Free streaming services and trials in Australia

Want to binge-watch without the bill shock? You're in luck! Australia is brimming with options to stream movies, TV shows and documentaries without spending a cent. Whether you're after a quick taste of a premium service or a treasure trove of genuinely free entertainment, we've got the lowdown.

Does Netflix or Disney Plus offer a free trial?

Unfortunately, Netflix. The streaming giant halted free trials for Australians back in 2020. They've been making a few changes since then, including cracking down on password-sharing.

So, if you're keen on Netflix, you'll need to subscribe from day one — plans start at $9.99/month for Standard with ads.

Similarly, Disney Plus. This family favourite also removed its 7-day free trial offer in 2020.

While a direct free trial isn't available, Disney Plus has occasionally run special promotions with third parties like Telstra.

These might give you free access to Disney Plus as part of a larger bundle, meaning you'd still be paying for the primary service. Standalone plans start at $9.99/month for Standard with ads.

Completely free streaming services in Australia

Australia boasts a fantastic lineup of streaming services that are absolutely free, no trial period needed. You'll typically encounter ads, but hey, it's a small price to pay for endless entertainment. Here's a rundown of the best options available now:

• ABC iView
• SBS On Demand
• 7plus
• 9Now
• 10 Play
• Brollie
• Kanopy
• Tubi

ABC iView

Watch all ABC live channels on ABC iView, plus a massive library of on-demand shows and movies. Its vast collection includes drama, comedy, kids shows, documentaries and sports. Think classic Australian storytelling, current affairs and family favourites, all for free.

SBS On Demand

SBS On Demand lets you catch your favourite SBS shows whenever you want. The service includes content from SBS, Viceland, NITV and the SBS Food Channel. You'll find cult series, blockbuster films and independent movies. You'll watch ads, but usually fewer than on traditional free-to-air TV.

7plus

Seven offers one of the widest ranges of live and on-demand TV shows for free. From live sports to reality TV sensations like Australian Idol and hit Fox dramas like 9-1-1, it's designed to have something for everyone. Shows from 7flix, 7two, 7food and 7mate are also available. Like most free-to-air services, you will need to watch ads.

9Now

9Now is home to more than 10 live channels and a huge library of on-demand content. You can stream full seasons of beloved shows such as McLeod's Daughters, Chicago Med and M*A*S*H, along with comedy classics like Seinfeld and Bewitched. Its live channels cover sports, news, lifestyle and more.

10 Play

Loving Survivor? Want to catch up on Have You Been Paying Attention? 10 Play lets you stream Channel Ten shows on demand at no cost, complete with ads. You can also replay local and international news and a selection of sports.

Brollie

Brollie's library features films and TV from Australian production company Umbrella Entertainment and other niche titles. If you love home-grown content, you'll discover a wide variety of Australian movies and shows like Skippy The Bush Kangaroo and The Babadook.

Kanopy

Kanopy is a free streaming service that partners with libraries and universities across Australia. It provides free movies to library card holders and university students, focusing on educational and high-quality content. Explore a wide collection of Australian and foreign cinema, documentaries and classics. Some new releases are even available.

Tubi

Tubi is renowned for its extensive collection of niche movies. Many of its unique titles, like Attack of the Mushroom People and Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama, aren't available for free anywhere else. It's free to sign up, but you'll experience advertisements about every 15 minutes.

Streaming services currently offering free trials in Australia

Ready to test drive a premium streaming service before committing? Many platforms offer free trials to new customers. These trials let you explore their content library and user experience before you decide to subscribe. Here's a list of services currently offering free trials in Australia:

• Stan
• Kayo
• BINGE
• Amazon Prime Video
• Paramount+
• Hayu
• Apple TV+
• Flash
• BritBox
• iwonder
• Shudder
• Acorn TV

Stan free trial

• Length. Stan offers a 30-day free trial for new users.
• Content. Dive into Stan's extensive library of TV shows, movies and Stan Originals. You'll find exclusive series, blockbuster films and a range of local and international content.
• Cost after trial. Stan plans start from $12 per month for Basic, $17 per month for Standard and $22 per month for Premium.

Kayo free trial

• Length. Kayo provides a 7-day free trial for new users signing up to a Basic or Premium plan directly through Kayo.
• Content. As the home of sport in Australia, Kayo streams NRL, basketball, soccer and many more leagues. Kayo also offers "Kayo Freebies" where you can watch selected sports content for free by registering for the Freebies service.
• Cost after trial. Subscription fees are $29.99 per month for Kayo Standard or $45.99 per month for Kayo Premium.

BINGE free trial

• Length. New customers can enjoy a 14-day free trial of BINGE.
• Content. BINGE is your go-to for HBO, Warner Bros, and other premium dramas, comedies and movies. It's packed with must-watch series and critically acclaimed films.
• Cost after trial. BINGE plans start from $10 per month for Basic with ads, $19 per month for Standard and $22 per month for Premium.

Amazon Prime Video free trial

• Length. Access to Prime Video comes with an Amazon Prime subscription, which includes a 30-day free trial.
• Content. Amazon Prime Video boasts original titles like Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, sports documentaries such as The Test, and plenty of kid-friendly content. Plus, an Amazon Prime subscription includes other benefits like free shipping.
• Cost after trial. An Amazon Prime Video subscription costs $9.99 per month (with ads) or $79 per year.

Paramount+ free trial

• Length. Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial.
• Content. Featuring content from Paramount Pictures, Showtime, MTV and Nickelodeon, Paramount+ is also the Australian home of the A-League and W-League football seasons.
• Cost after trial. After your trial, the subscription starts at $7.99 per month for the Basic with ads plan.

Hayu free trial

• Length. Sign up for a 7-day free trial.
• Content. Hayu is the ultimate destination for reality TV classics, including Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules. Access all the drama the same day it airs in America.
• Cost after trial. Subscribers pay $8.99 per month after their trial.

Apple TV+ free trial

• Length. You can get a 7-day free trial.
• Content. Apple TV+ showcases its original content, including hit shows like Severance and Ted Lasso, and award-winning movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon and CODA.
• Cost after trial. Following your trial, a monthly subscription costs $15.99.

BritBox free trial

• Length. You can try BritBox free for 7 days.
• Content. BritBox is dedicated to the best of British TV. It features classics like Doctor Who and Blackadder, plus David Attenborough documentaries and plenty of genres to keep you entertained.
• Cost after trial. After the trial, it costs $13.99 per month for a subscription (or $139.99 per year).

iwonder free trial

• Length. iwonder offers a 14-day free trial.
• Content. iwonder is a niche streaming service for current affairs and documentaries. Whether you're a fan of sports, true crime or nature documentaries, you'll find something to keep you informed.
• Cost after trial. After your trial, it costs $3.50 per month or $34.95 yearly.

Acorn TV free trial

• Length. You can try Acorn TV for 7 days at no cost.
• Content. Acorn TV focuses primarily on British content, but also offers titles from Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. Expect HD streams, exclusive and original content, covering genres like period dramas, comedy and thrillers.
• Cost after trial. Costs $6.99 per month (or $69 per year).

Frequently asked questions about free streaming

• Do I need a credit card for free streaming trials?

  Yes. Most streaming services require you to enter credit card details when signing up for a free trial. This is so they can automatically roll you into a paid subscription once the trial period ends. Make sure to set a reminder to cancel before the trial is over if you don't want to be charged.

• How do I cancel a free streaming trial?

  The cancellation process is usually straightforward. Navigate to your account settings or subscription management section on the streaming service's website or app. Look for an option to "cancel subscription" or "manage membership." Follow the prompts and confirm your cancellation. It's always a good idea to cancel a day or two before your trial ends to avoid accidental charges.

• Can I get free streaming through other subscriptions?

  Absolutely. Many telecommunications providers or other services offer streaming subscriptions as part of their bundles or as special promotions. For example, some mobile phone plans or internet packages might include a free period of a specific streaming service. Always check with your current providers for potential deals.

• How can I make the most of free streaming trials?

  Plan your binge. To get the most out of your free trials, here are a few hot tips:

  • Pick wisely. Choose trials for services that have content you're genuinely interested in watching.
  • Time it right. Start a trial when you have dedicated time to binge-watch, like over a long weekend or during a holiday.
  • Set reminders. Mark your calendar or set phone reminders a couple of days before the trial ends so you can cancel if needed.
  • Explore thoroughly. Use the trial period to check out all the content and features to ensure it's worth a subscription.