Of a wide array of streaming services, Netflix and HBO Max are two of the top choices available — but which is better? Both options offer high-quality original content and large libraries of movies and TV shows, but there are some important differences between the two platforms that you should know about before making a decision.
In this article, we compare the content, key features, and usability of HBO Max and Netflix, so you can come to a decision. We also tell you how CyberGhost VPN can help you get the most out of your streaming subscriptions.
Quick Guide: How to Stream with CyberGhost VPN
Netflix and HBO Max offer different libraries in different countries. If you’re traveling abroad and want to access the same content as you do in your home country, CyberGhost VPN makes it easy.
1. Get CyberGhost VPN and set it up on your device – it’s easy!
2. Connect to a streaming-optimized server for Netflix or HBO Max.
3. Discover new favorite shows and movies!
Netflix vs. HBO Max at a Glance
| Netflix | HBO Max | |
| Cheapest plan | $6.99 per month | $9.99 per month |
| Supported devices |
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| Simultaneous screens | 2 (standard) or 4 (premium) | 2 (standard) or 4 (premium) |
| Downloads for offline viewing? | Yes | Yes, on the premium plan |
| Ad-supported plan available? | Yes | Yes |
| Highest resolution | 4K UHD (premium) | 4K UHD (limited titles) |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Add-ons | Add extra members to your plan for $7.99 per month, per member | B/R Sports add-on for $9.99 per month |
| Parental controls | Yes | Yes |
Netflix vs. HBO Max – Which Has Better Content?
Netflix has a much larger library than HBO Max and is known for original series like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Orange is the New Black. Netflix also carries shows from other networks and has a good selection of movies from around the world.
HBO Max may offer fewer shows overall, but its original content is often viewed as superior to that of Netflix. Consider smash hits like Succession, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us alongside classic HBO titles like The Wire, The Sopranos, and Game of Thrones. Both platforms have strong selections of blockbuster films, but some titles are available on one platform and not the other.
When it comes to live sports, HBO Max has the edge with Bleacher Report’s B/R Sports add-on, which gives you access to both live games and replays from the NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, and US Soccer. While Netflix has aired a few one-off golf tournaments, it doesn’t consistently offer live sports.
Both streamers have an extensive selection of childrens’ content and allow parents to create user profiles for their kids. Netflix has more new, original kids’ content, while HBO Max offers more nostalgic favorites.
Netflix vs. HBO Max: Plans and Pricing
| Netflix | HBO Max | |
| Ad-supported | $6.99 | $9.99 |
| Ad-free | $15.49 | $15.99 |
| Premium | $22.99 | $19.99 |
Both Netflix and HBO Max have three pricing tiers to choose from. Netflix’s ad-supported tier is more affordable, but it doesn’t provide access to its entire content library. It does offer digital downloads, though, while HBO Max’s does not.
Both platforms’ standard plans offer unlimited ad-free access, digital downloads, and the ability to stream on two devices at once.
Both premium plans offer ultra-HD streaming quality, immersive audio, and the ability to watch on four devices at once.
While you might be swayed by Netflix’s larger overall stable of content, a final consideration is that HBO Max imposes fewer restrictions if you want to share your account with users outside of your household.
Netflix vs. HBO Max: User Experience
Both of these streaming services feature a bold, sleek interface. When you log in, you’ll see popular titles featured on the homepage, as well as some personalized recommendations.
Netflix has a broader range of filter options and categories to choose from when browsing. Trailers will automatically start playing when you hover over a title, and you can click to go to a designated page for each movie or series. Netflix also offers tailored recommendations and a search engine to help you find new content to watch.
HBO Max may not have the same range of filter options on its user interface, but some viewers will find it simpler, and therefore easier to use. Overall, once you get used to either platform, you’ll probably find that it works well enough.
Netflix vs. HBO Max: Which Is Right for You?
The right streaming service for you will ultimately depend on the type of entertainment you prefer.
If you like prestige television and blockbuster movies, HBO Max might be a better choice for you. The service has a top-notch selection of award-winning content that you can’t watch anywhere else. Sports fans will also appreciate the live hockey, baseball, and basketball games available with the B/R Sports add-on.
However, it’s hard to beat the sheer volume of Netflix’s content library. It has thousands of movies and shows to choose from in a huge range of genres. If you’re someone who’s always on the hunt for something new to watch, you might prefer the broader range of options available on Netflix. This also makes it a better choice for large households where everyone has different tastes.
Why You Need a VPN for Streaming
Many streaming services have different content libraries for different countries due to international licensing agreements, and some are only available in certain countries. For example, HBO Max is currently available in North America, Latin America, and parts of Europe, but isn’t available in Asia.
This means that the shows you watch at home might not be available when you visit another country. A VPN helps you keep watching as usual. When you connect to a VPN server in your home country, it changes your virtual location, giving you access to the same content you would normally watch at home.
VPNs are also helpful for unblocking streaming on Wi-Fi networks that don’t allow it, for example at school or work. A VPN encrypts your web traffic, so the network won’t be able to identify and block your streaming activity.
Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for Streaming
Not all VPNs can access streaming services, but CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers for many popular platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max. We monitor these servers closely to ensure you can always access the services.
In addition, our servers deliver ultra-fast connection speeds that won’t cause your streams to slow down or buffer. We also give you unlimited bandwidth, so you’ll never get cut off while binging a series or watching a long movie.
CyberGhost VPN has apps for major streaming devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more, so you can watch wherever you are. If you need help choosing the right server, our customer support team is available 24/7.
Try CyberGhost VPN for yourself with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
Can I Use a VPN to Watch Streaming Services from a Different Country?
Some VPN users connect to a server in a different country to watch Netflix or HBO Max, but this is against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
CyberGhost is a privacy-forward, no-logs VPN, meaning we can’t view your online activity and we never share your browsing data. While we don’t know what you’re doing online, you should always comply with your streaming provider’s terms of use, our terms of service, and any applicable law, including copyright.
FAQ
There is a Netflix and HBO Max bundle, but it is only available for Verizon MyPlan customers in the USA. Launched in December 2023, this bundle gives customers access to the ad-supported plans from both streaming services for $10. You need a Verizon phone subscription to access this deal.
HBO Max’s content library is smaller than some of its major competitors, but its basic ad-supported plan is more expensive than that of some other streaming services. HBO Max also isn’t available in many countries, which means you might miss your favorite show while traveling abroad. CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers for HBO Max, ensuring you’ll always have access.
Netflix is still one of the most popular streaming services on the market with a huge selection of movies and TV shows compared to many competitors. Many other streaming services are catching up in terms of quality and range of content, though, including HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
HBO Max is not free with Amazon Prime Video, but a paid HBO Max add-on is available as part of Prime Video Channels. This add-on costs $9.99 per month.
Streaming services usually have different libraries in different countries. When you’re traveling abroad, a VPN lets you access content from your home country’s library. It can also bypass streaming blocks on restricted Wi-Fi networks, such as those at school or the office.
The cheapest way to get HBO Max is with its ad-supported plan, which costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year if you pay annually.
The best streaming service for you will depend on what you like to watch. Netflix has the largest content library in most countries, but HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu also have competitive selections of shows and movies. Paramount+ and Peacock are good budget-friendly options.
Some people prefer HBO Max to Netflix for the quality of its content library. Max has a selection of high-quality shows like Succession, The Last of Us, and Game of Thrones that aren’t available on Netflix. Max also has many recent fan-favorite blockbuster movies that aren’t on Netflix, such as Dune and Barbie.
HBO Go is just called Max as of May 2023. Netflix currently has the largest content library, but Max also has high-quality popular series and the B/R Sports add-on offering live sports streams.
HBO Max is known for its exclusive, high-quality original content such as classics like Game of Thrones, and recently released blockbuster movies like Barbie. Its basic subscription plan is slightly more expensive than that of competitors like Netflix or Peacock.
Netflix’s entry-level ad-supported subscription is cheaper than HBO Max’s. However, the two platforms have very similar pricing for their standard ad-free subscriptions. At the premium level, HBO Max is cheaper than Netflix.
Max has a library of original content and HBO TV classics that aren’t available on other platforms, including True Detective and Succession. Max is also the only place to watch many recently-released movies. Finally, Max has a live sports add-on option, while Netflix does not.
HBO Max’s content library is smaller than that of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The cost of its ad-supported tier is somewhat higher than the industry standard, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have the largest libraries, so they’re great options if you like a lot of variety. However, if you’re looking for the latest box office hits or a lot of live sports, you might prefer HBO Max or Hulu.
Netflix is a worthwhile streaming subscription, with movie and TV options in virtually every genre. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can opt for Netflix’s ad-supported plan, but note that some titles won’t be available.
Netflix starts at $6.99 per month for its ad-supported subscription. Standard ad-free subscriptions are $15.49 per month, while premium subscriptions are $22.99 per month.
HBO Go was available to existing HBO cable subscribers until 2020, when it was replaced by HBO Max (now just Max). HBO Go only offered content that had originally aired on HBO.
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