Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Streaming TV online: Compare Internet TV services
Internet TV Finder™ helps you easily compare Australian streaming services.
Why should you compare streaming providers? For a long time, Australians have been paying through the nose for their news, sport and entertainment. In fact now the streaming market is stacked. With new players such as Paramount Plus, BINGE, Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus, joining the likes of now veteran services Netflix, Prime Video and Stan, accessing premium entertainment is easier and more affordable than ever. Comparing what each service offers and how much it costs will save you a fortune in the long run.
What do I need to compare?
The price of the service
The content on offer
The streaming quality supplied
The devices supported
You need to consider a lot of factors before signing up with a streaming provider but it essentially boils down to a few: price, content, quality and compatible devices.
That's just the start. Which services offer a free trial? Which services have a lock-in contract?
We've done the hard yards for you and answered all those questions and more in the table below.
Internet TV is televised content delivered to all sorts of connected devices, from personal computers to smartphones and mobile devices to video game consoles.
Also referred to as "IPTV' or "streaming", this technology enables viewers to watch television shows, movies, news and sport in real time over the Internet.
The streamed content is viewed through a website or native application that gives the viewer access to a live stream or library of television shows and movies.
With a steady Internet connection and compatible device, there is little difference from what traditional broadcast options offer.
Which devices can I use to stream?
This is a common deterrent for people looking to make the switch to streaming. Don't worry, there are plenty of devices you can use to stream your entertainment. In fact, you probably have 1 or 2 in your home already.
Computer
If you have a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer, you're already halfway to streaming most major streaming services. Almost every streaming service can be accessed by the web browser you use daily.
Smartphone and tablet
One of the more popular devices to stream video on, smartphones and tablets allow you to binge TV shows, movies and news on the go. Most major streaming services are compatible with iOS, Android and Windows phones and even offer offline viewing options so you don't chew through your data.
Game consoles
Why fork out for a new television when you probably own a streaming-enabled device already? Game consoles such as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles have native apps for Netflix, Prime Video, Stan and more.
Streaming media devices
If you're not looking to fork out for a smart TV, you can choose from affordable streaming hardware options, including Google Chromecast, Apple TV and Amazon Firestick. These will essentially transform your standard television into a smart TV.
There's a whole suite of devices and gadgets you can stream on. However, device compatibility varies from service to service. Find out more about your streaming hardware options in our guide.
Why is streaming taking over? Convenience. While you can live stream TV shows and movies as they happen, the main draw of streaming television is the thousands of classic movies and recent blockbusters available with the press of a button.
The wide selection of compatible devices also means you don't have to wait until you're home on the couch to catch up on the latest news and premium TV series. Streaming and Internet TV can be accessed from your office computer or from your smartphone on the commute home. And when you get home, you can continue what you were watching on your smart TV without missing a beat.
Streaming is also relatively cheap. For years, entertainment in Australia has been dictated by cable and satellite providers who charge upwards of $100 per month for the privilege of their services. On the other hand, Netflix charges just $10.99 a month at its lowest tier and offers quality original content and options for HD and 4K (ultra high definition) streaming at its higher tiers.
How much data does streaming use?
Because there is no content stored on your device, it means that you can take your entertainment on the go and pause a movie on your TV and continue to watch it on your phone or tablet during your commute to work. However, there is a small price for convenience as some streaming services can use up to 7GB per hour. Thankfully, some Australian mobile and broadband providers offer unmetered streaming for select services, so you don't risk going over your allotted data.
In 2016, Netflix began offering offline viewing that allows you to download select titles from its library to view without an Internet connection. Providers Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and hayu soon followed suit.
Should you fork out for 4K?
Well, that really depends on what kind of devices you intend to stream on. Netflix offers 4K/UHD streaming on a huge selection of 4K televisions. Powerhouse video game consoles such as PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X, Blu-ray players and streaming media devices such as Fetch Mighty and Chromecast Ultra also allow for 4K streaming provided you have a 4K television/monitor to stream it through.
Slapping 4K on the box used to mean you'd be paying an arm and a leg for the latest and greatest television. But over the last few years, 4K displays have become more affordable. If you're lucky, you might even be able to nab 1 in an ALDI sale.
Stan and Prime Video began offering 4K/UHD plans soon after Netflix but with all 3 services, you'll pay a premium price for the finest viewing experience. Stan charges $21 a month for its 4K/UHD tier while Netflix charges $22.99 a month. Prime Video has only the 1-plan tier at $9.99 a month and has a bigger library than Netflix.
It's worth mentioning that paying extra for 4K with Netflix and Stan also allows you to stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously. If you're in a large household or run some side-hustle streaming group, you'll reap the benefits of 4K.
Which service has the most content and what can I stream?
In the table below, we keep track of how many TV shows and movies are available.
Provider
Number of TV shows
Number of Movies
Netflix
2,485
4,329
Prime Video
Stan
826
2,260
Foxtel
2,455
1,785
BINGE
1,963
1,411
Disney Plus
844
1,972
Paramount Plus
510
643
Now that we've weighed up how each service compares, let's find that TV show you're looking for. Simply type the title of the movie in the search bar provided to track down where it is streaming in Australia.
Aaron McAllister is the global publisher for Streaming at Finder, helping to deliver insightful guides to internet TV, sports and entertainment. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and a major in Marketing from the University of Wollongong. Away from work, you can find him perfecting his jump shot.
currently using Foxtel IQ5 with and will terminate account. Do I retain satellite dish?
How to set up/connect Netflix on Panasonic smart tv?. Any need to change antenna connections or whatever? Currently have Telstra wireless modem. What to do ?
Thanks for your advice
Hi Neil,
You would have to contact Foxtel direct to see if they will allow you to retain the satellite dish. You can get in touch with them here: https://www.foxtel.com.au/about/contact-us-now.html
If you’ve already signed up to Netflix, then the Netflix app should be available on your Panasonic smart TV. From there you would have to sign in to your account on the Netflix app. You don’t watch Netflix on your TV via an antenna connection, you watch via the internet, so as long as your smart TV is already connected to the internet via your modem, then you should be right to go.
Hope this helps.
As of this writing, Foxtel doesn’t offer senior discounts for their TV streaming service. You can find other TV streaming options that fits your budget using our comparison table. Once you have chosen a particular provider, press the click on the “Go to site” button to sign up or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Upon checking the TCL L55B3800F is a Full 1080p HD TV and not a 4K HD TV. If you are looking for 4K HD TV, you may find other options when you visit the TCL website.
Hope this helps! For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us again, we’re here to help.
You may refer to our list of internet TV services. Please use the table to compare streaming providers that would suit your needs. There are many things you need to consider before signing up with a streaming provider such as price, content, quality, and compatible devices.
Kindly enter your address to check NBN availability and compare plans that you may apply for. It is best to contact your top 3 providers to seek further assistance on how you may apply for an internet plan for your home.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
currently using Foxtel IQ5 with and will terminate account. Do I retain satellite dish?
How to set up/connect Netflix on Panasonic smart tv?. Any need to change antenna connections or whatever? Currently have Telstra wireless modem. What to do ?
Thanks for your advice
Hi Neil,
You would have to contact Foxtel direct to see if they will allow you to retain the satellite dish. You can get in touch with them here: https://www.foxtel.com.au/about/contact-us-now.html
If you’ve already signed up to Netflix, then the Netflix app should be available on your Panasonic smart TV. From there you would have to sign in to your account on the Netflix app. You don’t watch Netflix on your TV via an antenna connection, you watch via the internet, so as long as your smart TV is already connected to the internet via your modem, then you should be right to go.
Hope this helps.
foxtel contracts Do seniors receive discounts
Hi Ern,
Thanks for your message.
As of this writing, Foxtel doesn’t offer senior discounts for their TV streaming service. You can find other TV streaming options that fits your budget using our comparison table. Once you have chosen a particular provider, press the click on the “Go to site” button to sign up or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
Could you tell me if a TCL TV model L55B3800F is a 4K TV please
Hi Ray,
Thanks for getting in touch!
Upon checking the TCL L55B3800F is a Full 1080p HD TV and not a 4K HD TV. If you are looking for 4K HD TV, you may find other options when you visit the TCL website.
Hope this helps! For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us again, we’re here to help.
Best,
Nikki
How do I get Netflix on my TV screen. I can get it on my computer.
Electronically challenged older person.
Hi Jill,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
If you own a smart TV, you would just need to download Netflix via the store app. Otherwise, don’t worry! You can still stream Netflix without a smart TV using a gaming console, Google Chromecast, or through a tablet or computer. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Hi
I am after a mobile plan TV streaming plan and internet plan at home.
Where do I start?
Hi Craig,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may refer to our list of internet TV services. Please use the table to compare streaming providers that would suit your needs. There are many things you need to consider before signing up with a streaming provider such as price, content, quality, and compatible devices.
Kindly enter your address to check NBN availability and compare plans that you may apply for. It is best to contact your top 3 providers to seek further assistance on how you may apply for an internet plan for your home.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni