Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For now, keep using your existing HBO Max or Paramount+ account. Paramount has said it plans to combine the services after acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, but it has not announced how logins, profiles, watchlists, billing, plans, prices or cancellations will work. The acquisition was still pending in the latest cited report, which said the companies expected it to close October 6, 2026. The proposed combination is not yet a confirmed account change.
What Paramount has announced
On February 27, 2026, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced a definitive agreement for Paramount to acquire WBD. Their announcement described combining Paramount+, HBO Max and Pluto as a direct-to-consumer business. It set out a company strategy, not a schedule for moving subscribers or changing the services’ apps and accounts. Paramount’s transaction announcement
On March 2, Paramount chairman and CEO David Ellison said the company planned to put HBO Max and Paramount+ together, using an approach similar to a technology-platform consolidation Paramount was undertaking. He did not announce a launch date or explain how current customers’ accounts would be handled. On the investor call, he described the services as having “a little over 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers.” That is a combined subscriber-scale figure, not a count of unique households or accounts that would transfer. Paramount’s investor-call transcript
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat is known about the acquisition’s timing
Paramount said on August 6, 2026 that the UK Competition and Markets Authority had cleared the acquisition, and that governments and regulators in 66 jurisdictions had cleared or elected not to challenge it on competition and/or foreign-investment grounds. Paramount’s regulatory update
#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.
An Associated Press report published September 30, 2026 said a federal judge had approved Paramount’s settlement with 12 states and that the companies expected the deal to close October 6. That report described an expected close, not a completed acquisition. Associated Press report on the settlement and expected closing
What has not been announced for subscribers
The cited company materials do not explain the customer transition. In particular, they do not say whether:
Rank #2
- 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.
- You will need a new app, login or account.
- Profiles, watchlists or viewing history will carry over.
- People with both subscriptions will receive one account, keep separate subscriptions temporarily or follow another arrangement.
- Billing providers, renewal dates or cancellation routes will change.
- The combined service will have new plan tiers, prices, ads, simultaneous-stream limits or download rules.
When asked whether combining the services would raise HBO Max customers’ prices, Ellison did not provide pricing details. The cited transcript ends his answer mid-sentence: “So we’re absolutely going to put the services together. You know, we don’t have anything to comment on pricing at —” Paramount’s investor-call transcript
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What to do with your account now
- Keep using your current account. The announced plan does not, by itself, require you to change your login or subscription.
- Continue managing billing through its existing channel. That may be the service or a third-party billing provider; no replacement process has been announced in the cited materials.
- Wait for official instructions before changing anything. Do not assume there will be an automatic transfer, a price change, a discount or an included upgrade. Those are possibilities readers should not treat as confirmed terms.
- Check notices from the service or billing provider when they arrive. Use the notice to verify any stated date, price, account migration steps and cancellation instructions before acting.
How to assess any future combined plan
If the companies announce subscription options, compare the actual terms rather than assuming that combining the apps means combining subscriptions at no extra cost. Useful details to check include:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- 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.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Rank #3
- 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
- Total recurring monthly price and when any new price takes effect.
- Which films, series and live sports are included.
- Whether the plan includes advertising or is ad-free.
- Simultaneous streams and downloads.
- Whether existing profiles and account history transfer.
- Who bills you, when renewal occurs and how cancellation works.
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.
