In the world of TV streaming services, it can be challenging to stay relevant. In 2025, HBO Max aims to increase its appeal to subscribers with new content, live events, partner bundles, varied subscription tiers, and discounts throughout the year.
Keep reading to learn more about the service’s plans and how you can benefit from a current or new subscription.
Related: 6 Best Action Movies on Max
How HBO Max Remains Popular
HBO Max is one of the top names when you think of popular streaming services, alongside other giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. Known for award-winning originals such as The White Lotus or The Last of Us, the service is a favorite among cord-cutters, even if the service rebranded this year from Max to HBO Max.
But how does the service maintain its relevance?
Subscription Bundles and Deals
There’s nothing better than saving some money while signing up for a subscription, other than bundling it with another subscription as a two-for-one deal. HBO Max has teamed up with various partners to offer streaming deals to increase their viewer base.
One such deal comes with DirecTV, with the service providing eligible subscribers with a two-month free trial of HBO Max’s ad-free plan. After the two months are over, the subscription will renew at $16.99 monthly on top of the DirecTV subscription.
Or, if you like food, DoorDash is currently holding a deal where an annual DashPass membership at $96 per year provides access to the streaming service’s ad-supported subscription.
Perhaps you want a bundle of streaming services instead. Enjoy a bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, all with ads, for $16.99 a month. This bundle saves lots of money, and that’s not even addressing the upgrade to ad-free viewing for just $23.99 a month with the ability to download for offline viewing.
Check Out: 6 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time That Shaped Cinema History
Varied Subscription Prices
If you don’t want anything other than a subscription to the service, then HBO Max has got you covered there, too.
At the base level is the ad-supported plan for $9.99/month, then the standard basic ad-free tier for $16.99/month, and finally the ultimate ad-free tier for $20.99/month. It follows a simple structure that many other streaming platforms have adopted.
However, this does mean there is no longer a Legacy plan, which granted subscribers a 50% lifetime discount. The transition did move subscribers to different tiers, but HBO Max was able to minimize the impact by providing short-term discounts for those affected.
You may also take advantage of yearly discounts on subscriptions, whether it’s around a featured sports event or movie premiere on the service. For instance, HBO Max had a 30% discount promotion on yearly subscriptions in early 2025 for all plans.
While the prices have returned to normal rates, it’s a possible avenue to take advantage of when signing up.
Live Sports
HBO Max is adding a new section to their content with live sports broadcasting. Beginning on August 16th, the service will provide all 19 games of Banana Ball, the energetic and new form of baseball.
This will be provided through all subscription tiers and will join select other live events through the service.
Also Read: Stream Mickey 17 at Home Now With Max
High-Profile Content
There’s no denying that HBO Max provides a stacked lineup when it comes to featured TV series and movies. With award-winning films and blockbusters alike, you can enjoy a wide variety on the service.
This includes Oscar-winning and nominated movies like Moonlight, Parasite, and Dune, or at-home staples like The Lord of the Rings or Barbie. TV series more your style? Watch all seasons of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon on HBO Max, too.
Staying Relevant in the World of Streaming
In conclusion, HBO Max has employed a team of strategies to keep them on top when it comes to prevalent streaming services. Viewers who enjoy high-quality originals, hit films and TV series, live sports, and competitive pricing will love HBO Max and its constantly evolving subscriptions.
Whether you want to get a bundle or the standalone subscription, try out a few months with HBO Max now.