As of October 3, 2026, the merger was still pending. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery said they expected it to close on October 6, subject to customary closing conditions. Paramount has announced plans to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max in a shared streaming business, but neither company has explained what current subscribers will need to do. No account, billing, plan, or price changes have been announced in the cited materials.
What subscribers should expect right now
A planned corporate merger does not automatically mean that subscribers must cancel, sign up again, or switch apps. The companies have not stated that subscribers should take any action. Until they issue specific instructions, avoid cancelling or purchasing another subscription solely on the assumption that your account will change.
If you receive a subscription through a third party, such as a billing provider, watch for notices from both the streaming service and the company that charges you. The current announcements do not set out a transition process for those accounts.
What Paramount has announced about streaming
Paramount’s February 27, 2026 merger announcement describes a plan to bring Paramount+, HBO Max, and Pluto TV together as a combined direct-to-consumer business. It also cites a combined film library of more than 15,000 titles and a presence in over 200 countries and territories. Those are company-level figures, not a guarantee that every title will be included in a future subscription or that one combined subscription will be offered in every market. The announcement’s commitment to at least 30 theatrical films annually—15 per studio—is a theatrical production commitment, not a streaming-release schedule. Paramount’s merger announcement
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
This describes strategic direction, not a consumer launch date or migration policy. In March, Paramount CEO David Ellison said combining the services would “enhance competition and deliver viewers a truly compelling offer.” That is the executive’s stated rationale, not an independently measured promise of savings or a particular subscriber benefit. Axios’s March 2 report
What is not yet known about accounts, apps, and prices
The reviewed announcements do not specify whether subscribers will keep separate apps, use one login, be moved automatically, or need to take any action. They also do not establish a final service name or interface. In an April 23 report, the Associated Press quoted Ellison saying, “Our view point is, HBO should stay HBO.” That signals his stated intention to preserve HBO’s identity; it does not say whether HBO Max will remain a separate app or become a brand within another service. Associated Press report on the service’s form
Rank #2
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
No post-merger subscription prices, plan equivalencies, ad-free terms, bundle details, promotional credits, or protections for prepaid time are established in the reviewed materials. There is also no confirmed subscriber rollout date. Even if the transaction closes on its expected date, that would not by itself establish that a new app or account migration starts then.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to compare if the companies announce new plans
When official options are published, compare the terms that affect your use and total cost:
Rank #3
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
- Total monthly cost: Check taxes, advertising, promotional rates, and whether a price applies only for a limited period.
- Content in your country: Confirm the catalog and availability of live sports or news rights in your location.
- Features and limits: Compare video quality, simultaneous streams, downloads, and supported devices.
- Account and billing continuity: Check whether your login, billing provider, prepaid term, or bundle changes.
- Cancellation and credits: Read the rules for cancelling, transferring a bundle, or using promotional credits.
Those terms cannot currently be scored for a combined plan from the announcements cited here. For now, rely on direct notices from Paramount+, Max/HBO Max, or your billing provider rather than assumptions about the merger.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
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.

