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Paramount+ is the lower-cost choice at its listed US monthly tiers; HBO Max is the better fit if you prioritize HBO, Warner Bros. or DC programming, more simultaneous streams on its top plan, or its highlighted sports. The right service depends on the shows, films and events you actually want—not on an established claim that one has a larger catalog. The official plan page currently uses the name HBO Max, although the comparison is often called “Paramount+ vs. Max.” Prices and features below are US figures checked October 7, 2026.
How do Paramount+ and HBO Max differ?
They have different programming identities and plan features. Paramount+ promotes CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and other brands; its Premium plan adds SHOWTIME programming. HBO Max is associated with HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, the Turner library, Looney Tunes and Adult Swim. These are examples of each service’s focus, not promises that every title will remain available.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Project Hail Mary (Blu-ray) | $19.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Spider-Man: Brand New Day - 4K + Blu-ray + Digital | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Apollo 13 [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51djPxAQWQL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Apollo 13 [Blu-ray] | $5.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Interstellar (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital) | $19.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu - Blu-ray + Digital | $21.77 | Buy on Amazon |
If one particular show or movie is the reason you are subscribing, look it up in the service’s current app or listing before paying. The available sources do not establish a comparable, current, independently audited catalog total or a figure for how much the two libraries overlap, so there is no sound basis here for calling one catalog larger.
What do the US plans cost?
The monthly prices below are the listed US rates checked October 7, 2026. They are price points, not equivalent feature packages; taxes may apply to HBO Max plans.
#1 Best Overall
| Service and plan | Monthly price | Notable listed features |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ Essential | $8.99 | Ad-supported; up to three simultaneous devices; programming and selected live sports. |
| Paramount+ Premium | $13.99 | On-demand viewing without ads, apart from trailers or sponsorship; live TV still has ads. Includes SHOWTIME programming, downloads and select 4K/HDR formats. |
| HBO Max Basic with Ads | $10.99 | Two simultaneous devices; Full HD 1080p. |
| HBO Max Standard | $18.49 | Two simultaneous devices; Full HD 1080p; 30 downloads; select live sports. |
| HBO Max Premium | $22.99 | Four simultaneous devices, limited to two for sports; select 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos; 100 downloads; select live sports. |
At the listed monthly rates, Paramount+ costs less at both of its tiers. HBO Max also lists annual billing at $109.99 for Basic with Ads, $184.99 for Standard and $229.99 for Premium; applicable taxes are not included. These prices and plan details can change.
Which service has the shows and movies you want?
Choose Paramount+ for its brand mix
Paramount+ promotes programming from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and other brands, along with original series and current movie releases. SHOWTIME programming is included with Premium. Treat those brands as a guide to the service’s catalog identity, not a guarantee about an individual title’s availability or which tier carries it.
Rank #2
- It's a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn?t remember him?and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him?sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves - a powerful villain no one can even see.
Choose HBO Max for HBO, Warner Bros. and DC
HBO Max’s catalog is associated with HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, the Turner library, Looney Tunes and Adult Swim. The reviewed plan information does not provide a comparable title-by-title inventory, so check the service directly for a specific film or series.
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Which service is better for sports?
The sports lineups differ, and access to a particular broadcast can depend on the event, date, plan, schedule and market. Confirm the current listing before subscribing for a game or competition.
Rank #3
| Service | Highlighted sports | Plan and availability considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | NFL on CBS, UFC and UEFA Champions League. | The service highlights live sports; Premium adds access to more sports and local CBS. A specific local game is not guaranteed without checking the current listing for your market. |
| HBO Max | MLB, NHL, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer and premier cycling. | Live sports are included with Standard and Premium. Premium sports streams are limited to two devices at once. |
How do ads, streams, downloads and picture quality compare?
- Ads: Paramount+ Premium is described as ad-free for on-demand programming, but live TV has ads and trailers or sponsorship may still appear. Essential is ad-supported. The plan information does not describe HBO Max Basic with Ads as ad-free; do not treat the plan labels as equivalent promises about every kind of programming.
- Simultaneous devices: Paramount+ allows up to three streams at once. HBO Max Basic with Ads and Standard allow two; Premium allows four generally, with a two-stream limit for sports.
- Downloads: Paramount+ Premium includes downloads, subject to restrictions. HBO Max Standard lists 30 downloads and Premium lists 100.
- Video and audio: Paramount+ Premium offers select 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and HDR10, depending on the title, connection and device. HBO Max lists Full HD 1080p for Basic with Ads and Standard; Premium offers select 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos. Availability depends on the title and compatible equipment.
Which plan should you pick?
- Pick Paramount+ Essential if its programming or selected sports suit you and the lowest listed monthly price matters more than an ad-free on-demand experience.
- Pick Paramount+ Premium if you want its SHOWTIME programming, downloads or select premium formats at a lower listed monthly price than HBO Max Premium, and can accept ads on live TV.
- Pick HBO Max Basic with Ads if HBO Max’s catalog is your priority and you want its entry-level listed monthly plan.
- Pick HBO Max Standard if you want its listed live sports and 30 downloads, and two simultaneous streams are sufficient.
- Pick HBO Max Premium if four general simultaneous streams, up to 100 listed downloads, select 4K UHD or Dolby Atmos matter to you. Sports viewing remains limited to two simultaneous devices.
Both services list Roku among supported options. A Roku Streaming Stick 4K is only a possible way to add app access to a compatible television that lacks it; it is unnecessary if you already have a supported TV, console or streaming device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords are scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they enlist the help of Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. Some flashing lights sequences or patterns may affect photosensitive viewers.
Rank #4
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Number of Discs: 3
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 169
- Rating: PG13
What to verify before subscribing
- Search the service’s current app or listing for the exact show, movie or event you want.
- Check which plan includes it and whether the event is available in your market and on the date you plan to watch.
- Compare the listed monthly price with the features you will actually use, including ad treatment, simultaneous streams, downloads and supported formats.
- Confirm device compatibility and any title-specific playback or download restrictions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
