The ad-supported version of HBO Max gives you access to the service’s original content but not Warner Bros. 2021 movie premieres. So while eligible Cricket Wireless users will be able to stream shows like The Flight Attendant, Gossip Girl, and Titans, movies like The Suicide Squad and Reminiscence will not be available to them for free. These are reserved for the ad-free version initially, which costs $15 per month. And if you’re hoping to pay the $5 difference every month to access the ad-free tier, you’re out of luck. Cnet reports Cricket Wireless will not subsidize the higher-end option with your free ad-supported plan. You’ll have to shell out the full $15 every month if you want to stream HBO Max ad-free. The pricier tier also comes with added perks though. You get to download movies and shows for offline watching, something that is not available to users of the ad-supported version. HBO Max also limits streaming quality to HD-only for those users. On the other hand, those paying $15 every month for the service can stream content in 4K UHD resolution whenever available. Features like parental controls, kids’ experience, and personalized streaming for multiple profiles are available to users of both HBO Max tiers.
The war of free add-ons with wireless plans is heating up
Wireless carriers have been beefing up their priciest cellular plans with free add-ons. AT&T already bundles the ad-free version of HBO Max with its Unlimited Elite plan. Likewise, Verizon offers a Disney Bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus with its top two unlimited plans. T-Mobile also bundles Netflix with its two priciest plans.
