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HBO Max free trial: is there one, what deals are available, and more big questions answered

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Is there a way to get HBO Max for free? TechRadar explains all

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Want to try HBO Max before you buy? Let us tell you if you can (Image credit: rafapress / Shutterstock.com)
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Want to know if you can get a free trial for HBO Max? You've come to the right place.

In this guide, I'll explain whether you can gain access to one of the world's best streaming services without spending a cent (or penny). And, with HBO Max finally set to launch in the UK on March 26, I imagine those who live in Great Britain will want to know if a HBO Max free trial offer will be made available to them. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to see if a seven-day trial period can be taken advantage of in February 2026.

HBO Max free trial: is one available?

Robby and Samira looking at a monitor off-camera as they fight to save someone's life in The Pitt season 2

Warner Bros. Discovered hasn't revived its long dormant HBO Max free trial for some time (Image credit: Warrick Page/HBO)

Nope. When HBO Max first launched in the US, a seven-day free trial period was offered to new customers. However, that offer was discontinued as the service began rolling out in international territories.

Barring a brief return in mid-2024, it hasn't been seen since, either. If you were hoping it would re-emerge following the turn of the year, then, you'll be sorely disappointed.

That said, we live in hope that HBO Max's free trial will return someday. Whether it does so as part of Netflix's shock $82.7bn deal for Warner Bros. (if it gets the go-ahead) or as a way to entice UK consumers to try out HBO Max when it launches on British shores next month, though, is unclear.

Are there other ways to get a HBO Max free trial?

Leonardo DiCaprio's Bob wielding a rifle in One Battle After Another

Leonardo DiCaprio's latest film One Battle After Another is part of HBO Max's illustrious movie back catalog (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Yes. Stateside, customers who sign up to one of Cricket Wireless' $60 a month unlimited plans can get a 12-month subscription for HBO Max's Basic With Ads plan for no extra cost, which will save you $120.

Okay, you'll have to watch the occasional ad or five. Considering you're gaining access to Warner Bro Discovery's super streamer for 'free', however, it's not worth complaining about.

Previously, an HBO Max free trial was also offered as part of certain Hulu plans. Unfortunately, one of the best streaming deals hasn't been offered for some time and is unlikely to ever return. Sad faces all around.

What's the cheapest way to get HBO Max without a free trial?

Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Grigoryevich Rozanov (Connor Storrie) in Heated Rivalry season 1

Gay sports drama series Heated Rivalry has been a major hit for HBO Max (Image credit: Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max)

The best way to save money with any HBO Max subscription is to save up for an annual plan.

Our HBO Max price guide is a good place to start to see how much each tier will set you back. But, if you're only looking for a 12-month deal, you can save up to 20% by committing to an annual plan. For the ad-supported plan, you'll need to pay $99.99 for the year, but you can also go ad-free for 12 months for $149.99. Alternatively, HBO Max's Ultimate Ad-Free plan – i.e. the only way to watch content in 4K – will set you back $199.99 annually.

With HBO Max's password crackdown rolling out worldwide, anyone who lives in a separate household to you isn't able to access to your account anymore, too. If they want to continue doing so, you (or, rather, they!) can part with $7.99 a month to add an extra member to your subscription and stream its content to their heart's, well, content.

Lastly, you can can check out some of the best films and TV series on the streaming platform for free via the HBO Max free episodes section of its website. Premieres for some hit shows including The Pitt, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and Hacks are available to watch, so you can see if they're the kind of show you'd enjoy before you sign up.

What can I watch on HBO Max?

Duncan and 'Egg' celebrating in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the latest Game of Thrones spin-off to hit HBO Max (Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)

Some of the finest films and TV series ever created, that's what.

HBO Max is home to everything that HBO, aka the multi-award-winning cable network, has ever produced. A seemingly infinite number of classic movies and more recent big-screen offerings, plus numerous HBO Max Movie and TV Originals, are also just a button push or a mouse click away.

Here's a small slice of what you can stream if you sign up today, or when HBO Max arrives on British shores in late March:

For more Max-based coverage, check out our guides on House of the Dragon season 3, Creature Commandos season 2, Euphoria season 3, and the forthcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation.

Tom Power
Senior Entertainment Reporter

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.


An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.


Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

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