The way we consume entertainment has shifted to digital platforms. Streaming services have made it easy to access our favourite shows and movies on smartphones and tablets. 

However, with the growing popularity and demand, there are now numerous streaming services to choose from, including popular Australian options.

Choosing the best streaming service is subjective, as preferences vary from person to person. What works for you may not work for someone else. Whether you prefer Netflix or another service, it's important to find the one that suits your needs best. 

Netflix Australia

Netflix is a leading global streaming service, with localised versions like Netflix Australia tailored to fit the local audience. It's accessible on iOS and Android devices, computers, streaming devices, and smart TVs.

The service offers three plans with varying features and prices. These plans differ in the number of screens allowed, offline viewing options, and video quality. Netflix also provides a free 30-day trial for new users to test the service.

In Australia, Netflix offers three main plans:

• Standard with ads - $6.99/month: Standard Definition resolution, two supported devices, and downloads on two devices. This plan includes ads.
• Standard - $16.99/month: High Definition resolution, ad-free movies and TV shows, two screens can stream simultaneously, and downloads available for two devices.
• Premium - $22.99/month: Ultra HD 4K resolution, four screens can stream simultaneously, and downloads available for six devices.

Netflix's library includes a wide range of movies, TV shows, including Hollywood blockbusters, popular series, children's shows, and a dedicated kids' account for child-friendly content.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video, from the e-commerce giant Amazon, is a well-established streaming service that recently launched in Australia. While its content was initially limited, the platform has steadily expanded its library to include a wide range of movies and TV series.

The service is accessible on smartphones, tablets, Windows or Mac computers, streaming devices, and select smart TVs.

One of the standout features of Amazon Prime Video is its affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious viewers. Subscribers can also opt for an annual payment, which is cheaper than monthly payments. Additionally, new subscribers can enjoy a 30-day free trial to test the service.

Here's a breakdown of Amazon Prime Video's pricing:

• $9.99 per month
• $79 per year if paid upfront

Given its cost-effectiveness, Amazon Prime Video is a popular choice for those looking to save money. Subscribers can cancel anytime if they wish.

Disney +

Disney Plus is Disney's dedicated streaming service, offering a treasure trove of beloved childhood classics from Disney and Pixar, blockbuster Marvel superhero movies, the iconic Star Wars saga, and more.

The platform is also home to Star, a content hub featuring shows and movies from Fox Entertainment, ABC, FX, and others. Additionally, National Geographic documentaries provide educational and entertaining content for the whole family.

In Australia, Disney Plus starts at $13.99 per month. Opting for the annual plan at $139.99 gives you a discount equivalent to two months' worth of subscription fees. This plan allows for up to two simultaneous streams in up to 1080p HD quality.

For those seeking higher resolution and more simultaneous streams, the Premium Disney Plus subscription offers 4K resolution with HDR support on up to four devices simultaneously. This plan costs $17.99 per month ($179.99 annually). In comparison, Netflix charges $22.99 for similar perks, making Disney Plus a more cost-effective option.

The Disney Plus app for smartphones and tablets allows for offline downloads. There's no fixed limit on the number of shows or movies you can download at once, with the only restriction being the available storage on your device. You can authorise up to 10 devices for simultaneous offline downloads, which is more generous than the limits imposed by Netflix or Stan.

Stan

Stan is a proudly Australian streaming service, jointly owned by Fairfax and Channel 9. It boasts a rich collection of Australian content, making it a top choice for fans of local shows. Additionally, Stan has international partnerships, offering a wide range of popular TV shows and movies.

Similar to other streaming platforms, Stan is also investing in exclusive content. It can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, computers, streaming devices, and select smart TVs.

In terms of pricing, Stan is comparable to Netflix, with three price tiers based on video quality and simultaneous streaming and downloading options:

• $10 per month: Standard Definition resolution, one screen at a time, downloads available for one device
• $16 per month: High Definition resolution, three screens can stream simultaneously, downloads available for three devices
• $21 per month: Up to 4K resolution, four screens can stream simultaneously, downloads available for five devices

With its diverse library of local and international shows, Stan offers something for everyone, making it a popular choice among Australians. 

Stan Sport

Rugby fans have a reason to celebrate with this new Stan service, available as an add-on to the regular Stan programming. For an additional $10 per month, subscribers gain access to live rugby matches worldwide, as well as coverage of Wimbledon and the French Open.

The service offers a 30-day free trial and provides ad-free, high-definition access to important matches in real-time. Additionally, an expert commentary team is available to provide in-depth analysis.

Binge

Binge is a newer streaming service that shows promise, especially for HBO fans. It boasts the most extensive library of HBO shows, making it a must-try for enthusiasts.

While Binge's content library isn't as vast as some other services yet, it is continuously adding new shows and are expected to expand. It also has plans to introduce new features in the near future.

One thing to note is that unlike some other streaming services, you cannot download videos for offline viewing with Binge. This means you'll need a stable Internet connection to binge-watch your favourite shows, and it won't work if you travel outside the country.

Currently, Binge is only available on iOS and Android devices, as well as on streaming devices. In terms of pricing, Binge is in a similar range to Netflix and Stan, starting at $10 per month. They offer three price points:

• Basic: $10 per month - Watch shows on one screen at a time in Standard Definition
• Standard: $18 per month - Watch shows on two screens simultaneously in High Definition
• Premium: $22 per month - Watch shows on four screens simultaneously in High Definition

For those interested in trying out Binge, it offers a 14-day free trial for new members. 

ABC iView

ABC iView is a part of ABC and is packed with television catch-up opportunities and streaming content. The best part? It’s all accessible for free. 

One of the best features of ABC iview is its ad-free experience, ensuring uninterrupted viewing pleasure. The service is compatible with various devices, making it convenient to stream your favourite shows anytime, anywhere. Most ABC content remains available on iview for up to 30 days after its initial airing, and some shows are exclusive to the platform.

ABC iview requires no registration or account creation; you just need to visit the website or use the app on your mobile device. However, creating an account offers added benefits such as creating a personalised Watchlist and keeping track of your Viewing History. 

Acorn TV

Acorn TV is a streaming service that caters to fans of British comedy, drama, and murder mysteries, offering a treasure trove of content that may not be readily available elsewhere. 

Priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 for an annual subscription, Acorn TV provides an affordable way to indulge in a range of British programming.

From Shakespeare adaptations to beloved UK comedy classics, Acorn TV offers a curated selection of content that will appeal to fans of British television.

AMC+

AMC is renowned for its groundbreaking TV shows like Breaking Bad and Mad Men, which have propelled the network into the streaming realm. Rather than a standalone service, AMC offers a promising 'streaming bundle' accessible through Apple TV or Prime Video, complementing your existing subscriptions with exclusive AMC content.

At $8.99 per month, AMC+ is competitively priced, aligning with Paramount+ and Apple TV+. One of its standout features is its exclusive vampire series, Interview with the Vampire, and Firebite, offering unique content for fans of the genre. Additionally, subscribers receive complimentary access to Shudder and Acorn TV, making it a great value proposition for those considering these services.

However, AMC+ is still expanding its content library, and only a few of its exclusives have gained widespread recognition. Nonetheless, it's an evolving platform with the potential to become a major player in the streaming landscape.

Apple TV Plus

Apple TV Plus is an exclusive video subscription service that offers a unique lineup of original shows and movies, all crafted by Apple. Every piece of content on Apple TV Plus is an Apple exclusive, setting it apart from other streaming services.

For $9.99 per month in Australia, Apple TV Plus provides a subscription that covers an entire family of up to six people, as long as the other members are part of your Family Sharing group. Unlike Netflix, where sharing a password is common, Apple TV Plus requires family members to be part of your designated group.

To access Apple TV Plus, an Internet connection is necessary. While Apple offers its Apple TV 4K set-top box for $219, which includes the Siri Remote, there are numerous other ways to watch. Apple TV Plus is compatible with Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Google TV, select Samsung, Panasonic, Vizio, and HiSense smart TVs, as well as Amazon Fire TV, LG, Xfinity, Roku, and Sony platforms.

For on-the-go viewing, Apple TV Plus can be accessed through the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, and Mac. Additionally, you can watch Apple TV Plus on browsers such as Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. Experience the world of Apple TV Plus and immerse yourself in its captivating content today.

Britbox

In late 2020, a new subscription streaming service entered the Australian market: BritBox. A collaborative effort between UK television powerhouses BBC and ITV, BritBox offers a mix of classic and contemporary British series, alongside a selection of original programming.

BritBox is competitively priced at $9.99 per month, or a slightly discounted $99.99 per year, placing it just below more mainstream streamers like Disney Plus. For comparison, Netflix starts at $6.99 per month, while Stan and Binge both charge $10 per month.

While Netflix and Disney Plus have discontinued its free trials, BritBox still offers a week-long trial period for new users, providing full access to the library without charge, with payment only required if you choose to continue your subscription.

Crunchyroll & AnimeLab Australia

For Australian anime enthusiasts looking to expand beyond Netflix's anime offerings, there are a couple of legal streaming options available. Crunchyroll is renowned for its extensive anime library, while AnimeLab Australia offers a more curated and exclusive selection.

Crunchyroll is priced at $7.99 per month, with a premium membership tier available for $9.99 per month, offering early access and the ability to download titles. On the other hand, AnimeLab Australia offers a flat rate of $7.95 per month after a free 30-day trial.

Crunchyroll excels in providing access to classic and seasonal anime titles as they are released, catering to fans who prefer to keep up with new episodes weekly. 

AnimeLab Australia, despite its smaller library, is favoured by users for its app and interface. Additionally, AnimeLab Australia offers many series that are not available on Crunchyroll, such as the popular One Punch Man.

Curiosity Stream

Originally from the US but accessible to non-fiction enthusiasts worldwide, this documentary streaming service offers a wealth of content to satisfy curious minds. 

The Premium subscription is particularly enticing, providing access to seven niche streaming specialties. From 'One Day University' course lectures to Da Vinci Kids, there's something to expand the horizons of both adults and children alike.

With an affordable price point of just $3.50 per month for the standard annual plan and $8.18 per month for the premium 4K annual plan (approximately $98 a year), this service is accessible to a wide audience.

DocPlay

DocPlay is the go-to destination for documentary enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of documentaries covering nature, science, sports, art, and more.

Priced at $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year, DocPlay provides an affordable way to delve into the world of documentaries. DocPlay offers a free 14-day trial, allowing you to explore its extensive documentary library before committing.

With documentaries gaining popularity, now is the perfect time to dive into DocPlay's collection. Discover acclaimed titles like Hoop Dreams and Blackfish, and immerse yourself in the current golden age of documentary filmmaking.

Flash

Flash News is part of Foxtel's streaming platform lineup. Designed with a focus on news, Flash shares the same platform structure as Kayo and Binge.

Priced at just $8 per month, Flash offers a straightforward pricing structure with no tiers. This subscription grants you access to news content on a single screen at a maximum resolution of 1080p.

At launch, Flash features a wide range of news sources, including Al Jazeera, ausbiz, BBC World News, Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg Quicktake, Channel News Asia, CNBC, CNN International, ET Now, FOX News Channel, FOX SPORTS News, GB News, i24NEWS, France24, news.com.au, NHK World, REA, Russia Today, Sky News Australia, Sky News UK, Sky News Extra, Sky News Weather, Storyful, PeopleTV, Times Now, USA Today, USA Today SportsWire, and The Wall Street Journal.

Foxtel Now

Foxtel Now stands out in Australia as a digital version of the traditional Foxtel subscription, offering Live TV as one of its main features. However, the shows you can watch depend on the channel packs you choose.

You can access Foxtel Now in Australia on smartphones, tablets, PCs, and streaming devices like the Foxtel Now Box and Chromecast.

In terms of pricing, Foxtel Now can be on the pricier side, especially if you want access to all its content, which costs $104 per month. However, you can customise your package by selecting from various channel packs starting at $25 per month.

Foxtel Now offers a 10-day free trial for those interested in exploring its offerings. One of its key selling points is its access to HBO hits like Westworld and Game of Thrones, making it a great choice for fans of these shows.

Hayu

Hayu caters to reality TV enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of unscripted content to Australian viewers. The platform prides itself on delivering episodes of popular shows like Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Real Housewives shortly after they air in the US.

Priced at $6.99 per month or $33.99 for 6 months, Hayu provides excellent value, especially considering the extensive seasons, specials, and spin-offs available on the platform.

Unlike Netflix, which releases entire seasons at once, Hayu operates more like a pipeline, delivering international shows to viewers almost immediately after they premiere.

iwonder

Offering a slightly higher price point than its competitor DocPlay, iwonder provides another excellent avenue to explore the captivating world of non-fiction storytelling. 

The platform is known for its unique approach of pairing current news topics with relevant documentary recommendations and additional content, allowing viewers to delve deeper into pressing issues.

Subscriptions to iwonder are priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually, aligning with other niche streaming services like Shudder.

One of iwonder's standout features is its inclusion of current affairs programs, setting it apart from other documentary-focused services and providing viewers with a comprehensive and informative viewing experience.

Kayo

Imagine a world where sports enthusiasts have their own version of Netflix—that's Kayo. This platform offers a comprehensive sports streaming experience with a single monthly payment, providing access to a library of over 50 sports, both live and on-demand, along with match commentary, interviews, documentaries, and classic games.

Kayo goes beyond traditional sports viewing with unique features tailored for fans. "SplitView" allows you to watch multiple matches simultaneously, "key moments" highlights the best parts of a match, and "no spoilers" blocks scores from appearing in the menu as you browse.

Membership to Kayo is available in two price tiers, both offering access to all content in HD with the flexibility to cancel at any time. The difference lies in the number of screens you can watch simultaneously, with the more expensive plan offering up to 4K quality.

The One subscription - $25 per month - provides one screen, ideal for family sports viewing. The Basic subscription - $35 per month - offers two screens, allowing you to watch different sports in different rooms.

It's important to distinguish between "simultaneous screens" and "SplitView"—even if you're watching four sports at once, it counts as only one screen.

At $35 per month for two simultaneous screens, Kayo is considered one of the pricier streaming services. Unlike some competitors, Kayo does not offer discounted annual pricing. Experience the ultimate sports streaming platform with Kayo today.

Kanopy

Looking beyond the mainstream streaming giants, there are still excellent options for budget-conscious viewers in Australia.

Take Kanopy, for example, which is accessible through public or student libraries. This lesser-known streaming service focuses on 'thoughtful entertainment,' offering a wide range of documentaries, classic films, and recent festival favourites.

Best of all, it's free! Kanopy provides access to a diverse selection of high-quality movies that you might not find elsewhere.

Mubi

Mubi offers a unique arthouse/film club experience in the streaming world by adding a new film every day to its curated library. The platform's 'Now Showing' section features just 30 diverse and unusual films at a time, while its 'Library' catalogue offers a much broader selection.

Priced at a flat rate of $10.99 with no ads, Mubi promises a high-quality streaming experience. Additionally, users can sign up for a free account to browse the film database and participate in discussions on the Mubi forums.

Cinephiles will appreciate Mubi's collection of rare, artistically significant, and challenging films, along with its user-friendly community features that help discover hidden gems and cult favourites.

Optus Sport

Optus Sport goes beyond being just a streaming platform, offering a collection of sports channels that cover major sporting events and news worldwide.

If you're a passionate soccer/football fan and not yet an Optus subscriber, the service's extensive and timely coverage might just sway you.

Optus Sport is priced at $14.99 per month. Optus customers are automatically enrolled in Optus Sport for free, which is a nice bonus. It's also one of the few ways to watch live English Premier League games outside of SBS.

Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus was introduced by ViacomCBS. This platform offers a vast range of content from CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Paramount Pictures.

Replacing 10 All Access locally, Paramount Plus includes Australian content from Network Ten. Pricing for Paramount Plus starts at $9.99 per month for the Standard plan and $13.99 per month for the Premium plan in Australia.

Paramount Plus is competitively priced, cheaper than many other streaming services in Australia. Annual plans are also available, offering savings equivalent to two months free per year. The Standard annual subscription costs $89.99, while the Premium annual subscription is priced at $124.99.

New users can enjoy a seven-day free trial of Paramount Plus by logging onto the app via their TV or accessing the Paramount Plus website through a desktop browser. Experience the diverse range of content on Paramount Plus today.

Reelgood

If you find yourself juggling multiple streaming services to find something to watch, Reelgood offers a solution by consolidating all your streaming libraries into one convenient location. This makes it easy to decide what to watch and where to find it.

Reelgood is completely free to use. However, accessing paywalled titles will require a subscription to the respective streaming service.

One of the key features of Reelgood is the ability to track shows that are spread across different platforms, making it easier to keep up with your favourite series. Additionally, you can quickly filter the content to only show options available on the services you're currently subscribed to, eliminating the frustration of seeing titles you can't access.

SBS On Demand

SBS On Demand is the ultimate streaming destination for those who love SBS. This platform offers a huge collection of content from SBS, SBS Viceland, NITV, and SBS Food, along with exclusive web movies—all available for free.

Accessing SBS On Demand is easy to do; simply register for an account or log in using your Facebook or Google credentials. Once logged in, you can enjoy a seamless viewing experience and all you need is an active Internet connection and a compatible device. 

Whether you prefer streaming on your iPhone, iPad, Android device, or through a web browser on your PC or Mac, you’re covered. Some smart TVs even come with SBS On Demand pre-installed, offering yet another convenient way to access this captivating content.

Shudder

For those who yearn for Halloween vibes year-round, Shudder is a must-have streaming platform. Specialising in horror content, Shudder offers a plethora of original and underappreciated spooky tales from around the globe and from the depths of the past.

Priced at a very reasonable $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually, Shudder won't give you a fright when it comes to cost.

One of the perks of a Shudder subscription is the ability to bundle it with Prime Video and AMC+, giving you access to three services for the price of one. This bundle provides a wide range of entertainment options, whether you're in the mood for something spooky or something entirely different.

Tubi

Tubi is a fantastic streaming service that offers a wide range of content from Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate, all for free. It's compatible with Apple, Sony, and Android devices, making it accessible to a wide audience. While you may encounter some ads, the quality of the titles available on Tubi more than makes up for it.

One of the best things about Tubi is that it's completely free—no subscription or credit card information is required. Despite having over 20,000 titles, Tubi doesn't feel like a random collection of films. You can find true cinema gems here, such as Battle Royale, The Big Short, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. 

YouTube Premium

You might be wondering why anyone would pay for YouTube Premium when you can use YouTube for free. While it's true that YouTube is free to use, YouTube Premium offers additional features that some find worthwhile.

For a monthly fee of $14.99 after a 30-day free trial, YouTube Premium provides an ad-free experience, background play, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing.

One of the key advantages of YouTube Premium is the ability to play music and videos in the background while using other apps, as well as the option to save videos for later viewing. This can be particularly useful for filmmakers and content creators who use YouTube regularly.

7Plus

One of the standout features of 7plus is its extensive collection of television content available completely free of charge. While it may not offer the same vast selection as streaming giants like Netflix and Stan, the ability to use 7plus without any monthly fees is a significant advantage.

Essentially, 7plus provides access to almost everything that airs on Channel 7, whether it's live or on-demand. Most recent seasons of shows are typically available for viewing on the website or app, with some programs even offering previous seasons.

7plus is a reliable service that is regularly updated and performs its primary function effectively. The website and apps have undergone significant improvements in design, making them easy to navigate. 

9Now

9Now provides viewers with the opportunity to watch Channel Nine's top series on demand. Despite the plethora of streaming platforms available, 9Now remains the sole option for Australian audiences to catch buzz-worthy and topical titles like Framing Britney Spears.

It's completely free and easy to stream on your TV after a quick sign-up process. Additionally, if you're away from a TV and can't wait until the episodes are released online the next day, you can stream each channel live via its website.

10 Play

Australian TV networks have come to recognize that people with busy schedules often miss their favourite shows when they air.

10 Play is not just a catch-up site; it's also a destination for fans to engage with their favourite shows, even when they're not currently on air. Each show has its own page, and there's also live online streaming available. This feature is particularly popular for sports events, such as the MotoGP races broadcast in real time.

If you're a fan of any of Network Ten's shows, 10 Play is a must-have app. The platform offers a wide range of content, and the level of detail available on the Tenplay website is unparalleled, allowing you to delve deeper into your favourite shows.

Bundle your plan

If you’re planning on streaming and binge-watching shows, you can always bundle with your Internet provider. 

Want to learn more? Get connected with Compare Broadband and see what deals you can benefit from.