Streaming platforms: HBO Max (likely rebranded/merged) vs. Paramount+

Quick Verdict

Both HBO Max (Max) and Paramount+ offer compelling streaming options with extensive content libraries, multiple subscription tiers, and parental control features. HBO Max stands out with its user-friendly interface and high-quality original content, while Paramount+ provides unique bundling options and a slightly lower entry price. The best choice depends on individual content preferences, budget, and desired features like offline viewing and simultaneous streams.

Both services offer a variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and original content.
Both have ad-supported tiers with similar ad frequencies (around 6 minutes per hour).
Both offer parental control features, including dedicated kids' profiles and PIN protection.
Both provide options for live TV content, including sports.
HBO Max has a user-friendly interface with personalized recommendations, while information on Paramount+'s UI is not available.
HBO Max allows 2 simultaneous streams on basic and standard plans, while Paramount+ allows 3 (or 4 in some regions).

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	HBO Max (likely rebranded/merged)	Paramount+
Content library size	—	Over 40,000 episodes and movies from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, the Smithsonian Channel, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures.
Original content quality and quantity	—	Showcases original series and films.
Subscription price and available tiers	—	Paramount+ Essential: $7.99/month or $59.99/year (limited ads); Paramount+ with Showtime: $12.99/month or $119.99/year (ad-free except live TV and select shows, download capability); Basic (with ads) in UK/Ireland: £4.99; Premium in UK/Ireland: £10.99 (ad-free, premium features).
Video and audio quality	—	Premium plan offers select titles in 4K UHD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos (requires compatible equipment and high-speed internet).
Offline viewing availability and download limits	—	Paramount+ with Showtime plan allows downloading content for offline viewing.
Number of simultaneous streams allowed	—	3 devices at once (some premium plans in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico may allow up to 4).
Device compatibility and app availability	—	Mobile devices (Android and iOS), Smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Vizio), Streaming devices (Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast), Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), Computers (through web browsers).
User interface and ease of navigation	—	Not available
Ad-supported tier options and ad frequency	—	Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported tier) with an average of 5 to 6 minutes of advertisements per hour.
Family profiles and parental controls	—	Up to 6 different profiles per account. Offers parental control features, including a "Kids Mode" to restrict content for younger viewers. Age restrictions and PIN to prevent access to non-kid profiles.
Live TV options	—	Live channels available, with the amount of content varying by plan. Paramount+ with Showtime plan provides access to a local CBS channel. Both plans offer live content, such as select NFL games.
Bundling options with other services	—	Walmart+ members get Paramount+ Essential included at no extra cost. SportsLine and 247Sports subscribers may also receive Paramount+ with Showtime at no additional cost.

Overall Comparison

HBO Max: Starting price $9.99/month, 2 simultaneous streams. Paramount+: Starting price $7.99/month, 3 simultaneous streams.

Pros and Cons

HBO Max (now rebranded/merged as Max)

Pros:

Vast content library
High-quality original content
User-friendly interface
Personalized recommendations
Parental control features
Bundling options with other services

Cons:

Ad-supported tier has limitations
Streaming quality can be affected by internet connection, device performance, and server issues
Live events have ads, regardless of the subscription plan

Paramount+

Pros:

Content library size
Original content
Multiple subscription tiers
Offline viewing (with Showtime plan)
Parental control features
Bundling options

Cons:

Ad-supported tier has commercials
Streaming quality problems (buffering, low resolution)
User interface and ease of navigation information not available

User Experiences and Feedback

HBO Max (now rebranded/merged as Max)

What Users Love

Easy navigation
Personalized recommendations
Offers different tiers to cater to various budgets
Parental controls allow content filtering based on age ratings and include a PIN to restrict access to adult content
Allows you to change subtitles, closed captions, and audio. You can also customize the appearance of subtitles.

Common Complaints

Ad-supported tier includes about 6 minutes of ads per hour
Streaming quality can be affected by internet connection, device performance, and server issues

Value Perception

Offers different tiers to cater to various budgets, with an ad-supported option for those seeking a lower price.

Paramount+

What Users Love

Accessibility features like audio descriptions, closed captions, and subtitles.
Customizable subtitles (font, size, background color).

Common Complaints

Common technical issues include streaming quality problems like buffering and low resolution.

Value Perception

Walmart+ members get Paramount+ Essential included at no extra cost.
SportsLine and 247Sports subscribers may also receive Paramount+ with Showtime at no additional cost.

User Recommendations

Ad-supported tier (Paramount+ Essential) includes commercials, with users encountering an average of 5 to 6 minutes of ads per hour.
Paramount+ customer service is available 24/7. You can contact them via phone (1-888-274-5343), website chatbot, or social media.