You cannot add HBO Max directly to Disney Plus, but you can watch both on the same device

Disney Plus and HBO Max are separate streaming services with their own apps and subscriptions. You cannot bundle them together or access HBO Max content through the Disney Plus app itself. However, if you subscribe to both services, you can install both apps on most devices—smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming boxes—and switch between them.

The confusion often comes from the fact that Disney owns multiple streaming services. Disney Plus shows Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. HBO Max (now called Max) shows HBO series, Warner Bros. films, and other content owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. These are completely separate companies and services, so they do not combine.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney Plus and HBO Max are separate apps and subscriptions that cannot be merged or bundled together through Disney Plus.
  • You can install both apps on the same device—such as a smart TV, phone, or streaming box—and switch between them as needed.
  • Some devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TVs support both apps, but you need separate subscriptions to each service.
  • If you want to reduce costs, you can check whether HBO Max is included in a bundle with other services like Hulu or ESPN Plus.

Which devices let you use both apps at once

Most modern streaming devices support both Disney Plus and HBO Max apps, so you can install them side by side. Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio have both apps available in their app stores. Streaming boxes like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast all support both services. Phones and tablets running iOS or Android can read both apps from the App Store or Google Play Store.

The only limitation is older devices. If you have a very old smart TV or streaming device from before 2018, it may not have HBO Max available. Check your device's app store to see whether HBO Max is listed. If it is not there, you can still watch HBO Max on a different device—a phone, tablet, or newer streaming box—and cast or mirror it to your TV if that option is available.

How to set up both apps on your device

The process is straightforward. On a smart TV, go to your app store (Samsung Smart TV has Samsung TV Plus, Roku has the Roku Channel Store, and so on). Search for "Disney Plus" and install it, then search for "HBO Max" and install that too. Sign into each app with your own account credentials. You will see both apps on your home screen, and you can open whichever one you want to watch.

On a phone or tablet, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for "Disney Plus," read it, and sign in. Then search for "HBO Max," read it, and sign in to that as well. Both apps will appear on your home screen. On a streaming box like Fire TV or Roku, the process is identical: go to the app store built into the device, search for each app, install both, and sign in.

You do not need to do anything special to make them work together. They are independent apps that straightforward live on the same device. You switch between them the same way you would switch between any other apps—by pressing the home button and selecting the one you want.

What to do if you want to reduce subscription costs

If paying for both services separately feels expensive, you have a few options. HBO Max (now branded as Max) is sometimes bundled with other services. If you already subscribe to Hulu or ESPN Plus through Disney, you can check whether adding Max to your account costs less than a separate subscription. Pricing and bundle options change, so visit the Max website directly to see what is currently available in your area.

Another option is to subscribe to one service at a time. You could watch Disney Plus for a month or two, then pause that subscription and start HBO Max for a while. This approach takes more effort but spreads the cost across the year. Some people also share subscriptions with family members (check each service's terms about household sharing), which can lower the per-person cost.

Why Disney Plus and HBO Max stay separate

Disney Plus and HBO Max are owned by different companies. Disney owns Disney Plus. Warner Bros. Discovery owns HBO Max. Even though Disney is a massive company that owns many brands, it cannot force HBO Max to merge with Disney Plus because they are not the same business. The two companies have separate streaming strategies and separate subscriber bases.

This separation actually benefits you in some ways. It means each service can focus on its own content library and user experience without being diluted by the other. It also means you have choice—you can subscribe to one, both, or neither depending on what you want to watch.

Alternatives if you do not want both subscriptions

If you want to watch content from both services but do not want to pay for both subscriptions, you have limited options. Some libraries offer free streaming through services like Hoopla or Kanopy, which sometimes include movies and shows from major studios, though the selection is usually smaller. You could also wait for content to become available on other platforms—movies and shows sometimes move between services over time.

Another approach is to watch with someone who has a subscription. Many streaming services allow household sharing, so if a family member or friend has Disney Plus or HBO Max, you may be able to use their account on your device (again, check the service's sharing rules first). This is not the same as adding one service to the other, but it does let you access both libraries without paying twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch HBO Max shows through the Disney Plus app?

No. HBO Max content only appears in the HBO Max app. Disney Plus shows only Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. The two apps are completely separate, and there is no way to access one service's content through the other app.

Do I need a separate subscription to each service?

Yes, you need a separate subscription to Disney Plus and a separate subscription to HBO Max (Max). They are owned by different companies and do not share subscriptions. However, you can check whether Max is available as an add-on to a Hulu or ESPN Plus subscription, which may cost less than a standalone Max subscription.

Will Disney ever merge HBO Max with Disney Plus?

No. Disney does not own HBO Max or Warner Bros. Discovery. They are separate companies, so Disney cannot merge them. Each company runs its own streaming service independently.

What if my TV does not support both apps?

If your TV is too old to have both apps, you can use a separate device. A streaming box like Roku or Fire TV, a phone, or a tablet can run both apps and connect to your TV. You can also cast or mirror from a phone to an older TV if that option is available on your model.

Can I use the same password for both Disney Plus and HBO Max?

You can use the same password if you want, but each service has its own separate account. You will need to create or sign into an account with each service independently. Using the same password across services is generally not recommended for security reasons.