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For US subscribers, Paramount+ is currently cheaper at both of its listed monthly tiers, while HBO Max is the better fit for viewers prioritizing HBO, Warner Bros. and DC. Paramount+ leans toward CBS, Nickelodeon, SHOWTIME and sports including NFL on CBS, UFC and UEFA Champions League. The right choice comes down to the shows, movies and events you actually want—not an established claim that one service has the larger catalog.
How the services compare
The service often called Max in older references currently uses the name HBO Max on its official US plan page. The prices and features below are the US service-page terms checked October 7, 2026; plans, prices and availability can change.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Project Hail Mary (Blu-ray) | $19.95 | 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) | $19.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu - Blu-ray + Digital | $21.77 | Buy on Amazon |
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| Plan | Monthly price | Streams and notable features |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ Essential | $8.99/month | Up to three simultaneous devices; ad-supported; selected live sports. |
| Paramount+ Premium | $13.99/month | On-demand programming without ads, except trailers or sponsorship; live TV still has ads; SHOWTIME programming, downloads and select 4K/HDR formats. |
| HBO Max Basic with Ads | $10.99/month | Two simultaneous devices; Full HD 1080p. |
| HBO Max Standard | $18.49/month | Two simultaneous devices; Full HD 1080p; 30 downloads; select live sports. |
| HBO Max Premium | $22.99/month | Four simultaneous devices, limited to two for sports; select 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos; 100 downloads; select live sports. |
These are price points, not equivalent feature tiers. Paramount+ lists annual billing at $109.99 for Basic with Ads, $184.99 for Standard and $229.99 for Premium; applicable taxes are not included. See the HBO Max plan details and the Paramount+ US service page for current terms.
Which catalog is a better match?
Choose Paramount+ for its brand mix
Paramount+ promotes programming from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and other brands. Its Premium plan adds SHOWTIME programming. The service also highlights original series and current movie releases. These are catalog-identity clues, not a promise that every title will remain available.
#1 Best Overall
Choose HBO Max for HBO and Warner titles
HBO Max is associated with HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, the Turner library, Looney Tunes and Adult Swim. If a specific series or film is the reason you are subscribing, check its listing in the service before paying; availability can change.
The available sources do not establish a comparable, independently audited catalog total or overlap figure. There is not enough evidence here to say which service has the larger library.
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.
Compare the sports you actually watch
Paramount+ highlights NFL on CBS, UFC and UEFA Champions League. Its Premium plan adds access to more sports and local CBS. HBO Max highlights MLB, NHL, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer and premier cycling; its help page says live sports are included with Standard and Premium.
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Sports access can depend on the event schedule, market and plan. Before subscribing for a particular game or competition, confirm the broadcast, date and availability in your market in the service’s current listing. HBO Max Premium allows four simultaneous devices generally, but sports streams are limited to two.
Rank #3
Ads, streams, downloads and picture quality
Ad treatment
Paramount+ Premium is described as ad-free for on-demand programming, but live TV has ads, and trailers or sponsorship may appear. Essential is ad-supported. HBO Max offers Basic with Ads and two higher tiers; the plan names alone do not make the services’ ad experiences equivalent.
Devices and downloads
Paramount+ says it supports up to three simultaneous devices. Downloads are included with Premium, subject to restrictions. HBO Max permits two simultaneous streams on Basic with Ads and Standard, and four on Premium, with the sports limit noted above. Standard lists 30 downloads and Premium lists 100.
Rank #4
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Number of Discs: 3
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 169
- Rating: PG13
Resolution and audio
Paramount+ Premium includes select 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and HDR10, depending on the title, internet connection and device; download restrictions also apply. HBO Max Premium includes select 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos. Neither service promises these formats for every title, and device capability matters.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Paramount+ Essential if its CBS, Nickelodeon and other programming or selected live sports fit your interests and you want the lowest listed monthly price.
- Choose Paramount+ Premium if you want SHOWTIME programming, downloads or select premium formats at a lower monthly price than HBO Max Premium.
- Choose HBO Max Basic with Ads if HBO, Warner Bros. or DC programming is the priority and you want the lowest listed HBO Max price.
- Choose HBO Max Standard or Premium if its live-sports selection matters; Premium is the option with four general simultaneous streams, 100 downloads and select 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos.
Both services list Roku among supported options. A Roku streaming device is only an option if your television lacks compatible app support; it is not required 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.
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.
