Top 16 TV and Movie Streaming Sites Available in Australia

Paid TV Streaming Serviecs:

5. Netflix

Netflix is a major player in the online video streaming sphere. In fact, it has set the pace and its competitors in Australia always focus on how to outdo it. One of the reasons that make Netflix outshine other service providers is accessibility. Its app is almost on every device.

Netflix’s database is mainly made up of international blockbusters such as Narcos, Stranger Things and House of Cards.

Cost

The standard charge for Netflix is $9.99 per month. However, it comes in three price categories though the content is the same
across all the tiers. The difference in payment plans will only affect streaming quality and number of devices to be used. In the $9.99 payment plan, you will get a standard definition streaming that will be limited to one device at a time. For $13.99 per month, you will enjoy high definition on two devices simultaneously. The highest tier is $17.99, and you will get one 4K stream on four devices at once. New Netflix subscribers can always take advantage of the 30-day free trial.

 

Pros

• Has a large library hence you will never lack what to watch.
• High-quality original content
• Works on almost all video-enabled devices

Cons

• The TV library of the service is mainly dominated by the brand’s original content.
• Its streamable movies are quite old.

6. Stan

Stan is an Australian video streaming service that is partly owned by the Fairfax and Channel 9. Given that it is a local-based
product, it is rich in Australian content. Stan has also entered into major partnerships with international content providers with the goals of enriching its database.

Cost

The cost of using Stan starts from $10 per month and is available in three different categories. However, consumers in all the
categories stream the same content. The payment only determines the quality of videos that you will watch and the number of devices that you can use when in offline mode or do a simultaneous streaming.

Initially, you were required to pay $10 per month for high definition streaming. The cost was raised to $12 per month and it comes with better streaming quality. It also allows offline viewing for up to three devices, unlike the $10 package whose streaming is limited to one device. The $15 per month assures you of simultaneous 4K streaming on four devices and offline streaming for up to
five devices. New subscribers can enjoy a free 30-day trial.

Stan can be streamed on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, PC browsers, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Chromecast, Telstra TV and some smart TVs.

 

 

Pros

• It has a consumer-friendly pricing structure.
• It allows users to download the content on their respective devices then watch later when offline.
• The streaming service is rich in content and has given special attention to home-based content.

Cons

• Stan does not support HDR (high dynamic range) type of content.
• When your online viewing expires, you have to redownload the video content.

7. Amazon Prime Video

It is run by the giant online retailer Amazon and has made its way to Australia, and is now competing with other huge streaming services such as Netflix and Stan.

Cost

You will pay US$2.99 to subscribe for the first six months. You can start with a free 30-day trial.

 

Pros

• It is available on iOS, Android and smart TVs.
• It has exclusive shows and content.
• It has an X-Ray feature which gives out information about the actors you’re watching.
• Fast and reliable streaming across different devices.
• It also offers downloads for offline viewing.

Cons

• There are no apps for Apple TV or Android TV.
• Its content library is lesser compared to Netflix.
• Browsing is quite frustrating too with its cluttered content.

8. Foxtel

In Australia, Foxtel is usually viewed as an alternative to Netflix. It started as a live TV service provider before branching out as TV shows and movie streaming service provider. You can access different content on the platform regardless of the amount that you are paying for. The content will depend on the channels that you are subscribing to.

Cost

After creating an account in Foxtel, you will be required to build a package that will be based on the subscribed channel packs.
The payment plan may range between $10 per month up to $104 per month. Except for movies and sports, all other packages can be bought as separate products. For instance, the drama package comes with epic series such as Game of Thrones, and you will pay $15. New Foxtel subscribers can test the service with a 14-day free trial.

The service is available on Android, iOS, PS3, PS4, PC browsers, Mac, Telstra TV, Chromecast and Xbox One, although it won’t play in high definition.

Pros

• You can stream live sports.
• You can also access the HBO library where you can watch some of the latest series.
• The library is updated with the latest movies.

Cons

• The service is quite expensive than its rivals.
• The content cannot be downloaded for offline viewing.
• There is no 4K and 1080p content.

9. Quickflix

It started out as a mail-order DVD rental service in 2011. Now, it has made its mark with its free streaming service but you have to pay for some specific movies you want to rent.

Cost

While the streaming subscription is free, you pay for each movie you rent with its new releases costing $5.99 each. However, if you want a DVD subscription, that’s $20 per month. If you decide on stopping the subscription, you can do so anytime since there is no lock-in contract.

Pros

• It works on game consoles, PC, Mac, mobile devices and smart TVs. Its app works with Google Chromecast as well.

Cons

• Although it has a wide array of movies, some can be viewed with streaming subscription, some are only available to rent on DVD.

10. Bigpond Movies

It is a movie rental service owned by Telstra and launched in 2004. It has a large catalogue of movies including new releases, documentaries, TV shows, among others.

Cost

You can rent movies starting from $1.99 to $5.99 per title. You can then watch it for seven days and once you begin watching it, it remains available for 48 hours. You can also get a free movie rental upon ­registration.

 

Pros

• It’s available on smart TVs. You also need a Telstra T-Box or compatible tablet or notebook device.
• You can get unmetred movie downloads, meaning it won’t affect your internet data allowance per month.

Cons

• You can stream the movies in standard definition and 720p high definition only.

11. DocPlay

For doco lovers, this is the one for you. It is an Australian streaming services for documentaries.

Cost

• It costs $6.95 per month, or $69.95 annually (which only costs $5.83 a month instead). The subscription cost allows you to watch ads-free.
• You can also use it for free but has really limited content and some free versions also have ads.

Pros

• It’s available in iOS and Android devices, Mac and Windows computers, Apple TV, Sony Android TVs, Google Chromecast, and Apple Airplay.
• It has documentaries that are exclusive to DocPlay and cannot be found in either Netflix or Stan.

Cons

• It has more than 130 documentaries in its library and new ones being added on a regular basis, but less compared to its rivals’ collection of thousands of shows.
• It only works on some smart TVs, Playstations and Xboxes.
• It has no definite info on the number of streams allowed

12. Hay U

Are you a fan or reality TV shows? Check out Hay U streaming services which just recently arrived in Australia. Your favourite US reality shows aired on the same day as the US, what’s not to love?

Cost

• Its monthly subscription is $5.99 after your free one month trial. It also has no lock-in contract, so should you wish to cancel, you can do so anytime.

Pros

• It has more than 3,000 individual episodes of hit US reality TV shows.
• Some reality shows are aired on the same day as the US, while others are there for your binge-watching sessions.

Cons

• It is not available for streaming through Apple TV.
• You can only watch it in the country you purchased in and not abroad.
• It also has one HD stream available.

13. Youtube Red

It is the premium subscription service of YouTube channel, launched four years ago.

Cost

It costs $11.99 a month after you’ve ended your 30-day trial.

Pros

• You can access it using iOs and Android devices, PC, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, compatible smart TVs, and Fetch TV.
• Enjoy ad-free streaming.
• You can watch download the videos and watch it offline and for use for up to 30 days.
• It offers exclusive content including ‘YouTube Red Originals’

Cons

• Basically the same as YouTube’s free service.
• It has a limited range of perks.

14. Google Play

You can rent or buy movies through Google Play, just go to the Google Play store.

Cost

Its new releases range from $24.99 to $29.99 for standard-definition and Full HD, respectively. Other movies can be bought at $12.99 without contract and movie rentals could be at $3.99. You can also rent single episodes of TV shows at $3.49 or buy seasons from $19.99 with no contract.

 

 

 

Pros

• Watch your movies on most Android devices and compatible IPTVs. You can also watch using iOS through the Google Play Movies & TV app.
• You can download the movies and shows you bought on up to five devices under the same account. You can also download movies and shows that you have rented to one device at a time.
• It has a wide range of movies and shows in its collection.

Cons

• If you already downloaded a video to one device, you can’t stream it to another device.

15. iTunes

Users can also buy and rent movies on iTunes, where media content and movies can be stored.

Cost

Movie rentals cost $6.99 or you can buy them from $9.99 to $24.99 without contract. You can also rent single episodes at $3.49 or buy at $14.99 with no contract.

 

Pros

• You can watch movies and shows through PC/Mac, iOS devices or through Apple TV.
• Any movie or show purchased can be moved between devices as often as you want.

Cons

• You can only have one movie or show on one device at a time.

16.  Showtime

Default Free Trial

Verdict

The streaming service that you should pick depends on your taste and preferences. Netflix and Foxtel are ideal choices for the latest series. If you can’t make up your mind, just use the free trial subscriptions of different TV and video streaming services. You will be able to have a taste of what the services offer and make a solid decision on the ones that will meet your expectations.

So, which of these streaming sites do you prefer?