Netflix leads with 283 million subscribers and exclusive blockbuster franchises like Stranger Things and The Crown, while Max offers HBO's premium content library and lower entry pricing starting at $5.99/month, making Netflix the choice for original series fans and Max better for HBO enthusiasts seeking value.
Netflix vs Max — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Global streaming platform offering movies, TV series, documentaries, and original content across all entertainment categories.
Warner Bros Discovery streaming service combining HBO content with sports and extensive licensed library.
Global Subscribers. Monthly Price (Ad-Free Entry). Original Series Produced (2024). Licensed Content Library Size. Simultaneous Streams (Standard). Sports Content Integration. 4K Content Availability
Choose Netflix if you prioritize prestige originals, binge-worthy series franchises, and don't mind premium pricing for exclusive content. Choose Max if you want HBO's acclaimed library, live sports integration, significantly lower pricing, and a broader catalog of legacy films and TV shows at a more accessible entry point.
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Netflix: Restricted with extra fees | Max: N/A
Netflix: Available on premium tiers | Max: N/A
Netflix: WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Day, exclusive live events | Max: N/A
Netflix: Original content focus with viral hits | Max: N/A
Netflix: Standalone streaming platform | Max: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven with high volume content | Max: N/A
Netflix: Broad global audience across all demographics | Max: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Netflix: NFL, WWE Raw, major events | Max: N/A
Netflix: ~260 million Netflix subscribers | Max: N/A
Netflix: Originals-focused, limited legacy franchises | Max: N/A
Netflix: >1.4 (higher volatility) | Max: N/A
Netflix: 30x (reduced from prior quarters) | Max: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven content warehouse | Max: N/A
Netflix: Available on Premium/Premium+ ($22.99) | Max: N/A
Netflix: Limited (varies by plan) | Max: N/A
Netflix: High (comedies, young adult priority) | Max: N/A
Netflix: Vertical video feed expanding | Max: N/A
Netflix: Verizon option ($10.99) | Max: N/A
Netflix: Extensive global coverage | Max: N/A
Netflix: Restricted to household only | Max: N/A
Netflix: Full gaming catalog included | Max: N/A
Netflix: Available on all paid plans | Max: N/A
Netflix: Undisclosed (declining) | Max: N/A
Netflix: ~122 million equivalent | Max: N/A
Netflix: Wide variety across genres | Max: N/A
Netflix: Limited (documentaries only) | Max: N/A
Netflix: $22.99/month | Max: $20.99/month
Netflix: 2,500+ titles | Max: 1,200+ titles
Netflix: All plans | Max: Standard+ and Premium only
Netflix: Limited, delayed 45 days post-theatrical | Max: Same day as theatrical release
Netflix: 4K HDR (Premium tier) | Max: 4K HDR (Premium tier)
Netflix: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku, Fire TV (universal support) | Max: N/A
Netflix: Premium tier only ($15.49+) | Max: N/A
Netflix: 85+ series & films (2024) | Max: N/A
Netflix: 75+ games (no extra cost) | Max: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (ad-supported) | Max: N/A
Netflix: Limited (occasional boxing) | Max: N/A
Netflix: 283 million | Max: 52.8 million
Netflix: 45+ days (no theatrical releases) | Max: N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium only) | Max: 4 streams (Premium)
Netflix: 8,000+ titles globally | Max: N/A
Netflix: 2-4 (depending on plan) | Max: N/A
Netflix: $15.49 (ad-free) / $6.99 (with ads) | Max: N/A
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Netflix: 1-4 (tier dependent) | Max: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
Netflix: Limited (select events) | Max: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (with ads) | Max: $5.99 (with ads)
Netflix: None (US market) | Max: NBA, NHL, MLB, March Madness
Netflix: Limited (select shows) | Max: N/A
Netflix: $15.49 (with ads $6.99) | Max: N/A
Netflix: 250+ series and films | Max: N/A
Netflix: Available on all tiers | Max: N/A
Netflix: Yes, $15.49/month and $22.99/month tiers | Max: N/A
Netflix vs Max — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Netflix vs Max. Contains 242 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Netflix vs Max — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Netflix vs Max.
Is Netflix or Max better for original series?
Netflix produces significantly more originals (62 major releases vs 28 in 2024) and dominates Emmy awards for drama series. Max focuses on HBO's prestige shows. Netflix wins for series variety; Max wins for HBO's specific high-quality dramas like The White Lotus and True Detective.
Max is significantly cheaper: $5.99/month ad-supported versus Netflix's $6.99/month ad-supported. Max's ad-free Premium tier ($9.99) costs 35% less than Netflix's Standard ad-free tier ($15.49). Max is the clear winner for budget-conscious viewers.
Can I watch live sports on Netflix or Max?
Only Max includes live sports. Max subscribers access NBA games, NHL hockey, MLB baseball, and March Madness tournament coverage. Netflix has no sports offerings in the US market, making Max essential for sports fans.
Max offers 10,000+ titles versus Netflix's approximately 6,000 titles. Max includes more Warner Bros films, DC Universe content, and older TV shows. However, Netflix's library is more curated with focus on quality originals rather than catalog breadth.
Which streaming service has better video quality options?
Max offers more 4K content (4,100+ titles) compared to Netflix (3,200+ titles). Both support up to 4K/HDR on compatible devices. Max has a slight edge for 4K availability, though Netflix's original content is increasingly 4K-native.
Global Subscribers: Netflix has 283 million, while Max has 52.8 million.
Monthly Price (Ad-Free Entry): Netflix has $15.49, while Max has $5.99.
Consider: Original Series Produced (2024)
Original Series Produced (2024): Netflix has 62 major releases, while Max has 28 major releases.
Licensed Content Library Size: Netflix has ~6,000 titles, while Max has ~10,000 titles.
Consider: Simultaneous Streams (Standard)
Simultaneous Streams (Standard): Netflix has 2 screens, while Max has 2 screens.
Sports Content Integration: Netflix has None (US), while Max has NBA, NHL, MLB games included.
4K Content Availability: Netflix has ~3,200 titles, while Max has ~4,100 titles.