HBO Max review (2026): price, catalog, and is it worth it?

HBO Max has established itself as one of the most premium platforms on the market: HBO series, major Warner franchises, movies, animation, documentaries... and, depending on the package, access to channels and a sports option. In short: lots of content, but also several packages, and one simple question: is HBO Max really worth the price today?

In this comprehensive review, we examine:

• subscriptions and what you actually get (advertising, quality, downloads, screens);
• the appeal of the catalog (series, movies, family content, new releases);
• the everyday experience (app, TV compatibility, sharing, offline);
• and the best ways to optimize your streaming budget if you have multiple subscriptions.

Please note: offers and catalogs may vary depending on the country and are subject to change. The prices and packages below correspond to the information available for France at the time of writing.

1) What exactly is HBO Max?

HBO Max is Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platform, with a fairly clear promise: a mix of HBO series (often highly anticipated), original productions, and a more "mainstream" catalog via the Warner/Discovery ecosystem, depending on the region.

If you had been following the name changes ("Max" then back to HBO Max), you should know that HBO Max has once again become the prominent brand.

2) HBO Max: prices and plans in 2026

In France, HBO Max offers subscriptions starting at €5.99/month, with several service levels.
On certain operator pages and reference guides, we find the following structure: a package with advertising (entry level), then Standard and Premium packages (with more comfort: better quality, more screens, downloads, etc.).

What this means in practical terms (the most important point)

Before making your choice, ask yourself three simple questions:

1. Do commercials really bother you?
   If you mainly watch in the evening and binge-watch 2–3 episodes, commercials can quickly break the flow.
2. Are you watching in 4K/on a large screen?
   On a 4K TV, the difference between Full HD and 4K can be noticeable, especially with dark content and big-budget productions.
3. Do you use offline mode?
   If you often watch videos on trains or planes, downloads are a real criterion.

3) The catalog: HBO Max's number one selling point

3.1. Series: where HBO Max often comes out on top

If your priority is "event" series, HBO Max has a very strong track record. For 2026, the platform has announced an ambitious schedule and new releases that have been highlighted by several media outlets.

What people generally like:

• more "qualitative" productions (rhythm, writing, staging);
• strong universes (drama, thriller, science fiction, fantasy);
• an impression of "less, but better" in certain periods, compared to very large catalogs.

3.2. Films, animation, documentaries: a wider catalog than you might think

HBO Max isn't just about series. It also features:

• films (rotating catalog);
• family content/animation (Warner, Cartoon Network, etc.);
• documentaries and programs, depending on the bundles and countries.

To quickly identify what's worth buying, monthly selections (new releases in January/February 2026, for example) are useful for visualizing the dynamics of the catalog.

4) Video quality, simultaneous screens, downloads: the real experience

4.1. Image and sound quality

In reality, satisfaction depends greatly on the formula:

• On a recent TV, a premium offer (if it includes 4K) clearly improves the experience.
• On mobile devices, the difference is less decisive: streaming stability and the absence of ads often carry more weight.

4.2. Multi-screens and profiles

Like most platforms, HBO Max offers multi-screen use and multiple profiles. If there are several of you at home, this is a key criterion: a subscription can be "cost-effective" if several people actually use it.

4.3. HBO Max offline

Depending on the plan and device, you can download certain content to watch offline (handy when traveling). If you need to do this, first check:

• that the chosen formula includes it;
• that your device is compatible;
• and that you have sufficient storage space.

5) HBO Max: review of the app and user experience

Positive points (often cited by users)

• clear interface overall;
• fairly consistent profiles and recommendations (especially if you watch HBO-like series);
• resume playback and multi-device continuity.

Points that can be frustrating

• catalog rotation: a movie may disappear, so it's best to avoid putting it off for too long;
• Fragmentation: between HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc., you quickly end up with 4–5 subscriptions.

6) The Sport option: who is it worth it for?

HBO Max offers a Sports option (with an additional fee listed on the website).
This is interesting if:

• you actually watch competitions (otherwise it's an unnecessary expense);
• You want to centralize entertainment and sports in one app.

If you only exercise occasionally, this option often becomes the first expense to be cut when "optimizing" your monthly budget.

7) HBO Max: pros and cons (honest review)

What makes HBO Max worth it

• Premium series: if you're a fan of HBO productions, these are often a must-see.
• Regular updates: the platform remains dynamic in terms of featured releases.
• Solid experience: stable app, multi-screen use, offers tailored to different budgets.

What might cause hesitation

• Too many subscriptions: HBO Max becomes "just another subscription" if you already have Netflix/Disney+/Prime.
• Advertising on entry-level models: acceptable for some, annoying for others.
• Variable catalog: as everywhere else, titles come and go.

8) Who is HBO Max a good idea for?

HBO Max is a good choice if...

• you watch a lot of series and you like more "adult" / demanding worlds;
• you have a 4K TV and want premium rendering for big productions;
• You want a platform that complements Netflix/Disney+ well (rather than duplicating the same type of content).

HBO Max is not necessarily a priority if...

• you mainly consume "background noise" or occasional content;
• you are looking for the largest possible catalog (in terms of quantity);
• Your number one goal is to reduce your monthly expenses.

9) How can you pay less for HBO Max when you have multiple subscriptions?

When you start adding up HBO Max + Netflix + Disney+ + Prime Video + Spotify/Deezer, the bill quickly adds up... and the problem isn't "the price of HBO Max" itself, but the monthly total.

9.1. Sorting through your belongings: what do you really use?

Take 5 minutes to list:

• your active subscriptions;
• the price of each;
• and above all: how often you actually use them.

Very often, we keep one or two services "just in case," when they could be paused for one to two months.

9.2. Distribute costs when specified in bids (multi-profiles/households)

Some streaming services are designed to be used by multiple people (profiles, simultaneous screens, etc.). When this is the case, the cost can be shared more logically, rather than one person paying 100% of the price.

9.3. Simplify and secure splitting with Spliiit

If you already share subscriptions (or if you have several services to optimize), a platform such as Spliiit allows you to co-finance a subscription and manage the distribution of payments in a simple and structured way, rather than making transfers "by hand" and chasing everyone up.

The idea is as follows:

• a subscriber retains their subscription,
• available seats (depending on the terms of the offer) may be offered,
• and everyone pays their share, which makes the streaming budget much lighter over the year.

10) FAQ – HBO Max review: frequently asked questions

Is HBO Max better than Netflix?

It all depends on how you use it. Netflix often has a larger volume and more mainstream content, while HBO Max is particularly strong on premium series and certain franchises. Many people keep Netflix as their "main platform" and add HBO Max periodically, depending on new releases.

Is HBO Max worth it with the ad-supported plan?

If you watch very little (1–2 pieces of content per week) and don't mind the ads, then yes. If you binge-watch, the ads can become annoying and make you prefer a higher-tier plan.

Can you watch HBO Max without the internet?

When downloading is available in your plan, you can watch certain content offline from the app (handy when traveling). Also check the storage space and any limits (number of downloads, availability period).

Is HBO Max available through a provider (Orange, etc.)?

Yes, some operators offer HBO Max as part of their packages or as an option, sometimes with practical details (channels included, packages, subscription terms).

Which HBO Max plan should you choose?

• Solo + light use: the entry-level model may suffice.
• Couples/households: opt for a package with greater comfort (screens, quality).
• 4K TV + heavy use: the premium package (if 4K is included) is often the most satisfying.

11) Verdict: our opinion on HBO Max

HBO Max is an excellent platform if you are looking for:

• really strong series,
• a premium experience,
• and a catalog that complements the other services well.

The only real pitfall isn't HBO Max: it's the total cost of all your subscriptions. The best approach is to manage your budget (rotate platforms, sort through them, and split costs when possible). And if several of you use the same services, solutions like Spliiit can help make everything simpler and more cost-effective on a daily basis.

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