HBO Max vs Apple TV+
Complete comparison of plans, pricing, features, and our recommendation to help you pick the right streaming subscription.
🎬
HBO Max
Streaming
Starting from
$9.99/mo
With Ads$9.99/mo
No Ads$15.99/mo
Ultimate$19.99/mo
🎬
Apple TV+
Streaming
Starting from
$9.99/mo
Monthly$9.99/mo
Apple One Individual$19.95/mo
Apple One Family$25.95/mo
Quick Comparison
| HBO Max | Apple TV+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Plan | $9.99/mo ✓ | $9.99/mo |
| Plans Available | 3 | 3 |
| Annual Cost (cheapest) | $119.88/yr | $119.88/yr |
| Cancellation | easy | medium |
| subscribers | 100M+ | 40M+ (est) |
| countries | 60+ | 100+ |
| titles | 3,000+ | 200+ |
| founded | 2020 | 2019 |
Key Features
HBO Max
- HBO originals + Warner Bros films
- Same-day theatrical releases (select)
- 4K HDR on Ultimate plan
- Download for offline
- Multiple profiles
- Ad-free option
Apple TV+
- Apple Originals only
- 4K HDR & Dolby Atmos
- Download for offline
- Family Sharing (6 users)
- Apple One bundle option
- Friday Night Baseball (seasonal)
HBO Max
PROS
+Highest-quality originals (Emmy-winning)
+Warner Bros movies added quickly
+Strong documentary selection
+DC Universe content
CONS
−Smaller catalog overall
−Higher base price
−4K only on top tier
−Interface can be buggy
Apple TV+
PROS
+High-quality originals (Severance, Ted Lasso)
+Cheapest major streamer
+4K included on all plans
+Free trial with Apple device purchase
CONS
−Very small content library
−No licensed/back-catalog content
−Originals-only means fewer new titles per month
−Less useful without Apple devices
Our Take
🎬
HBO Max
Best for viewers who prioritize prestige, award-winning content over quantity.
🎬
Apple TV+
Best for Apple users who want a few high-quality originals at a low price, not a massive library.
✂️
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