HBO might be one of the longest-running subscription TV services in the world, but how does it measure up to heavyweights like Netflix? HBO Max isn’t just the home of some high-quality Max Originals; it’s also home to your comfort shows, popular anime, and hit films, new and old.
What is HBO Max?
Short for Home Box Office, HBO Max holds the title of the first streaming subscription service in the US. It was also the first national cable channel, as it initially provided paid TV services to tourists in hotels. However, as it grew, it prioritised showing and investing in original made-for-cable films.
Long before the likes of Netflix, HBO was pushing the boundaries with hit, original content, like the adult romantic comedy series Sex and the City.
Since it put the pedal to the metal in the 90s, HBO hasn't let up on quality. Shows like The Sopranos, Succession, House of the Dragon, and The White Lotus have cemented its reputation as a streaming service that delivers on quality, not just quantity.
Aside from HBO Originals, HBO Max also houses streaming fare across Animal Planet, HBO, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and the Warner Bros. network.
How much does HBO Max cost?
HBO Max offers two tiered options. You can choose to pay month-to-month or on an annual basis and save some extra cash. For the Standard plan, you’re looking at $14.48 a month or $129.98 a year. For a HBO Max Ultimate subscription, you can expect to pay $18.98 a month or $169.98 a year.
See how HBO Max prices compare to other major streaming services in Singapore:
Apple TV+
- New Apple Originals Every Month
- Always Ad-Free
- 4K HDR and Spatial Audio
- Deal: Free seven-day trial
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Disney+
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What can I watch on HBO Max Singapore?
HBO Max is home to a catalogue of iconic streaming fare. You’ll find older classics like Jurassic Park, The Matrix, and Batman Begins, plus newer hits like Barbie, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Nosferatu, and Wicked.
You’ll also find popular HBO Originals, like The Last of Us, Succession, House of the Dragon, The Sopranos, Station Eleven, Raised by Wolves, White Lotus, and Euphoria.
For Potterheads, HBO Max is your one-stop shop. You’ll find all eight Harry Potter movies for those annual re-run parties, as well as several spin-offs. Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, and the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts documentary are all available to stream on HBO Max Singapore. The heavily anticipated new Harry Potter series will also debut on HBO Max.
HBO Max is home to your favourite comfort shows, like Friends, The Office, and The Big Bang Theory. You’ll also find nostalgia-steeped classics from the American cable channel Cartoon Network. Think animated kids' shows, like The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, Steven Universe, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Regular Show, and Adventure Time.
You’ll also find a selection of popular anime, like Demon Slayer, One Punch Man, Tokyo Revengers, Jujutsu Kaisen, Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, Blue Lock, and 86 Eighty Six.
HBO Go vs HBO Now vs HBO Max
For several years, HBO Go and HBO Max were for different audiences. HBO Go was the Asian version of HBO Max, with a different, more stripped-back catalogue.
A few years later, HBO Now launched. To subscribe to HBO and HBO Go, users would have needed a cable subscription. When HBO Now debuted, it was a standalone service. You didn’t need a cable subscription, just one with HBO Now. Come 2020, HBO Max launched. HBO Max is essentially HBO Now and HBO Go's hotter, older sister. It's got all the content currently available on all HBO channels, for the same price as an HBO Now or Go subscription.
How can I watch HBO Max?
The HBO Max app is available for all supported web browsers and mobile devices on iOS and Android. The HBO Max app is also available to download on smart TVs and streaming devices like Chromecast or the Fire TV Stick.
If you've got room in your life for an HBO Max subscription, you've got a few options. You can pay for the subscription directly, or you can gain access through your telco provider.
If you're a Singtel customer, you can get all 5 HBO channels on Singtel TV and free access to the HBO Max app if you're subscribed to the HBO Pak on Singtel TV.
If you’re a StarHub Broadband customer, you can gain access to HBO Max for free if you're already subscribed to the HBO Pak via StarHub TV+ or with one of the broadband and entertainment bundles below. For existing mobile and broadband customers, you can access a 24-month HBO Max subscription at the discounted price of $9 per month.
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#1
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StarHub
HomeHub+ UltraEntertainment 5Gbps (WiFi 7)
$60.72/mth
Min. cost $1,518.32
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#2
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StarHub
HomeHub+ UltraEntertainment 10Gbps (WiFi 7)
$91/mth
Min. cost $2,245.04
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#3
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StarHub
HomeHub+ UltraSpeed 10Gbps All-in-one (WiFi 7)
$115.96/mth
Min. cost $2,844.08
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What are the best internet plans for HBO Max?
If you want to be able to stream whatever you like without much of an issue, opt for an internet plan with a download speed of at least 100Mbps. Speeds of 1Gbps should be more than enough for most households. However, if you've got a heavy gamer in your midst, or you've got several 4K streams going at once, it's worth upgrading to a 5 or 10Gbps plan.
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#1
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ViewQwest
3Gbps Home Broadband No Router
$18.98/mth
Min. cost $719.52
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#2
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WhizComms
FibrePlus 2.5Gbps 24M
$24/mth
Min. cost $691.54
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#3
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M1
HomePac 3Gbps
$29.50/mth
Min. cost $708
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#4
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SIMBA
Editor's Pick
10Gbps Fibre 2 Year Contract
$29.99/mth
Min. cost $780.80
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#5
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MyRepublic
3Gbps Ultra No Frills
$34.99/mth
Min. cost $960.70
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#6
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Singtel
3Gbps Enhanced WiFi 7
$39.90/mth
Min. cost $1,018.64
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If you're one to use a data-only SIM or mobile plan as your primary internet source, keep in mind that it'll cost you. Even if you enjoy watching your favourite show while you're out and about, streaming can quickly chew through your monthly data.
If you want to make your data go the distance, you can adjust the quality and set it to HD (720p). However, even then, you’ll need more than 10GB if you plan to indulge in more than a season. One hour of streaming will cost you up to 2.4GB of data, depending on the video quality. Conversely, three hours a night for a month will consume up to 74.4GB of data. The best way to ensure you have all the data you need, especially when it comes to streaming, is to go for unlimited data. Rejoice, most plans nowadays come with unlimited data. However, if that’s not an option for you, we’d recommend at least 80GB.
Does HBO Max have a free trial?
HBO Max has not offered a trial in over five years, meaning you'll have to pay at least $14.48 to give it a go for a month. That said, sometimes you'll come across bundled deals or your telco offering an enticing free trial.
What are the alternatives to HBO Max?
HBO Max is one of many streaming services operating in Singapore. There are plenty of alternative streaming platforms, especially if you’re after a catalogue more focused on Asian dramas or specific licensed content.
- Netflix: high-quality original content, Asian dramas, and select acquired content.
- Amazon Prime: original content, classic movies, fantasy and action series.
- Viu: the latest Korean and Chinese dramas.
- Disney Plus: all things Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel.
- MeWatch: Mediacorp-owned hub for live and on-demand sports, news, dramas, and movies.
- Apple TV Plus: high-quality original content, documentaries, dramas, and kids’ entertainment.
What features does HBO Max have?
HBO Max offers two tiers in Singapore. Here’s how they compare:
Standard
- $14.48 a month or $129.98 a year
- 2 concurrent streams
- Full HD video resolution
- 30 downloads to watch on the go
Ultimate
- $18.98 a month or $169.98 a year
- 4 concurrent streams
- 4K Ultra HD video quality as available
- Dolby Atmos immersive audio as available
- 100 downloads to watch on the go
HBO Max FAQs
Does HBO Max allow password sharing?
No, unfortunately, you’re limited to one household per subscription.
However, HBO Max is currently rolling out the member add-on feature in the U.S. For US$7.99, the primary account holder can invite one extra family member outside of their household. According to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO JB Perrette, it’ll take 12-18 months to fully roll out the Max password-sharing initiative. The add-on feature is expected to reach Singaporean devices by the end of next year.
Does HBO Max have ads?
In some countries, HBO Max offers a Basic plan, which includes ads. However, this plan is not available in Singapore. Both plans offered here are ad-free.
Can I use my HBO Max account in another country?
Yes, you can. However, there will likely be some differences in the type of content and number of titles available.
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