Max Basic with ads: price $20.26, differences between Standard and Premium, and how to pay less without ads

Are you hesitating between Max Basic with ads and an ad-free plan because you want the HBO/Warner/Discovery catalog but don't want to blow your streaming budget? In this guide, we keep it simple: we compare the offers, explain what you gain (or lose) with each plan, and show you how to pay less while staying within your budget.

1) Max Basic with ads: the price and what you actually get

In France, the Basic package with advertising is generally advertised at around €5.99/month on telecom comparison sites and in specialized media.

In terms of usage, the official Max FAQ specifies that the Basic offer with advertising allows:

• streaming on two devices simultaneously;
• a resolution up to Full HD 1080p.

Who is this a good deal for?

• You watch mainly in the evenings or on weekends.
• Advertisements don't bother you as long as the price is low.
• You hardly ever download episodes for the plane or train.

2) HBO Max Standard: the best option if you want "no ads" without paying the maximum price

If you're looking for an ad-free Max subscription to enjoy on your TV and mobile device, the Standard package is often the best balance.

In France, the standard rate is often listed as around €9.99 per month.

According to the official help section, the Standard offer includes:

• streaming on two devices simultaneously;
• Full HD 1080p;
• up to 30 offline downloads (with limitations).

When Standard is really worth it

• You often watch on your tablet/phone and want to download episodes.
• Advertisements break your immersion (HBO series, thrillers, movies, etc.).
• There are two of you watching at the same time, but not necessarily more.

3) Premium: especially useful if you want 4 screens and the best quality

For households that consume more, the Premium package becomes attractive when you check at least two boxes: 4 people watching at the same time + need for 4K/premium sound.

In France, Premium is often listed at around €13.99/month.

The official Max documentation states for Premium:

• streaming on 4 devices simultaneously;
• 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos where available;
• up to 100 offline downloads (with limits).

4) Quick comparison: Basic with ads vs. Standard vs. Premium

OfferAdsSimultaneous devicesQualityDownloadsBasic with adsYes2Full HD 1080p—StandardNo2Full HD 1080pUp to 30PremiumNo44K UHD + Dolby Atmos (depending on titles/devices)Up to 100

The limitations and features (screens, quality, downloads) are detailed in the official Max help section.

5) How to pay less for Max without changing your habits

5.1. Start with Basic with advertising, then upgrade at the right time

If you want to test the catalog (HBO, DC, Warner, Discovery), starting with Basic allows you to validate your actual usage. Then, you can upgrade to Standard only if advertising becomes a real hindrance or if you want offline downloads.

5.2. Take advantage of offers via operators (box)

Depending on the period, operators offer included months or package deals. For example, Free mentions included months and then billing at the Basic rate.
If you already have a box, comparing the operator option vs. a direct subscription can save you money in the first few months.

5.3. Share the cost of a suitable package when there are several of you

When two to four people use the same platform, the price difference between Standard and Premium often becomes more acceptable if everyone pays their share, as long as the sharing remains consistent with the service's terms of use. This is exactly the type of arrangement that Spliiit helps to structure: dividing a subscription between several people in a clear and consistent manner, rather than managing manual reimbursements.

6) Frequently asked questions: ads, “ad-free,” and choosing the right plan

Is Max Basic with ads in HD?

The official Max help indicates a resolution up to Full HD 1080p with Basic with ads.

Does HBO Max Standard allow episodes to be downloaded?

Yes, Standard includes up to 30 offline downloads (with limitations).

Which plan should you choose if you want to watch on 3 or 4 screens at the same time?

The official help section specifies that Premium allows streaming on 4 devices simultaneously, while Basic/Standard remain at 2.

Does Premium guarantee 4K across the entire catalog?

4K UHD and Dolby Atmos are listed as "subject to availability," which depends on compatible titles and devices.

Key points to remember

• Max Basic with ads is the most economical option if you don't mind advertising, with Full HD and 2 screens.
• HBO Max Standard is often the best choice for regular "ad-free" use, especially if you want to download content.
• A Max subscription without ads really pays off when you watch a lot, download often, or share the cost with others in an organized way.