software
Apple TV+ vs HBO Max 2026: Price, Content, Quality
HBO Max offers substantially more content with 10,000+ titles compared to Apple TV+'s 2,500+ titles, making it better for variety, while Apple TV+ excels in award-winning original series and charges $9.99/month versus HBO Max's $16.99/month for ad-free access.
AT
Apple TV+
Apple's premium streaming service focused on high-quality original content.
Apple ecosystem users seeking premium original series at the lowest price, and families needing multiple simultaneous streams
Score63%
VS
HBO Max
Warner Bros. Discovery's comprehensive streaming platform with vast content library.
Viewers wanting maximum content variety, HBO/DC fans, film enthusiasts, and those willing to pay premium prices for breadth
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryHBO Max offers substantially more content with 10,000+ titles compared to Apple TV+'s 2,500+ titles, making it better for variety, while Apple TV+ excels in award-winning original series and charges $9.99/month versus HBO Max's $16.99/month for ad-free access.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Apple TV+ if you prioritize critically acclaimed original series, want the lowest price point, and need to share access across many devices in a household. Choose HBO Max if you need a massive content library with 4x more titles, prefer established franchises and films, and value access to DC Universe content and HBO's prestige catalog despite the higher cost.
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A
Apple TV+
7.7/10
HBO Max
7.3/10
A
Choose Apple TV+ if
Best pickApple ecosystem users seeking premium original series at the lowest price, and families needing multiple simultaneous streams
Choose HBO Max if
Viewers wanting maximum content variety, HBO/DC fans, film enthusiasts, and those willing to pay premium prices for breadth
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Total Content Library Size:✓ HBO Max wins(10,000+ titles vs 2,500+ titles)
- Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free):✓ Apple TV+ wins($9.99 vs $16.99)
- Emmy Awards Won (2024):✓ HBO Max wins(156 Emmy nominations for originals vs 25 Emmy nominations for originals)
Key Facts & Figures
103 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Apple TV+ | HBO Max | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price(USD) | $99 | — | — |
| RAM Memory(GB) | 4GB | — | — |
| Storage(GB) | 64-128GB | — | — |
| Available Apps(count) | 5,000+ | — | — |
| Refresh Rate Support(fps) | 60fps | — | — |
| User Base (US)(percent) | 15% | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Content Library Size(titles) | ~2,500 titles | — | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2024)(awards) | 42 Emmy wins | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 6 simultaneous streams | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Free, Standard Plan)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Total Content Titles Available(titles) | 1,500+ | — | — |
| New Original Series (2026 Slate)(series) | 35+ | — | — |
| Average Title IMDb Rating(score) | 7.9/10 | — | — |
| 2025 Emmy Nominations(nominations) | 71 | — | — |
| Ad-Supported Plan Price(USD/month) | $5.99 | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(streams) | 2 | — | — |
| Original Cancellation Rate(percent) | 22% | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| 4K/HDR Content Coverage(percent of library) | 90% | — | — |
| 2024 Emmy Awards Won(awards) | 25 Emmy awards | — | — |
| Maximum Concurrent Streams(streams) | Up to 6 users (family sharing) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription (Standard Tier)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Ad-Supported Tier Price(USD/month) | $9.99/month | — | — |
| Total Content Titles(titles) | ~1,200 | 10,000+ | |
| Original Content Annual Budget(USD billions) | $2.5B | — | — |
| Global Subscriber Count(millions) | 25M | — | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2023-2024)(awards) | 25 Emmys | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) | $9.99/month | $16.99/month | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 6 (Premium) | 4 (Ad-Free) | |
| Annual Content Budget(USD billions) | $2.5B+ | — | — |
| 2024 Emmy Nominations(nominations) | 92 nominations | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Total Content Library(titles) | 600+ | — | — |
| Original Series Emmy Wins(awards) | 15 Emmy Awards | — | — |
| Average IMDb Rating of Originals(out of 10) | 8.2/10 | — | — |
| Children's Content Titles(titles) | ~300 titles | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $9.99/month | $7.99/month | |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) | $9.99/month | $19.99/month | |
| Emmy Awards Won (2020-2024)(awards) | 76 Emmy wins | 47 Emmy wins | |
| Original Series Released Per Year(series) | 25-30 series | 60-80 series | |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 90 days (with Apple One) | 7 days (with eligible payment method) | |
| Base Subscription Price (No Ads)(USD/month) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Total Content Library Size(titles) | 2,500+ | 10,000+ | |
| 2024 Emmy Awards(awards) | 16 Emmy Awards | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard Tier)(concurrent streams) | 6 streams | 4 | |
| Original Series/Films Per Year(new originals) | 120+ originals | — | — |
| Ads Per Hour (Ad-Supported Tier)(minutes) | 0 (no ads) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) | $11.99/month | — | — |
| Original Series Metacritic Average(score/100) | 73/100 | — | — |
| Global Subscribers(millions) | 25 million (Q3 2024) | — | — |
| Annual Bundle Savings vs Standalone(USD saved) | $20.88/year (Apple One) | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Original Series & Films(count) | ~280 originals | — | — |
| Emmy Awards (2023-2025)(awards) | 52 Emmys | — | — |
| Cheapest Tier Cost(USD) | $9.99/month or free (Apple One) | — | — |
| Average Rotten Tomatoes Score (Originals Only)(percent) | 88% | — | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2024-2025)(awards) | 52 | — | — |
| 4K HDR Content Available(titles) | 200+ | 450+ | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)(USD) | $9.99/month | — | — |
| Total Available Titles(titles) | ~2,500 | — | — |
| Original Emmy Nominations (All-Time)(nominations) | 169 total | — | — |
| Ad-Free Premium Tier Cost(USD/month) | $9.99/month (standard, no ads) | — | — |
| Film Catalog Size(titles) | 600+ | 4,000+ | |
| Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)(%) | 78% | 72% | |
| 2024 Emmy Nominations for Originals(nominations) | 25 | 156 | |
| Global Subscriber Base (2024)(millions) | 25 million | 52 million | |
| Annual Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) | $119.88 | $203.88 | |
| Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) | $19.99 | $19.99 | |
| Monthly Cost (With Ads)(USD) | $9.99 | $9.99 | |
| Total Titles Available(titles) | ~10,000 titles | ~10,000 titles | |
| Original Productions Per Year(productions) | 200+ originals | 200+ originals | |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $9.99/month | $9.99/month | |
| Premium Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $19.99/month | $19.99/month | |
| 4K Content Library(titles) | ~800 titles | ~800 titles | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Premium)(screens) | 4 screens | 4 screens | |
| 2024 Emmy Award Wins(awards) | 35 | 35 | |
| Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD/month) | $5.99 | $5.99 | |
| Premium Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD/month) | $19.99 | $19.99 | |
| Live TV Channels Included(channels) | 0 | 0 | |
| 2026 Emmy-Contending Series(count) | Hacks S5, Euphoria S3 | Hacks S5, Euphoria S3 | |
| Content Library Size (Estimated)(titles) | 12,000+ | 12,000+ | |
| Total Subscribers(millions) | HBO Max | HBO Max | |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) | HBO Max | HBO Max | |
| Basic Plan Price(USD/month) | HBO Max | HBO Max | |
| Number of Subscription Tiers(tiers) | HBO Max | HBO Max | |
| YoY Growth Rate (2024)(percent) | HBO Max | HBO Max | |
| Download Installs (2026)(millions) | HBO Max | HBO Max | |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) | $9.99 | $9.99 | |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) | $19.99 | $19.99 | |
| Original Series Library(series) | 450+ | 450+ | |
| Total Movie Library(titles) | 2,000+ | 2,000+ | |
| Offline Download Window(days) | 30 | 30 | |
| User Satisfaction Score(%) | 75% | 75% | |
| Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free)(USD) | $16.99 | $16.99 | |
| Original Series Emmy Nominations (2024)(nominations) | 38 | 38 | |
| 4K HDR Titles Available(titles) | 850+ | 850+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(devices) | 4 | 4 | |
| Ad-Supported Base Price(USD/month) | $9.99 | $9.99 | |
| Ad-Free Premium Price(USD/month) | $19.99 | $19.99 | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 0 channels | 0 channels | |
| Total Title Library(titles) | ~4,500 titles | ~4,500 titles | |
| Original Series Per Year(series) | 40+ prestige originals | 40+ prestige originals |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
AT
3Apple TV+HBO Max leads
Apple TV+
Attribute
HBO Max
- 2,500+ titlesTotal Content Library Size10,000+ titles(winner)
- $9.99(winner)Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)$16.99
- 25 Emmy nominations for originalsEmmy Awards Won (2024)156 Emmy nominations for originals(winner)
- Average Rotten Tomatoes 78%(winner)Original Series Quality (Critical Score)Average Rotten Tomatoes 72%
- 600+ filmsFilm Catalog Size4,000+ films(winner)
- 6 devices (Premium tier)(winner)Maximum Simultaneous Streams4 devices (ad-free tier)
- 25 millionSubscriber Base (2024)52 million(winner)
- Total Content Library Size
Apple TV+
2,500+ titles
HBO Max
10,000+ titles(winner)
- Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)
Apple TV+
$9.99(winner)
HBO Max
$16.99
- Emmy Awards Won (2024)
Apple TV+
25 Emmy nominations for originals
HBO Max
156 Emmy nominations for originals(winner)
- Original Series Quality (Critical Score)
Apple TV+
Average Rotten Tomatoes 78%(winner)
HBO Max
Average Rotten Tomatoes 72%
- Film Catalog Size
Apple TV+
600+ films
HBO Max
4,000+ films(winner)
- Maximum Simultaneous Streams
Apple TV+
6 devices (Premium tier)(winner)
HBO Max
4 devices (ad-free tier)
- Subscriber Base (2024)
Apple TV+
25 million
HBO Max
52 million(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Apple TV+ | HBO Max |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price(USD) | $99 | — |
| RAM Memory(GB) | 4GB | — |
| Storage(GB) | 64-128GB | — |
| Available Apps(count) | 5,000+ | — |
| Content Strategy Focus | Premium original programming | — |
| Content Library Size(titles) | ~2,500 titles | — |
| Annual Content Budget(USD billions) | $2.5B+ | — |
| Total Content Library(titles) | 600+ | — |
Show 14 more attributesChildren's Content Titles(titles) ~300 titles — Original Series Released Per Year(series) 25-30 series 60-80 series Total Content Library Size(titles) 2,500+ 10,000+ Original Series & Films(count) ~280 originals — Film Catalog Size(titles) 600+ 4,000+ Total Titles Available(titles) ~10,000 titles — Original Productions Per Year(productions) 200+ originals — International Original Series(count) Strong European focus — Live TV Channels Included(channels) 0 — Sports Content Availability None — Original Series (Top Tier) HBO Max — Original Series Library(series) 450+ — Total Movie Library(titles) 2,000+ — Live TV Channels(channels) 0 channels — | ||
| Maximum Resolution(pixels) | 4K (2160p) | — |
| Refresh Rate Support(fps) | 60fps | — |
| 4K/HDR Content Coverage(percent of library) | 90% | — |
| 4K Ultra HD Availability(plan(s) included) | All tiers included | — |
| 4K Content Titles(% of library) | ~70% of originals in 4K | — |
Show 3 more attributes4K HDR Titles Available(titles) 850+ — Maximum Video Resolution(pixels) 4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision — 4K Streaming Included(null) All plans — | ||
| Monthly Subscription Price (UK)(GBP) | £10.99 | — |
| Annual Cost for Single User(GBP) | £131.88 | — |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $9.99 | — |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Free, Standard Plan)(USD) | $9.99 | — |
| Ad-Supported Plan Price(USD/month) | $5.99 | — |
Show 29 more attributesMonthly Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) $9.99 — Free Tier Option Not available — Monthly Subscription (Standard Tier)(USD) $9.99 — Ad-Supported Tier Price(USD/month) $9.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) $9.99/month $16.99/month Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) $9.99 — Cheapest Ad-Supported Tier(USD/month) Not available — Monthly Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $9.99/month $7.99/month Monthly Price (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) $9.99/month $19.99/month Base Subscription Price (No Ads)(USD/month) $9.99 — Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) $11.99/month — Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) $9.99 — Budget Tier Cost(USD) N/A — Cheapest Tier Cost(USD) $9.99/month or free (Apple One) — Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)(USD) $9.99/month — Ad-Free Premium Tier Cost(USD/month) $9.99/month (standard, no ads) — Annual Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) $119.88 $203.88 Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) $19.99 — Monthly Cost (With Ads)(USD) $9.99 — Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) $9.99/month — Premium Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) $19.99/month — Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD/month) $5.99 — Premium Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD/month) $19.99 — Basic Plan Price(USD/month) HBO Max — Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) $9.99 — Monthly Price (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) $19.99 — Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free)(USD) $16.99 — Ad-Supported Base Price(USD/month) $9.99 — Ad-Free Premium Price(USD/month) $19.99 — | ||
| Subscriber Base(millions) | ~140-149 million (2026 projection) | — |
| Revenue (Latest Full Year)(billions USD) | Part of $28.75B Services (FY2025) | — |
| YoY Revenue Growth Rate(percent) | 15% (Apple Services FY2025) | — |
| Operating Margin Target 2026(percent) | Not disclosed | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) | HBO Max | — |
| Ecosystem Integration | Deep Apple device integration | — |
| Wireless Standard | WiFi 6E (802.11ax) | — |
| User Base (US)(percent) | 15% | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2024)(awards) | 42 Emmy wins | — |
| Average Rotten Tomatoes Score (Originals Only)(percent) | 88% | — |
| 4K HDR Content Available(titles) | 200+ | 450+(winner) |
| Original Emmy Nominations (All-Time)(nominations) | 169 total | — |
| 4K Content Library(titles) | ~800 titles | — |
Show 3 more attributes2024 Emmy Award Wins(awards) 35 — 2026 Emmy-Contending Series(count) Hacks S5, Euphoria S3 — Original Series Emmy Nominations (2024)(nominations) 38 — | ||
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 6 simultaneous streams | — |
| Offline Download Support | Yes (standard) | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(streams) | 2 | — |
| Next-Day TV Episode Access | Not available | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 6 (Premium)(winner) | 4 (Ad-Free) |
Show 12 more attributesLive TV Option Available(yes/no) No — Offline Download Capability Full library on all devices Limited to select titles only Simultaneous Streams (Standard Tier)(concurrent streams) 6 streams 4 Offline Download Feature(null) Yes (all plans) — Live TV Availability(channels) Not available — Password Sharing Outside Household Allowed with flexibility — Gaming Features Integrated Limited — Download Availability (Offline) Available on premium plans — Simultaneous Streams (Premium)(screens) 4 screens — Live Sports Availability Yes (via Max Sports add-on) — Offline Download Window(days) 30 — Next-Day Network TV Episodes(null) Not available — | ||
| Total Content Titles Available(titles) | 1,500+ | — |
| New Original Series (2026 Slate)(series) | 35+ | — |
| Total Content Titles(titles) | ~1,200 | 10,000+(winner) |
| Total Available Titles(titles) | ~2,500 | — |
| Total Title Library(titles) | ~4,500 titles | — |
| Average Title IMDb Rating(score) | 7.9/10 | — |
| 2024 Emmy Nominations(nominations) | 92 nominations | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2020-2024)(awards) | 76 Emmy wins(winner) | 47 Emmy wins |
| Original Series Metacritic Average(score/100) | 73/100 | — |
| Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)(%) | 78%(winner) | 72% |
| 2025 Emmy Nominations(nominations) | 71 | — |
| 2024 Emmy Nominations for Originals(nominations) | 25 | 156(winner) |
| Original Cancellation Rate(percent) | 22% | — |
| Live Sports Availability | None | — |
| 2024 Emmy Awards Won(awards) | 25 Emmy awards | — |
| Maximum Concurrent Streams(streams) | Up to 6 users (family sharing) | — |
| Original Content Annual Budget(USD billions) | $2.5B | — |
| Original Series/Films Per Year(new originals) | 120+ originals | — |
| Original Series Per Year(series) | 40+ prestige originals | — |
| Global Subscriber Count(millions) | 25M | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2023-2024)(awards) | 25 Emmys | — |
| Emmy Awards (2023-2025)(awards) | 52 Emmys | — |
| Device Platform Support | iOS, macOS, tvOS, web, Android, Fire TV, Roku (all major platforms supported) | — |
| Supported Devices(platforms) | Apple devices, web, select smart TVs | 150+ devices including Fire, Roku, gaming consoles, smart TVs |
| Video Quality Support(max resolution) | 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos | — |
| Next-Day TV Show Episodes(available) | No (weekly releases) | — |
| Original Series Emmy Wins(awards) | 15 Emmy Awards | — |
| Average IMDb Rating of Originals(out of 10) | 8.2/10 | — |
| Exclusive Marvel/Star Wars Content(availability) | None (limited original series) | — |
| Maximum Video Quality | 4K HDR + Dolby Atmos | 4K HDR + Dolby Atmos |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 90 days (with Apple One)(winner) | 7 days (with eligible payment method) |
| 2024 Emmy Awards(awards) | 16 Emmy Awards | — |
| Ads Per Hour (Ad-Supported Tier)(minutes) | 0 (no ads) | — |
| Global Subscribers(millions) | 25 million (Q3 2024) | — |
| Total Subscribers(millions) | HBO Max | — |
| Annual Bundle Savings vs Standalone(USD saved) | $20.88/year (Apple One) | — |
| Bundle Inclusions | Discovery+ integration only | — |
| Live Sports Coverage(sports leagues) | None | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2024-2025)(awards) | 52 | — |
| Global Subscriber Base (2024)(millions) | 25 million | 52 million |
| Free Tier Available(yes/no) | No | — |
| Day-and-Date Theatrical Releases | Yes (Warner Bros. films) | — |
| Same-Day Theatrical Releases | All Warner Bros. theatrical | — |
| Content Library Size (Estimated)(titles) | 12,000+ | — |
| Number of Subscription Tiers(tiers) | HBO Max | — |
| YoY Growth Rate (2024)(percent) | HBO Max | — |
| Target Audience | HBO Max | — |
| Download Installs (2026)(millions) | HBO Max | — |
| User Satisfaction Score(%) | 75% | — |
| Audio Quality (Maximum)(channels) | Dolby Atmos (5.1.4 surround) | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(devices) | 4 | — |
| Live Sports Content(text) | Minimal (occasional boxing/WWE) | — |
AApple TV+
HBO MaxStarting Price(USD)
$99
—
RAM Memory(GB)
4GB
—
Storage(GB)
64-128GB
—
Available Apps(count)
5,000+
—
Content Strategy Focus
Premium original programming
—
Content Library Size(titles)
~2,500 titles
—
Annual Content Budget(USD billions)
$2.5B+
—
Total Content Library(titles)
600+
—
Show 14 more attributes
Children's Content Titles(titles)
~300 titles
—
Original Series Released Per Year(series)
25-30 series
60-80 series
Total Content Library Size(titles)
2,500+
10,000+
Original Series & Films(count)
~280 originals
—
Film Catalog Size(titles)
600+
4,000+
Total Titles Available(titles)
~10,000 titles
—
Original Productions Per Year(productions)
200+ originals
—
International Original Series(count)
Strong European focus
—
Live TV Channels Included(channels)
0
—
Sports Content Availability
None
—
Original Series (Top Tier)
HBO Max
—
Original Series Library(series)
450+
—
Total Movie Library(titles)
2,000+
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
0 channels
—
Maximum Resolution(pixels)
4K (2160p)
—
Refresh Rate Support(fps)
60fps
—
4K/HDR Content Coverage(percent of library)
90%
—
4K Ultra HD Availability(plan(s) included)
All tiers included
—
4K Content Titles(% of library)
~70% of originals in 4K
—
Show 3 more attributes
4K HDR Titles Available(titles)
850+
—
Maximum Video Resolution(pixels)
4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision
—
4K Streaming Included(null)
All plans
—
Monthly Subscription Price (UK)(GBP)
£10.99
—
Annual Cost for Single User(GBP)
£131.88
—
Monthly Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD)
$9.99
—
Monthly Price (Ad-Free, Standard Plan)(USD)
$9.99
—
Ad-Supported Plan Price(USD/month)
$5.99
—
Show 29 more attributes
Monthly Cost (Ad-Free)(USD)
$9.99
—
Free Tier Option
Not available
—
Monthly Subscription (Standard Tier)(USD)
$9.99
—
Ad-Supported Tier Price(USD/month)
$9.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)(USD)
$9.99/month
$16.99/month
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD)
$9.99
—
Cheapest Ad-Supported Tier(USD/month)
Not available
—
Monthly Price (Lowest Tier)(USD)
$9.99/month
$7.99/month
Monthly Price (Ad-Free Tier)(USD)
$9.99/month
$19.99/month
Base Subscription Price (No Ads)(USD/month)
$9.99
—
Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free Tier)(USD)
$11.99/month
—
Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Tier)(USD)
$9.99
—
Budget Tier Cost(USD)
N/A
—
Cheapest Tier Cost(USD)
$9.99/month or free (Apple One)
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)(USD)
$9.99/month
—
Ad-Free Premium Tier Cost(USD/month)
$9.99/month (standard, no ads)
—
Annual Cost (Ad-Free)(USD)
$119.88
$203.88
Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Premium)(USD)
$19.99
—
Monthly Cost (With Ads)(USD)
$9.99
—
Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD)
$9.99/month
—
Premium Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD)
$19.99/month
—
Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD/month)
$5.99
—
Premium Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD/month)
$19.99
—
Basic Plan Price(USD/month)
HBO Max
—
Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD)
$9.99
—
Monthly Price (Ad-Free Premium)(USD)
$19.99
—
Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free)(USD)
$16.99
—
Ad-Supported Base Price(USD/month)
$9.99
—
Ad-Free Premium Price(USD/month)
$19.99
—
Subscriber Base(millions)
~140-149 million (2026 projection)
—
Revenue (Latest Full Year)(billions USD)
Part of $28.75B Services (FY2025)
—
YoY Revenue Growth Rate(percent)
15% (Apple Services FY2025)
—
Operating Margin Target 2026(percent)
Not disclosed
—
Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD)
HBO Max
—
Ecosystem Integration
Deep Apple device integration
—
Wireless Standard
WiFi 6E (802.11ax)
—
User Base (US)(percent)
15%
—
Emmy Awards Won (2024)(awards)
42 Emmy wins
—
Average Rotten Tomatoes Score (Originals Only)(percent)
88%
—
4K HDR Content Available(titles)
200+
450+
Original Emmy Nominations (All-Time)(nominations)
169 total
—
4K Content Library(titles)
~800 titles
—
Show 3 more attributes
2024 Emmy Award Wins(awards)
35
—
2026 Emmy-Contending Series(count)
Hacks S5, Euphoria S3
—
Original Series Emmy Nominations (2024)(nominations)
38
—
Simultaneous Streams(streams)
6 simultaneous streams
—
Offline Download Support
Yes (standard)
—
Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(streams)
2
—
Next-Day TV Episode Access
Not available
—
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices)
6 (Premium)
4 (Ad-Free)
Show 12 more attributes
Live TV Option Available(yes/no)
No
—
Offline Download Capability
Full library on all devices
Limited to select titles only
Simultaneous Streams (Standard Tier)(concurrent streams)
6 streams
4
Offline Download Feature(null)
Yes (all plans)
—
Live TV Availability(channels)
Not available
—
Password Sharing Outside Household
Allowed with flexibility
—
Gaming Features Integrated
Limited
—
Download Availability (Offline)
Available on premium plans
—
Simultaneous Streams (Premium)(screens)
4 screens
—
Live Sports Availability
Yes (via Max Sports add-on)
—
Offline Download Window(days)
30
—
Next-Day Network TV Episodes(null)
Not available
—
Total Content Titles Available(titles)
1,500+
—
New Original Series (2026 Slate)(series)
35+
—
Total Content Titles(titles)
~1,200
10,000+
Total Available Titles(titles)
~2,500
—
Total Title Library(titles)
~4,500 titles
—
Average Title IMDb Rating(score)
7.9/10
—
2024 Emmy Nominations(nominations)
92 nominations
—
Emmy Awards Won (2020-2024)(awards)
76 Emmy wins
47 Emmy wins
Original Series Metacritic Average(score/100)
73/100
—
Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)(%)
78%
72%
2025 Emmy Nominations(nominations)
71
—
2024 Emmy Nominations for Originals(nominations)
25
156
Original Cancellation Rate(percent)
22%
—
Live Sports Availability
None
—
2024 Emmy Awards Won(awards)
25 Emmy awards
—
Maximum Concurrent Streams(streams)
Up to 6 users (family sharing)
—
Original Content Annual Budget(USD billions)
$2.5B
—
Original Series/Films Per Year(new originals)
120+ originals
—
Original Series Per Year(series)
40+ prestige originals
—
Global Subscriber Count(millions)
25M
—
Emmy Awards Won (2023-2024)(awards)
25 Emmys
—
Emmy Awards (2023-2025)(awards)
52 Emmys
—
Device Platform Support
iOS, macOS, tvOS, web, Android, Fire TV, Roku (all major platforms supported)
—
Supported Devices(platforms)
Apple devices, web, select smart TVs
150+ devices including Fire, Roku, gaming consoles, smart TVs
Video Quality Support(max resolution)
4K HDR, Dolby Atmos
—
Next-Day TV Show Episodes(available)
No (weekly releases)
—
Original Series Emmy Wins(awards)
15 Emmy Awards
—
Average IMDb Rating of Originals(out of 10)
8.2/10
—
Exclusive Marvel/Star Wars Content(availability)
None (limited original series)
—
Maximum Video Quality
4K HDR + Dolby Atmos
4K HDR + Dolby Atmos
Free Trial Duration(days)
90 days (with Apple One)
7 days (with eligible payment method)
2024 Emmy Awards(awards)
16 Emmy Awards
—
Ads Per Hour (Ad-Supported Tier)(minutes)
0 (no ads)
—
Global Subscribers(millions)
25 million (Q3 2024)
—
Total Subscribers(millions)
HBO Max
—
Annual Bundle Savings vs Standalone(USD saved)
$20.88/year (Apple One)
—
Bundle Inclusions
Discovery+ integration only
—
Live Sports Coverage(sports leagues)
None
—
Emmy Awards Won (2024-2025)(awards)
52
—
Global Subscriber Base (2024)(millions)
25 million
52 million
Free Tier Available(yes/no)
No
—
Day-and-Date Theatrical Releases
Yes (Warner Bros. films)
—
Same-Day Theatrical Releases
All Warner Bros. theatrical
—
Content Library Size (Estimated)(titles)
12,000+
—
Number of Subscription Tiers(tiers)
HBO Max
—
YoY Growth Rate (2024)(percent)
HBO Max
—
Target Audience
HBO Max
—
Download Installs (2026)(millions)
HBO Max
—
User Satisfaction Score(%)
75%
—
Audio Quality (Maximum)(channels)
Dolby Atmos (5.1.4 surround)
—
Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(devices)
4
—
Live Sports Content(text)
Minimal (occasional boxing/WWE)
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
AT
AT
Apple TV+
+5-3
Pros
- Lowest subscription cost at $9.99/month with no ads
- Highest critical quality rating with 78% average Rotten Tomatoes score for originals
- Includes access with Apple One bundle (saves $6-17/month)
- Supports up to 6 simultaneous streams on Premium tier
- Strong emphasis on prestige dramas like Severance, The Morning Show, and Ted Lasso
Cons
- Only 2,500+ total titles (70% smaller library than HBO Max)
- Limited film selection with just 600+ movies
- Weaker sports and documentary programming compared to competitors
HBO Max
+5-3
Pros
- Massive 10,000+ title library providing unmatched content variety
- 4,000+ films including entire HBO film catalog and Warner Bros. releases
- Exclusive access to HBO prestige programming (Chernobyl, The White Lotus, Succession)
- Complete DC Universe movie and show access
- 156 Emmy nominations in 2024 for originals, highest among streamers
Cons
- Ad-free tier costs $16.99/month (71% more expensive than Apple TV+)
- Only 4 simultaneous streams on ad-free plan versus Apple's 6
- Lower critical quality average (72%) suggests less consistent original series quality
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
HBO Max costs $84 more per year but provides 4x the content library, 4,000+ films, DC Universe access, and HBO prestige programming. It's worth the extra cost if you enjoy diverse content, films, and established franchises. Apple TV+ is better if you primarily watch prestige originals and want the lowest price.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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