Netflix has taken the country by storm but is it really your best option for on-demand video in Australia?
The biggest streaming service in the world needs no introduction but here's one anyway.
With humble beginnings as a DVD delivery service, Netflix essentially paved the way for streaming video-on-demand single-handedly. After a huge global launch in January 2016, the world's entertainment providers and media giants have tried to keep up.
With partnerships with companies like DreamWorks under its belt, Netflix is consistently rolling out high-quality original content for all tastes and ages. This consistent stream of quality originals is one thing but the company can attribute a big part of its success to innovative streaming technologies, like developing its own compression technology and toying with interactive television shows.
With that said, the company is far from perfect and might not necessarily be the best option for you. Read on for a deep-dive on Netflix plans and pricing and how it compares against the Australian competition.
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How much does Netflix Australia cost?
For a limited time, Australians are invited to try Netflix for one month for free. If they choose to continue, service plans start at $9.99 for a single standard definition stream. There are no contracts with Netflix so you can cancel the service at any time, but until then your credit card that was used to sign up will automatically be charged each month.
There are three plans offered by Netflix that you can choose from: Basic, Standard and Premium. The one you pick will depend on the types of features you want with your Netflix subscription.
How much content does Netflix Australia offer?
We monitor Netflix content additions and removals daily. At any given time, there tends to be at least 1,000+ TV shows and 3,000+ movies.
To browse the complete TV show and movie libraries for Netflix, follow the links below.
How does Netflix compare?
What is Netflix?
Back in 1997, Netflix changed the way movies were rented in the United States. Subscribers could view the company’s selection of movies online, order what they wanted and have the DVD delivered to their mailbox. The customer would watch, pop the movie back in a pre-paid envelope and send it back to Netflix. In 1999 it introduced its customers to monthly subscriptions and stopped offering single rentals by 2000. This was the start of a movie rental concept with no due dates or late fees and unlimited rentals per month for a flat fee.
The business plan took a few years to catch on, but by 2003 Netflix posted its first profit of US$6.5 million. By 2005 Netflix was shipping a million DVDs out to subscribers daily from a stock of over 35,000 different film titles. Ten years after its introduction, Netflix had delivered its billionth DVD and was looking towards introducing video on-demand using the Internet.
Online streaming of video through Netflix turned the company from being one of the post office’s biggest customers to being the largest source of Internet traffic in North America by 2010. By 2011 Netflix began to acquire content that would be exclusive to its service. Major blockbuster shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black put it on the map, while partnerships with Marvel for Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist expanded the audience. Now, Netflix is investing billions in original content for the coming years to cater to its rapidly growing international audience.
When did Netflix launch in Australia?
Netflix launched in Australia and New Zealand on 24 March 2015. While there was some early dismay around Netfix ANZ's comparatively shallow library, it has since grown to rival some of the bigger international TV and movie catalogues. As of January 2018, Netflix's library had grown by 114% with 2400 TV and movie titles, compared to the much smaller launch offering of 1120 titles.
The Netflix Australia and New Zealand launch was just the beginning and one year later the streaming giant revealed its plan for international expansion.
Where can I buy a Netflix gift card?
Netflix Australia offers gift cards priced at $20, $30 and $50. These can be gifted to a friend or family member, or even used by you if you're particularly concerned about storing your payment details online. Below is a list of stores you can purchase Netflix gift cards from in Australia.
How much data will Netflix use?
This depends on what quality you're streaming Netflix at. Usage varies depending on whether you're streaming in SD, HD or 4K. Below is a guide to how much data Netflix will consume at each quality grade:
- Low quality: 300MB/hour
- Standard definition (SD): 700MB/hour
- High definition (HD): 3GB/hour
- 4K/Ultra HD (UHD): 7GB/hour
More information on data usage
- See which ISPs offer unmetered Netflix streaming
- Check out comprehensive guide to speeding up your Netflix stream
- More information on how much data Netflix uses
The international expansion of Netflix
Netflix began offering its video streaming services to Canada in September 2010, followed by a large expansion into Central and South America (and Mexico) in 2011. This proved to be very lucrative, especially in the Canadian market.
In the early part of 2015, Netflix entered the Australia and New Zealand video streaming markets, followed by Japan and Singapore later that year.
Then, at CES 2016, Netflix shocked the world by switching on in almost 200 different countries around the world. Currently, Netflix is available in every country around the globe except China, North Korea and Syria, and the disputed territory of Crimea, though the content libraries vary greatly. For a full rundown of what's available on Netflix around the globe, check our international Netflix TV and movie lists.
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What devices are compatible with Netflix Australia?
One appealing aspect that Netflix has over other video streaming providers is the number of devices you can use to access the movies and TV series. These include:
Netflix Australia FAQ
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why is the hobbit part 1 available on stan but parts 2 and three cant be found?
Hi Rob,
Thanks for reaching out.
We are not certain why Stan hasn’t added Hobbit 2 and 3 to the list yet. It would be best to contact them directly for your inquiry. Once we get information about these movies, we will surely add them to our list as well.
Hope this clarifies! Feel free to message us again for other concerns, we’d be glad to help.
Regards,
Nikki
My Netflix “box” is overheating and started to smell,we thought it was burning.I disconnected it and i’m not sure where to get a replacement unit or just cancel my
subscription?
Hello Klaus,
Thank you for your comment.
That’s alarming. It may have something to do with streaming the movies to your computer and or playing through the browser, this is CPU intensive. Anyway, the only resolution that’s legit is to report to Netflix so they can check this for you. Then that’s the time they would assess if your box is for replacement and also, that’s the time for you to decide if you’d cancel the subscription or not.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Going away 3 months, how do I cancel Netflix till I get back?
Hello Brian,
Thank you for your comment.
To cancel your Netflix subscription, you can start by logging in to your Netflix account, click on your portrait in the right-hand corner and click on the options that read: “Your Account.”. You’ll see “Cancel membership” under Membership & Billing in your account preferences.
After you cancel your subscription, you can rejoin when you get back. Just restart your Netflix account from your Account page. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Do I need a fixed land line to get Netflix??
Hi Sandra,
Thank you for contacting finder.
No, you do not need a fixed line to have a Netflix account or be able to watch your favorite TV Shows and Movies. You just need to have an active subscription with Netflix and stable internet connection. Kindly refer to the different subscription prices above and the equivalent data inclusion that you should have.
I hope this helps.
Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.
Cheers,
Ash
Could you please help with installing Netflix app -> will not install in Android v7.1.
Do you have a different version of the app that will install in v&.1 ???
thanks
Hi Fj,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder. Please note that we are a comparison website and we do not represent Netflix.
Can you try this on your Android Device?
-Go to Settings.
-Tap Settings.
-Tap Security.
-Put a check next to Unknown Sources: Allow installation of apps from sources other than the Play Store.
-Tap OK to confirm this change.
If this does not work, you can contact Netflix directly to have this issue resolved.
Cheers,
Joel
Would Netflix be able to advise when the Season 2 of Star Trex Discovery is due to be aired in Australia
Hi Tony,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
If you have subscribed with Netflix, YES you would be notified or advised about the airing of Star Trek Discovery Season 2.
While there is no firm date yet, Star Trek Discovery executive producer Alex Kurtzman once said that “ideally” he wanted the show to be back on “the early side of 2019” so just stay tuned.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am wanting to connect what is the basic instructions for me to connect to the TV? What is the normal cost of it and how many devices can I connect this to please? Thanks Zarina
Hi Zarina,
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?
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.
The basic plan of Netflix is $9.99, you can watch it with any device you have (phone, tablet, laptop,pc) however you can only use 1 screen at a time.
To connect your device to your TV, you would need Google Chromecast to do so. Here is a link for your guide.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Nikki
why am I not allowed first month free? never had netflix before.
Hi gpope8.cm,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
Netflix keeps a record of people who have already availed their free trial. Primarily, they check your payment information. If you use the same payment information even if you use a different email address, you won’t get the free trial.
For this reason, it could be that someone has already used your email or payment information before. If you still want to enjoy the free trial, please use different payment information or email address.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I dont have a smart Tv…so how can I stream Netflix with my old Samsung?
Hi Kerry, thanks for your inquiry!
Can you please confirm which model of Samsung TV you are using, so we can assist you further?
This guide on how to stream netflix without a smart TV may help.
Best,
Jonathan
I have two Netflix accounts. I wish to cancel the cheapest one. How do I do this?
Thank you
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
Thank you for your enquiry.
To cancel the cheaper Netflix account, you may need to sign in to that specific account through your web browser and follow the steps outlined on this page to cancel a Netflix subscription.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Jason