You cannot access HBO Max through Disney Plus — they are separate services

HBO Max and Disney Plus are owned by different companies and do not share a login or combined app. If you want to watch HBO Max shows and movies, you need a separate HBO Max subscription. Disney Plus does not include HBO Max content, and HBO Max does not include Disney Plus content.

The confusion often comes from the fact that Disney owns many entertainment companies, including ABC, FX, and National Geographic — all of which have shows on Disney Plus. But HBO Max is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a completely separate corporation. They do not bundle their services together.

Key Takeaways

  • HBO Max and Disney Plus are separate subscriptions from different companies, and there is no way to access one through the other.
  • If you have a Disney Plus subscription, you still need to pay for HBO Max separately to watch its shows and movies.
  • Some internet or phone providers bundle HBO Max with other services at a discount, which may be cheaper than paying for both separately.
  • You can use the same device to watch both services by switching between apps, but you need active subscriptions to each one.

What you actually get with each subscription

Disney Plus includes content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and ABC. It does not include HBO, Warner Bros., DC Comics, or any of the other properties owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.

HBO Max includes HBO television shows, Warner Bros. movies, DC Comics content, and original series made specifically for HBO Max. It does not include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars content. The two services have almost no overlap in what they offer.

If you subscribe to both, you will have access to roughly twice as much content, but you are paying two separate monthly fees. As of now, Disney Plus costs one amount and HBO Max costs another — the exact prices change periodically, so check each service's website for current rates.

How to subscribe to HBO Max if you do not already have it

You can sign up for HBO Max directly through the HBO Max website or through the HBO Max app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. You will need to create an account with an email address and payment method.

Some people get HBO Max through their internet or phone provider instead of paying for it separately. Verizon Fios, AT&T, and some other providers include HBO Max with certain plans. If you already have one of these services, log into your provider's account online or call them to see whether HBO Max is included or available as an add-on.

A few providers also offer HBO Max as part of a bundle with other services at a lower total price than buying each one separately. This is worth checking if you want multiple streaming services — the bundle price may be cheaper than paying for Disney Plus and HBO Max individually.

Using both services on the same device

You can install both the Disney Plus app and the HBO Max app on the same phone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device. They are separate apps, so you will need to switch between them to watch different content.

If multiple people in your household use the same device, each person can have their own account on each service. Most streaming devices let you set up multiple user profiles, and each profile can log into its own Disney Plus and HBO Max accounts. Check your device's settings to add additional profiles.

If you share a subscription with family members, keep in mind that Disney Plus and HBO Max have different rules about how many people can watch at the same time. Disney Plus typically allows four simultaneous streams on the same account, while HBO Max allows four as well, but the exact number may vary depending on your subscription plan.

What to do if you want both services but want to save money

The cheapest way to get both services depends on what else you subscribe to and what your internet provider offers. Compare the standalone prices of Disney Plus and HBO Max, then check whether your phone or internet provider includes either one.

Some providers offer bundles that include Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus together, or HBO Max bundled with other services. If you want multiple streaming services anyway, a bundle may cost less than buying them separately. Call your provider or check their website to see what bundles they offer.

You can also choose to subscribe to one service for a month or two, watch what you want, then cancel and switch to the other service. This "rotating subscription" approach costs less per month but means you cannot watch both services at the same time.

Troubleshooting if you think you should have access

If you have a Disney Plus subscription and expected it to include HBO Max, you do not have access because they are separate services. You will need to sign up for HBO Max separately.

If you have an HBO Max subscription through your phone or internet provider and cannot find the app on your device, check your provider's website or call their customer service. They can tell you how to read the app and log in with your provider account.

If you are trying to use a family member's login to access HBO Max on a device outside your home, some services restrict this. HBO Max may ask you to verify your location or may not allow logins from outside the home network. Check HBO Max's support page or contact their customer service if you are having trouble logging in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Disney Plus include HBO Max content?

No. Disney Plus and HBO Max are owned by different companies and have completely separate content libraries. Subscribing to Disney Plus does not give you access to HBO Max shows or movies.

Can I watch HBO Max on my Disney Plus app?

No. HBO Max has its own app. You need to read the HBO Max app separately and log in with an HBO Max account to watch its content.

Is there a bundle that includes both Disney Plus and HBO Max?

Not a direct bundle from Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery. However, some internet and phone providers offer packages that include both services at a combined price. Check with your provider to see what bundles they offer.

What if I only want to watch one service at a time?

You can subscribe to one service, watch for a month, then cancel and switch to the other. This costs less per month than paying for both simultaneously, but you cannot watch both services during the same billing period.

Can my family share one HBO Max account across multiple devices?

Yes. HBO Max allows multiple simultaneous streams depending on your plan. You can set up different user profiles on the same account so family members have their own watchlists and recommendations.