Canstar Blue’s annual review of internet bundles compares Vodafone, iiNet, Optus, Telstra, TPG, Dodo and Foxtel on their speed & reliability, customer service, value for money, ease of set-up, bill and cost clarity, entertainment inclusions and overall satisfaction. These ratings are based on a survey of more than 1,500 Aussie consumers.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Vodafone is making a big impression in the NBN space, rated best of the bunch in our review of internet and entertainment providers. It achieved five stars for speed & reliability, value for money, customer service, ease of set-up and entertainment inclusions.
Most of us have an unlimited mobile phone plan these days, with the classic landline phone becoming a bit of a relic in many Australian homes. However, bundles encompass more than just home phone calls – have you considered bundling in an entertainment pack with your internet? Many service providers are doing so, meaning you can get internet, a phone line and entertainment all in one neat package (even if you don’t actually use your home phone anymore!). It means there’s some great value to be had.
In fact, entertainment add-ons have become one of the biggest points of difference when comparing internet plans. If you can get a little extra for your money, why wouldn’t you bundle in some form of entertainment pack? But before you dive into the deep rabbit hole of internet providers in Australia, consider our 2019 customer review and ratings for internet bundles as a good starting point. Ultimately, the key is to find a plan that best suits your needs – at a price you’re happy to pay – and a provider that makes life as easy as possible, with a reliable service and great customer service. So, who comes out on top for internet bundles that include an entertainment add on?
Our latest review has seen more than 1,500 paying customers provide their feedback on their provider of choice, with the biggest telcos in the business compared. The idea is to give you as much information as possible, so you can make an informed decision about your next provider. You’ll want awesome and reliable internet, but you also want something good to watch in the evenings… So, what did we find in 2019?
Canstar Blue’s 2019 review of internet providers with entertainment bundles saw these seven brands compared and rated in the following order for overall satisfaction:
Vodafone was rated best for overall satisfaction, as well as for speed & reliability, customer service, ease of sign-up and value for money. It was joined by Optus in earning five stars for entertainment inclusions, while iiNet was rated best for bill and cost clarity.
iiNet, Optus, Telstra, TPG and Dodo all received four stars for overall internet bundling satisfaction, with Foxtel coming last on just three stars overall, with just two stars on value for money.
Those surveyed had any type of broadband connection – ADSL, cable or NBN – along with some form of internet and entertainment deal. Entertainment features can vary significantly between providers, from a basic Fetch TV inclusion, to the provider’s own streaming device, and various sports and movie packs. Read on for a guide to the internet bundles offered by the providers compared.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited data NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest. All of these plans include entertainment options such as Fetch TV, or offer these services as an optional add-on. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Essentials+ NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $249 over first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $1,289.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $79 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $1,919.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $1,919.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $306 over first month |
Unlimited | $90 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone offers its own optional entertainment service to NBN customers known as Vodafone TV. The Android-powered device allows customers to stream Netflix, YouTube, and more, and access thousands of movies, shows and games via Google Play.
Vodafone scored a near-perfect rating in our 2019 report, achieving five stars in all categories except for bill clarity. Impressively, the provider was the only included telco this year to receive a five-star rating in several categories, including overall satisfaction, speed and reliability, value for money, customer service, and ease of setup.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Essential NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $239 for first month |
Unlimited | $59 | Go To Site |
|
Essentials+ NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $249 for first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Go To Site |
|
Premium NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $269 for first month |
Unlimited | $89 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
iiNet has been a familiar face in our ratings for many years now, known for being the ‘go-to’ alternative to the big guys. Its easy-to-add Fetch options make it a popular option for entertainment bundles, with plans beginning at $69.99 monthly for unlimited data.
iiNet performed well this year, achieving an overall satisfaction score of four stars, plus five-star results for bill clarity.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $1,679.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,919.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $2,399.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $149.94 over first month |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $159.94 over first month |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $179.94 over first month |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Internet giant Optus is a go-to entertainment option for football fans, offering exclusive access to national and international matches via Optus Sport. This feature is available as a free inclusion on selected plans, including Optus’ $90 Plan with unlimited data, or as a $14.99 per month add-on.
Optus achieved four stars for overall satisfaction and in almost all other categories, with a five-star rating for its entertainment inclusions.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
70 Bundle Plan
min. cost $1,779 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $70 | |
|
90 Bundle Plan
min. cost $2,259 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $90 | |
|
70 Bundle Plan + speed boost
min. cost $2,499 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $100 | |
|
90 Bundle Plan + speed boost
min. cost $2,979 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $120 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Telstra’s broadband plans offer plenty of optional entertainment, but no longer include the telco’s Telstra TV streaming device as standard. Telstra TV can be added to plans from an additional $9 per month and offers easy streaming from Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Now, and more, plus catchup TV and on-demand movies and shows via Telstra TV Box Office.
Telstra’s range of entertainment options see the telco achieve an overall rating of four stars, and four stars in almost all categories.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $286 for first month |
100GB | $70 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $306 for first month |
Unlimited | $90 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
One of the overall more affordable providers reviewed in 2019, TPG now owns both iiNet and Internode, but offers a comparably smaller array of entertainment options. With unlimited data starting from just $49.99 per month for ADSL, plans don’t feature add-ons such as Fetch, but do include optional IPTV.
TPG was ranked fifth in our 2019 ratings, scoring an overall satisfaction result of four stars.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $1,289.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,289.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $2,009.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $109.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Dodo’s new streamlined plans offer unlimited data from $70 per month for NBN customers and $30 for ADSL users. Customers can add a Fetch TV package to their account from an extra $15 per month, with several entertainment options available.
Dodo achieved an overall satisfaction score of four stars, plus scored four stars for customer service and ease of setup.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
101GB Plan
min. cost $1,440 over 24 months |
101GB | $60 | |
|
Unlimited Plan – Supercharged
min. cost $1,680 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $70 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Renowned pay TV provider Foxtel now also offers home broadband plans, all of which are available to bundle with Foxtel entertainment packs. From $104 per month, customers get access to unlimited data, unlimited standard local and national calls, plus a Foxtel entertainment pack.
Despite offering a range of entertainment bundles, Foxtel ranked last in this year’s review, scoring an overall three stars for satisfaction.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Unlimited Broadband + Entertainment
min. cost $1,487 over 12 months |
Unlimited | $104 | |
|
Unlimited Broadband + Drama
min. cost $1,727 over 12 months |
Unlimited | $124 | |
|
Unlimited Broadband + Sport
min. cost $1,955.03 over 12 months |
Unlimited | $143 | |
|
Unlimited Broadband + Platinum HD
min. cost $2,207.03 over 12 months |
Unlimited | $164 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Finding the best internet bundle for your needs will come down to what type of entertainment pack you are interested in – be it sports, movies, the latest TV shows, or all of the above. Here is a quick guide to the different types of internet bundles you’ll find with internet plans in Australia.
Sports fans can stream dozens of live and on-demand matches via Kayo Sports, which is available through Telstra TV (or to watch anytime through your smart TV, device, or laptop browser). If you’re a soccer/football follower, Optus Sport is your go-to service, and is available free on selected broadband plans.
For fans of the Fox Sports network, Foxtel is your best option. You can add a pay TV sports package to your plan through Telstra, or bundle both broadband and entertainment from Foxtel directly.
Recommended providers for sports:
If your plan comes with a streaming device, such as Telstra TV, Vodafone TV or Fetch, you’ll be able to easily stream on-demand TV shows through Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Now, and more, depending on your specific device. Most streaming services such as Netflix require separate subscriptions, with prices beginning at around $9.99 per month.
You can also watch new-release TV via Foxtel, which is available to add to both Foxtel Broadband and Telstra. TV shows can also be viewed through channel packs available from Fetch, with prices beginning at $6 per month for packages (if not already included in your plan). You can also use Fetch and similar services to watch free-to-air and catch-up TV.
If you’re looking for international channels, try TPG’s IPTV service, or go with specialist NBN provider Flip (which offers a huge variety of multicultural TV packages).
Recommended providers for TV shows:
Aside from Foxtel, your best source of on-demand movies is Netflix or Stan (available to stream via Telstra TV, Vodafone TV, and Fetch), or through Telstra TV Box Office. If new release movies are the priority in your household, bundles that include streaming devices are the cheapest and easiest option.
Recommended providers for movies:
Looking to keep the kids occupied on weekends and school holidays? Foxtel offers a great selection of kids-only pay TV channels, including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and the Disney Channel. Kid-safe viewing options are available from services such as Netflix and Stan (the latter of which currently has exclusive rights to much of Disney’s catalogue), both of which can be streamed via Fetch, Telstra, TV, or Vodafone TV.
Fetch’s premium Kids Pack is available to add to Fetch-friendly plans from $6 per month, and includes many of the channels you’ll find on Foxtel (such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney).
Recommended providers for kids’ TV shows:
ADSL connections use the traditional copper telephone lines to provide internet access, so bundling the two services together not only makes sense, but it can also prove to be pretty economical. Cable is basically the same type of deal, but if your home is connected to a cable service then you’ll be using high-speed fibre optic and slightly slower coaxial cables to get both internet and home phone lines.
However, the main caveat is that these plans often do not include any call packs. Instead you just ‘pay as you go’ (PAYG). While this is a great option for those mainly just using their mobile phones, the costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re paying 20c a minute or more for a call!
So, if you want an ‘all inclusive’ home phone internet bundle, you can expect to pay anywhere from an extra $10-$30+ per month on top of your basic internet plan, which can certainly add up.
NBN bundled plans could be considered more interesting than their ADSL or cable counterparts. This is because NBN plans often come with the choice of either a VoIP calling service or the NBN phone.
As for how you actually make a home phone call with an NBN connection, there are two methods as mentioned earlier – NBN phone and VoIP. Between the two, the difference lies in the detail:
Don’t fret though, because often this is all taken care of by your bundled NBN provider, with some even offering both types of calling service.
Like with ADSL and cable bundled plans, entry costs for these plans generally don’t include any VoIP or NBN phone call packs. This means that you’ll usually have to front up for an extra $10 or so per month, but this usually gets you unlimited national calls to landlines and mobiles. International call packs are an additional cost and can add anywhere up to $30 or more to your total bundle cost. Overall, in terms of bundling charges, customers are no worse or better off than their ADSL or cable counterparts, which is ultimately a good thing.
Whether you’re on an NBN, ADSL or cable bundled plan, it pays to know what you’re after and what to look for, keeping in mind that all those extras are going to cost you extra.
Canstar Blue surveyed 9,000 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who currently have a bundled internet and entertainment plan in their name and they pay the bills – in this case, 1,541 people.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.
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