Max (Formerly HBO Max) Review: Features, Accessibility and Sports Coverage
Streaming platforms are taking over, and we have another good one on our hands to review today. Max (formerly HBO Max) has emerged as a powerhouse, offering an expansive library that caters to every taste. This service underwent its transformation in 2023, bringing together the story-telling ability of HBO with the even broader array of content of the Warner Bros Discover. The result is a one-stop streaming destination that encompasses drama, blockbuster movies, gripping documentaries, and, of course, live sports.
This guide will take you through the evolution of Max, breaking down its offerings, subscription plans, and availability, helping you decide if it is the platform for you.
As always, you can use Livesportsontv.com to find all upcoming live sports on Max streaming service. Go check out the schedule here.
Key Information:
- Affiliation: Warner Bros. Discovery
- Notable Sports Rights: Live coverage of MLB playoffs, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Teams, NBA, NHL, and select college sports.
- Cheapest Subscription Plan: $9.99 per month (with ads)
- Free Trial: None currently available
- Availability: United States and select international markets
- Accessibility: Web, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV
- More Information on Max.com
What is Max streaming service
Max is a streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, bringing together the extensive television libraries of both Warner Bros, HBO, Discovery Channel, and other partners. This platform was launched back in 2020 under the name of HBO Max, before being rebranded to simply Max in 2023. It has a little something for everyone, whether you are a cinephile, tv junkie, or a die-hard sports fan, and its affordable pricing packages make it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their television viewing experience.
A standout feature of Max is its integration of live sports, which comes from the Warner Bros. Discovery side of the merger, thanks to their affiliations with TNT and TBS. As a result, fans can enjoy a stocked lineup that includes MLB playoff games, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer matches, NHL games, and NBA. All of this access makes it a great option for anyone who wants to expose themselves to a broad array of sports, alongside entertainment channels, for a good price.
Whilst the affiliation with Warner Bros. gives Max an enticing content portfolio, not all Warner Bros. content is available on Max. Select titles, including some of their newer releases, may appear on other platforms or be subject to staggered release schedules. That being said, there is still a very large and diverse content library to get stuck into, featuring award-winning dramas, like the Sopranos and Game of Thrones, live sports, and kid-friendly programming as well. For example, Loony Tunes is always a popular choice. There really is plenty to choose from.
Why you should choose Max
Alongside its huge array of dramas, movies, and documentaries, Max offers a fantastic selection of sports. These are available through its ‘Bleacher Report Sports add-on’, which is normally an extra $9.99 a month, but is currently free of charge.
NBA
Basketball fans will relish Max’s partnership with TNT, offering live coverage of NBA regular-season games and the pressure cooker that is the playoffs. Inside the NBA takes fans on a deeper journey inside their favorite sport, featuring expert analysis, behind-the-scene moments, and interviews that expand the fan experience. To make matters even better, for those fans who enjoy the college action as well, the NCAA’s March Madness tournament is also available on Max, broadcasting any games shown on TBS and TNT.
MLB
Fans of baseball will also be pleased with Max’s sports package, which showcases 26 Tuesday Night games during the regular season, before opening up even more fixtures during the playoffs. Fans can also enjoy exclusive coverage of the American League Division Series and American League Championship Series.
U.S. Soccer National Team (USMNT & USWNT)
Good news for soccer fans! Max signed an eight-year deal in 2023 to showcase women’s and men’s US soccer games. From intense World Cup qualifiers to friendly internationals, fans can follow every goal and highlight. With soccer being on such a rise in the US, this partnership celebrates that fandom and makes Max a must-have for those passionate about cheering on Team USA on the global stage.
NHL
Hockey fans can also get their fix with Max’s comprehensive NHL coverage. Thanks to a recent deal between Turner Sports (owned by Warner Bros.) and the NHL, Max will host 72 regular season games a year, in addition to playoff action and coverage of the Winter Classic. From edge-of-your-seat regular-season games to the pulse-pounding Stanley Cup playoffs, Max keeps subscribers connected to the ice.
Max Subscription Plans
If you think that Max sounds like the right streaming package for you, then you can take advantage of a few different pricing options.
- With Ads ($9.99/month or $99.99/year): Budget-friendly but includes commercials. Offers access to Max’s full library, including live sports, but ads will interrupt your viewing experience.
- Ad-Free ($15.99/month or $149.99/year): No commercials, enhanced offline downloads, and higher video quality, providing uninterrupted access to live sports and all content.
- Ultimate Ad-Free ($19.99/month or $199.99/year): Premium 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos sound, and up to four concurrent streams, ideal for large households or avid sports fans. For sports enthusiasts, if you are happy to deal with the ads, the Ad-Free plan is best. The Bleacher Report Sports add-on completely opens up the door to a wide array of sports, and while it is free right now, this is likely to change eventually. Therefore, the cheaper ads-based option, will give you the best value for money.
Unfortunately, at the moment there is no free trial, however, if you sign up to DoorDash, then you can get access to Max for free as a signup bonus. Similarly, select AT&T Unlimited plans include Max for free, but we would recommend visiting their website for more information.
Other content to be excited about on Max:
Movies
- Dune (2021)
- The Batman (2022)
- Barbie (2023)
- The Matrix series
- Elvis (2022)
Documentaries
- The Last of Us: Making of the Series
- Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
- Class Action Park
- The Vow
- Tina
TV Shows
- Game of Thrones
- Succession
- The Sopranos
- Friends
- The White Lotus
Other sports programming
- Inside the NBA
- Hard Knocks
- The Shop: Uninterrupted
- Road to the Winter Classic
- Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel
Author: Venuse, Inc.