HBO Max vs Netflix: Which is the best premium subscription?
HBO Max and Netflix are ostensibly similar, but the premium subscriptions of the services are secretly quite different.
With the arrival of HBO Max, we finally have all the major streaming services in the Benelux. On the other hand, a modern problem arises: which monthly subscription are you going to keep and which service is available? stream up† In this article we compare the two major mainstream players. Which is more bang for your buck: HBO Max or Netflix?
HBO Max vs Netflix
The two streaming services are quite similar at first glance, but secretly the subscriptions differ significantly from each other. That starts with the offer. It’s no secret that Netflix has an unprecedented catalog of content; no competitor comes close. That does not alter the fact that HBO Max has a lot of hard must-sees.
In short, even before we look at technical details, you can already see an important difference in that regard. Netflix goes for quantity, HBO Max has far fewer shows and movies, but on average they are a lot better.
Discount
There is also a lot to say in terms of price. At the time of writing (until March 31), HBO Max is 50% off for new users for life, so the subscription below is now just $3.99. If you ever cancel, you will lose the discount. Netflix now costs almost 16 euros, but you get better quality and an unprecedentedly large range in return.
Stream quality
For the seasoned viewer, however, there is still a disadvantage of HBO Max. For the time being, the streaming service guarantees a resolution of 1080p. That is fine for an average TV, but is a bit on the low side. 4K is only sporadically available.
Netflix promises 4K, but in practice it is estimated that only a fifth of all content is available in 4K. In fact, most Netflix content is just like on HBO Max 1080p, with 4K for select titles.
Conclusion
In short, there is just as much good to be said for the cheaper, more quality-focused HBO Max as there is for the more expensive, much broader Netflix. Not a very satisfying answer, unless you have two bucks a month for both services of course!
| Netflix Premium | HBO Max Default | |
| Resolution | UHD (4K) | FHD (1080p) / 4K on select titles |
| Devices at once | 4 | 3 |
| To download | max. 100 titles per device | max. 30 titles per device |
| Total content* | 5000+ movies and series | 800+ movies and series |
| Price | €15.99 | €7.99 |
