HBO Max, WarnerMedia's latest streaming platform, boasts a catalog of exclusive and original streaming content. But how is HBO Max different from the now-discontinued HBO Now and HBO Go?
Believe it or not, at one time, HBO had all three streaming services running concurrently. In this article, we look at HBO Max vs. HBO Now vs. HBO Go to help you understand how all of these services differed and which one is relevant to you today.
What Is HBO Now?
HBO Now was HBO's standalone streaming service for the US. It was similar to Netflix, in that users streamed directly from HBO and therefore did not require a third-party site, service, or cable package.
Before it was discontinued, HBO Now cost $14.99/month, excluding tax. Since the service did not form part of a cable package, you were billed monthly and could cancel your subscription at any time without being locked into a longer contract period.
What Is HBO Go?
HBO Go was the streaming app for customers in the US who had a cable TV package subscription to HBO. Unlike HBO Now, HBO Go was part of a TV package and not a standalone service. Without a cable account with an HBO subscription, you couldn't log into the HBO Go app.
The price of HBO Go varied according to the channel subscription prices for different cable providers. However, it provided access to the exact same content and catalog as HBO Now.
What Is HBO Max?
HBO Max is also a streaming platform for HBO movies and series—a consolidation of HBO Now and HBO Go. But rather than only featuring HBO content, it also offers content from across WarnerMedia's catalog. The platform also hosts original content specific to HBO Max called Max Originals.
The service includes all of HBO's catalog, as well as titles from other WarnerMedia networks and franchises. This includes content from DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, Looney Tunes Cartoons, and select TCM classic films.
As for the cost of HBO Max, you can expect to pay $9.99/month with ads, or $14.99/month for ad-free streaming (excluding tax) if purchased directly from HBO Max. However, WarnerMedia states that if you buy it as part of a package or from another provider, prices may vary.
For example, if you purchase HBO Max access via Hulu, YouTube TV, or your cable provider, prices may differ. AT&T and other internet providers also include access to HBO Max as a part of certain packages.
HBO Max vs. HBO Now vs. HBO Go: The Main Differences
HBO Now and HBO Go differed in terms of how you accessed HBO content: either as a standalone streaming service for the former, or through a cable TV package for the latter. Neither of them exist anymore; you can't sign up to them.
HBO Max, on the other hand, is essentially the replacement for HBO Now and HBO Go. It offers a central platform through which HBO subscribers can access content, with a larger catalog of series and movies—thanks to the inclusion of WarnerMedia properties.
HBO Max also includes Max Originals, which is exclusive content that can't be streamed on any other platforms.
HBO Go and HBO Now have been discontinued. HBO Max offers all the same content as the HBO app, plus a catalog of content from other Warner Media properties. HBO Max has taken over HBO's streaming content, thanks to its more centralized login process and larger catalog.
How to Get HBO Max
HBO Max is available in the US and in some US territories, as well as several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. But how do you subscribe to the service if you want the expanded catalog on offer?
The process differs slightly depending on whether you already have an HBO subscription or are a new customer.
Existing HBO Subscribers
If you are an HBO subscriber you most likely have access to HBO Max at no extra charge—you just need to activate the service. Here's how:
- Install the HBO Max app on a supported device.
- Sign in by choosing Sign in with a Provider.
- Choose your provider and enter your account credentials for that provider.
So, how much is HBO Max? The subscription plans are the same price when billed directly by HBO, making the transition seamless. However, customers billed through Apple, Google Play, Samsung, Optimum, and Verizon Fios Internet can also upgrade their HBO Now app to HBO Max without paying extra.
According to WarnerMedia, HBO Go users direct-billed through AT&T, AT&T TV, DIRECTV, U-Verse TV, Cox, Hulu, Optimum, Spectrum, Suddenlink, Verizon Fios TV, or select independent providers can also access HBO Max at no extra cost.
If your cable provider supports HBO Max, you will be able to use your cable account details to log into HBO Max. But if you get the error message "Currently Unavailable" when you open HBO Max, this means your provider doesn't currently support the service.
New HBO Subscribers
If you don't already subscribe to HBO through one of its older services or a third party, you can get HBO Max by signing up on the HBO Max website. This is the most direct way to access the service. You can also sign up via the HBO Max app on Android, iOS, or Samsung smart TVs.
Other providers who offer HBO Max access include:
- Hulu
- Prime Video Channels
- YouTube TV
Alternatively, you can sign up for HBO Max via your cable provider.
HBO Max is also available through certain internet providers, including:
- Consolidated Communications
- Liberty
- North State
- Optimum
- Service Electric Cablevision
- Verizon Fios
- Ziply Fiber
You will have to check which packages and plans include HBO Max access as part of their bundled services.
Which HBO Service Should You Subscribe To?
HBO Max is the only streaming service for HBO. It's the same price as HBO Now and offers more content, so the consolidation of HBO streaming platforms isn't a bad thing. Plus, it's certainly easier than having three HBO-branded services existing at once!