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HBO Max vs Apple TV+

HBO Max logo

HBO Max

Software

Stream iconic series, movies, and Max Originals

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Software

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: HBO Max three subscription tiers: Basic With Ads at 10.99 USD/month, Standard at 18.49 USD/month, Premium at 22.99 USD/month; Apple TV+ standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier
  • They diverge on capability: HBO Max covers Streaming, Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which HBO Max and Apple TV+ actually diverge.

Attributes where HBO Max and Apple TV+ differ
AttributeHBO MaxApple TV+
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web
Founded20202019

Identical on both: starting price ($9.99/month), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in HBO Max

  • Streaming
  • Profiles
  • HBO content
  • Max Originals
  • Mobile devices
  • Profile locks
  • Parental controls
  • PIN protection

Only in Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Apple devices
  • Family sharing controls
  • Parental restrictions
  • Apple ID security

Both cover

  • Downloads
  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Smart-tv support
  • Gaming-consoles support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

HBO Max

  • Premium streamingnot Apple TV+
  • HBO contentnot Apple TV+
  • Original seriesnot Apple TV+

Apple TV+

  • Original content streamingnot HBO Max
  • Family entertainmentnot HBO Max

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

HBO Max

  • Three subscription tiers: Basic With Ads at 10.99 USD/month, Standard at 18.49 USD/month, Premium at 22.99 USD/month
  • The cheapest tier is ad supported; ad-free viewing requires the Standard tier or above

Apple TV+

  • Standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier

Pricing, plan by plan

HBO Max

$9.99/month
  • With Ads$9.99/month
    • Full HD
    • Ad-supported
    • 2 devices
  • Ad-Free$15.99/month
    • Full HD
    • Ad-free
    • 2 devices
  • Ultimate Ad-Free$19.99/month
    • 4K UHD
    • Dolby Atmos
    • 4 devices

Apple TV+

$9.99/month
  • Apple TV+$9.99/month
    • All originals
    • 4K HDR
    • 6 family members

Which should you pick?

Choose HBO Max if

  • You need streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles.
  • You also want profiles.
HBO Max review

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.
Apple TV+ review

Questions people ask

Is HBO Max or Apple TV+ better?
Neither clearly leads. HBO Max starts at $9.99/month and Apple TV+ at $9.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, HBO Max or Apple TV+?
HBO Max starts at $9.99/month and Apple TV+ at $9.99/month.
Does HBO Max or Apple TV+ run on more platforms?
HBO Max runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
What is HBO Max best used for?
HBO Max is most often used for premium streaming, hbo content, original series. Of those, premium streaming and hbo content are not what Apple TV+ is typically brought in for.
What can HBO Max do that Apple TV+ cannot?
HBO Max covers Streaming, Profiles, HBO content, Max Originals. Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Both handle Downloads, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Web support.
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