Is HBO Max the Same as HBO Go?

HBO is a household name in the world of cable TV. The chances are that at least one of your favorite TV shows airs or has aired on HBO. It’s no wonder then that HBO has decided to join the streaming wars.

In May 2020, HBO is going to launch its streaming service named HBO Max. It sounds exciting, but what does that mean for HBO Now and HBO GO? How is HBO Max different?

HBO GO

You might already know a little bit about HBO services, but details can get somewhat confusing. Right now, HBO has two different streaming platforms, HBO GO and HBO Now. The best way to highlight the differences between the two is to say that HBO GO came first. And, more importantly, that the only distinctive thing about them is how you access them. HBO GO is a mobile add-on for cable subscribers.

Think of it this way; if you got HBO via your cable subscription, it means that you also have access to HBO GO. You can access it by downloading the HBO GO app and then use your cable account login details. If your cable subscription comes with a streaming app, you can also access HBO Go that way.

Technically, HBO GO is free through your cable subscription, but since the cable subscription prices can vary, sometimes it could even be more than what some people pay for HBO Now.

HBO Max

When HBO Max arrives, it will surely shake up the streaming world. HBO is a part of the WarnerMedia corporation, along with Warner Bros, New Line, Turner Classic Movies, and The CW. It’s going to be a standalone service, unlike HBO Go. It will have all the content available on HBO Go and HBO Now, plus a lot more.

HBO announced that HBO Max would have around 10,000 hours of content, which a staggering number compared to 2,000 hours HBO Go has. You will be able to access all of the past seasons of all The CW shows. The streaming service has also bought the rights to stream the hit sitcom “Friends.” Previously, the series was available on Netflix for a year.

New Content

As it is the case with all streaming services trying to be competitive, HBO is going to produce exclusive content for HBO Max. They have announced around 30 movies for 2020 and approximately another 50 for 2021. HBO will also enlist some A-list directors and actors. Given the production quality of HBO, they may attract many subscribers fast.

Remember, this is the network that gave us Game of Thrones and The Sopranos. Just because of those shows, HBO Max will be a major player in the streaming industry right from the start. Plus, you can expect the Game of Thrones spin-off series, which will undoubtedly be huge.

Price & Availability

Understandably, there’s a lot of buzz about the upcoming launch. And some things are certain, while others are yet to be determined. How much for the monthly subscription? The price is $14.99, which is the same as HBO Now subscribers pay now.

The price tag is higher than that of Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, but the company seems to be confident that they will deliver the quality to justify it. There’s also no official confirmation regarding compatibility yet. HBO will probably issue the list of devices and services where you can watch HBO Max when the launch date gets closer.

What About HBO Now?

People subscribed to HBO Now might be worried at this point. After all, HBO Now doesn’t have anything to do with the cable subscription, and you can access it as an add-on channel on other streaming platforms like Roku, Prime Video, or AppleTV.

The good news is that everyone who has signed up for HBO Now subscription directly from HBO will be getting a year of HBO Max for free. In case you got HBO Now from a third-party company or platform, you’re out of luck. However, there is a high probability of HBO making other promotions and bundles. But that is too early to tell.

Here Comes HBO Max

As exciting as the launch of a new streaming service is, for some people, their cable subscription works just fine. That’s why HBO GO users can relax. The service isn’t going anywhere yet, and all you’ll have to worry about is your cable TV bill. Others who are looking forward to cutting the cord will find HBO Max packed with content. Everything you have on HBO Go and HBO Now, and quite a bit more.

Are you looking forward to HBO Max? Or HBO GO is more than enough for you? Let us know in the comments.