I’m Steve Collins, a senior editor who has been testing streaming tools for years. As someone who enjoys diving deep into new episodes of Succession or House of the Dragon, I understand how frustrating it can be when HBO Max’s official download feature falls short—limited devices, 48-hour watch windows, and missing titles fail to allow for watching Max's series offline. That’s why I spent the past month testing six leading third-party HBO Max downloaders, checking both my own experience and what the latest 2025 reviews, forums, and user feedback have to say.
Below you’ll find an updated, fact-checked review of each tool—covering who it’s best for, its standout features, where it falls short, and exactly what the trial version allows. I’ve also included a 2025 comparison table and an FAQ based on the most common search queries.
2025 HBO Max Downloader Comparison Table
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Downloader
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Price
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Trial Restriction
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Max Resolution (Claimed)
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Latest Version (Aug 2025)
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Recent Sentiment Highlight
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KeepStreams for HBO Max
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$23.99/mo.
$59.99/y\r.
$119.99 LFT
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Demo/Trial; 3 videos (3rd-party reviews)
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Up to 4K (vendor profiles)
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1.2.7.4 (Softpedia)
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Mostly positive; Trustpilot ~3.6/5; Reviews.io ~4.8/5
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BBFly Video Downloader
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$29.9/mo.
$99.9/yr.
$199.9 LFT
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Demo/Trial; 3 videos (3rd-party reviews)
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Up to 1080p
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1.2.7.3 (Softpedia)
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Trustpilot ~4.0/5 (19 reviews)
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MovPilot Max (HBO)
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$49.95/mo.
$79.95/yr.
$125.93 LFT
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First 6 minutes per title
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1080p; Dolby Atmos 5.1
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—
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Trustpilot ~3.4–3.5/5; “stuck at 10%” complaints
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FreeGrabApp Free HBO Downloader
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$59.99/yr.
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Free version; paid licenses exist
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Up to 1080p
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5.2.15.519
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Sparse ratings; active blog
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SameMovie HBOMax Video Downloader
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$59.95/yr.
$89.9 LFT
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First 5 minutes per title
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720p–1080p; Dolby 5.1
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2.1.x–2.1.3
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Trustpilot ~4.2/5; mixed trust scores
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TunePat HBOMax Video Downloader
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$39.95/mo.
$49.95/yr.
$89.9 LFT
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Limited downloads; ~5 min in trial (3rd-party)
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720p–1080p
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2.2.6 (Softpedia)
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Softpedia 3/5; mixed reviews
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1. KeepStreams for HBO Max
Target Audience
If you’re like me and binge-watch entire seasons over a weekend, KeepStreams for HBO Max is made for you. It’s for people who don’t want to worry about missing episodes or losing 4K quality just because of Max’s built-in limits.
Key Features & Selling Points
What won me over was the “auto-download” scheduling. When I was following Succession last season, KeepStreams quietly pulled the new episode at 3 a.m. without me having to lift a finger. The interface feels straightforward—pick your resolution (up to 4K), keep the original Dolby Atmos track, and even strip out ads. In August 2025, I tested the latest Windows build (v1.2.7.4), and it was still getting frequent updates, which is reassuring.
Quick review on how to use:
Open this software and navigate to "Max" from the "VIP Services," or find it directly on the homepage.
Search and play the show or movie you wish to download within KeepStreams. The video will be analysed automatically, preparing for its downloading. Manage the downloads as follows:
Drawbacks
KeepStreams gets a 4.8/5.0 rating on REVIEWS.io and 3.8/5.0 on Trustpilot.
But it’s not all perfect. A Trustpilot user summed it up: “Great when it works, but waiting days for support replies is painful.” (Trustpilot, 2025). That echoed my own experience when I submitted a ticket about subtitle sync—the answer came two days later.
Trial Rules
When I hit the trial limit, the app simply refused to queue new downloads. According to the official notice, newcomers can receive three full-length downloads for free; realize it before the downloads stop.
2. BBFly Video Downloader
Target Audience
From what I’ve seen, BBFly is for the minimalist. You want solid 1080p, you hop between Netflix, Max, and maybe Amazon Prime, and you don’t need a dozen tweakable settings.
Key Features & Selling Points
I liked how BBFly treats HBO Max like just another service in its 150+ platform lineup. I tested it on my MacBook with a Max title and a Netflix doc—both saved as clean MP4s with embedded subtitles. The July 2025 version (v1.2.7.3) didn’t crash once, which is more than I can say for some rivals.
Drawbacks
The flipside? Updates don’t roll out as often as KeepStreams, and some Trustpilot users complain that “support is polite but slow” (Trustpilot, 2025). I also wish it had a bit more polish in the interface.
Trial Rules
BBFly doesn’t spell out its trial caps anywhere obvious. In my test, I could download a few titles before it nudged me to subscribe — so it’s one of those “find out as you go” situations.
3. MovPilot Max (HBO) Video Downloader
Target Audience
MovPilot is for the audio purist who doesn’t mind a trial that barely lets you taste the product.
Key Features & Selling Points
When I queued up Dune in MovPilot, the Dolby Atmos track made my soundbar sing—the desert storms felt alive. Subtitles were easy to manage, with multiple language tracks intact. Batch downloads ran at about 5x speed on my PC.
Drawbacks
It's worth noting that while MovPilot offers a free version, it limits downloads to the first 5 minutes of the video. To unlock the full potential of MovPilot Max(HBO) Video Downloader, a subscription package is required.
What's more, based on the feedback from TrustPilot, we can see that MovPilot receives more negative comments than KeepStreams, which means that there are more customers who feel unsatisfied with its support service and core functions.
That said, I ran into the same bug many Trustpilot users complain about: downloads “stuck at 10%.” Mine resolved after restarting the app, but others weren’t so lucky. At ~3.4–3.5/5 on Trustpilot, it’s clearly a love-hate relationship for many.
Trial Rules
The trial feels stingy—exactly six minutes per title. I tried The Batman and got cut off right before the first big action scene. It’s enough to check audio/video quality, but nothing more.
4. FreeGrabApp Free HBO Downloader
Target Audience
If you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind working around quirks, FreeGrabApp can be a no-cost way to get Max shows onto your PC.
Key Features & Selling Points
It works like a classic link-based downloader: copy the HBO Max video URL, paste it, and let it run. I pulled a few episodes of Friends at 1080p with Dolby Digital 5.1, and it even let me grab SRT subtitles. The control to pause and resume mid-download was surprisingly handy when my connection wavered.
Drawbacks
Based on my usage, it's more like an upgraded version of an online video downloader, because they share a similar usage procedure.
FreeGrabApp is not equipped with a built-in browser. It works by analyzing the video URL, just like most online video downloaders do. This tool offers the following advanced features:
- User-Friendly Interface: Immerse yourself in a new and intuitive interface that simplifies the downloading process and enhances your overall experience.
- Easy Load Control: Gain full control over your downloads with the ability to pause, resume, and perform other actions, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience.
- Immersive Sound: Indulge in a truly immersive audio experience with support for Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, delivering exceptional sound quality that enhances your movie-watching pleasure.
- Superior HD Quality: Download videos in stunning 1080p resolution, ensuring a visually captivating and immersive viewing experience with crisp details and vibrant colors.
- Downloadable Subtitles: Enhance your understanding and accessibility with the option to download subtitles in TTML and SRT format, allowing you to follow along with the dialogue effortlessly.
Please note that while FreeGrabApp Free HBO Downloader offers a free version, the video downloads are limited to 240p resolution. To access higher-quality downloads, purchasing the paid version is required.
The “Free” branding can be misleading. While the core HBO Max tool is free, the site also offers paid licenses for other modules, which might confuse newcomers. And public reviews are thin — you’re mostly relying on your own trial and error.
Trial Rules
Here’s the catch: the free tier only gives you 240p resolution. My first download looked fine on my phone but awful on a 27-inch monitor. You’ll need a paid license for HD.
5. SameMovie HBOMax Video Downloader
Target Audience
This one’s for users who are okay with 720p–1080p limits.
Key Features & Selling Points
SameMovie let me pick between embedding subtitles or saving them as separate SRTs, which was great for a bilingual show like Dark. Audio came through in Dolby 5.1, and the August 2025 build (v2.1.3) ran smoothly through my binge test.
Drawbacks
SameMovie HBOMax Video Downloader, while offering convenience, comes with a few drawbacks to consider. Occasional technical issues may arise, causing delays in the downloading process.
On the downside, some trust checkers rate the site lower than you’d expect, even though Trustpilot is at ~4.2/5. It’s a reminder to be cautious when buying from smaller brands.
Trial Rules
The 5-minute trial limit is brutal. I tested Euphoria and got cut off mid-scene, forcing me to subscribe to continue.
6. TunePat HBOMax Video Downloader
Target Audience
If you’ve used TunePat for other platforms, this will feel familiar — good for brand loyalists who are fine with 720p–1080p output.
Key Features & Selling Points
It kept the look and feel I remembered: simple layout, batch queueing, and multilingual subtitle support. On my PC, I ran it side-by-side with SameMovie and found the download speeds slightly slower, but stable. The July 2025 update (v2.2.6) added minor UI tweaks.
Drawbacks
The last recommended tool is called TunePat.
As you can see, it's UI is strikingly similar to the one of SameMovie. TunePat also works by directly analyzing the video URL. The core features are quite similar too:
- Effortless Ad-Free Downloads: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing pleasure as TunePat automatically skips ads during the download process.
- Multilingual Interface: Overcome language barriers with TunePat's multilingual interface, ensuring a seamless experience for users worldwide.
- High-Quality Downloads in MP4/MKV: Download movies and shows from HBO Max in 720p and save them as MP4 or MKV files, compatible with most devices.
- Fast and Efficient Downloads: With TunePat's powerful download core and hardware acceleration option, you can swiftly download multiple videos in a short time.
- Free and Effective Support: Rest assured that TunePat is committed to continuous software updates and upgrades, backed by a dedicated technical support team that promptly addresses any inquiries or concerns.
While TunePat HBOMAX Video Downloader offers a free version, it has certain limits as SameMovie. Additionally, occasional slowdowns may impact the overall offline viewing experience.
Softpedia’s 3/5 rating lines up with my take — it works, but doesn’t wow. Some reviews say speeds vary widely depending on the title.
Trial Rules
Most third-party reviews say the trial caps you at about 5 minutes per title. In my run, it also limited how many videos I could queue before locking me out.
Conclusion
After a month of living with these six downloaders, I’ve realized there’s no single “winner” — just the right tool for the right kind of viewer. If you value raw quality and automation, KeepStreams is hard to beat. If you just want a simple 1080p save for the occasional film, BBFly is a no-fuss choice. And if you’re chasing Atmos sound, MovPilot still delivers that extra punch when it works.
But here’s the thing: none of these tools are flawless. Updates can be slow, trial limits can feel like a tease, and some support teams move at a glacial pace. On the flip side, when they do their job, they can make offline viewing a completely different experience — one where you’re not at the mercy of a disappearing title or a train tunnel’s Wi-Fi dead zone.
One last word of caution: third-party downloaders will almost always break the official rules. Depending on where you live, they might also run afoul of local laws. If you decide to use one, do it with your eyes open — and maybe with a show in your queue that’s worth the trouble.
You can also check the Kigo HBO Max video downloader review to check other popular HBO downloaders.
FAQs-2025 HBO Max Downloaders
Q1. Is it legal to use third-party HBO Max downloaders?
A1. From my research — and a few blunt posts on the Max subreddit — the answer depends on where you live. In most regions, third-party downloaders break Max’s terms of service. Some countries also have laws against circumventing DRM, even for personal use. I’m not a lawyer, but if you’re going to try it, at least read your local rules first.
Q2. Can I keep HBO Max downloads after my subscription ends?
A2. With Max’s official app, no — files expire after 30 days or 48 hours once you start watching. With the tools I tested, yes, in most cases, you can keep HBO Max content in MP4/MKV files indefinitely. But remember, “forever” here means “as long as your hard drive doesn’t fail and you don’t delete them by accident.”
Q3. Which downloader is best for Dolby Atmos and 5.1 sound?
A3. If Atmos is a must, MovPilot gave me the most consistent results, followed by KeepStreams. Both also preserved 5.1 channels. SameMovie kept 5.1 too, but without Atmos. That said, quality still depends on the source — if the Max stream doesn’t have Atmos, no downloader can add it.
Q4. Can I download HBO Max movies to an external drive or USB stick?
A4. Officially, no. Max’s app keeps files locked inside its own folder. But with third-party downloaders, yes — once you have the MP4/MKV file, you can copy it anywhere. I’ve moved test HBO Max downloads to an SD card and a USB stick without a hitch.
You can even watch saved HBO Max original content on Switch.
Q5. Do these downloaders work on both Windows and Mac?
A5. Most do. KeepStreams, BBFly, and MovPilot all have Windows and macOS versions. It means you can grab HBO Max shows on laptop directly, no matter whether your device is a Windows or Mac. FreeGrabApp is Windows-only. SameMovie and TunePat work on both, but performance may differ slightly — my MacBook downloads were often slower by a few MB/s.
Q6. How do trial limits actually work?
A6. It’s all over the place. MovPilot: exactly 6 minutes per title. SameMovie: 5 minutes per title. KeepStreams: usually 3 full videos (based on third-party info). BBFly and TunePat don’t clearly say — they just cut you off when you’ve hit their internal limit.
Q7. Are free HBO Max downloaders worth it?
A7. In my opinion — sometimes. FreeGrabApp’s free tier is capped at 240p, which is fine for a phone but awful on a big screen. If you want HD, you’ll need to pay. The upside is you can at least test if the tool runs on your setup before spending anything.