If you’re looking to subscribe to HBO, you might be choosing between HBO Go and HBO Now. We break down the differences between the twin streaming services and see how they compare to one another, offering the best option for both cord cutters and cable television subscribers.
HBO fans have it great these days. Subscribers can watch their favorite shows and movies whether seated in front of their TV or on a device while riding the bus to work. This freedom comes from the company’s twin streaming services, HBO Go and HBO Now, which allow subscribers to experience the wonders of Westworld and Westeros using their PlayStation 4, iPhone, or other HBO-compatible device.
With two different ways to stream the network’s coveted library of original content, there are probably some people who are wondering what sets the two services apart from each other. Like all siblings, the two have strong similarities, but there are some important differences that render each unique.
Let’s compare HBO Go against HBO Now. The good news is, they have a lot more in common than you might think.
Every film, comedy special, and television series HBO offers is available regardless of whether you opt for HBO Go or HBO Now, and most content is available via both services at the same time as its original broadcast. The interfaces for both apps are also very similar — so much so, in fact, that the methods for navigating one will transfer to the other. They’re easy to figure out, with helpful sections that showcase both “featured” content and new releases.
So, what do the two services cost? Well, this is where things get a little tricky.
HBO Now costs a flat rate of $15 per month. It’s a stand-alone package, which means it doesn’t require a cable subscription to use. HBO Go, on the other hand, is free with an HBO subscription — but that’s the only way to access it. So, in order to use HBO Go, one must first have HBO; and in order to have HBO, one must be paying for cable or satellite.
There are also some providers that offer HBO access to internet-only customers, who can simply access the content online.
