Disney+ leads in subscriber count with 150.2 million subscribers and family-focused content, while HBO Max offers more adult-oriented programming with 60 million subscribers and premium HBO series. The choice depends on whether you prioritize Disney/Marvel/Pixar franchises or prestige dramas and HBO originals.
Disney+ vs HBO Max — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Disney's family-focused streaming service featuring Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and Disney franchises.
Warner Bros. streaming service featuring HBO series, prestige dramas, and extensive Warner film library.
Global Subscribers (2025). Monthly Subscription Cost (US). Content Focus. Original Series Library. Movie Catalog Size. Emmy Awards Won (2024). Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Disney+ is the better choice for families seeking Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars content with the largest streaming audience. HBO Max wins for adults seeking prestige dramas, cinema classics, and mature storytelling with a deeper film library and more Emmy-winning originals. Choose Disney+ if your household enjoys franchise entertainment; choose HBO Max if you prefer critically acclaimed dramas and a broader film selection.
Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)
Disney+: $44.99 (with ESPN Unlimited) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Extensive on select titles | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: 4 participants (GroupWatch) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Not available standalone | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: $10.4 billion (2024) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Franchise library + originals | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Cross-platform universal access | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: More difficult navigation | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: $19.99/month (with Hulu integrated) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Limited current TV availability | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Becoming primary unified platform | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Yes, on 4K content | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Via ESPN+ bundle | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Hulu/ESPN+ bundle options | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: 4 simultaneous streams | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Yes (launching 2026) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Standard support | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Yes (Premium tier) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: None (ESPN+ separate) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Short-form mobile videos (announced) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: All ages (family-focused) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Yes (Kids Profile included) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: 4K Ultra HD (2160p) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: None (no free trial offered) | HBO Max: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Disney+: 38 Emmy nominations | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Full exclusive access | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: 4K HDR Dolby Atmos | HBO Max: 4K HDR + Dolby Atmos
Disney+: Yes, on Premium+ | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: Limited to Disney/ABC | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: 150.2 million | HBO Max: 60 million
Disney+: 32 original series | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: $8 savings (vs separate subscriptions) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: $15.99/year (Disney Bundle) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: 180+ originals | HBO Max: 220+ originals
Disney+: 4 screens | HBO Max: 4 (Premium)
Disney+: 45 original series | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: $7.98 (Disney Bundle) | HBO Max: N/A
Disney+: 700+ films | HBO Max: 2,500+ films
Disney+: Families & children ages 4-14 | HBO Max: Adults ages 18+
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Allowed with flexibility
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Available on premium plans
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Yes (Warner Bros. films)
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Yes (via Max Sports add-on)
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Strong European focus
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Discovery+ integration only
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Hacks S5, Euphoria S3
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: All Warner Bros. theatrical
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: 4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Dolby Atmos (5.1.4 surround)
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Minimal (occasional boxing/WWE)
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: 150+ devices including Fire, Roku, gaming consoles, smart TVs
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: Limited to select titles only
Disney+: N/A | HBO Max: 40+ prestige originals
Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)
How to choose between Disney+ and HBO Max
Disney+ vs HBO Max — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Disney+ vs HBO Max. Contains 182 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Disney+ vs HBO Max — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Disney+ vs HBO Max.
Is Disney+ or HBO Max better for families?
Disney+ is significantly better for families with children. It offers 150+ kid-friendly original series, comprehensive parental controls by age group (ages 4-7, 8-14), and exclusive access to all Disney, Pixar, and Marvel films. HBO Max contains substantial R-rated and mature content not suitable for young viewers, making it better for adults in family households.
HBO Max significantly outpaces Disney+ with 2,500+ films compared to Disney+'s 700+. HBO Max includes the entire Warner Bros. film catalog plus cinema classics, arthouse films, and international releases. However, Disney+ focuses on blockbusters and family content, so the comparison depends on whether you prefer depth and variety (HBO Max) or curated franchises (Disney+).
HBO Max offers the lowest entry price at $5.99/month with ads, $1 cheaper than Disney+'s $7.99 with-ads tier. However, Disney+'s ad-free plan is $13.99 vs HBO Max's $19.99, saving $6/month. For budget-conscious viewers, HBO Max's basic tier wins; for those wanting premium without ads, Disney+ is more affordable.
Does HBO Max have better shows than Disney+?
HBO Max has a stronger prestige drama track record with 31 Emmy-winning originals vs Disney+'s 23. HBO shows like Succession, Chernobyl, and Mare of Easttown won more critical awards. Disney+ excels in limited series and event television but focuses on family franchises. For adults seeking critically acclaimed dramas, HBO Max is superior; for family-oriented storytelling, Disney+ leads.
Can I watch new movies on these services?
HBO Max has an advantage through Warner Bros. day-and-date releases, where new theatrical films premiere same-day on the service (when available). Disney+ typically releases films 45 days after cinema, then adds them to the platform. Both services refresh monthly, but HBO Max offers faster access to new Warner Bros. releases, while Disney+ focuses on older library titles and exclusive originals.
How to Choose Between Disney+ and HBO Max
Global Subscribers (2025): Disney+ has 150.2 million, while HBO Max has 60 million.
Consider: Monthly Subscription Cost (US)
Monthly Subscription Cost (US): Disney+ has $7.99 (with ads) / $13.99 (ad-free), while HBO Max has $5.99 (with ads) / $19.99 (ad-free).
Content Focus: Disney+ has Family, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, Disney franchises, while HBO Max has Prestige dramas, HBO series, Warner Bros films, adult content.
Original Series Library: Disney+ has 180+ originals, while HBO Max has 220+ originals.
Movie Catalog Size: Disney+ has 700+ films, while HBO Max has 2,500+ films.
Emmy Awards Won (2024): Disney+ has 23 Emmys, while HBO Max has 31 Emmys.
Consider: Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan): Disney+ has 2 screens, while HBO Max has 2 screens.