Best Online Streaming Services
Stan
- Price (RRP) $12 to $22
- Content Type
- Sports
- Documentaries and Movies & TV Shows
- Simultaneous Viewing 1 screens, 3 screens and 4 screens
- Offline Viewing 1 device, 3 device and 5 device
Was no need to leave a review up until now as there has been no issues. Been with Stan basic and sport for quite a few years now. All of a sudden… Read more
they started playing ads. I had sport and the basic package for $30 A MONTH and still have to watch ads. I should be a bit of a valued customer right, little bit of care from customer support? No, you do not get exempt from ads if you are still paying a fortune for these subscriptions. Contact customer support explaining my concerns - not helpful what so ever so sport has been cancelled and will look at cancelling the basic plan in the next week. What’s the point in paying for this if there are ads, I’ll watch free to air thanks. What they’ve done in trying to make it affordable for non customers or getting in more customers, no they are trying to upgrade their current customers to the premium. Sneaky and no care. Cheers Stan, see ya
Tubi
- Price (RRP) $0
- Content TypeMovies & TV Shows
- See all
We love Tubi because they still have a lot of fun entertainment in recognition of when television used to be actual entertainment. We don't pay a… Read more
cent to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Stan, Disney+ or Foxtel. It's a win after having Foxtel for so many years. I thoroughly recommend people to complain less about all these paid subscriptions, and instead buy a few DVDs, and use streaming services that are 100% free! You should be a lot happier, with less cringe at every turn.
Netflix
- Price (RRP) $6.99 to $22.99
- Content TypeDocumentaries and Movies & TV Shows
- Simultaneous Viewing 2 screens and 4 screens
- Offline Viewing 2 device and 6 device
- See all
Very disappointed with the shows, most of them being dubbed. Decided to cancel today. I should have been able to do it from my profile but there… Read more
was no subscription cancellation there. It has been a total nightmare. I tried to sign in to Netflix on my computer but was unable to do so. I then went to my iPad which gave me the option of using my phone number to sign in and was finally able to cancel my subscription. I will never subscribe to Netflix again. The content is not for me.
Apple TV+
- Price (RRP) $7.99
- Content TypeDocumentaries and Movies & TV Shows
- See all
I’ll be binning my Apple TV 4K devices. All Apple TV shows just continually buffer. It seems update 26.5 is the cause. Don’t expect any solution from Apple TV.
Sports Flick
Great company! – Sports Flick are a young company however have the resources and incredible staff to become a major Sports Streaming service worldwide. $10 a month is an absolute steal in which gives access to an array of professional sports.
Spotify
- Price (RRP) $5.99 to $18.99
- Content TypeMusic and Podcasts
- See all
Apparently, unbeknownst to me, I have been a spotify member under a family plan for 2 years. I recently received an email from spotify informing me… Read more
of changes to my account. Suspicious that someone was using my email fraudulently I decided to investigate. Pretty simple, I didn’t even need a password to access the account, they just sent a pin number to my email. I didn’t recognize any of the other members email addresses, including the managing member, and I also learned that the membership was for accounts based in Ireland whilst I live in Australia. I quickly sent a message to spotify using their “contact us” explaining the issue and closed my (supposed) account. This was last Friday. This morning (Tuesday) I woke up to a message that my account had been accessed by someone from a different IP address so I went back in and guess what the account had been reactivated. Again I sent a waste of time message to the ‘powers that be’ on spotify and made a few alterations before yet again closing the account. I fully expect to receive further emails from spotify in the near future since I changed all future notifications from ‘Push’ to email. I have considered certain details of my own experience and those of others who have left feedback on here, especially those of customers who were charged for over 2 years for 2 accounts even though they only ever opened 1 & only ever had access to 1, and I have come to the conclusion that it is most likely that the problem originates from within Spotify's own ranks.
BritBox
- Price (RRP) $8.99
- Content TypeDocumentaries and Movies & TV Shows
- See all
What should and could be a service providing amazing content is ruined by their business model. I recently received a gift card but could not… Read more
activate it without providing a credit card which I did not want to do. I then cancelled the recurring subscription I had to sign up to which I didn't want, only to find there is no way to remove your credit card details, only change them. So I had to trawl through their "help" FAQs to eventually contact tech support to ask my cc details be deleted. They got back and said they had done this "because legally they are obliged to do so". Whoever thought this was a strong business model and customer experience needs to be let go. What a nonsensical policy that undermines customer trust.
Amazon Prime Video
- Price (RRP) $6.99
- Content TypeDocumentaries and Movies & TV Shows

- See all
Pay for a product then still get ads.. just garbage.
YouTube Premium
Great product, recommend highly. Some people really like to complain about anything and everything. I wonder if there's an element of agenda in these reviews. My negative is due to some Youtube settings.
Kayo Sports
- Price (RRP) $27.50 to $35
- Content TypeSports
- Simultaneous Viewing 2 screens and 3 screens

- See all
Very easy to join up, not so easy to cancel. Fell for their 1 month for $5 offer. Thought I cancelled via hubbl turns out it didn't go thru and was just charged the exorbitant monthly fee.
Binge
- Price (RRP) $10 to $18
- Content TypeDocumentaries and Movies & TV Shows
- Simultaneous Viewing 1 screens, 2 screens and 4 screens

- See all
Impossible to unsubscribe!! Started on Basic then charged for premium! No satisfaction or service! Don't bother with Binge when there are so many other streaming services that are so much better!!
Disney+
- Price (RRP) $11.99
- Content TypeDocumentaries and Movies & TV Shows
- See all
Pay for content, they withhold it. Get into a series, and by the end they change days, don't stream at given time or show half a series and don't… Read more
screen again for weeks. Will enquire if it's a breach of consumer for withholding content paid for by subscription. Utter grubs.
9Now
- Price (RRP) $0
- Content TypeDocumentaries, Movies & TV Shows and Sports
- See all
Absolutely the most terrible app. Constant buffering, resetting, black screens. Then theres the ads. Evening is spent trying to get into the app and… Read more
the trying to watch a program of choice. I see this is an issue that spans years and I've no interest in fixing it.
Foxtel Now
- Price (RRP) $25 to $129
- Content Type
- Documentaries, Movies & TV Shows and Sports
- Movies & TV Shows
Have been with Foxtel Now for many years and wanted to change my banking details. Went on the site and the page was unavailable. Tried for three days… Read more
using Edge, chrome and Firefox with no success. Rang Foxtel and I wasn't able to access a real person and was sent to Live Chat on their website. This was a hopeless proposition as I was referred to the change of banking details area by an AI generated bot, which was faulty in the first place. It was only when I threatened to report Foxtel to ACMA Federal Complaints Department that I was addressed on Live Chat by a real person who sent a link to my phone and the change was completed. Their customer service is a waste of time.
Paramount Plus
- Content TypeMovies & TV Shows and Sports
This company has charged me after cancelling my subscription. Thieves.
Hayu
- Price (RRP) $6.99
- See all
Constant playback issues through both the TV app, phone app and web browser on PC. Hidden foreign currency fee. The "feedback" box when you cancel is… Read more
a joke - it's huge but only lets you type less than a sentence which shows they don't care about why you're cancelling or even allow you to tell them why. I only subscribed for one show and can't even watch the season finale because it won't play further than 10 minutes in, and crashes at the same point every time.
Bein Sports
- See all
Doesn't deserve 1 star. Took me almost 20 minutes to watch just highlights of a serie a mini match because the app would either take too long to load… Read more
or would just log me out multiple times. If it wasn't for my love of serie a I wouldn't have re subscribed. Hope Stan takes the right from serie a soon
Acorn TV
- Price (RRP) $6.99
- Content TypeDocumentaries and Movies & TV Shows
I read enough reviews to seeing that I shouldn't sign up for a subscription. I just watch through my fire tv. Their random insertion of commercials… Read more
is absolutely mind-bending. They stop mid-sentence to give you commercials. And this is on TV shows that have places where the show intentionally breaks so that you can insert commercials . Those breaks are clearly not enough for these guys. They are struggling though to get enough sponsors because they will leave you sitting for an entire commercial break looking at their logo page playing music that makes you want to die a slow miserable death. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone whether it's free or not.
NBA League Pass
- Content TypeSports
- Simultaneous Viewing 2 screens
- See all
Absolutely horrendous support. Their systems block legitimate paying customers, then they pretty much gaslight you about the problem and try to make… Read more
you buy a permanent static IP at your ISP.
I am using my country's biggest broadband supplier, sitting in my house at the address I am registered with, and they keep telling me I am blocked because I am out of the country. I am IT savvy, there is no proxy or VPN being used, my IP clearly shows I am exactly where I live - but these id*ots in NBA support treated me like garbage until I cancelled the account.
Thanks for not letting me watch the Knicks win using the subscription I had paid for!!!!
Plex
- Content TypeMovies & TV Shows and Music
Nearly 3 minutes of ads every break. 148 seconds. Ridiculous
Australia IPTV
- Price (RRP) $19
- Content TypeDocumentaries, Movies & TV Shows, Music and Sports
My experience with Australia-IPTV.com.au has been amazing. They offer a wide variety of content, excellent sports coverage, all major PPV events, and a very helpful support team, all at a very affordable price. Highly recommended!
Good for the kids – Good for the kids. Lots of education and documentaries to choose from. Very affordable. I enjoyed watching all the shows, lots to choose from. Works well on my Samsung TV. Got the app from the playstore to watch. Show details
Ausbiz
- Content TypeMovies & TV Shows and Podcasts
Must watch – For anyone interested in share market investing this programme on 7 plus is a must watch Monday too Friday at 12pm. You can watch replays online too.… Read more
Some of the analysts are better than others, and a few after outstanding with their knowledge and appraisal of companies.
Apple Music
One of the most profitable tech companies in the world decided to jack up the price of the family music subscription by 20% Guess who has decided to… Read more
revisit my CD/MP3 collection and the radio. Easiest decision ever.
These tech titans need to be taught a lesson about how important they really are to working families.
Crunchyroll
- Price (RRP) $13.99
- Content TypeMovies & TV Shows
This company makes it very hard for you to cancel your subscription. It's hidden behind particular profile or account pages, only available in… Read more
desktop view, not the app, not even the website from a browser on phone. Error about only being able to cancel 'on your device' if you subscribed using the app (guess I used my computer, how am I supposed to remember). This is such deceptive and poor customer service I am not sure I will ever use it again. No wonder so many people just rip it off using ad blockers. You try to do the right thing and you get punished and stressed and waste time just trying to turn the subscription off for a time. This should be illegal.
DAZN
- Price (RRP) $29.99
- Content TypeSports
DAZN continues to be extremely problematic/annoying/unusable. I use Google as my search engine and Chrome as my browser. Today DAZN tells me "Update… Read more
your browser Looks like you’re using an old version of a web browser. You’ll need to update it to watch DAZN." It fails to mention that even after I have clicked "Update Now" several times and have attempted to update over the previous update (1 minute earlier) several times, I am still getting that message. DAZN I WILL NOT BE RENEWING MY SUBSCRIPTION. I used 'Game Pass' until (annoying) DAZN took over and it has been issue after issue. No more, I'm done with them,
Matchroom Live
- Price (RRP) $4.99
- Content TypeSports
Game paid for but not televised – Here's an example of just how bad they are Betvictor: N Ireland Open Day 7 - Table 1 Start Time20:00 Waterfront Hall Belfast The time given above… Read more
is Sydney Australia time (8pm AEDST) to televise It's now 8.57 pm AEDST and still no game televised Considering you pay for a subscription to watch (for me it's snooker) I won't be renewing mine as their times are always all over the shop Worst of all is when they give you a time for start of play and you find out it started ages ago
Skonflix
- Content TypeMovies & TV Shows
HBO Max
- Price (RRP) $9.99
- Content TypeMovies & TV Shows
Never ever will I go through HBO Max again. Canceling your subscription is beyond impossible! The support Teams at HBO are not helpful in the… Read more
slightest and “can’t cancel” your account when you need them to. On the app, on the server, codes, multi sign ins, errors - it has taken me 5 hrs. It was the worst decision to ever sign up with this company. Never again!
HIDIVE
They charged me even after u cancelled the subscription a long time ago – They charged my PayPal the monthly subscription even though I’ve cancelled a month ago and I read the terms and conditions. So I reported it to PayPal and HiDive refused my request for my money back
On-demand TV & movie streaming services
The world was revolutionised in the late-2000s and early 2010s by the popularisation of on-demand streaming services which let us stream shows and movies on the internet without the need for a DVD or DVD player.
Netflix was one of the first to cultivate the new format; a company that had its roots as a rental DVD mailing company, ironically, eradicated DVDs from mainstream culture.
Nowadays, other streaming moguls have caught up to Netflix who face competition, especially in Australia. You can compare the different streaming services below and what they have to offer.
Video streaming services compared
| Netflix | Stan | Disney Plus | Amazon Prime Video | Binge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $10.99 for Basic | $10.00 for Basic | $11.99 (or $119.99 annually) | $6.99 | $10.00 for Basic |
| $16.99 for Standard | $14.00 for Standard | $14.00 for Standard | |||
| $22.99 for Premium | $19.00 for Premium | $18.00 for Premium | |||
| Free trial currently | No | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 14 days |
| Simultaneous streams | Basic – 1 | Basic - 1 | 4 | 3 | Basic - 1 |
| Standard – 2 | Standard – 3 | Standard – 2 | |||
| Premium – 4 | Premium – 4 | Premium – 4 | |||
| Examples of content | Tiger King, Bridgerton, The Umbrella Academy, The 100, Sex Education, Riverdale | Normal People, Grey’s Anatomy, Tenet, Little Women | Love, Victor, How I Met Your Mother, Soul, Titanic, Frozen, Tangled | The Babadook, I Care A Lot, American Gods, Abominable, Joker | Bad Education, Knives Out, Clueless, The Shining, Pitch Perfect, The Walking Dead |
| 4k/UHD | Premium - Yes | Premium - Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extra perks | Netflix Original shows such as Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Stranger Things, Ozark & Atypical | Shows from the US available for streaming at the same time as they air | Exclusive content from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and National Geographic | Video subscription comes free with an Amazon Prime subscription. | Binge offers some of HBO's most popular series' (like Game of Thrones, Succession, and Big Little Lies), as well as original productions for HBO Max |
Netflix
Netflix is the most popular on-demand and movie streaming service in Australia. The array of viewing options have been said to be lacking compared to Netflix’s library in other countries, however, Netflix’s main drawing factor remains the number of popular Netflix Original shows. This is doubled down by its globally famous and trusted reputation. Nowadays, the kingpin, Netflix faces competition from many other streaming services in Australia which offer more popular content for a reduced price.
Stan
Stan is an Australian-based streaming service with a wide library of famous shows and movies from the US and UK. It is the second-most popular streaming service in Australia after Netflix and holds exclusive rights to famous shows like Twin Peaks, Better Call Saul and Preacher. One of its main advantages is that it allows users to stream shows at the same time they air abroad.
Disney Plus
For those with children or for those looking to get in touch with their inner child, Disney Plus may be the perfect streaming service for you. The online service gives users access to classic family-friendly shows, movies and documentaries from the Disney catalogue including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and National Geographic.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video contains new originals such as The Expanse, The Grand Tour and The Boys. Its library is not as extensive as the other services mentioned, but you can get access to the streaming service in Australia simply by signing up to Amazon Prime which costs $6.99 per month. It is one of the most cost-efficient video streaming choices available.
Binge
Binge is a child company of Foxtel and Australia’s newest streaming platform born in May of 2020. Its main selling point includes its number of famous HBO shows on offer including Game of Thrones, The Sopranos and The Wire. It is reasonably priced, however does not offer 4k viewing options.
Live TV streaming services
Streaming TV shows to your laptop or smartphone as they air can often be cheaper than setting up cable or installing a satellite in your house and is certainly less hassle - plus, you don’t need a TV.
For those who want to watch live TV shows and sports without getting cable or while they’re on the go - it’s now possible to with live TV streaming services. They are very convenient as they can be cancelled at any time, whereas cable usually requires more commitment.
Foxtel Now
Foxtel Now is a streaming service by the pay television company, Foxtel. Instead of linking up cable to your house, you only need an internet connection and a device to stream on in order to watch live television. It lets you watch all of the service’s catch-up content as well as its live TV streams.
Foxtel Now starts at $25 per month (after a free 10-day trial). The pricing plan goes as follows:
- Essentials base pack (included: Pop and Lifestyle) - $25/mth
- Drama - additional $10/mth
- Movies - additional $20/mth
- Sport - additional $29/mth
- All Packs - $104/mth (included: Kids & Documentaries)
It’s important to note that the Essentials base pack is a staple that you must buy in order to access the service and you cannot buy a Sports, Movies or Drama add-on without it. Similarly, you cannot access the Kids and Documentaries packs without buying the ‘All Packs’ plan.
Kayo Sports
A child company of Foxtel, Kayo Sports offers live and on-demand sports streaming from Fox Sports, ESPN, beIN Sports and Racing.com. For sports enthusiasts who’d like to stay up to date on their favourite teams, they offer two plans. The only difference being that Premium allows for 3 simultaneous streams.
| Basic | Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | $25 | $35 |
| Simultaneous streams | 2 | 3 |
| 14-day free trial | Yes | Yes |
| HD available on compatible devices | Yes | Yes |
| No lock-in contract | Yes | Yes |
Music & podcast streaming services
The emergence of Spotify and music streaming services changed the way we consume music entirely. Now, artists can release their music instantly to their loyal listeners and you can create your own library of music to enjoy instead of purchasing entire albums.
On top of this, music streaming services offer access to Podcasts, playlists and personalised ‘radio stations’ based on artists and songs you enjoy.
The prices for these services vary and are usually based on their library catalogue and sound quality.
Spotify, Deezer and YouTube Music offer free plans, supported through ads - they usually have limited skips per hour and limited or no offline listening capabilities. On the other end, Tidal HiFi and Deezer HiFi plans put special emphasis on crystal clear, high-quality sound and are priced accordingly.
The best subscription plan is one that suits your budget, interest in music and how many people in your household will need an account (as this can save on costs massively).
Music & podcast streaming comparison chart
| Spotify | Apple Music | Deezer | Tidal | YouTube Music | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription plans | Free | Student - $5.99 | Free | Premium Student - $5.99 | Free |
| Student - $5.99 | Individual - $11.99 | Student - $5.99 | Premium Standard - $11.99 | Premium - $11.99 | |
| Individual - $11.99 | Family - $17.99 | Premium - $11.99 | Premium Family - $17.99 | Family - $14.99 | |
| Duo - $15.99 | HiFi - $17.99 | HiFi Student - $11.99 | |||
| Family - $18.99 | Family - $17.99 | HiFi Standard - $23.99 | |||
| HiFi Family - $35.99 | |||||
| Users per account | Free - 1 | Student - 1 | Free - 1 | Student - 1 | Free - 1 |
| Student - 1 | Individual - 1 | Student - 1 | Standard - 1 | Premium - 1 | |
| Individual - 1 | Family - 6 | Premium - 1 | Family - 5 | Family - 5 | |
| Duo - 2 | HiFi - 1 | ||||
| Family - 6 | Family - 6 | ||||
| Free trial | 1 month | 3 months | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month |
| Sound quality | Free - 160kbps | 256kbps | Free - 128 kbps | Premium - 320kbps | Free - 126 kbps |
| Premium - 320kbps | Premium - 320kbps | HiFi - 24bit / 96kHz | Premium - 256kbps | ||
| HiFi - 16bit / 44.1kHz | |||||
| Offline downloads | Yes for all except the free plan - (can only download podcasts) | Yes | Yes for all except the free plan | Desktop - No. Smartphone - Yes | Yes for all except the free plan |
Spotify and Apple Music are the reigning royalty of music streaming currently and both have a very easy-to-use interface and great brand reputation. Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and Deezer all offer student discounts at very alluring prices.
The bottom line
Streaming subscriptions have become a staple in many of our lives and for good reason - they offer reliable and easy access to an extensive library of music and entertainment.
Which subscription you decide to go with should be based on your budget, household size, how often you’ll be using the product and how important sound quality/4k viewing is to you.
You can read reviews for the most popular streaming services in Australia today on our site.