Top 5 Best Free Video Streaming Services for 2026 (Australia)
Streaming in Australia has reached a turning point. Subscription prices continue to rise, content is scattered across multiple paid platforms, and many viewers are asking a simple question: how much streaming do I really need to pay for?
The answer in 2026 is clear. Free video streaming services in Australia are stronger than ever. Between public broadcasters and ad-supported platforms, Australians can watch thousands of hours of quality TV, movies, news, and documentaries without paying a monthly fee.
 |
| The free video streaming in Australia is no longer a compromise |
1. ABC iview – Best Overall Free Streaming Service
Website: https://iview.abc.net.au
For Australian viewers, ABC iview remains the gold standard for free streaming.
Funded by the Australian Government and free from advertising, ABC iview offers an experience that feels genuinely premium. In 2026, the platform continues to shine with Australian drama, comedy, documentaries, children’s programming, and trusted news coverage.
Live ABC channels are available alongside on-demand box sets, and the streaming quality is consistently reliable across smart TVs, mobiles, tablets, and streaming devices.
Best for: viewers who want high-quality Australian content with no ads.
2. SBS On Demand – Best for International and Cultural Content
Website: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand
SBS On Demand is one of Australia’s most underrated free streaming services.
SBS On Demand focuses on international films, foreign-language TV series, documentaries, and multicultural programming. In 2026, its catalogue includes acclaimed European dramas, Asian cinema, world documentaries, and exclusive SBS originals.
Ads are present, but they’re generally lighter than commercial TV, and the content is often unavailable anywhere else.
Best for: viewers who enjoy international series, subtitled content, and documentaries.
3. 7plus – Best for Mainstream Free-to-Air TV
Website: https://7plus.com.au
7plus is a major player in Australia’s free streaming space.
7plus combines live Seven Network channels with catch-up TV, box sets, sports highlights, and reality programming. The catalogue leans heavily toward mainstream entertainment, lifestyle shows, and popular dramas.
While ads are frequent, the platform is updated constantly and works well for everyday viewing.
Best for: fans of commercial TV, reality shows, and free-to-air favourites.
4. 9Now – Best for Reality TV, News, and Sport Highlights
Website: https://www.9now.com.au
9Now continues to be one of the most-used free streaming services in Australia.
In 2026, 9Now offers live Channel 9 broadcasts, catch-up TV, reality series, lifestyle programming, and news content. Sports coverage varies by rights, but highlights and major events remain a strong draw.
The interface is straightforward, and the app is widely supported across devices.
Best for: viewers who watch reality TV, Australian news, and Nine Network content.
5. 10 Play – Best Simple Catch-Up Streaming
Website: https://10play.com.au
Rounding out the list is 10 Play, the on-demand service from Network 10.
10 Play focuses on catch-up TV, entertainment shows, reality series, and comedy. It’s easy to use, quick to load, and well suited to viewers who want simple access to recent episodes without extra features.
While the content library isn’t as deep as ABC iview or SBS On Demand, it’s a solid free option for casual viewing.
Best for: straightforward catch-up TV and entertainment.
How to Choose the Best Free Streaming Services in Australia
The right free streaming setup depends on what you watch most:
-
Want ad-free, high-quality Australian content? ABC iview
-
Love international series and documentaries? SBS On Demand
-
Watch a lot of commercial TV? 7plus or 9Now
-
Want easy catch-up viewing? 10 Play
Most Australian households use two or three free services together rather than relying on just one.
Are Free Streaming Services Enough in 2026?
For many Australians, yes. Free streaming now covers:
-
Daily TV viewing
-
Australian drama and comedy
-
News and current affairs
-
Documentaries and lifestyle shows
Paid services like Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+ still matter for exclusive global content, but fewer people need more than one subscription at a time.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, free video streaming in Australia is no longer a compromise. With services like ABC iview and SBS On Demand, viewers can enjoy high-quality content without monthly fees or long-term commitments.
If you’re looking to cut costs, reduce subscriptions, or simply make smarter streaming choices, these five free platforms are the best place to start.
 How to Watch the MLB World Series Games Online For Free: A Comprehensive Guide From paid subscriptions to free online options, let’s explore the variety of ways you can catch the action of 2024 MLB World Series, and whether ... |
 8 Free Ways and 10 Free Sites to Watch NBA Basketball from Anywhere (Legally) Watching NBA basketball can be a thrilling experience, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In this guide, we’ll explore eight free methods to ... |
 Top 8 Free Websites and Platforms to Watch NFL Games (Legally) Find out the best free options to watch NFL games without breaking the bank. From official free trials to community-shared resources, here are some ways ... |
 15 Best FREE Apps to Watch English Premier League on PC and Mobile Are you looking for the best free apps to watch live Premier League matches on your phone? Don't look any farther! Check out the best ... |
