Many cord-cutters have flocked to streaming services for their affordability and convenience. But lately, that affordability seems to be fading. Max, a popular streaming platform, just announced another price increase, raising questions about the value proposition for subscribers.
Breaking Down the New Max Prices:
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Ad-Free Plan: This tier, previously priced at $15.99/month and $149.99/year, now costs $16.99/month and $169.99/year, respectively. That’s a bump of $1 per month and $20 per year.
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Ultimate Ad-Free Plan: If you crave ad-free viewing with the highest quality streaming and the ability to watch on up to four devices simultaneously, the Ultimate plan has also seen a price hike. It’s risen from $19.99/month and $159.99/year to $20.99/month and $209.99/year, representing a $1/month and $10/year increase.
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Sticking with Ads?: The good news for those comfortable with commercials is that the ad-supported plan remains unchanged at $9.99/month or $99.99/year. This option allows streaming on two devices in Full HD, but you’ll have to endure advertisements.
Is There a Silver Lining for Existing Subscribers?
Yes, there’s a slight perk for current Max subscribers. Before the price hike takes effect (which varies depending on your billing cycle, but could be as soon as July 4th, 2024), you can enjoy a selection of new content, including romcoms and other shows releasing in June 2024.
Should You Upgrade Your TV to Go with Max?
This update coincides with our recent review of three TVs across different price ranges. We crowned the Samsung S90C as the best premium TV, ideal for those who prioritize cutting-edge picture quality. The Hisense U8K emerged as the top mid-range option, offering excellent value for its price. And for budget-conscious viewers, the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED emerged as a compelling choice.
The Decision: Stream or Reconsider?
The price increase for Max’s ad-free tiers might make you re-evaluate your streaming strategy. Consider how often you utilize the platform, how important ad-free viewing is to you, and how many devices you typically stream on simultaneously.
If you’re a casual viewer who can tolerate ads, the ad-supported plan remains a budget-friendly option. However, heavy users or those who prioritize ad-free experiences will need to weigh the new pricing against the value Max offers in terms of content and features. Remember, there are other streaming services vying for your subscription dollars, so it’s always a good idea to compare options before making a decision.
