HBO GO Logo
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4.9

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: January 25th, 2024

HBO GO falls under the realm of HBO services. HBO GO is different than HBO NOW, the stand-alone streaming service offered by HBO. HBO NOW is available to anyone who wishes to purchase the subscription. HBO GO is a service designed for those who currently pay a TV provider for cable or satellite services. While there are differences between the streaming services, the content and user experience is almost identical.

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The Good

  • Over 125 exclusive series
  • No commercials or ads
  • Available on many devices

Unlimited Access

HBO has set it up so both HBO GO and HBO NOW subscribers can enjoy the exact same content. This includes all movies and television programs found in their content library. HBO GO subscribers have unlimited access to any and all HBO shows. There are no limitations on episodes or seasons. Unlimited access is also extended to hit movies, sports, documentaries, and comedy specials. Not only is access unlimited, it is also instant. Subscribers do not have to wait until the next episode or season is out before they can enjoy their favorite HBO programs. HBO has over 125 exclusive shows available to their subscribers. Additionally, subscribers also have access to over 650 movies in their content library. With all of the content to choose from, subscribers can also rest assured that they will not have to sit through long commercial breaks since the service provides an ad-free experience.

Device Availability

HBO GO is available on the following devices:
  • Apple iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV
  • Android phones, tablets, and Android TV
  • Amazon FireTablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick
  • Computers via web browser
  • Chromecast
  • PlayStation 3 and Playstation 4
  • Roku
  • Samsung Smart TV
  • Xbox 360 and Xbox One
With so many compatible devices, it is nice that there is no restriction on the number of devices a customer can sign into. Subscribers will need to "activate" each device the first time they use HBO GO, but after that, the device is all set up. The interfaces for both HBO GO and HBO NOW are almost identical. Simultaneous streaming is also available with both HBO GO and HBO Now. That means that members of your household can sign into several devices and watch different content at the same time without getting locked out.
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The Bad

  • Advertised as free
  • Must have a cable or satellite subscription
  • Authentication through provider

Advertised as Free

While HBO GO is advertised as "free," that is a little bit deceiving. HBO GO is not a typical streaming service, so it can be branded as free, but there are still associated costs. HBO GO users have to already have a cable or satellite service. These services often times cost a great deal each month. Additionally, subscribers have to also be paying a monthly subscription fee for HBO alone. That subscription fee typically ranges from $10-$20 each month. There are deals where HBO is free to new TV customers, but those trials usually expire after 30-90 days. So while downloading and signing into HBO GO is "free," subscribers are already paying for the service in other ways making HBO GO a conveniently added "perk."

Must have a Cable or Satellite Subscription

Unlike most streaming services, HBO GO limits who can access the service. Consumers who want the HBO subscription will have to utilize HBO NOW. HBO GO is specifically designed for those who have an HBO subscription with their cable or satellite television provider.

Authentication Through Provider

Authentication on each new device can be somewhat of a time-consuming process. HBO GO subscribers will have to authenticate their services through their cable or satellite provider. HBO NOW edges out HBO GO in the following areas:

  • No authentication required
  • No cable/satellite services necessary
  • No limitations to subscriber-base

Streaming Restrictions

While there is no cap on the number of devices subscribers can sign into, there are restrictions associated with simultaneous streaming. If multiple devices are simultaneously streaming the same movie/episode, they will likely not run into a problem. However, if the devices are watching different content, restrictions can apply.

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The Bottom Line

Deciding between HBO GO and HBO NOW has appeared to create the most confusion for streaming enthusiasts. However, HBO has made it relatively simple. HBO GO is strictly for those who have a satellite/cable provider with an HBO subscription, while HBO NOW can be enjoyed by anyone for a monthly subscription fee. For those who want to enjoy HBO content and are already paying a cable or satellite provider for television services, HBO GO is an excellent option. With HBO GO, subscribers can expect:

  • Unlimited access to HBO content
  • Instant viewing capabilities
  • Unlimited activated devices
  • Simultaneous streaming
  • Cable/Satellite provider necessary

We recommend reviewing the top rated companies before making a final decision.

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Star Rating

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4.1

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85 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

54%

4 grade

24%

3 grade

12%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

6%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Teresa Bills

I had HBO GO for a little while it was a good streaming service on my phone when I needed something to watch while waiting and all the TV's in the house were occupied. I would pull it up and watch some great movies. I've always like HBO since I was younger and appreciate some good content.

7 months ago

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MY Woodmere, NY

so I actually just canceled my subscription after having it for a year, I got a little board of the content but i think i watch way to much TV. The quality is good the content is vast but i was ready to take a break and come back later.

1 year ago

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Robert Wilson Bethesda, MD

Used HBO Go for about three years as part of my cable HBO service. The content is for the most part real good there is just not enough of it. The shows and movies also tend to come in waves and once you are done with it you have to wait for the next wave. Still, shows like Game of Thrones and Real Time make it worth the while to get.

4 years ago

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Katie Young Charlottesville, VA

I love HBO and the content they put out. The app isn't great though and I always have trouble connecting to Chromecast which is annoying every time. Other than the connection issues, I have absolutely no complaints and love being subscribed to HBO.

5 years ago

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Erika American Fork, UT

We really like HBO GO. Our TV had stopped working and we were in the middle of watching the game of thrones series at night once our little kiddos were off to bed. It was great that we could still watch our HBO shows through the APP that we downloaded. Love that they are using other options for watching premuim channel shows.

5 years ago

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Rischelle Mikkelson American Fork, UT

We love HBO Go for streaming movies. It sometimes takes a while for a movie to load, but once it is going, I never have buffering issues. Sometimes it kicks me out of my account and I have to re-verify it.

4 years ago

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Magaly De Avila Provo, UT

Super easy app to use on the go! I never have a difficult time streaming my favorite movies and they also have a lot of different kinds of movies and tv shows that other streaming devices don't offer.

5 years ago

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Elisa Miami, FL

Great selection! I just wish you didn't have to pay an extra $5 a month for no ads. There are a ton of ads and they are super repetitive.

1 year ago

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Nicole Garrett Lehi, UT

I love the HBO shows that at available. The streaming gets bogged down when the site is busy and it can be very frustrating to use this service at that time.

5 years ago

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Carlos Agosto

The best I used too see all Boxing Fight and the movies HD sweet I Recommend ⭐️

9 months ago

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wayne snow

I enjoy all the good shows they have. The app would free up a lot but when it did work I enjoyed it very much.

3 years ago

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Myles Cox Portland, OR

Excellent selection but the mobile app is often buggy and lacks functionality that I would expect from a modern streaming service.

4 years ago

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McKenzie Christiansen Provo, UT

This service is great. It has so many shows and movies to stream. The videos always are great quality and there is no lag.

5 years ago

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Spencer Scoville American Fork, UT

super simple to use but very limited on options. There are really no child friendly shows but the shows are so very good for older people

5 years ago

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Mirna Hanna Tallahassee, FL

Fast service and great price for the service they offer! The option to watch without ads is great.

4 years ago

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matthew Logan, UT

nice watching GOT on the go and streaming. expensive but the streaming always works so well and it is good picture.

4 years ago

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James Richards Las Vegas, NV

Great movie channel. New releases, theater movies. Price is great.

1 year ago

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Kathy W Saint Paul, MN

Selection of movies and tv series not available on other streaming platforms

3 years ago

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Amanda Warrendale, PA

HBO GO's user interface could improve but they have quality shows and content in general.

4 years ago

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Fierson Divine Ocala, FL

great experience. the quality is pretty good, thanks.

1 year ago