HBO Max Now Streaming in the Philippines: What You Need to Know

In this article:

• HBO Rebrands
• HBO Max’s Edge Over GO
• HBO Originals to Stream on HBO Max
• FAQs: How to Stream HBO Online

ICYMI, HBO Max is now streaming in the Philippines! Formerly known as Max, the revamped streaming platform promises to offer more amazing shows and a better binge-watching experience.

Here's everything you need to know about HBO Max, including a binge-worthy series lineup to start streaming immediately!

HBO Rebrands

HBO, originally a cable network, launched HBO GO as its stand-alone streaming service. In 2020, it rebranded HBO GO to HBO Max in the U.S., but HBO GO continued in the Philippines and a few Southeast Asian markets.

On November 19, 2024, HBO Max replaced HBO GO in the Philippines.

HBO Max's Edge Over GO

The content library marks the biggest difference between HBO GO and HBO Max. The latter has a broader selection of television series, movies, documentaries, and other content.

HBO Max’s catalog now includes all HBO Originals (renamed Max Originals), movies from the Harry Potter series, the DC Universe, and Warner Bros. Plus, Discovery, Cartoon Network, Food Network, TLC, and HGTV.

Apart from a vast content library, here’s a quick comparison of the differences between HBO GO and HBO Max.

HBO Originals to Stream on HBO Max

Many longtime fans believe that HBO kicked off the prestige television trend, with groundbreaking shows often at par with movies. HBO Max keeps that tradition alive with these five series.

Dune: Prophecy

Dune: Prophecy explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit—think Jedi, but all women. The series tells how sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen use their abilities to establish Bene Gesserit's power and influence in the Dune universe. Media reports say it has been renewed for a second season.

The Last of Us

The Last of Us follows Joel, a smuggler in a world devastated by a fungal pandemic that turns humans into zombies. A rebel group hires Joel to escort Ellie, a teenage girl immune to the infection, while protecting her from infected creatures and ruthless humans.

Released last May, Season 2 continues Joel and Ellie’s journey through a fractured world. There’s already talk that the upcoming third season may wrap the series up.

The Pitt

Looking for a medical drama? Try The Pitt, which revolves around the 15-hour shift in the emergency room of an underfunded hospital. The series highlights the challenges doctors and staff face in managing medical emergencies, personal conflicts, and ethical dilemmas.

With a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no surprise that the series has been renewed for a second season, expected to premiere next year.

The White Lotus

This dark comedy explores class tensions and the secret lives of guests and resort employees at the fictional White Lotus resort chain. Spoiler alert: The idyllic vacations at The White Lotus always devolve into chaos and tragedy.

The show’s Season 3 hit screens in April with BLACKPINK’s Lisa joining the cast in Thailand. HBO has also confirmed the series will return for another season this January.

True Detective

You can stream any season of True Detective and not get lost. Each of the four seasons tackles a new murder mystery with a new set of characters. Need a reco? Start with True Detective: Night Country. It stars Jodie Foster as the lead detective investigating the disappearance of eight scientists in a research station in Alaska.

Following its success, HBO renewed the show for a fifth season in February 2024, with filming slated to begin in 2026 ahead of a 2027 premiere.

FAQs: How to Stream HBO Online

Whether you're a new subscriber or a past HBO GO user, watching HBO’s movies and shows will be a seamless transition to HBO Max.

What do I do if I have an HBO GO account?

Your HBO GO account gets a free upgrade—there's no need to start over! Follow these steps. 

1. Open the app store on your device and search for "HBOMax."
2. Download the HBOMax app.
3. After the app installation, sign in to HBO Max using your HBO GO email and password.
4. Delete the HBO GO app once you've successfully installed HBO Max. 

If your HBO GO subscription has expired, you’ll be prompted to renew it and enter your payment information. For more details, visit Resubscribe to HBO Max.

I don't have HBO GO. How can I subscribe to HBO Max?

You can choose a subscription plan at hbomax.com or on its app. HBO Max has three available subscription plans in the Philippines:

• Mobile: ₱1,040 a year
• Standard: ₱1,890 a year
• Ultimate: ₱2,790 a year

How many devices can use HBO Max?

The number of devices depends on your HBO Max subscription plan. With the Mobile plan, you can stream on one mobile device at a time (a phone or tablet). You can stream on two devices with Standard and four on Ultimate.

You can stream HBO Max on the following devices: 

• Smartphones and tablets (available on iOS and Android)
• Smart TV
• Apple TV and Chromecast
• Web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge
• Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox

Can I host a virtual movie night with HBO Max?

Technically, you can do a virtual watch party using Teleparty and SharePlay. But there are caveats such as platform capability (participants might need the right device or browser), subscription requirements (all participants should have their own HBO Max subscription), synchronization issues, and regional limitations (regional content or service limitations may apply).

Teleparty

Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) lets you sync your streaming and chat with friends using your laptop or desktop. To start using:

• Install the extension. Download the Teleparty browser extension for Chrome or Edge.
• Start streaming. Open HBO Max on your computer and play your movie or show of choice.
• Create a party. Click the “Teleparty” extension next to the address bar. Then click "Start Party" to generate a shareable link.

Teleparty only works if each invited participant has an HBO Max account. Even if you share your account, an HBO Max Ultimate Plan will only allow four devices to stream a movie simultaneously. Your friends must also install the Teleparty browser extension to access the shareable link.

SharePlay

If you're an Apple user, SharePlay lets you stream HBO Max with family and friends as long as they have an iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the HBO Max app on your Apple device and find the movie for your party.
2. Tap the “Share” icon and then SharePlay on the content details page. 
3. Add your friends to the contacts box.
4. Choose “Messages” (invitees will get a message asking them to join SharePlay) or “FaceTime” (they get a FaceTime call).
5. Choose “Watch Now” to start the SharePlay.

Ready to Stream on HBO Max?

Whether you want your fix of the latest HBO Originals or you want to bond with your family over blockbusters, HBO Max’s library and upgraded features cover all your needs. 

Enjoy weekend binges or movie marathons with Globe AT HOME 5G WiFi, streaming in 4K Ultra HD and HDR without buffering. Prefer a plan that grows with your household? GFiber keeps you surfing seamlessly with high-speed Fiber connectivity built for non-stop movie nights.

Want flexibility instead? Choose GFiber Prepaid, with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, perfect for enjoying your HBO favorites on your own terms.

And when you’re commuting, traveling, or simply out and about, Globe's prepaid mobile data promos and mobile postpaid plans keep you connected, so you’ll never miss an episode.

With Globe, you can enjoy HBO content your way. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn and press play!