Best Online Streaming Services

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 comparison chart

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.

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 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.