HBO NOW Review
HBO NOW is a subscription video streaming service that gives access to content on HBO without the need of a cable subscription. With your subscription, you’ll get access to all of their current originals like Succession, Westworld, Barry, Curb Your Enthusiasm, True Detective, as well as their critically acclaimed catalog like The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, and Veep.
HBO NOW has one of the deepest catalogs of the new release films with films from Warner Bros, Universal, and Dreamworks appearing on the service 7-8 months after they are in theaters.
You can subscribe for $14.99 a month either directly from HBO, or through Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, or Roku Premium Subscriptions.
Review
We tested HBO NOW and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. HBO NOW is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.
Content
Originals
HBO NOW includes all originals shows that air on HBO like Westworld, Succession, Euphoria, Barry, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Watchmen.
You will need to upgrade to HBO Max to see their additional original shows like the TV series based on Dune, an Anna Kendrick comedy Love Life, and The Flight Attendant starring The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco.
TV Shows
HBO NOW also has a deep library of all the top-rated shows from the HBO catalog. That means you can watch The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood, Entourage, Veep, and Game of Thrones.
If you upgrade to HBO Max, which will launch next Spring, they will carry a library of favorites like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, The West Wing, and Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Movies
While their movie catalog isn’t as large as Amazon or Netflix, they have the deepest catalog when it comes to films that recently appeared in the theaters. Because of deals with Warner Bros., Universal, and Dreamworks — most non-Disney films that appear in theaters will come to HBO 7-8 months after they are released.
Kids
HBO is the home to Sesame Street. While this will move to HBO Max next year, right now — it’s the only place to see the latest Sesame Street episodes. Those episodes will eventually appear on PBS, but not until six months after they air on HBO.
Features
Single Profile Only
As of now, HBO NOW doesn’t have profiles for different members of your family.
Parental Controls
HBO has general parental controls where you can disallow playback of certain types of shows and movies by rating. To activate, you will set a PIN, which will allow you to unlock or change the restrictions.
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ also have parental control features.
Up to 3 Devices
HBO NOW allows you to stream up to three different devices at the same time.
No Offline Mode
HBO NOW doesn’t offer offline downloads if you purchase it directly or through Amazon Prime Video Channels or The Roku Channel. However, if you subscribe using Apple TV Channels, you will be able to download HBO content offline.
No International Access
HBO NOW does not allow access to the service outside the United States. If you subscribe via Apple TV Channels, you can watch offline content on your mobile device.
Compatible Devices
HBO NOW is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad (iOS 8.1+)
- Android Phone/Tablet (4.1+)
- Mac
- Windows
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- LG Smart TV (AirPlay)
- Samsung Smart TV (2016+)
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV (AirPlay/Google Cast)
Tech Specs
1080p HD
Nearly all content on HBO NOW is in HD. The service doesn’t offer any content in 4K.
Some Surround
Stereo/Surround Sound
Most shows and movies on HBO NOW are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. HBO NOW doesn’t support Dolby Atmos audio.