3 min read
Streaming giant HBO Max has announced sweeping price increases for its U.S. subscription tiers. The hike comes as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) doubles down on the value of its premium content and cracks down on account sharing.
Price Changes in the U.S.
In the U.S., HBO Max’s new rates are:
- Basic (with ads): rises by USD 1/month to USD 10.99/month.
- Standard (ad-free): up by USD 1.50/month to USD 18.49/month.
- Premium (4K, more streams): jumps by USD 2/month to USD 22.99/month.
For new subscribers, the new pricing is effective immediately. Existing users will see the increase take effect starting November 20, 2025, or with their next billing cycle.
Why the Hike? CEO Speaks
WBD CEO David Zaslav has made no secret of the reason behind the increase. At a recent industry conference, he said:
“The fact that this is quality… and that’s true across our company, motion picture, TV production and streaming quality… we all think that gives us a chance to raise price. We think we’re way under-priced.”
He added that the company is planning to tackle password-sharing aggressively:
“We’re going to begin to push on that.”
The message is clear. Subscribers will pay more, and will face stricter rules around account use.
What this Means for Pakistan
HBO Max officially launched in Pakistan in October 2025, offering two main subscription plans. A Standard Plan and a Premium Plan. The Standard Plan costs Rs 800/month (Rs 5,600 annually) and provides Full HD quality with streaming on up to two devices simultaneously. The Premium Plan, priced at Rs 1,100/month (Rs 7,700 annually), offers 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Atmos audio (where available), and access on up to four devices at once.
Assuming the same average 9.5% increase seen in the U.S., the adjusted prices in Pakistan would look like this:
- Standard Plan: Rs ~875/month (Rs ~6,100 annually)
- Premium Plan: Rs ~1,200/month (Rs ~8,400 annually)
However, these figures are speculative and not officially confirmed by HBO Max. The company may apply a different, rounded increase or introduce new bundles for regional markets. Final pricing will depend on Warner Bros. Discovery’s local strategy, taxes, and exchange rate fluctuations.
For now, subscribers in Pakistan should expect a moderate price rise in the coming months, but official confirmation from HBO Max’s regional team is still pending.
The Big Picture
The streaming industry overall is lifting prices. Recent hikes by major platforms show rising content and licensing costs, slower subscriber growth, and pressure to monetize more aggressively.
For subscribers in Pakistan and elsewhere, the key takeaways:
- Expect higher bills for premium tiers in the coming months.
- Review your current plan and usage. If you don’t need 4K or multiple streams, a basic tier may suffice.
- Keep an eye on official local announcements from HBO Max’s Pakistan or South Asia arm for exact pricing and timing.
In short, HBO Max is repositioning itself as a more premium service and aligning its pricing accordingly. For users in Pakistan, while the hike isn’t confirmed locally, the U.S. trend gives a strong hint of what’s likely ahead. It may be a good time to reassess your streaming plan and budget accordingly.
