Cost Breakdown
Monthly
$18
Yearly
$185
5 Years
$1,109
10 Years
$2,219
Reality check: Over the next decade, you'll spend $2,219 on Max Standard. That's equivalent to 148 meals out, or 44 books.
Before You Subscribe
Known Issues
Price increased 54% from $11.99 to $18.49 in under 5 years. Introduced ads on the cheaper tier to push users toward the pricier ad-free plan.
When Will the Price Go Up?
~June 2026
$21.39
+$2.90/mo
1.5 years
between increases
Historical Pattern
10-Year Price Projection
Today
$18.49/mo
In 10 years
$49/mo
Based on 15.7% increases every 1.5 years
Own vs Rent Calculator
See what you could own instead of renting access
Total spent on Max Standard
$1,109.4
$18.49/mo × 12 months × 5 years
What you could OWN instead:
4K Blu-ray
$25 each
44
discs
Digital Movie (own)
$15 each
73
movies
TV Season Box Set
$30 each
36
seasons
Subscription
You own: 0
Stop paying = lose access
Buying
You own: 44+
Yours forever
The subscription trap: After 5 years, you've spent $1,109.4but own nothing. Cancel anytime and it's like you never subscribed. With ownership, you build a collection that lasts.
Instead, You Could Buy
With $18/month, here's what you could own instead:
- 1 HBO series Blu-ray set per month (~$20)
- 3 premium movie rentals per month (~$6 each)
- 1 year: Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra (~$180)
Cancellation
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