HBO Max is coming. So where does that leave Go and Now subscribers?

The cabler's new streaming service is almost here and we've got the answers to your burning questions.
 By 
Alex Perry
 on 
HBO Max is coming. So where does that leave Go and Now subscribers?

Just in case you were tired of every streaming service you already use to pass the time right now, HBO Max is almost here.

You might be thinking: "Oh, I have HBO Go or HBO Now. Surely, this is irrelevant to me!"

Sorry, but that's not WarnerMedia's modus operandi right now. HBO Max is a brand new streaming service that includes the same content as the company's other two online services, but that's just the start. It's also home to a ton of original shows and movies, as well as plenty of other existing content from throughout WarnerMedia's empire.

Mashable's illustrious entertainment team has got you covered with a breakdown of everything coming to HBO Max, as well as trailers for its launch day programming. But you more than likely have some lingering questions about what it'll cost, where to find it, and what level of streaming quality you can expect when it launches on May 27.

Allow us to break that down for you.

How much do I have to pay? What about current HBO subscribers?

First things first, a standalone subscription to HBO Max is $15 per month. That's a little more than what Hulu and Disney Plus each charge, but WarnerMedia probably thinks the sheer breadth of its content will sell itself. It's also the same exact monthly fee as HBO Now, making the older service look like a questionable value in comparison.

I have great news for anyone concerned about that: HBO Now subscribers get access to Max without any extra charge. And since it has all that same glorious HBO content, as well as oodles of other shows and movies, you might as well just switch to using Max full-time.

Unfortunately for HBO Go users (i.e., those who subscribe to HBO through a cable provider), things are a little more murky. WarnerMedia's official FAQ just says to "stay tuned for more details" to find out how traditional HBO subscribers can access Max.

People who get their TV service through AT&T don't have to wait, though. AT&T announced that subscribers to some DirecTV and AT&T packages will get access to HBO Max for free. You can find out whether or not your package qualifies here.

Mashable Image
Some old sitcom is coming to HBO Max, we hear. Credit: NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Which devices can I watch HBO Max on?

Unfortunately, we don't know what devices will or won't support HBO Max yet. Its website says the service will be available on "phones, tablets, Mac and PC browsers, streaming media players and game consoles," but offered no specifics. We reached out to WarnerMedia and were told there would be more announcements about this to come before May 27.

Can I watch HBO Max in 4K or HDR?

With more and more big streaming services supporting 4K Ultra HD streaming, as well as HDR in some cases, it's worth wondering if HBO Max will hop on the bandwagon, too. After all, neither HBO Go nor HBO Now are 4K- or HDR-compatible.

Bad news: We don't know yet! None of the pre-release marketing has said anything about 4K or HDR streaming for HBO Max. Once again, WarnerMedia assured us there would be more technical announcements to come before it launches.

So, as you can see, there's still a lot we don't know about HBO Max — and that's with just a month to go until we can enjoy it. But we'll be sure to fill you in once we find out all those juicy technical details about the cabler's new streaming service.

Topics HBO

journalist alex perry looking at a smartphone
Alex Perry
Tech Reporter

Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
It was tough, but we found the best movies on HBO Max
"Sinners," "Barbie," "I Saw the TV Glow," and "Grey Gardens" are just a few of the great movies now streaming on HBO Max.

The best HBO Max deals and bundles in January 2026
hbo max logo against a blue and white gradient background

The best HBO Max deals and bundles in February 2026
hbo max logo against a purple patterned background

The best HBO Max deals and bundles in March 2026
hbo max logo against a purple patterned background

HBO Max and Paramount+ are combining into one streaming service
Two side-by-side logos for Paramount+ and HBO Max.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.


NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!