Best Broadband Providers for Streaming Services Australia


Broadband cable

Streaming is a popular entertainment activity for many internet users in Australia. It’s crucial to select NBN plans that suit your streaming needs if you’re a keen entertainment streamer. However, some NBN plans are better than others if you intend to stream music, movies or podcasts via your device.

Now more than ever, you can save time and money by bundling your TV and home phone plan with your internet plan with a huge choice from various internet service providers in Australia.

But which are the best broadband NBN plans for streaming services in Australia, and which entertainment streaming platform options are the most popular? Find out all you need to know in this article.

What’s In this Guide?

Which Internet is Best for Streaming Services Australia?

After looking at the price, quality and range of channels, we have narrowed down the best broadband providers for streaming services in Australia to five top telcos. The main options you might want to consider if you enjoy entertainment, such as BINGE or Netflix, include the following:

  • Telstra
  • Southern Phone
  • Dodo
  • iPrimus
  • Aussie Broadband

All of these providers offer multiple NBN plans that can support high-quality streaming. It doesn’t matter if your home has three, four or upwards of five people using the connection simultaneously; you can select higher-tiered plans to suit your streaming requirements with these providers (such as four HD streams).

For example, Southern Phone has mid and high-tier plans that match your needs to stream 4K video on multiple devices. Telstra offers the optimum speed tiers for streaming entertainment with unlimited data perks, and Aussie Broadband offers some of the fastest NBN connection benefits, such as streaming movies in 8K and 4K quality simultaneously. 

Dodo is an excellent option if you need a cheap NBN plan that still provides you with 4K video streaming capabilities. In contrast, iPrimus provides incredible speeds with its upper-tier NBN plans that are perfect for streaming to multiple devices.

Simultaneous streams on multiple devices and live streams are possible with all of these providers, but we have covered each in more detail below.

What is the Best Broadband for Streaming Services in Australia?

If you’re wondering what the best broadband for streaming services Australia is, there are many top choices. Telstra, for one, is excellent because this telco provides NBN internet speeds that surpass many other options, you will notice that the quality of your TV streaming services works best with this provider.

Even if you have many data-intensive devices and want to stream entertainment to each, this option is possible with Telstra.

However, other internet service providers, such as Optus and Dodo, offer a streaming service bundle that you might be interested in if you want to save money when subscribing to an NBN connection. 

From Apple TV+ (although unavailable on Android devices) and BINGE to Spotify Premium and Kayo Sports, Android TV and Prime Video to Samsung TV and Acorn TV, there are several streaming service providers to look forward to when you choose a specific NBN plan. 

You may even want to stream local and international news, which is possible with Flash, or listen to music with the Apple Music student plan. If you need more information about the best streaming platform options and the most popular streaming services, continue reading this article.

Top 5 Bundles from Internet Service Providers

In this section, we consider the best broadband plans for streaming TV. We’ve done the research, so you can now compare the best bundles from around the market.

Telstra TV + Unlimited Standard Speed with Free BINGE

As Australia’s largest communications company – with a vast network as the foundation for everything they do – Telstra has long been one of the go-to companies for fast, reliable broadband. Telstra customers never experience a peak-hour slowdown issue because the company actively monitors capacity on their network and tweaks things to ensure your Telstra broadband performance is smooth and fast all day.

Telstra offers a BINGE bundle, which we advise you to learn more about by visiting the Telstra website, especially if you want more price information. You can also sign up to Telstra Plus to get discounts on your favourite streaming services.

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Try BINGE for 7 Days Free

Start your 7-day FREE trial and stream a huge selection of new and classic TV shows, movies, and documentaries from HBO, BBC, DC Entertainment, and many more.

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Dodo Bundles 

Your streaming experience is only as good as your NBN broadband connection. That’s why Dodo Broadband will meet all your expectations with its upper-tier NBN plans. Its mid and upper-tiered plans are not too expensive and will deliver a good streaming experience. Choose the mid-tiered plan, and you can stream 4K video with its remarkable download speed and even receive discounts for limited periods of time.

Even during peak times, all Dodo plans still deliver a good speed, but if you need to cater to multiple people in your household, you will probably benefit from an upper-tiered speed. NBN and streaming deals are available with Dodo. Check the Dodo website for more information about this. 

dodo

Save on Modems With Dodo

Save $20 on your Dodo modem with a limited-time offer to get lightning-fast internet coverage – original price $99.

Bundle Bonuses with Telstra

Telstra’s most popular bundle, unlimited downloads, comes with very nice bonuses. You can receive the Telstra TV 3 box, which will cover all your streaming needs, like Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Now, and BINGE. You may also receive Foxtel Now with your subscription, which gives you access to your favourite shows on two screens at once. You can register up to five compatible devices with your subscription. Various channel packs are available.

Another addition to the range of Telstra plans is the Telstra Smart Modem. This device uses the vast Telstra 4G mobile network to provide an instant and seamless backup for your broadband connection. Telstra Broadband Protect also keeps you and your family safe online.

If you’re a Telstra Plus member, you can get a whole bunch of deals, such as Kayo, for less than getting it directly through Kayo.

Southern Phone Unlimited Broadband Max

Southern Phone is known for its commitment to rural and regional areas. Their profits are returned to these communities and their call centres are all based in Australia. While this is a great reason to go with the provider, the Southern Phone broadband plans make the choice even easier since they’re ideal for streaming. The Southern Phone Unlimited Broadband Max gives you unlimited data on upper-speed tiers.

For unlimited internet at top speeds – and for a company that invests considerable money linking some of the more remote areas of Australia – it may be surprising to learn that the plans are also great value. The Southern Phone Unlimited Broadband Max plan is on the NBN network at a reasonable monthly price and with no lock-in contract.

Southern Phone offers options that work for 4K video streaming and match your requirements if your household has more than five people using the internet to stream simultaneously. They all offer excellent download speeds but check the Southern Phone website for more information about these speeds, which are ideal for watching movies and listening to music.

iPrimus Broadband

For fast internet, iPrimus gives you the best options. The telco’s faster, more expensive NBN plans offer exceptional download speeds for a very good price per month. These offers come with no lock-in contract – if you’re unhappy or dissatisfied with iPrimus, or find that their plans don’t meet your streaming requirements, you can change your subscription. 

Alternative bundles are available with iPrimus, which includes popular streaming services, and if you need exceptional download speeds for your increasing streaming needs, their highest-tiered plans will support this.

iPrimus logo

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.

How to Choose a Streaming TV Service for Your NBN Bundle

There are so many streaming services available that choosing one to add to your internet bundle can be difficult. In many cases, you may find that just one solution isn’t enough for you or those in your household. So how can you choose a broadband provider and streaming TV service that matches your requirements? Consider the following points to ensure you make the right decisions when selecting the best NBN plans.

Consider the Content You Enjoy Watching

Millions of Australians now stream services daily for their TV and movie entertainment. The content each service has to offer is constantly evolving and changing – there are new arrivals almost every day. Indeed, there are now more than 25 streaming services available in Australia.

Therefore, just working out what shows and movies are on what streaming platforms can be almost impossible since their websites are designed more around exploration. This is not a bad thing, but what if you want to know what’s on offer on each service? Consider looking at each streaming service to learn more about the niche of programs they offer.

Further down this guide, we offer an expert review of all the major entertainment streaming services Australia has to offer.

Think About Speed Tiers

Each internet service provider will offer unique speeds that may work better for streaming. As mentioned, Aussie Broadband and Telstra provide some of the highest NBN speeds that make streaming effortless. If your household has multiple people, consider the NBN speed tiers the internet providers offer.

In this case, selecting a low-tiered NBN connection will likely not cover the multiple-device streaming activities of all your household members. Make sure to compare each NBN plan and check for the descriptions of streaming capacities with each broadband provider.

Check for Bundles

Many internet service providers offer bundles that include entertainment streaming inclusions. By checking the bundles your ISP provides, you can save your dollars over several months. It’s also possible to manage subscriptions more conveniently with options such as the Optus SubHub and ISP app.

Since bundles such as BINGE, FetchTV and Netflix inclusions with NBN services can help you save money, ensure you check any potential bundles, some just for being a new customer.

Consider the Number of People in Your Household

When you look at each NBN plan, you will notice that your ISP will specify how many people can use the internet connection for streaming to devices. This information is especially important if you know that multiple people will require the internet for streaming. In this situation, it’s vital to align the number of people in your household to the plan specification to ensure the quality doesn’t drop when all household members use the internet plan.

For example, if you have more than five people in your household, it’s worth selecting a higher-tiered plan that accommodates five or more people who need to stream content from the internet. Avoid selecting a tier that doesn’t match your requirements, which may hinder your streaming quality.

Check the Streaming Quality 

You will also notice that your internet service provider will describe each plan’s streaming quality specifications on their website. For example, Southern Phone’s lower-tiered options are good for standard definition and high-definition quality. By reviewing each plan and its streaming quality specification, you can find a plan that best aligns with the entertainment streaming providers you choose.

Select a Plan that Matches Your Budget

The best broadband NBN plans for streaming services Australia, of course, have different prices that you should consider in line with your budget. Many options, such as Dodo, are considerably cheap. Although most telcos will offer excellent download speeds that will work with your streaming services, it’s important to consider which options are affordable for you.

If your budget is slightly more flexible, you could consider ultra-fast plans. If your budget is slightly more restricted, you might find that low and mid-tiered plans are better suited to your financial situation. These cheaper plans can still accommodate multiple users in one household, so are worth checking out.

Best Entertainment Streaming Services in Australia

We have already highlighted a few of the best streaming services, but there are plenty of other apps you can choose from. Although Australia doesn’t provide many free streaming service plans, there are many paid and affordable streaming platforms. 

Some of the best include Samsung Smart TV, Hayu, YouTube Premium (including YouTube Music), and LG TV. For the most popular options, check out the sections below to ensure you can watch shows and don’t miss out on your favourite TV shows and entertainment.

Netflix

Netflix’s vast range of content, alongside its original movies and shows, keeps people entertained and engaged. Its many users ensure viewers are constantly discussing what they’ve been watching on the world’s biggest streaming service. 

It’s one of the best streaming services on the market and many broadband providers, such as Optus, let you bundle it in various NBN services. This ensures you can stream the best TV series and movies to stay entertained.

Suppose you are interested in streaming exclusive content only available through Netflix, such as Stranger Things or reality shows. In that case, it’s a good idea to find bundles with NBN services that feature a Netflix subscription. This will save you heaps of money and ensure you enjoy excellent shows, especially because Netflix Australia is one of the cheapest streaming options.

Kayo Sports

Kayo Sports is Australia’s biggest sports streaming TV app. Hosting the largest range of sports out of all the sports streaming apps, Kayo has the most functionality built into a low monthly cost and no contract. 

You will notice that Kayo Sports is one of the best streaming service options and ranks highly in the streaming game for live sports because it gives you instant streaming access to on-demand sports coverage with upward of 50 sports events. If you want to watch live sport with cool features and in-depth analysis shows, Kayo is ideal.

Optus Sport

For live sports coverage of English Premier League games, Optus Sport is the ideal monthly subscription for you – especially if you’re one of many Aussie sports fans who enjoy live sport. It’s available with all Optus NBN plans. With Optus Sport, you can access football competitions such as La Liga, as well as many more sports and a wealth of entertaining coverage.

BINGE

BINGE allows viewers to watch movies and shows from HBO Max, BBC, FX and more all in one place, with no lock-in contract. It’s important to note that you cannot receive offline viewing advantages with BINGE – it’s impossible to download videos or content from this entertainment streaming service.

It’s also important to remember that you can have up to four devices to stream content, including Apple devices and Smart TVs. As such, you can enjoy exclusive shows, such as The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, on different devices with BINGE.

Stan

Stan delivers a huge range of TV series and movies, including exclusive access to the Showtime and Starz content library options. If you’re wondering what’s on Stan, they have some of the most talked-about shows on TV. In 2021, they launched Stan Sport, exclusive access to live-streamed Super Rugby and other sports, in partnership with Channel Nine.

Foxtel Now

Foxtel Now, with its access to the mighty HBO catalogue and multiple channels worth of content, all streaming live TV or on-demand, is packed with highlights. Foxtel Now is one of the streaming platforms that offers multiple channel packs, which you can enjoy without traditional pay TV subscription demands. It also offers several reality TV shows, such as Real Housewives.

Amazon Prime Video

With Amazon Prime Video, you can find plenty of entertainment. This provider boasts a massive library of diverse content and some must-see first-run shows. It is one of the most popular streaming service options, since you can use the streaming site to watch a range of beloved Prime-exclusive content.

Disney Plus

Disney Plus is a major streaming force with nearly a century’s worth of quality content and classic films and animations. The streaming service offers exclusive content in its extensive library from its diverse range of sub-companies such as Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. 

Still, you can also get entertaining content from Disney TV Studios to start watching on your devices with excellent maximum streaming resolution options.

BritBox

If you want international entertainment, such as British streaming service options or British television favourites, BritBox may be the best option for you. If you have a subscription to the Optus SubHub, you can access BritBox with this service and stream drama and popular shows to your device. 

BritBox is one of the streaming platforms that provides overseas entertainment and British TV, British classics, and other services like reality TV and episodes for you to enjoy without using a virtual private network.

What You Should Know About Downloads & Data

The big streaming services like Netflix, Stan, and now BINGE have spent a lot of effort trying to limit the amount of download data their streams use, and the actual download speed varies not just between shows and movies but even between episodes. 

Services like Netflix even have multiple tiers of download speed for each quality level (HD streams, 4K HDR, etc) which work with compatible devices, so it can seamlessly adapt to your connection without interruptions.

It’s no longer easy to quote even a rough estimate of how much data you’ll use per hour, but as a very rough ballpark, you can expect to use around 3GB of data per hour if you’re viewing at home in 1080p HD quality. 4K HDR streaming uses a lot more – anywhere from 7GB to 10GB per hour.

Mobile phones can effortlessly support HD video and above, so it’s good to be mindful of those numbers. Because while 3GB per hour might not mean much on your home broadband’s data limit (if it has one), on mobile, those shows can consume your monthly allowance quickly. It’s best to download shows over Wi-Fi first for mobile. The big streaming services now all allow this.

What NBN Speed Tier Do You Need?

As you may have seen when browsing plans and providers, there are multiple NBN speed tiers available to choose from. This choice is probably the most important decision you’ll make regarding your broadband plan if you do a lot of streaming. 

The recommended speeds quoted by providers, like we mentioned above, do not provide all the facts you need to know. All broadband connections have the overhead that uses data of its own – you never get the full speed of your connection all the time, and anything else happening on the connection can cause the streaming video to buffer or drop in quality.

With that in mind, we’d recommend ignoring your internet service providers’ very lowest speed tiers unless the price is an issue because this is only ideal for a single SD stream. Mid-range speed tiers, such as NBN 25 and up, will be fine, though if multiple streams from several household members are going to happen simultaneously, aim for NBN 50 instead. 

The golden rule of streaming is that you can never have too much speed or data, which is why a premium plan is an excellent option. Fortunately, there are plenty of unlimited data plans currently available.

NBN Speed Description
NBN 12 Single user, streaming to web browser or tablet. HD streaming possible but not guaranteed.
NBN 25 Single user, streaming to high-quality devices lie smart TVs and streaming boxes. Problem-free HD and 4K streaming.
NBN 50 Multiple users – a family or share house with several people watching streaming content at one time. HD and 4K streaming to multiple devices at once.
NBN 100Able to handle anything streaming services can throw at you, to multiple users while others are downloading or uploading files or doing work. Very fast, but expensive and not available on all connections.
NBN 250Recommended for larger households, especially if everyone is working online, streaming, and gaming all at once. Ideal for streaming simultaneous videos in 4K, though it’s only available to FTTP and most HFC customers.
NBN 1000For those super busy large households that need much, much more from their connection. Perfect for streaming videos in 8K resolution, as well as downloading and uploading large files on several devices. Though again, it’s only available to FTTP and some HFC customers.

How to Improve Your Internet Speed

Although you may know what the NBN speed tiers offer you, you might still encounter lower internet speeds because of peak internet traffic or interference between your device and the router. However, there are several strategies you can implement to enhance the speed of your connection. If you find your speeds are still slow, run an internet speed test.

Ensure the Modem is not Near Thick Walls

If your modem is near thick walls, these are likely blocking your internet signal. With a blocked internet signal, your device will receive slower internet, and you will not enjoy your streaming services.

It’s a good idea to ensure the modem is away from solid objects and thick walls. To achieve this, you may consider placing it in the centre of your home, equidistant from any devices connected to the WiFi.

Use WiFi Boosters to Augment the Signal

You may live in a particularly large home with several square metres of space through which your WiFi signal needs to travel. In situations like this, you may find that the WiFi signal does not reach all locations of your home, and you will not be able to watch your streaming service entertainment due to slow internet connections.

An excellent solution to this problem is to use a booster, which can augment the signal significantly and ensure your signal reaches all the rooms in your home.

Don’t Place the Modem on the Floor

Placing a modem on the floor or right next to the ceiling can hinder the WiFi signal and result in poor signal access from your device. The result is often a slower internet speed that stops you from receiving a good streaming service. Therefore, it’s best to avoid placing the modem near the ceiling or on the floor. 

As mentioned, the modem can distribute the signal in a central location better. Even better is placing it on a desk or at the height of your shelf so nothing intercepts the signal and can travel unobstructed through your home.

Consider Interference from Appliances

Other appliances, such as microwaves, Bluetooth, baby monitors and radios, can cause your internet speed to slow down due to small amounts of radiation. The ideal way to minimise interference is to check for reduced internet speed when you use specific appliances.

For example, if you use the microwave, you might notice that your internet speed slows down. You can then unplug the devices you think are causing the internet speed to slow down using a process of elimination and move the devices away from the modem.

Which Internet NBN Plans Are Right for You?

Which is the best of the bunch? It depends on your specific needs. With any TV, phone or broadband plan, the first step is to understand what you want and go from there. Once you have considered this, you can begin the research process. All the above bundles will serve you extremely well when it comes to streaming all the many and varied services that we now subscribe to – as well as the free ones like YouTube and Twitch.

For speed and quality – as well as access to a bunch of exclusive content (much of which comes data-free) – we shouldn’t forget about Telstra. Telstra gets you direct access to Foxtel Now, Stan, BINGE, Netflix, Foxtel Now, Kayo, and Telstra TV via the one convenient streaming box, and their extensive network means you won’t suffer from buffering. Of course, you can rest assured you’re with Australia’s biggest and most experienced communications company.

NBN Broadband Plans

Plan
Inclusions
Price
Crikey - nbn™ 25/10
  • 1 mth money back guarantee
  • Save $20 for 5 mths. Offer ends 30/06/24
  • Use promo code: SAVE20
  • No setup/plan change fees
  • Crikey - nbn™ 25/10
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 25™ Fixed Line
  • 25Mbps/10mbps typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • Award-winning Aussie support
  • $45/mth
$45/mth
for first 5 mths, then $65/mth thereafter
Min Cost - $45 over 1 mth

Everyday NBN
  • Satisfaction Guarantee: Return modem within 21 days for a full refund
  • Everyday NBN
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Typical evening speed of 47Mbps
  • Optional modem for $99 w/ free delivery
  • $79.80/mth
$79.80/mth
Min Cost - $79.80 over 1 mth

NBN50 Unlimited - Month to Month
  • $15/mth off for 6 mths. Ends 26/03/24
  • NBN50 Unlimited - Month to Month
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Get $20 off Dodo modem
  • Up to $10/mth off when bundled with energy
  • $65/mth
$65/mth
for the first 6 mths, then $80/mth thereafter
Min Cost - $65 for the 6 mths (incl. $79 modem cost)

Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • $75/mth for first 6 mths
  • Offer Ends: 27/03/24
  • Ultra WiFi 6 modem incl.
  • Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • $0 Startup Fee
  • 50/18Mbps typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • $75/mth
$75/mth
for first 6 mths, normally $85/mth
Min Cost - $391 incl. $306 modem cost and $85 (1mth of plan fee) if you stay connected for 1mth only. $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 mths.

Standard Plus
  • Free Wi-Fi 6 modem if you stay connected for 12 mths. T&Cs apply
  • Standard Plus
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Typical evening speed of 50Mbps downstream and 17mbps upstream
  • No set up fees
  • $80/mth
$80/mth
Min Cost - Total Minimum Cost is $200 ($80/mth plan fee + $120 modem cost = $200)

Broadband & Streaming Services Australia FAQs

You may still have a few questions that you need answers to when choosing the best broadband NBN plans for streaming services in Australia. If so, consider the frequently asked questions here for the crucial answers.

What Kind of Internet Do I Need for Streaming Services in SD?

The best internet connection you can use for streaming services in SD (standard definition) is a connection with 25 megabytes per second in download speed. This speed should suit up to two people who want to stream SD entertainment simultaneously on different devices.

Is NBN 50 Fast Enough for 4K Streaming?

The short answer is that an NBN 50 internet connection is a good NBN broadband speed if you need to stream 4K, high-definition videos. It’s also ideal if you need to download considerably large files and is perfect for households that will require heavy internet use among many members on different devices.

How Many Mbps Do You Need to Stream Netflix 4K?

According to Netflix’s requirements for streaming, if you want to stream Netflix in standard definition, you require 3Mbps. If you want to stream Netflix in high definition, you require 5Mbps. However, it’s ideal to have download speeds of 50Mbps if you and another household member are streaming Netflix.

How do I Optimise my Internet for Streaming?

The easiest ways to optimise your internet for streaming are to move your device closer to the router, restart the modem or router, close the background programs that could be consuming your bandwidth and consider disconnecting other devices that are using it.

How do I Test my Internet Speed for Live Streaming?

The optimum way to test your internet speed for live streaming is to go to the Speedtest by Ookla website and select the “Go” button. After completing the test, you will receive specific data, including your upload and download speed. You can compare these speeds to your plan to determine if it is a good match for live streaming.

What Causes Poor Streaming?

One of the main causes of poor streaming quality is an unreliable WiFi signal. The best way to reduce buffering when streaming content is to ensure your download speed is at least 25Mbps. Check this using an internet speed test and implement specific steps, like moving the device closer to the router to keep buffering to a minimum.

What Improves Streaming Quality?

There are several ways you can improve streaming quality. One of the best options is to upgrade your hardware, such as your WiFi hub, your device, your router, or your Smart TV. By upgrading your hardware, you may notice an improvement in your streaming quality. You can also consider upgrading to fibre-to-the-building connections to improve streaming quality.