Foxtel Now is more than just Foxtel through the Internet. Here's what you need to know about this digital streaming service.
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 titles.
With the closure of Foxtel's Presto joint venture, Foxtel’s streaming service also underwent a significant overhaul, from its pricing to its channel packages in December of 2016 and more recently in June 2017, as it rebranded from Foxtel Play to Foxtel Now.
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The transition to Foxtel Now brought with it Chromecast support and 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, PCs and Macs through the Google Chrome browser, plus compatible iOS and Android phones and tablets. In the near future, Foxtel will also update its Foxtel Play apps on eligible Smart TVs and games consoles like the Xbox One to the Foxtel Now interface, though current Foxtel Play customers will still be able to access the service through these apps. 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 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. If you're travelling abroad, you can stream the State of Origin on PC, iPhone, Android or TV (using Chromecast or Airplay) with Watch NRL's app. Sign up now. 
Not in Australia? Livestream the State of Origin here from Watch NRL
Compare Foxtel Now packages
Foxtel now has five starter packs to choose from including the Lifestyle, Kids and Docos packs for $10/mth each and the Pop and Drama pack for $15/mth each. The Drama and Pop packs include the Showcase Channel, which is Foxtel's home for HBO content. That means you'll be able to stream Game of Thrones, Westworld and more for as little as $15 a month.
| Package | Monthly price | Channels included |
|---|---|---|
| Docos | $10 | Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Discovery Turbo, Crime + Investigation, A&E, BBC Knowledge, History, National Geographic Wild |
| Lifestyle | $10 | Lifestyle, Lifestyle Home, Lifestyle Food, Arena, E!, TLC |
| Kids | $10 | Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, BBC Cbeebies, Discovery Kids |
| Drama | $15 | Showcase, BBC UKTV, TVHits, BBC First, Universal |
| Pop | $15 | Showcase, Fox8, Comedy Channel, MTV, 111 Funny, Arena |
Once you've got your base content sorted, you can consider moving on to the premium stuff. While streaming video has been growing substantially across all providers, Foxtel Now is still the dominant force when it comes to streaming sports online. It's worth noting that the sports package offers access to Foxtel's English Premier League team channels (LFCTV, Manchester United TV and Chelsea TV) for an extra 1c per channel per year. Without the sports package, customers must pay $5 per channel per month. If you're more of a movie lover than a sports fan, Foxtel Now has also got you covered with a dedicated premium movie package.
| Package | Monthly price | Channels included |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | $39* | Fox Sports 1, Fox League, Fox Sports 3, Fox Footy Play, Fox Sports 5, Fox Sports 6, Fox Sports More+, BeIn Sports 1, BeIn Sports 2, BeIn Sports 3, ESPN, ESPN 2, EuroSport |
| Movies | $30* | Foxtel Movies Premiere, Foxtel Movies Disney, Foxtel Movies Masterpiece, Foxtel Movies Action, Foxtel Movies Romance, Foxtel Movies Thriller, Foxtel Movies Family, Foxtel Movies Comedy, Foxtel Movies More, Foxtel Movies Greats |
*When combined with a $10/month starter pack. Regardless of what combination of channel packs you opt for, Foxtel Now also includes access to Fox Sports News, Sky News Live, Sky News Business, Sky News Weather, Sky News UK, Sky News Extra, V, TVSN and US-based Fox News.
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 2-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.
Easy right? Before you get started, though, there are a couple of additional criteria that you'll need to meet to be able to access Foxtel Now.
- Internet connection and data: Foxtel Now is simply the streaming service, so you’ll still need to have an Internet connection to stream shows (minimum 3Mbps) and enough data on your broadband plan to cater for your streaming needs. But the good news is that since it's a streaming service and not pay TV, there's no installation required and anyone in Australia with an Internet connection and compatible device can access it.
- Australian residence: Foxtel Now is only available to Australian residences.
Foxtel Now compatible devices
You can register up to five devices on a single Foxtel Now account. You can then watch content on any two devices at the same time.
- iPhone 4s or above, and iPad 2 or above (using iOS 9 or above)
- All Android devices (using Jellybean 4.1 or above)
- PC/Mac - Using Google Chrome
- Telstra TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- PlayStation 4
Plus these devices can stream Foxtel through the Foxtel Play app which is yet to be updated:
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox One
- LG Smart TVs (selected 2013 models)
- Samsung smart TVs (2012-2015 models), any Samsung Smart Hub-enabled 2012-2013 model Blu-ray Players and Home Theatre Systems
- Sony smart TVs (selected 2014 models)
- Foxtel Play webapp on PC/Mac
- PC - Windows XP with IE8 or above
- Mac - OS X Snow Leopard 10.6, OS X Lion 10.7 with Safari version 5 or above
Streaming quality for Foxtel Now
Foxtel Now lets users 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.
Foxtel Now trial offer
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 a service for free to see if it works for you. Foxtel is currently offering Australian customers a free two-week trial of Foxtel Now. To sign up, you will have to provide your credit card details, however, you won't be charged during the trial period. Should you continue your service beyond two weeks, 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.
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are you able to access the complete series of Fox8 Shows through Foxtel Now or just the current episodes?
Hi Daryl,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
You can also watch current Fox shows through Foxtel now. We have an updated list of new and upcoming shows in Foxtel now HERE.
Cheers,
Joel
Hey
I am thinking of moving At the moment I don’t have Foxtel, and the unit I am moving to is in a Retirement village with no Internet connection. Would it be possible to receive the Internet through Foxtel? I would be lost without my Internet and I desperately want to move to the new property I am not very tech savvy Would you be able to help please Thank you Gwynn Sheather
Hi Gwynn,
Thanks for your message and for visiting finder – the leading comparison website & general information service built to give you advice in your buying decision needs. How are you doing today?
First thing you need to do is check if the location you’re moving to is NBN ready. To check this, you can go to this page. NBN plans.
Once you’re there, enter your address and it will automatically give you the internet providers in location. All you need to do is call them and apply for the service :)
Hope this helps! Feel free to message us anytime should you have further questions.
Cheers,
Nikki
I have Austar /Foxtel using Satellite connection. Do I still have to have a landline telephone for it still to work as I am thinking of cancelling the landline. The box is IQ3
Hi Denise,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
All you need to set up your Foxtel IQ3 are Foxtel Cable(new customers only), HDMI Cable and Ethernet Cable (optional).
If you want to cancel your homephone line then you can do so as it won’t affect your Foxtel/Austar service.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Do you have current episodes of Coronation street on Foxtel now?
Are you going to have UK TV on Foxtel now?
Hi Alex!
Thanks for contacting finder and for your questions.
Coronation Street & UKTV is on Foxtel Now.
Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we hold no affiliation with any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product/service that is rightfully fit for you.
Should you have concerns, feel free to message us again.
Thanks and best regards,
Nikki
What channels on Foxtel now generally have music on them
Hi,
Thank you for contacting finder.
In regard to you question about music channels. Channel V hits and MTV are the only channels they have for music for now.
Regards.
Carlo
Which package is Lucifer on
drama or Pop
Hi Joe,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you are with Foxtel, you can stream Lucifer on a Drama pack. On Foxtel Now, you can watch it on a Foxtel Now Pop pack.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Joshua
just wondering if you have to be with telstra, if you purchase the new foxtel now box.
Hi John,
Thanks for your question. No, you do not need to be with Telstra to use the new Foxtel Now box. Any broadband Internet connection will work with the box, but you will need a Foxtel Now account to stream the latest Foxtel shows and movies.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Matt
we currently have foxtel via satellite and would like to change to foxtel go is this possible
Hi Terry,
Thanks for reaching out.
With Foxtel, you can change your package, upgrade or add an extra box. So if you’d like to change to Foxtel Go, manage this through “My Account” on Foxtel site. The change to your package is effective within 30 minutes and is prorated accordingly into your monthly charge.
The process:
1. Login with your Foxtel ID
2. Once logged in, click on the TV icon on the My Account landing page
3. Click on Change my package under Channel Packs section.
4. Browse through what including in the channel packs and click on Submit.
For further help on changing your package, you may also get in touch with Foxtel directly.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Am I able to get Foxtel Now via my xbox 360? I currently use it for Netflix just fine and don’t want to have to borrow my housemate’s ps4 every time I want to watch something.
Thanks.
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for contacting finder, a comparison website and general information service.
Yes, you may stream Foxtel Now in your Xbox360. You may read this guide for you to know how to set it up.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Judith
CAN I GET FOXTEL NOW ON MY TCL SMART TV?
Hello Jeff,
Yes, you may get Foxtel Now on your TCL Smart TV using Chromecast.
What is Chromecast?
Chromecast is a media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on a TV. Using the Foxtel Now app for iOS and Android, customers can press the cast icon to watch their shows on the big screen.
Step 1: Confirm Chromecast Wi-Fi network
Confirming that your device and the Chromecast device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Check the Wi-Fi names that both devices are connected to are the same.
Step 2: Restart Device and Chromecast Device
Reboot your device and Chromecast device to refresh the link.
Reset your device you are using for Foxtel Now
Reset your Chromecast device
Turn back on both devices and then try to Chromecast again
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gru