Netflix and HBO are two of the great online TV services to watch series and stream movies which currently offer their services in Spain. With similar subscription prices, except for small details, the differences between both platforms are, in some cases minimal, with the exception of their available catalogue: the main factor that can make you choose one over the other.
If you want to subscribe to an online TV service that has a large catalogue of TV series and films to watch at any given time, your best option is probably Netflix.
In this sense, Netflix clearly stands out over HBO as it has a catalogue of over 400 series and about 1,500 movies, as well as a good selection of documentaries. Netflix is especially committed to its own production, with magnificent series such as Narcos or Stranger Things as well as an increasing list of independent films with titles that have enjoyed considerable success such as Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, “Bird Box or Annihilation.
In the case of HBO, the platform’s catalogue is clearly smaller in terms of quantity with about 100 series and more than 400 films but it favours high quality productions, currently streaming some of the most successful series in the history of television. Series like Game of Thrones, The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, Flash or The Big Bang Theory have been joined by highly regarded TV series such as Chernobyl, Westworld or True Detective.
The catalogue of HBO films does not fall short, especially betting on several movie classics, and through its platform we can see some popular sagas such as the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, the Twilight saga, Matrix or Batman.
The basic price of both platforms in Spain is €7.99. For HBO, it is a single monthly price, with a free trial month to test if their service convinces you. Netflix, on the other hand, has a basic service subscription for €7.99/month which can be upgraded into more advanced plans for €10.99/month (for HD quality), or the premium plan of €13.99/month (for ULTRA HD quality). In this case, Netflix does not have a trial month, so you will be subscribed to the platform from day one.
A final difference that is worth taking into account in this comparison is the ability to view downloaded content offline. This option is only included by Netflix, although only for certain series which can be downloaded in advance to watch later without the need for an Internet connection.