Intro, Price and Devices
Updated: The devices for Presto and Netflix, Stan and Netflix shows, Netflix movies and the verdict for Presto and Netflix.
Netflix may be the leading internet TV service in the US, but the streaming giant is set to face a lot more stiff competition when it launches down under, and not just from incumbent Quickflix either.
Information about the exact launch date of Netflix in Australia, and the content it will have the rights to show when it launches is still to be confirmed.
But with the official launch of Stan on Australia Day this year, and the release of the Presto TV entertainment package only a week or so before that, most of the active players are already polishing their products and making changes.
We will update this comparison as further device connectivity and new content deals are rolled out. In the meantime, this is TechRadar's best guess at how each of these subscription streaming services stack up, and which ones you should be keeping an eye on in 2015.
Price
Stan
StreamCo's streaming service with an awkwardly weird name is confirmed to cost $10 per month with a 30-day free trial.
Presto
Foxtel's Netflix rival comes in a few flavours. $14.99 per month with a 30-day free trial will get you both movies and TV content, although you can also choose between the Movie pack or TV pack for $9.99 each.
Quickflix
Australia's oldest surviving SVOD service starts at $9.99 with a 14-day free trial. The streaming service can be packaged with a DVD delivery service for $19.99, or the DVD service alone is available for $12.99. Quickflix also has a premium service where purchase new release titles can be purchased individually as pay-per-view.
Netflix
The Australian launch price is rumoured to be $9.99, though not officially confirmed. As a point of comparison, US users who signed up before 9 May 2014 pay US$7.99 per month, while anyone subscribing after that pays US$8.99. Netflix also has an option for 4K subscribers at US$11.99.
Devices
Stan
StreamCo's service is accessed via iOS and Android apps. Android users can then view content on their TV via the Chromecast dongle, while Apple AirPlay enables iOS enthusiasts to stream content to their Apple TV.
On a Mac, the service can be accessed via Safari or Firefox, but it is not compatible with Google Chrome at this point in time.
Firefox, Chrome and some iterations of Internet Explorer are compatible with Stan on various Windows operating systems.
Users can link up to six devices to any one account, and once this is full, swap over one device each month. There are no stand alone applications available on TVs or consoles just yet, although there are plans to launch these at a later date.
Presto
Presto recently released apps for smartphones including, iOS devices (later than the iPhone 5) and selected Android devices from Samsung (HTC, LG, Sony and ZTE). These smartphone apps can stream to your TV via Chromecast in the same way as the existing apps for iPads and selected Android tablets, which have been available since Presto's launch.
It is also possible to use your computer's AirPlay externally, to cast from your Mac to an Apple TV but this option is not optimised for Presto. There is a Presto Anytime app for your iPad, but you can't use that to Airplay content to your Apple TV.
Presto sets a limit of four devices per account. After that you can again only change one device per month, although you can use 2 devices on each account to stream different programs simultaneously.
Unless you plan on using just your computer to watch films, Presto is likely to be the most restricted in terms of usability, but if you're worried about exceeding your data allowance, Presto has announced that Foxtel Broadband subscribers will receive no data limit when streaming Presto's content.
Quickflix
Available directly through Samsung, Panasonic, LG and Sony smart TVs, Quickflix is also compatible with PS4, Xbox One, PS3, and Xbox 360.
It's also available on a range of smartphones and tablets including iOS, both Google and Samsung Androids, Kindle Fire and Windows phone. As well as Chromecast, Quickflix can be connected through media devices such as TiVo, HUMAX, Kobo and Oppo.
As Quickflix has been available in Australia for some time now, it's not surprising that this service has the most comprehensive device accessibility.
Netflix
The US heavyweight has not released information on exactly which devices will be compatible at launch, but has stated that the list will include smart TVs, tablets and smartphones, computers and a range of game consoles and set-top boxes.
With over 1,000 different internet-connected devices supported in the US, Netflix's connectivity is likely to be more comprehensive than any of its competitors.
The company has also hinted that there is no reason why the full spectrum of compatible devices wouldn't be available from release in Australia. If that's the case you're likely to see apps appear on your Apple TV, consoles and smart televisions at launch.
Netflix has also teamed up with Australia's second largest pay TV service Fetch TV. Neither Stan nor Presto have apps available on a device that is directly plugged into your television, cutting a whole step of relaying video via WI-FI and speeding up the stream significantly.
The Fetch TV app not only adds another new option for accessibility but also puts Netflix in front of the hundreds of thousand of Australians currently subscribe to Fetch. Though there is no word on it yet, this deal could also open the possibility of unmetered access to Netflix, through deals with ISPs that offer Fetch TV subscriptions.
Kid's Programs and TV Content
Kid's Programs
Stan
Stan's core children's programming comes from deals with the ABC and Viacom, the latter of which has the rights to the Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels.
Some of Viacom's kids programs include the hit shows Avatar: The Last Airbender; Octonauts, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan, Bubble Guppies, and popular live-action shows like iCarly, VICTORiOUS, and Drake & Josh.
Stan also offers a decent collection of ABC favourites like The Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Guess How Much I Love You and Justine Clarke, as well as overseas titles like Octonauts, Angelina Ballerina, Bob the Builder, Thomas and Friends, Fireman Sam, Sesame Street and Mister Maker.
The BBC also gives Stan access to the show Charlie and Lola and documentaries from David Attenborough. Stan has great TV content for kids, but doesn't offer the Disney movie titles that will be available on Netflix and Presto.
Presto
The Seven and Foxtel venture also has a content deal with Viacom, so it shares recognisable children's titles including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Deals with other big children's program distributors Saban, DHX Media and Hasbro Studios add an extensive range of shows that are suitable for the whole family. Classic Disney films like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Toy Story and Tarzan are also present, complementing the newer family hits like Frozen, Ice age 2, UP, and A Night At the Museum.
Quickflix
Quickflix has a decent collection of children's films, though most of them are older titles. There are a few contemporary children's programs from the ABC and the BBC thrown in as well, but in terms of TV, Quickflix isn't thorough.
Paddington Bear, Sesame St and '90s Australian young adult favourite Around The Twist are the type of programs that define the Quickflix offering. There are some great movies included but on the whole there is less new content for kids to engage with than the other services we sampled.
Netflix
Netflix had the movie premiere of DreamWorks Animation's The Adventures of Puss in Boots in January for its more established streaming regions around the world, and hints that it intends to maintain its reputation for a solid level of kids content in Australia when it launches sometime in March.
Netflix has announced deals with Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm for the distribution of children's titles in Australia. The US store even has specific settings so children can browse content by themselves without accidentally bumping into something inappropriate.
Shows
Stan
Stan's content lineup features the fruits of deals with Sony Pictures Television, CBS (includes SHOWTIME), MGM, BBC, ABC, Viacom, and SBS and World Movies making its TV offering one of the most robust of the three live services.
Following in the footsteps of Netflix, Stan has announced that it is working on original locally-produced content including a six part TV series based on the film Wolf Creek and a mini-series called Enemies of the State. New shows like Gallipoli and a solid range of Aussie films combine to show the local streaming service's commitment to quality Australian content.
Mozart in the Jungle, Transparent and Better Call Saul are new and acclaimed TV titles that will be exclusive to Stan for the entire life of each series. There's also a good mix of popular and up-and-coming shows available on the service.
Presto
Presto brokered a deal with HBO for its launch in 2015, which includes access to 13 popular premium shows. The latest seasons of Boardwalk Empire (currently only pay-per-view on Quickflix) will be exclusive to the Presto service.
Presto has also confirmed a deal with Showtime giving subscribers access to shows like Dexter, Californication, Deadwood and Ray Donovan. This content is complemented by selected shows from Seven West Media and Foxtel making Presto's selection decent, but still comparatively slim on its range, and with notably less exclusives.
Quickflix
Quickflix currently has back catalogues of HBO shows like True Blood, Entourage, The Sopranos, and The Wire available on its subscription service.
There are also BBC titles like Sherlock, Little Britain, Faulty Towers, The Office and Torchwood, SBS titles like The Killing and Wilfred, and a huge range of films available on the $9.99 per month plan.
Netflix
Netflix has a large catalogue in the US but the rights to show those programs in Australia will have to be renegotiated for the Australian Netflix content lineup.
Netflix recently had a major win negotiating the Australian rights to its flagship original title: House of Cards, resecuring the title from Foxtel.
The company has also shifted its focus to a global content acquisition strategy, which will allow it to avoid negotiating local distribution rights in the future. This means that, over time, the Netflix content available in each country will begin to converge.
So far, Netflix has announced shows including Marco Polo, Bloodline, Marvel's Daredevil, BoJack Horseman, Virunga, Mission Blue, and Uganda Be Kidding Me.
A recent deal with Beyond Distribution also will bring local stand-up comedy from Carl Barron, Arj Barker, Kitty Flanagan, Jimeoin and the Umbilical Brothers to the service. We expect more content announcements in the coming weeks, but Netflix already has a solid offering and any doubts about its ability to negotiate content before March is quickly disappearing.
Movies, Quality and Verdict
Movies
Stan
Stan's recent Roadshow Entertainment deal secured some desirable titles that are available immediately including The LEGO Movie, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The Wolf of Wall Street, Edge of Tomorrow, The Inbetweeners 2, A Walk Among the Tombstones, John Wick, The Judge, and Australian films Wolf Creek 2 and Felony.
The Imitation Game, the comedy St. Vincent, and Golden Globe winning biopic Big Eyes will also be available later in the year.
Stan already had a competitive lineup of titles from its MGM deal, that will see titles like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, 21 Jump Street and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo appearing.
MGM will also contribute a number of classic films like When Harry Met Sally, The Silence of the Lambs, West Side Story and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Stan also has content from SBS World Movies including films from over 45 countries in more than 70 languages and big Australian titles like Animal Kingdom.
Presto
Presto's movie service precedes the new Entertainment package and has already accumulated a decent collection of movies.
Since the start of 2015, Presto has given its customers access to new titles such as Captain America: Winter Soldier, Thor the Dark World, American Gangster, Philomena and Layer Cake. The movie selection is decent, but it should be when you consider that it's the same price as the other services combined.
Quickflix
Quickflix offers a somewhat eclectic mix of films. Because there's a pay-per-view movie streaming option on Quickflix, the newest home rental titles are placed there first, meaning what ends up in the subscription movie basket is either good but old or seems as though it's scraping the barrel in terms of quality.
Because it boasts a tonne of films, this service is more suited to movie buffs looking for a comprehensive back catalogue rather than access to the very latest releases.
Netflix
Netflix also has a deal with Roadshow Entertainment, meaning it will share a number of movie titles with Stan, including; The Lord of the Rings, Oceans Eleven and The Matrix trilogies.
So far, the titles available in March will include Marvel''s Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as Disney's Saving Mr. Banks.
Quality
Stan
Stan gives you the option of using its automated bit-rate adaption technology to peg the display quality to the speed of your internet connection. Alternatively you can choose to watch titles in HD, and SD if you're watching on portable devices.
Preto
Presto only offers SD streaming, making it the lowest of the four in the image quality stakes.
Quickflix
Quickflix offers standard definition videos with HD options on selected titles.
Netflix
Netflix has said that it will offer HD options across the board, and even 4K where available. Netflix will also have an automatic setting that will optimise picture quality according to internet speed. Unlike Stan though, the Netflix display won't have to re-buffer at the new image quality and so there is no lag when changing definition.
Verdict
Stan
If you are already subscribed to the Apple ecosystem with an Apple TV and an iPhone, iPad or Mac, then it would be hard not to give Stan the strongest recommendation.
Its compatibility with Apple products makes it easy to use and the service offers a good selection of titles from new releases to classics in both film and TV.
Stan's design is focused on providing a solid movie and TV subscription streaming service that can be complemented by Apple TV's pay-per-view online movie store.
This may change when Netflix releases in March but the service overall is in line with what we expect from streaming services overseas and makes for the most desirable new product in Australia.
Presto
Presto has a great movie selection and the buffering on the systems work well, but it's hard to really experience the prestige of the titles on your television when you can only watch content in SD.
While Presto also has a number of noteworthy TV shows, it's considerably more expensive than Stan.
Overall the TV catalogue seems slightly less extensive, with fewer exclusives and a number of partial shows offerings. Though Presto's recent release of apps for smartphones makes the platform more versatile, the only way to stream to the Television is through Chromecast.
Presto offers a decent range of content at a price that many Australians would find surprisingly inexpensive, but it's still some way off the value offered by Stan and is likely to feel glitchy and fickle once Netflix launches in March.
Quickflix
If you are not an Apple subscriber, then Quickflix is a good option. It has a decent selection of TV shows available, and there are apps for a wide range of devices.
The premium service means that if you really want to watch a particular show then you'll have the option. Furthermore, if you're the organised type and don't mind the effort, forward planning and extra monthly cost required to have DVDs mailed to you, then you can actually save a decent amount of money on highly desirable shows like the Game of Thrones series.
Purely in terms of its subscription streaming, Quickflix's TV selection is only slightly outweighed by Presto's but it's less impressive on the movie front. If you don't have access to online movie purchases through another client, it's probably worth paying the extra five bucks for Presto's better movie and slightly better TV selection.
Netflix
Netflix will be the dark horse in this race, and the impending release in March means there should be some exciting announcements over the next month.
If the US service is any indication, we are expecting it to be aiming for the top of the pile, trumping Stan with original content, 4K streaming and a bigger overall catalogue.
Stan has been working on original, locally-produced content for some time, and has said that it's keeping an eye on the feasibility of 4K in Australia.
It has also been reported that Stan is on track to exceed sign up expectations, with over 100,000 new customers by mid March. So Netflix will have some decent competition and there is still when it muscles into the new market in March.
Netflix's House of Cards sits at the top of a decent pile of announced content and there's plenty of time for more to be announced.
We expect that the most dramatic advantage for Netflix will be its superior streaming technology, the years of experience delivering subscription television in a diverse range of countries will have allowed the company time to iron out glitches and deliver a consistent service.
What is clear about Stan and Presto is that they are having some teething problems with the technology that delivers internet video on demand.
Whether it be progress bars that don't disappear once the show is underway or that you have to wait for shows to rebuffer when the display quality changes, Stan and Presto both have their fair share of technical difficulties that are irritating, but also inevitable for new ventures.
Netflix on the other hand has had years to perfect this technology, which will quickly and dramatically change what consumers expect for subscription on-demand services.
That said, it's worth some private investigation into the content of each service, as personal preference of shows is likely to be the determining factor. Stay tuned for updates on Netflix as they happen.
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