HGTV subscription plans have captivated a global audience, particularly in the United States, where the channel has become synonymous with all things related to home improvement and design.
The channel, renowned for its eclectic and informative content, has not only become a staple for American viewers but has also sparked interest across the globe, including in Australia, where the home design and renovation market is thriving. Australians, with their burgeoning interest in home décor, renovations, and interior design, find themselves at a crossroads due to the unavailability of HGTV in the local market.
This article aims to navigate through the possibilities and solutions, exploring how Australian enthusiasts of home and garden content can watch HGTV, despite the geographical constraints.
But, the main focus is the variety of HGTV subscription plans!
HGTV Overview
HGTV, an acronym that stands for Home & Garden Television, has been a cornerstone in the realm of home improvement and design since its inception on December 30, 1994.
Owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, HGTV has become a go-to source for viewers seeking inspiration, ideas, and tips related to home improvement, landscaping, and interior design. Its programming, which revolves around home building, remodeling, decorating, and crafting, has successfully blended entertainment with practical, actionable insights for homeowners and design enthusiasts.
While HGTV has firmly established its popularity in the USA, its influence transcends borders, shaping preferences and steering trends in the home and garden space internationally, including in Australia, where the channel’s content is keenly missed yet highly sought after.
How To Watch HGTV in Australia?
The charm and appeal of HGTV are undeniably vast, yet for Australian viewers, the pathway to accessing HGTV and its myriad of content is not as straightforward due to its exclusive availability through various TV providers and streaming platforms in the USA.
The channel, celebrated for its wide array of shows that span across various aspects of home and garden design, renovation, and real estate, unfortunately, does not broadcast directly to Australian viewers, presenting a unique challenge for HGTV enthusiasts in the country.
However, the digital age brings with it solutions that can bridge this geographical gap.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a pivotal tool in accessing geo-restricted content.
A VPN allows users to mask their IP address, essentially altering their digital location to appear as though they are accessing the internet from a different country – in this instance, the USA. By employing a VPN, Australian viewers can navigate around the geographical restrictions imposed on HGTV’s content, unlocking a wealth of home and garden inspiration.
The process involves choosing a reliable VPN service, installing the application, and selecting a US-based server through which to reroute the IP address. Once connected, viewers can access HGTV content through various US-based streaming platforms, ensuring a steady influx of home improvement and design content to satiate their creative pursuits.
While this method does involve additional steps and a subscription to a VPN service, for fans of HGTV, the array of content available more than justifies the means.
HGTV Subscription Plans Through Other Platforms
After you’ve gotten a reliable VPN service that opens the HGTV doors for you, here are some HGTV subscription plans you should look into in Australia!
| Platform | Plans | Pricing Details (USD) | Pricing Details (AUD) | Unique Offerings & Features |
| Philo | Base Plan | $25.00/mo | AU$39.00/mo | 60+ channels, unlimited DVR storage, streaming on multiple devices |
| YouTube TV | Base Plan | $72.99/mo | AU$113.86/mo | 85 channels, multiple simultaneous streams, unlimited DVR storage |
| Hulu + Live TV | Base Plan | $75.00/mo | AU$117.00/mo | 75+ channels, access to Hulu’s library, local, regional, and national live channels |
| Sling TV | Sling TV Orange | $40.00/mo | AU$62.40/mo | 30+ channels, 50 hours of DVR storage, customizable channel lineup |
| Sling TV Orange + Blue | $55.00/mo | AU$85.80/mo | 51 channels, 50 hours of DVR storage, up to three screens simultaneously | |
| Sling TV Blue | $40.00/mo | AU$62.40/mo | 40+ channels, customizable package, live and on-demand content | |
| DirecTV Stream | $69.99/mo | AU$109.18/mo | 65+ channels, streaming on up to 20 devices at home and 3 on the go, unlimited cloud DVR | |
| Fubo TV | Base Plan | $74.99/mo | AU$116.98/mo | 116 channels, 250 hours of DVR storage |
| Fubo TV Elite Plan | $84.99/mo | AU$132.58/mo | 170+ channels, 1,000 hours of cloud DVR, up to 10 screens at home and 3 on the go |
Philo
Philo provides a substantial HGTV subscription plan with over 60 live channels, unlimited DVR storage, and the ability to stream on multiple devices for just $25 a month (AUD $39).
Although it doesn’t feature sports channels, its affordable price and extensive channel lineup make it a compelling option for lifestyle and entertainment enthusiasts in Australia, provided they access it via a VPN.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a comprehensive streaming solution with 85 channels, multiple simultaneous streams, and unlimited DVR storage for $72.99 a month (AUD $113.86).
It provides a cable-like experience without the traditional hassles, ensuring viewers don’t miss out on live sports or local channels.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV neatly bundles subscribers’ streaming needs, offering access to all movies and shows in Hulu’s library, plus over 75 local, regional, and national live channels for $75 a month (AUD $117). It provides a one-stop-shop for viewers, eliminating the need for additional premium content packages.
Sling TV Orange
Sling TV Orange offers a basic live TV package with more than 30 channels, 50 hours of DVR storage, and the option to customize the channel lineup with “Extras” for $40 a month (AUD $62.40). It provides a decent selection of channels, ensuring viewers have access to essential entertainment and lifestyle content.
Sling TV Orange + Blue
Combining Sling’s two basic packages, Sling TV Orange + Blue offers 51 channels, 50 hours of DVR storage, and simultaneous use on up to three screens for $55 a month (AUD $85.80). It ensures viewers don’t have to compromise on channel selection while still paying less than traditional cable.
Sling TV Blue
Sling TV Blue offers control over TV viewing with a base package of more than 40 channels, allowing viewers to stream live and on-demand content whenever they like for just $40 a month (AUD $62.40). Additionally, viewers can customize their package and subscribe to curated add-on channel bundles.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is designed to substitute traditional cable and satellite services, offering at least 65 channels from its robust lineup, allowing streaming on up to 20 devices at home and 3 on the go, plus unlimited cloud DVR for $69.99 a month (AUD $109.18).
Fubo TV
Fubo TV, primarily a sports-centered live TV streamer, also carries channels for a wider audience. The Starter Plan starts at $74.99 a month (AUD $116.98), offering 116 channels and 250 hours of DVR storage, ensuring sports fans and general viewers are catered to.
Fubo TV Elite
Fubo TV Elite, an upgraded subscription plan from Fubo TV, is available at $84.99 per month (AUD $132.58), providing access to more than 170 broadcast channels in the main Fubo service, 130 sporting events, an additional 41 Fubo extra channels, 1,000 hours of cloud DVR, and viewing on up to 10 screens at home and 3 on the go.
How To Subscribe To HGTV Subscription Plans On Other Platforms?
Navigating through the digital realm to access your favorite HGTV shows from Australia can be a breeze with the right tools and steps. Here, we’ll explore how to utilize VPN services to subscribe to HGTV subscription plans on various US-based platforms, ensuring you don’t miss out on the latest in home design and improvement.
Step 1: Choose a VPN Service
Select a reliable VPN service that offers robust security, high-speed connections, and servers in the USA. Some popular VPN services among Australians include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost due to their user-friendly interfaces and efficient performance.
Step 2: Install and Connect to a US Server
After subscribing to a VPN service, download and install the VPN application on your device. Once installed, open the application and connect to a server located in the USA. This step is crucial to ensure you can access HGTV subscription plans and other US-based streaming platforms.
Step 3: Select a Streaming Platform
Choose a US-based streaming platform that offers HGTV as part of their channel lineup. Platforms like Philo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV are popular choices due to their extensive content offerings and reasonable pricing.
Step 4: Create an Account
Visit the official website of the chosen streaming platform or download their application. Click on ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Start Free Trial’ and create an account using your email address and a secure password.
Step 5: Address and Payment Details
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky for Australian viewers. US-based platforms may require a US address and payment method. You might utilize services like US Unlocked that provide a US virtual prepaid card and a US billing address, enabling international users to make purchases on US websites.
Step 6: Choose Your Plan
Explore the various HGTV subscription plans available and select one that aligns with your viewing preferences and budget. Ensure HGTV is included in the package and proceed to the next step.
Step 7: Begin Streaming
Once your payment is successful, your subscription will be active, and you can start exploring the vast world of HGTV. Dive into the plethora of home improvement and design shows available and get inspired!
Potential Challenges and Tips
- Payment Methods: As mentioned, the use of a US virtual prepaid card service might be necessary to navigate the payment methods issue.
- VPN Stability: Ensure your VPN connection is stable and consistently connected to a US server to avoid any streaming disruptions.
- Geo-Restrictions: Always ensure your VPN is connected before accessing the streaming platform to avoid encountering geo-restriction messages.
What To Watch On HGTV
Out of the best HGTV shows and other content, here are our recommendations that you should not miss!
- Small Town Potential
- Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
- Christina on the Coast
- Windy City Rehab: Alison Dream Home
- Celebrity IOU
- Vacation House Rules
- Renovation 911
- Rock The Block
FAQs
Can I Directly Access HGTV in Australia Without a VPN?
No, HGTV is not directly accessible in Australia as it is a channel exclusive to the USA. To access HGTV and its content in Australia, you will need to use a VPN service to mask your location and appear as though you are accessing the content from the USA. This will allow you to subscribe to US-based streaming platforms that host HGTV content.
Is Using a VPN to Access HGTV Legal in Australia?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in Australia. However, it’s essential to note that while using a VPN to access content is not illegal, it might go against the terms of service of some streaming platforms. Always ensure to check and adhere to the guidelines and policies of the streaming service you choose.
Will the Streaming Quality of HGTV Be Affected When Using a VPN in Australia?
The streaming quality can be influenced by the VPN service you choose. A high-quality VPN should provide you with stable and fast connections, ensuring smooth streaming of HGTV content. However, it’s possible to experience slight variations in speed and quality, so opting for a VPN known for its speed and reliability is advisable to minimize any potential issues.
Wrapping it Up!
Despite geographical barriers, HGTV subscription plans can be accessed and enjoyed with the strategic use of VPN services, bringing a world of design, innovation, and transformation into Australian homes.
It’s not just about viewing content; it’s about bridging gaps, connecting design enthusiasts across oceans, and sharing in the universal appreciation of creating beautiful spaces. So, let the stories of HGTV inspire your own, and explore the endless possibilities that lie in every design, every transformation, right from the comfort of your home in Australia.
