HBO Max vs Paramount+ Price History
Since 2021, HBO Max has risen +23% versus Paramount+ at +40%. HBO Max has been the more price-stable choice. Every HBO Max and Paramount+ tier tracked, 2021–2026, with every price change sourced.
HBO Max
Better value3 plans · default: Standard (Ad-Free)
Paramount+
2 plans · default: Premium (ad-free)
Better value: HBO Max
Since 2021, HBO Max has risen +23% versus Paramount+ at +40%. HBO Max has been the more price-stable choice.
The Numbers Behind the Verdict
Standard (Ad-Free) vs Premium (ad-free) — the default tier of each service, 2021–2026. A green tick marks the better number in each row.
| Metric | HBO Max Standard (Ad-Free) | Paramount+ Premium (ad-free) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Price (2026) | $18.49 | $13.99 (better) |
| Total Change | +23% (better) | +40% |
| Number of Hikes | 3 | 3 |
| Hike Frequency | Every 1.7 yrs | Every 1.7 yrs |
| Avg Annual Change | $0.70/yr (better) | $0.80/yr |
Which Tier Costs What Today
Every HBO Max and Paramount+ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PParamount+ | Essential (with ads)Ads | $8.99 | $5.99 (2021) | +50% |
| MHBO Max | Basic with AdsAds | $10.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +10% |
| PParamount+ | Premium (ad-free)Default | $13.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +40% |
| MHBO Max | Standard (Ad-Free)Default | $18.49 | $14.99 (2021) | +23% |
| MHBO Max | Premium (Ultimate 4K) | $22.99 | $19.99 (2023) | +15% |