Streaming movies and TV shows is a favourite way for families to relax, but subscription costs can quickly add up when you’re paying for multiple services at once. Between Netflix, Disney+, Stan and others, it’s easy to spend more each month than you realise.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce streaming costs in Australia. From free, ad-supported platforms to cheaper subscription tiers and smart switching strategies, here’s how to enjoy great TV and movies without blowing your budget.
Looking to cut costs across your whole household? Our guide on how to save money as a family in Australia covers groceries, power bills, transport, kids’ costs and everyday expenses.
Use free streaming services in Australia
Australia has several excellent free streaming platforms that don’t require a paid subscription. These services are supported by ads and are a great option for families.
ABC iView
ABC iView offers free access to ABC dramas, documentaries and comedies. For kids, ABC Kids and ABC Me include favourites like Bluey, Play School and Giggle & Hoot, as well as programs for older children.
SBS On Demand
SBS On Demand streams a wide range of international movies, TV series and documentaries for free, with ads.
7Plus
7Plus provides free catch-up TV from Channel 7, including popular series and a dedicated kids section.
9Now
9Now offers free access to Channel 9 shows and Australian classics, along with children’s programming.
10Play
10Play includes free streaming of Network 10 content, from Australian dramas and reality TV to kids shows.
Tubi
Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service with a large catalogue of movies and TV shows. It also includes some family and kids content.
Kanopy
Available through many Australian libraries, Kanopy streams movies, documentaries and Kanopy Kids content at no cost with a library membership.
Beamafilm
Beamafilm offers free access to award-winning documentaries and independent films, making it a great option for adults and teens.
Choose cheaper or ad-supported subscription plans
Many paid streaming services now offer lower-cost plans with ads, making them more affordable for households willing to sit through occasional advertising.
Netflix
Netflix offers an ad-supported plan at a lower monthly cost, alongside standard and premium ad-free options. This can be a good compromise if you still want access to Netflix originals and family favourites.
Disney+
Disney+ is popular with families and now offers multiple plan options, including lower-priced tiers with ads. It includes content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
Stan
Stan offers different subscription tiers, including cheaper entry-level options. It has a strong kids section and Australian content.
Binge
Binge includes both ad-supported and ad-free plans, allowing you to choose a cheaper option if ads don’t bother you.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is one of the more affordable paid streaming services and includes Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. content for kids, as well as sport and entertainment.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has a smaller library focused on originals. It’s often offered free for a limited period with the purchase of eligible Apple devices and can be shared with family members via Family Sharing.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which also offers delivery benefits. It’s a cost-effective option for families who already shop on Amazon.
Rotate your streaming subscriptions
One of the easiest ways to save money is to avoid paying for everything at once.
Subscribe to one or two services, watch what you want, then cancel and switch to another platform the following month. Streaming services don’t penalise you for cancelling, and this approach can cut hundreds of dollars a year.
Use free trials and device offers
Some streaming services offer free trials for new customers or promotional access with phone, tablet or TV purchases. If you’re signing up, set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue.
Use free streaming for kids where possible
For families, free services like ABC iView, SBS On Demand and library streaming platforms can replace paid kids content entirely. Many households find they can cancel at least one paid subscription by relying on free options for children’s viewing.
Review your subscriptions regularly
Streaming services often auto-renew, making it easy to forget what you’re paying for. Review your subscriptions every few months and cancel any you’re not using regularly.
Saving money on streaming doesn’t mean missing out. By mixing free services, ad-supported plans and rotating subscriptions, you can enjoy great TV and movies in Australia while keeping entertainment costs under control.
If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve also put together a guide to family movies to watch, including age-appropriate picks for kids and parents.