Netflix VS Stan VS Presto VS QuickFlix
Australia is “streaming” with online viewing possibilities. If it is entertainment that you want, then you have a couple of options before you.
In this article, we will be discussing the four streaming services that you can choose from. We will provide you with a comprehensive information so you can choose the type of streaming that can meet your specific viewing preferences.
NETFLIX – The Global Online Streaming Phenomenon
Netflix, the global household name, has landed in Australia to provide high-quality online streaming that can run on just about any device you can think of.
Netflix rightfully dubbed a “global phenomenon,” lives up to its reputation. You can watch just about anything, from TV shows, movies, reality show, and even documentaries. It is hard to gauge how many shows are in their library because it is constantly changing – but it is estimated to be in the thousands. There are even local channels available so you can enjoy a couple of Australian shows.
Probably the best thing about Netflix is its compatibility. You can watch it on any device available. Whether you have a PS3, Xbox, Mac, PC, mobile or tablet, you can use Netflix to fulfil your entertainment needs. As long as it has a screen and you have a stable Internet connection, it is possible for you to watch through this portal. It can support all major web browsers. You can even use a VPN service (e.g. ExpressVPN) so you can tap into the bigger Netflix USA or the International Netflix content. Imagine being able to watch any show on a global scale? This is what gives this streaming company a significant edge in the market.
The Netflix interface is also very easy to use. They tried to use a similar one across all platforms to unify the viewing experience of all users. Programs and shows are horizontally displayed and according to a category. You can see the recently watched shows right at the top – which makes it easy to find the show that you want to view. It also gives you suggestions based on what is popular and your personal viewing patterns. Since the people in your home have different viewing preferences, Netflix allows multiple profiles so you and your kids get to have your own suggestions and viewing preferences saved.
Netflix offers three different plans.
● Standard Definition Plan allows you to enjoy streaming on one device for $8.99 AU per month.
● High Definition Plan allows you to enjoy simultaneous streaming on two devices for $11.99 AU per month.
● Ultra High Definition and High Definition Plan allows you to enjoy simultaneous streaming on two or more devices for $14.99 AU per month. This is the best plan for big screen TVs.
With the high compatibility, competitive pricing and huge library of shows, it is hard to find something wrong with Netflix. It requires simple steps to access the huge library of videos – you just have to sign in. They offer a 1-month free trial so you can experience all of these.
Stan – Thousands of Hours of Viewing Pleasure
Stan offers a simple plan that seems to provide everything that will satisfy your viewing needs: a huge library of shows, compatibility, and value for money.
Thousands of hours of viewing – that is what Stan promises its clientele. This online streaming company offers thousands of TV shows and movies. In fact, they hold an exclusive deal with the US network Showtime so you can benefit from seeing first-run shows. If that is not good enough, they also have key deals with Sony. Stan even has some original shows that you can only watch through their site. Even your kids will never grow tired of the huge library of kid-friendly shows and movies.
In terms of compatibility, most of the recent iOS and Android devices are compatible with Stan. It also supports major web browsers – as long as they have the latest version. It can be played through Sony Android, Samsung, LG Smart TVs and various game consoles ( PS3, PS4, XBox One).
The ease of use is another great quality of Stan. Browsing is easy because TV shows and movies are categorised. When you select a show, it automatically plays so you can switch shows with ease. Sometimes, these little details make the viewing experience all the more enjoyable. However, you do need at least 3 Mbps for SD or 8 Mbps for HD if you want to heighten the quality of the shows you are watching.
Stan only offers one plan: a $10 AU a month that allows three devices to enjoy simultaneous TV or movie viewing. This seems like a great bargain to access their huge library of entertainment content. You can sign in to access their videos in a matter of seconds. Just like NetFlix, you can enjoy a free one month trial to test if this is the type of online viewing experience that you prefer.
Presto – Endless TV and Movie Entertainment
Presto provides endless entertainment hours and easy access to on-demand content at very affordable prices.
Presto, one of the companies of Foxtel, gives you access to thousands of TV and movie shows that are constantly changing – depending on what is popular or recently released. They offer a wide range of old and new shows – which could give you endless entertainment hours. They regularly add to the video titles – ending up with a diverse library of TV and movie shows. They even have full seasons of popular TV shows from HBO, Showtime, and USA Network. While it may seem like the selections are endless, it is quite obvious that it is not as extensive as Netflix or the other streaming companies.
When it comes to compatibility, Presto does not provide the best in the market. The best way to watch is on your TV via a Smart TV app – which gives you limited choices among the latest releases of Samsung, Sony Bravia, and LG. You can also watch through PlayStation 3 and 4, Telstra TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Nexus Player, and Telstra T-Box. You can use AirPlay and Chromecast to send Presto videos to bigger screens.
The interface of Presto is also easy to use – you just have to provide basic details about yourself to sign up. The Movie and TV selections can be viewed through a drop down feature. The videos are categorised by genre, recently added, trending now and the picks of their team. The search tool is accessible regardless of the page you are in. The HD feature of their videos are not at par with Netflix or Stan, but they seem to be working on this improvement.
Presto offers three different plans that all enjoy a no-contract subscription – allowing you to switch between plans. You only have to pay $9.99 AU a month to access their TV or Movie selections separately. If you want to access both, you need to pay $14.99 AU a month. You can view Presto on six compatible devices while allowing you to view through 3 devices simultaneously. Compared to the first two, Presto leaves a lot of room for improvement – even with their competitive rates and plans.
QuickFlix – Watching TVs or Movies On Your Terms
QuickFlix is the first streaming service in Australia – offering high-quality viewing experience according to your personal preferences.
As the pioneer of online streaming in Australia, QuickFlix had been in the industry since 2011. Since it used to be partly owned by HBO, its library of videos includes a lot of HBO original drama series. All of them are still available in the huge library of TV shows and movies – all of which are growing continually. Some of the older shows are not offered in HD, but if you have a fast Internet connection, you can still enjoy the shows.
If there is one company who can match the compatibility of Netflix, it is QuickFlix. Smart TVs, smartphones, PCs, game consoles, and connected devices (Chromecast), all of these can support a QuickFlix viewing experience. You can also use an app so you can use it on a Kindle Fire ebook reader.
As an interface, it is not as impressive as the other streaming companies, specifically Netflix, but you can see almost everything on one screen. That makes navigation very easy and convenient too. You can choose to browse the entire library or narrow it down by genre. You can even see if the video is in HD or not. A great feature by QuickFlix is that the HD streams are possible at a lower bitrate compared to the other online streaming providers.
Probably the best thing about QuickFlix is their plan flexibility. You have three options:
● Subscription Streaming allows you to stream as needed – starts at $9,99 AU a month.
● Premium Streaming allows you to either rent movies or own TV shows – which is great for repeat watching – starts at $2.99 AU a month for TV; $5.99 AU a month for movies.
● DVD and Blu-ray Subscription allows you to get a physical copy of videos from their extensive library – starting at $12.99 a month.
Remember that the more premium items you want, the more expensive it can be. Of course, there is a $9.99 all-you-can-view streaming service – but you still have the option to customise your streaming plan. Although it can be expensive, the flexibility of plans means QuickFlix offers a more personalised experience for viewers. You can try their free trial to get a feel of the plan that suits your viewing requirements.