MAX will be more expensive than HBO Max, and SkyShowtime is introducing advertising

More changes to streaming

There have been significant changes in the streaming world with the recent announcements of Max and SkyShowtime. Max, the new version of HBO Max, debuts in the Czech and Slovak markets on May 21, with a planned launch in Poland in June. We don’t have official prices in Poland yet, but prices from the Czech Republic and Slovakia tell us a lot. The prices of the new Max packages differ from the previous HBO Max prices. For example, in the Czech Republic, the Standard Max Package will be priced at 219 CZK (approximately PLN 37), which is an increase compared to the previous rate of 199 CZK (almost PLN 34). For subscribers from March 2022 who paid 132 kroner (almost PLN 22), this price will also increase. The most expensive Premium Package will be priced at CZK 299 (approximately PLN 51), and you will also be able to purchase a package of Eurosport channels for CZK 70 (less than PLN 11).

In Slovakia, where HBO Max cost 6.99 euros (about PLN 30), the new Max Standard package, without the possibility of playing in 4K quality, will cost 5.33 euros (about PLN 23) for existing subscribers, and for new users the price will be 7.99 euros (over PLN 34). The Premium package will be offered for EUR 9.99 (approximately PLN 43), and an additional sports package will be available for EUR 3 per month (almost PLN 13).

4 to 5 minutes of ads for every hour of playback

Meanwhile, SkyShowtime is introducing an ad-supported subscription plan available from April 23. This plan, marked as Standard, will cost PLN 19.99 per month in Poland. The traditional ad-free plan, now called Standard Plus, remains priced at PLN 24.99. The new plan includes commercials ranging from four to five minutes per hour, and Paramount Advertising International has acquired exclusive rights to sell them in all markets covered by SkyShowtime.

Both Max and SkyShowtime are demonstrating adaptation to rising market expectations by offering new packages and pricing structures. Facing competition from giants such as Disney+ and Netflix, which have also recently adjusted their price lists, Max and SkyShowtime are focusing on innovation and adapting the offer to regional consumer needs. Now that Skyshowtime has become more expensive and Max will probably also change its prices compared to the old platform, of the largest streaming services the cheapest will be Prime from Amazon, which offers a large library and many great own productions for only PLN 10.99 per month.