Streaming TV

Free streaming services and trials available in Australia

There has arguably never been a better time to test out literally every streaming service available in Australia – what, got something better to do? If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably watched, (and re-watched, and re-watched) every movie and TV series on your current streaming service. So, what can you watch without forking over dosh for another subscription?

Don’t worry, because Canstar Blue has searched far and wide for some new and alternative free streaming to occupy your time. Some are completely free, while some are simply free trials – so make sure you squeeze the most you can from the time you have (we know you can do it!) Read on to check out some of the best services and trials available in Australia.

Free streaming trials

There are a number of streaming services that offer free trials to entice you in. Streaming platforms with free trials include:

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

YouTube Premium Free Trial

Youtube premium logo

You may not be totally aware of YouTube Premium (formerly YouTube Red) – however, if you’re a fan of the site’s content creators, it may be a great investment. Watch all of your videos ad-free, with uninterrupted play (even when you open another app) and download your videos in advance to save data. You can also save money with a family or student plan. Students are eligible for a three-month trial (!!) and only pay $8.99/month from the fourth month onwards. Families only receive a one-month trial, but only pay $22.99/month for up to five family members on the same plan.

  • Cost: 30 days free, afterwards $14.99/month.

Test your NBN speed

Got a show or movie lined up but aren’t sure if your internet can handle it? Test your NBN Speed below!

Stan Free Trial

Stan Australia

If you haven’t yet got stuck into Stan, now’s the time. The strictly-Aussie streaming service offers hundreds of titles you won’t find on many other sites – there’s Australian cinematic classics, new-titles, American Freeform shows and our personal fav – Stan’s ‘Iconic Series’ featuring new and old classics. Stuck on what to watch? Check out our guide for the best movies and TV shows on Stan.

  • Cost: 30 days free, afterwards $10/month.

Kayo Free Trial

Kayo

Kayo is the home of sport in Australia streaming popular sports including the NRL, basketball and many more. Kayo has a 7-day free trial for new users who will then go on to one of the two subscriptions.

  • Cost: 7 days free, afterwards $25 for Kayo One, $30 for Basic Subscription and $35 for the Premium Subscription.

BINGE Free Trial

Binge logo

The more affordable off-shoot from Foxtel, BINGE is aiming to be the go-to choice for those wanting to, well, binge. With both classic and new release movies and shows, BINGE is priced between $10 and $18 per month depending on which plan you sign up to, with all subscriptions coming with a two-week free trial to help you dip your toes into the newest addition to the Australian streaming market.

  • Cost: 14 days, afterwards $10/month.

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
Binge logo

BINGE Basic Plan

  • Stream over 10,000+ hours of shows and movies
  • Watch on 1 screens at the same time
  • 7 day free trial

min. cost $10 over one month

1No. of Screens /same time viewing $10
Advertised Cost/month
Go To Site
Binge logo

BINGE Standard Plan

  • Stream over 10,000+ hours of shows and movies
  • Watch on 2 screens at the same time
  • HD available
  • 7 day free trial

min. cost $16 over one month

2No. of Screens /same time viewing $16
Advertised Cost/month
Go To Site
Binge logo

BINGE Premium Plan

  • Stream over 10,000+ hours of shows and movies
  • Watch on 4 screens at the same time
  • HD available
  • 7 day free trial

min. cost $18 over one month

4No. of Screens /same time viewing $18
Advertised Cost/month
Go To Site

Amazon Prime Video Free Trial

Amazon Prime Video

We all know Amazon basically rules the world, and they haven’t disappointed with their streaming service, Amazon Prime Video. Kill some time watching Originals like Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, sport docos like The Test, or kid-friendly content, giving you plenty of options – just like the actual Amazon website.

  • Cost: 30 days free, afterwards $7.99/month.

Paramount+ Free Trial

Paramount+ Logo

One of the latest entrants to the Australian streaming scene, Paramount+ is the rebranding of 10 All Access from parent company Viacom CBS, and features content from Paramount Pictures, Showtime, MTV, Nickelodeon, as well as the Aussie library from 10 All Access. Costing $8.99 per month, with a seven day free trial also available, Paramount+ is also the home of the A-League and W-League football seasons.

  • Cost: Seven days free, afterwards $8.99/month.

Hayu Free Trial

Hayu Logo

If anyone was going to get you through ridiculous amounts of boredom, it’s Paris Hilton. Hayu is pure reality trash TV – just the way we like it. Sign up for a free trial and Keep Up with all your favourite famous American families.

  • Cost: Seven days free, afterwards $6.99/month.

Apple TV+ Free Trial

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ made its debut into streaming society at the same time as Disney+. But instead of classics, they are only making Originals available like Morning Wars or Ted Lasso. Some may love it, some may not – but it’s worth a free trial.

  • Cost: Seven days free, afterwards $9.99/month, with additional freebies if you purchase an eligible Apple device and redeem.

Flash Free Trial

Flash Logo

Flash is fresh on the Aussie streaming scene, a news-focused platform from parent company Foxtel. Featuring over 20 news sources for both your local and global news feeds, Flash additionally offers news-related talk shows for keep you up to date with what’s happening in the world.

  • Cost: 14 days free, afterwards $8/month.

BritBox Free Trial

BritBox Logo

BritBox is the new home for anything and everything British, including classic shows such as Doctor Who, Blackadder and David Attenborough documentaries, with plenty of shows and genres to keep you glued to the couch.

  • Cost: Seven days free, afterwards $8.99/month (or $89.99/year)

iwonder Free Trial

iwonder-logo

iwonder is a relatively niche entrant to the streaming market, but for those who enjoy current affairs and documentaries, it may be your new favourite streaming platform, whether you’re a fan of sports, true crime or nature docos, you’ll find something to keep you glued to the couch for hours.

  • Cost: 14 days free, afterwards $6.99/month.

Shudder Free Trial

Shudder Logo

Coming to Australia in 2020, Shudder is a streaming platform that only has one genre in its library: horror. Featuring classic and new horror movies and TV shows, as well as a 24/7 livestream, Shudder may be well worth looking into if you’re a horror fan or are keen for a scare.

  • Cost: Seven days free, afterwards $6.99/month (or $69.99/year).

Acorn TV Free Trial

Acorn TV Logo

Acorn TV is another streaming service that focuses primarily on British content, although offers a number of titles from Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. Costing $6.99 per month, or $69 for an annual subscription, Acorn TV offers HD streams in addition to exclusive and original content, covering genres such as period dramas, comedy and thrillers.

  • Cost: Seven days free, afterwards $6.99/month (or $69/year).

Does Netflix have a free trial?

Netflix has ditched its free month trial in Australia after launching with a free month trial.

Does Disney+ have a free trial?

Disney+ has also ditched its free trial, so if you want all that Disney goodness, you’ll have to sign up and start paying straight away, via the links below.

Brand Subscription Type No. of Screens/same time viewing Advertised Cost^^/month or year
Disney+ Logo

Disney+ Monthly Subscription

  • Stream the Disney+ library, including Disney+ Originals, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic & Star
  • Watch on 4 screens at the same time
  • Add up to 7 profiles
  • Unlimited downloads of shows and movies on up to 10 devices

min. cost $13.99 over one month

4No. of Screens /same time viewing $13.99
Advertised Cost/month
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ *
Disney+ Logo

Disney+ Yearly Subscription

  • Stream the Disney+ library, including Disney+ Originals, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic & Star
  • Watch on 4 screens at the same time
  • Add up to 7 profiles
  • Unlimited downloads of shows and movies on up to 10 devices
  • Prepay for a yearly subscription and save on the monthly cost

min. cost $139.99 over one year

4No. of Screens /same time viewing $139.99
Advertised Cost/year
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ *

Free streaming services

These might not have the latest series of Stranger Things or Billions, but they are free. And no one can argue with that.

  • Kanopy
  • Tubi
  • SBS On Demand
  • ABC iView
  • Ten Play
  • Nine Now
  • 7 Plus

Kanopy

Kanopy

If you have a library card or enrolled in university, Kanopy is about to become your best friend. Never heard of it? Well, Kanopy is a free streaming service that partners with libraries and universities across Australia in order to bring films that ‘inspire, enrich and challenge’ viewers across the country. Choose between a wide collection of Australian and foreign cinema, documentaries and classics – young and old. There are even some new releases! (Lion is a tear-jerker).

  • Cost: Free for those enrolled in university or signed up with their local library.

Tubi

Tubi Logo

Tubi has long been a fan-favourite at Canstar Blue for its vast collection of questionable and virtually unheard-of movies. Titles like Attack of the Mushroom People and Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama will have you on the edge of your seat. The service is completely free to sign up to, but you will have to suffer through the occasional advertisement every 12-15 minutes. The movies may not be Academy Award-winning, but they’ll give you a good laugh.

  • Cost: Free.

SBS on Demand

SBS_On_Demand

SBS on Demand is an on-demand service users can sign up to (for free, obviously) to catch up on their favourite SBS shows. The service includes channels from SBS, Viceland, NITV and the SBS Food Channel, with shows and movies available at no subscription cost.

  • Cost: Free

ABC iView

ABC-Iview

Similar to SBS On Demand, ABC iView is a great option for those who missed their daily dose of the ABC. Whether you’re a regular over at ABC News, ABC Comedy, ABC Arts or even ABC Kids – iView has got your back. Sign up for a free account and spend hours lounging back.

  • Cost: Free

Ten Play

Ten Play

Loving Survivor? Eagerly awaiting Masterchef: Back to Win? Ten Play is the place for you. Simply sign up for an account and enjoy all your favourite Channel Ten shows whenever you want, free of charge. You can also catch replays of local and international news, and all your favourite sports (maybe from last season).

  • Cost: Free.

Nine Now

9 Now

It’s MAFS season (when is it not?) and it can be tough keeping up. Luckily, Nine has your back with Nine Now, a free on-demand streaming platform where you can binge watch all your fav Nine shows, from the drama-filled McLeod’s Daughters and Chicago Med to the retro M*A*S*H. Sign up for an account and watch on all your devices.

  • Cost: Free.

7 Plus

7 Plus

Seven has got one of the widest ranges of live and on-demand television shows for the whole family to enjoy. From the cricket, to Australian Idol, to Fox drama 911, you’ll be fighting over the remote with everyone to get your pick on the big screen. Or, if it doesn’t go your way, watch your own show on your laptop or tablet! Like most free-to-air services, you’ll get the occasional advertisement, but it’s worth it for the free sign up. 7flix, 7two, 7food and 7mate shows are also available.

  • Cost: Free.

So, what are you waiting for? There’s a whole world of free streaming and free trials out there just waiting to be used up, with enough content to help you get through your time at home.

Photo credit: Proxima Studio/shutterstock.com

Original Author: Maddy Morwood

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