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Your guide to streaming with Foxtel Now
Foxtel Now is more than just Foxtel through the Internet. Here's what you need to know about this digital streaming service.
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What's in this guide?
Foxtel may be the dominant force in pay TV in Australia, but the company saw the potential for Internet streaming entertainment way back in 2013. Formerly known as Foxtel Play, Foxtel Now is the pay TV of the digital age, offering subscriptions to more than 60 live television channels and over 1,000 video-on-demand (VOD) titles.
Foxtel Now brought with it Chromecast support, HD streaming on selected devices and a brand new user interface.
The service can be streamed through a variety of devices, including the Telstra TV streaming box, the Google Chrome browser on PCs and Macs, plus compatible iOS and Android phones and tablets.
Unlike the iQ3 box subscription, there are no lock-in contracts, so you can cancel Foxtel Now at any time. That said, it's worth noting that you'll need to cancel your subscription before the end of the month to avoid being charged for the next month too.
It's important to note that Foxtel Now requires an Internet connection and a compatible device. Data charges may apply if you're streaming on a limited broadband or mobile plan. Consider upgrading your mobile plan by comparing data inclusions.
Compare Foxtel Now pricing and packages
Foxtel now has five starter packs to choose from including the required Pop and Lifestyle pack for $25 p/month. Each add-on pack incurs an additional monthly fee. With all packs added on, Foxtel Now can cost up to $104 p/month.
Below is a full comparison of Foxtel Now plans and packages.
Updated February 29th, 2020
What kind of content does Foxtel Now offer?
Foxtel Now's various packages offer a huge number of pay TV channels to choose from (and you can see exactly which channels each package offers here), but the most desirable content can without a doubt be found in the Pop pack – where you'll find primo HBO TV shows like Westworld and Game of Thrones and Foxtel Originals like Picnic at Hanging Rock – and the Sports pack, which gives you access to Foxtel's suite of local and international sports coverage.
How does Foxtel Now work?
If you’ve used a streaming service like Netflix or Stan before then you should be comfortable with Foxtel Now. If you are completely new to the streaming game, here's how it works:
- Go to the Foxtel Now website, sign up for your package of choice, add on your additional premium packs and arrange your account details. You’ll be direct debited from your chosen account on a monthly basis (after your free 10-day trial) in accordance with your monthly billing cycle.
- Then sign in on your device. This can be done via the website on PCs and Macs using a Google Chrome browser or by downloading the Foxtel Now app to your device. You can see a full breakdown of the devices you can use below.
- Enjoy the latest entertainment from all over the world.
What devices is Foxtel Now compatible with?
You can register up to five devices on a single Foxtel Now account. You can then watch content on any two of those devices at the same time.
What streaming quality does Foxtel Now offer?
Foxtel Now allows users to stream Foxtel content in 720p High Definition for the first time. You’ll need a minimum speed of 3Mbps to enjoy standard definition streams and a minimum speed of 7Mbps for HD content, when available.
Not all channels are available in HD and roughly half of the VOD content is currently classed as HD.
It's also worth noting that HD is only available on PC/Mac via the Google Chrome browser, Telstra TV and Chromecast. Not all services and programs are available in HD and HD isn't available on mobile and tablet.
How fast does my internet have to be to use Foxtel Now?
Foxtel Now is simply the streaming service, so an Internet connection is essential to stream shows. Your Internet will at minimum need to run at 3Mbps, though the main issue is ensuring you have enough data on your broadband plan to cater for your streaming needs.
Compare Internet services if your connection isn't up to speed.
Does Foxtel Now offer a free trial?
One of the key benefits of a streaming video service as opposed to a full pay TV service is that there are no installation costs, meaning you can trial the service for free to see if it works for you. Foxtel is currently offering Australian customers a free 10-day trial of Foxtel Now.
To sign up, you will have to provide your credit card details, though you won't be charged during the trial period. Should you continue your service beyond the 10 days, Foxtel will charge your account for a month's subscription of your nominated package.
If you choose to subscribe fully, then your card will be debited monthly according to your billing cycle. You can cancel your subscription at any time, but be aware that you'll need to cancel it before your billing cycle ends or you'll be charged for the following month.
How does Foxtel Now compare?
So how does Foxtel's streaming offering stack up against other VOD players like Netflix, Stan and Prime Video? Compare using our table below.
Updated February 29th, 2020
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Ask an Expert
If I like to get Netflix, broadband and a homeline only for the data and movies, etc. No mobile calls to be made in home line? Can you please help? Maybe even Foxtel also, please?
Hi Heidi,
Thanks for getting in touch! If you are looking to get Netflix, you would only need an internet connection to do so. If you are looking to create an account for Netflix, please refer to this page.
To know how to set up a Foxtel streaming, here’s how it works:
1. Go to the Foxtel Now website, sign up for your package of choice, add on your additional premium packs and arrange your account details. You’ll be direct debited from your chosen account on a monthly basis (after your free 10-day trial), in accordance with your monthly billing cycle.
2. Sign in on your device via the website on PC and Mac via the Google Chrome browser or download the Foxtel Now app to your devices.
Enjoy the latest entertainment from all over the world.
Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out to us again for assistance.
Best,
Nikki
Do Foxtel Now support Kogan smart TV?
Hi Eddie,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may download the Foxtel app on your smart TV then open the Foxtel app and log in using your Foxtel Now username and password. You may also get a Foxtel Now box since you may just plug that into your TV and start watching.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Hi
I have the Platinum package at the moment. We are shift workers and record a lot to watch later. is this possible with foxtell now at home.
Hi Frank,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Since Foxtel Now lets you stream content at any time that suits you, you do not have an option to record. You just simply watch shows on-demand anytime that suits you and you can also watch live TV.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bella
how do i get syfy on foxtelnow
Hi Hugh,
Thanks for your question.
According to my search, SyFy isn’t available on the Foxtel Now platform. If you have a regular Foxtel TV subscription, you will need the Entertainment Plus channel pack to access the SyFy channel.
Hope this helps! For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us again, we’re here to help.
Best,
Nikki
Can I watch Formula 1 on Foxtel? How much would it cost?
Hi Greg,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃
Upon checking, yes, you can watch Formula 1 on Foxtel. You would need to get their Entertainment + Sports package which will cost $55 per month. Foxtel Play customers with a $10 entry pack plus the Sports pick will pay $39 per month.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Foxtel Now is utter garbage, billing and service wise.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
I’m sorry to hear that you are not happy with Foxtel Now’s service and billing. You may want to reach out to their customer support to see how can hey help you for the issue that you may have with them. If in case they cannot satisfy with your expected resolution, you can opt to take your complaint further.
Hope that you can get the resolution you need from Foxtel.
Kind Regards,
Mai
I am a pensioner. How much to add sport to my Foxtel?
Hi Michael,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
If you’re an existing Foxtel customer, the add-on price of sports package is $29. I’m afraid that pensioner discount with Foxtel has been discontinued since 2016, please contact Foxtel directly on this matter.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Could I access all free to air channels with Foxtel?
I live in Caves Beach.
Hi Pat,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
Foxtel is an internet streaming service and does not have free to air channels. You would need to subscribe to a package when you visit the Foxtel website so start the service. Please see the steps below:
*Go to the Foxtel Now website
*Sign up for your package of choice
*Add on your additional premium packs and arrange your account details.
*You’ll be direct debited from your chosen account on a monthly basis (after your free two-week trial), in accordance with your monthly billing cycle.
Sign in on your device via the website on PC and Mac via the Google Chrome browser or download the Foxtel Now app to your devices.
Enjoy the latest entertainment from all over the world.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I had Foxtel now about a year ago it was set up by my mobile company cas I’m technologically challenged. It is still on my iPad but I need to know if it can be reactivated cas all details the same bar email
Hi Jennie,
Thanks for getting in touch! Yes, you may reactivate your Foxtel Now and you may check this by contacting Foxtel. You may find their contact details on their main website.
Hope this helps! Feel free to message us should you have further questions.
Best,
Nikki
Hi, I am new to Foxtel Now and have noticed that once I have viewed a show, it is no longer available to watch again. Is this correct?
Hi Keith,
Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.
Sorry to hear that you can’t replay a show on Foxtel. We don’t have any knowledge why this is happening to your Foxtel Now. It would be a good idea to contact Foxtel now and inform them of the error you’re getting.
Sorry I couldn’t be of service to you at this time. Feel free to message us should you have further questions.
Cheers,
Nikki