How much would it cost to access every streaming service in Australia?
I'm going to need a lot more paying subscribers here if they keep launching streaming services.
On the same day it shut down a trio of game studios, Warner Bros discovery this week announced it was launching its premium video on demand streaming service Max into Australia.
This move, while long anticipated, delivers a significant blow to Foxtel. Australia's legacy Pay TV service will no longer have exclusive rights to HBO's coveted content. A token offer of an ad-supported Max subscription for Foxtel users does little to soften the reality that Foxtel (and Binge) will undoubtedly lose a lot of customers to Max's launch.
But the real loser will be your wallet. As streaming services continue to jack up prices, and lock down their platforms (not to mention the fracturing of content availability), things are only going to get harder for everyday Australians.
How hard? It obviously depends on what you want to watch, but I was curious: what would it cost a humble Australian like myself to have access to everything?
So I worked it out. I created a spreadsheet listing out every dedicated streaming service like Netflix and their different plans; smaller channel options on other platforms like Lionsgate+ on Prime Video or Shudder on Apple TV; and everything in between.
The numbers blew me away. To have everything, you'd pay a casual $437.39 per month for the cheapest available offerings. This includes ads on some services and HD streaming rather than 4K.
If quality is King and you opt for the premium version of a plan where it's available, then you would be looking at an absurd $579.38. Every month!
And of course, this doesn't factor in the imminent arrival of Max.
The data surely isn't perfect. I'm sure there are a number of services I missed, or deals I didn't factor in.
But it's just a stark reminder that streaming is no longer the solution to our entertainment needs. It's too fractured, too full of crappy filler content, and too expensive.
We need a better solution.
Update your newsletter preferences
Personalise your BTTR experience! We've added two new newsletters. Click here to update your settings and get the content that matters to you.
This week's tech news
Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall
This week's reviews
Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall
Ask me anything!
Your chance to be featured! I've opened up a new "Ask Me Anything" section. Get your tech questions or opinions in by next Wednesday for a chance to be included in next week's newsletter. Existing members, I'm especially eager to hear from you! Don't miss out, ask your question today!
Thanks for reading
You've reached the end of the free preview! Want the full tech scoop? Upgrade to BTTR Premium from just $10/month and unlock:
- Curated tech news with my expert commentary.
- Sneak peeks of upcoming product reviews.
- Ad-free website access, supporting independent Australian media.
Don't miss out!
Upgrade now and get the complete BTTR experience. Plus, I'm always eager to hear your thoughts – what tech topics should I cover next? Let me know!
Until next week,
– Nick @ BTTR
