Pay TV: Compare Foxtel, Fetch TV and more

Foxtel's basic Entertainment channel package costs $29 a month. Additional packages, like movies, sport and drama, cost between $10 and $29 extra per month.

Foxtel's traditional paid services also come with a set-top box. The iQ3 and iQ4 act as a hub for all your viewing, recording and pay-per-view needs. The table below highlights the features of each Foxtel iQ box.

Fetch with iiNet

iiNet bundles the Fetch pay TV service for free with select plans, while others let you add it to your service for $5 extra per month. A Fetch subscription gets you a Fetch Mini set-top box, access to catch-up TV apps (9Now, SBS On Demand and more) and 30 movies a month.

If you're looking for the premium channels exclusive to pay TV services, you can purchase Fetch channel packs for $6 each or grab the comprehensive ultimate bundle for $20 per month.

Check our guide for more information on iiNet's bundle plans

Optus TV by Fetch

Optus TV by Fetch is more or less the same as Fetch with iiNet, but you get the added bonus of a free Optus Sport subscription bundled in. Optus Sport is the go-to channel for all things EPL (English Premier League) and International matches.

Optus' Fetch bundles come with a Fetch Mighty set-top box, one premium channel pack and an Optus Sport subscription.

Read more about Optus' Fetch bundles

Telstra TV

Telstra TV is Telstra's venture into streaming hardware. The latest model is a 4K-compatible set-top box that lets you watch content from streaming services like Netflix and Stan (provided you have an existing subscription) as well as catch-up TV services like 9Now and 7Plus.

You don't get any premium channels with Telstra TV, but you can purchase new-release TV shows and movies from Telstra TV Box Office on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Learn more about what Telstra TV has to offer

Streaming

While they don't traditionally fall under the "pay TV" umbrella, streaming video-on-demand services like Netflix, Stan and Foxtel Now have taken Australia by storm with flexibility and exclusive original content.

Find out everything you need to know about Australia's various streaming services

Frequently asked questions

The following addresses any questions about pay TV services provided in Australia:

• How do I get pay TV in Australia?

  You should start by exploring the different options in providers available to you, including the price, channels and programming offered. Once you choose a suitable provider you will need to contact them and choose the package from their selections. Installation will include hooking up the TV box to their cable line and to your television.

• Can I just buy the box and install it myself?

  It depends on which service you sign up for. Foxtel, for instance, requires a technician to come out if your house isn't already wired up for the service. If the wiring is already available or you're signing up for a service that operates over the Internet, you can often install the required set-top box by yourself at no extra charge.

• Do I have to sign a contract for pay TV in Australia?

  No. While some services require a minimum contract length, many are now available on no-lock-in contracts you can cancel at any time without penalty.

• Can I get Internet TV if I have pay TV?

  Yes, you can sign up for an Internet TV provider like Netflix without interruption to your cable service.

• What are considered premium channels with pay TV?

  This distinction is usually held for movie channels and those that produce original content such as Showtime, HBO and Cinemax.

• Will all of the HBO channels come with my package?

  That depends on the provider and the package that you choose. Make sure to look carefully through the channels being offered to ensure that it includes those that are a priority to you. Once you sign the contract, you will not be able to cancel without paying a large fee.