Apple TV+ is a strong choice for users who prioritize high-quality, ad-free original content and 4K HDR streaming with robust family sharing. Max, with its tiered subscription options and broader content library, appeals to users seeking variety and are willing to consider ad-supported plans or higher-priced ad-free options for enhanced features and streaming quality.
| Attribute | Apple TV+ | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Original Content Quality | High-quality original content, critically acclaimed series and films, collaborations with high-profile creators and production houses. | High-quality original content, award-winning series, best shows currently being made for television. Strong association with high-quality original content. Ascended the throne of content streaming for fantasy and Sci-Fi fans. |
| Content Variety and Depth | Growing number of exclusive TV shows, movies, and documentaries across various genres, stories with international resonance and family-oriented content. | Broad selection of shows and movies, expanded slate with additional films. Includes content from HBO, TCM, Cartoon Network, and more. Varied content library including classic HBO shows, popular movies, anime, live news and sports, and reality TV. Solid mix of live and on-demand coverage and original and library content offered across film, music, entertainment, television, and sport. |
| Subscription Cost | $9.99 per month, $99.99 per year. | Basic with Ads: $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Standard: $16.99/month or $169.99/year. Premium: $20.99/month or $209.99/year. A Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle is available for a discounted price. |
| Ad-Free Options | Entirely ad-free. | Ad-free subscription options available. Standard Plan: Removes advertisements from your full subscription. Premium Plan: No ads during streaming. The Ad-Free plan costs $16.99 monthly or $169.99 per year. |
| Offline Viewing Availability | Content can be downloaded for offline viewing on iPhones, iPads, iPod Touch, and Macs. Downloads are typically available for 30 days, but some content may have earlier expiration dates. | Downloads are only available on ad-free subscriptions. Standard Plan: 30 downloads for offline viewing. Premium Plan: 100 downloads to watch on the go. Downloaded content has a viewing window of 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once started. |
| Device Compatibility | Accessible through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers. | Available to stream across multiple hardware, including Android devices, smart televisions, and video game consoles. Compatible with Apple iPhone, iPad, 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+), Apple TV HD/4K (tvOS 14+), Google Chromecast, Roku players (Roku OS 11+), LG Smart TVs (webOS 3.5+), Samsung TVs (2016+), Sony Smart TV, VIZIO Smart TV, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Series X, Series S, PC, Mac, and Chromebook via web browser. |
| Streaming Quality (Resolution, HDR) | Offers most of its content in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos sound. | High definition available for all subscription tiers. Basic with Ads & Standard Plans: Full HD 1080p resolution. Premium Plan: 4K Ultra HD resolution with Dolby Atmos (where available). Requires a 4K Ultra HD TV that displays Dolby Vision or HDR10; Supported 4K device; Premium plan; High-speed internet (25 Mbps or higher, 50+ Mbps is recommended) to stream in 4K UHD and HDR10 or Dolby Vision. |
| User Interface and Experience | Accessed through the Apple TV app, available on various devices. | Apps are well-designed, fast, and easy to use. Enhanced browsing experience with dynamic video previews on the homepage. New navigation menu to streamline the user browsing experience on connected TV devices globally. |
| Family Sharing Options | Supports Family Sharing, allowing up to six family members to share a single subscription. | The Standard and Premium plans allow for multiple simultaneous streams. Basic with Ads & Standard Plans: Stream on 2 devices simultaneously. Premium Plan: Stream on 4 devices at once. |
| Free Trial Availability | 7-day free trial available for new subscribers. Free 3-month trial may be included with the purchase of a new Apple device. Free trial included with Apple One subscriptions. | Max doesn't typically offer a free trial on its own. Some subscription providers or promotional offers may include a free trial, so check when signing up. Bundling with other services like Hulu or Amazon Prime may provide a free trial. Users who sign up for an annual DashPass membership through DoorDash may gain access to Max (with ads) at no additional cost. |
| Cancellation Policy | Users can cancel their subscription at any time. | Subscription automatically renews until canceled. Cancel before the next billing date to avoid further charges. To cancel a subscription billed through WarnerMedia, go to max.com/subscription and sign in. Generally no cancellation fees. Deleting the Max app does not cancel your subscription. Max doesn't have a refund policy, so you won't be eligible for a refund even if you're canceling a yearly subscription. |
| Number of Simultaneous Streams | Allows up to six simultaneous streams per subscription. | Basic with Ads & Standard Plans: Stream on 2 devices simultaneously. Premium Plan: Stream on 4 devices simultaneously. |