Streaming platform: how to choose (and how much does Max cost)?

Between Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Max, choosing a streaming platform has never been so complicated. Catalogs are changing, prices are rising, options are piling up (4K, HDR, downloads, sports, etc.), and we often end up with three or four active subscriptions... half of which we don't even use.

The purpose of this article is to help you choose the best streaming platform for your needs, with a clear comparison of streaming platforms, followed by a focus on Max (formerly HBO Max): Max prices, Max rates, options, and what you need to know about a possible Max trial offer.

1) The truly important criteria for choosing a streaming platform

Before comparing catalogs, ask yourself these questions (they will determine which streaming platform is best for you):

The catalog: movies, series, exclusives, franchises

Some platforms are very strong on "brands":

• superhero universe, sagas, family animation,
• premium series,
• recent films vs. classic catalogs.

The right approach: choose one main platform (the one you use most often), then supplement it with a second one if necessary.

Video and audio quality (HD, 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos)

If you mainly watch 4K TV, the difference between a standard and a premium offer can be significant. On mobile devices, it is often secondary.

The number of screens and profiles

This is where the bill quickly adds up: a family (or a couple with a teenager) does not have the same needs as a single person.

Offline (downloads)

Essential for commutes, trips, or unstable connections.

The total budget for "subscriptions"

The real issue is not just the price of a service, but your overall monthly budget. Many households pay $40–60/month without realizing it.

2) Comparison of streaming platforms: how to quickly tell them apart

Rather than a "universal" ranking, here is a comparison based on usage (the most useful for making a decision).

If you want a large volume of series and mainstream content

Most people prefer a "generalist" platform as a base because it covers a wide range of tastes (thrillers, comedies, documentaries, mainstream series).

If you're looking for premium exclusives and "cinema" series

Max has positioned itself very strongly in the premium series market (and with a Warner/Discovery catalog depending on the country). The question often arises: how much does Max cost and what do you actually get at each price point?

If you watch little, but want the best quality

Be sure to watch:

• 4K/HDR quality,
• the number of screens,
• comfort (advertisement or not),
• and the stability of apps on TV.

3) Max (formerly HBO Max): prices, offers, and what each package includes

Max was launched as the evolution of HBO Max in several markets, and the brand has changed significantly in recent years. In practical terms, what interests you is: the price of Max, what you get with each package, and whether there is an HBO Max (or Max) offer to reduce the bill.

3.1. Maximum rate: what options are available?

In France, the prices observed for Max/HBO Max offers are generally structured in three tiers:

• an entry formula (often with advertising),
• a "standard" package (without advertising),
• and a premium package.

On the official website, HBO Max in France is priced at €5.99/month, with a separate Sports option (Eurosport) available depending on the season.
Operator comparisons and specialist websites also list different tiers (e.g., Basic with ads, Standard, and Premium) priced at around €5.99/€9.99/€13.99.

Key takeaway: The Max subscription price depends mainly on three variables: advertising or no advertising, number of screens, and 4K/HDR/Atmos access.

3.2. Max Premium: who is it worth it for?

The Max Premium offer is primarily aimed at:

• 4K TV users,
• those who want maximum comfort (quality + simultaneous devices),
• and heavy consumers of series/films.

In general, a premium offer includes:

• best video quality (up to 4K when available),
• best sound (Dolby Atmos when available),
• more simultaneous screens,
• no more offline downloads.

If you spend 80% of your time looking at your smartphone, the price difference is much less justified.

3.3. HBO Max pricing: why we sometimes see differences

You may see different terms used: HBO Max price, Max price, Max cost, Max rate...because:

• brand names have changed (Max vs. HBO Max depending on country/period),
• promotions are available through partners,
• Some offers vary depending on the operator.

A common example: "X months included/free" offers via Internet boxes or operator bundles.

4) Max free trial: is there still a trial offer available?

The question"Max free trial"comes up often, but the answer is nuanced: there isn't necessarily a permanent free trial, and it depends on current promotions and partners.

• The help center indicates that some providers may offer a trial period or promotional offer to certain new subscribers, with criteria specified at the time of subscription.
• There have been one-off promotions (for example, a free week during a specific period), but this type of Max trial offer is not guaranteed throughout the year.

Helpful tip: if you are looking for a trial offer, check:

• the official subscription page,
• operator bundles (box, mobile),
• temporary promotions.

5) How to choose between Max and other platforms?

Here is a simple method: first choose your primary use, then look at the offer that fits.

Case 1: You want the best catalog/price ratio

The "best" depends on what you watch. If you mainly consume premium series, Max can be very relevant, provided you choose the right level of subscription (Standard vs. Max Premium) rather than paying too much for your actual usage.

Case 2: You already have 2–3 platforms... and you want to streamline

This is the most common scenario: you sign up for Netflix + Disney+ + Prime Video + Max "for a series," then forget to cancel.

Here, the real key is not to find a miracle platform, but to:

1. list your active subscriptions,
2. cut off those you no longer use,
3. optimize the cost of the services you keep.

Case 3: You pay full price for Max but don't use all the screens

This is where there is often "dormant" money: you pay for a multi-screen package, but you only use some of the seats.

6) Pay less for streaming platforms: the simplest approach

If you use a streaming platform a lot, the expense is not unreasonable... but paying for it alone when the offer allows multiple users is rarely optimal.

The principle: sharing the cost rather than multiplying subscriptions

There are many "family" or multi-profile offers on the market (depending on the services, their rules, and their conditions). When possible, the idea is simple: split the bill rather than stacking up individual subscriptions.

A practical solution: use a co-subscription platform

Managing sharing "by hand" (transfers, reminders, oversights, tensions) quickly becomes tedious. A platform like Spliiit allows you to:

• offer an available spot on a subscription that you already pay for,
• or take someone else's place,
• with simpler and more secure payment distribution.

Result: you maintain the same level of comfort (quality, profiles, sometimes downloads), but you reduce your monthly cost without having to juggle reimbursements between friends and family.

7) FAQ – Streaming platforms & Max

How much does Max cost per month?

The price depends on the package (with ads, standard, premium). In France, the subscription starts at €5.99/month on the official website, with higher tiers depending on the options and package chosen.

Max Premium, what's different?

A premium offer generally aims for the best quality (4K when available), more simultaneous screens, and more downloads. This is particularly interesting for 4K TVs and heavy users.

Is there a free trial of Max?

There may be trial offers or promotions available through certain partners, but this is not systematic. Support indicates that it depends on the offer at the time of subscription, and some promotions have been one-off.

How to make a good comparison of streaming platforms?

The best streaming platform comparison is one that takes into account:

• what you're really looking at,
• your main screen (TV vs. mobile),
• multi-profile requirements,
• and your total monthly budget.

How can costs be reduced without giving up platforms?

The most effective method is to:

• cancel rarely used subscriptions,
• and spread the cost of the platforms you use a lot through co-subscription, rather than paying for everything yourself.

Key points to remember

• There is no universal "best streaming platform": it all depends on how you use it (4K TV, premium series, family, travel, etc.).
• Max (formerly HBO Max) offers several tiers: the Max price varies depending on advertising, screens, and quality, with an entry-level package starting at €5.99/month.
• The Max free trial may be available as one-time offers or through partners, but it is not guaranteed on an ongoing basis.
• The best way to leverage your budget in real life is to optimize your streaming budget: keep 1–2 key platforms and share the cost when possible using a solution such as Spliiit.

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