This is when the newest worth hikes for HBO Max are set to kick in

Just some weeks after Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said that he believes HBO Max is ” way underpriced,” the corporate has introduced a direct worth hike for the streaming service.

As of October 21, HBO Max’s month-to-month worth has elevated by $1 to $2, relying in your plan (through Variety). The Primary plan with advertisements now prices $11 per 30 days, a $1 hike; its annual plan has risen to $110, a $10 improve.

Its mid-tier plan, Commonplace (ad-free), is getting a $1.50 improve to $18.50 per 30 days, up from $17. The annual model can also be rising to $185, a $15 improve.

HBO Max’s top-tier Premium plan is getting a $2 worth improve, going from $21 per 30 days to $23, with its annual plan leaping to $230, a $20 hike.

For brand new prospects, all of those worth will increase are already in impact, whereas current subscribers will see them beginning on their subsequent billing date on or after November 20. For those who’re subscribed to an annual plan, you will not see the value improve till your plan is due for renewal, and you will be notified 30 days prematurely.

This worth hike comes as no shock

HBO Max now joins different streamers which have elevated their costs this 12 months

Whereas it is at all times unlucky to see a streaming service jack up its costs — one thing all too widespread these days — this specific worth hike appeared inevitable.

In September, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav mentioned that the company believes the standard of its content material, each TV and movement image, is so good that “all of us assume that offers us an opportunity to boost costs,” and that “We expect we’re approach underpriced.” On the time, it was unclear when a worth hike may occur, as Zaslav mentioned, “We’ll take our time.” It seems which means just a bit over a month.

The final time HBO Max raised costs was in June of 2024, so it has been over a 12 months for the reason that final worth improve. HBO Max now joins the lengthy listing of streaming companies which have already raised costs this 12 months, together with Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, and Apple TV.

Along with elevating its costs, Warner Bros. Discovery mentioned in a press release it had obtained “unsolicited curiosity” from “a number of events” fascinated by shopping for out the corporate. So, whereas it’s elevating costs itself, it appears the media and leisure large can also be placing up a for-sale signal.

“It is no shock that the numerous worth of our portfolio is receiving elevated recognition by others available in the market,” CEO David Zaslav mentioned in a press launch. “After receiving curiosity from a number of events, now we have initiated a complete evaluation of strategic alternate options to determine the most effective path ahead to unlock the complete worth of our property.”

It appears to me that Zaslav’s assertion is only a fancy approach of claiming the corporate is reviewing its price and is fascinated by listening to provides.

Earlier this 12 months, Warner Bros. Discovery introduced that the corporate would cut up into two separate firms by mid-2026: a Streaming & Studios firm (overlaying movie and TV manufacturers) and a International Networks firm (overlaying sports activities and TV information manufacturers). The corporate additionally reverted the name of HBO Max again to HBO Max in Might after it had been referred to as Max for 2 years.