HBO Max finally confirms UK launch and this is how much it will cost

After years of waiting, HBO Max is coming to the UK... but there could be a catch
Cameron Frew
By Cameron Frew

HBO Max is finally coming to the UK, and it could be disastrous for Netflix users (not just because they’ll need to deal with the cost of another platform).

In the simplest terms, HBO Max (formerly known as just… Max) is Warner Bros Discovery’s streaming platform.

It launched in North America in 2020, coming at the height of the streaming boom that also saw the arrival of Disney Plus and Apple TV.

Next year, after years of HBO shows awkwardly releasing between Sky’s channels (and, sometimes, not at all, like The Pitt), it’ll finally come to the UK. However, you should prepare for some big sacrifices.

HBO Max logo on a UK flag
It’s taken years for HBO Max to come to the UK (Credit: HBO Max/Pixabay)

When is HBO Max coming to the UK?

HBO Max will officially launch in the UK in March 2026. An exact date has yet to be confirmed.

This will come two months after the platform’s expanded European rollout in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.

According to Warner Bros, the streamer boasts the “ultimate mix of best-in-class series, blockbuster movies, extraordinary real-life stories, and live sport”.

How much will HBO Max cost?

HBO Max’s UK prices haven’t been confirmed. However, we can estimate how much it’ll cost, going off its current European and US plans.

This is how much HBO Max costs per month in Spain:

  • Basic with Ads: €6.99 (£6.11)
    Standard: €10.99 (£9.61)
    Premium: €15.99 (£13.98)

This is how much it costs in North America:

  • Basic with Ads: $10.99 (£8.23)
    Standard: $18.49 (£13.85)
    Premium: $22.99 (£17.22)

Unfortunately, you’re dreaming if you think it’ll be costed in line with its currency conversion. Considering Netflix’s standard UK plan costs £12.99 per month and Disney Plus costs £9.99, expect a standard price point of at least £10.99 per month.

TV Guide has contacted HBO for comment regarding its UK price plans.

Chandler hugging Joey in Friends
Friends fans will need to wait until 2026 to stream it after it leaves Netflix (Credit: Warner Bros)

Why Netflix users should be worried about HBO Max

When HBO Max launches, expect it to feature shows like House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus. Its library will also include Superman, The Batman, Dune, and other Warner Bros movies.

In short, it will be the home of Warner Bros’ decorated back catalogue – and that’s why Netflix could be in trouble.

For example, Friends is leaving Netflix by the end of 2025. Why? Because it’ll be exclusively available on HBO Max.

Right now, UK Netflix users can stream all of the Harry Potter films. It’s highly likely their licenses won’t be renewed, so you’ll either need an HBO Max subscription or the DVD box set down the line.

There is an upside, though. It’ll be simpler than ever to watch shows like It: Welcome to Derry and the new Harry Potter series, as you won’t need a Sky TV subscription.

Read more: The best shows on Netflix you can watch right now