HBO Max and Max: What’s the difference and which one should you choose?

HBO Max and Max are two streaming services that offer a huge variety of movies and TV shows from Warner Bros. Discovery. However, they are not exactly the same, and there are some key differences that you should know before you decide which one to subscribe to. Here are some of the main points to consider:

HBO Max vs Max

Content

HBO Max is the original streaming service that launched in 2020. It includes all of HBO’s programming, such as Game of Thrones, Succession, and The Sopranos, as well as exclusive originals like The Flight Attendant, Mare of Easttown, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. It also features a selection of movies and shows from Warner Bros., DC, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Studio Ghibli, and more.

Max is the new streaming service that debuted in 2023. It is essentially the same thing as HBO Max, only combined with Discovery+ and without the HBO in its name. After WarnerMedia and Discovery merged in 2022, the new company decided to rebrand HBO Max as Max to reflect its expanded catalogue. In addition to streaming everything on HBO Max, subscribers will have access to Discovery Plus content, such as Shark Week, 90 Day Fiancé, Planet Earth, and more.

Price

• HBO Max costs $15 a month or $150 a year. There is no free trial available.
• Max costs $20 a month or $200 a year. There is a 7-day free trial available.

Availability

• HBO Max is available in the US and select territories in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is expected to launch in Europe later this year.
• Max is available in the US only. There is no word on when it will expand to other regions.

Features

HBO Max and Max have the same basic feature set, and they even use the same website and app. You can stream up to 4K resolution on compatible devices, download up to 30 titles for offline viewing, create up to five profiles per account, and watch on up to three screens at the same time.

However, there are some differences in terms of content availability. Some titles on HBO Max are subject to a limited-time window or a premium fee, such as Warner Bros. 2021 movies that debut on the service the same day as theatres. On Max, all titles are included in the subscription with no extra charge or expiration date.