Amidst "subscription fatigue" and the rising cost of entertainment, the average Australian household is now paying around $45 per month for multiple streaming services. With an overwhelming amount of choice, it is crucial to select the right platform to suit your viewing needs. Let’s take a look at the major streaming services in Australia to help you find the perfect fit.
Key takeaways
- Streaming services offer diverse content focuses, ranging from global hits and family entertainment to niche sports and local content, with library sizes varying significantly (e.g. Amazon Prime Video for quantity, Apple TV+ for quality originals).
- The true cost of streaming extends beyond headline prices, requiring consideration of ad-supported vs. ad-free tiers, 4K upgrades, annual discounts, and potential savings through telco bundles like Optus SubHub.
- Strategic use of free trials (available for many services except Netflix, Stan, and Disney+) and rotating subscriptions monthly are effective methods to explore content and manage overall streaming expenses.
Compare streaming services
20 of 29 results
The Heavyweights: Head-to-Head Reviews
There's only 24 hours in a day, but for those who love TV, here's a detailed breakdown of the main all-rounder services in Australia:
Netflix: The Global Giant
- Pros: It has a huge library and great original content.
- Cons: It is the most expensive service and has lost some of its licensed content.
- Best for: Binge-watchers who want the latest global hits.
Stan: The Aussie Champion
- Pros: The service has a strong focus on Australian originals and offers exclusive international series.
- Cons: Its library is smaller than that of Netflix.
- Best for: Fans of local content and premium drama.
Disney+: The Family Powerhouse
- Pros: Features an unbeatable library for Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney classics.
- Cons: There is less content for those seeking gritty, adult drama.
- Best for: Families and franchise fans.
Amazon Prime Video: The Value King
- Pros: The service is included with a Prime subscription, has a large back catalogue, and features live sports.
- Cons: Its user interface can be clunky and the ad-free version costs extra.
- Best for: Those who want the most bang for their buck.
BINGE: The Foxtel Contender
- Pros: It has a strong lineup of international dramas, movies, and reality TV.
- Cons: The service lost its exclusive HBO content to Max.
- Best for: A broad range of popular TV shows and movies.
Paramount+: The Rising Star
- Pros: It features A-League football, CBS shows, and is good value.
- Cons: The library is smaller than the main players.
- Best for: Football fans and lovers of US network shows.
Apple TV+: The Prestige Pick
- Pros: The service provides high-quality, star-studded originals with excellent 4K quality.
- Cons: The library size is very limited.
- Best for: Viewers who prioritize quality over quantity.
For the Specialists: Niche & Sports Streaming
From footy, to cricket, to F1 to soccer. This section is dedicated to our sportsfans, those services that cater to specific sporting interests.
- For the Sports Fanatic: Kayo serves as the all-rounder with over 50 sports and features like SplitView, while Stan Sport is the home of rugby union.
- For the Cinephile & Horror Fan: MUBI offers curated cinema, while Shudder provides all-horror content.
- For the Brit TV Buff: BritBox is the place for major BBC/ITV shows, whereas Acorn TV focuses on broader British Commonwealth mysteries and drama.
- For the Anime Lover: Crunchyroll is the undisputed king of anime.
The Price Breakdown: How Much Does Streaming Really Cost?
Choosing a streaming service isn't just about the headline monthly price. To truly understand the cost, it's important to consider the various tiers, "hidden" costs, and potential savings available. Here’s a deeper dive into what you can expect to pay for the major streaming services in Australia.
Subscription Tiers and a Head-to-Head Price Comparison
The following table outlines the different subscription plans offered by each major streaming service in Australia, so you can directly compare what you get for your money.
| Service | Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Ads | Max Quality | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Standard with Ads | $9.99 | N/A | Yes | 1080p | 2 |
| Standard | $18.99 | N/A | No | 1080p | 2 | |
| Premium | $25.99 | N/A | No | 4K + HDR | 4 | |
| Stan | Basic | $12 | N/A | No | SD | 1 |
| Standard | $16 | N/A | No | HD | 3 | |
| Premium | $21 | N/A | No | 4K | 4 | |
| Disney+ | Standard | $13.99 | $139.99 | No | 1080p | 2 |
| Premium | $17.99 | $179.99 | No | 4K + HDR | 4 | |
| Amazon Prime Video | Standard | $9.99 | $79 | Yes (ad-free for extra $2.99/mo) | Up to 4K | 3 |
| BINGE | Basic | $10 | $79 | Yes | HD | 1 |
| Standard | $18 | $149 | No | 4K | 2 | |
| Premium | $22 | $179 | No | 4K | 4 | |
| Paramount+ | Basic (with ads) | $6.99 | $61.99 | Yes | Full HD | 1 |
| Standard | $9.99 | $89.99 | No | Full HD | 2 | |
| Premium | $13.99 | $124.99 | No | 4K UHD | 4 | |
| Apple TV+ | Standard | $12.99 | $129 | No | 4K | 6 |
Unpacking the "Hidden" Costs and Value Considerations
- Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free: Several services now offer cheaper, ad-supported tiers. While this can be a great way to save money, it's worth considering the trade-off. You'll be interrupted by ads, which can be frustrating during a movie or binge-watching session. For those who can't stand interruptions, the extra monthly cost for an ad-free experience might be well worth it.
- 4K Upgrades: If you have a 4K TV and want the best possible viewing experience, you'll need to pay for a premium plan. Services like Netflix, Stan, BINGE and Disney+ reserve their 4K content for their most expensive tiers. If you're not concerned about having the absolute highest resolution, you can save money by sticking with a standard HD plan.
- Annual vs. Monthly Plans: Many services offer a discount if you commit to a full year upfront. For example, an annual subscription to Amazon Prime Video saves you around $40 compared to paying monthly. If you know you'll be using a service long-term, an annual plan is a great way to reduce your overall streaming bill.
- Bundling Services: Another way to save money is by bundling your streaming subscriptions.
- Apple One is a great example of this, allowing you to combine Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade and iCloud storage into a single monthly payment. This is cheaper than subscribing to each service individually. You can also find bundles through other services like Optus and Telstra, so it's always worth checking for deals.
By looking beyond the headline price and considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about which streaming services offer the best value for your household.
Which streaming service has the most content in Australia?
Library sizes fluctuate daily as licenses expire and new content is added. Amazon Prime Video numbers are significantly higher because they often include a vast back-catalogue of older, niche, or foreign titles, whereas services like Netflix and Stan continuously rotate their libraries to focus on "active" popular content.
| Service | Total Titles | Movies | TV Shows | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | ~10,000+ | ~8,500+ | ~1,500+ | Massive volume, including older classics, B-movies and niche genres. |
| Netflix | ~6,500+ | ~4,000+ | ~2,500+ | Balanced mix of high-budget Originals, licensed blockbusters and international hits. |
| Disney+ | ~3,300+ | ~2,200+ | ~1,100+ | The "Big 5" (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Nat Geo) + "Star" general entertainment. |
| Stan | ~2,500+ | ~1,800+ | ~700+ | Strong focus on Australian originals, British crime dramas, and US exclusives (e.g., Yellowstone). |
| BINGE | ~2,000+ | ~1,100+ | ~900+ | An all-round general entertainment streamer with reality TV and premium movies. |
| Paramount+ | ~1,100+ | ~600+ | ~500+ | CBS/Paramount catalog (NCIS, Star Trek), Nickelodeon kids' content and movies. |
| Apple TV+ | ~250+ | ~80+ | ~170+ | 100% Exclusives. High-budget, star-studded originals with no "filler" content. |
Key Takeaways for Content Hunters:
- Quantity King: Amazon Prime Video wins on pure numbers, but you may spend more time scrolling to find "premium" content compared to Netflix.
- HBO vs BINGE:
- The Specialist: Apple TV+ has the smallest library by far, but nearly every show is big-budget and 4K quality. It is designed to be a "secondary" subscription, not your only one.
If you are looking for The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, or The White Lotus, you now need a subscription to Max. BINGE is no longer the home of HBO in Australia, though it remains a strong choice for reality TV fans and lovers of US sitcoms like The Office.
Making the Most of Free Trials
Free trials are a fantastic way to "try before you buy," giving you full access to a service's library without any commitment. Trial lengths vary and automatic renewals being the norm, it pays to be strategic.
Which Streaming Services Offer Free Trials?
First, it's important to know who still offers a trial period. Some of the biggest players have retired their trial offers, but many great services still provide one.
- 30-Day Free Trial: Amazon Prime Video offers a generous 30-day trial, giving you plenty of time to explore their extensive catalogues.
- 7-Day Free Trial: Most other services that have a trial period offer a 7-day window. This includes BINGE, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Kayo, Shudder, BritBox and Acorn TV.
- No Free Trial: It's important to note that Netflix, Stan and Disney+ currently do not offer free trials in Australia.
How to Be a Savvy Streamer
Follow these tips to maximize your streaming trial periods and avoid unwanted charges:
- Set a Reminder: This is the golden rule. As soon as you sign up for a free trial, set a calendar reminder or an alarm on your phone for a day or two before the trial is set to expire. This gives you time to make a decision and cancel without being charged if the service isn't for you.
- Have a Watchlist Ready: Before you even start the trial, make a list of the shows and movies you want to watch. This way, you can hit the ground running and make the most of your limited time.
- Stagger Your Trials: Don't sign up for multiple free trials at once. You'll spread your viewing time too thin and won't get a proper feel for any single service. Instead, trial one service at a time, make a decision, and then move on to the next.
- Check for Longer Offers: Keep an eye out for special promotions. For instance, Apple TV+ often provides a free three-month trial with the purchase of an eligible Apple device, and a one-month trial is included with the Apple One bundle.
By using free trials strategically, you can explore the vast world of streaming content, discover your next favourite service and ensure you're only paying for the platforms that provide real value to you.
Telco Bundles: A Convenient Way to Stream?
To combat subscription fatigue and simplify billing, both Telstra and Optus offer ways to bundle streaming services with their existing plans. This can be a great option for those who value convenience, but it's worth looking at the details to see if you're getting a good deal.
Optus: Save with SubHub
Optus has a dedicated platform called SubHub, which is designed to help customers manage and save on their subscriptions.
- How it Works: You can link your various streaming service subscriptions (including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BINGE, and more) to your SubHub account. You'll then receive a single bill from Optus for all of them.
- The Savings: The main appeal of SubHub is the discount. You'll get 5% off your total subscription cost if you bundle two services, and this increases to 10% off for three or more services.
- Bonus Credits: Some of the higher-tier Optus NBN and mobile plans also come with a monthly credit to spend on SubHub subscriptions, which can offer significant savings.
The Verdict: If you're an Optus customer and already subscribe to multiple streaming services, using SubHub is a smart move. The percentage-based discount is a genuine saving that you won't get by subscribing directly.
Telstra: Convenience and Rewards
Telstra's approach is more focused on the convenience of a single bill rather than direct discounts.
- How it Works: Telstra allows you to add select streaming subscriptions directly to your Telstra bill. The most prominent partners for this are Kayo, BINGE and Disney+.
- Fetch TV: Telstra also offers the Fetch TV set-top box, which allows you to access free-to-air channels and integrate your paid streaming subscriptions in one place, with the option to add premium channel packs.
- Telstra Plus Points: A key benefit for Telstra customers is that when you pay for these entertainment services through your Telstra account, you'll earn Telstra Plus points. These points can be redeemed for discounts on devices, accessories, and other rewards.
The Verdict: While Telstra's offerings don't provide the direct cash savings of Optus's SubHub, the convenience of a single bill and the added benefit of earning Telstra Plus points can be appealing for loyal Telstra customers.
Beyond the Screen: Downloads and Audio Quality
Your streaming experience isn't just about what you watch, but also how you watch it. Features like offline downloads and high-end audio formats can significantly enhance your viewing, whether you're on a daily commute or setting up for a movie night.
At a Glance: Downloads and Audio Compared
| Service | Offline Downloads Available? | Download Limit | Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos Support? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes (Ad-free plans limited) | 100 titles per device | 5.1 Surround, Dolby Atmos | Yes (Premium Plan) |
| Stan | Yes | Not specified | 5.1 Surround | No |
| Disney+ | Yes | Unlimited titles on 10 devices | 5.1 Surround, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced | Yes (Premium Plan) |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | 15-25 titles per account | 5.1 Surround, Dolby Atmos | Yes (on select titles) |
| BINGE | No | N/A | 5.1 Surround | No |
| Paramount+ | Yes (Ad-free plans) | 25 titles per account | 5.1 Surround, Dolby Atmos | Yes (Premium Plan) |
| Apple TV+ | Yes | Not specified | 5.1 Surround, Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio | Yes |
Taking Your Shows on the Road: Offline Downloads
For commuters, frequent flyers or anyone who doesn't want to burn through their mobile data, offline downloads are a must-have feature.
- Who offers it? All the major services offer downloads, with the notable exception of BINGE. On Netflix and Paramount+, you'll need to be on an ad-free plan to be able to download content.
- How many titles can you download? This varies. Netflix is the most generous with a limit of 100 titles per device on its ad-free plans. Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video have a limit of 25 titles across your account, while Disney+ limits you to 10 devices. It is also important to remember that these downloads will expire, typically 30 days after you've downloaded them or 48 hours after you start watching.
Cinema Sound in Your Living Room: Audio Formats
If you've invested in a soundbar or home theatre system, you'll want a streaming service that can deliver the best possible audio experience.
- 5.1 Surround Sound: This is the standard for a home cinema experience and is widely supported by all the major services that specify their audio capabilities.
- Dolby Atmos: This is the gold standard in home audio, creating an immersive, three-dimensional soundscape where sounds can be placed and moved anywhere in the room. Apple TV+ and Disney+ have made a big push to offer a lot of their content in Dolby Atmos. Netflix, Stan and Paramount+ also offer Dolby Atmos, but it is typically restricted to their most expensive Premium plans. Amazon Prime Video also supports Dolby Atmos, but it is only available on select titles.
- Spatial Audio: Exclusive to Apple TV+ when using compatible Apple headphones (like AirPods Pro or AirPods Max), Spatial Audio creates a cinema-like experience by tracking your head movements to anchor the sound to your device.
By considering these technical features, you can choose a streaming service that not only has the content you want to watch but also delivers it in the best possible way for your setup and lifestyle.
The Verdict: Which Streaming Service Should You Get?
Here are clear, actionable recommendations to help you decide.
- If you can only get one: Choose Netflix for variety or Prime Video for value.
- For families with kids: Disney+ is the top choice.
- For the sports nut: Kayo is the recommended service.
- For lovers of Aussie content: Stan is the best option.
A money-saving tip is to rotate subscriptions on a monthly basis to take advantage of different content and free trials.
Don't Forget the Freebies!
Australia has excellent free-to-air streaming services like ABC iView, SBS On Demand and 7plus that can be used to supplement paid subscriptions.