Source-cited · Updated Sep 2026
Apple TV+ vs HBO Max Price History
Since 2021, Apple TV+ has risen +200% versus HBO Max at +23%. HBO Max has been the more price-stable choice. Every Apple TV+ and HBO Max tier tracked, 2021–2026, with every price change sourced.
Apple TV+
1 plan + 1 retired · default: Monthly
HBO Max
Better value3 plans · default: Standard (Ad-Free)
Verdict
Better value: HBO Max
Since 2021, Apple TV+ has risen +200% versus HBO Max at +23%. HBO Max has been the more price-stable choice.
Scorecard
The numbers behind the verdict
Monthly vs Standard (Ad-Free) — the default tier of each service, 2021–2026. A green tick marks the better number in each row.
| Metric | Apple TV+ Monthly | HBO Max Standard (Ad-Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Price (2026) | $14.99 (better) | $18.49 |
| Total Change | +200% | +23% (better) |
| Number of Hikes | 4 | 3 (better) |
| Hike Frequency | Every 1.3 yrs | Every 1.7 yrs (better) |
| Avg Annual Change | $2.00/yr | $0.70/yr (better) |
Every tier
Which tier costs what today
Every Apple TV+ and HBO Max plan in one list, cheapest first. First Tracked is each plan’s price when our tracking began — 2021, or its debut year if it arrived later. Retired tiers sit at the bottom with their final price.
| Service | Plan | Price Now | First Tracked | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AApple TV+ | Annual | $119.00/yr | $49.99/yr (2021) | +138% |
| MHBO Max | Basic with AdsAds | $10.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +10% |
| AApple TV+ | MonthlyDefault | $14.99 | $4.99 (2021) | +200% |
| MHBO Max | Standard (Ad-Free)Default | $18.49 | $14.99 (2021) | +23% |
| MHBO Max | Premium (Ultimate 4K) | $22.99 | $19.99 (2023) | +15% |