Unbiased side-by-side comparison of verified reviews, user ratings, features, and pros/cons to help you decide which software fits your business needs.


In our 2026 comparison of HBO Max and Hulu, HBO Max comes out ahead overall (weighted score 93% vs 91% for Hulu). HBO Max is rated 4.7/5 from 121 user reviews; Hulu is rated 4.5/5 from 118 user reviews. HBO Max starts at $9.99/month; Hulu has a free plan.
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| At a glance | HBO Max | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Streaming Services | Streaming Services |
| User rating | 4.7/5 (121 reviews) | 4.5/5 (118 reviews) |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | Free plan |
| Listed features | 13 | 13 |
| Integrations | 3 | 4 |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Web | iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Web |
| Ease of use | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Customer support | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
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13/18 features
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Compare plans, features, and starting points side-by-side
Premium content, ad-supported.
Uninterrupted prestige TV.
The highest quality cinematic experience.
Next-day network TV.
Uninterrupted television.
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HBO Max wins overall with a weighted score of 93% based on user rating, pricing, features, usability, and support.
Pricing: $9.99/mo (No Free Trial), a less accessible entry point than the leader.
Tied with a solid set of 13 features.
Strong usability with a user rating of 4.7/5 stars.
Reliable support with a user rating of 4.7/5 stars.
Tied on platform availability (5 Platforms: iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles +1 more).
Dimension scorecard
Hulu is a runner-up with a composite score of 91%.
Hulu has the most accessible pricing ($7.99/mo (No Free Trial)).
Tied with a solid set of 13 features.
Strong usability with a user rating of 4.5/5 stars.
Reliable support with a user rating of 4.5/5 stars.
Tied on platform availability (5 Platforms: iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles +1 more).

Composite scores are within 5 points. HBO Max edges ahead on sample-size-adjusted user satisfaction.
Composite scores are within 5 points. HBO Max edges ahead on sample-size-adjusted user satisfaction.
Composite scores are within 5 points. HBO Max edges ahead on sample-size-adjusted user satisfaction. The best choice still depends on your team's workflow, budget and required integrations — use the side-by-side sections above to check the details that matter to you.
HBO Max is rated 4.7/5 from 121 user reviews. Hulu is rated 4.5/5 from 118 user reviews. Ratings come from approved user reviews on SoftwareHope.
HBO Max starts at $9.99/month. Hulu has a free plan. Hulu has the lower entry price. Always confirm current pricing on the vendor's site, as plans change.
HBO Max does not list a free plan or trial; Hulu offers a free plan.
HBO Max supports iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles and Web; Hulu supports iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles and Web.
HBO Max has an ease-of-use rating of 4.7/5, Hulu has an ease-of-use rating of 4.5/5. The difference is small, so both are similarly easy to adopt.
Community-voted helpful feedback from verified users
HBO Max is my go-to application for daily entertainment. The app launches fast, streams cleanly without buffering, and offers a fantastic user experience.
Using HBO Max has been great for listening and viewing on mobile. The offline download feature works reliably during commutes.
Using HBO Max has been great for listening and viewing on mobile. The offline download feature works reliably during commutes.
HBO Max is my go-to application for daily entertainment. The app launches fast, streams cleanly without buffering, and offers a fantastic user experience.
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