How to get HBO Max for free is still one of the most searched queries in 2025—and for good reason. With blockbuster titles like Game of Thrones, Succession, and Euphoria, plus premium content from Warner Bros., DC, and Discovery+, HBO Max has become a go-to for binge-worthy streaming. But here’s the catch: HBO Max no longer offers a standard free trial after its rebrand to Max in May 2023.

That said, you can still access HBO Max without paying directly—through carrier bundles, limited-time promos, and ad-supported tiers. Many mobile and internet providers (like AT&T, Verizon, or Cricket Wireless) include HBO Max as part of eligible plans.

Part 1: Does HBO Max Offer a Free Trial in 2025?

Let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to get HBO Max for free, even just for a few days? When I first searched “Does HBO Max still offer a free trial in 2025?”, I was surprised to find the answer isn’t that simple.

Back in the day, HBO Max did offer a standard 7-day free trial for new users. But since the platform’s rebrand to Max in May 2023 (after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger), most of those trial offers have quietly disappeared. Reddit threads like  "Did they stop doing the Free trials?”confirm that I wasn’t the only one wondering.

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From what I’ve seen, this shift is likely to reduce subscriber drop-offs. Still, that doesn’t mean you’re totally out of luck—there are other ways to get HBO Max without paying full price, which I’ll cover next.

Part 2: How to Get HBO Max for Free with Existing Subscriptions

In the last section, I mentioned that HBO Max doesn’t usually offer a standard free trial anymore. But don’t give up yet—there are still a few clever ways to access HBO Max for free, especially if you already pay for certain services. Let’s break them down.

1. Get HBO Max Free via Amazon Prime Video Channels

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, there’s a handy workaround. Amazon Prime Video Channels offers a 7-day free trial of HBO Max to new Max subscribers.

Here’s how it works:

• You must be an Amazon Prime member.
• You must be a new Max subscriber.
• You subscribe to the HBO Max channel via Prime Video (starting from $9.99/month). 
• You’ll pay upfront, but enjoy a 7-day free trial.
• Cancel before the 7 days are up if you don't want to be charged.

Pro tip: This is a great option if you're planning a weekend binge of hit series like The Last of Us or House of the Dragon.

2. Get HBO Max Free via Mobile Carrier Plans

You might already be paying for HBO Max without realizing it—some phone plans bundle Max at no extra cost. I looked into offers from AT&T, Cricket Wireless, and Verizon. Here's what I found:

a. AT&T

The older AT&T subscription plans include HBO Max at no additional cost. If you are a subscriber to the following AT&T plans, you can enjoy HBO Max free with AT&T.

• AT&T Unlimited Elite
• AT&T Unlimited Plus SM / Plus Enhanced SM
• AT&T Unlimited Choice SM / Choice II SM / Choice Enhanced SM
• AT&T Unlimited & More SM Premium

Note:

• You must still be subscribed to one of the above legacy plans. 
• Switching to a newer plan like Unlimited Premium will remove your free Max benefit.
• AT&T Fiber Internet (1000/2000/5000) offered HBO Max free until June 2022.
• New AT&T plans no longer include Max.

How to stream HBO Max through AT&T plans:

Step 1: Check that your AT&T plan qualifies.

Step 2: Go to max.com and click “Sign In.”

Step 3: Choose AT&T as your provider and log in.

Step 4: Link your AT&T account to Max and start streaming!

Note: You can access HBO Max on various compatible devices, such as smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and web browsers.

b. Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless offers free HBO Max (ad-supported) in its $60 per month plan. If you are already a Cricket subscriber, but not on the $60 per month plan, upgrade to enjoy HBO Max with Cricket Wireless.

How to activate HBO Max on the Cricket Wireless $60 per month plan:

Step 1: Download the HBO Max app and sign in with your credentials.

Step 2: Tap “Connect with Provider.”

Step 3: Select “Cricket Wireless” from the list.

Step 4: Log in with your Cricket Wireless credentials.

Step 5: Create your HBO Max account.

Step 6: Set up your profile and start streaming HBO Max for free.

c. Verizon Unlimited Plus

I am a heavy data user. Can I get a free HBO Max subscription with a phone plan? Yes, if you love to stream extensively, are an avid gamer, or work remotely, the Verizon Unlimited Plus plan is perfect. Although it does not offer HBO Max for free, you can subscribe to optional add-ons, such as HBO Max, Netflix, or Disney+, for $10 per month. Sometimes a Max trial is provided, which can be verified by logging in to the account.

• Price - $80/month
• Add-on Price: $10/month for Max, Netflix, or Disney+
• Streaming Quality – Up to 4K / 5G Ultra-Wideband

To check trial availability, log in to your Verizon account.

3. Get HBO Max Free via Cable or Satellite TV

CStill using cable? If so, you may already have Max access bundled into your plan. Providers like DirecTV, Spectrum, and Xfinity offer HBO Max with select packages.

Let us take DirecTV Premier as an example to know how to get free HBO Max with a cable subscription.

• Price - DirecTV Premier ($164.99/month)
• Channels - 185+, including HBO Max

How to Activate:

Step 1: Confirm HBO Max is included in your DirecTV plan.

Step 2: Go to the Max app or max.com. 

Step 3: Tap “Sign In” or “Connect Your Provider.” 

Step 4: Select DirecTV Premier.

Step 5: Log in using your DirecTV credentials.

Step 6: Link your provider to your Max account. 

Start streaming Max content instantly.

Part 3: HBO Max Promo Deals, Bundles & Discounts

You’ve probably asked yourself: Is there any other way to get HBO Max for free or at a lower price? Good news—yes, there is. Several promotional bundles and partner deals offer HBO Max access either completely free or at a steep discount. One of the best ones in 2025 is the DoorDash DashPass offer.

1. Get HBO Max Free with DoorDash DashPass (Annual Plan Only)

If you’re already using DoorDash or planning to, the DashPass Annual Plan ($96/year) now includes free HBO Max (ad-supported)—a smart way to enjoy both food delivery perks and premium entertainment.

• What you get: Max Basic with ads (normally $9.99/month)
• Eligibility: Must be on the Annual DashPass Plan (monthly subscribers don’t qualify)
• Optional upgrade: Pay just $10.99/month to enjoy Max Standard (ad-free)

How to activate HBO Max through DoorDash DashPass:

Step 1: Open your DoorDash app and go to Account > Manage DashPass.

Step 2: Tap “Manage HBO Max Subscription” and choose “Activate Max Basic with Ads.”

Step 3: Log in or create a Max account and confirm billing via DoorDash.

Step 4:  Download the Max app, log in, and stream away!

Optional: You can upgrade to Max Standard from the “Manage HBO Max Subscription” page to enjoy Max (ad-free). However, you must pay $10.99 per month (discounted rate) for ad-free viewing.

2. Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle — One Subscription, Three Platforms

If you’re already a fan of Disney+ or Hulu, bundling them with Max (formerly HBO Max) is one of the best-value options in 2025. While this bundle doesn’t offer a free trial, it gives you discounted access to Max content—ideal if you're trying to save on multiple streaming services.

Bundle Options:

• With Ads: $16.99/month – Disney+ + Hulu + Max (ad-supported)
• No Ads: $29.99/month – Disney+ + Hulu (ad-free) + Max (ad-free)

Note: Only available in the U.S. for users 18+.

How to Activate HBO Max via the Hulu Bundle:

Step 1: Visit the Hulu bundle page and select your preferred option.

Step 2: Your Hulu credentials will automatically link with Max.

Step 3: Go to max.com, click Sign In > Connect your provider, and choose Hulu. Use your Hulu login and follow the prompts to create a Max profile.

Step 4: While some content is available in Hulu, Max exclusives (like The Last of Us or The House of the Dragon) require the Max app.

This bundle is perfect for viewers who want access to three major platforms at a bundled price, with fewer logins and more premium content.

3. HBO Max Student Discount – Save 50% as a Verified Student

If you're a college student on a tight budget, here’s some great news: you can get HBO Max (Basic with ads) for just $4.99/month—that’s 50% off the regular price.

Who's Eligible?

1. U.S. university students aged 18+
2. Must verify student status through UNiDAYS
3. Discount valid for 12 months, with yearly re-verification required

You’ll still get full access to all Max content: HBO Originals (Euphoria, Succession), blockbuster movies, and more.

How to Get the HBO Max Student Discount:

Step 1: Log in to UNiDAYS and complete the student verification process using your school email and ID.

Step 2: Search for Max in the UNiDAYS dashboard. Click “Join Now” → “Reveal Code”, then copy your promo code.

Step 3: Visit max.com/redeem, paste the code, and follow the prompts to create or sign in to your Max account.

Step 4: Add your payment method and enjoy Max for $4.99/month.

Note: After 12 months, you’ll need to reverify through UNiDAYS to keep the discount active.

4. Chegg Study Pack — Free HBO Max (With Ads) for Students

Here’s a great option for students looking for both academic support and entertainment. The Chegg Study Pack offers free access to HBO Max Basic (with ads) for an entire year! (Offer valid until August 1, 2026)

Pricing and Benefits

1. Price: $19.95/month
2. Includes: Free HBO Max Basic with Ads for 12 months
3. Watch on up to two devices simultaneously with limited ads

How to Get HBO Max Free with Chegg Study Pack:

Step 1: Go to chegg.com and choose the Chegg Study Pack subscription. Create a new account or log in to your existing one. Complete the payment to activate your subscription.

Step 2:Visit the Chegg Max Perks page and click the “Activate Max Basic with Ads” button.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the HBO Max website or app. Sign up for a new Max Basic with Ads account or log into your existing Max account to link your subscription.

Step 4: Download the HBO Max app on your device, sign in, and start streaming your favorite shows and movies with Max Basic (with ads) on up to two devices.

Note: This offer is valid for Chegg Study Pack and Chegg Study subscribers aged 18 or older. The Max Basic plan includes ads and supports streaming on two devices simultaneously.

5. Device or Service-Based Promotions

In addition to the above promotional offers, you can benefit from device or service-based promotions. For example, some promotions of Roku, Apple TV, Walmart/Target may include a Max trial period. Currently, there is no offer of a free HBO Max subscription with Roku.

Special festivals such as Black Friday and back-to-school season may offer Max as a bundled gift.

Part 4: Watch HBO Max Free Episodes (No Subscription Needed)

Besides the previously mentioned offers, you may find HBO Max promotions linked to certain devices or services. For example, retailers and platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Walmart, and Target occasionally include HBO Max trial periods as part of special deals.

Currently, there is no free HBO Max subscription offer available with Roku devices. However, keep an eye out for major sales events such as Black Friday or the back-to-school season, during which HBO Max access is sometimes offered as a bundled gift or bonus.

Bonus: Save Money by Downloading HBO Max Content with StreamFox

HBO Max subscriptions can be expensive, but StreamFox for Video lets you save money by downloading your favorite shows offline in high quality. No need to keep costly subscriptions active or rely on unstable internet—perfect for students and budget-conscious viewers who want to watch anytime, anywhere.

For example, pair Eassiy One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox with an affordable mobile plan that includes HBO Max (like Cricket Wireless), download once, and watch on your schedule without data worries.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Visit the StreamFox website to download the appropriate software. Install it on your PC and register with StreamFox to enjoy all the benefits.

Step 2: Open StreamFox on your PC. Choose HBO as your streaming platform.

Step 3: Sign in to your Max account through the StreamFox integrated browser.

Step 4: Go to the Max Dashboard and search for your favorite movie. Drag the title into the red box marked “+”

Step 5: Use StreamFox’s Batch Download facility to download multiple videos simultaneously. Select and add them to the queue.

Step 6: Adjust the video resolution as required. By default, it is 1080p.

Step 7: Select your video format and click “Convert All.”

Step 8: Go to the “Finished” section of the tool to access your downloaded videos.

Part 6: HBO Max FAQs

1. Can you cancel your HBO Max subscription during the free trial period?

Yes, you can cancel anytime during the free trial without being charged.

How to cancel during free trial:

Step 1: Log in to your HBO Max account.

Step 2: Go to your account settings or subscription management page.

Step 3: Find the option to cancel your subscription.

Step 4: Confirm the cancellation before the trial ends to avoid charges.

2. Are HBO Max free trial offers available outside the U.S?

Free trials are generally limited to U.S. residents only. If you live outside the U.S. and want to try:

Step 1: Use a reliable VPN and connect to a U.S. server.

Step 2: Visit the HBO Max website or app.

Step 3: Sign up using a valid U.S.-based payment method.

Step 4: Start your free trial.

Note: This method may violate HBO Max terms, so use with caution.

3. Can you watch Max outside of the Max app?

Yes, if subscribed via a third-party provider.

How to watch Max content through third-party apps:

Step 1: Subscribe to HBO Max through a third-party platform (e.g., Amazon Prime Video Channels).

Step 2: Open the third-party app (like Prime Video).

Step 3: Find the Max channel or section within that app.

Step 4: Stream your Max content directly without needing the Max app.

4. What happens after a free trial ends?

If you don’t cancel, you’ll be charged automatically for the next billing cycle.

How to avoid unwanted charges:

Step 1: Note the free trial end date when you sign up.

Step 2: Before the trial expires, log into your account.

Step 3: Navigate to subscription settings and cancel if you don’t want to continue.

Step 4: Confirm cancellation to stop future billing.

Conclusion

HBO Max is one of the most popular streaming platforms, and finding ways to access it for free or at a discount is truly the icing on the cake. Although HBO Max doesn’t officially offer a free trial, there are several legitimate options to enjoy its content at no cost or reduced prices. We’ve covered all the available methods in detail—so take advantage of these opportunities and enjoy HBO Max to the fullest!