HBO Max has officially entered the Australian market under the brand name “Max,” offering a comprehensive library of HBO content, Warner Bros. films, and Max Originals. This long-anticipated streaming service is now available through Foxtel, marking a major shift in Australia’s entertainment landscape.
Also Read: Max Streaming Arrives in Australia: A Game-Changer in the Streaming Wars?
Foxtel Brings Max Streaming to Subscribers
From March 31, 2025, Foxtel subscribers with iQ3, iQ4, or iQ5 set-top boxes can access Max Basic with Ads at no additional cost. This plan includes Full HD (1080p) streaming, with the ability to watch content on two devices simultaneously. However, it does not support offline downloads, a key feature offered in premium plans.
Figure 1: Popular shows by HBO Max [Foxtel]
Subscribers using an older iQ2 set-top box will need to upgrade their hardware to access Max. Foxtel has stated that affected customers can arrange an upgrade through their customer support service.
How to Set Up Max on Foxtel
Foxtel customers can activate their Max account directly through their iQ set-top box by following these steps:
- Press the Home button on the remote and select a Max-branded tile on the screen.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to scan a QR code with a mobile device.
- Visit the link provided and create a Max account.
- Once the setup is complete, subscribers can begin streaming immediately on their Foxtel iQ box or other supported devices using the Max app.
Max Subscription Plans and Pricing
In addition to the Max Basic with Ads plan included with Foxtel, subscribers have the option to upgrade for an ad-free experience, better video quality, and more simultaneous streams.
|
Plan |
Features | Price (Per Month) | Annual Price |
| Max Basic with Ads | 2 devices, HD streaming | $7.99 (First 12 months) | $79.99 |
| Max Standard | 2 devices, HD streaming, no ads | $11.99 (First 12 months) | $119.99 |
| Max Premium | 4 devices, 4K streaming, no ads | $17.99 (First 12 months) | $179.99 |
Foxtel subscribers can upgrade their plans via Foxtel Live Chat, with the added cost reflected on their monthly bill.
How Max Compares to Other Streaming Services
The arrival of Max adds another major player to Australia’s increasingly competitive streaming market. Below is a comparison of leading streaming services available in the country:
| Streaming Service | Price Per Month | Max Resolution | Simultaneous Streams |
| Netflix Premium | $25.99 | 4K | 4 devices |
| Disney+ Premium | $17.99 | 4K | 4 devices |
| Amazon Prime Video | $9.99 | 4K | 3 devices |
| Apple TV+ | $12.99 | 4K | 6 devices |
| Max Premium | $17.99 | 4K | 4 devices |
Max’s Premium Plan ($17.99/month) offers 4K streaming at a lower cost than Netflix’s Premium Plan ($25.99/month) while providing access to exclusive HBO content.
What to Watch on Max in Australia
Max brings an impressive selection of blockbuster movies, iconic TV series, and upcoming releases.
Popular TV Shows on Max
- House of the Dragon
- The White Lotus
- The Sopranos
- Friends
- Rick and Morty
- The Last of Us
- True Detective: Night Country
Movies Available on Max
- Dune: Part Two
- The Batman
- Barbie
- Joker: Folie à Deux (upcoming)
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (upcoming)
Exclusive Upcoming Releases
- A new Harry Potter series, a decade-spanning remake of J.K. Rowling’s books.
- Dune: Prophecy, a spin-off set in the Dune
- A reboot of The Big Bang Theory.
- Several DC Universe projects, including a new Batman and Superman film series.
Device Compatibility and Internet Requirements
Max is available on a variety of devices, ensuring accessibility across different platforms.
Supported Devices
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense
- Mobile Devices: iOS and Android
- Computers: Web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox)
- Gaming Consoles: PlayStation, Xbox
- Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire Stick, Roku
Internet Requirements for Streaming
For a smooth viewing experience, users should ensure they have the following internet speeds:
- Full HD streaming (1080p): Minimum NBN 50 plan (50 Mbps)
- 4K Ultra HD streaming: Minimum NBN 100 plan (100 Mbps)
Foxtel subscribers using Max through an iQ set-top box may also require a stable home WiFi connection to prevent buffering.
Foxtel’s Strategic Move in the Streaming Wars
The introduction of Max aligns with Foxtel’s long-term strategy to remain relevant in Australia’s evolving media landscape. With the rise of cord-cutting and the growing popularity of on-demand content, the partnership between Foxtel and Warner Bros. Discovery secures exclusive content rights for Australian viewers.
Foxtel had previously offered HBO content via Binge, its direct-to-consumer streaming platform. However, with the launch of Max, it remains unclear how Foxtel will position Binge alongside its new streaming partner. Some analysts predict that Binge may eventually be phased out in favor of Max.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of Max in Australia marks a significant milestone in the country’s streaming industry. By integrating with Foxtel, Max gains an established customer base, while Australian subscribers gain access to one of the world’s most prestigious entertainment catalogs.
With a competitive pricing model, a vast content library, and premium features, Max is well-positioned to become a dominant player in the Australian market. However, its long-term success will depend on how effectively it competes with global giants such as Netflix and Disney+.
For now, Foxtel subscribers can enjoy Max’s extensive collection of movies and TV shows, making it a compelling addition to Australia’s streaming landscape.
