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
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.
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.
Structured comparison data for Netflix vs Max with 242 attributes.
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
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.