Which is better: HBO or Netflix?

With the arrival of online streaming television platforms in Spain, the way of consuming content has changed considerably. Nowadays, users prefer to watch series and films on demand, freeing themselves from the traditional schedule of television channels. Therefore, it is no surprise that this type of service has been well received in Spain. If you are thinking about subscribing to one of these services, we offer you the main advantages of the most popular platforms so you can decide which is better: HBO or Netflix.

The price

Generally, cable and on-demand television is expensive. In Spain, Movistar or Vodafone offer their own television when contracting their fixed line and Internet services, but the price is high and usually includes a binding contract.

Netflix, on the other hand, arrived in our country with very affordable prices and soon found a new competitor, HBO. Both platforms are the most popular because they are easy to subscribe to, you can cancel whenever you want, and the price is very affordable. You can access a large number of quality series and films for less than 8€ per month.

In this regard, Netflix seeks to differentiate itself from HBO by offering different rates for different types of users.

• Basic rate: costs 7.99€ and includes one simultaneous playback of content in standard definition.
• HD rate: for 10.99€ you can enjoy HD quality when watching your series, which you will appreciate if you usually watch content on your Smart TV. It allows simultaneous viewing on two devices.
• Premium rate: for 13.99€ you can enjoy your series in high definition and 4K, as well as increase the number of simultaneous devices to 4 different ones.

Meanwhile, HBO has a single rate. Its price is 7.99€ and allows you to enjoy simultaneous content on two devices. This rate limitation is set in Spain because in other countries where the channel operates there are different prices depending on the content and playback quality.

Regarding the creation of separate profiles so that each user can resume the series where they left off, this is only available on Netflix. Although HBO allows simultaneous viewing, it does not have separate profiles. On Netflix, you can create up to 5 different profiles for each family member or friend if it is a joint account.

On which devices can I watch them?

Both platforms are already compatible with almost all models of smartphones and tablets. They work with both Android and IOS operating systems thanks to the app developed for this purpose. As for Smart TVs, Netflix is available on more brands and can be seen on almost any model; however, HBO has only developed its app for Samsung TVs in our country.

Netflix is available for Apple TV, Chromecast, SPC Smartee Windows on stick, Play Station 3 and 4, Xbox One, and Vodafone and Movistar+ set-top boxes. HBO is compatible with Play Station 3 and 4, Apple TV, and Vodafone’s set-top box.

Access to them is done in the same way, through the app by entering your email and password. Netflix has no territorial restrictions, so you can watch content on your account from any country in the world. However, you will only be able to access the content of the country you are in. On the other hand, HBO imposes restrictions; you can only enjoy your subscription in Spain.

Regarding content downloads, HBO does not offer this, which is a big disadvantage compared to Netflix, which allows you to enjoy episodes and films offline on mobile devices or tablets.

Catalog and original productions

Both have a wide catalog of series and films, both original productions and from other distributors or television channels. Netflix, for its part, aims to stand out from its competitors through exclusive content, offering many premieres in a short time. Some of the original titles you will find exclusively on the platform are: Narcos, Stranger Things, or The Crown. Additionally, it has agreements with other channels like Fox and AMC, which own well-known series such as The Walking Dead or Lost.

HBO seeks quality in its productions, which has been its hallmark since its creation in the United States. It offers a large catalog of the channel’s classics and new premieres such as the acclaimed Game of Thrones, Westworld, or The Handmaid’s Tale. Regarding classic full series offered, you can find Sex and the City or The Sopranos, among others.

Regarding films, HBO works with Warner Bros and Disney, ensuring good quality in its film catalog. It also supports independent cinema with original productions.

Netflix offers many premieres, and titles enter and leave the catalog monthly. On the other hand, it offers many original films and has a recommender based on the content viewed per profile.

For children, both have films and content for kids separated in another section of the app called "Kids." Due to agreements with Disney, HBO’s films may be more appealing to the little ones at home.

Seasons and broadcasting

Series viewers increasingly seek immediacy and want to be the first to watch their favorite series, so they highly value episodes being released as soon as possible. In the case of HBO, the weekly release schedule of the channel in the United States is followed. Meanwhile, Netflix prefers to offer the entire season at once, even if this means the release is delayed.

Now you decide which of the two you choose, or maybe you cannot choose and decide to keep both since both have titles that are well worth it.