Subscription prices for streaming services are overflowing budgets and HBO Max is now set to raise its cost, setting customers adrift in a sea of fees.
The Basic with Ads plan is going up to $10.99 per month, an increase of $1. The yearly plan is now $109.99, an increase of $10. With this plan, subscribers can stream on two devices at once at Full HD resolution and there are about 6 minutes of ads per hour.
The Standard plan is now $18.49 per month, an increase of $1.50. The new yearly price is $184.99, an increase of $15. This plan lets subscribers stream ad-free on two devices at once at Full HD resolution, as well as download 30 titles to watch on the go.
The Premium plan is now $22.99 per month, an increase of $2. The yearly plan is $229.99, an increase of $20. This plan lets subscribers stream ad-free on four devices at once in 4k Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos (as available), as well as download 100 titles to watch on the go.
These prices start today for new customers and existing customers will see the change on their first billing cycle on or after Nov. 20.
This price hike comes just as HBO Max parent company Warner Bros. Discovery announced that multiple parties are interested in purchasing all or part of the company. The company was already planning to split its interests; with its studios, HBO, and HBO Max making up Warner Bros. and its basic cable channels (Turner and Discovery) and Discovery+ forming Discovery Global.
In a statement, the company said that it is open to a broad range of options, “which will include continuing to advance the Company’s planned separation to completion by mid-2026, a transaction for the entire company, or separate transactions for its Warner Bros. and/or Discovery Global businesses. As part of the review, the Company will also consider an alternative separation structure that would enable a merger of Warner Bros. and spin-off of Discovery Global to our shareholders.”
The rise in subscription pricing has raised value for potential buyers, but hits customers hard. Disney+ and Hulu price increases start today for subscribers, while Apple TV increases came in September, and Netflix increases started off the year in January.
