Netflix offers a larger content library with 5,800+ titles and lower base pricing ($6.99/month), while HBO Max provides premium HBO series, DC Universe content, and theatrical releases at $9.99/month with superior video quality up to 4K on all plans.
HBO Max vs Netflix — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium streaming service featuring HBO series, DC Universe, Warner Bros. films, and theatrical releases.
World's largest streaming platform with 5,800+ titles across all genres and budget-friendly pricing.
Monthly Base Price (Ad-Free). Content Library Size. 4K Video Quality. New Theatrical Releases. Original Series Quality. Ad-Tier Monthly Cost. Simultaneous Streams Allowed
Choose HBO Max if you prioritize premium HBO series (Game of Thrones, Succession), DC films, same-day theatrical releases, and 4K streaming on all tiers—ideal for cinema enthusiasts and premium content lovers. Choose Netflix if you want the largest content variety, lower pricing, and better value for casual viewers seeking diverse shows, films, and documentaries across all genres.
HBO Max: ~10,000 titles | Netflix: ~12,500 titles
HBO Max: 200+ originals | Netflix: 250+ originals
HBO Max: $9.99/month | Netflix: $6.99/month
HBO Max: $19.99/month | Netflix: $22.99/month
HBO Max: ~800 titles | Netflix: ~2,000 titles
HBO Max: Allowed with flexibility | Netflix: Restricted to household only
HBO Max: Limited | Netflix: Full gaming catalog included
HBO Max: Available on premium plans | Netflix: Available on all paid plans
HBO Max: Yes (Warner Bros. films) | Netflix: No
HBO Max: Yes (via Max Sports add-on) | Netflix: Not available
HBO Max: Strong European focus | Netflix: Extensive global coverage
HBO Max: 4K HDR + Dolby Atmos | Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p)
HBO Max: 4 (Premium) | Netflix: 4 (Premium only)
HBO Max: Discovery+ integration only | Netflix: N/A
HBO Max: Hacks S5, Euphoria S3 | Netflix: N/A
HBO Max: All Warner Bros. theatrical | Netflix: N/A
HBO Max: Dolby Atmos (5.1.4 surround) | Netflix: N/A
HBO Max: Minimal (occasional boxing/WWE) | Netflix: N/A
HBO Max: 150+ devices including Fire, Roku, gaming consoles, smart TVs | Netflix: N/A
HBO Max: Limited to select titles only | Netflix: Yes (4 devices)
HBO Max: 7 days | Netflix: 0 (none as of 2023)
HBO Max: 40+ prestige originals | Netflix: N/A
Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)
HBO Max: 60 million | Netflix: 282.7 million
HBO Max: 220+ originals | Netflix: 2,100+ originals
HBO Max: $9.99 (4K included) | Netflix: $22.99 (4K required)
HBO Max: 4K UltraHD (2160p) on all tiers | Netflix: 4K UltraHD (2160p) on Premium only
HBO Max: 140+ nominations | Netflix: 91 nominations
HBO Max: Same-day (0 days) | Netflix: 30-90 days post-theater
Original Content Releases in January 2026
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Multiple scheduled
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Restricted with extra fees
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Available on premium tiers
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Higher than Disney
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Day, exclusive live events
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Original content focus with viral hits
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Standalone streaming platform
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Scale-driven with high volume content
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Broad global audience across all demographics
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: NFL, WWE Raw, major events
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 60+ original series
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: ~260 million Netflix subscribers
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Originals-focused, limited legacy franchises
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: >1.4 (higher volatility)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 30x (reduced from prior quarters)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Scale-driven content warehouse
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 0 (on-demand only)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Premium+ tier only
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Available on Premium/Premium+ ($22.99)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Limited (varies by plan)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: High (comedies, young adult priority)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Largest available
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Vertical video feed expanding
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Verizon option ($10.99)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Undisclosed (declining)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: ~122 million equivalent
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: ~0.33 billion hours
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Human + Algorithm
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 450+ nominations
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Wide variety across genres
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: No (Premium only)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Weekly/bi-weekly
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: No music library
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 4 (Premium tier)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Limited (documentaries only)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Limited, delayed 45 days post-theatrical
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 4K HDR (Premium tier)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: $6.99 (with ads)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku, Fire TV (universal support)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Premium tier only ($15.49+)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 85+ series & films (2024)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 75+ games (no extra cost)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 45-90 days varies
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: $6.99 (ad-supported)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Limited (occasional boxing)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 45+ days (no theatrical releases)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 8,000+ titles globally
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 89 original series
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: No bundle available
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 4-5 minutes/hour
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 2-4 (depending on plan)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Yes ($15.49/month)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: $15.49 (ad-free) / $6.99 (with ads)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 110+ nominations
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 1-4 (tier dependent)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Limited (select events)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: None (US market)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Limited (select shows)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: $15.49 (with ads $6.99)
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: 250+ series and films
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Available on all tiers
HBO Max: N/A | Netflix: Yes, $15.49/month and $22.99/month tiers
How to choose between HBO Max and Netflix
HBO Max vs Netflix — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for HBO Max vs Netflix. Contains 301 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
HBO Max vs Netflix — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for HBO Max vs Netflix.
Which streaming service has better picture quality?
HBO Max offers superior value for 4K quality—it includes 4K/HDR on all subscription tiers starting at $9.99/month. Netflix restricts 4K to its $22.99 Premium tier, making HBO Max 56% cheaper for 4K access. However, Netflix's standard 1080p streams are high-quality; the difference only matters for 4K-capable TV owners.
Does HBO Max or Netflix have more content?
Netflix has significantly more content with 5,800+ titles compared to HBO Max's 2,100+ titles—nearly 3x larger. However, HBO Max prioritizes premium, award-winning content with 140+ 2024 Emmy nominations versus Netflix's 91. Netflix wins for variety and casual browsing; HBO Max wins for prestige drama and HBO originals.
HBO Max releases theatrical films simultaneously with HBO broadcasts, often same-day with subscription (The Batman, Aquaman 2, Dune Part Two). Netflix typically waits 30-90 days after theatrical releases. For movie enthusiasts wanting cinema-to-home immediacy, HBO Max is superior.
What's the cheapest way to watch each service?
Netflix's ad-supported tier is cheapest at $6.99/month (with ads), while HBO Max's ad tier is $5.99/month. Both offer quality streams with ads; Netflix's ads are more frequent. For ad-free, Netflix costs $15.49/month (premium) vs HBO Max's $9.99/month, making HBO Max 35% cheaper.
Can I share a Netflix or HBO Max password?
Both services enforced password-sharing restrictions in 2024. Netflix allows 2-4 simultaneous streams depending on tier but charges $7.99/month for extra household members. HBO Max similarly restricts sharing but doesn't charge extra member fees yet. For multi-household sharing, both are now less flexible than before.
How to Choose Between HBO Max and Netflix
Monthly Base Price (Ad-Free): HBO Max has $9.99, while Netflix has $6.99.
Content Library Size: HBO Max has 2,100+ titles, while Netflix has 5,800+ titles.
4K Video Quality: HBO Max has All plans included, while Netflix has Premium tier only ($22.99/month).
New Theatrical Releases: HBO Max has Same-day with subscription, while Netflix has 30-90 day window after theaters.
Original Series Quality: HBO Max has Emmy-leading 140+ nominations (2024), while Netflix has 91 Emmy nominations (2024).
Ad-Tier Monthly Cost: HBO Max has $5.99, while Netflix has $6.99.
Simultaneous Streams Allowed: HBO Max has 4 devices (standard plan), while Netflix has 4 devices (premium plan only).