Warner Bros. Discovery has officially raised subscription prices for HBO Max, marking the highest cost for the streaming service since its launch. The announcement came on October 21, 2025, indicating that all three subscription tiers will see price hikes effective immediately. This increase places HBO Max subscriptions above those of Netflix for certain plans.
The revised pricing structure includes significant changes across all tiers. The HBO Max Basic plan now costs more than Netflix’s equivalent subscription, while the Standard plan has also increased, surpassing Netflix’s Standard pricing by $0.50. Specifically, HBO Max Basic with Ads is priced at $8.49, while HBO Max Standard comes in at $17.49. In contrast, Netflix’s Basic with Ads is currently $7.99, and the Standard plan is $17.99. For consumers seeking 4K content, HBO Max Premium remains competitively priced at $24.99, compared to Netflix’s $24.99 for similar features.
Current subscribers will be informed of these price changes, which will take effect during their next billing cycle on or after November 20, 2025. Annual subscribers, however, will not experience an increase until their plan is up for renewal. For instance, a new annual Premium subscription signed up on the day of the announcement will remain at $209.99 until the next renewal.
While the increase in pricing may deter some potential subscribers, HBO Max remains a strong player in the streaming market, boasting a robust lineup of original content. Series such as The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, and The White Lotus continue to attract a loyal audience. The anticipation surrounding upcoming titles, including the Game of Thrones spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, may help retain subscribers despite the price adjustments.
Warner Bros. Discovery appears to be banking on the strength of its content library to justify these price hikes. The company emphasizes the unique offerings available on HBO Max, which may persuade viewers to maintain their subscriptions even as costs rise. As the streaming landscape evolves, HBO Max’s ability to compete with services like Netflix will depend heavily on its content strategy and viewer loyalty amidst changing price dynamics.
