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Streaming TV online: Compare Internet TV services
Your guide to streaming with Australian Internet TV and IPTV services
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What's in this guide?
Why should you compare streaming providers? For a long time, Australians have been paying through the nose for their news, sport and entertainment. With new players on the block like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, accessing premium entertainment is easier and more affordable than ever. Comparing what each service offers and how much it costs could save you a fortune in the long run.
What do I need to compare?
- The price of the service
- The content on offer
- The streaming quality supplied
- The devices that are supported
There are many things you need to consider before signing up with a streaming provider but it essentially boils down a few comparable factors: price, content, quality and compatible devices.
That's just the start. Which services offer a free trial? Which services have a lock-in contract?
We've done the hard yards for you and answered all those questions and more in the table below.
If you'd like to dig a little deeper we answer some commonly asked questions and explain why streaming is taking over further down the page.
What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?
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.
I’m sold but I don’t know if I have the right equipment. 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 devices you can use to stream Netflix, Foxtel and more. 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 accessing most major streaming services. Every streaming service in Australia can be accessed by the web browser you use every single day (with the exception of hayu).
Smartphone and tablet
One of the more popular devices to stream live 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, Stan and more. The 4K-ready PS4 Pro and Xbox One X also allow you to stream 4K 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 Fetch 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.
Compare the differences in content, pricing and packages from Amazon Prime Video, Stan, Netflix Australia and Foxtel Now before you decide on one.
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 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 but offers a smaller library of titles for 4K viewing.
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.
What are my options for streaming?
There are various ways you can view content over the Internet. Some are convenient but take a toll on your data while others take longer but allow offline viewing. Let us break down the differences.
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 | 1884 | 3627 |
| Prime Video | 794 | 7970 |
| Stan | 512 | 1763 |
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
- Try Amazon Prime Video for 30 days FREE
- Do you smell what the Rock is cooking? That's a FREE trial of WWE Network
- Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules and more reality shows on hayu, watch with a 30-day FREE trial
- News, movies, sports or entertainment is available on Foxtel Now, jump in with a FREE 10-day trial
- Every game of the NBA season live try League Pass's FREE 7-day trial
- Get CBS content via 10 All Access, enjoy with a FREE 30-day 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.
More FAQ
More questions? You're not the only one. See what other people are asking.
Stay on top of the latest news and announcements
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Streaming essentials
| Store | Discount | ||
|---|---|---|---|
hayu
|
30-day free trial with hayu | ||
Foxtel Now
|
10 day free trial of Foxtel Now | ||
Amazon Prime Video
|
30 DAYS FREE: Sign up to Amazon Prime Video's free trial today | ||
10 All Access
|
Try 10 All Access FREE for 30 days | ||
Kayo Sports
|
Stream Kayo Sports for 14 days FREE and no lock-in contract | ||
WWE Network
|
Stream the WWE with a FREE 30-day trial | ||
NFL Game Pass
|
Stream NFL LIVE from Australia with NFL Game Pass | ||
Getflix
|
14-day FREE TRIAL of Getflix: Access Netflix UK, Netflix US and more | ||
Hide My Ass
|
Hide your ass and browse global Netflix content with HMA's free trial | ||
Internode Deals
|
Unmetered Netflix streaming with Internode NBN | ||
NordVPN
|
Save 72% on NordVPN and unlock a whole new world of Netflix | ||
Popular Streaming deals Internet TV coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Aug 2018 | 30-day free trial with hayu | ******** |
| 25 Mar 2020 | 10 day free trial of Foxtel Now | ******** |
| 9 Mar 2020 | 30 DAYS FREE: Sign up to Amazon Prime Video's free trial today | ******** |
| 6 Dec 2018 | Try 10 All Access FREE for 30 days | ******** |
| 25 Feb 2020 | Stream Kayo Sports for 14 days FREE and no lock-in contract | ******** |
Read more on this topic
-
Where to watch The Inbetweeners series (UK) online in Australia If you’re keen to relive the pain of adolescence, this series does the trick.
-
Where to watch Elementary online in Australia Elementary offers a contemporary update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary character.
-
Where to watch Succession online in Australia To call this family dysfunctional would be an understatement.
-
Where to watch Green Book online in Australia This Oscar-winning movie was inspired by a true friendship.
-
Where to watch the Tomorrow When the War Began TV series in Australia Fight or flight? These teens don’t run in the face of a challenge.
-
Where to watch Ballers online in Australia Football, comedy and money the drama series Ballers has it all.
-
Where to watch Teen Wolf online in Australia Lose your mind. Watch your pack.
-
Where to watch Billions online in Australia Billions is a classic tale of power and greed with a modern twist.
-
Where to watch Chernobyl online in Australia This highly acclaimed mini-series dramatises the story of the 1986 nuclear accident.
-
Where to watch Futurama online in Australia The future is here and it's wackier than you expected.
Ask an Expert
foxtel contracts Do seniors receive discounts
Hi Ern,
Thanks for your message. As of this writing, Foxtel doesn’t offer senior discounts for their TV streaming service. You can find other TV streaming options fit to your budget on this page.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
Could you tell me if a TCL TV model L55B3800F is a 4K TV please
Hi Ray,
Thanks for getting in touch!
Upon checking the TCL L55B3800F is a Full 1080p HD TV and not a 4K HD TV. If you are looking for 4K HD TV, you may find other options when you visit the TCL website.
Hope this helps! For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us again, we’re here to help.
Best,
Nikki
How do I get Netflix on my TV screen. I can get it on my computer.
Electronically challenged older person.
Hi Jill,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
If you own a smart TV, you would just need to download Netflix via the store app on the TV. If you do not own a smart TV though, please click on this link to be routed to our Finder page on “How to stream Netflix without a smart TV”. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Hi
I am after a mobile plan TV streaming plan and internet plan at home.
Where do I start?
Hi Craig,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Kindly check out this PAGE to compare streaming providers that would suit your needs. There are many things you need to consider before signing up with a streaming provider such as price, content, quality and compatible devices. While on this page, kindly enter your address to check if nbn is available and compare plans that you may apply for. It is best to contact your top 3 providers to seek further assistance on how you may apply for an internet plan for your home.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
How do I sign up for 9Now on my computer?
Hi Bill, thanks for your inquiry.
You can sign up for 9Now by going to the 9Now website and pressing the ‘Login’ button.
Best,
Jonathan
How to choose an NBN plan? I only use little internet and TV news. Now I’m using Optus. They want me to change to NBN $60 per month for 1 year. Can you tell me any cheaper one?
Hi Charles,
Thanks for reaching out to us. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
You can have a look on this page and compare your options for NBN plans. You may click on the provider to see more details then you may click on the ‘Go to Site’ button on the page to direct you to their official site and purchase the plan.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Rench
How can I stream live EPL Football games without an Optus account?
Hi David.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Since Optus has gained the EPL broadcasting rights, you might need to subscribe with any eligible account with them to watch EPL Football games, the easy way, inside Australia. You can also try using Smart DNS proxies or VPN to stream EPL games online if you want the complicated option.
Cheers,
Jason
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