Compare on-demand internet streaming media services in Australia. Our comparison can help you find the best streaming service for your needs.
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 Amazon Prime, Stan, Netflix Australia, hayu, iTunes, and Foxtel Now. If you can't seem to find 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.
Compare streaming video services below
Looking to try before you buy? You can get a free trial with each of the streaming internet TV services below:
| 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 $9.99 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. 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.
What is Internet TV?
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.Stream on your regular TV with these simple devices (just plug it in!)
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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 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. |
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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 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.
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
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