Looking for a HBO Max free trial in 2025? You’re not alone. A quick search for "HBO Max free trial Reddit" reveals thousands of users asking the same question—does HBO Max still offer a free trial, or is the once-popular 30-day HBO Max free trial gone for good?

Here’s the truth: HBO Max no longer offers a standard free trial in 2025, but Reddit users have uncovered several workarounds, bundles, and third-party promos that still give you access—some even for free.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• Whether HBO Max officially offers any trial in 2025
• Reddit insights and scam warnings about HBO Max 30-day trials
• Third-party deals where you can still try HBO Max for free
• Bonus: How to download HBO Max videos permanently using StreamFox

Part 1: Does HBO Max Offer Any Free Trials in 2025?

The short answer: No, HBO Max does not currently offer a free trial as of 2025.

HBO Max’s Free Trial History

HBO Max previously offered a 7-day or even a 30-day free trial for new users—but those offers were discontinued after its rebranding into Max under Warner Bros. Discovery in 2023. Since then, the platform has moved away from direct trials in favor of bundled offers and partner promotions.

If you're searching for an "HBO Max 30 day free trial"—you won’t find one officially from Max anymore.

HBO Max Free Trial Reddit Discussions (What Users Are Saying)

Many users turn to Reddit to ask questions like:

• “Is the 30-day HBO Max free trial code real or a scam?”
• “Anyone still get HBO Max free trial in 2025?”

• Reddit thread about HBO Max free trial
• User warning about 30-day trial code scams

Tip: If a Reddit user links to a 30-day HBO Max free trial in 2025, be cautious. Max does not officially support this anymore.

How Much Does Max Cost in 2025?

Would you like to know the cost of an HBO Max subscription in 2025? HBO Max offers three plans for users to choose from.

• HBO Basic With Ads - $9.99/month or $99.99/year
• HBO Standard - $16.99/month or $169.99/year
• HBO Premium - $20.99/month or $209.99/year

Tip: An annual HBO Max Subscription is the best option, as you can save up to 20%. Pay once, save more by subscribing to the annual plan.

Part 2: Where to Still Get an HBO Max Free Trial

Although HBO Max itself doesn’t offer a direct trial, third-party platforms like Amazon and DirecTV occasionally include Max as a limited-time free add-on.

Here are the most legitimate ways to still try HBO Max for free: 

Method 1. Amazon Prime Channels Offer (Intermittent)

Amazon Prime Video sometimes offers a 7-day HBO Max free trial to new subscribers through its Prime Channels feature.

Points to Note:

• Offer is intermittent, not always available
• Trial converts to paid subscription ($9.99/month) after 7 days
• You must enter valid payment info; cancellation required to avoid charge

Method 2: Get a 7-Day Free Max Trial via YouTube TV (Now Expired n 2025)

If you’re searching for the HBO Max 30-day free trial, you might come across posts or videos mentioning YouTube TV as a provider of such offers. It's true—YouTube TV previously offered a 7-day HBO Max free trial, but this promotion has expired as of early 2025.

This free trial was only available to new Max subscribers through the YouTube TV add-on system. Users had to cancel within 7 days to avoid being charged.

Tip: While the HBO Max free trial on YouTube TV is no longer available in 2025, Reddit threads and deal forums still discuss it, and YouTube may bring it back as a limited-time promotion—so it’s worth checking the YouTube TV Add-ons page occasionally.

Method 3. Get HBO Max Free for 2 Months with DirecTV Stream

Looking for a legitimate way to enjoy HBO Max without paying upfront? Good news—DirecTV Stream offers a 2-month free Max trial for new customers or existing users who haven’t previously subscribed to HBO Max.

This is one of the longest trial periods currently available—much longer than the standard HBO Max 7-day free trial that was previously offered through platforms like YouTube or Amazon.

Points to Note:

• You must manually select HBO Max when adding it to your DirecTV plan.
• Enjoy 2 full months of Max access for free.
• After the trial, the plan auto-renews at $16.99/month unless canceled in advance.
• Not stackable with other HBO Max promotions or free trials.

How to Claim the Offer:

Step 1: Subscribe to the DirecTV Premier Plan (currently $164.99/month).

Step 2: Open Max and choose DirecTV as your service provider.

Step 3: Sign in using your DirecTV credentials and start watching Max content instantly.

Tip: This deal is perfect for cord-cutters who still prefer traditional TV bundles but want access to premium streaming like HBO Max for free.

Part 3: Other Ways to Watch HBO Max Cheap or Free (No Trial Needed)

Don't qualify for an HBO Max 30-day free trial or other limited-time deals? Here are alternative, affordable ways to get HBO Max access for free or at discounted rates—no traditional trial needed.

Method 1: Verizon +play – Max & Netflix for $10/Month

You must have a mobile phone subscription. You can switch to the Verizon Unlimited Plus plan, which offers HBO Max access for an additional $10 per month.

Points to note:

• Price - $80/month
• Limited-time bundle offers through Verizon
• Check eligibility via the +play dashboard

Tip: Great value if you're already on Verizon and want both Netflix and HBO Max for nearly half the regular price.

Method 2: DoorDash DashPass – Free HBO Max with Subscription

Got DashPass? You’re in luck. DoorDash’s Annual DashPass ($96/year) includes HBO Max (with Ads) for free.

Step 1: Subscribe to the DoorDash Annual Plan.

Step 2: Open the DoorDash app and activate the Max Basic with Ads offer.

Step 3: Link your HBO Max account. Download the Max app and start watching.

Points to Note:

• Free Max Basic (with Ads).
• You can upgrade to the ad-free version for $10.99/month.

Method 3: Cricket Wireless – Free Max (With Ads) on $60 Plan

If you're a Cricket Wireless user, upgrading to the $60 Unlimited Plan gives you free access to Max (with Ads). 

How to Use:

Step 1: Download the Max app and sign in.

Step 2: Select Cricket Wireless as your service provider and log in using your Cricket Wireless credentials.

Step 3: Link your Max account and start watching HBO Max for free.

Method 4: Hulu + Disney+ + Max Bundle (New in 2025)

You must have heard of the Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max bundle that allows you to enjoy content from all three streaming platforms at a concessional rate. Hulu offers two such plans for U.S. residents aged 18 and above.

• With Ads - $16.99/month
• Ad-free - $29.99/month

Step 1: Pick your Hulu plan and create an account.

Step 2: Link your Max account using Hulu as the provider.

Step 3: Watch Max through the Hulu app (some titles may require the Max app). 

This deal replaces the old HBO Max 30-day free trial and bundles 3 services at a reduced rate.

Method 5: AT&T Bundles – Free Max with Select Internet/Phone Plans

Still on an old AT&T Unlimited plan? You may be eligible for free HBO Max streaming, included in your package.

Eligible Plans:

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

Important Notes:

• This benefit is lost if you switch plans.
• Max Basic (with Ads) is included.

How to Activate: 

Step 1: Check your plan eligibility via AT&T.

Step 2: Sign in to the Max app and choose AT&T as the provider.

Step 3: Link your account and stream instantly.

Method 6: Student Discounts – Seasonal or Partner-Based Offers

HBO Max Student Discount (via UNiDAYS)

Eligible college students can get HBO Max with Ads for just $4.99/month—that’s nearly 50% off!

Step 1: Log in to UNiDAYS and find the HBO Max offer.

Step 2: Copy the promo code and visit the Max redemption page.

Step 3: Sign up or link your Max account and start watching.

Step 4: Create your Max account or link your existing one by adding your payment method. Start streaming.

Chegg Study Pack:

Subscribers of the Chegg Study Pack ($19.95/month) can stream HBO Max for free until August 1, 2026.

Step 1: Log into your Chegg account.

Step 2: Activate HBO Max under Chegg Perks.

Step 3: Link your Max account and start watching.

Part 4: Can You Download HBO Max Videos with the Official App?

Yes, but only with an ad-free Max plan on mobile devices.

Supported Max Plans for Offline Viewing:

• Max Ad-Free (Standard) – Up to 30 downloads across all devices
• Max Ultimate Ad-Free – Up to 100 downloads with higher video quality

Key Download Restrictions:

• Mobile only (no desktop downloads)
• Unwatched videos expire in 30 days
• Watched videos expire in 48 hours
• No SD card or external sharing
• Regional restrictions apply

Step 1: Open the Max app and sign in.

Step 2: Find a title with the download icon.

Step 3: Tap to download (choose audio/subtitles if asked).

Step 4: Manage quality via: Profile > Settings > Download Settings

Step 5: Go to Downloads tab to watch offline.

Part 5: Bonus – Download HBO Max Videos Permanently with StreamFox

While the Max app only allows limited offline viewing, Eassiy One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox Downloader for Video lets you permanently save HBO Max videos on your PC or Mac — with no ads, no expiry, and full control over your files. You can transfer them to USB drives, external storage, or even share them freely with friends.

Step 1: Visit the StreamFox website to download the software. Install it and complete the registration formalities.

Step 2: Open StreamFox. You get six options. Choose HBO Max.

Step 3: StreamFox features an integrated browser, enabling you to sign in to your HBO Max account with ease.

Step 4: Select your movie to download and drag the title to the box marked “Add to Queue.” You can also type the movie URL in the search bar and add it to the queue directly.

Step 5: If you want to download multiple videos, check the respective boxes and add them to the queue.

Step 6: Adjust the video resolution as required. By default, StreamFox offers 1080p.

Step 7: Choose your preferred video format from the drop-down menu and click “Convert All.”

Step 8: Look for your downloaded videos in the Finished section. To view them, click “View Output File.”

Use Case:

Pair Cricket $60 plan (includes Max) + StreamFox → Download top shows like The Last of Us or House of the Dragon without overpaying.

Part 6: FAQs

1. Are there any authorization holds during the free trial period?

Yes. When you sign up, a temporary authorization hold may appear on your payment method to verify its validity. It's not a real charge and usually disappears within 7–10 days. If you cancel before the trial ends, you won’t be charged.

2. How can you avoid billing after the conclusion of the free trial period?

To prevent charges, you must cancel the subscription before the trial period ends. Otherwise, your card will be automatically billed for the next subscription cycle. 

3. Can you rely on reddit user responses?

Reddit can offer useful tips, but it's not always reliable. Posts reflect personal experiences, not official sources. For accurate information, always check with HBO Max or authorized partners.

Conclusion

Many Reddit users still search for an HBO Max free trial in 2025 — but officially, it’s no longer available. That said, limited-time partner offers like DirecTV’s 2-month trial or bundles via other services may give you temporary access. If you're looking for a way to download and keep Max videos permanently, tools like StreamFox Downloader for Video offer a smart and flexible alternative.