Netflix leads with 283 million subscribers and stronger original content library, while Max offers superior value through HBO, DC, and Warner Bros. catalogs at a lower base price of $5.99/month vs Netflix's $6.99/month with ads.
Netflix vs Max 2026 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's largest streaming platform with 283M subscribers focused on original series and films
Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service with 57M subscribers, offering HBO content plus extensive film library
Global Subscribers. Ad-Supported Base Plan Price. Original Series (2024-2025). Movie Library Size. Premium Ad-Free Plan Price. HBO/Premium Content Access. Password Sharing Restrictions
Choose Netflix if you prioritize exclusive prestige dramas (Bridgerton, The Crown), award-winning originals (110+ Emmy nominations in 2024), and the largest subscriber base with most peer compatibility. Choose Max if you want the deepest film library (8,200+ movies), access to entire HBO and DC catalogs, lower base pricing, and better value for simultaneous household viewers.
Netflix: $15.49 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 260M+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $17 Billion | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $7.99 | Max (formerly HBO Max): $9.99
Netflix: $15.49 | Max (formerly HBO Max): $19.99
Netflix: 190+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): 50+
Netflix: Limited | Max (formerly HBO Max): Extensive (NBA, NFL)
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Netflix: Multiple scheduled | Max (formerly HBO Max): Ongoing releases
Netflix: Up to 4 screens | Max (formerly HBO Max): Up to 4 screens
Netflix: Restricted with extra fees | Max (formerly HBO Max): More flexible sharing
Netflix: Available on premium tiers | Max (formerly HBO Max): Available on premium tiers
Netflix: 30 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: +0.82% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Higher than Disney | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Day, exclusive live events | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Original content focus with viral hits | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Standalone streaming platform | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven with high volume content | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Broad global audience across all demographics | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Netflix: NFL, WWE Raw, major events | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 60+ original series | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: ~260 million Netflix subscribers | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Originals-focused, limited legacy franchises | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: >1.4 (higher volatility) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 30x (reduced from prior quarters) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven content warehouse | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $6.99 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 15,000+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 0 (on-demand only) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Premium+ tier only | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 10.7 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Available on Premium/Premium+ ($22.99) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Limited (varies by plan) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: High (comedies, young adult priority) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $7.99 | Max (formerly HBO Max): $10.99
Netflix: $24.99 | Max (formerly HBO Max): $22.99
Netflix: Largest available | Max (formerly HBO Max): Curated selection
Netflix: Yes, all plans | Max (formerly HBO Max): Yes, all plans
Netflix: Not included | Max (formerly HBO Max): Exclusive access
Netflix: Limited | Max (formerly HBO Max): Warner Bros. exclusive
Netflix: Vertical video feed expanding | Max (formerly HBO Max): Standard mobile
Netflix: Verizon option ($10.99) | Max (formerly HBO Max): Verizon bundled
Netflix: ~12,500 titles | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 250+ originals | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $6.99/month | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $22.99/month | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: ~2,000 titles | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: No | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Not available | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Extensive global coverage | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4 screens | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Restricted to household only | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Full gaming catalog included | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Available on all paid plans | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $45.18 billion | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Undisclosed (declining) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: ~0.25 billion | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: ~122 million equivalent | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: ~0.33 billion hours | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Human + Algorithm | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 86.30% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $22.99 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 0 channels | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 450+ nominations | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 87% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Netflix | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $7.99/month | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $24.99/month | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 5,500+ titles | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 100+ original series | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 1,200+ titles | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 68% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Wide variety across genres | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: No (Premium only) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Weekly/bi-weekly | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4-5 min/hour | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: None | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $9.00 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 247 million (Q4 2024) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: No music library | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4K (2160p) on Premium | Max (formerly HBO Max): 4K (2160p) on Premium
Netflix: 5,000+ titles | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (Premium plan) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 150+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $17.0B | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium tier) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Limited (documentaries only) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 2,500+ titles | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: All plans | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Limited, delayed 45 days post-theatrical | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4K HDR (Premium tier) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $33.6B | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 283M | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 28.4% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $17B | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 0 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $0 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: ~$0.1B | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (with ads) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 156 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 2 devices | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: None (no free trial offered) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 282.7 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 282 million | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 188 Emmys | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku, Fire TV (universal support) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Premium tier only ($15.49+) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 12,800+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 8% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: All tiers | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 85+ series & films (2024) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 75+ games (no extra cost) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 2.4% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 190+ countries | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 45-90 days varies | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (ad-supported) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 10,200+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 250+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 1-2 streams | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 190+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $15.49/month | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 350+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Yes (Standard+) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 283 million | Max (formerly HBO Max): 57 million
Netflix: $120 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 52 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 85+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 18% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $33 billion | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 16% | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 2,100+ originals | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 45+ days (no theatrical releases) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 52 Emmys | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4 screens (Premium) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 6,500+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 68 Emmy awards | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 89 original series | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: No bundle available | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 8 Emmy Awards | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 2-4 (varies by tier) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 450+ originals | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4-5 minutes/hour | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 2-4 (depending on plan) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 120+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Yes (4 devices) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: Yes ($15.49/month) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $15.49 (ad-free) / $6.99 (with ads) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 2,300+ | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 0 (none) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium) / 1 (with ads) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 0 (none as of 2023) | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: 1997 | Max (formerly HBO Max): N/A
Netflix: $6.99 | Max (formerly HBO Max): $5.99
Netflix: $22.99 | Max (formerly HBO Max): $20.99
Netflix: 87 series | Max (formerly HBO Max): 64 series
Netflix: ~5,500 movies | Max (formerly HBO Max): ~8,200 movies
Netflix: 110+ nominations | Max (formerly HBO Max): 72 nominations
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Netflix: 2 streams | Max (formerly HBO Max): 2 streams
How to choose between Netflix and Max (formerly HBO Max)
Compare Netflix vs Max (formerly HBO Max)
Netflix vs Max 2026 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Netflix vs Max 2026. Contains 202 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Netflix vs Max 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Netflix vs Max 2026.
Which streaming service is cheaper in 2026?
Max offers better pricing across all tiers: $5.99/month for ads (vs Netflix $6.99) and $20.99/month for ad-free premium (vs Netflix $22.99). Over 12 months, Max saves $12-24 depending on plan choice. However, Netflix includes more original content at its standard tier.
Does Netflix or Max have better original series?
Netflix produces more originals (87 major series in 2024-2025 vs Max's 64) and dominates Emmy recognition with 110+ nominations versus Max's 72. Netflix excels in prestige dramas (Bridgerton, The Crown). Max uniquely offers HBO's catalog (Succession, True Detective) included at all subscription levels, making the choice depend on content taste rather than quantity.
Max has 49% more movies with 8,200+ titles versus Netflix's 5,500. This includes Warner Bros., DC, and full HBO film catalogs. Netflix focuses on fewer, higher-quality originals rather than volume, so Max wins decisively for movie variety.
Can I share passwords on Netflix and Max?
Netflix enforced strict password-sharing policies in 2024, restricting accounts to primary household members with paid 'add member' fees ($7.99/month) for outside access. Max maintains a more lenient policy allowing reasonable household sharing, making it better for families with multiple locations.
Which streaming service is worth the money in 2026?
Netflix offers better value for exclusive series bingers who prioritize quality originals and social recommendations, despite higher cost. Max delivers superior value for film enthusiasts and HBO fans due to 49% more movies, full HBO integration, lower pricing, and family-friendly password policies. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize prestige series (Netflix) or film variety and affordability (Max).
How to Choose Between Netflix and Max (formerly HBO Max)
Global Subscribers: Netflix has 283 million, while Max (formerly HBO Max) has 57 million.
Ad-Supported Base Plan Price: Netflix has $6.99/month, while Max (formerly HBO Max) has $5.99/month.
Original Series (2024-2025): Netflix has 87 major originals, while Max (formerly HBO Max) has 64 major originals.
Movie Library Size: Netflix has ~5,500 titles, while Max (formerly HBO Max) has ~8,200 titles.
Premium Ad-Free Plan Price: Netflix has $22.99/month, while Max (formerly HBO Max) has $20.99/month.
HBO/Premium Content Access: Netflix has Limited crossover, while Max (formerly HBO Max) has Full HBO Max integration.
Password Sharing Restrictions: Netflix has Enforced crackdown (2024), while Max (formerly HBO Max) has More lenient policy.