Haven't invested in a smart TV? Don’t count yourself out of the Netflix scene.
Over the past few years, streaming services like Stan and Netflix have slowly taken free-to-air's place in Australian living rooms. However, it’s never as simple as just getting Netflix – you’ve got to choose a plan, make sure your broadband is fast enough to handle streaming video and buy a smart TV compatible with popular streaming apps. Or do you?
Using a smart TV is just one of the many ways you can stream services like Netflix and Stan. There’s actually a huge range of options available if you want access to thousands of movies and TV shows on-demand from the comfort of your armchair.
These are the many ways you can watch Netflix Australia without a smart TV.
I want to watch Netflix Australia:
Through a video game console (Xbox, Playstation and Wii U)
If you own either an Xbox (360 or One), Playstation (3 or 4) or Wii U, you can already access Netflix. Each of these consoles has an online store where you can download games and applications, including Netflix Australia.
Simply download the application from the appropriate store (it’s always free to download), log in with your Netflix account details and you’ll be watching Netflix in no time. Though, if you’re unsure, you might want to have someone close by to show you how to operate Netflix with the video game controller. For more help on getting started, check out our step-by-step guide to setting up Netflix on just about any device.
Through Google Chromecast
Google's Chromecast is a cheap and easy way to stream content from a smartphone or tablet to a TV. To stream Netflix through Chromecast, simply plug it into the HDMI port in the back of your television and change your TV’s output to HDMI (taking note of the HDMI port you plugged the device into).
If you need more help setting up Chromecast on your television at home, follow our handy guide to watching Netflix on Chromecast.
Try using Apple TV
Like Google Chromecast, Apple TV is a relatively cheap (usually around $269 for 4th generation) way to watch a variety of media from any old television with an HDMI port (most from the last 10 years). If you do happen to own an Apple TV, check out our step-by-step guide to getting connected and setting up Netflix.
The convenient thing about Apple TV is that you don’t have to jump too many hurdles to get set up. So long as your Apple TV's firmware is up to date, the Netflix app should be ready to launch straight from your home screen.
Connect a tablet or computer directly to your television
Though it may seem complicated, connecting your tablet or computer to your television can really be quite simple with an HDMI adapter. A range of adapters is sold to convert micro USB (Android tablets), lightning (Apple iPad), and many other connections to HDMI (and if you’ve got a relatively new PC, there should already be an HDMI output somewhere on your computer).
All you need to do is connect your computer or tablet to your TV with an adapter, change your television to HDMI output and you should see the screen from your tablet or computer mirrored on the television. Now all you have to do is access Netflix via your web browser or mobile app and you’ll be watching Netflix on the big screen in no time.
If all else fails, choose another streaming service
It may seem blunt, but Australia's various streaming services have compatible devices that are unique to each service. Here is a list of alternative services to Netflix Australia.
Streaming deals
Amazon AU
30-DAYS FREE: Sign up to Amazon Prime Video's free trial today
Prime Video's free 30-day trial will give you instant access to thousands of premium TV shows and movies.
Last verified
Amazon AU
30 days of Amazon Music Unlimited for free
If your music streaming provider can't keep up with your eclectic tastes, try out Amazon Prime Music for 30 days completely free.
Last verified
hayu
30-day free trial with hayu
Binge over 6,000 episodes of reality TV, including Keeping up with the Kardashians, Made in Chelsea, and Real Housewives.
Last verified
Virgin Australia - Deals
3-months of Netflix FREE when you connect to Virgin Australia Wi-Fi
Connect to Virgin Australia's in-flight Wi-Fi next time you travel and treat yourself to a free three-month subscription of Netflix.
Last verified
Hide My Ass
Hide your ass and browse global Netflix content with HMA's free trial
Hide My Ass VPN offers its premium service for nix for the first 7 days so you don't have to commit.
Last verified
Getflix
14-day FREE TRIAL of Getflix: Access Netflix UK, Netflix US and more
Getflix VPN allows you to securely browse international streaming services like Netflix. Take advantage of the 14-day free trial today.
Last verified
VyperVPN
3-Day Free Trial
Get a 3 day free trial, cancel anytime.
Last verified
Latest streaming headlines
Foxtel announces new 4K channel and streaming on iQ4
Foxtel will launch a new 4K channel in October. Read more…
13 shows with perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores you should binge-watch immediately
When it comes to Rotten Tomatoes, is Certified Fresh is the ultimate goal. These series take the challenge to the next level. Read more…
This week in streaming: The Simpsons goes medieval
Matt Groening makes his long-awaited return to TV in a bumper week for Aussie streaming services. Read more…
Shows like Game of Thrones that will hold you over until 2019
If you like Game of Thrones, there’s a good chance you’ll devour these gems as well. Read more…
What to watch this weekend: Better Call Saul Season 4
Better Call Saul is a spin-off prequel of TV hit Breaking Bad. Crime drama series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould will get you through the weekend. Read more…
What is the cost to get Netflix on my Sony Bravia tv (do not have a smart TV
Hi Bev,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The Netflix price policy is actually per plan, not per device you stream the service. Please refer to this page to check the price per plan.
Meantime, if your Sony Bravia has an HDMI port, then you can stream Netflix from your laptop and connect it through HDMI cable to your TV or use Google chromecast as outlined above. Other ways to stream Netflix if you do not have a smart Tv is detailed above.
Cheers,
May
Can I get Netflix on TV LG model number 60PK550-AA? What do l have to purchase?
Hi Nick,
Thanks for your inquiry.
With your LG TV 60PK550-AA, it doesn’t have the smart feature to get Netflix. However, since it has HDMI connections, you can connect a blu-ray player (with smart features) / Google Chromecast / Apple TV / a computer to get Netflix and other smart applications. You are actually already on the correct page on how to stream Netflix without a smart TV. Also, make sure that you have a stable internet connection with 3Mbps and above to get Netflix to work properly.
For further technical support with your television, I suggest contacting LG directly.
Cheers,
Rench
Don’t have mobile phone so how do I set it up?
Hello Linda,
Thank you for your inquiry.
It is required that you would have at least a tablet or computer and using HDMI adapter. All you need to do is connect this your computer or tablet to your TV with an adapter, change your television to HDMI output and you should the screen from your tablet or computer mirrored on the television. Now all you have to do is access Netflix via your web browser or mobile app and you’ll be watching Netflix on the big screen in no time.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
I have Dish TV and I just got a Sanyo TV but it’s not a smart TV. I want Netflix and I have an account with them. What do I need besides a smart TV?
Hi Lezli,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Since Netflix is a video streaming service, you’ll need a decent Internet connection to be able to view contents from Netflix then check if your smart TV have Netflix pre-installed or download the Netflix app on your smart TV if it not pre-installed. Just log-in to your Netflix account to be able to watch Netflix contents.
You can still watch Netflix even if your not using a smart TV as long as the needed TV inputs are available. You can stream Netflix on your TV through the HDMI input using Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Netgear NeoTV, computers, tablets, gaming consoles and other devices that can get Netflix. You can also use other input cables such as HDMI to component cables if HDMI is not available.
Cheers,
Jason
I have my Toshiba laptop connected to my smart TV for large screen youtube and photos etc, can I sign up for netflix and run it via my current computer to the TV.
Hi Ralph,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, definitely! You can even sign up or get your free 30-day trial when you visit the Netflix site. For a new customer, you’ll be given the chance to opt-in for the free trial upon sign up.
If you want to check the price policy of Netflix and what other devices you can stream shows and movies, you can find it here.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Can we order Netflix without having a smart tv
Hi Narelle,
There are many ways you can stream Netflix without a Smart TV. This includes but isn’t limited to streaming on a tablet, computer, gaming console or other streaming media device such as Google Chromecast or Apple TV.
Thanks,
Brodie
Hi Lorraine,
That depends on the type of television you are using. If you could supply with the brand and model, I can help with getting you connected to Netflix.
Thanks,
Brodie
I’ve just bought a smart tv and considering changing from Foxtel to Netflix. What do I do to set it up please?
Hi Charmain,
We’ve got a detailed guide and tutorial video for setting up Netflix here. https://www.finder.com.au/set-up-netflix-aus
Hope that helps,
Brodie
I want Netflix but I don’t have Internet,home phone or computer.Can u plz help me get it set up for the easiest & cheapest way plz.Kindest regards,Julie W
Hi Julie W,
Unfortunately, Netflix does require an internet connection of some sort. There are options for mobile broadband. However, these generally have low data allowances, so we don’t recommend using mobile for Netflix. I would recommend entering your address into our NBN tracker here. This will give you a good idea (and some suggestions) of the kind of internet available in your area.
Once you’ve got a solid internet connection, check out our comprehensive guide to setting up Netflix here.
Hope that helps,
Brodie
i have a tv which only has hdmi,,no usb,,but i don’t want to have to run cords everywhere,,what can i do
Hi Bob,
That’s the great thing about HDMI, it’s just one cable. There are options to wirelessly cast Netflix to your television from an iPad or iPhone, but this only works with certain TVs. What brand and model is your television?
Thanks,
Brodie