Both Max and Disney+ are strong streaming services with their own unique strengths. Max offers a wider variety of content and more mature options, while Disney+ focuses on family-friendly content from its major studios. The best choice depends on individual preferences and viewing habits. Max's higher-end plan is required for the best features, while Disney+ offers a more straightforward premium ad-free plan.
| Attribute | Max | Disney+ |
|---|---|---|
| Content library size and variety | Wide variety, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, and reality series for all ages. Content from HBO, Warner Bros., and Discovery. More variety than Disney+. Includes blockbusters, indie films, and TV shows catering to diverse tastes. | Offers content from Disney's main entertainment studios, including Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and National Geographic. At launch, it had approximately 7,500 TV episodes and 500 films. By October 2023, the platform had grown to 1400 films and 576 shows. |
| Original content quality and quantity | Streams more than 50 Max Originals, including documentaries, animated shows, dramas, reality series, and comedies. | Offers original series and films set in popular franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. |
| 4K HDR streaming availability | Offers 4K UHD streaming, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 on select titles with the 'Ultimate Ad-Free' plan. | Offers over 300 titles in 4K UHD and HDR. |
| Offline download options | Ad-Free plan: 30 downloads. Ultimate Ad-Free plan: 100 downloads. | Allows downloads of all movies and shows for offline viewing on mobile devices, including Android and Apple phones and tablets, and Amazon Fire tablets. Downloads are not available on web browsers, smart TVs, or game consoles. You can download content on up to 10 devices. |
| Number of simultaneous streams allowed | With Ads and Ad-Free plans: 2 devices. Ultimate Ad-Free plan: 4 devices. | Allows streaming across four devices simultaneously. |
| Subscription cost and plans | With Ads: $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Ad-Free: $16.99/month or $169.99/year. Ultimate Ad-Free: $20.99/month or $209.99/year. | Disney+ Basic (with ads): $9.99/month. Disney+ Premium (ad-free): $15.99/month or $159.99/year. |
| User interface and navigation | Requires an email account for setup. Available through web browsers and dedicated apps on various digital devices. | Junior Mode offers an easy-to-navigate interface with only content suitable for all ages. |
| Device compatibility | Compatible with Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch (iOS 14+), Android phones and tablets (Android OS 5.1+), Amazon Fire tablets (4th gen+), Amazon Fire TV devices (Fire OS 5+), Android TV devices (Android TV OS 5.1+), Apple TV 4K/HD (tvOS 15+), LG Smart TVs (webOS 3.5+), PlayStation 4/5, Roku TV and streaming players (Roku OS 14+), Samsung TVs (2016+), Xbox One/Series X|S. | Compatible with most streaming devices, including Android smartphones and tablets, Apple iPhones and iPads, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android TV, LG Smart TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon FireTV, Apple AirPlay, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Sony PlayStation, and Xbox. |
| Parental control features | Kids Profiles, Parental PIN, content ratings restrictions, Kid-Proof Exit, and Account Management Protection. | Offers parental control features such as content ratings, Junior Mode, profile PINs, and profile creation restrictions. |
| Ad-free viewing option | Available with 'Ad-Free' and 'Ultimate Ad-Free' plans. | Premium plan offers an ad-free viewing experience. |
| Audio quality (Dolby Atmos support) | Supported on the 'Ultimate Ad-Free' plan. | Offers content in up to 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos, with support varying by plan. Dolby Atmos is not supported on the Disney+ Basic (With Ads) plan. |
| Bundling options with other services | Available in a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu. | Can be bundled with Hulu and ESPN+. A Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle is also available. |