How to stream HBO Max in 2025? Big update

Right from its inception, HBO Max has emerged as one of the most loved and well-regarded streaming platforms. The new Max platform (which is planned to be rebranded back to HBO Max) combines premium content from HBO Max and the Discovery+ platform, ensuring people of all persuasions find something enjoyable to watch.

But can we stream HBO Max? In this handy guide, I’ll explain in simple steps how you can stream HBO Max and enjoy the full benefits of this exciting new platform. Grab some popcorn!

How to use the HBO Max streaming service?

HBO Max offers exclusive original content for a fantastic streaming experience that you won't find anywhere else. Since I am a Mac user, here is how I used the HBO Max streaming service:

1. Create an account on Max.com and pick the best plan tailored to fit your requirements. Then, download the Max app on your devices.
2. Browse through a huge library of shows and movies, from popular hits to Discovery+ reality shows.

I noticed a few buffering problems while watching on Max, which interrupted my overall experience. At first, I thought it was the app, but later, I realized that my Wi-Fi was the issue. That’s why I installed WiFi Explorer on my Mac to see the strength of my network. It helped me figure out why the connection wasn’t great, so I could fix my signal issues and have a smoother streaming experience.

How to fix Max streaming issues?

Are you experiencing streaming issues like buffering or loading errors while watching Max? Don’t worry! These are some of the troubleshooting steps I have tried to fix the streaming issues:

• Check your internet connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection to prevent buffering and loading errors.
• Restart the app: Close and reopen your Max app to resolve temporary glitches that might be affecting the stream.
• Update your device: Update your streaming device software to fix performance issues.
• Control your network: Use WiFi Explorer on your Mac to monitor Wi-Fi signals for optimal streaming performance.

Can you watch HBO Max shows offline?

Yes, you can – with a lot of catches!

HBO Max allows you to download shows within its app, but limits that to 30 downloads per account (and all user profiles) at a time. Only five copies of a show or movie can be downloaded across devices. Downloads expire after 30 days, and/or 48 hours after you start watching a movie or show.

If HBO’s options are just not good enough for you, try Capto. It’s a really handy screen recording app that lets you capture an entire screen or any window within a screen. It saves audio and video, too, which makes it great for online recording.

Important note: While Capto is a powerful tool, recording online shows or movies from streaming services may violate copyright laws. Use screen recording tools wisely and only for legal, personal use.

Can I watch Max on my TV?

Yes, you can definitely watch Max on your TV! And not just TVs; Max is available on streaming devices like your phone, tablet, gaming console, and even older TVs. But if you have a smart TV, then it will save you a lot of hassle. Just download the app directly from your TV app store on your smart TV. It is available for all the major models, such as Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Android TV.

What can you watch on HBO Max?

Like any other streaming service, HBO has content you just won’t find anywhere else. It’s also worth considering ownership of content when it comes to HBO Max; you can watch shows like Adventure Time on other services like Hulu, but there could come a time when Warner Media pulls that content from other services. If you’re really into a show owned by Warner Media, HBO Max is likely worth your investment.

Shows like Game of Thrones, Last Week Tonight, Real Time with Bill Maher, The Sopranos, and other popular HBO shows are expected. But HBO Max has originals like Craftopia, On the Record, Love Life, and Legendary. Warner Media content, such as Rick and Morty, Pretty Little Liars, Friends, and the full Harry Potter series are available as well. HBO Max also has HBO’s deep catalog of current and classic movies to choose from.

What is Max, and how is it different from HBO Max?

Max takes the place of HBO Max and evolves its legacy into something even more exciting. Warner made the decision in 2023 after a long and careful consideration. It was particularly aimed at transforming the platform's content range from adult-oriented to something people of all ages could enjoy with their families or alone. Now, you can find shows of all genres — TV, lifestyle shows, true crime documentaries, and much more.

When you get all of these on a single platform, you don’t have to worry about managing multiple subscriptions. Just subscribe once, and that will do the trick!

How much does Max cost?

After a seven-day trial, HBO Max’s Basic with Ads plan starts at $ 9.99 per month, with the Premium plan at $20.99 per month.

If you haven’t signed up yet, doing so is easy. All you have to do is create a username and password on HBO Max’s subscription page and submit payment information. It’s literally the exact same process as any other service. Several subscription tiers to suit different viewing preferences.

What devices can you watch HBO Max on?

HBO Max works on a lot of devices you most probably already possess. You can easily catch all the content on Max wherever and however you prefer. These include:

• Smart TVs: Download the Max app from your smart TV’s app store. You can now sign in and start watching your favorite shows and movies.
• Streaming devices: Devices like Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV can install the Max, which allows you to start streaming instantly.
• Game consoles: You can also easily stream Max on gaming consoles. It supports all the major ones– PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
• Casting options: If your TV supports casting options, you can cast all the content goodness directly to your TV using AirPlay or Chromecast.
• Through a TV provider: Log in to the Max app using your provider's credentials and easily watch without taking extra subscriptions.

Ways to subscribe to Max

So, you have all the lowdown, and all that remains is subscribing. But how, you may ask? The process is simple. You have a few subscription options to choose from, just go with the one that fits your comfort and needs the best:

• Direct subscription: Visit Max.com to sign up directly. Once you have landed on the website, choose the plan, pay for the subscription, and start streaming right away.
• Through TV providers: Do you already have cable or satellite service like DirecTV or Spectrum? In that case, half the work is done. Just add Max to your package and get access to your favourite programs.
• Through streaming platforms: Just like Hulu or Amazon Prime, you can download the Max app and start streaming your favorite shows after you have subscribed to the platform. It is fast, simple, and probably the most popular way.
• Existing HBO subscribers: If you currently subscribe to HBO through a cable or satellite provider, you may already have access to Max at no additional cost. Simply download the Max app and use your old HBO Max credentials to log in.

Now is the perfect time to stream Max!

With the launch of Max, you now have access to a large library of shows and content, ready to keep you entertained till your heart’s desire. Whether streaming premium content from HBO Max or getting lost in Discovery+ content, there’s a lot to explore!

And, for a smooth experience, use tools like WiFi Explorer and JustStream to cast content directly to your TV. You can try these apps, along with 260+ others, for free with a 7-day trial of Setapp. Try Setapp today and unlock the full potential of your Mac!