Max has raised its prices on ad-free plans—how to stay ad-free
Max's ad-free tiers are getting a little more expensive this summer.
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Max
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We talk about it all the time, but it's been a big year already for streaming services adding... ads. Streaming giants like Hulu and Prime Video have all begun incorporating ads into the framework of each company's current subscription model, and Max, the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, is no exception.
When ads were introduced to Max initially, the streamer added subscription options that would allow users to avoid ads, if they so choose. As of this week, those ad-free tiers just got a little more expensive. Starting Thursday, July 14, current subscribers can expect the cost of their monthly ad-free viewing on Max to go up by $1 per month—meaning you'll have to pay $16.99 per month, minimum, to avoid ads.
We've broken down each option affected by the change, including which tiers will keep you ad-free, and which annual subscriptions will save the most money.
What are Max's payment tiers?
Max's streaming subscriptions offers subscribers an ad-enabled tier, an ad-free tier, and an "Ultimate" ad-free tier that more users can access. The Ad-Enabled subscription will cost you $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, and features simultaneous viewing with ads across two devices.
If you want to avoid ads, the monthly cost of the Ad-Free tier is going up from $15.99 per month to $16.99 per month. Subscribers to the yearly ad-free plan can expect rates to go from $149.99 to $169.99.
You can sign up for one of three different kinds of Max streaming subscription, starting at $9.99 per month for ad-enabled streaming.
With the Ad-Free model, you can stream on two devices as well as download up to 36 hours of Max series or films to watch on the go.
Max also has an Ultimate Ad-Free tier, which used to cost $19.99 per month, or $199.99 per year—now, it'll cost you $20.99 per month, or $209.99 per year. The tier allows users to stream on up to four devices at the same time, and download up to 100 hours of content. If you share your account with a lot of folks that want to watch the newest episode of, for example, the second season of "House of the Dragon," you'll be better off investing in the Ultimate subscription.
The price hike on ad-free options means you'll end up saving a little less than you might have before on a yearly subscription, but it is still the route to go with if you want to save. When you pay for a full year of the ad-enabled service you'll save $19.89 over the course of the year. The most savings can be found through a yearly subscription to the first Ad-Free tier, which will save you $33.89. If you pay for a year of the Ad-Free Ultimate, you'll save $41.89.
What can you watch on Max?
Max is home to a wide catalog of series and films, from HBO and Discovery and beyond. The streaming service is home to HBO Original Series, Max Original series, Discovery Channel shows and films, the DC universe, Food Network content, Studio Ghibli films, Cartoon Network films and series, and much, much more.
You can stream everything from the new season of "True Detective: Night Country", the upcoming season of "House of the Dragon," last year's hit film "Barbie", and beyond.
Looking for reliable local streaming options? Check out USA TODAY Home Internet for broadband service plans in your area.
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