HBO Max is getting a little more expensive. Effective Thursday, January 12 (i.e., immediately), the price of a new HBO Max ad-free monthly subscription will cost $15.99, a $1 increase over the streamer’s previous $14.99 pricing. This marks HBO Max’s first price increase, something that the company says will enable better programming and an improved experience for users.
From an HBO Max statement:
Effective today, Thursday, January 12, the price of a new HBO Max ad-free monthly subscription in the U.S. will increase from $14.99 to $15.99 plus applicable taxes.
Existing subscribers who are currently paying $14.99/month will see their monthly rate increase to $15.99 effective their next billing cycle on or after Saturday, February 11, 2023.
This price increase of one dollar will allow us to continue to invest in providing even more culture-defining programming and improving our customer experience for all users.
This is the first time HBO Max has increased the price of a monthly subscription since launching in May 2020.
Critics of HBO Max are saying that this a strange time for the streamer to raise prices, being that one of its most anticipated shows, The Last of Us, is slated to premiere in just a few days. The first episode of The Last of Us will be available to stream via HBO Max beginning Sunday, January 15. Critics appear to like the show, which stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the roles of Joel Miller and Ellie Williams, respectively.