Max (HBO Max) Alternatives: 4 Best Streaming Services in 2025

Exploring alternatives to Max (HBO Max)? Compare pricing, features, and benefits of the top 4 streaming services to find your perfect match.

Quick Comparison

ServiceStarting PriceBest ForRating
Max (HBO Max)(Current)$9.99/moHBO series fans (Game of Thrones, Succession)7/10
Netflix$6.99/moBinge-watchers who love original series7/10
Hulu$7.99/moCord-cutters wanting current TV shows8/10
Paramount+$5.99/moCBS and reality TV fans8/10
Peacock$5.99/moSports fans (especially soccer and football)9/10

About Max (HBO Max)

Max (formerly HBO Max) combines HBO's premium content with Discovery's vast library, offering prestige dramas, blockbuster movies, and reality TV.

Why People Look for Max (HBO Max) Alternatives

While Max (HBO Max) is popular, many users seek alternatives due to:

  • Higher price point than competitors
  • Ad-free tier is expensive
  • Occasional app performance issues
  • Content discovery can be challenging

Best Max (HBO Max) Alternatives

1. Netflix

Netflix is the world's leading streaming service with over 260 million subscribers, offering a vast library of original series, movies, and documentaries across multiple genres.

Pricing

Standard with ads: $6.99/mo
Standard: $15.49/mo
Premium: $22.99/mo

Pros

  • Massive content library with exclusive originals
  • High-quality 4K streaming available
  • No ads on standard and premium plans

Cons

  • Price increases have made it more expensive
  • Password sharing crackdown limits account access
  • Some content regions vary by country

Best For

Binge-watchers who love original seriesFamilies needing multiple profilesUsers who want high-quality 4K contentFans of Netflix originals like Stranger Things, The Crown
Compare Max (HBO Max) vs Netflix

2. Hulu

Hulu offers a mix of current-season TV shows, classic series, movies, and original content, with options for live TV streaming.

Pricing

Hulu (with ads): $7.99/mo
Hulu (no ads): $17.99/mo
Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/mo

Pros

  • Next-day access to current TV shows
  • Strong selection of classic and current series
  • Live TV option available

Cons

  • Ad-supported tier has many commercials
  • Live TV option is expensive
  • Smaller movie library than competitors

Best For

Cord-cutters wanting current TV showsUsers who watch network televisionBudget-conscious streamers (with ads)Live TV enthusiasts
Compare Max (HBO Max) vs Hulu

3. Paramount+

Paramount+ streams content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures, including live sports and original shows.

Pricing

Paramount+ Essential: $5.99/mo
Paramount+ with Showtime: $11.99/mo

Pros

  • Live CBS programming and local news
  • Extensive sports coverage (NFL, UEFA)
  • Strong reality TV and kids content

Cons

  • Ad-supported tier has many ads
  • Smaller movie library than competitors
  • Showtime content requires premium plan

Best For

CBS and reality TV fansSports enthusiasts (NFL, soccer)Families with children (Nickelodeon content)Users wanting live TV on a budget
Compare Max (HBO Max) vs Paramount+

4. Peacock

Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service featuring live sports, next-day NBC shows, Universal movies, and original programming.

Pricing

Peacock Premium: $5.99/mo
Peacock Premium Plus: $11.99/mo

Pros

  • Affordable pricing ($5.99/month with ads)
  • Live sports including Premier League and NFL
  • Next-day access to NBC shows

Cons

  • Ad-supported tier has frequent interruptions
  • Smaller content library than major competitors
  • Some content requires premium tier

Best For

Sports fans (especially soccer and football)NBC show enthusiastsBudget-conscious streamersUniversal movie fans
Compare Max (HBO Max) vs Peacock

How to Choose the Best Max (HBO Max) Alternative

When evaluating Max (HBO Max) alternatives, consider:

  1. Budget: Compare monthly and annual pricing across services
  2. Features: Ensure the alternative meets your needs
  3. Compatibility: Check device and platform support
  4. Trial Period: Test before committing to a subscription
  5. Cancellation Policy: Understand how easy it is to cancel

Need to Cancel Max (HBO Max)?

Before switching to an alternative, learn how to properly cancel your Max (HBO Max) subscription.

How to Cancel Max (HBO Max)

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