that enables users to swiftly navigate through the platform. Transitioning from one episode to another is now easier with the introduction of the new “More Episodes” button. This feature allows users to flip through the next episode by simply clicking on the button at the bottom of the screen, all while remaining on the video they are currently watching.
Its home page now features a neatly organized tab for genres and associated networks, enabling users to seamlessly explore its content based on their respective categories. Max also added a recommendations pop-up at the end of each episode or movie, where users can scroll through a list of similar content.
The “Continue Watching” and “My List” tabs also remain, making it easier for users to pick up where they left off in a show and curate a personalized list of their next viewing. Recently, Max launched a new Top 10 chart, one that’s similar to Netflix and Prime Video, which lets users know which shows and movies are currently the most-watched on the platform.
Profile customization
Max has also taken its customization features to the next level, adding an extra layer of fun for its users. With a new collection of 350 profile avatars, members can now choose their favorite TV show or movie characters as profile pictures. Whether it’s Logan Roy from “Succession,” Tanya from “The White Lotus,” Tony Soprano from “The Sopranos,” or even beloved characters from Studio Ghibli movies, users can now freely add a touch of individuality to their streaming experience by selecting their favorite characters as their profile icons. You can also change the font size and color of your app, as well as its background design.
Device compatibility
Max is compatible with almost every type of device, including smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices. This gives users the convenience of experiencing Max’s features and content across different devices.
Simultaneous streaming
Max allows up to four simultaneous streams, which is not a lot compared to its competitors. Still, this is a convenient feature for users sharing their accounts with friends and families.
Parental controls
There’s also a “Kid-Proof” feature that lets parents set a 4-digit code to prevent children from accessing content with explicit and inappropriate themes.
Free episodes
For those interested in getting into the latest trending show but still uncertain about committing to a paid membership, worry not, as Max offers a convenient feature that allows non-subscribers to watch the entire first episode of a show for free, without the need to create an account. Simply visit the Max website and stream the show you’re curious about before you decide to pay for a subscription.
Pros
- Extensive library
- Award-winning content
- User-friendly interface
- Free episodes
- Free with an HBO cable subscription
- Compatible with many devices
- 4K video quality
- Immersive Dolby features
- Third-party content from Discovery Plus, DC, Cartoon Network, Food Network, etc.
Cons
- Only available in the US and select European countries
- No free trial
- Considerably expensive plans
- Interruptive ads
So, Should You Subscribe To Max?
If you value quality and excellence in the content you consume, then look no further than Max. It houses some of the most coveted shows on television while also offering other titles from prestigious networks. While it is relatively more expensive than most streaming services today, the quality of content you’re going to get will surely make every penny from your subscription worthwhile. Moreover, its rebranded and enhanced interface will make your streaming experience smoother and more immersive.
Max Cheat Sheet
Price
Max is quite pricey. Starting at CAD$15.99 per month with an ad-free plan and CAD$19.99 per month for an Ultimate Ad-Free plan. It also has a cheaper, ad-supported alternative for CAD$9.99.
Price Increase
Max hasn’t had a price hike recently.
Best Deal
Ultimate Ad-Free at CAD$19.99
Supported Devices
Max is compatible with almost any device that connects to the internet.
What’s popular
“The White Lotus,” “The Sopranos,” “Succession,” “The Last of Us,” “Game of Thrones,” “Euphoria,” “Sex and the City,” “The Wire,” “Chernobyl,” “Velma”
How Much Is Max?
With its relaunch, a new tier of Max subscription plans was 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. Keep reading to see how much is Max in Canada.
Max Pricing and Plans
Check out Max’s pricing, plans, and features below.
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Simultaneous streams | Video resolution | Number of downloads |
| Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 devices | HD | None |
| Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 devices | HD | 30 titles |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 devices | HD to 4K | 100 titles |
Does Max Have a Free Trial?
Max introduced a seven-day free trial offer to new users upon its launch in 2020, which was subsequently discontinued in 2021. However, for Hulu and Prime Video subscribers, the option to redeem a free trial remains available if they include Max as an add-on to their standalone subscriptions. The Max free trial enables users to have access to all of Max’s content that is available on Hulu and Prime Video. Follow the steps below to avail of Max’s free trial on Hulu or Prime Video:
Hulu
- Visit the Hulu website and log in to your account.
- Click on “Account.”
- Scroll down on the “Your Subscription” section.
- Click on “Manage Add-ons.”
- Select “Max” and click “Review Changes.”
- Click “Confirm” on the next page to finalize.
Amazon Prime Video
- Visit Amazon’s offers page.
- Click “Start Your Free Trial.”
- On the next page, enter your login credentials and billing information.
- Click “Start Your Free Trial – Pay Later” to confirm.
Does Max Have an Ad-Supported Plan?
Yes, Max recently introduced a cheaper, ad-supported plan, which is the Ad-Lite. This tier enables users to access all of Max’s content with occasional ad breaks during their streaming sessions.
Are There Max Gift Cards?
Max is not offering any gift cards as of now.
How Do I Sign Up for Max?
Before you get to enjoy Max’s impressive collection of shows and movies, you have 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
- Click on “Sign Up Now.”
- Choose a subscription plan: Ad-Lite, Ad-Free, Ultimate Ad-Free
- Enter your email address and password.
- Choose a payment method and click “Start Subscription.”
- Start streaming.
What Devices Does Disney Plus Support?
Max works with almost any type of device like smartphones, computers, smart TVs, set-top boxes, and game consoles. Check out a list of compatible devices below.
Computers
- PC with Windows 7 or later
- Mac with macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or later
- Google Chromebook with Chrome browser version 95 or later
Web Browsers
- The latest version of Chrome or Firefox
- The latest version of Microsoft Edge for Windows
- Safari version 12 or later
Mobiles and Tablets
- Android phones and tablets
- iPhone, iPad, and iPad Touch
- Amazon Fire Tablet
Smart TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Cox device
- LG Smart TV
- Roku
- Samsung TV
- VIZIO Smart TV
- XClass TV/Xumo TV
- Xfinity X1 and Flex
Game Consoles
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
Is there a Watch Party Mode?
Max doesn’t have a built-in watch party feature on its app, unlike Disney Plus. However, you can still host a watch party through the Teleparty browser extension. Simply install Teleparty and add it as an extension on your browser.
What Features and Formats Are Supported on Max?
Max entails various features and benefits, depending on your preferred plan. Each tier differs in terms of content accessibility, number of downloads, concurrent streams, and streaming resolutions.
Features Included With Ad-Lite Plan
- The ad-supported plan allows users to stream on 2 devices at once.
- Ad-Lite subscribers can stream on full HD 1080p video resolution.
- Downloads or offline streaming are not included in the Ad-Lite plan.
- Occasional 15 to 30-second ad breaks during streaming sessions.
Features Included With Ad-Free Plan
- Ad-Free subscribers are entitled to stream on 2 devices at once.
- Same with Ad-Lite, the Ad-Free plan allows users to stream on full HD 1080p video resolution.
- The Ad-Free plan allows up to 30 downloads.
Features Included With Ultimate Ad-Free
- Ultimate Ad-Free subscribers can stream on up to four devices at once
- The Ultimate Ad-Free plan includes the highest video resolutions, with 4K UHD with Dolby Atmos on select titles
- It also allows up to 100 downloads.
What Can I Watch In Max?
Max stands as a television powerhouse, renowned for its groundbreaking shows from HBO that are widely coveted and recognized for their exceptional storytelling. Its catalog showcases an extensive collection of original and third-party content that covers almost every genre, from romance, fantasy, thrillers, drama, comedy, and more. Check out some of the best shows and movies on Max:
Best Shows
Max relies on high-quality HBO titles, old or new, to attract viewers. Some of the best shows on Max include “The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Succession,” “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon,” “The White Lotus,” “The Last of Us,” “Big Little Lies,” “Westworld,” “Euphoria,” “Six Feet Under,” “Barry,” “Sex and the City,” “Sharp Objects,” and more.
The platform has also acquired other fan-favorite shows outside the HBO channel such as “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Gossip Girl,” “South Park,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Miracle Workers,” “Doctor Who,” “Rick and Morty,” “Abbott Elementary,” and “The West Wing,” among others.
You can also watch your favorite DC characters through Max’s extensive content selection from the DC Extended Universe. Enter the world of villains and superheroes with shows and movies like “Watchmen,” “Gotham,” “Black Adam,” “Harley Quinn,” “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “The Batman,” “Peacemaker,” and “Suicide Squad.”
If you want to take a break from the hard-hitting HBO dramas, then take a deep dive into Max’s collection of entertaining reality shows from Discovery. Some of the binge-worthy and addictive reality content you can enjoy on Max include “90 Day Fiancé,” “Naked and Afraid,” “House Hunters International,” “Property Brothers,” and “Fixer Upper.”
Cartoon Network is also a part of Max’s acquired brands, ensuring that even the entertainment needs of younger audiences are met. “Adventure Time,” “Powerpuff Girls,” “Ben10,” “Ed, Edd, and Eddy,” and “Dexter’s Lab,” are some of the family-friendly content Max offers that are perfect for households with children.
Best Movies
Max is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which automatically makes the platform a goldmine for popular movies under Warner Bros. Studios. Through Max, you can binge-watch iconic movie franchises like “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings.” Apart from franchises, some of the best movies on Max that you can enjoy include “Dune,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Notebook,” “The Matrix,” “The Flash,” “Elvis,” “Don’t Worry Darling,” “Gone Girl,” “Parasite,” and “I, Tonya.” Additionally, you’ll find acclaimed Christopher Nolan films on Max, like “Tenet,” “The Dark Knight,” and “Dunkirk.”
For those longing for a dose of nostalgia, Max also has a wide selection of films from the Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Embark on a journey of cinematic history with classic films from bygone eras, including beloved titles like “Casablanca,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Paris, Texas,” “Blue Velvet,” “Gone with the Wind,” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Best Documentaries
Through its partnership with Discovery, Max enhances its library with a captivating lineup of entertaining and informative documentaries that cover various topics like crime, music, celebrities, history, and more.
Explore the lives of your favorite public figures through engaging biographical documentaries such as “Moonage Daydream” about David Bowie, “Downey’s Dream Cars” featuring Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Bourdain’s “Roadrunner,” and “Gimme Shelter” with The Rolling Stones.
True crime enthusiasts have plenty of options to immerse themselves in some of the most gruesome crimes in history through documentaries like “Allen V Farrow,” “House of Hammer,” “How to Create a Sex Scandal,” “The Vow,” and “Mind Over Murder.”
If you’re into educational content about history, space, animals, or the environment, be sure to check out Discovery’s selection of documentaries including titles such as “Deadliest Catch,” “Man vs. Wild,” “Planet Earth,” and “Mythbusters.”
Does It Offer Anything Else?
Max offers exclusive 24/7 live news coverage in partnership with CNN. Max also features live MLB, NBA, and NHL games if you subscribe to its new Sports Add-On.
What’s New and Coming Soon On Max
What’s New and Coming Soon On Max
- “True Detective” Season 4 – January 14
- “Priscilla” – February 23
- “The Color Purple” – February 16
- “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” – March 1
- “Ocean’s” franchise – March 1
- “Scream” franchise – March 1
- “The Regime” – March 3
- “Wonka” – March 8
- “The Girls on the Bus” – March 14
- “The Sympathizer” – April 2024
Who should sign up for Max?
Viewers with refined and discerning tastes in entertainment will surely enjoy Max’s critically acclaimed content selection. Max is also the ideal platform for those looking to relive nostalgia or for devoted followers of HBO’s long-standing shows.
How to Cancel Max
You can cancel Max on web browsers, smartphones, and mobile apps through different methods. Simply follow the steps below to cancel your subscription on any device.
On web browsers
- Visit the Max website and log in to your account.
- Look for the profile icon and click on it.
- Click “Subscription.”
- Select “Cancel Your Subscription.”
- Max will ask “Are You Sure” a few times. Click “Continue to Cancel.”
On the mobile app
- Launch the Max app.
- Tap on your profile.
- Tap the settings icon.
- Look for the “Subscription” tab.
- Tap “Manage Subscriptions.”
- Tap “Cancel Subscription.”
- On the next page, tap “Yes, Cancel Subscription” to confirm.
Apple users
- Launch the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your Apple ID.
- Tap “Subscriptions.”
- Tap on “Max” and select “Cancel Subscription.”
- Choose “Confirm” to finalize your cancellation.
Android users
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- On the top right, tap on your profile picture.
- Tap “Payment and Subscriptions.”
- Tap “Subscriptions.”
- Look for “Max” and tap on it.
- Select “Cancel Subscription.”
How does Max compare to other streaming services?
With the abundance of streaming services in the market, it can be difficult for users to choose which platform will meet their entertainment demands better. Check out some of Max’s leading competitors.
Netflix
For viewers with discerning tastes, Max’s library of top-tier shows surpasses Netflix’s, despite the latter boasting one of the largest streaming libraries available. Netflix has also produced numerous noteworthy shows like “Stranger Things,” “Black Mirror,” and “Mindhunter.” Max and Netflix’s prices are relatively the same; so, if you value quality over quantity and you don’t mind the hassle of subscribing to a VPN provider, then Max might be the best option. However, Netflix has recently partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to bring HBO content onto the Netflix platform. HBO originals like “Band of Brothers” and “Six Feet Under” are already on Netflix, so you may also choose Netflix over HBO, if you prefer a more convenient streaming experience.
Disney Plus
Disney Plus is best known for its massive library of original content from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you’re a comic book aficionado and want a change of scene from Max’s Extended DC Universe, then choose Disney Plus. For a starting plan of CAD$7.99, it is slightly cheaper than Max, and is easily accessible in Canada.
Crave
Crave is an excellent alternative if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of using a VPN to access Max. This Canada-exclusive platform offers most of Max’s content and is readily available in the country. Crave is also at the same price point as Max, with a monthly plan that starts at CAD$19.99. For Canadian viewers, Crave might be the best option if you want to enjoy a similar streaming experience without the need for additional workarounds.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is best known for offering several other services such as Amazon Music and Ebooks. It has produced critically acclaimed original content during the past years, like “The Boys,” “Fleabag,” and “Jury Duty.” Prime Video has the biggest content library among streaming services and also houses visual treats from other networks. It also offers thousands of movies and TV shows for rent and purchase. If you want a platform that’s affordable and offers more than just streaming, choose Prime Video.
Hulu
A minor setback for Hulu is that it is not available in Canada, and you will need a VPN service to access the platform. Its basic plan is cheaper than Max. It also offers Disney Plus and ESPN bundles to its subscribers. Hulu’s catalog includes original shows like “The Great,” “Abbott Elementary,” and The Bear.” Most of Hulu’s content can be found on other streaming services that are easily accessible in Canada, so you can skip subscribing to Hulu.
Peacock TV
Peacock TV is a video streaming service based in the United States, owned and operated by NBC Universal, offering popular shows like 30 Rock and having exclusive access to sports coverage like Premier League soccer matches. Sadly, the service is only available in the US, but users outside the US can still use a VPN for now.
Paramount Plus
Despite having a massive library of content, Paramount Plus still has one of the most affordable membership plans among its competitors. With a Paramount Plus subscription, you will get to access 30,000 original titles, blockbuster movies, on-demand programming, and live sports coverage. Accessing Paramount Plus’ sports content comes with your standalone subscription while Max requires an additional channel subscription. If you’re a sports fan on a budget, Paramount Plus is your best option.
Apple TV Plus
Like Max, Apple TV Plus prioritizes the quality of its content, as seen in its critically acclaimed shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Severance.” Its plans are twice as much more affordable than Max’s and also offer Dolby features. However, Apple TV Plus solely focuses on producing original programming and does not offer any licensed content, unlike Max. We only recommend Apple TV Plus to users who truly enjoy original content.
YouTube TV
Youtube TV is a live TV streaming service owned by Google that offers a good selection of local and international channels depending on your location. Unlike most other platforms, YouTube TV offers features such as the ability to record shows and watch them later. However, it is only available in the United States, though you can bypass this restriction by using some of the best VPN services. YouTube TV’s edge lies in its vast selection of live sports channels. So if you’re a sports aficionado, a YouTube TV subscription might be more worth it.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a live streaming service that provides access to select channels for a monthly price fee. The service offers various packages, such as ESPN, AMC, TNT, HGTV, HBO, and Cinemax. You can watch Sling TV outside of the US using a VPN, allowing you to stream Sling TV content without any restrictions.
ESPN Plus
ESPN Plus provides access to world-class sporting events and live streams across a variety of sports. While the main ESPN channel has the best coverage for NHL, MLB, and NBA. Also, ESPN Plus excels in its coverage of niche sports such as MMA, Boxing, Lacrosse, Canadian Football, and many more. Sadly, ESPN Plus is not currently available for Canadians.
Latest Max News
Frequently Asked Questions About Max
When will Max be available in Canada?
There is no news of Max expanding to Canada as of now. However, it is set to launch in other parts of Europe and Asia by 2024.
How to watch Max in Canada?
Viewers in Canada can access Max’s library through Crave, the Canada-exclusive platform.
Is Max free with an HBO channel subscription?
Yes, HBO cable subscribers are now entitled to an additional perk — a complimentary Max subscription. To avail of this benefit, simply reach out to your cable providers to inquire about the redemption process.
What is CNN Max?
In September 2023, Max started to include 24/7 live news coverage on its platform, featuring original programs from CNN US and CNN International. CNN Max is included with users’ Max subscription at no cost, and this exclusive news service is only accessible to Max subscribers.
Will HBO shows be available on Netflix?
Yes. Thanks to a licensing deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix, some HBO shows will soon be available on the latter platform. In fact, HBO’s “Insecure,” Six Feet Under,” and “Band of Brothers” are already streaming on Netflix.
It’s Not TV, It’s Max
Despite its drawback of geo-restrictions, Max’s significant emphasis on quality over quantity compensates for this limitation, making it a go-to platform for millions of subscribers, especially viewers with refined tastes. Its enhanced user interface, and premium streaming features, as well as its fun personalization settings, add to the platform’s overall appeal. Though Max may come with a higher price tag compared to other platforms, the value it brings in terms of content and user experience makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking groundbreaking entertainment.
