How to Cancel Max (HBO) in 2026 — The Complete Guide

Updated February 2026 · 6 min read

Max is arguably the best streaming service for prestige TV — but at $17-21/month, it's also one of the most expensive. The trick is that HBO releases shows weekly, not all at once. Which means you can save a fortune with the binge-cancel strategy.

💰 Pricing

• With Ads: $9.99/month ($120/year) or $99.99/year
• Ad-Free: $16.99/month ($204/year) or $169.99/year
• Ultimate (4K, Dolby Atmos): $20.99/month ($252/year) or $209.99/year
• Annual plans save ~17% — but lock you in for a year

How to Cancel on Max.com

1. Go to max.com and sign in
2. Click your profile icon → "Account"
3. Under Subscription, click "Manage Subscription"
4. Click "Cancel Subscription"
5. Confirm — you keep access until your billing period ends

⚠️ Where Are You Billed?

Max has more billing partners than any other streaming service. Cancel through the correct one:

• max.com: Cancel on the website (see above)
• Apple: Settings → Subscriptions → Max/HBO Max → Cancel
• Google Play: Play Store → Subscriptions → Max → Cancel
• Amazon Prime Video Channel: Amazon → Memberships → Max → Cancel
• Roku: Roku.com → Manage Subscriptions
• Cable provider (Spectrum, Cox, etc.): HBO may be part of your cable package — call your provider
• AT&T/Cricket: Max may be included with certain phone plans — check before paying separately

📺 The Prestige TV Binge Strategy

HBO shows release weekly. But you don't have to watch weekly:

• Wait until a show's full season has aired
• Subscribe for 1 month, binge everything
• Cancel and wait for the next batch of shows
• HBO typically has 2-3 major shows per quarter
• Subscribe 2-3 months/year = $34-51/year vs $204/year
• Savings: $153-170/year

🔄 Free Alternatives for HBO-Quality Content

• Library (Hoopla/Kanopy): Free access to HBO documentaries and select films
• Tubi: Some Warner Bros. movies cycle through free
• Network apps (free): HBO original concepts often inspire shows on free networks
• YouTube documentaries: Surprising depth of prestige non-fiction
• PBS (free): Genuinely excellent documentaries and drama (Masterpiece Theatre)

✅ Cancellation Checklist

• ✅ Identify billing source (max.com, Apple, cable provider, etc.)
• ✅ Check if Max is free with your AT&T/cable plan first
• ✅ Cancel through the correct platform
• ✅ Watch downloaded content before access expires
• ✅ Note billing period end date
• ✅ Monitor bank for "MAX" or "HBO" charges for 2 cycles
• ✅ Set calendar reminder for the next HBO show you want to watch → resubscribe then