Since the Australian launches of Disney+ and Apple TV+ in late 2019, competition among streaming services is greater than ever. But the big question for consumers remains — which is the best streaming service?
If you’ve got some time to kill or want something to keep the kids entertained, we’ve put together a quick comparison of all the major streaming platforms currently available in Australia, and how they compare for content, plans and prices.
What streaming services are available in Australia?
There are several main players, with some big companies behind them. These streaming services are:
- Netflix
- Stan
- Disney+
- BINGE
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV+
- Kayo
- Stan Sport
- Paramount+
While these are perhaps the most well-known and popular providers, there are several other streaming services in Australia, but many of these offer niche content. Here is a selection of niche, or lesser-known, streaming services:
- Hayu — a reality TV-specific streaming service
- YouTube Premium — access YouTube with no ads, exclusive content and other functions
Free-to-air television channels also have their own streaming platforms, which are free to use; however, there are ads you’ll have to sit through.
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Netflix – the best all-rounder
It’s the one you naturally think of when talking about streaming, and there’s good reason for it. Toppling Blockbuster, Netflix has cemented itself as the first point-of-call for streaming. Pricing ranges from $6.99 for a basic plan with ads, $10.99 for a basic plan, $16.99 for a standard plan, and $22.99 for a premium plan, with additional features added into each plan and price point.
As for content, Netflix is rife with originals and highly-acclaimed content. Fan favourites such as Stranger Things, Black Mirror, and The Queen’s Gambit have gained major traction over recent years for their high-production value and riveting storylines. Along with these originals, shows such as Friends, Parks and Recreation, and The Office find their way onto the Netflix catalogue, along with a vast number of other hugely popular TV shows and films.
The Verdict: Netflix suits someone looking for affordable, casual streaming, with a catalogue of regularly-updated fan favourites, and is a safe bet for those new to streaming. Check out the best shows and movies available on Netflix.
Stan – Netflix’s competitor
Australia’s answer to Netflix, Stan employs a similar M.O as Netflix, only with a few key differences. A basic plan clocks in at $10, a standard plan comes in at $16, and a premium plan costs $21. Each plan costs marginally cheaper than Netflix, but for the thrifty entertainment connoisseurs out there however, it all adds up. Thankfully we’ve also prepared a guide on Stan’s plans and prices for you to check out to see which is the best value for your household.
The content is the decider for the Netflix vs Stan debate, and the differences are vast. Stan has a sizeably smaller content library than Netflix, and the Stan Originals are not as highly-acclaimed as its American rival. That being said, the library itself may persuade more than a few to sign up for a subscription. Shows such as Better Call Saul, Normal People and Power are exclusive to Stan, and have received huge critical acclaim. Being an Aussie company, Stan also hosts plenty of home-grown content for those looking for a taste of home.
The Verdict: Stan is a slightly cheaper alternative to Netflix with a slightly smaller catalogue, but certain shows and movies that set itself apart, including some good ol’ content from Straya. Check out the best shows and movies available on Stan.
Disney+ – the blockbuster powerhouse
While Netflix and Stan have been bickering, Disney+ has been silently accruing an incredible catalogue of TV shows and movies to rival both combined. And fortunately for the consumers, the price isn’t too shabby either. Disney+ offers a fixed rate plan of $13.99 per month for full access to its features, with an option to pay a lump sum $139.99 for a year and save 15% per month.
As for content, Disney+ bats above its weight (or maybe not considering its handsome financial backing). The platform is obviously home to the Disney suite, including the catalogue of critically acclaimed films from its animation studio, as well as films from the Marvel universe, The Mandalorian, as well as a vast array of Hollywood films and shows, thanks to its collaboration with Star.
The Verdict: Disney+ is definitely a frontrunner in the streaming service debate, with a blockbuster catalogue of films and shows for a reasonable price. Also hard to beat when the school holidays come around. Check out the best shows and movies on Disney+.
Sign up to Disney+
There are two plan options to choose from – a monthly subscription, or prepay for a year. Both plans include the same features, with unlimited downloads and the ability to stream on up to four screens at the same time. This table includes links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month or year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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min. cost $13.99 over one month |
4 | $13.99 |
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ * |
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min. cost $139.99 over one year |
4 | $139.99 |
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ * |
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^^View important information | |||
BINGE – the Foxtel alternative
Foxtel has long been trying to reclaim its throne, with BINGE potentially the answer. For a basic plan, BINGE will put you back $10 a month, $16 a month for the standard plan, and $18 a month for the premium plan.
BINGE boasts an impressive catalogue of acclaimed drama series available to stream. Some of these include Game of Thrones, Mare of Easttown, The Wire, and Chernobyl. BINGE’s affiliation with Foxtel means it has access to a majority of the suite Foxtel has, giving BINGE customers much to choose from.
The Verdict: If you’re a drama fan, or want to watch some high-quality television and films, BINGE may be for you, and certainly a cheaper option than Foxtel. Check out the best shows and movies available on BINGE.
Sign up to BINGE!
Are you looking for something binge-worthy? Why not check out BINGE? With multiple subscription plans available, you can choose a plan that suits you (or your family) and settle in for a night on the couch with a wide range of movies and shows!
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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min. cost $10 over one month |
1 | $10 |
Go To Site |
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min. cost $16 over one month |
2 | $16 |
Go To Site |
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min. cost $18 over one month |
4 | $18 |
Go To Site |
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^^View important information | |||
Amazon Prime Video – the all-in-one
Headed by the richest man in the world, Amazon Prime Video is making all the right moves toward becoming the strongest streaming platform on the internet. Despite the affluence of its owner, Prime Video is one of the cheaper streaming services. There is only one tier of subscription, which costs $9.99 per month, or $79 per year if you choose the annual bundle.
As for the Prime catalogue, there is a solid amount on offer. Customers can find a multitude of Prime originals on the service, including The Grand Tour, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, as well as a multitude of classic films and TV shows. Along with the Prime subscription, consumers can also choose to buy or rent any films or TV shows that are not under the Prime umbrella. These count as an additional cost to the monthly subscription.
The Verdict: Amazon Prime Video is an affordable alternative to the big streaming services, although it forfeits the breadth of catalogue. Arguably the dark horse of the bunch. Check out the best shows and movies available on Amazon Prime Video.
Apple TV+ – the cheap alternative
Another streaming service on the cheaper side, Apple TV+ provides a special offer for Apple users. Customers that purchase an eligible Apple product, including newer-model iPhones, iPads, iPod Touch devices, as well as Apple TVs and Macs, will be able to redeem one-year subscriptions to Apple TV+. For people unable to redeem this offer, or once your free subscription is finished, pricing starts at $7.99.
As for content, it’s slightly lacking. Apple have been working hard to put out gripping original content, but it’s nowhere near the breadth of Netflix and Stan. Some of the original content includes Ted Lasso, Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, and 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, meaning there’s still enough to keep you entertained.
The Verdict: For customers eager to see any of the original content, or are hoping for more of the same in the future, Apple TV+ might be the option for you. Check out the best shows and movies available on Apple TV+.
Kayo – one for the sports fanatics
Kayo has made quite the imprint on the entertainment industry in its short tenure. Covering only sporting content, Kayo has papered the cracks on what was a fractured broadcasting industry. Although this comes at a fairly steep price, with the entry level plan clocking in at $25, making Kayo one of the most expensive streaming services available in Australia.
Kayo essentially covers every major sport under the sun, and even a few that are in the shade. For the football, basketball, rowing, and every other type of fan, Kayo has live and on-demand coverage, as well as preview and review content for all your sporting punditry. The service also offers vintage content of your favourite sports, as well as recent highlights.
The Verdict: Kayo is on the more expensive side, but is a must-have for any sporting fans. Check out what sports are available on Kayo.
Stream Sports with Kayo
Love streaming? Love sports? Kayo is a streaming platform that provides access to a wealth of sports, from basketball to cricket, motorsports and soccer. Click ‘go to site’ for more details.
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Kayo One Subscription
min. cost $25 over 1 month |
1 | $25 | Go To Site |
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Basic Subscription
min. cost $30 over 1 month |
2 | $35 | Go To Site |
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^^View important information | |||
Stan Sport – the specialist’s service
Stan Sport is definitely an interesting one. There are currently only a few sports on the platform, including rugby, motorsport, football and tennis. But for fans of those sports, you’re in for a treat. Stan Sport offers a comprehensive list of rugby events from around the world, as well as the Grand Slam competitions for tennis fans.
Pricing is done a bit differently for Stan Sport, as opposed to other streaming services. It can only be purchased alongside any Stan subscription for an additional $15, meaning it will clock in at $25 per month, at a minimum.
The Verdict: With only two sports available, Stan Sport seems a tad underpowered in comparison, but for tennis and rugby fans, it may be well worth the $20 a month subscription.
Paramount+ – The New Kid on the Block
Launching on August 11, 2021, Paramount+ is one of the latest entrants to the market, rebranding from 10 All Access to provide Aussies with more content from the American libraries of parent company Viacom CBS. Costing $8.99 per month, Paramount+ offers content from Paramount Pictures, Showtime, MTV, Sony Pictures Television, Nickelodeon, CBS as well as the Australian content that was previously on 10 All Access, giving viewers a mix of US and homegrown content. Paramount+ will also be the home to the A-League and W-League football, meaning there’s a bit for sports fans as well.
The Verdict: Sure to take it to the big names with a large content library, as well as some sports to tickle the interest of fans, Paramount+ may be a dark horse in the long run.
Compare video streaming plans and subscription prices
While streaming services have a lot in common, there are some differences between them. For instance, BINGE, Stan and Netflix offer a selection of subscriptions to choose from, with the cheapest subscription offering the most basic functions like standard-definition video only and one-screen viewing, while the top-level plans have multi-screen simultaneous viewing and ultra-high-definition.
However, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ only offer one subscription level (although Disney+ and Prime Video do allow for an annual subscription too), so you’ll have access to all features available on the platform. Let’s take a look at how these streaming services compare when it comes to price and features.
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| Netflix | Stan | Disney+ | BINGE | Amazon Prime Video | Apple TV+ | Kayo | Stan Sport | Paramount+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $6.99 – $22.99 | $10 – $19 | $13.99 | $10 – $18 | $6.99 | $7.99 | $25 – $35 | $10 add-on to Stan subscription | $8.99 |
| HD Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No. of screens | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 3 | 6 | 1-2 | 1-4 | 2 |
| Free trial | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Information collected from each streaming service’s website. Accurate as of December, 2022.
Best video streaming for kids
Finding something for the kids to watch can be tricky. Most of the main streaming services offer content specifically for kids, including kids profiles where inappropriate content is blocked, so you can let the kids find their own shows and movies without supervision (although if you have young kids, it’s still advisable to supervise and find age-appropriate content).
While Netflix, Stan and BINGE all have a great selection of kids shows and movies available – with Netflix even having a good range of kid-friendly Originals – Disney+ is hard to beat when it comes to kids entertainment, with its library of classic animations enough to keep the kids glued to screen.
While Disney+ is a family-friendly streaming platform, some content, such as the Marvel movies and the Star category, might not be appropriate for younger kids. However, you can still create a kids profile, which will filter out content not suitable for younger children.
How can I save money on video streaming costs?
While it might seem like $10 or more a month isn’t too much to spend on entertainment, keep in mind that while one streaming service might be quite cheap and affordable for many households, subscribing to more than one streaming service can really add up. If you subscribed to all five of the main streaming services, it can easily add up to over $40 per month, which is over $500 for a whole year.
To help you determine whether a streaming service is right for you, take advantage of any free trials on offer to test it out first. Most platforms offer a free trial, with some offering seven days, while others offer 30 days (Netflix and Disney+ recently removed their free trial offers). This way you can see if there is enough content on that platform to keep you entertained.
Subscription hopping is another common way to save money, which is exactly as it sounds. If a platform has a show you’re particularly interested in — maybe a new season of your favourite show has come out — you can sign up for a month or two, then cancel that subscription and sign up to another platform for a month or two.
Overall, the best approach is to consider what content is available on each streaming platform, and how much you can afford to pay for streaming each month.
Which video streaming service is the best in Australia?
Finding the best streaming service depends on what content you’re interested in. Netflix is one of the biggest players and has a reputation for producing excellent-quality original content. Stan offers a huge selection of classic sitcoms and shows that are great for mindless binge-watching, along with a heap of Aussie content. Disney+ is an obvious choice for anyone who loves Disney, families and any Star Wars or Marvel fans (especially considering the new Star Wars and Marvel shows which are Disney+ exclusives).
Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ might not have as much as the other services, but both are growing their offerings of original content, and have some fairly big productions and must-see shows available exclusively to each platform. And then of course you’ve got a number of sports streaming platforms to choose from as well, but which one you prefer will depend on your sport – or sports – of choice.
Determining the best platform is up to you and the content you want to watch, so take your pick, kick back and enjoy binge-watching your new favourite shows.
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