Netflix Australia: Pricing, content, review and alternatives

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Netflix is one of the most recognised streaming providers in the world. The platform offers an impressive library of movies and TV shows, from classic episodes of your favourite TV series as well as brand-new content. Recently the company has had an increasing focus on original productions, such as the hugely successful The Crown and Squid Game.

What is Netflix?

Not only has Netflix amassed an incredibly impressive library in a relatively short period of time, but the network has completely changed the way we watch TV. Instead of circling our favourite programs in the calendar and counting down the days, we now watch when we want to watch – not when the networks want us to.

In addition to a focus on original titles, Netflix consistently seeks to expand its library with some of our favourite shows. For instance, Netflix added Seinfeld to its global library, letting fans re-watch while also bringing the sitcom to a new generation. In addition, Netflix’s stand-up specials – a focus for the past few years – have swept up awards across the globe and are worth the price of admission alone.

How much is Netflix per month?

Netflix offers three ad-free subscription plans. For those who have subscribed to networks with ‘tiered’ plans before, you’ll be happy to know that all Netflix packages grant access to the entire Netflix Australian library.

The cheapest, at $6.99, is the Standard with Ads plan, which offers HD streaming on two screens at a time. The ad-free Standard Plan costs $16.99 and offers the additional feature of downloading shows and movies, plus one extra member. Meaning you can easily share the Netflix account subscription with a friend.

Finally, the Premium Plan, at $22.99, comes with 4K streaming on four devices at the same time, which is perfect for families or larger households.

The 30-day free trial that new customers can use to watch Netflix, however, is no longer available with the streaming service. Below are Netflix plans Australia, which you can get via Foxtel.

Last audited 1st March 2024

What’s on Netflix Australia?

With its massive library of original shows and movies to stream being added to almost every single day, Netflix is a TV fan’s dream – but there can be so many new arrivals to dig through, it’s easy to miss some of the best that Netflix has to offer. That’s why our team of Netflix watchers makes sure to let you know about the latest must-see TV shows and movies on the world’s biggest streaming service.

Among the many streaming services in Australia, Netflix has a huge library that covers just about every TV and film genre ever made. Whether you like classic indie movies from Europe, true crime documentaries or binge-worthy series, Netflix more than has you covered.

Best shows on Netflix

Thanks to their original content and partnerships with some of the world’s biggest production companies, Netflix features some of the biggest shows and series from the past and present. Here’s just some of what’s on Netflix Australia.

Best Netflix series (Netflix originals)

Netflix not only features excellent third-party content, the streaming service also offers originals that are just as top quality. Here are some of them.

Docuseries on Netflix

Netflix has become somewhat of a home for docuseries, specifically in the true crime genre. They say that ‘truth is far stranger than fiction’, and these shows below highlight that phrase perfectly!

Best movies on Netflix Australia

Nothing beats a good old fashioned movie to wind down in front of after a hard day at work or a long weekend. Netflix literally have hundreds of titles to choose from to perfectly fit your mood, a few of which we have listed below.

What is Netflix Party?

Netflix Party, as it’s still fondly called by many users, is a virtual watch party you can organise to hang out with your family or friends, no matter where they are, while watching something together. So if there’s a great movie or a binge-worthy TV series and they’re just too awesome to watch and experience it alone, Netflix Party, is the way to go.

This web-based app is offered as a free Chrome extension and allows you to sync up high video quality playback with others who have the app installed as well. Even better, the latest version of the extension includes support for the Microsoft Edge browser, too.

And the best part about it? It’s absolutely free! Because other streaming services are now available with the additions of  Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max, Netflix Party has been renamed to Teleparty.

How much data will Netflix use?

With Netflix, there are four data settings. You can access the Your Account page from a web browser and select Playback Settings to pick your desired one. On Low, it will burn around 0.3 GB of data per hour. On Medium, around 0.7 GB per hour for SD.

On High, the recommended setting, you’ll get the best video quality, but it will consume approximately 3 GB per hour for HD and 7 GB per hour for Ultra HD. Finally, there’s the Auto setting – adjusts playback automatically to deliver the highest possible quality, based on your current Internet connection speed. Read more about how Netflix uses data here.

What devices are compatible with Netflix Australia?

Pretty much any device you can imagine. Netflix works on PCs, Macs, mobile devices, streaming devices, game consoles, smart TVs, and so on. Plenty of Australia’s main pay TV networks will incorporate a Netflix app into their set-top box – Telstra for instance has seamlessly integrated Netflix into its offerings.

These days, it’s almost impossible to find a device that doesn’t play Netflix. Netflix also supports offline viewing so you can download content to watch for later.

Alternatives to Netflix in Australia

If you’re not particularly keen on the Netflix library, there are alternatives. Local service Stan offers a slew of exclusive content to catch your eye. Foxtel Now is a worthy competitor as well, throwing live TV into the mix as well, as well as allowing users to watch shows on demand anytime. Streaming contender BINGE is another option. It contains nearly similar TV and film content that Foxtel Now offers sans sports.

Amazon Prime Video is catching up with thousands of shows and movies comprising their library. Plus, Prime is one of the few streaming services in Australia that still offers a full 30-day free trial.

There’s also Disney Plus for all Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, and Pixar content and Paramount Plus for Showtime, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures movies.

If it’s British content you’re looking for, BritBox is the one app you should have. It offers many of the BBC’s popular crime shows and dramas, as well as TV shows and movies from ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.

For factual content like documentary shows and films, DocPlay has a curated library of the best docos in the world. Apple’s streaming service Apple TV+ is also another alternative. The streamer’s catalogue grows each month with high-quality originals. Apple TV+ is also where you can watch major films like Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon.

For more information, compare streaming services below. And rest assured, they all offer free trials and come with no contracts.

Last audited 1st April 2024