Max, previously known as HBO Max, has been our choice for the best streaming service thanks to its library of HBO originals like "House of the Dragon," "Hacks" and "The Last of Us." The service also includes Discovery content like "Sister Wives," "90 Day Fiance" and "Gold Rush," as well as recent Warner Bros. White like "Dune: Part Two," "Wonka" and "Barbie" so it's living up its name.
Max has a pretty straightforward pricing structure that includes a basic ad-supported tier that costs $9.99 per month, an ad-free tier that runs $16.99 per month, and a third, “Ultimate” ad-free tier that includes additional features like 4K streaming and simultaneous downloads, for $20.99 per month.
Despite this array of options for customers of different budgets, there are actually a few ways to snag Max for free. From Max’s free episode library to bundled deals, here’s how you can binge-watch your favorite Max content without breaking the bank.
Is there a Max free trial?
If you’re a first-time Max subscriber, you may be dismayed to see no free trial option on the streamer’s official homepage. In addition, free trials through Amazon, Roku and Hulu have been discontinued as of 2024.
Max’s free episode library
Max has a robust free episode library that includes episodes of acclaimed series like "Succession," "House of the Dragon," 90 Day Fiance" and more. You can access this content at any time at the official Max Watch for Free site, no login necessary.
Free Max with unlimited Cricket Wireless plan
Though AT&T discontinued its free Max program last year, subsidiary Cricket Wireless still offers free Max subscriptions to customers who have its highest $60/mo. unlimited plan. New and existing customers who have this plan can enjoy an ad-supported subscription to Max free of charge, as long as you don’t switch plan tiers.
Learn more at Cricket Wireless
Free Max with cable subscription
If you pay for HBO through a cable provider like Spectrum/Charter, Xfinity or DirectTV, you already have access to the ad-free version of Max as part of your subscription. To access the service simply download the Max app on a supported device and sign in through your TV provider to start streaming. While you'll still have to sit through ads, you'll have access to the show catalog at the very least.
Learn more at Max
Disney Plus, Hulu and Max bundle
You can finally purchase the Disney Plus, Hulu and Max bundle that just became available for US subscribers.
You can save up to 38% off the bundle, or up to $17.98, by purchasing this three-collection service. You can get the ad-supported tier for $16.99 per month (34% or $8.98 off its normal price of $25.97). You can also choose the ad-free tier for $29.99 monthly, or 38% off its usual price of $17.98. That's down from its normal price of $47.97.
Everyone will be able to access this deal, even if you're a former subscriber. The bundle comes with access to content from HBO, Hulu, Disney, FX, Warner Bros., and others, though even if you purchase the ad-free option, the bundle notes that some content still will display ads.
This is currently the most cost-effective way to enjoy the content on each of these streaming services. You'll still have to log in to each one separately if you have multiple favorites you want to follow, but that's a (literal) small price to pay for this swath of content available to you.
Max with DoorDash DashPass
If you're a DoorDash DashPass subscriber, you can now access a Max With Ads subscription as part of your DashPass Annual Plan with no added fees. Alternatively, if you want to skip out on ads, you can upgrade to the Max Ad-Free subscription for a discounted rate.
DashPass is $9.99 per month, but there are discounted annual rates that you can opt for instead. Getting Max for free with a program that eliminates delivery fees and cuts other expenses when ordering from the service is a great deal, and if you don't want to deal with ads, you can pay that nominal fee to upgrade.
This is another avenue to take if you've exhausted all other options and just want a free Max subscription – and this one is the tastiest way to do it by far.
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