Video streaming services have been big business in Australia over the past decade, with no shortage of options for households to tune into. But after years of average monthly streaming bills increasing year on year, new data has revealed Aussies are now paying less for streaming.
So how does your monthly streaming bill compare to the average Aussie’s and could you be paying less? In this Canstar Blue guide, we’ll look at average monthly streaming bills and how you could save without sacrificing your favourite shows and movies.
This guide uses 2024 research conducted by Canstar Blue for our customer satisfaction ratings for Pay TV & Streaming services.
Average streaming bill
The average Australian household pays $40 per month for streaming service(s), which equates to $480 per year. Those aged 18-29 spend the least on streaming services ($38 per month), followed by those aged 30-39, who spend $39 per month. The biggest spenders are those aged 50-59 and Aussies over 70 years old, with both age groups forking out $41 per month. Those aged 40-49 and Baby Boomers aged 60-69 reported spending $40 per month on streaming platforms.
Sign up to Disney+ Australia
After some Disney classics? Sign up to Disney+! There are two plan options to choose from – a monthly subscription, or prepay for a year. Both plans include the same features, with unlimited downloads and the ability to stream on up to four screens at the same time. This table includes links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month or year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $13.99 over one month |
4 | $13.99 |
Get Deal |
|
min. cost $139.99 over one year |
4 | $139.99 |
Get Deal |
 |
^^View important information | |||
How much are streaming services in Australia?
Depending on which plan and provider you sign up with, a streaming subscription can cost between about $8 and $100 per month. Some streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Disney+, only offer one monthly plan, while other brands, such as Netflix, Stan and Binge, offer multiple tiers to choose from. While the top tiers are more expensive, you’ll get more features and better quality video and audio.
For a breakdown of the costs and features of the major video streaming services available in Australia, check out the table below.
| Netflix | Stan | Disney+ | BINGE | Amazon Prime Video | Apple TV+ | Kayo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $7.99 – $25.99 | $12 – $21 | $17.99 | $10 – $22 | $9.99 | $12.99 | $25 – $35 |
| HD Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No. of screens | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 3 | 6 | 1-2 |
| Free trial | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Information collected from each streaming service’s website. Accurate as of September, 2024.
Is it worth having multiple streaming services?
While one streaming service is enough for many Aussies (37%), others are paying for access to multiple platforms. Of those surveyed by Canstar Blue, 28% said they subscribe to two streaming services, while 19% pay for three platforms. A smaller percentage, 9%, subscribe to four streaming services, while 7% are shelling out for five or more.
If you’re someone who watches content on streaming platforms everyday, like 54% of Aussies, subscribing to multiple platforms may be useful to you. However, if you find yourself favouring one platform, it may pay to consider pausing or cancelling your other subscriptions for a period.
While the variety that comes with subscribing to multiple streaming services is enticing, Aussies are wary of price increases, with 34% saying they believe streaming services have become too expensive.
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
BritBox Monthly Subscription:
min. cost $8.99 over 1 month |
5 | $8.99 | Go To Site |
|
BritBox Annual Subscription
min. cost $89.99 over 1 year |
5 | $89.99 | Go To Site |
|
^^View important information | |||
Could you be saving money on your streaming service?
If you have multiple streaming subscriptions and are looking to cut back, how can you save on your streaming service?
- 10% of survey respondents said they get a streaming subscription through their internet or mobile phone plan, meaning that shopping around for a new internet or phone plan could save you on the streaming front.
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 $65.90) Typical evening speed of 100Mbps
|
Unlimited Data/month |
$65.90 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
 |
1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $69) Typical evening speed of 100Mbps
|
Unlimited Data/month |
$69 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
 |
1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $63.90) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
|
Unlimited Data/month |
$63.90 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.
- 14% of respondents say they pay for an account, but share the login details with others. While this has been a popular loophole in the past, streamers are working on putting an end to this practice, with Netflix the first to implement password restrictions.
- Rotating your subscriptions regularly is an easy way to capitalise on content variety without paying for multiple services at once. Streamers make it easy for customers to subscribe and unsubscribe, so you can turn your payment plans on and off as often as you like. Some services also allow you to pause your subscriptions for a certain amount of time. This can be handy if you’re going on holiday and don’t want to pay while you’re not home to watch.
- Review your plan. If your streaming service has a tiered plan system, you could save by dropping a level. This could mean savings of up to $10 per month, depending on your provider.
- Some streaming services offer discounts to those who opt to pay annually. While it’s a larger lump sum upfront, you’ll save in the long run.
Regardless of how many streaming services you’re paying for, it’s hard to ignore their value, with each platform offering hours of entertainment to suit most tastes. In fact, 42% of respondents in Canstar Blue’s latest survey say they believe their streaming service is well worth the money, and while sticking to a budget is important, popping on a movie and settling in with a bowl of popcorn is a tough experience to beat.
Picture credit: Goran Petric/shutterstock.com, Africa Studio/shutterstock.com, Manuel Esteban/shutterstock.com
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