HBO Vs. Showtime – Who Has The Best Content? (Explained)

There are two considerations when choosing a subscription-based streaming platform: monthly costs and how vast the content library is, there are two considerations.

That said, if you plan to ditch your cable subscription and shift to streaming, two services come to mind: HBO and Showtime.

As both are on cable and offer video streaming, one may want to gauge which one would be the better investment, especially when it comes to content.

Who has the better content, HBO or Showtime?

What You Need to Know About HBO & Showtime:

HBO and Showtime are cable TV channels that also offer streaming over the Internet. Both are available on different platforms and have expansive content libraries that make them good choices for cord-cutters.

How Does the Content Compare for HBO and Showtime?

Both HBO and Showtime have movies and original content, but their content libraries are different as a whole. 

One thing notable about HBO is its more comprehensive selection of movies compared to Showtime.

It’s also the first to acquire rights over newer films and, for a limited period, premiered movies simultaneously with theaters. 

Does Showtime Have Original Series? 

Showtime has original content on its platform.

Some of the popular content that Showtime has includes Dexter, Homeland, Weeds, and Ray Donovan. 

Does HBO or Showtime have More Viewers? 

HBO has more viewers than Showtime, even beating the latter with twice the amount of viewers. 

Showtime has around 28 million viewers, while HBO has a whopping 54 million. Check also what time new shows appear on HBO.

How Do you Sign Up for HBO and Showtime? 

There are different ways to sign up for these services:

Signing up for HBO:

For HBO, you can opt to get HBO Max, with the option for an ad-tier and ad-free plan.

You need to be logged into the website or app to sign-up. 

Alternatively, you can get HBO Max when you sign up through Amazon Prime, Hulu, or YouTube TV. 

You can also get HBO Max by subscribing to cable with HBO or any affiliated Internet providers that have tie-ups with HBO. 

Signing Up for Showtime:

You can sign up for the services of Showtime through the website.

If you signed up for the cable TV version of Showtime, you also get access to the Showtime app for free. 

Like HBO Max, you can also get Showtime through Hulu, Amazon Prime, and YouTube TV. 

Other options to get Showtime through its streaming app include Sling, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Apple TV. 

There’s also the option to get Showtime through Internet providers, such as AT&T and Verizon. If you subscribe to cable that includes Showtime, you also gain access to Showtime Anytime, the company’s streaming app for cable subscribers. 

Given these options, you can say that HBO and Showtime have similar points for subscribing. 

How Much Do HBO Max and Showtime Cost? 

HBO Max costs $9.95 with ads and $14.95 without ads.

Unfortunately, there’s no option for a trial period. 

Showtime meanwhile costs $10.99 a month with the option for a 30-day trial. 

What Are the Ways to Watch HBO and Showtime? 

There are many ways to watch your favorite content with internet streaming without relying on cable or satellite TV. 

Ways to Watch HBO Outside a Cable or Satellite TV Subscription 

For those looking at subscribing to HBO Max, here are your options:

• You can watch HBO Max on Samsung and any smart TV running Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku TV for smart TVs.
• Don’t have a smart TV? You can buy the Fire TV Stick or Roku Streaming Stick or any streaming stick or box that runs Android TV. Another good option would be the Apple TV and the Google Chromecast, which you use in tandem with your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• You can also watch HBO Max on any computer running the latest Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome OS. Supported browsers include Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
• HBO Max is also available on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
• If you own a Sony Playstation or Microsoft Xbox, you can also download HBO Max on these consoles.

Ways to Watch Showtime Outside a Cable or Satellite TV Subscription:

The Showtime app is available on the following platforms:

• The app is available on Samsung, LG, and smart TVs using the Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku TV operating system. 
• For those who don’t have a TV compatible with the Showtime app, an option you can consider is streaming sticks, such as the Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Roku Streaming Stick, Apple TV, or other streaming devices that use Android TV. 
• You can also watch Showtime on your computer. 
• For smartphones and tablets, the Showtime app is available on Android, iOS, and Amazon devices. 
• And if you own a Microsoft Xbox, you can also get Showtime there. 

How Many Can use HBO and Showtime at the Same Time? 

HBO Max allows a total of three (3) users to use one account at the same time. 

For Showtime, you can have up to five users using one account. 

When Should you Choose Showtime over HBO?

Showtime gains an edge if you’re looking for their original content, which is unlikely available elsewhere. 

Another advantage of Showtime is its monthly cost. You can get a subscription for $11, and up to five users can use one account simultaneously.

There are also no ads, which gives it an edge over HBO Max’s lower plan. If you’re also looking to consider a free trial, Showtime has the edge over HBO with this one. 

Showtime is also ideal if your TV’s maximum resolution is at 1080p. It’s also great for those who use LG TVs. 

If you’re using an Amazon mobile device, Showtime has an edge here, as it is available on the said platform. 

When Should you Choose HBO over Showtime?

HBO Max is a good option for those who want access to a broader content library, exclusive content, and for a limited time, simultaneous release of movies with the big screen.

When HBO stops streaming the premieres of films, you still get movie releases faster on HBO Max, particularly within 45 days for movies from Warner. 

HBO Max is also suitable for those who want options on choosing a plan. It offers a lower tier with ads for a dollar less than Showtime, although some features are missing compared to the higher plan. 

If your TV can handle 4k streaming, you will be able to maximize its resolution when using HBO Max. 

For those who prefer using their gaming consoles as an entertainment hub, HBO Max is a good choice since it’s available on both the Playstation 4 and Microsoft Xbox. 

Are HBO’s Original TV Series Better than Showtime’s?

Both platforms have very notable original series. 

And, to say one is better can be subjective since people have different preferences. 

To give you an idea of what to expect, HBO offers programs like Game of Thrones, while Showtime offers Dexter. These are from different genres but are popular among many TV viewers.

It’s also worth noting that HBO has less original content on rotation, as Showtime has almost 100 available original content. 

That said, the overall value of HBO versus Showtime depends a lot on what a viewer looks for in entertainment. 

Final Thoughts

It would seem that HBO Max might be the winner, considering the overall content it offers. 

But it all comes down to what you have, your preferred content, and limitations. 

HBO and Showtime have different features and availability, so it will be a slight challenge to decide which one is better. 

You can’t go wrong with both platforms, considering what they have in their respective libraries. 

Sources:

Showtime Review 2021: Everything You Need to Know About the Streaming Service

Smart TVs & HBO Max: 23 Answers For Beginners