First it was HBO, then HBO Max, and now it’s going to just become “Max.” The alternative streaming platform to Netflix and Disney+ has announced a new addition to its already extensive catalogue: Discovery+. This merger is what has led those responsible to change the name and, of course, take the opportunity to update the price plans of the service, something that, from the outset, does not bode well.
The HBO Max subscription plan stands out, mainly, for two aspects. The first of them is simplicity, since we can only choose a monthly (or annual) plan, without different levels of membership, with all the functions and features available, and the second for the 50% discount forever offered to the first users to sign up for the service.
With the merger with Discovery+, and the name change, now the first of these features is going to change. And it is that Max is going to have three subscription levels (at least, in the United States) that, depending on what we pay, will give us access to some features or others. These three levels are:
- Max Ad Lite, priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, allows 2 simultaneous streams, 1080p HD resolution, no downloads, and 5.1 surround sound. This plan it will have ads, like Netflix.
- Max AdFreefor $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year, allows 2 simultaneous streams, 1080p HD resolution, up to 30 downloads to play offline and 5.1 surround sound.
- Max Ultimate Ad Free, For $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, it allows 4 simultaneous streams, 4K Ultra HD resolution, 100 online downloads, and Dolby Atmos sound.
Without a doubt, this is a very large price increase. It is true that it includes a new platform and much more content, although the quality of this leaves much to be desired, since Discovery+ consists mainly of Discovery+ of non-fiction content, such as reality shows, documentaries and sports, something that is not for all audiences . Paying more for this content of dubious quality can be a reason to cancel the service.
The second reason is the doubt about what will happen to the 50% discount forever that HBO Max offered. The company promised to respect it as long as it was HBO Max as the main service. But the name change and catalog change may allow them to terminate the contrary unilaterally and remove all kinds of promotion.
And, even if they respect the 50% discount (4.49 euros per month), the service will be MUCH more expensive. Assuming a change from dollar to euro, Max Ad Free would stay at 7.99 euros per month, while Max Ultimate Ad Free would stay at 9.99 euros per month already with 50% applied. And, as the company indicates on its Social Networks, it is still not certain that this promotion will be respected.
HBO Max Spain
@HBOMaxES
@josedek Hello Jose. We’ll reveal pricing details, including promotions, closer to the launch date.
April 12, 2023 • 20:44
First in the US, then in Spain
For now, Max will start shooting in the United States on May 23. But in Spain we will have to wait until 2024 (we don’t know the exact date) to be able to upgrade to this new service and receive both the Discovery+ catalog and the price increase and the change in service plans.
HBO Max Spain
@HBOMaxES
In 2024, HBO Max will become Max in Spain, with HBO Originals, hit series, movies, reality shows and much more. We will reveal more details closer to the release date. https://t.co/LSr9TUO67z
April 12, 2023 • 19:21
For now we can only closely follow the launch in the United States and wait, without haste, for this service, the price increase and the new conditions of service to reach our country.
