These days, there are more streaming options than ever. Thankfully, there are some great free streaming sites in Australia to fill those dark nights. However, choosing the best ones can be hard work. The good news is that I’ve done the hard work for you and reviewed the best streaming sites around. From local to international choices, there is something for everyone. 

Table of Contents

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• TL;DR
• Criteria Breakdown Summary
• ABC iView
• SBS On Demand
• 7plus
• 9Now
• 10 Play
• Tubi
• Kanopy
• Notable Mentions
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

TL;DR

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• ABC iView offers ad-free streaming of high-quality Australian content.
• SBS On Demand offers a variety of multicultural and international programming.
• 7plus, 9Now, and 10 Play offer catch-up TV for their respective networks.
• Tubi has a large library of movies and TV shows but includes ads.
• Kanopy provides access to educational content through participating libraries.
• Brollie is a new platform focusing on Australian and indie films.
• Consider factors like content library, video quality, and device compatibility when choosing a streaming service.
• Use a VPN for added privacy and to potentially access geo-restricted content.

Comparison Table

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Criteria Breakdown Summary

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To fully assess the best free streaming options, I put together a list of criteria. This includes the content library’s size and variety, video quality, ad frequently, and ease of use. I also looked at device compatibility, subtitles, restrictions, and registration. These factors will help us decide which of the free streaming sites are the best. 

ABC iView

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Best Known for: High-Quality Australian Content

First, I reviewed ABC iView. This is a very popular streaming site that everyone knows the name of. It is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s free streaming option and contains a lot of local programmes. Having been around since 2008, it’s certainly a mainstay and it’s a reliable option for drama, comedies, and documentaries. 

Streaming speeds are up to 720p HD quality, and it also has adaptive bitrate streaming for different Internet speeds. It supports closed captions on most of its content, and has VAST, which limits ads. 

Overall, this is a solid free streaming platform. 

Features

This streaming site offers several stand-out features, the most obvious being a lack of ads. This is a big plus point toward uninterrupted enjoyment. There is a good mix of catch up programmes and exclusive online content. There is also a wide selection of international shows. Additionally, this free streaming site also offers live TV. 

Pros

• Ad-free viewing experience
• High-quality Australian productions
• User-friendly interface across devices
• Live TV streaming option

Cons

• Limited international content compared to other platforms
• Some content only available for a short time
• Maximum video quality capped at 720p

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 4/5
• Video quality: 4/5
• Ad frequency: 5/5 (ad-free)
• Device compatibility: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 4/5
• Geographic restrictions: 3/5
• Registration: 4/5 (optional, but required for some features)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Users generally highly rate ABC iVIew for its reliability and Australian content. They also enjoy the fact that it is free from ads and that they can catch up on missed shows. However, some users mention that the app can be inconsistent from time to time. 

“Great to have abc to catch up on what i missed. Stream news or watch Gruen, Bluey, Midsomer Murders. Some things like Bluey will be removed after 14 days; others like Gruen will have the years worth. Always good. Large amount of topical programs, Beethoven piano or violin concertos to Rage.” Rich via Amazon.com 

“So glad to add this app to our FireStick as the kids love to watch Bluey and so that’s pretty much all we have used it for. Installation was easy and navigating through has been no issue.” Wayne H via Amazon.com 

Price

ABC iView is completely free, no subscription required.

Where to find: ABC iView

SBS On Demand

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Best Known for: Diverse Multicultural Programming

SBS On Demand is another quality streaming site in Australia, offering countless types of content. From domestic to international options, there’s plenty. I think it’s an excellent place to go for TV series, films, and documentaries that aren’t available anywhere else. 

As far as technical specs go, this free streaming site supports up to 1080p full HD streaming. It also uses VASP and VMAP for ad reduction. It’s also possible to watch programmes in several languages thanks to multi-language subtitles. 

Features

Anyone looking for free sites to watch movies should certainly check out SBS On Demand. I think this is one of the best free streaming sites in Australia and it’s packed with content. It’s easy to find new shows and movies and they’re based on themes and genres too. There is also a large range of international movies with subtitles in several languages. 

This streaming site has an advanced content recommendation engine, along with side ad insertion. This means pesky ads don’t get in the way of viewing. It also has support for AirPlay and Chromecast. 

Pros

• Extensive library of international content
• Multi-language support for many programs
• Well-curated collections for easy discovery
• High-quality streaming options

Cons

• Ad-supported model can be intrusive for some users
• Geographic restrictions on some content
• Registration required to access full features

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 5/5
• Video quality: 4/5
• Ad frequency: 3/5
• Device compatibility: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 5/5
• Geographic restrictions: 3/5
• Registration: 4/5 (required but free)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Users have high praise for SBS On Demand, particularly for its diverse content, including international offerings. Many also mention the availability of subtitles in several languages, making it an inclusive choice. However, some users mention that there are too many ads, with occasional buffering during peak hours. 

“We watch SBS often because we enjoy the diverse movies of both foreign and British or Australian content. They constantly add new TV shows and Movies and always – ALWAYS – of a very high calibre! A BRILLIANT app!!” – MKS via Amazon.com 

“Finally got some new series out! With subtitles! Yay. Sometimes the ads in between freeze but only occasionally. One thing to change is that they show the exact same ad through all the ad breaks. If I see one more Microsoft ad, grrr so repetitive.” – Elizabeth via Amazon.com 

Price

SBS On Demand is free to use, supported by advertisements.

Where to find: sbs.com.au

7plus

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Best Known for: Reality TV and US Shows

7Plus is another instantly recognisable free streaming site from Seven Network. It offers a catch-up service and also varies between domestic and international content. Personally, I think this is a strong streaming site and it’s particularly good for top shows from the US.

This site supports up to 1080p streaming on select devices and uses adaptive bitrate for smooth watching without buffering. It does use Client-Side Ad Insertion for targeting advertising, which can be annoying occasionally. On the plus side, there is the ability to view some content offline, although it is limited. 

Features

Alongside a good library of on-demand content, 7Plus also offers live streaming of the Seven Network channels. This is ideal for watching on-the-go and staying up to date. The on-demand section includes domestic and international shows and classics. 

This streaming site integrates with Seven Network accounts to give personalised recommendations. I found this feature really useful when looking for something new to stream. It also supports multiple user profiles within one single account, so it’s ideal for larger households. Within that, it’s possible to add parental controls and content ratings. 

Pros

• Good selection of popular reality TV shows
• Live streaming of Seven Network channels
• User-friendly interface across devices
• Growing library of classic TV series

Cons

• Frequent ad breaks can be disruptive
• Limited selection of high-quality drama series
• Some content only available for a short time after broadcast

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 4/5
• Video quality: 4/5
• Ad frequency: 2/5
• Device compatibility: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 3/5
• Geographic restrictions: 3/5
• Registration: 4/5 (optional)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Most of 7 Plus’s reviews are positive, and most users enjoy being able to catch up on missed episodes of shows. The large range of reality TV and US shows is also mentioned. However, some users feel that there are too many ads, particularly when watching for a longer time.  

“I’m loving shows on 7+, shame about the ads but way better than watching mainstream TV, don’t watch mainstream TV at all.” – Kimmy R via Product Review Australia

“I’ve installed 7Plus on 4 devices. I do on occasions get the “internal technical issue” warning but it clears as soon as I refresh. Of all TV stations 7Plus offers the most content and the most channels.” – Tony via Product Review Australia 

Price

7plus is free to use, supported by advertisements.

Where to find: 7plus

9Now

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Best Known for: Popular Reality Shows and Drama Series

As the name might suggest, 9Now is connected to the Nine Network, and this is its free streaming platform. With a good blend of international and local content, it’s a very popular free streaming site in Australia. It is particularly popular for reality TV shows and has many drama series within its catalogue. 

This stream website supports 1080p streaming and uses adaptive bitrate streaming for good playback quality. There are ads with this platform, as it uses Side-Server Ad Insertion. It’s possible to live stream the Nine Network Channels and on-demand content. 

Features

I found this site one of the best to stream shows. It also offers live streaming of the Nine Network channels. This means news and sports fans in particular can stay up-to-date. Alongside this, 9Now also has a large amount of on-demand content including international series. 

This is another site that offers content recommendations based on viewing history. Additionally, it supports streaming for several devices within a household, and has closed captions and audio descriptions for accessibility. 

Pros

• Strong selection of popular reality TV shows
• Live streaming of all Nine Network channels
• Good mix of local and international content
• User-friendly interface with personalised recommendations

Cons

• Account required to watch content
• Ad breaks can be frequent and repetitive
• Some content only available for a limited time

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 4/5
• Video quality: 4/5
• Ad frequency: 2/5
• Device compatibility: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 3/5
• Geographic restrictions: 3/5
• Registration: 3/5 (required)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Most users rate 9Now for its ease of use and access to popular shows on the Nine Network. Most also enjoy being able to watch live TV and stay up-to-date. Users also praise most reality TV and drama shows. However, some users feel there are too many ads during streaming and dislike having to create and account to view. 

“Love the programmes on 9 now, but the amount of ads is just too much, they are way too often.” – Happy Customer via Product Review Australia 

“Ads are louder than the show, lucky I can mute the TV during ads otherwise it’s extremely loud and very annoying. This seems to be the only issue everyone has so please fix it.” Mel via Product Review Australia 

Price

9Now is free to use, supported by advertisements.

Where to find: 9Now

10 Play

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Best Known for: Reality TV and Australian Drama

Another of the best free streaming sites in Australia is 10 Play. This is Network 10’s streaming service and offers both domestic and international shows. It’s ideal for reality TV fans and also has plenty of Australian drama shows. 

While you can watch free, this site does have ads. It supports up to 720p streaming on many devices and uses adaptive bitrate streaming. It’s possible to watch live streaming from Network 10’s channels and TV shows for free online. 

Features

10 Play allows live streaming of Network 10’s channels along with a large selection of on-demand content. This covers both Australian and international shows for adults and children. I find this streaming platform to offer an extensive range for all age groups, making it ideal for families. It was also very easy to find new programmes I might never have otherwise watched thanks to the content recommendation system. 

The downside of this platform is that it has limited cross-device viewing history synchronisation. However, it is possible to implement basic parental controls and content filtering. Additionally, it supports AirPlay and Chromecast. 

Pros

• Good selection of popular Australian reality TV shows
• Live streaming of Network 10 channels
• Some exclusive online-only content
• User-friendly interface with categorised content

Cons

• Smaller content library compared to other free services
• Ad breaks can be frequent and disruptive
• Limited selection of international content

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 3/5
• Video quality: 4/5
• Ad frequency: 2/5
• Device compatibility: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 3/5
• Geographic restrictions: 3/5
• Registration: 4/5 (optional)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Most users enjoy 10 Play, specifically for its ability to catch up on missed episodes of popular Network 10 shows. The large selection of reality TV content is also highlighted as a plus, along with international shows. However, some users feel there are too many ads and are dismayed at the limited availability of older content. 

“Easy to use, you don’t have to keep signing in, like 7 plus it’s a real pain even if you’re signing in as a guest you have to repeat it several times to watch a program. Thank you 10 Play, I get to watch a great variety of shows at the push of a button.” – Vicki via Amazon.com

“A good decent free to air channel streaming app. Good range of Australian and overseas content.” – Shaun via Amazon.com 

Price

10 Play is free to use, supported by advertisements.

Where to find: 10 Play

Tubi

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Best Known for: Wide Variety of Movies and TV Shows

Tubi is one of the best movie streaming sites for anyone looking for older films and unique content. I found a lot of older shows on this platform that I couldn’t find on others. It is an ad-supported free online movie site, but it does have a very large library of TV shows and movies. 

This site supports up to 720p streaming and adaptive bitrate streaming. It offers regular recommendations on content, which I found really useful. It also uses content delivery networks for global content distribution.  

Overall, I highly recommend this as one of the best streaming sites in Australia thanks to its unique content. 

Features

Tubi stands out from the rest of Australia’s free movie websites because of its large library of content. There are movies on here that are older than the others I found elsewhere. It also has a large selection of domestic and international TV shows. I didn’t need to register to start watching, which was another positive touch. The AI-powered content recommendation system helped me discover great content, and it’s possible to add parental controls for peace of mind. Additionally, this streaming site supports multiple devices with a resume playback feature. 

Pros

• Large library of movies and TV shows
• No registration required to start watching
• Good selection of indie and classic films
• Available on a wide range of devices

Cons

• Ad breaks can be frequent and repetitive
• Limited selection of recent blockbusters or popular TV series
• Video quality capped at 720p

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 5/5
• Video quality: 3/5
• Ad frequency: 2/5
• Device compatibility: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 3/5
• Geographic restrictions: 4/5
• Registration: 5/5 (not required)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Most users rate Tubi for its large library of free movies and TV shows. Additionally, many enjoy the fact they don’t need to create an account to watch. The fact that many shows and movies aren’t available on other platforms is another advantage that many praise. However, some users feel there are too many ads, especially during long movies. 

“Tubi is free and when you’re running out of things to watch on other apps….Tubi always has great movies and I also love the old TV shows from way back. I really enjoy this app. Thank you Tubi.” – Chris Moag via Amazon.com

“I was hesitant to try this out, but I’m really glad I did. Writing this review because I am a huge horror movie fan and this movie has a *ton* of stuff, including movies that were previously available on Prime but which aren’t any more.” – J W via Amazon.com  

Price

Tubi is completely free to use, supported by advertisements.

Where to find: Tubi

Kanopy

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Best Known for: Educational and Indie Content

Kanopy is a free movie streaming site with a difference. This platform is unique in that it partners with educational institutions and libraries to provide access to collections of films and documentaries. It’s fantastic for finding something a little different including indie films, educational content, and classic cinema. 

The platform supports up to 1080p streaming and uses adaptive bitrate streaming. It is an ad-free service, which I particularly enjoyed, and I found streaming to be smooth and interruption-free. 

Features

Kanopy is one of the best movie streaming sites in Australia for its focus on unique content. I found some very high-quality movies on this site, many of which were really thought-provoking. I also enjoyed the documentaries and classic cinema choices. There is also a Kanopy Kids section which focuses on education for children. 

I’d highly recommend Kanopy for families as there is something for everyone. The fact there are no ads is also a big advantage and makes for more enjoyable viewing. In addition, the site gives personalised recommendations based on viewing history and it’s possible to create watchlists. 

Pros

• High-quality selection of indie films and documentaries
• Ad-free viewing experience
• Educational content for all ages
• Integration with library cards for easy access

Cons

• Limited access (requires library card or university affiliation)
• Smaller content library compared to mainstream services
• Monthly viewing limits imposed by some libraries

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 4/5
• Video quality: 5/5
• Ad frequency: 5/5 (ad-free)
• Device compatibility: 4/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 4/5
• Geographic restrictions: 3/5
• Registration: 3/5 (requires library card or university affiliation)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Many users rate Kanopy for its unique, quality content. Most also mention the lack of ads as a big advantage and the focus on educational, inspiring films. However, some users mention the limited number of views allowed per month via their institution or library. 

“While this is not perfect, for a free service app, it is pretty darn good. Better than many other video and movie services you might pay for!

Beyond that and how it feels to use it as a UI and its UX, the movie selection, for free, is often surprising and pretty darn good. Lots of classic foreign films and even some recent movies that you will know from awards shows of popular write-ups by critics.” – N. Hyland via Amazon.com

“Kanopy fills an important niche — foreign movies and documentaries that you’ll never see anywhere else are here for you to browse. The app is not the easiest to use. Navigation is a bit clunky. For example, you have to click on a movie to see the description. This forces you to click a lot more than you would if there was an easier way to see it.” – Athena via Amazon.com 

Price

Kanopy is free to use with a valid library card or university affiliation.

Where to find: Kanopy

Brollie

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Best Known for: Australian and Indie Films

The final free streaming site I reviewed is Brollie. This is a new player on the Australian streaming scene and it’s high quality. This platform focuses on world cinema and local content, and I found lots of hidden gems. 

Like many other streaming sites, this one supports up to 1080p and uses adaptive bitrate streaming. There are ads with this site as it uses SSAI for ad delivery. However, I appreciate the content recommendation engine as it helped me find programmes I would have otherwise missed. 

Features

This is one of the best websites to watch movies for free. However, it has a unique element because it focuses on Australian cinema in particular. I found many indie and classic films, along with curated collections. There is also a monthly film club as an interesting addition. 

The AI-driven recommendation system is excellent for finding new things. This platform also integrates with social media to discuss and share insights. Parents will enjoy the ability to implement parental controls and content ratings, and there are regular updates to keep content fresh. 

Pros

• Strong focus on Australian and indie films
• Curated collections for easy discovery
• Monthly film club with companion podcast
• Growing library of unique content

Cons

• Smaller overall library compared to established services
• Ad-supported model can be intrusive for some users
• Limited international content

Criteria Evaluation

• Content library: 3/5
• Video quality: 4/5
• Ad frequency: 3/5
• Device compatibility: 4/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Subtitles: 4/5
• Geographic restrictions: 4/5
• Registration: 3/5 (required)

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Although Brollie is a relatively new movie streaming site, it has gained a lot of positive reviews. Many users appreciate the focus on unique content, and the curated collections are also mentioned frequently. The monthly film club feature is another advantage many enjoy. However, some users feel the content library is limited compared to some other streaming sites. 

“Some pretty good content – much of it Australian (makes sense being Umbrella’s back catalogue) – and much of it some pretty good classic/cult Australian fare. Sadly no Chromecast app (yet) – but can Chromecast to the TV from a laptop/Android phone.” – Magnetik 79 via Reddit

“I would rather have the option to pay for not having ads.” – ChookBaron via Reddit 

Price

Brollie is free to use, supported by advertisements.

Where to find: Brollie

Notable Mentions

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While these seven free streaming sites are great quality, there are a few that also deserve a notable mention. 

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a great movie streaming site, particularly for anime series and movies. It has a free ad-supported section, and offers smooth streaming. 

Filmzie

While not as well-known as some other movie websites, it still packs a punch. Filmzie has a large selection of independent films, alongside interesting documentaries. 

Internet Archive

This isn’t a regular streaming site but it does have a large collection of TV shows and public domain films. It’s a great place to find something different. 

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

The NFSA offers free streaming of Australian films and historical footage. It’s a great place to learn about history and ideal for families. 

FAQ

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Are these streaming services really free?

Yes, all the streaming sites I’ve reviewed in this guide are free to use. However, many of them are ad-supported, which means you’ll need to watch advertisements. This is one way these streaming platforms can afford to provide free movies and TV shows to the public. 

Do I need a VPN to access these streaming services?

While watching in Australia, a VPN isn’t necessary. However, a VPN is a useful additional privacy measure when travelling. 

However, it’s important to remember that using a VPN to access geo-restricted content may break the terms of service of some platforms, so do so at your own risk. Check out our article on the best VPN for streaming. Additionally, we also have resources on the best VPN for torrenting. 

What devices can I use to watch these free streaming services?

Most free streaming services are available on most devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and some even on streaming devices like Chromecast or Apple TV. However, it’s important to check availability across platforms. 

How does the video quality compare to paid streaming services?

Video quality on free streaming services varies, but most now have HD options. Quality usually varies between 720p to 1080p full HD, however this also depends on the device. Ultimately, paid services usually give better quality, but free services aren’t too far behind. 

Are these streaming services safe to use?

The free streaming sites I’ve reviewed in this guide are generally safe to use. Reputable companies all operate these. However, it’s important to be mindful of security and privacy. Always think twice about the information you share when creating accounts. You could also consider using a VPN for extra protection. 

Final Thoughts

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I spent many hours reviewing and enjoying these movie streaming sites and I’ve found some new favourite shows and films. Ultimately, there are no bad choices here; each streaming site has its pros and cons. It’s important to weigh them up and find the platform that suits your viewing needs. 

My advice is to combine several free streaming sites so you have a go-to collection whenever you want to watch something. Don’t overlook niche sites too; options like Kanopy are excellent for high-quality unique viewing. Also keep an eye on Brollie. This is an emerging site and their catalogue is sure to grow. 

It’s important to remember that free sites generally have ads; this isn’t the case for all, but most. This is the trade-off for free access. It’s a good idea to consider using a VPN for added privacy when streaming online and to potentially access geo-restricted content. However, do check the terms and conditions of the platform first. Our resources on the best VPNs for Australia will help you. 

While it’s true that these free streaming services are excellent quality, they may not completely replace paid subscription services for everyone. However, they offer a great addition to your entertainment options and keep costs low. At Privacy Australia, we aim to help users stay secure online. We offer guidance on safe browsing, VPN reviews, and help guide you in protecting your personal data in an increasingly digital world. Stay safe and enjoy your time on these free streaming services!

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