Max Is Latest Streamer To Crack Down On Password Sharing
The streamer joins Netflix and Disney in restricting password sharing. What to know.
Max, formerly known as HBO Max, is the latest streamer to follow Netflix with a password-sharing crackdown, which will begin later this year.
JB Perrette, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and Global Streaming president, recently spoke about growth initiatives for the platform at Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media & Telecom Conference and brought up a password-sharing crackdown as one of the main focuses.
Perrette said that Netflix’s implementation of the password-sharing move has been “extremely successful” and that Max will be starting the same thing later this year and on into 2025.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
He added, however, that he did not want to "oversell" the idea. "Netflix was in market for 17 years. That means people are sharing passwords for 17 years," Perrette said. "We've been in market for four, if you count the HBO Max launch. And obviously, we're not quite at the same scale, but we think there's — relative to the scale of our business — it's a meaningful opportunity."
He also said the streaming service would continue investing in content and expand into additional international markets to drive acquisitions and reduce churn.
Max declined a request for comment.
The news follows a move announced last month by Disney Plus to expand its password-sharing initiative to the U.S..
Netflix implemented password sharing fees in May 2023 and hiked prices in October 2023, helping the company add 13.1 million subscribers in the fourth quarter.
In December, Max ended two perks for legacy subscribers to its ad-free plan – 4K streaming and the ability to stream on three devices at once – but the price remained at $15.99 per month. Subscribers could keep these perks, however, by upgrading to the Ultimate Ad-Free plan for $19.99 per month, which adds 4K streaming and the ability to stream on four devices at once.
As the price of streaming rises and platforms continue to restrict password-sharing, you may be wondering how to find the best deals. To compare a list of free services as well as prices on premium platforms, the nonprofit Consumer Reports' Guide to Streaming Video Services could be of help.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart ChoiceExplore the differences between Verizon Prepaid and Verizon Postpaid plans—costs, perks, flexibility, and when going prepaid makes sense.
-
Try This One-Minute Test to Uncover Hidden Health RisksFinding out this little-known fact about your body could reveal your risk of heart disease and more. It's a simple, free check for healthy aging.
-
How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart ChoiceExplore the differences between Verizon Prepaid and Verizon Postpaid plans—costs, perks, flexibility, and when going prepaid makes sense.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
My First $1 Million: Biopharmaceutical Senior Manager, 45, MassachusettsEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
What Is the 1% Deductible Rule in Home Insurance?You could be overpaying for home insurance if your deductible is too low. But going too high can be just as risky. That's where the 1% deductible rule comes in.
-
The Delayed September CPI Report is Out. Here's What it Signals for the Fed.The September CPI report showed that inflation remains tame – and all but confirms another rate cut from the Fed.
-
Starbucks Just Announced Red Cup Day and It's Sooner Than You ThinkThe coffee chain's annual holiday cup giveaway returns — with a twist — as the holiday beverage lineup launches early and staff investments ramp up.
-
Avoid These Four Mistakes in the Run Up to RetirementYou can learn a thing or two from the retirees who went before you.
-
Where to Deposit Your Social Security CheckIf you receive Social Security checks, where you deposit them matters because it can help grow your earnings. See the best options.