Netflix vs Disney+ vs Max: Streaming Prices and Content in 2025

Netflix, Disney+, and Max (formerly HBO Max) anchor most streaming budgets in 2025. Netflix leads in global subscribers and originals; Disney+ pairs with Hulu in the US for family and franchise content; Max carries HBO series and Warner films. Ad-supported tiers sit between about $8 and $11 per month; ad-free plans run from roughly $13 to $25. Households that subscribe to all three can easily spend $50–70 or more per month unless they rotate.

Background: The Streaming Shakeout

Netflix has over 247 million subscribers worldwide and continues to invest heavily in originals (e.g., "Stranger Things," "Bridgerton," "Wednesday") and licensed hits. Disney merged Disney+ with Hulu in the US and offers a bundle that includes both; ESPN+ can be added. Max combines HBO, Warner Bros. content, and Discovery reality and sports. According to Tom's Guide and industry reports, Americans spent an average of about $42 per month on streaming in 2025, down from prior years as more people churn—subscribing for a month or two, then canceling—to control costs.

Pricing in 2025

Netflix: ad-supported at $7.99/month; standard and premium ad-free tiers go up to about $24.99/month for 4K and more streams. Disney+ and Hulu bundle: around $11/month with ads, about $20/month ad-free. Max: about $10/month with ads, about $21/month ad-free. Adding Prime Video, Paramount+, or others can push total spending to $67–108/month depending on tiers. Choosing ad-supported options for one or two services often saves $15–30 per month.

Key Details: Content and Libraries

Netflix leads on volume and variety: originals, international series (e.g., "Squid Game," "Money Heist"), and films like "Red Notice" and "Don't Look Up." Disney+ delivers Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney classics, plus Hulu originals and FX content in the bundle. Max holds HBO dramas and comedies, Warner blockbusters, and Discovery unscripted. None offers everything; heavy drama viewers may prioritize Max, families Disney+, and general bingers Netflix.

Impact on Viewers

Subscribing to all three full-time is expensive. Many households now rotate: a month of Max for a specific show, then switch to Disney+ or Netflix. Removing content from libraries (as all services have done) has fueled cancellations and made "owning" a permanent library less realistic. Ad tiers reduce cost but add interruptions; ad-free remains the premium experience.

What's Next

Expect more price tweaks, bundle changes, and possibly more ad-supported options. Sports and live events are increasingly gated behind higher tiers or separate services. Checking your actual viewing per service once or twice a year can justify dropping one or two and re-subscribing when something new arrives.