How to watch Netflix on your TV

The way we watch TV is changing: for many, streaming services such as Netflix, Stan, and Foxtel Now are becoming our go-to way to enjoy media. 

A smart TV is the easiest way to get Netflix on the big screen - most new televisions come with Netflix preinstalled, and some even have a Netflix button on the remote. If you don't have a smart TV or if you're looking for another streaming service, you'll need to consider picking up what we'll call a "streaming device". 

Streaming devices tend to be boxes, pucks, or sticks that connect to your TV (typically, over HDMI) and to the internet (using your home Wi-Fi). Once your streaming device is connected, you'll be able to access Netflix et al. While almost every single streaming device on the Australian market has support for Netflix, this isn't the case for other services. 

To start, here is a quick overview of which devices are compatible with the major streaming and catch-up TV services available in Australia. 

Streaming Device Compatibility

Apple TV (2015+)

*

Telstra TV 3

Fetch TV

Foxtel Now Box

Chromecast

**

Amazon Fire TV

PlayStation 4

PlayStation 3

Xbox One

Xbox 360

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* Foxtel Now is only available through Airplay, and not as a standalone app.

** Foxtel Now is streamed through the Foxtel GO app.

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Streaming Device Compatibility

Apple TV (2015+)			*
Telstra TV 3
Fetch TV
Foxtel Now Box
Chromecast
Amazon Fire TV
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 3
Xbox One
Xbox 360

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* Foxtel Now is only available through Airplay, and not as a standalone app

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Below is a more in depth look about the devices you can use to get your favourite streaming services on your TV, how they work and how much they can cost. After all, no one should have to miss out on the latest season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. (Tina Fey is a saint.)

Telstra TV 2

Telstra TV 2 is Telstra's latest take on a streaming box, and it's a pretty comprehensive solution: the only major service you can't access is Amazon Prime Video. 

In addition to streaming video and catch-up TV, you can plug an aerial into your Telstra TV 2 for live TV without the need to change input on your television. 

Telstra TV 2 is exclusively available to Telstra broadband customers. You can grab it for $192 outright, or as a free inclusion on select broadband plans. These are as follows:

Broadband Plans

With at least 50GB data | Filters

	Plan	Inclusions	Price
Telstra	Telstra TV + Unlimited Data	Telstra TV + Unlimited Data Unlimited Data ADSL2+ Connection Contract (24 mths) Deal: Bonus 3 months BINGE Standard + 20,000 bonus Telstra Points + No $99 connection fee when you sign up online $99/mth Min. cost $2,376	$99/mth Min. cost $2,376	Go

View Full Results ~ Last Updated 24 Feb 2021

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You can read our review of the Telstra TV 2 here.

Fetch TV

Fetch TV is a predominantly pay TV service that offers access to premium TV channels, but the prerequisite set-top box can also access apps like Netflix and Stan. 

A Fetch TV set-top box costs $149 outright for the basic model or $399 for the premium model with PVR functionality. Given the higher cost, a Fetch TV set-top box is a better choice for those also interested in Fetch's subscription television service. 

Providers such as Optus, iiNet, and Dodo do however have plans that bundle a Fetch TV in with your contract: 

Apple TV

Apple TV is an easy to use streaming box with comprehensive support for almost every Australian catch-up and streaming service, and then some. 

It also hooks into iTunes, making it a great way to rent new release movies (in quality as high as 4K) or buy TV shows that haven't made their way to streaming services yet. 

Apple TV starts at $209 for the 2015 model, but we'd recommend grabbing the newfangled Apple TV 4K for $249, as it's a bit more futureproof. You'll need to drop a little extra dosh on a HDMI cable (if you don't have a spare), as Apple doesn't include one in the box. 

Read our review of the Apple TV 4K here.

Google Chromecast

Chromecast is the most unique streaming solution on this list. Rather than directly running apps like Netflix and Stan, you use your iPhone, iPad, or Android device to beam content to your Chromecast. Your phone or tablet essentially work as the remote. 

If you're in an app that's Chromecast compatible - Netflix, for example - a Chromecast icon will show up on your phone, provided it's on the same network. Tapping this icon will make the show or movie you're after play on your TV. 

Your Chromecast will access what you want to watch directly from the service in question, so you'll be able to use your phone for something else while you're streaming. 

If your TV or internet connection doesn't support 4K, you can get a standard Chromecast for $59. If you want to watch 4K, you can pick up a Chromecast Ultra for $99. 

Read our review of the Chromecast Ultra here.

A PlayStation or Xbox 

If you already own a gaming console, there's a good chance you can watch Netflix on it. The PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 are all supported. Notably, the Nintendo Switch currently does haven't access to any streaming apps in Australia.

If you're after other major streaming services, Stan is available on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and Foxtel Now is currently only available on PlayStation 4.

Consoles tend to cost between $300 and $600, so we'd only recommend using a console for streaming if you already own one, or if you're also looking at one for gaming.

A Blu-Ray Player

The latest Blu-Ray players from Sony, LG and Samsung almost act like smart TVs and provide similar "smart functionality". 

Once connected to your home Wi-Fi, many can access apps like Netflix and Stan. 

Not all Blu-Ray players are able to run streaming apps, so many your you triple check before buying one if this is an essential feature. 

New Blu-Ray players start at around $100, but you might need to spend a little more.

A laptop and a HDMI cable

If you own a laptop, then plugging it into your TV is a super simple option for getting big screen Netflix.

In most cases, all you'll need is a HDMI cable. If you don't have a spare floating around, you're looking at less than $20. Plug the your laptop into the TV using the cord, open up your service of choice in your web browser, and start streaming.

If your laptop doesn't have a HDMI port - if you own one of the newer MacBooks, for example - you may need an adapter or a different kind of cable if you want to go down this route.

All of this applies to desktop PCs too, but moving your PC next to your TV might be more hassle than it's worth. Of course, if you have an old computer sitting around, you can always turn it into a dedicated media PC.