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HBO Go is HBO’s legacy streaming service. HBO Go continues to be round, however solely form of. The truth is, HBO Go is now simply referred to as HBO. HBO Max is HBO’s foremost streaming service now. Let’s tune in to see what the variations are.
HBO Max vs HBO Go
- Total Findings
- HBO Max Total Findings
- Consists of unique content material
- Obtainable to each video service subscribers and streamers
- Nonetheless absent on some key streaming platforms
HBO Go Total Findings
- Beforehand included with conventional cable channels
- Now solely out there the place HBO Max just isn’t
- Comprises HBO content material, however not different properties
The above findings, in addition to these within the under sections, are largely hypothetical. In observe, should you’re new to HBO streaming providers, you may virtually actually have to go along with HBO Max (however, as proven within the Closing Verdict under, this is not a foul factor). HBO Go was discontinued as a standalone service in July 2020, as an alternative re-branded to easily “HBO.” The one means you should utilize the HBO app (beforehand HBO Go) now’s should you have been an present buyer, and/otherwise you’re utilizing a tool or service supplier that does not assist HBO Max but.
That stated, HBO has actually achieved their work in loading up Max with all their finest stuff. There are causes to think about it even should you do have the premium channel by way of your service supplier. With a collection of content material from different Warner properties (notably Turner-related channels resembling Cartoon Community and Turner Traditional Films) along with all the good stuff from HBO, it is best to solely use “vanilla” HBO if it’s a must to.
Content material: Max Has, Effectively, the Max
- HBO Max
- Consists of HBO Films & Collection
- Unique Warner Brothers content material (e.g. DC Comics)
- Expansive entry to different content material resembling Sesame Road and Crunchyroll
HBO Go
- Consists of HBO Films & Collection
- Mirrors what’s out there on conventional cable
- Non-HBO “channels” resembling Cartoon Community lacking
The first distinction between HBO (Go) and Max is the latter’s unique content material. Each providers will provide you with a terrific collection of motion pictures, authentic scripted collection, and documentaries. However Max additionally contains plenty of “channels” together with the next:
DC Comics, together with each reside motion pictures, authentic reveals, and animated options
- Sesame Workshop
- Turner Traditional Films
- Anime from Studio Ghibli and Crunchyroll
- Cartoon Community programming, together with Grownup Swim
- Turner Traditional Films
On high of all this, there are additionally a rising variety of titles branded as “Max Originals,” suggesting that the divide in content material between Max and its sibling is simply going to develop over time.
Price and Availability: Whereas Max is Nonetheless Lacking in Locations, Go Will Finally Go
HBO Max
- Obtainable to anybody
- Many service suppliers supply it instantly
- Some service suppliers do not allow entry
HBO Go
- Obtainable on platforms/by way of service suppliers not supporting Max
- Presumably cheaper than Max relying on cable supplier bundles
- Could be dearer than Max and not using a discounted bundle
From the price perspective, the 2 providers are related. HBO Max is $14.99 monthly (plus tax), the place HBO can vary in worth relying in your video service supplier. It is possible that HBO by itself can be as a lot, or maybe barely extra, than Max. However you could possibly get HBO for cheaper than HBO Max in case your service supplier has bundles of premium packages out there.
Some service suppliers (resembling Xfinity and DirecTV) are actually providing Max on to their prospects. This implies all of the Max content material is obtainable by way of your set-top field, and which you can log into Max on a unique gadget utilizing your service supplier account. In case your supplier is one that isn’t but on-board with HBO Max you may nonetheless subscribe to it, however you may must handle the 2 individually (e.g. viewing HBO Max to one in all your screens through Chromecast as an alternative of utilizing a set-top field).
Compatibility: Each Are On Most Platforms, However HBO Will Fade
HBO Max
- Obtainable on most main streaming platforms
- Not appropriate with some key streaming gadgets
- In some instances, HBO Go accounts are “upgraded” to Max
HBO Go
- Appropriate with most main streaming platforms
- However solely out there the place Max just isn’t but
- In some instances, HBO Go accounts are “upgraded” to Max
Now that HBO’s prior (and admittedly complicated) streaming providers are being folded into HBO Max, it is no shock that it is out there on many of the vital platforms, together with:
Desktop OSes through the net (Home windows and macOS are formally supported)
Android gadgets, together with Android TV (operating model 5 and above)
- iOS gadgets (iOS 12.2+)
- Apple TVs 4th era and later
- Chromebooks and Chromecast gadgets
- Ps 4 and Xbox One consoles
- Samsung TVs launched after 2016
Notably absent from this listing is Roku gadgets. Roku and HBO have been in a well-publicized disagreement over who can promote HBO Max subscriptions, and consequently the HBO Max app is not out there on any Roku gadgets. Whereas the 2 might iron out their variations in time, should you’re an all-Roku family (as I’m), you may be relegated to the older HBO Go-based app on these gadgets.
Closing Verdict: Until You Have a Nice Cause, Go With Max
As talked about above, as of late July HBO Max is the one sport on the town. However even when HBO Go was nonetheless round, there would have been few causes to make use of it over Max. With an expanded catalog together with unique content material and the flexibility to make use of it along side your cable TV’s HBO premium channel service, HBO Max is the way in which to go for most individuals. The one downside is that if some or your whole streaming gadgets do not but have entry to the brand new Max app. However in any other case, go for HBO Max, assured you are getting the perfect the service has to supply.
