entertainment
HBO Max vs Hulu 2026: Pricing, 4K & Live TV
HBO Max excels with premium HBO/Warner Bros. content and 4K streaming on all plans, while Hulu offers more diverse general entertainment with the cheapest ad-supported tier at $7.99/month and superior live TV integration.
HBO Max
Warner Bros. Discovery's premium streaming service featuring HBO originals, blockbuster films, and DC content.
Film enthusiasts, HBO fans, prestige drama lovers, and anyone wanting 4K without paying premium prices
Score71%
VS
Hulu
Streaming platform with 10,000+ on-demand titles and limited live TV options.
Cord-cutters wanting live TV, network TV enthusiasts, comedy fans, and budget-conscious viewers seeking affordable entry
Score71%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryHBO Max excels with premium HBO/Warner Bros. content and 4K streaming on all plans, while Hulu offers more diverse general entertainment with the cheapest ad-supported tier at $7.99/month and superior live TV integration.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose HBO Max if you prioritize premium cinema-quality content, prestige dramas, and 4K streaming on your budget plan—it's ideal for cinephiles and HBO devotees. Choose Hulu if you want affordable entry-level streaming with live TV access, diverse general entertainment, and access to next-day network TV episodes from ABC, Fox, and NBC.
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HBO Max
7.5/10
Hulu
7.5/10
TIE — neck and neck
Choose HBO Max if
Film enthusiasts, HBO fans, prestige drama lovers, and anyone wanting 4K without paying premium prices
Choose Hulu if
Cord-cutters wanting live TV, network TV enthusiasts, comedy fans, and budget-conscious viewers seeking affordable entry
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Starting Price (Ad-Supported):✓ Hulu wins($7.99/month vs $9.99/month)
- 4K Streaming Availability:✓ HBO Max wins(All plans included vs Premium plan only ($24.99/month))
- Live TV Channels:✓ Hulu wins(90+ channels (with Live TV add-on) vs 0 channels)
Key Facts & Figures
107 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | HBO Max | Hulu | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) | $19.99 | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (With Ads)(USD) | $9.99 | — | — |
| Total Content Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | — | — |
| Total Titles Available(titles) | ~10,000 titles | — | — |
| Original Productions Per Year(productions) | 200+ originals | — | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $9.99/month | — | — |
| Premium Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $19.99/month | — | — |
| 4K Content Library(titles) | ~800 titles | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Premium)(screens) | 4 screens | — | — |
| 2024 Emmy Award Wins(awards) | 35 | — | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(screens) | 4 streams | 2 | |
| Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD/month) | $5.99 | $7.99 | |
| Premium Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD/month) | $19.99 | $14.99 | |
| Live TV Channels Included(channels) | 0 | 75+ | |
| 2026 Emmy-Contending Series(count) | Hacks S5, Euphoria S3 | Tell Me Lies (7.2 rating) | |
| Content Library Size (Estimated)(titles) | 12,000+ | 15,000+ | |
| Total Subscribers(millions) | HBO Max | — | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) | HBO Max | — | — |
| Basic Plan Price(USD/month) | HBO Max | $7.99 | |
| Number of Subscription Tiers(tiers) | HBO Max | — | — |
| YoY Growth Rate (2024)(percent) | HBO Max | — | — |
| Download Installs (2026)(millions) | HBO Max | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) | $9.99 | $7.99 | |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) | $19.99 | — | — |
| Original Series Library(series) | 450+ | 450+ | |
| Total Movie Library(titles) | 2,000+ | — | — |
| 4K/HDR Content Available(percentage) | 450+ | 72% of library | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard Tier)(concurrent streams) | 4 | 2 screens | |
| Offline Download Window(days) | 30 | — | — |
| User Satisfaction Score(%) | 75% | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free)(USD) | $16.99 | — | — |
| Total Content Library Size(titles) | 3,900+ | ~10,000+ | |
| Original Series Emmy Nominations (2024)(nominations) | 38 | — | — |
| 4K HDR Titles Available(titles) | 850+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(devices) | 4 | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $7.99/month | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) | $19.99/month | — | — |
| Emmy Awards Won (2020-2024)(awards) | 47 Emmy wins | — | — |
| Original Series Released Per Year(series) | 60-80 series | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days (with eligible payment method) | — | — |
| Ad-Supported Base Price(USD/month) | $9.99 | $7.99 | |
| Ad-Free Premium Price(USD/month) | $19.99 | $24.99 | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 0 channels | 85+ | |
| Total Title Library(titles) | ~4,500 titles | ~2,500 titles | |
| Original Series Per Year(series) | 40+ prestige originals | 25+ diverse originals | |
| Subscribers | 50M+ | 50M+ | |
| Content Budget(USD/year) | $2.5 Billion | $2.5 Billion | |
| Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $17.99 | $17.99 | |
| Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)(USD per month) | $44.99 (with ESPN Unlimited) | $44.99 (with ESPN Unlimited) | |
| Simultaneous Stream Devices(devices) | 2-4 devices | 2-4 devices | |
| Watch Party Maximum Participants(people) | 8 participants (Watch Party) | 8 participants (Watch Party) | |
| App Merger Timeline(year) | Early 2026 | Early 2026 | |
| Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD per month) | $7.99 | $7.99 | |
| Premium Subscription Price (No Ads)(USD per month) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Original Series Count(active) | 60+ | 60+ | |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 7 days | 7 days | |
| Total Content Library Size(titles) | 20,000+ | 20,000+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(count) | 4 simultaneous | 4 simultaneous | |
| Theatrical Release Window(months) | 120 days standard | 120 days standard | |
| Global Subscribers(millions) | 50+ million | 50+ million | |
| Content Library Size(titles) | 4,000+ titles | 4,000+ titles | |
| Premium Ad-Free Plan(USD/month) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Original Content Awards(Emmy nominations) | 120+ nominations | 120+ nominations | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(screens) | 2 screens | 2 screens | |
| User Satisfaction Score(%) | 76% | 76% | |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) | $5.99 | $5.99 | |
| Monthly Price (Premium/Ad-Free)(USD) | $11.99 | $11.99 | |
| Paying Subscribers (2026)(millions) | 55+ million | 55+ million | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 75+ channels | 75+ channels | |
| Standalone Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) | $11.99/month | $11.99/month | |
| Standalone Monthly Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $19.99/month | $19.99/month | |
| Bundle Price (Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+)(USD) | $19.99/month (included) | $19.99/month (included) | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Tier)(USD) | $7.99 | $7.99 | |
| Monthly Cost (Premium/Ad-Free Tier)(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Live TV Base Plan Cost(USD/month) | $46-$65 | $46-$65 | |
| Live TV Channels (Standard Plan)(channels) | 75+ | 75+ | |
| On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) | 10,000+ | 10,000+ | |
| User Profiles Per Account(profiles) | 6 | 6 | |
| Premium Tier Monthly Price(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Maximum User Profiles(profiles) | 6 | 6 | |
| TV Episode Next-Day Availability(hours after air) | Same-day/next-day (typically 8-24 hours) | Same-day/next-day (typically 8-24 hours) | |
| Hulu + Live TV / All-In Bundle Cost(USD/month) | $119.99 (with ads, includes Disney+ & ESPN+) | $119.99 (with ads, includes Disney+ & ESPN+) | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Annual Content Budget(USD billions) | $2.7B | $2.7B | |
| 2024 Emmy Nominations(nominations) | 32 nominations | 32 nominations | |
| Original Series Produced Annually(series) | 95+ | 95+ | |
| Live TV Channels (with Live Bundle)(channels) | 90+ | 90+ | |
| Same-Day TV Episode Coverage(percent of shows) | 95% | 95% | |
| Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Live TV Channels (with Live TV Plan)(count) | 90+ channels | 90+ channels | |
| Original Series (2024-2025)(major titles) | 38+ | 38+ | |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 30 days (varies by plan) | 30 days (varies by plan) | |
| Monthly Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Premium)(screens) | 2 | 2 | |
| Average Monthly Ad Load (Ad-Supported)(minutes per hour) | 4-6 minutes | 4-6 minutes | |
| Current-Season TV Episodes Access(days after air date) | Next-day (24 hours) | Next-day (24 hours) | |
| Ad-Supported Monthly Price(USD) | $7.99 | $7.99 | |
| Premium Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 | |
| Total Content Library(titles) | 8,500+ | 8,500+ | |
| Original Series Released Annually(series) | 85+ | 85+ | |
| Global Subscriber Base(millions) | 57 million | 57 million | |
| Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) | $7.99 | $7.99 | |
| On-Demand Content Library(titles) | 10,000+ | 10,000+ | |
| Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | 50 hours | 50 hours | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 days | 7 days | |
| Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $14.99 | $14.99 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
HBO Max leads1 tie
HBO Max
Attribute
Hulu
- $9.99/monthStarting Price (Ad-Supported)$7.99/month(winner)
- All plans included(winner)4K Streaming AvailabilityPremium plan only ($24.99/month)
- 0 channelsLive TV Channels90+ channels (with Live TV add-on)(winner)
- 40+ prestige HBO originals annually(winner)Original Series (2024-2025)25+ diverse originals annually
- ~4,500 titles (premium films)(winner)Movie Library Size~2,500 titles (broader variety)
- 4 streams (ad-free plan)Simultaneous Streams2 streams (Standard), 4 (Premium)
- $19.99/month(winner)Ad-Free Monthly Cost$24.99/month
- Starting Price (Ad-Supported)
HBO Max
$9.99/month
Hulu
$7.99/month(winner)
- 4K Streaming Availability
HBO Max
All plans included(winner)
Hulu
Premium plan only ($24.99/month)
- Live TV Channels
HBO Max
0 channels
Hulu
90+ channels (with Live TV add-on)(winner)
- Original Series (2024-2025)
HBO Max
40+ prestige HBO originals annually(winner)
Hulu
25+ diverse originals annually
- Movie Library Size
HBO Max
~4,500 titles (premium films)(winner)
Hulu
~2,500 titles (broader variety)
- Simultaneous Streams
HBO Max
4 streams (ad-free plan)
Hulu
2 streams (Standard), 4 (Premium)
- Ad-Free Monthly Cost
HBO Max
$19.99/month(winner)
Hulu
$24.99/month
Full Comparison
| Attribute | HBO Max | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) | $19.99 | — |
| Monthly Cost (With Ads)(USD) | $9.99 | — |
| Free Tier Available | No | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $9.99/month | — |
| Premium Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $19.99/month | — |
Show 33 more attributesBase Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD/month) $5.99 $7.99 Premium Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD/month) $19.99 $14.99 Basic Plan Price(USD/month) HBO Max $7.99 Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) $9.99 $7.99 Monthly Price (Ad-Free Premium)(USD) $19.99 — Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free)(USD) $16.99 — Monthly Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $7.99/month — Monthly Price (Ad-Free Tier)(USD) $19.99/month — Ad-Supported Base Price(USD/month) $9.99 $7.99 Ad-Free Premium Price(USD/month) $19.99 $24.99 Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)(USD per month) $44.99 (with ESPN Unlimited) — Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD per month) $7.99 — Premium Subscription Price (No Ads)(USD per month) $14.99 — Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) $14.99 — Premium Ad-Free Plan(USD/month) $14.99 — Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) $5.99 — Monthly Price (Premium/Ad-Free)(USD) $11.99 — Standalone Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) $11.99/month — Standalone Monthly Price (Ad-Free)(USD) $19.99/month — Bundle Price (Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+)(USD) $19.99/month (included) — Monthly Cost (Base Tier)(USD) $7.99 — Monthly Cost (Premium/Ad-Free Tier)(USD) $14.99 — Live TV Base Plan Cost(USD/month) $46-$65 — Premium Tier Monthly Price(USD) $14.99 — Hulu + Live TV / All-In Bundle Cost(USD/month) $119.99 (with ads, includes Disney+ & ESPN+) — Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)(USD) $14.99 — Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) $14.99 — Free Trial Period(days) 30 days (varies by plan) — Monthly Price (Ad-Free)(USD) $14.99 — Ad-Supported Monthly Price(USD) $7.99 — Premium Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) $14.99 — Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) $7.99 — Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) $14.99 — | ||
| Total Content Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | — |
| Total Title Library(titles) | ~4,500 titles(winner) | ~2,500 titles |
| Original Series (2024-2025)(major titles) | 38+ | — |
| 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 | 75+(winner) |
| Sports Content Availability | None | ESPN+ with premium sports |
Show 20 more attributesOriginal Series (Top Tier) HBO Max — Original Series Library(series) 450+ 450+ Total Movie Library(titles) 2,000+ — Total Content Library Size(titles) 3,900+ ~10,000+ Original Series Released Per Year(series) 60-80 series — Live TV Channels(channels) 0 channels 85+ Sports Content Coverage(categories) Limited (select events only) — Original Series Count(active) 60+ — Total Content Library Size(titles) 20,000+ — Theatrical Release Window(months) 120 days standard — Content Library Size(titles) 4,000+ titles — Exclusive Sports Rights Via ESPN+ partnership — Current TV Episode Availability Next-day episodes of current shows — On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) 10,000+ — Annual Content Budget(USD billions) $2.7B — Original Series Produced Annually(series) 95+ — Same-Day TV Episode Coverage(percent of shows) 95% — Total Content Library(titles) 8,500+ — Original Series Released Annually(series) 85+ — On-Demand Content Library(titles) 10,000+ — | ||
| 4K Content Library(titles) | ~800 titles | — |
| 2024 Emmy Award Wins(awards) | 35 | — |
| 2026 Emmy-Contending Series(count) | Hacks S5, Euphoria S3(winner) | Tell Me Lies (7.2 rating) |
| Original Series Emmy Nominations (2024)(nominations) | 38 | — |
| Original Content Awards(Emmy nominations) | 120+ nominations | — |
| 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) | — |
Show 27 more attributesMaximum Simultaneous Streams(screens) 4 streams 2 Simultaneous Streams (Standard Tier)(concurrent streams) 4 2 screens Offline Download Window(days) 30 — Offline Download Capability Limited to select titles only — Next-Day Network TV Episodes(null) Not available ABC, Fox, NBC shows included Simultaneous Stream Devices(devices) 2-4 devices — Live TV Access(availability) Available with bundles — Free Trial Period(days) 7 days — Live TV Option(available) Yes (Hulu+Live TV) — Simultaneous Streams(count) 4 simultaneous — Mobile Download Feature(yes/no) Yes — Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(screens) 2 screens — Live TV Channels(channels) 75+ channels — Bundle Options Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu — Watch Party Co-Viewing Feature Included (Hulu Watch Party) — Maximum User Profiles(profiles) 6 — Live TV Option Available(yes/no) Yes (add-on: $14.99/mo) — Live TV Channels (with Live Bundle)(channels) 90+ — Offline Download Support Premium tier only — Live TV Channels (with Live TV Plan)(count) 90+ channels — Disney Bundle Compatibility Yes ($14.99/month with Disney+/ESPN+) — Simultaneous Streams (Premium)(screens) 2 — Current-Season TV Episodes Access(days after air date) Next-day (24 hours) — Next-Day TV Episode Access Available (select shows) — Live TV Option Available ($76.99/month add-on) — Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) 50 hours — 4K Streaming Support No — | ||
| Day-and-Date Theatrical Releases | Yes (Warner Bros. films) | — |
| Maximum Video Quality | 4K HDR + Dolby Atmos | — |
| Bundle Inclusions | Discovery+ integration only | Disney+, ESPN+, FX content |
| Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $17.99 | — |
| Same-Day Theatrical Releases | All Warner Bros. theatrical | Limited |
| Content Library Size (Estimated)(titles) | 12,000+ | 15,000+(winner) |
| Total Subscribers(millions) | HBO Max | — |
| Paying Subscribers (2026)(millions) | 55+ million | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) | HBO Max | — |
| Number of Subscription Tiers(tiers) | HBO Max | — |
| YoY Growth Rate (2024)(percent) | HBO Max | — |
| Target Audience | HBO Max | — |
| Download Installs (2026)(millions) | HBO Max | — |
| 4K/HDR Content Available(percentage) | 450+(winner) | 72% of library |
| Emmy Awards Won (2020-2024)(awards) | 47 Emmy wins | — |
| 4K Content Available(yes/no) | Yes (premium tier) | — |
| Dolby Atmos Support(yes/no) | Yes | — |
| User Satisfaction Score(%) | 75% | — |
| User Satisfaction Score(%) | 76% | — |
| Content Discovery Usability | Easier to browse and find content | — |
| 4K HDR Titles Available(titles) | 850+ | — |
| Maximum Video Resolution(pixels) | 4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision | — |
| 4K Streaming Included(null) | All plans | Premium plan only |
| 4K Content Availability(availability level) | Limited, mostly HD | — |
| 4K/HDR Support | Yes, on Premium | — |
| Audio Quality (Maximum)(channels) | Dolby Atmos (5.1.4 surround) | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(devices) | 4 | — |
| Live Sports Content(text) | Minimal (occasional boxing/WWE) | — |
| Supported Devices(platforms) | 150+ devices including Fire, Roku, gaming consoles, smart TVs | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days (with eligible payment method) | — |
| Original Series Per Year(series) | 40+ prestige originals(winner) | 25+ diverse originals |
| Subscribers | 50M+ | — |
| Content Budget(USD/year) | $2.5 Billion | — |
| Watch Party Maximum Participants(people) | 8 participants (Watch Party) | — |
| App Merger Timeline(year) | Early 2026 | — |
| Nielsen Rankings (Jan 2026)(position) | Top 3 among streamers | — |
| Global Subscribers(millions) | 50+ million | — |
| Content Engagement vs Traditional(%) | Industry standard | — |
| Mobile-First Features | Standard mobile app | — |
| Merger/Platform Status (2026) | Standalone app ending, merging into Disney+ | — |
| Live TV Channels (Standard Plan)(channels) | 75+ | — |
| Cloud DVR Storage (Live TV)(storage) | Unlimited | — |
| User Profiles Per Account(profiles) | 6 | — |
| Same-Day TV Episode Releases(availability) | Yes (ABC, NBC, Fox, FX) | — |
| TV Episode Next-Day Availability(hours after air) | Same-day/next-day (typically 8-24 hours) | — |
| Integrated Non-Streaming Benefits | None | — |
| 2024 Emmy Nominations(nominations) | 32 nominations | — |
| Video Quality Support(max resolution) | 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos | — |
| Next-Day TV Show Episodes(available) | Yes (most series) | — |
| Average Monthly Ad Load (Ad-Supported)(minutes per hour) | 4-6 minutes | — |
| Global Subscriber Base(millions) | 57 million | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 days | — |
HBO MaxHuluMonthly Cost (Ad-Free Premium)(USD)
$19.99
—
Monthly Cost (With Ads)(USD)
$9.99
—
Free Tier Available
No
—
Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD)
$9.99/month
—
Premium Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD)
$19.99/month
—
Show 33 more attributes
Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD/month)
$5.99
$7.99
Premium Subscription Price (Ad-Free)(USD/month)
$19.99
$14.99
Basic Plan Price(USD/month)
HBO Max
$7.99
Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD)
$9.99
$7.99
Monthly Price (Ad-Free Premium)(USD)
$19.99
—
Monthly Subscription (Ad-Free)(USD)
$16.99
—
Monthly Price (Lowest Tier)(USD)
$7.99/month
—
Monthly Price (Ad-Free Tier)(USD)
$19.99/month
—
Ad-Supported Base Price(USD/month)
$9.99
$7.99
Ad-Free Premium Price(USD/month)
$19.99
$24.99
Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)(USD per month)
$44.99 (with ESPN Unlimited)
—
Base Subscription Price (Ad-Supported)(USD per month)
$7.99
—
Premium Subscription Price (No Ads)(USD per month)
$14.99
—
Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD)
$14.99
—
Premium Ad-Free Plan(USD/month)
$14.99
—
Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD)
$5.99
—
Monthly Price (Premium/Ad-Free)(USD)
$11.99
—
Standalone Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD)
$11.99/month
—
Standalone Monthly Price (Ad-Free)(USD)
$19.99/month
—
Bundle Price (Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+)(USD)
$19.99/month (included)
—
Monthly Cost (Base Tier)(USD)
$7.99
—
Monthly Cost (Premium/Ad-Free Tier)(USD)
$14.99
—
Live TV Base Plan Cost(USD/month)
$46-$65
—
Premium Tier Monthly Price(USD)
$14.99
—
Hulu + Live TV / All-In Bundle Cost(USD/month)
$119.99 (with ads, includes Disney+ & ESPN+)
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Ad-Free)(USD)
$14.99
—
Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD)
$14.99
—
Free Trial Period(days)
30 days (varies by plan)
—
Monthly Price (Ad-Free)(USD)
$14.99
—
Ad-Supported Monthly Price(USD)
$7.99
—
Premium Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD)
$14.99
—
Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD)
$7.99
—
Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD)
$14.99
—
Total Content Titles(titles)
10,000+
—
Total Title Library(titles)
~4,500 titles
~2,500 titles
Original Series (2024-2025)(major titles)
38+
—
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
75+
Sports Content Availability
None
ESPN+ with premium sports
Show 20 more attributes
Original Series (Top Tier)
HBO Max
—
Original Series Library(series)
450+
450+
Total Movie Library(titles)
2,000+
—
Total Content Library Size(titles)
3,900+
~10,000+
Original Series Released Per Year(series)
60-80 series
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
0 channels
85+
Sports Content Coverage(categories)
Limited (select events only)
—
Original Series Count(active)
60+
—
Total Content Library Size(titles)
20,000+
—
Theatrical Release Window(months)
120 days standard
—
Content Library Size(titles)
4,000+ titles
—
Exclusive Sports Rights
Via ESPN+ partnership
—
Current TV Episode Availability
Next-day episodes of current shows
—
On-Demand Content Library Size(titles)
10,000+
—
Annual Content Budget(USD billions)
$2.7B
—
Original Series Produced Annually(series)
95+
—
Same-Day TV Episode Coverage(percent of shows)
95%
—
Total Content Library(titles)
8,500+
—
Original Series Released Annually(series)
85+
—
On-Demand Content Library(titles)
10,000+
—
4K Content Library(titles)
~800 titles
—
2024 Emmy Award Wins(awards)
35
—
2026 Emmy-Contending Series(count)
Hacks S5, Euphoria S3
Tell Me Lies (7.2 rating)
Original Series Emmy Nominations (2024)(nominations)
38
—
Original Content Awards(Emmy nominations)
120+ nominations
—
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)
—
Show 27 more attributes
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(screens)
4 streams
2
Simultaneous Streams (Standard Tier)(concurrent streams)
4
2 screens
Offline Download Window(days)
30
—
Offline Download Capability
Limited to select titles only
—
Next-Day Network TV Episodes(null)
Not available
ABC, Fox, NBC shows included
Simultaneous Stream Devices(devices)
2-4 devices
—
Live TV Access(availability)
Available with bundles
—
Free Trial Period(days)
7 days
—
Live TV Option(available)
Yes (Hulu+Live TV)
—
Simultaneous Streams(count)
4 simultaneous
—
Mobile Download Feature(yes/no)
Yes
—
Simultaneous Streams (Standard)(screens)
2 screens
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
75+ channels
—
Bundle Options
Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu
—
Watch Party Co-Viewing Feature
Included (Hulu Watch Party)
—
Maximum User Profiles(profiles)
6
—
Live TV Option Available(yes/no)
Yes (add-on: $14.99/mo)
—
Live TV Channels (with Live Bundle)(channels)
90+
—
Offline Download Support
Premium tier only
—
Live TV Channels (with Live TV Plan)(count)
90+ channels
—
Disney Bundle Compatibility
Yes ($14.99/month with Disney+/ESPN+)
—
Simultaneous Streams (Premium)(screens)
2
—
Current-Season TV Episodes Access(days after air date)
Next-day (24 hours)
—
Next-Day TV Episode Access
Available (select shows)
—
Live TV Option
Available ($76.99/month add-on)
—
Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
50 hours
—
4K Streaming Support
No
—
Day-and-Date Theatrical Releases
Yes (Warner Bros. films)
—
Maximum Video Quality
4K HDR + Dolby Atmos
—
Bundle Inclusions
Discovery+ integration only
Disney+, ESPN+, FX content
Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD)
$17.99
—
Same-Day Theatrical Releases
All Warner Bros. theatrical
Limited
Content Library Size (Estimated)(titles)
12,000+
15,000+
Total Subscribers(millions)
HBO Max
—
Paying Subscribers (2026)(millions)
55+ million
—
Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD)
HBO Max
—
Number of Subscription Tiers(tiers)
HBO Max
—
YoY Growth Rate (2024)(percent)
HBO Max
—
Target Audience
HBO Max
—
Download Installs (2026)(millions)
HBO Max
—
4K/HDR Content Available(percentage)
450+
72% of library
Emmy Awards Won (2020-2024)(awards)
47 Emmy wins
—
4K Content Available(yes/no)
Yes (premium tier)
—
Dolby Atmos Support(yes/no)
Yes
—
User Satisfaction Score(%)
75%
—
User Satisfaction Score(%)
76%
—
Content Discovery Usability
Easier to browse and find content
—
4K HDR Titles Available(titles)
850+
—
Maximum Video Resolution(pixels)
4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision
—
4K Streaming Included(null)
All plans
Premium plan only
4K Content Availability(availability level)
Limited, mostly HD
—
4K/HDR Support
Yes, on Premium
—
Audio Quality (Maximum)(channels)
Dolby Atmos (5.1.4 surround)
—
Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)(devices)
4
—
Live Sports Content(text)
Minimal (occasional boxing/WWE)
—
Supported Devices(platforms)
150+ devices including Fire, Roku, gaming consoles, smart TVs
—
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days (with eligible payment method)
—
Original Series Per Year(series)
40+ prestige originals
25+ diverse originals
Subscribers
50M+
—
Content Budget(USD/year)
$2.5 Billion
—
Watch Party Maximum Participants(people)
8 participants (Watch Party)
—
App Merger Timeline(year)
Early 2026
—
Nielsen Rankings (Jan 2026)(position)
Top 3 among streamers
—
Global Subscribers(millions)
50+ million
—
Content Engagement vs Traditional(%)
Industry standard
—
Mobile-First Features
Standard mobile app
—
Merger/Platform Status (2026)
Standalone app ending, merging into Disney+
—
Live TV Channels (Standard Plan)(channels)
75+
—
Cloud DVR Storage (Live TV)(storage)
Unlimited
—
User Profiles Per Account(profiles)
6
—
Same-Day TV Episode Releases(availability)
Yes (ABC, NBC, Fox, FX)
—
TV Episode Next-Day Availability(hours after air)
Same-day/next-day (typically 8-24 hours)
—
Integrated Non-Streaming Benefits
None
—
2024 Emmy Nominations(nominations)
32 nominations
—
Video Quality Support(max resolution)
4K HDR, Dolby Atmos
—
Next-Day TV Show Episodes(available)
Yes (most series)
—
Average Monthly Ad Load (Ad-Supported)(minutes per hour)
4-6 minutes
—
Global Subscriber Base(millions)
57 million
—
Free Trial Length(days)
7 days
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
HBO Max
+5-2
Pros
- 4K UHD streaming included on all plans (not locked behind premium tier)
- Premium HBO original series: The Last of Us, True Detective, Succession, Mare of Easttown
- Extensive Warner Bros. film library: 100+ DC films, complete Studio Ghibli collection
- $9.99/month entry price with ads (competitive with industry)
- Max Originals increasingly prestigious: The White Lotus, Full Circle
Cons
- Zero live TV channels or sports programming integration
- Smaller overall content library (~4,500 titles) compared to Netflix (~5,500)
Hulu
+5-2
Pros
- Lowest entry price: $7.99/month ad-supported tier (most affordable major streamer)
- Next-day access to ABC, Fox, NBC shows—unique advantage for network TV viewers
- Live TV add-on ($90/month) provides 90+ channels: sports, news, entertainment
- Hulu Originals with strong reception: The Bear (Season 2: 96% Rotten Tomatoes), Only Murders in the Building
- Deep library of legacy content: 30 Rock, The Office, Parks & Rec, Cheers
Cons
- 4K streaming locked behind $24.99/month Premium plan (no 4K on cheaper tiers)
- Fewer prestige original series compared to HBO (25 vs 40+ annually)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
No. HBO Max includes 4K on all plans starting at $9.99/month, making it better for 4K content. Hulu only offers 4K on its $24.99/month Premium plan, so standard and ad-supported tiers are limited to 1080p resolution.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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