There are so many streaming options out there nowadays. And with so many choices, customers need to pick and choose which services they use with more care and attention. Two popular services you might be hesitating between are Max and Starz. Both of these services allow users to enjoy a wide selection of entertainment.
However, they have some big differences that set them apart. Below, we'll look at how Max and Starz compare. We'll go over seven key areas, including pricing, original content, and compatible devices to help you find the best option for your budget and needs.
Starz is cheaper with a singular plan
Let’s begin our comparison with one of the factors that matters the most for many people: price.
Max offers three different payment plans for its subscribers: With-Ads, Ad-Free, and Ultimate Ad-Free. There is no free trial currently available with this service.
Starz offers just one payment plan and is cheaper than all of Max’s plans. There is also a 7-day free trial available with Starz. Therefore, you can watch for free for a week before deciding to commit.
Starz
Try 7 days free
- On demand content
- Stream on four screens
$8.99/month
Starz has the edge here. It’s slightly cheaper than Max’s cheapest plan and gives new users a 7-day trial to test out the service.
Both streamers have great originals
One of the big selling points of any streaming platform is its original content. Both Max and Starz offer unique, exclusive shows that are only found on their respective platforms.
Max’s original content includes popular shows like The Flight Attendant, Peacemaker, and Love & Death. There have also been exclusive movies made for the platform, like Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Unpregnant.
You won't find any original films on Starz. However, you can find a wide range of original programs. This includes dramas like Outlander and The Girlfriend Experience. Comedy shows like Blindspotting and Run the World are also available.
Both platforms have plenty to offer, but Max has original films as well as shows, giving it a slight edge over Starz.
Max has a huge licensed library, but Starz has great picks too
Max and Starz also offer various other shows and films for subscribers, in addition to their original content.
Subscribers to Max can watch a wide range of old HBO shows like The Wire, as well as licensed shows from other networks, such as Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Hundreds of movies are also available on the platform, like Studio Ghibli animations and Oscar winning classics.
Starz offers a wide range of on-demand TV shows and films for viewers to enjoy. Some of the most popular shows on the service include American Gods, Black Sails, and Ash vs Evil Dead. Many popular movies are available on Starz, as well, like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Mrs. Doubtfire.
The best option for you in terms of on-demand entertainment will depend on your preferences. Max has the larger library, but you may prefer certain content that is only on Starz.
Both services have great device support
Both Max and Starz can run on a wide range of devices. There is no clear winner in this category, as both of the services are available on smart TVs, boxes, consoles, and more. Here are some of the devices that run both Max and Starz:
- Android phones and tablets
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- iOS phones and tablets
- Roku
- Mac
- Windows
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, and others
Max and Starz have limited options for 4K viewing
Many streaming services offer a range of 4K UHD content. This is one area in which both Starz and Max fall behind.
If you want to watch titles in 4K on Max, you’ll have to have their Ultimate Ad-Free tier, and even then, it’s not a ton to choose from. On Starz, some of the original shows are available in 4K, but most other content is limited to 1080p.
Starz lets you watch on more screens
In terms of simultaneous streams, Starz has the edge. It allows users to stream on four different devices at the same time.
Max has a range of 2-4 streams, depending on your plan. So, if you want to share one account among family members or roommates, Starz is the better choice for a big group at a cheaper price.
Both services have decent interfaces
After Max’s rebrand, they get rid of their side menu, but kept most of its other elements, like hubs for finding your favorite shows, and a watchlist to keep up with your content.
Starz also has a modern design, but lacks certain features. For example, it doesn't offer recommendations and it can be harder to find certain types of shows or films.
Our takeaway: Both services are great options
Overall, both Max and Starz are popular platforms with plenty of advantages. They both have a lot of good original shows, with Max also boasting some original films and a strong cinematic offering. However, Starz has a slight edge in terms of price and simultaneous streaming.
The right choice for you will therefore depend on your personal preferences and situation. Those who want the best value may prefer Starz. Meanwhile, people who want the biggest content libraries may choose Max.
Khadija Bilal • Author
Khadija Bilal is an accomplished writer with over a decade of experience under her belt. Having developed a versatile writing style that allows her to tackle a wide range of topics, Khadija has several publications to her name. Khadija’s expertise includes in-depth guides and how-to articles.
Davan Hamilton • Editor
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.
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