HBO Max Vs. HBO Now Vs. HBO Go: Here Is You Need To Know

On May 27, WarnerMedia's streaming service HBO Max arrived, and it included tons of new content and is reasonably priced. However, that means there are three streaming services with "HBO" in the title, and that can be a little confusing for many people. So what is the difference between HBO Go, HBO Now, and HBO Max?

There are now three HBO-related platforms, all offering up something a bit different, and it can be a little bit confusing for the uninitiated. Here is a very quick rundown of the three.

• HBO Go-A service available to cable subscribers, streaming HBO content to internet-connected devices.
• HBO Now-The same thing as HBO Go except it's a standalone streaming service, not attached to your cable provider.
• HBO Max-WarnerMedia's platform. While it does offer HBO content, it also includes original programming and content from a variety of other networks and movie studios.

HBO Max won't launch until the end of May, but there are plenty of original shows coming on Day One. Additionally, the service will have a lot of great content on launch day, including Doom Patrol, Friends, and Studio Ghibli films.

HBO Max-How it works

HBO Max works on a similar premise to HBO Now, but it is diversified with original Max content, plus series and movies from WarnerMedia's larger stable of content. Other big names coming to HBO Max include South Park, The Big Bang Theory, Wonder Woman, and more.

HBO's official messaging goes to pains to avoid referring to HBO Max as a streaming service, with the website calling it a "platform offered by WarnerMedia," where HBO Now is called "a standalone streaming service," though it's not clear whether there's a functional difference between the two.

HBO Max is available on several platforms, including Xbox One, PS4, iOS, and Android. Unlike HBO Go, however, it is not available on Roku or Amazon Fire TV devices at the moment. For those with an HBO subscription through providers like Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and YouTube TV, you'll get access at no extra cost.

HBO Now-How it works with HBO Max

HBO Now subscribers get access to MAX on launch, with both services being priced at $15 a month. Those who access their Now subscription through a third party such as Hulu, Apple, or Roku may not get this instant switch-over; however, though HBO has advised these customers to "stay tuned for more details" as partnerships are renegotiated.

Though it definitely seems like HBO Max is designed to replace HBO Now, and potentially even HBO Go, nothing has currently been announced about discontinuing or renaming the older services. With 10,000 hours of content from a number of WarnerMedia's brands, however, it definitely seems like HBO Max is being set up as the company's main platform.

HBO Max launched on May 27 at $15 a month. For more info, check out everything we currently know about the new streaming platform.