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Streaming TV online: Compare Internet TV services

Your guide to streaming with Australian Internet TV and IPTV services

Brodie Fogg
Brodie Fogg

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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.

streaming

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.

Disney+ Disney+

Get a 7-day free trial of Disney+

Watch new and classic TV and movies from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic and 21st Century Fox from one streaming service.

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Name Product Details Service type 4K/UHD? Simultaneous streams Free trial? Price What's next?
Disney+
Disney+

Disney+

  • Service type

    On-demand streaming

  • Free trial?

    7 days

  • Price

    $8.99/month
Go to site View details
On-demand streaming
Yes
4
7 days
$8.99/month
Go to site View details
Kayo Sports Basic
Kayo Sports Basic

Kayo Sports Basic

  • Service type

    Sports

  • Free trial?

    14 days

  • Price

    $25 p/month
Go to site View details
Sports
No
2
14 days
$25 p/month
Go to site View details
Kayo Sports Premium
Kayo Sports Premium

Kayo Sports Premium

  • Service type

    Sports

  • Free trial?

    14 days

  • Price

    $35 p/month
Go to site View details
Sports
No
3
14 days
$35 p/month
Go to site View details
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video

  • Service type

    On-demand streaming

  • Free trial?

    30 days

  • Price

    $6.99/month
Go to site View details
On-demand streaming
Yes
3
30 days
$6.99/month
Go to site View details
hayu Standard
hayu Standard

hayu Standard

  • Service type

    On-demand streaming

  • Free trial?

    30 days

  • Price

    $6.99 per month
Go to site View details
On-demand streaming
No
1
30 days
$6.99 per month
Go to site View details

Compare up to 4 providers

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 1792 3599
Prime Video 1364 5827
Stan 516 1688

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.

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

Streaming essentials

Store Discount
Kayo Sports Kayo Sports
Stream Kayo Sports for 14 days FREE and no-lock-in contract
Amazon AU Amazon AU
30-DAYS FREE: Sign up to Amazon Prime Video's free trial today
WWE Shop WWE Shop
Stream the WWE with a FREE 30-day trial

Popular Streaming deals Internet TV coupon codes

Last checked Code description Code
28 Nov 2019 Stream Kayo Sports for 14 days FREE and no-lock-in contract ********
25 Oct 2019 30-DAYS FREE: Sign up to Amazon Prime Video's free trial today ********
13 Sep 2018 Stream the WWE with a FREE 30-day trial ********
25 Jan 2019 Stream NFL LIVE from Australia with NFL Game Pass ********
11 Jul 2018 14-day FREE TRIAL of Getflix: Access Netflix UK, Netflix US and more ********
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52 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    ernSeptember 25, 2019

    foxtel contracts Do seniors receive discounts

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      NikkiSeptember 25, 2019Staff

      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

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    RayJune 28, 2019

    Could you tell me if a TCL TV model L55B3800F is a 4K TV please

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      NikkiJune 29, 2019Staff

      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

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    JILLMarch 14, 2019

    How do I get Netflix on my TV screen. I can get it on my computer.
    Electronically challenged older person.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JohnMarch 15, 2019Staff

      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

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    CraigDecember 6, 2018

    Hi

    I am after a mobile plan TV streaming plan and internet plan at home.

    Where do I start?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JeniDecember 11, 2018Staff

      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

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    BillFebruary 14, 2018

    How do I sign up for 9Now on my computer?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JonathanMarch 7, 2018Staff

      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

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    CharlesOctober 11, 2017

    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?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchOctober 11, 2017Staff

      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

      Reply
  7. Default Gravatar
    davidOctober 22, 2016

    How can I stream live EPL Football games without an Optus account?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JasonOctober 25, 2016Staff

      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

      Reply
  8. Default Gravatar
    KatJuly 3, 2016

    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

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AlexJuly 4, 2016Staff

      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.

      Reply
  9. Default Gravatar
    brettr1May 16, 2016

    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

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      BrodieMay 17, 2016

      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

      Reply
  10. Default Gravatar
    DavidApril 5, 2016

    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.

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      BrodieApril 6, 2016

      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

      Reply
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