Streaming TV online: Compare Internet TV services

Internet Television is televised content that is delivered to all sorts of connected devices, from personal computers to smartphones and mobile devices to video game consoles.

Also referred to as "IPTV' or "streaming", this technology enables viewers to watch television shows, movies, news and sport in real time over the Internet.

The streamed content is viewed through a website or native application that gives the viewer access to a live stream or library of television shows and movies.

With a steady Internet connection and compatible device, there is little difference from what traditional broadcast options offer.

Which devices can I use to stream?

This is a common deterrent for people looking to make the switch to streaming but don't worry, there are plenty of devices you can use to stream your entertainment. In fact, you've probably got one or two in your home already.

• 
  
  

  Computer

  If you've got a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer, you're already halfway to streaming most major streaming services. Almost every streaming service can be accessed by the web browser you use every single day.

• 
  
  

  Smartphone and tablet

  One of the more popular devices to stream video on, smartphones and tablets allow you to binge TV shows, movies and news on the go. Most major streaming services are compatible with iOS, Android and Windows phones and even offer offline viewing options so you don't chew through your data.

• 
  

  Game consoles

  Why fork out for a new television when you probably own a streaming-enabled device already? Game consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have native apps for Netflix, Prime Video, Stan and more. The 4K-ready PS4 Pro and Xbox One X also allow you to stream 4K/UHD content (when connected to a 4K TV).

• 
  

  Streaming media devices

  If you're not looking to fork out for a Smart TV, there is a huge selection of affordable streaming hardware options, like Google Chromecast, Apple TV and Fire TV that will essentially transform your standard television into a Smart TV.

There's a whole suite of devices and gadgets you can stream on but device compatibility varies from service to service. Find out more about your streaming hardware options with our guide.

Why is streaming taking over? Convenience. While you can live stream TV shows and movies as they happen, the main draw of streaming television is the thousands and thousands of classic movies and recent blockbusters available with the press of a button.

The wide selection of compatible devices also means you don't have to wait until you're home on the couch to catch up on the latest news and premium TV series. Streaming and Internet TV can be accessed from your office computer, from your smartphone on the commute home and when you get home, you can continue what you were watching on your Smart TV without missing a beat.

Streaming is also relatively cheap. For years, entertainment in Australia has been dictated by cable and satellite providers who charge upwards of $100 per month for the privilege of their services. Netflix, on the other hand, charges just $9.99 per month at its lowest tier and offers quality original content and options for HD and 4K (Ultra High Definition) streaming at its higher tiers.

How much data does streaming use?

Because there is no content stored on your device, it means that you can take your entertainment on the go and perform abilities like pausing a movie on your TV and continuing to watch it on your phone or tablet during your commute to work. However, there is a small price for convenience as some streaming services can use up to 7GB per hour. Thankfully, some Australian mobile and broadband providers offer unmetered streaming for select services, so you don't risk going over your allotted data.

We've got the lowdown on providers that offer unmetered streaming and how to better manage your mobile data.

In 2016, Netflix began offering "Offline Viewing" which allows you to download select titles from its library to view without an Internet connection. Providers Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and hayu soon followed suit.

Should you fork out for 4K?

Well, that really depends on what kind of devices you intend to stream on. Netflix offers 4K/UHD streaming on a huge selection of 4K televisions. Powerhouse video game consoles like PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X, Blu-ray players and streaming media devices like Fetch Mighty and Chromecast Ultra also allow for 4K streaming provided you have a 4K television/monitor to stream it through.

Slapping 4K on the box used to mean you'd be paying an arm and a leg for the latest and greatest television but over the last few years, 4K displays have become more affordable. If you're lucky, you might even be able to nab one in an ALDI sale.

Stan and Prime Video began offering 4K/UHD plans soon after Netflix but with all three services, you'll pay a premium price for the finest viewing experience. Stan charges $15.00 per month for its 4K/UHD tier, Netflix charges $19.99 per month. Prime Video has only the one-plan tier at $6.99 per month and has a bigger library than Netflix.

It's worth mentioning that paying extra for 4K with Netflix and Stan also allows you to stream on up to four devices simultaneously, so if you're in a large household or run some side-hustle streaming group, you'll reap the benefits of 4K, regardless.

Which service has the most content and what can I stream?

Each month, TV shows and movies are added and removed from streaming services in Australia.

In the table below, we keep track of how many TV shows and movies are available.

Provider	Number TV shows	Number of Movies
Netflix	2175	4130
Prime Video	Unable to find table view in DSE.	Unable to find table view in DSE.
Stan	779	2602

Now that we've weighed up how each service compares, let's find that TV show you're looking for. Simply type the title of the movie in the search bar provided to track down where it is streaming in Australia.

Looking for a particular movie? Head over to our movie search engine.

Try before you buy with these free trials

Free Trial

BINGE 14-day free trial

Free Trial

Paramount+ 7-day free trial

Free Trial

Prime Video 30-day free trial

Free Trial

BritBox 7-day free trial

Free Trial

Foxtel Now 10-day free trial

Frequently asked questions

How is the content delivered to my device?

This is all well and good but how exactly did Daenerys and her dragons end up on my smartphone? While it’s not breathing fire or raising the dead, it’s still quite magical. Let us show you how it’s done.

• Streaming video on-demand (SVOD)

  Streamed videos do not need to be downloaded by the viewer, instead they are watched as the file is delivered to their device via the Internet. This allows for instant access but requires a stable Internet connection.

  Different providers use proprietary technology to deliver the smoothest stream possible without any prior download required. With this method, movies, TV shows, music and video games can be accessed instantly at high quality, without waiting for a download to finish. It’s this ease-of-access that has made services like Netflix the content delivery option of choice.

• Downloading

  While streaming has taken the world by storm, downloading content still has its benefits. Firstly, once the TV show, movie or album is downloaded, it’s yours to access at any time whether you have an Internet connection or not.

  Effectively, you own the digital file, whereas streaming services allow you to access their library for as long as you pay for a subscription. Even then, content is regularly removed from streaming services so you are never guaranteed your monthly subscription will give you access to a particular TV show or movie.

  People also like to take their entertainment on the road or abroad. Streaming can be expensive or simply not an option for those travelling so downloading before departing is their only option.

  It’s worth noting that services like Netflix and Stan allow select titles on their services to be downloaded for offline viewing.

• 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.

  Streaming services, catch-up services and even traditional cable services almost all use IPTV delivery in one form or another.

• Time-shifted programming

  This is where a television network broadcasts programming over the Internet at different times than normally scheduled.

More FAQ

More questions? You're not the only one. See what other people are asking.

• What is a geoblock?

  A geoblock disallows certain content, like TV programming, to be viewed from other countries. It is able to track who is accessing a website from the IP address. Geoblocking 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.

• Does Internet TV affect my download quota?

  In most cases, yes. You will need to contact your Internet service provider 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.

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