HBO Max is raising its subscription prices in the US for the third consecutive year, following recent hikes in Europe.
Just a month ago, CEO David Zaslav described HBO Max as "way underpriced", so the latest round of increases comes as no surprise.
Here are the new US prices:
- HBO Basic with Ads: Up $1 from $10 to $11/month ($100 to $110 yearly)
- HBO Standard (ad-free): Up $1.50 from $17 to $18.50/month ($170 to $185 yearly)
- HBO Premium (4K): Up $2 from $21 to $23/month ($210 to $230 yearly)
Ready to sell HBO Max
The streaming service, which recently reverted to the HBO Max name, has been cutting its content budget as part of broader cost-saving measures following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery.
Warner Bros Discovery is now officially exploring the sale of its Warner Bros division. The price hikes look like an attempt to boost numbers ahead of a potential sale.
The new prices take effect immediately for new subscribers and after November 20 for existing subscribers.
HBO Max hiked prices in many European countries earlier this month.
More expensive than Netflix
Is HBO Max worth more than Netflix? That is for viewers to decide, but Warner Bros Discovery seems to think so.
With the ad-free HBO Standard plan now at $18.50 per month, HBO Max has overtaken Netflix’s Standard plan at $18. Until now, it was the other way around.
If you are looking for alternatives, Apple TV is worth a look. Often dubbed "the new HBO" for its high-quality series, Apple's streaming service costs $13 per month.
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Source: Variety
