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What’s the Difference Between HBO Go, HBO Now and HBO Max?

And Which HBO Subscribers Get HBO Max For Free or No Additional Cost

Chris Hutton
Chris Hutton is a tech/culture reporter currently based in Indiana. He has written for numerous publications, including VICE, Tom's Guide and Techradar.
Read full bio ›
Chris Hutton

First there was [HBO GO]. Then there was HBO NOW. And on May 27, the company is releasing HBO Max. What is the difference between the three? Is it worth spending the money to invest in one and not the other?

[HBO GO]

The HBO Go service is provided through cable subscriptions. If a user has spent the money to get premium channels such as HBO through their cable package, then they automatically receive access to HBO Go through the cable provider. The service has the same functions as HBO Now, allowing users to stream the latest episodes of their favorite dramas and comedies, as well as newly released films. Getting access to HBO Go will cost the price of a premium channel package, which can vary from $5 to $20, depending on your cable subscription.

Which HBO GO subscribers get access to HBO Max for No Additional Cost?

If you get HBO Go through DirecTV, AT&T U-Verse, AT&T TV, AT&T TV NOW, Charter, Verizon, Cox, or Altice — you will get access to HBO Max for no additional cost.

HBO NOW

In contrast, HBO NOW is available as an option for accessing HBO content without paying for a traditional cable package. Users pay a $14.99 fee for access to HBO content and receive access to the app on either their smart device or their television streaming device. HBO Now and HBO Go each have the same content, with little difference. Users who currently have HBO Now or HBO Go will be able to upgrade their services to HBO Max for no additional charge.

Which HBO NOW subscribers get access to HBO Max for No Additional Cost?

Customers who get HBO NOW through App Store, Google Play, Hulu, YouTube TV will get HBO Max for the same $15 a month they were paying for HBO NOW.

HBO Max

Like HBO Now, HBO Max is a streaming service that can be subscribed to independently of any person’s cable bill. Users will pay a monthly fee of $14.99 and additionally receive access to HBO Max-exclusive content such “Friends.” HBO Max also has ongoing contracts with Cartoon Network, DC Universe and a multitude of films owned by Warner Bros.

Users will also get access to exclusive new content on HBO Max, including the Zack Snyder's cut of “Justice League” in 2021, “Sesame Street” episodes and more.

Which HBO subscribers get access to HBO Max for Free?

DirecTV Premier, U-Verse 400 & U450, AT&T TV NOW Max, AT&T Unlimited Elite, & AT&T Internet 1000 customers will get HBO Max included with their service. New AT&T TV and DirecTV customers on most other plans will get a year free, current subscribers on those plans will get three months free.

Those subscribers of HBO with access to HBO GO or HBO NOW from the services mentioned above can use their credentials to access HBO Max for no additional cost.

Chris Hutton
Chris Hutton is a tech/culture reporter currently based in Indiana. He has written for numerous publications, including VICE, Tom's Guide and Techradar.
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

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You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

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Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

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  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.