Subscription services have become a big part of life in Australia, offering convenience and access to entertainment, food, and even daily essentials. But with so many options available, which ones are actually worth it? Here’s a breakdown of the most common subscriptions in Australia and whether they provide good value for money.

1. Streaming Services

Streaming services dominate the subscription market in Australia, providing entertainment across various genres and preferences.

Netflix

✅ Extensive library of movies and TV shows
✅ Original Australian and international content
💰 Plans range from $10.99 to $22.99 per month
Verdict: Great for binge-watchers, but rising costs make it less appealing compared to competitors.

Stan

✅ Strong collection of Australian and international content
✅ Exclusive deals with Showtime, BBC, and more
💰 Plans start from $12 per month
Verdict: A solid alternative to Netflix, especially for Australian content lovers.

Disney+

✅ Huge library of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic
✅ Affordable at $13.99 per month
Verdict: A must-have for families and fans of Disney franchises.

Amazon Prime Video

✅ Free with Amazon Prime membership ($9.99/month)
✅ Includes free shipping on Amazon orders
Verdict: Great value, especially if you shop on Amazon frequently.

2. Music & Podcast Subscriptions

Spotify

✅ Vast music and podcast library
✅ Free version available with ads
💰 Premium starts at $12.99 per month
Verdict: Worth it for music lovers who want an ad-free experience.

Apple Music

✅ High-quality audio with spatial sound
✅ Seamless integration with Apple devices
💰 $12.99 per month
Verdict: Best for Apple users, but not much different from Spotify.

3. Food & Grocery Subscriptions

HelloFresh

✅ Fresh ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes
✅ Helps reduce food waste
💰 Plans start at around $70 per week for two people
Verdict: Good for busy people who want to cook without meal planning.

Marley Spoon

✅ Premium ingredients and chef-designed recipes
✅ Flexible subscription options
💰 Prices similar to HelloFresh
Verdict: Great variety, but not the cheapest option.

Woolworths & Coles Delivery Pass

✅ Unlimited grocery delivery for a monthly fee
✅ Saves time on supermarket trips
💰 Around $15 per month
Verdict: Worth it if you do large grocery shops frequently.

4. Fitness & Wellness Subscriptions

Peloton (App Only)

✅ On-demand and live fitness classes
✅ Works without needing a Peloton bike
💰 $16.99 per month
Verdict: Ideal for home workouts, but pricier than other fitness apps.

Les Mills+

✅ Access to high-energy workout classes
✅ Trusted by gym enthusiasts
💰 $29.99 per month
Verdict: Great for those who love gym-style classes at home.

5. News & Magazine Subscriptions

The Sydney Morning Herald / The Age

✅ High-quality journalism and investigative reporting
💰 Around $15 per month
Verdict: Good for staying informed, but free news sources exist.

Apple News+

✅ Access to multiple newspapers and magazines
💰 $14.99 per month
Verdict: Decent value if you read multiple publications regularly.

6. Retail & Shopping Subscriptions

Amazon Prime

✅ Free shipping, Prime Video, and exclusive deals
💰 $9.99 per month
Verdict: Worth it if you shop on Amazon often.

Kmart & Target Club

✅ Exclusive discounts and early access to sales
✅ Free to join
Verdict: No downside since it’s free!

Are Subscriptions Worth It?

Subscriptions are convenient, but they add up quickly. Before signing up, consider:

  • How often you use the service
  • Whether there’s a free alternative
  • If bundling services (e.g., Amazon Prime) saves money

Some subscriptions, like streaming and grocery delivery, provide great value depending on your lifestyle. Others may be unnecessary if you don’t use them regularly.

What subscriptions do you swear by? Let us know in the comments!