If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably watched – and rewatched – every movie and TV series on your current streaming service. So what can you watch without paying for another subscription?
Canstar Blue has researched free streaming services to fill the gap in your viewing options. Some are completely free, while some are free trials. Read on to check out some of the best streaming services and trials available in Australia.
Free streaming trials
There are a number of streaming services that offer free trials to entice you to subscribe. 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
If you’re a fan of YouTube’s content creators, YouTube Premium may be a good investment. Watch 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, then pay $8.99 per month from the fourth month onwards. Families receive a one-month trial and pay $22.99 per month for up to five family members on the same plan.
Want to switch NBN plans? Check out these NBN offers you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $85.90) Typical evening speed of 100Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$65.90 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $104) Typical evening speed of 98Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$69 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $89.00) Typical evening speed of 100Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$69 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. 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.
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Kayo Free Trial
Kayo is the home of sport in Australia, streaming popular sports including the NRL, basketball and many more. Kayo has a seven-day free trial for new users on either Kayo One or Kayo Basic. The regular subscription fee – $25 for Kayo One or $35 for Kayo Basic – will be charged once your free trial ends. Kayo also has an option called Kayo Freebies that lets you watch selected sports content for free by streaming them online through Kayo’s site or app, by registering for the Freebies service.
BINGE Free Trial
The more affordable off-shoot from Foxtel, BINGE offers popular shows such as House of the Dragon and The Walking Dead. With both classic and new release movies and shows, BINGE is priced between $10 and $22 per month depending on which plan you sign up to. You can trial any subscription free for seven days before payment will start, to see if you like the viewing options available.
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 whole family and settle in for a night on the couch with a wide range of movies and shows!
Amazon Prime Video Free Trial
Amazon Prime Video, owned by the online marketplace of the same name, has original titles including Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, sport docos such as The Test and plenty of kid-friendly content. Prime Video has a 30-day free trial that you can access by creating an Amazon account or using your existing one.
Paramount+ Free Trial
Paramount+ is the rebranding of 10 All Access from parent company Viacom CBS. Paramount+ features content from Paramount Pictures, Showtime, MTV and Nickelodeon, as well as the Aussie library from 10 All Access. Paramount+ is also the home of the A-League and W-League football seasons. Paramount+ has a seven-day free trial and then rolls over to $6.99 per month when your trial ends.
Hayu Free Trial
Hayu has all the reality TV classics, including Keeping up with the Kardashians, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules. Sign up for a seven-day free trial and access all the drama the same day as the U.S.. Subscribers can expect to pay $6.99 a month following their free trial.
Apple TV+ Free Trial
Apple TV+ made its debut into streaming society at the same time as Disney+. But instead of classics, it has exclusive shows, including Morning Wars and Ted Lasso. You can get a seven-day free trial before paying a monthly subscription fee of $12.99.
Flash Free Trial
Flash is a news-focused platform from parent company Foxtel. Featuring over 25 local and global news sources, Flash also offers news-related talk shows to keep you up to date with what’s happening around the world. If you’re already got Foxtel, Flash comes free with your subscription.
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BritBox Free Trial
BritBox is the home for anything and everything British, including classic shows such as Doctor Who, Blackadder and David Attenborough documentaries, with plenty of genres to keep you glued to the couch. You can try BritBox free for seven days, and then pay $9.99 per month if you decide to keep your subscription.
iwonder Free Trial
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 entertained and informed. You can try before you buy with a 14-day free trial and then pay $6.99 a month.
Shudder Free Trial
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 live channels, Shudder may be worth looking into if you’re a horror fan or are keen for a scare. Shudder offers a seven-day free trial before rolling over to a $6.99 per month subscription charge.
Acorn TV Free Trial
Acorn TV is another streaming service that focuses primarily on British content, although it also offers 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. You can try Acorn TV for seven days with no cost.
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!
Free streaming services
These might not have the latest series of House of the Dragon or The Umbrella Academy but they are free! And no one can argue with that.
- Kanopy
- Tubi
- SBS On Demand
- ABC iView
- Ten Play
- 9Now
- 7plus
Kanopy
If you have a library card or are a current university student or professor, Kanopy is about to become your new best friend. Kanopy is a free streaming service that partners with libraries and universities across Australia in order to bring films that it claims will “inspire, enrich and challenge” viewers. Choose between a wide collection of Australian and foreign cinema, documentaries and classics. There are even some new releases available.
Tubi
Tubi has almost 80 million users worldwide and is known for its vast collection of niche movies. Titles such as 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 free to sign up to, but you will have to watch the occasional advertisement every 15 minutes.
SBS on Demand
SBS on Demand is an on-demand service you can use to catch up on your favourite SBS shows. The service includes SBS, Viceland, NITV and the SBS Food Channel.
ABC iView
Similar to SBS On Demand, ABC iView is a great option if you don’t want to miss your daily dose of the ABC. Whether you’re a regular at ABC News, ABC Comedy, ABC Arts or even ABC Kids, iView has got your back.
10 Play
Loving Survivor? Eagerly awaiting Hunted? Ten Play is the place for you. Sign up for an account and enjoy all your favourite Channel Ten shows whenever you want at no cost. You can also catch replays of local and international news and your favourite sports.
9Now
It can be tough keeping up with free-to-air shows, especially if your go-t0 is on late at night. Nine Now, a free on-demand streaming platform, lets you binge watch 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.
7plus
Seven has one of the widest ranges of live and on-demand television shows for the whole family. From cricket to Australian Idol andFox drama 911, you’ll be fighting over the remote to get your pick on the big screen. 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.
So what are you waiting for? There’s a whole world of free streaming and free trials out there just waiting for you!
Photo credit: Proxima Studio/shutterstock.com
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