What is DocPlay?
In case you couldn't tell from the name, Docplay is a streaming service that focuses on documentaries. Available in Australia and New Zealand, the platform is part of the Madman Entertainment empire, and is supported by Screen Australia and other education partners to bring large, and independently made documentaries to more screens.
The content covers art and culture, music, science, nature and sports, with titles spanning cult favourites, Academy Award winners, and indie productions. It is currently only available in Australia and New Zealand, but has an app available on pretty much every streaming device.
How much does DocPlay cost in Australia?
DocPlay has a straightforward billing system, there is only one subscription tier which gets you full access to the catalogue for $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year. Each sub is ad-free, includes HD streaming at up to 1080p, priority support, and streaming on up to two screens.
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DocPlay
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As with most streaming services, DocPlay is contract free so you can cancel at any time. Note that the service doesn't do pro-rated refunds for partially used annual memberships like Prime Video. If you cancel a day into your yearly plan, you'll simply retain access until the billing period is over. For those who sign up through Apple's iOS, note you'll need to cancel the subscription at least 24 hours before the auto-renew goes through.
$9.99 (or $8.33 on the annual plan) per month positions DocPlay as one of the cheaper streaming services available in Australia, but it is, of course, a niche one. You won't get access to the sheer volume of content you might see on Netflix, or HBO Max, but for documentary lovers who find themselves paying the rental fee a couple of times a month, it could balance out.
Here is how DocPlay's prices compare to other streaming platforms in Australia.
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AMC+ Bundle
TV7-day free trial
From
$8.99/mth
or $83.88/yr
|
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Disney+
From
$9.99/mth
or $179.99/yr
|
|
Amazon Prime Video
TV + movies + more30-day free trial
From
$9.99/mth
or $79/yr
|
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Netflix
From
$9.99/mth
|
|
Binge
TV + movies + sport7-day free trial
From
$10.00/mth
or $79/yr
|
|
Crunchyroll
TV + movies7-day free trial
From
$11.99/mth
or $119.99/yr
|
|
Apple TV
TV + movies7-day free trial
From
$15.99/mth
or $129/yr
|
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Kayo Sports
Sport7-day free trial
From
$29.99/mth
|
|
DAZN
From
$31.99/mth
or $149.99/yr
|
|
Foxtel Now
TV + movies + sport10-day free trial
From
$35/mth
|
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Paramount+
TV + movies + sport7-day free trial
From
$7.99/mth
or $70.99/yr
Link not supplied
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Stan.
TV + movies + sport
From
$9.99/mth
Link not supplied
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HBO Max
TV + movies
From
$11.99/mth
or $119.99yr
Link not supplied
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BritBox
TV7-day free trial
From
$13.99/mth
or $139.99/yr
Link not supplied
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MUBI
Movies7-day free trial
From
$14.99/mth
or $119.88/yr
Link not supplied
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Yes, DocPlay offers a 14-day free trial for all new subscribers. Within the two-week period, users will have access to the full catalogue of content across the service, and will only be billed once the trial period has ended.
What can I watch on DocPlay?
The documentary streaming service has over 2,000 pieces of content, with more being added every week. These range from full, movie length documentaries, to series, to short films covering subjects like art and culture, true crime, politics, animals, sport, and more.
Some of the more popular titles include Searching for Sugar Man which follows the would-be musical talent of a generation Rodriguez who disappeared in the 70s, only to resurface a continent away. Holy Hell, a deep look into the West Hollywood Buddhafield cult, Tickled which documents a journalist stumbling into the underground world of competitive tickling, and Hillsong Church: God Goes Viral which looks into the locally grown mega-church and its ongoing impact. You'll also find classic docos like Bowling for Columbine and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, and an array of Louis Theroux flicks.
Among the collection there are a bunch of DocPlay exclusive pieces you won't find anywhere else, plus a huge range of Australian and New Zealand focused documentaries.
Best internet plans for DocPlay
DocPlay doesn't give a minimum speed requirement for streaming on the platform, but for the best experience you'll need an internet plan that can handle 1080p playback. Other streaming services like Dropout TV note that 7Mbps is enough for 1080p streaming, and while that is true we still wouldn't recommend dropping any lower than an NBN 50 plan - especially with the new speed upgrades.
With download speeds of up to 50Mbps these plans should be able to handle a seamless stream, with plenty of bandwidth to spare for your other online activities.
These are the cheapest NBN 50 plans in our database:
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#1
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amaysim
All Fixed Line nbn®
NBN50
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
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#2
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Belong
All Fixed Line nbn®
NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
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#3
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Dodo
All Fixed Line nbn®
Editor's Pick
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$57.99/mth
Min. cost $57.99
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#4
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Moose NBN
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn 50/20 Premium
$59.80/mth
Min. cost $59.80
Link not supplied
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#5
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Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN 50/20
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
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#6
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Flip
All Fixed Line nbn®
Unlimited Family nbn50
$68/mth
Min. cost $68
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#7
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Swoop
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn® Home Everyday
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
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#8
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Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Extra-value nbn50/20
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
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#9
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Kogan Internet
All Fixed Line nbn®
Silver Unlimited
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
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#10
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TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
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FAQs
Is DocPlay free with Foxtel?
No DocPlay isn't free with Foxtel, but the app is available through Foxtel's iQ boxes. To use DocPlay through Foxtel hardware you will still need to have an active subscription.
How do you cancel DocPlay?
You can cancel your DocPlay subscription either through settings in the app, or through the subscriptions portal on Amazon, Apple iOS or Google Play.
Which devices does DocPlay work on?
DocPlay works across Android and Apple phones and tablets, and the iPod Touch. It has apps on Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Foxtel iQ boxes, Fetch TV, Android and Samsung televisions, and Xbox.
Anula Wiwatowska
Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram
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