Streaming giants Binge, Disney+, Stan, and Apple TV+ are dropping prices and offering deals just in time for Christmas. But with so many plans, features, and content libraries, choosing the right one can feel like a game of 'content roulette'.
We break down what's on offer to help you lock in your silly season streaming, maximise your holiday viewing, and keep some extra cash in your pocket.
Quick comparison: Price and features
Feature | Binge (Basic/Standard/Premium) | Stan (Basic/Standard/Premium) | Apple TV+ | Disney+ (Standard/Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Offer price | $2 for a month (all subscription levels) | $5 a month for 2 months (basic plan only) | $7.99 a month for 6 months | $159.99 / $209.99 for one year |
Standard price | $10 / $19 / $22 | $12 / $17 / $21 | $15.99 | $159.99 / $209.99 |
Max resolution | SD / 4K Ultra HD / 4K Ultra HD | SD / SD / 4K Ultra HD | 4K | 1080p HD / 4K Ultra HD |
Simultaneous streams | 1 / 2 / 4 | 1 / 3 / 4 | 6 devices (via Family Sharing) | 2 / 4 |
Ads on base plan? | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Offer end date | December 8 | December 11 | Apple does not say | December 10 |
Who wins on content?
Each of these streamers has a wide variety of content, from cult comedies to blockbuster movies and award-winning originals.
- Binge: For reality TV, live channels and a broad mix of entertainment
- Binge has a large library focusing on premium TV shows and movies.
- Capitalising on content from its parent company Foxtel, Binge has a wide range of live channels–from the Discover channel to Universal movies and more.
- Stan: Best for Australian originals
- Stan has a strong commitment to local content, with popular Australian originals like Bump and Black Snow.
- It is also the one to choose if you want to add Stan Sport (an extra $15-$20/month) for live sports like rugby, tennis and Premier League football.
- Apple TV+: Quality over quantity
- Apple TV+ stands out for its library of high-budget, star-studded Apple Originals like Ted Lasso and Severance.
- It has a smaller content library than the other streamers but focuses on award-winning originals.
- Disney+: The family and franchise king
- This is the service for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
- It's geared toward families, as it features a wide range of kid-friendly content.
How to save money on streaming
Think of streaming subscriptions like a gym membership you can put on hold to save cash.
- Rotate your subscriptions. Instead of paying for multiple streaming platforms at once, subscribe to one or two, watch all the content you want, cancel, and then switch to the next service.
- Take advantage of annual deals. Some providers, like Disney+ and Binge, offer a discount if you pay for a full year upfront. This can save you around 16% to 30%.
- Look for telco perks. Check if your mobile or NBN plan offers free or discounted streaming subscriptions.
- Try free streaming services. There’s a range of free streaming options available in Australia, such as Tubi, Kanopy and SBS on Demand, that have a mix of movies and shows to keep you entertained.
