Eight monthly streaming TV packages – our recommendations to build your streaming library. Go free or start with the $10 Economy Bargain buy through to the $354 First Class + Premium Sport package.
Streaming TV: Go Free
Before you spend anything, how much time do you have to go beyond what is available for free? And have you really investigated what is available on these platforms?
All these broadcasters now curate content exclusively for the on-demand services in addition to what they stream live. Don’t forget the suite of live streaming channels that sit inside 7plus too.
The movie library inside SBS On Demand is well worth a visit and seems to be always expanding with classic content and newer arrivals.
iview
7plus
9Now
10play
SBS on demand
YouTube (500 hours of new video are uploaded to YouTube every minute!)
Tubi
Ad supported platform with many TV series and movies you possibly wouldn’t want to pay for. For more see here.
Kanopy
Documentaries, classic cinema and indie films available for free via public and university libraries.
Economy Bargain $10
Binge
This was the top-ranked streaming service in the Top 10 Streaming Platform list we published this week. It is a sensational bargain at this price and is the basis of all the packages we have on this list. You might need to spoil yourself with the $14 HD plan though.
See also: Mediaweek’s Top 10 streaming platforms: How can Netflix not be #1?
Economy Plus $21
Bargain plan and Netflix
While Netflix may not have the buzz it used to attract, it is still considered a must-have by many. If you have the time and patience to go searching there are many rewards.
Premium Economy $43
Economy Plus and
Stan
Disney+
Stan manages to continue to find viewing gems despite the challenges it faces from the global platforms. Disney+ is considered a must have by many for the size of the vaults that the Disney-owned brands have.
Premium Gold $67
Premium Economy and
Paramount+
Apple TV+
Amazon Prime
For a spend just under $70 (a few dollars more though for the HD options on some) this gives access to all the major entertainment platforms. Paramount+ is the newbie on the block, AppleTV+ is all about quality over quantity and Amazon Prime hits a sweet spot with its considered commissions and the free Prime delivery deal.
Premium Sport $50
Kayo
Stan Sport*
Optus Sport
[$10 extra if you don’t have Stan. Amazon Prime and Paramount+ have a small amount of sport)
This collection gives you more sport than you could possibly keep up with. While other platforms like Paramount+ and Amazon Prime are dipping into sports, it is really only a small toe in the water. This is the main game here.
First Class $304
Premium Gold and
Foxtel Platinum
You Tube Premium
BritBox
Acorn TV
This package wraps up all the majors and finally includes a Foxtel sub. You can get a Foxtel subscription for a lot less of course – and for many people that is called Binge! When you only look at the numbers it is hard to justify the Foxtel spend when you can get Binge. When you factor in user experience though and depth of content this is where Foxtel starts to shine. The forthcoming iQ5 sounds like an impressive set top box too.
First Class + Premium Sport $354
(Can go close to $400 when you choose HD and premium plans)
This is a massive amount to commit every month. But for many media professionals the investment is worth it to stay up-to-date with the world of TV content. It also supercharges your content choices during lockdown.