HBO Max vs Disney+: which is better?
Quick verdict
Disney+ offers 4K UHD and HDR on both of its plans, including the one with ads; HBO Max keeps 4K for Premium. HBO Max lets every plan be billed yearly and includes live sports on Standard and Premium; Disney+ bills yearly only on Premium and is often bought in bundles with Hulu, ESPN or HBO Max itself.
Option A
Option B
Feature comparison
| Criterion | HBO Max | Disney+ |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Basic with Ads, Standard, Premium | With Ads, Premium (+ bundles) |
| 4K | Premium | Both plans |
| Downloads | None / 30 / 100 | Premium, up to 10 devices |
| Yearly billing | Every plan | Premium only |
| Live sports | Standard and Premium | With ESPN bundles |
HBO Max is built around HBO series and Warner Bros. films; Disney+ around Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. In the US they also come together in a bundle.
If you don’t want to read further
4K on a budget or a bundle with Hulu and ESPN — Disney+. Yearly billing on any plan, live sports or HBO series — HBO Max. Want both? Look at the Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max bundle.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Is 4K on the plan with ads?
HBO Max
No — 4K is on Premium; Basic with Ads and Standard are 1080p.
Disney+
Yes — both plans offer up to 4K UHD and HDR.
For 4K on a budget, Disney+.
Downloads?
HBO Max
None on Basic with Ads; 30 on Standard; 100 on Premium.
Disney+
Premium only, on up to 10 devices.
Neither lets the plan with ads download.
Yearly billing?
HBO Max
On every plan.
Disney+
Premium only.
HBO Max lets you prepay at every level.
Live sports?
HBO Max
On Standard and Premium.
Disney+
Through bundles with ESPN.
Sports come with HBO Max directly, with Disney+ through ESPN.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
A plan with ads
Basic with Ads and Disney+ (With Ads).
Tax on top
HBO Max notes its prices exclude applicable taxes.
Bundled together
Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max are sold as one bundle.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You want 4K without the top plan | Disney+ (With Ads) | Up to 4K UHD and HDR. |
| You want to pay yearly on a cheaper plan | HBO Max | Every plan can be yearly. |
| You want Hulu and ESPN too | A Disney+ bundle | Compare the bundle options. |
| You want both | Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max bundle | Usually cheaper than separate plans. |
- HBO Max Basic with Ads has no downloads and no live sports.
- Disney+ prices changed for new subscriptions from September 23, 2026.
- Even on HBO Max Premium, sports stream on only two devices at once.
- Disney+ Premium still has ads in some live programming.
Where the facts come from
Sources: HBO Max’s and Disney+’s US help pages on plans and prices. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: HBO Max or Disney+
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Streaming services” category.
Comparison text updated: