Compare on-demand internet streaming media services in Australia. Our comparison can help you find the best streaming service for your needs.
See the differences in content, pricing and packages from Presto, Stan, Netflix Australia, Quickflix, iTunes, and Foxtel Play. If you can't seem to fine one that you like, you may want to consider a combined entertainment bundle. Compare a range of on-demand Internet television (TV) sources on finder.com.au now so you can choose the one that best suits your entertainment needs. Whether you need Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black or just something for the kids, you've come to the right place.
Compare major Internet TV services below
Why do you need to compare streaming providers? To watch your favourite TV shows on the right devices, for the right price.
| Name | Service | Content | Price Per Month | Contract Type | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Streaming | TV, movies | Single - $8.99, Double - $11.99, 4 Device - $14.99 | No lock-in | See content |
 | Streaming | TV, movies | TV - $9.99, Movies - $9.99, TV & Movies - $14.99 | No lock-in | 1 month free trial More info |
 | Streaming | TV, sport and movies | $25 to $50 | No lock-in | 14-Day trial More info |
 | Streaming | TV, movies | $10 | No lock-in | See content More info |
 | Streaming | Reality TV | $5.99 | No lock-in | See content More info |
 | Downloading | TV, music, movies | TV - $3.50 per episode or $32.50 per season, Movies - $25 to buy and $6 to rent | No lock-in | Go to site More info |
| Name | Hardware | Mobile Phone | Consoles | Devices | Streams | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tablet, mobile, desktop, Chromecast | Yes | No | 2 | 2 | 1 month free trial More info |
| Desktop, Smart TV, tablet, console | Yes | Yes | 3 | 2 | 14-Day Trial More info |
| Smart TV, Apple TV, Chromecast | Yes | No | 3 | 3 | See content More info |
| Smart TV, desktop, gaming console or mobile | Yes | Yes | 4 | 4 | See content More info |
 | Smart TV, Chromecast | Yes | Yes | 3 | 3 | 1 Month Trial More info |
| Apple TV, Mac | Yes | No | 1 | 1 | Go to site More info |
| Name | Closed Captions | Quality | Content | Content Hours | Affiliates | Most Popular | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | SD | 100 TV shows, 1,100 movies | 4,500 | HBO, Foxtel, 7 Network, 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Disney | Modern Family, Sons of Anarchy, Homeland | 1 month free trial More info |
| No | SD | Data not available | Data not available | 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros, Disney, Paramount, Sony Pictures, NBC Universal, HBO, BBC Worldwide | Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, The Originals, Real Housewives of Melbourne | 14-Day TrialMore info |
| No | SD and HD | 1,250 Titles | 7,000 | Sony Pictures, Village Roadshows, NBC Universal, BBC Worldwide, ABC Commercial, SBS | Data not available | See content More info |
| Yes | SD to 4K ultra | 220 TV shows, 900 movies | 5,000 | Netflix USA, Disney, Warner Bros, BBC Worldwide, 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, Village Roadshow, ABC Commercial | House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Frozen | See content More info |
| No | SD and HD | 275 TV shows, 2,025 movies | 7,000 | Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, NBC Universal, Disney, Lionsgate, HBO, BBC Worldwide | Better Call Saul, Wolf of Wall Street, Breaking Bad | 1 Month Trial More info |
| Yes | SD and HD | Data not available | Data not available | Data not available | Data not available | Go to site More info |
| Name | Data Usage | ISPs & Unlimited Usage | Pros | Cons | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SD - 1.3GB/hr | Telstra, Bigpond | 30 day free trial | Not compatible with Apple TV | 1 month free trial More info |
| Data not available | Data not available | Exclusive rights to GoT, offers sports channels | Relatively expensive compared to other providers. | 14-Day TrialMore info |
| SD - 1GB/hr, HD - 1.5GB/hr, Ultra HD - 7GB/hr | Data not available | 30 day free trial | Less premium content | See content More info |
| SD - 1GB/hr, HD - 3GB/hr, Ultra HD - 7GB/hr | Optus, iiNet | 30 day free trial, great for kids | Their cheapest option only offers single streaming | See content More info |
| SD - 1GB/hr, HD - 1.5GB/hr | Data not available | Wide range of content | Premium shows are expensive | 1 Month Trial More info |
| Data not available | Data not available | Compatible with all Apple deices | Most expensive | Go to site More info |
- PRESTO 1 MONTH FREE TRIAL: Stream over 400+ TV Shows & 850+ Movies with Presto
- FOXTEL PLAY 14-DAY FREE TRIAL: Stream premium HBO content, sports and so much more with Foxtel Play's two-week trial
What would you like to do today?
| Information | Devices | Content | Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
Understanding your options: your guide to streaming video services in Australia
What's the main advantage when it comes to streaming for Aussies? Now, there are no long delays to view international content at a genuinely low price. The table above shows some of the cheapest entry points, with Netflix Australia starting at $8.99 per month though you only have access to a limited range of content. Stan and Quickflix currently have the largest library with approximately 7,000 hours of viewing for just a few dollars more. In terms of viewing quality, Netflix Australia is the only one who offers Ultra higher definition (not just high definition).
Even better, most shows are available on one or more of the platforms, though bigger shows like Game of Thrones are exclusive to Foxtel on real time. If you're happy to watch Game of Thrones later, they're available on Quickflix and iTunes. Some movies are exclusive too, Frozen to Netflix and the Lego Movie to Stan.
Accessing TV and movies has never been easier and more diverse for Aussies, but at the same time, more complicated. With so many internet TV sources available, how do you pick the best one for your needs? Not to mention any data upgrades you may need to support your streaming.
Internet Television is able to broadcast televised content to all forms of computer devices, from personal computers (PC) to your mobile phone. Also referred to as 'web TV' or 'streaming', this technology enables viewers to watch programming in real time.
The programming is viewed either through a website or application that is connected to a facility where television programming is being converted into internet packets. Your viewing device is then able to decode the imagery for display. With a good Internet connection and viewing device, there is little difference between what your cable provider can do compared with your computer.
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What are the main sources of Internet TV? How can I watch it?
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Free to air | These are channels on your free to air television offering online (and free) streaming services to your device. These include services like ABC iView and SBS On Demand. |
| Pay per view | These are companies who have developed their own streaming system and charge you per item that you'd like to stream including TV shows, movies and music. |
| Subscription services | These are providers that charge you on a monthly basis for certain privileges on their service. You get access to a range of premium TV shows and movies and there are different package options you can opt for. Be mindful that in most cases you'll need an internet connection or a reliable ISP (see below) to stream the content. Some notable players in the space are Foxtel, Netflix Australia, Presto, Quickflix and Stan. |
| Internet Service Providers (ISPs) | Internet service providers can offer their own streaming services too. Offering both movies and TV shows, players like BigPond TV, Telstra and Optus all offer their users the option to download these for a price per content. |
| Smart TVs | Even consoles are jumping on board Internet TV. Payers like Sony, Play Stations are offering Freeview shows, plus pay per view content. |
| Foreign services | Typically these are providers who are based in the US. There's been a lot of debate regarding how cheap internet TV and the range of content available compared to the US and Australia. |
What types of technologies can be used for Internet television?
The type of technology used for Internet television can vary depending on the source and purpose. These include:
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) | IPTV is the most common method used in Australia to stream TV. This is where the programming is delivered through the internet using a broadband or other type of connection. |
| Live television IPTV | This is where the programming being sent to the computer device is in direct competition with what is being broadcast by that network at the same time. |
| Time-shifted programming | This is where a television network broadcasts programming over the internet at different times than normally scheduled. |
| Video on-demand | Also known as pay per view, this is programming sent over the internet to a box that is connected to your television. |
| Online video sites | These sites store various pre-recorded programming to allow it to be viewed online. |
| Streaming | Streamed videos do not need to be downloaded by the viewer, instead they are watching it directly through the Internet. |
| Downloadable videos | This type of technology allows you to store the movie or show onto your computer device to watch multiple times. |
In addition to these different types of Internet television, there are a variety of devices available to make viewing easier. All of the following are equipped with the computer technology needed to take advantage of internet television:
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Internet-enabled TV | This type of television has built in everything necessary to view Internet TV. You only need to provide it with the Internet connection. It is important to note that older model televisions may not have the inbound connections necessary for some of these devices. You might have to purchase special wiring or conversion devices to make your existing TV capable of being connecting to one of these video streaming devices. |
| Set-top box | Sometimes called an Internet TV media streamer, these connect to the TV and Internet to allow for you to watch Internet TV. |
| Video game console | Many popular game consoles, such as the Xbox, have been designed with the capability of streaming video. |
| DVD players | Certain DVD players, DVR and Blu Ray now offer the technology needed to connect with the Internet to stream video and television programming. |
| Computers | Both a PC and laptop can be connected to a television to access Internet TV. |
Who are some of the other Internet and Pay TV service providers in the world?
Once you have the necessary equipment installed for Internet TV, you will need to choose a service provider much like you do for cable TV service. Over the last few years, Australians have been given more choices when it comes to picking a company for online TV viewing:
| Service | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| iiNet | You have a number of different packages with this Internet TV provider that include movies and broadcast programming. | Packages start at $10 monthly, which includes features like the ability to pause and rewind live television programs. |
| Dendy Direct | Dendy Direct has a small number of local and international TV shows, plus new release and older films. | Streaming movies can be as high as $6 each and TV episodes $3. |
| Fetch TV | Sold through Internet providers, this subscription service offers catch up TV, YouTube and 30 movies a month. | $30 per month. You may pay an extra $6 each for new release movies. |
| Google Play | You can watch TV episodes and movies using this platform. | Depending on the number of episodes, a TV show season is between $30 and $40. Movies cost up to $7 to stream. |
What are things to consider when choosing an Internet and Pay TV service provider?
The price variations amongst the providers are indicative of a number of features that you should investigate and consider before making a choice:
- Shows offered. Not all of the providers will have current popular TV shows available. If you have a preference for a particular program, such as Game of Thrones, check its availability first.
- Compatible devices. Not all of the providers are able to be accessed with gaming consoles or DVD players.
- Portable device capability. If you want to be able to view movies and programs from a smartphone, tablet or other handheld electronic, check first that the provider offers an app for that function.
- Quality. Prices also vary depending on the quality of the video being streamed. A movie in HD for example will cost at least one dollar more than the same movie in SD.
When making the switch to Internet television you also need to consider how well your devices and the platform are able to stream videos. If your Internet connection is too slow, TV shows and movies will not stream to your device continuously. Instead, you will be left waiting while the device struggles to catch up. Some content, like HD, also requires a higher speed connection then others.
Frequently asked questions
What is a geo-block?
A geo block disallows certain content, like TV programming, to be viewed from other countries. It is able to track who is accessing a web site from the IP address. Geo-blocking is what is used by popular Internet TV service providers such as Netflix to make sure that an international service is not being used in Australia.
What are broadcasting rights?
These are the laws which govern what content may be viewed from where. These rights vary depending on the restrictions the distributor has placed on the content as well as the country it is originating from. In some instances broadcasting rights will allow for a limited online distribution of a movie or TV program or control when it is released. It is for this reason that many international television shows streamed to Australia are episodes, or even seasons, behind the country where the show is originating from.
Can Netflix be accessed in Australia?
There are legal Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers that are able to hide your IP address from websites. These come at an additional monthly cost, but will allow you to sign up for Netflix and other overseas Internet TV service providers that are not currently available in Australia.
Is Netflix Coming to Australia?
It's already here. But it should be noted that the packages and programs offered differ from what Netflix offers in other countries.
Does Internet TV affect my download quota?
In most cases yes, and you will need to contact your ISP in order to find out which ones. For example, some companies allow for unmetered viewing of catch-up TV programming like that offered by ABC’s iView. With other providers that are metered you should note that a 60 minute program can potentially consume up to 300MB of data.
Internet TV is increasing in popularity in Australia as more options become available. Cable television still offers more channels at lower pricing, but is limited in its selections. With the right Internet TV service provider you can watch shows from around the world on your television, computer screen and even your handheld devices.
I currently have foxtel and want to change to stan but do not have smart tv or any other device connection. I also have my Internet with foxtel will that work with stan for example
Thanks
Hi Kat,
Stan should work without issues on Foxtel Internet, so you could watch through a laptop, tablet or phone for example, or pick up a cheap streaming device such as Google’s Chromecast to send content to your TV. You’d have to check with Foxtel directly about switching from a full Foxtel connection+broadband depending on your contract status, but from a technical level there’s no reason that shouldn’t work.
Regards,
Alex.
is foxtel capable of providing me with an internet connection so i can use my apple tv as well? i only have mobile broadband on my property
Hi Brett,
Foxtel does offer broadband packages. I would recommend entering your address into our nbn tracker to check when you will be eligible for nbn.
Thanks,
Brodie
I live in Wagga Wagga and am currently paying a lot of money for A Telstra bundle which includes platinum Foxtel. I mainly have for major sports coverages F1, Moto GP, Rugby. Is there another way without the lock ins and hopefully cheaper.
Hi David,
You could always opt for Foxtel Play. The minimum you will pay is $50 per month for the sports package and one additional package of your choice. Foxtel Play is month-to-month and requires no lock-in contract. Click here for more information on the service.
Thanks,
Brodie
how long does it take to set up a new customer please
Hi Dianne,
You’ve come through to finder.com.au. We compare Internet TV providers in Australia, but do not represent Netflix, Stan or Presto. Though, signing up with Netflix, Stan or Presto won’t take any longer than ten minutes if you have your credit card and personal details on hand.
Thanks,
Brodie
Hi, I bought a t-box hoping to watch movies with digital quality audio, nope, no one could even tell me if their BigPond movies had digital audio. I would choose another streaming service if only someone could tell me which, if any service provided digital audio sound. The t-box does actually produce digital audio, when tuned to HD tv channels, ie; HD one or sevens 73 mate.
Hi Kristi-ann,
Netflix, Stan and Presto all support 5.1 surround sound.
Hope that answers your question,
Brodie
i am trying to sign up for presto how do i do this because i have tried several times on line and it wont accept anything i put in
Hi Elaine,
We’ve got a comprehensive guide to setting up Presto here. Please check it out and let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Brodie
Can I watch Presto on my LG TV?
Hi Blake,
Unfortunately, Presto does not support LG TV. However, there are other options, like Chromecast, that stream Presto and are compatible with LG Smart TV.
Hope that helps,
Brodie
I have just received an Apple TV box. After researching all my options regarding Netflix etc I am wondering which one is better to stream live international soccer games . Will Netflix be compatible with the being sport app.
Hi Julie,
Netflix and Bein Sports are unrelated services. Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t have any options for live sports streaming. Apple TV does offer a variety of sporting channels including Fox Sports and Red Bull TV.
Thanks,
Brodie
Am I able to access Freeview Plus via Apple TV?
Thanks,
Paul
Hi Paul,
Apple TV does not currently support Freeview Plus. However, it does support Netflix, Presto and Stan.
Hope that helps,
Brodie
i am wondering if movies capital is legal to use in Australia? thanking you
Rhavi
Hi Rhavi,
Movies Capital is not illegal to use in Australia but it’s also not the most trustworthy website to stream movies through. We’d recommend doing your research before signing up to anything. We’ve reviewed the providers above and they all offer a legitimate and trustworthy service.
Thanks,
Brodie