Claude Max vs Claude Ultra
$100/mo vs $200/mo: choose by included models and usage limits. API usage is separate.
| Compare | Claude Max | Claude Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly USD | $100/mo | $200/mo |
| Included models | Claude Fable 5.1, Claude Opus 5.5, Claude Sonnet 5.5, Claude Haiku 5.5 | Claude Fable 5.1, Claude Opus 5.5, Claude Sonnet 5.5, Claude Haiku 5.5 |
| Billing | monthly | monthly |
| Verified · Monthly USD source · Included models source · How we verify → | ||
Claude Max is $100/mo cheaper · Updated 2026-11-05
Which one should you pick?
Pick Claude Max if you want
- a $100/mo lower bill
- heavy Claude Code users
Pick Claude Ultra if you want
- all-day Claude and agents
Claude Max is $100/mo cheaper. Based on listed plan terms; check usage limits before upgrading.
| Claude Max | $100/mo $1,200 per year at the monthly rate · usage: 5× Pro weekly |
|---|---|
| Claude Ultra | $200/mo $2,400 per year at the monthly rate · usage: 10× Pro weekly |
Listed monthly prices · How we verify →
| Attribute | Claude Max | Claude Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100/mo | $200/mo |
| Best for | Heavy Claude Code users | All-day Claude and agents |
| Usage | 5× Pro weekly | 10× Pro weekly |
| Billing | monthly | monthly |
| Audience | power-user | power-user |
| Models | Claude Fable 5.1, Claude Opus 5.5, Claude Sonnet 5.5, Claude Haiku 5.5 | Claude Fable 5.1, Claude Opus 5.5, Claude Sonnet 5.5, Claude Haiku 5.5 |
| Key perks | $100/mo API credits; Fable 5.1 within weekly limit; Priority at peak times | $200/mo API credits; Fable 5.1 within weekly limit; Priority at peak times |
| Context window | Not fixed per plan | Not fixed per plan |
| Web search | Yes | Yes |
| Coding agent | Yes | Yes |
| API credits included | Yes | Yes |
| Verified | Price 2026-11-07 · models 2026-11-05 | Price 2026-11-07 · models 2026-11-05 |
✓ listed in the provider's current plan terms · — not listed (may still be available) · Pricing data: How we verify →
Usage limits in full
- Claude Max
- 5x Pro usage every five hours AND every week. Fable uses up to half the shared weekly allowance, not an additional pool. Continue beyond included limits with separately paid usage credits. Includes $100/month in claimable Claude Platform API credits. $100/month Claude Platform API credits. Claim after seven days on an active eligible plan by linking one Console organization. Credits refresh monthly, expire without rollover and cover direct Claude Platform API usage, not interactive Claude Code, app extra usage or third-party clouds. API requests stop without other credits when exhausted; API billing is separate. Claude Duet research preview requires waitlist access, initially for US Pro, Max, and Ultra subscribers; shares existing plan limits, including background checks and tasks. No separate Duet allowance.
- Claude Ultra
- 10x Pro usage every week. No five-hour cap for verified accounts; unverified accounts have a temporary limit, removed automatically after account verification. Fable uses up to half the shared weekly allowance, not an additional pool. Continue beyond included limits with separately paid usage credits. Includes $200/month in claimable Claude Platform API credits. $200/month Claude Platform API credits. Claim after seven days on an active eligible plan by linking one Console organization. Credits refresh monthly, expire without rollover and cover direct Claude Platform API usage, not interactive Claude Code, app extra usage or third-party clouds. API requests stop without other credits when exhausted; API billing is separate. Claude Duet research preview requires waitlist access, initially for US Pro, Max, and Ultra subscribers; shares existing plan limits, including background checks and tasks. No separate Duet allowance.
Everything each plan lists
Only in Claude Max
- +$100/month Claude Platform API credits. Claim after seven days on an active eligible plan by linking one Console organization. Credits refresh monthly, expire without rollover and cover direct Claude Platform API usage, not interactive Claude Code, app extra usage or third-party clouds. API requests stop without other credits when exhausted; API billing is separate.
- +5x Pro every five hours and every week
Listed by both: Claude Sonnet 5.5 and Claude Haiku 5.5 · web, desktop, and mobile chat · web search · Artifacts, Claude Design, Slides, and Docs · Claude Opus 5.5 · Claude Code · projects · usage credits available separately · Claude Fable 5.1 within up to 50% of shared weekly limits · priority at high-traffic times · Claude Duet research preview: waitlist, initially US Pro, Max, and Ultra subscribers
Only in Claude Ultra
- +$200/month Claude Platform API credits. Claim after seven days on an active eligible plan by linking one Console organization. Credits refresh monthly, expire without rollover and cover direct Claude Platform API usage, not interactive Claude Code, app extra usage or third-party clouds. API requests stop without other credits when exhausted; API billing is separate.
- +10x Pro weekly usage; verified accounts have no five-hour limit
How to decide
Claude Max is $100/mo cheaper. Picking between Claude Max and Claude Ultra usually comes down to three things: which models you want access to, how much you'll actually use, and what ecosystem you already live in. Still unsure? The Subscription vs API calculator tells you the break-even usage where pay-as-you-go API access would be cheaper than either subscription.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price difference between Claude Max and Claude Ultra?
Claude Max costs $100/mo and Claude Ultra costs $200/mo, a difference of $100/month (about $1200/year). Pricing verified 2026-11-05.
Which AI models are included with Claude Max vs Claude Ultra?
Claude Max bundles Claude Fable 5.1, Claude Opus 5.5, Claude Sonnet 5.5, Claude Haiku 5.5. Claude Ultra bundles Claude Fable 5.1, Claude Opus 5.5, Claude Sonnet 5.5, Claude Haiku 5.5. The model lineup is usually the most important factor — pick the plan whose flagship models match the work you actually do.
Is Claude Max or Claude Ultra better value for power users?
Claude Ultra costs $100/month more than Claude Max. The recorded model lineup is shared. Compare the recorded usage, features and billing terms above; a higher price alone does not establish a higher allowance or better value.
Can I switch between Claude Max and Claude Ultra?
Check each provider's billing terms before switching. Monthly, annual and per-seat commitments can differ; cancellation usually stops renewal rather than refunding the current period.