When it comes to your broadband, you need to know that you’ll be able to do the things you love most. What use is an incredible internet connection if it’s not reliable for streaming your favourite shows?
Netflix is THE streaming platform for movies and TV shows, and there are brand new unmissable stories released on a weekly basis.
Will your broadband provider allow you to watch Netflix in premium quality, with loading speeds you can count on? Keep reading as we discuss who’s the best broadband provider for streaming Netflix and some honourable mentions you need to know about!
What’s In This Guide?
Telstra: The Best Home Internet Provider for Streaming Netflix
Telstra is a great choice for streaming Netflix, thanks to its reliable speeds and affordable prices. Telstra can now claim the prestigious title of being the number one home internet provider for streaming Netflix after the streaming service released its latest ISP Speed Index.
The ISP Speed Index, which ranks all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on their average download speed during prime time over the course of a month, found that Telstra Internet plans were comfortably the fastest in Australia. Telstra, who saw an average download speed of 3.99 Mbps during the month of August, beat out Exetel and Optus for the top spot.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Monthly ISP data shows a clear upward trend in Netflix download speeds for most major Australian ISPs, but Telstra is leading the charge. August 2018 was the third month in which they had eclipsed the fastest download speed ever reached in the country. In July, they set the mark with an all-time average high of 3.86 Mbps during prime time; in July, that figure jumped up to 3.92, while this month, it advanced even further to 3.99 — a far cry from the 3.14 Mbps they were serving up this time last year.
Best Plans for Streaming Netflix
Here’s a little more information on the plans offered by other ISPs. Some plans even include a Netflix subscription from the offset, so be sure to do your research on streaming platform offerings!
Exetel
The Extra Value NBN 50 plan will offer you top-notch streaming experiences, and you’ll be able to watch your favourite shows in the highest quality reliably. Whether you’re watching Apple TV+ or Netflix on your smart TV, you’ll be able to turn up the quality to at least 1080p or Ultra HD if you’re a premium member.
Exetel offers 50Mbps speeds with unlimited data, ensuring you can watch whatever, whenever. And, if you’re not satisfied with the loading speed, you can take advantage of their 5 free speed boosts per month deal!
You can even add an unlimited home phone to your plan for free, which is a great deal!
Optus
What makes Optus so great for streaming Netflix? Their plans come with a Netflix subscription rolled in. Whether you choose a 4G, 5G, or NBN home broadband, you can include your Netflix account in your broadband payments – streamlining your monthly bills.
Netflix included on Family Entertainer nbn® plans.
Plus get next gen WiFi 6 modem with 4G backup, unlimited data, a WiFi Booster and a Netflix Standard subscription (RRP $16.99), all included in the one plan. T&Cs apply.
iiNet
iiNet’s ‘Limitless Data’ plans are a top choice for streaming Netflix. Their NBN50 plan can offer reliable internet speeds for between 3 and 6 users without compromising image quality or download speed.
You can access download speeds of 50Mbps and upload speeds of 17Mbps, which is great if you’re uploading a lot of content to the internet! No matter which plan you choose, you can add a top box to enjoy your favourite cable TV programs, and you can add a Netflix subscription to your membership, too!
iPrimus
We recommend picking the iPrimus Standard Plus plan for streaming your favourite Netflix movies and TV shows. It offers 50Mbps with no setup fees and unlimited data, so you can stream to your heart’s content! The plan is on a month-to-month basis, and after 12 months, you can access a free WiFi 6 modem for your loyalty.
Free 6mth upgrade on selected plans!
iPrimus offers fast, unlimited data with free speed upgrade on selected plans. $0 setup fees with free modem, plus the option to add Fetch for streaming apps in one place.
Dodo
Dodo offers its users many different unlimited data NBN internet plans to ensure you can stream all the shows you like – without incurring exorbitant data costs! Their plans range from 15-200Mbps.
We recommend their 50Mbps plan to access high-quality streaming for more than one user. And, if you have many people using your network, you might consider increasing this to their 95 or 200Mbps plans.
You can get modem options to suit you, unlimited data usage, online account management, and a no-lock-in contract when you choose Dodo’s internet platform for streaming Netflix.
FeaturedWhy Do Broadband Providers Need To Think about Netflix?
Netflix, as the world’s leading entertainment service, is now more than ever coming under consideration when consumers decide which ISP they will use. With Telstra seemingly set to continue opening up a gap on their competitors for the fastest Netflix download speeds during prime time, including TPG broadband, these figures are likely to have a major impact on the mobile and broadband giant’s ability to attract new customers, so you may wish to take a moment to compare Telstra internet and broadband pack.
Signs Your Broadband Isn’t Great for Streaming
How do you know if your internet connection is hindering your viewing experience? Here are some signs your broadband isn’t great for streaming.
1. Unable To Stream on Multiple Devices
If you don’t have a connection that’s compatible with your favourite streaming service, you’ll notice that loading speeds get patchy when you’re streaming on multiple devices. You might get the dreaded buffering logo, or you might simply experience lower-quality imaging.
2. Slow Speeds
You should be able to watch whatever you want, whenever you want it. Which means you need consistent internet speeds throughout the day. Slow loading speeds for the movies you love indicate that your internet broadband provider isn’t meeting your needs. Researching the top broadband to watch Netflix will help you make sure your broadband is working with you rather than against you. You can use a broadband speed test to check whether your broadband is performing as well as it should and make a switch for better streaming experiences.
3. Dead Zones
You should be able to install your Apple TV in any room of the house and use your laptop to access your favourite streaming service from the bathroom (if that’s your kinda vibe). Your WiFi should cover the entirety of your property without any spotty patches. Of course, if you’re living in a mega-mansion, you might need more than one router to cover such an expansive space!
How To Choose a Broadband Provider and Plan for Streaming Netflix
Now that you have a selection of broadband providers to evaluate, let’s discuss what you need to consider before making your final choice.
How Many Users
When you have more users on your network, especially when they’re streaming Netflix, this can seriously deteriorate your internet speeds. So, if you have a lot of people in your household, you’ll need a higher Mbps offered in your plan. Although this may be more expensive, you won’t experience buffering and internet mishaps when everyone’s home and logged onto the internet! You can access plans of up to 200Mbps to accommodate around 10 people streaming at the same time.
Data Usage
Are you an avid Netflix user, or is it something you do to fill the time when you’re at home for once? Streaming Netflix shows tends to use around 3GB per hour, which means an average Netflix user will exceed lower data usage plans. So, it’s best to choose a plan from a provider offering unlimited data usage – this way, you don’t need to keep tabs on how much data you’re using; you can just stream the new season of Love Is Blind without a care in the world!
Location
Though we can tell you which plans are available with the best providers for streaming Netflix, this doesn’t mean you’ll be able to access top-notch services and speeds for your location. So, be sure to check out the reviews and company guidelines for broadband in your area. Sometimes, internet providers can offer optimal service in one area, and certain services are unavailable in another. This is especially true if you want to use fibre broadband, as fibre cables aren’t installed in every location!
Your Budget
Of course, we all want to stream in the highest quality, but you might be limited on what your budget allows. So, be sure to check out which reputable providers are offering the best deals, and try to get the maximum Mbps download speed within your budget.
Netflix Inclusion
Sometimes, including a Netflix subscription in your broadband membership can be the best way to streamline your monthly internet budget. All of your internet expenses can be rolled up into a neat and tidy package, so you know what you’re spending. You may even be able to access more competitive offers for Netflix and Netflix Premium subscriptions with your broadband provider – so don’t forget to check it out if you can!
Which Is the Best Broadband Provider for Streaming Netflix?
Ultimately, Telstra is the most revered internet provider for streaming Netflix, as they offer the most consistent internet speeds, even during busy evening hours. Their ISP speed index score far outshone their competitors, earning them the spot as the best broadband provider for streaming Netflix.
However, if Telstra isn’t available in your area, you can always opt for our honourable mentions instead to stream your favourite shows without buffering suffering – which can have you ready to chuck the remote at the TV!
FAQs
What else should you know before choosing a broadband provider for streaming Netflix? Here are some of the frequently asked questions on this topic.
According to Netflix, around 100 million people were sharing Netflix passwords to use the same account for multiple households – which is never how Netflix was supposed to be used. Consider investing in a broadband provider that rolls a Netflix subscription into their package to avoid falling victim to the password-sharing crackdown!
If you want to use up to four devices on your network, you must choose an NBN broadband plan with speeds between 50 and 100Mbps. This way, your download speed and quality won’t be compromised when more users log on and stream Netflix.
If you have a standard Netflix account, you can only stream movies and TV shows in 4K (1080p) quality, so upgrading your broadband to better quality would be useless. However, if you pay for a premium Netflix account, you can access Ultra HD quality, and you’ll need an internet speed that can support this to make the most of your premium Netflix account.
If you can’t stream movies and TV shows, broadband isn’t always the problem. There are some other things, like your home’s wiring system, where your modem is located, network traffic, and device interference, that can mess with your internet speeds and ruin your viewing experience.
During peak times, you can expect your internet speed to fluctuate. Most internet providers give you an estimate for the speed you should have during peak evening hours. You can use an internet speed test to ensure your internet isn’t falling below this expected figure and make some changes.
