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+ 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.
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.
Structured comparison data for Disney+ vs HBO Max with 182 attributes.
Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)
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.