With Telstra announcing the end of the Telstra TV on 31st October 2024 and purchasing a majority stake in the successor, Fetch TV, I wanted to see what else is on offer in the Australian market that offers both free-to-air (FTA) and streaming apps. In 2024 Hubbl from Streamotion and Foxel was introduced. Is this where Telstra TV avid users will go or will they default to Fetch TV. I wanted to take a look at both and compare with the Telstra TV puck to assist others making a choice.
For comparisons I've used/using the following set-top boxes (pucks):
- Fetch Mini 4K (Model H671T) (Owned: Telstra (51.4%), Astro Malaysia Holdings (48.6%))
- Hubbl (Model IP061-05-FXTL) (Foxtel Owned: News Corp (65%), Telstra (35%))
- Telstra TV (Model TTV3 4701TL) (Telstra Owned (100%))
I also own a Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K but have not included these in the comparison due to lack of FTA functionality. I have previously owned Foxtel IQ2 and IQ3 boxes, and older Telstra TV boxes.
Reviewing and comparing the 3 set-top boxes (or pucks) available in Australia from Fetch, Hubbl, and Telstra that offer aerial connection for Australian free-to-air (FTA) TV and WiFi/ethernet connection for streaming apps. We don't need to upgrade our TV every few years, just get the set-top-box that works for you.
My main items of interest in a puck/set-top-box/media streaming device are:
- Small and portable to take on holidays.
- Aerial connection with free-to-air (FTA) channels.
- Electronic Program Guide (EPG) - Easily accessible.
- All the most popular streaming and on-demand apps.
- Remote - Small, useful buttons, that also controls the TV and Soundbar.
- Interface that is simple and smart, gives recommended content from all apps or live TV.
Fetch TV launched in July 2010 and as of August 2022 is majority owned by Telstra.
Hubbl launched in March 2024 and is owned by Streamotion and therefore Foxtel.
Telstra TV launched in 2015 in partnership with Roku. The 3rd generation launched 2019 and is to be decommissioned in 2024 with a move of buying a majority stake in Fetch TV and pushing this device forward.
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Hubbl Pros and Cons
What's to like
- Interface: The interface on the Hubbl looks vibrant and modern.
- Stack and Save: Can bundle apps and save upto $15/mth.
- Lifestyle app only available on the Hubbl.
What's not to like
- Search: No search button on remote, rely on holding the mic button on the remote and asking for "TV Guide" or going to the home screen and scrolling down to TV guide.
- Remote: Remote doesn't link to TV or Speakers.
- Apps: No Parmount+, BritBox, Acorn.
- Stack and Save: Stack & save is only for limited apps.
- Not integrated with Telstra Plus points and a movie store.
Home Screens
The Fetch TV home screen I find the hardest to get used to as I'm far too familiar with browsing vertically down a list. In the Fetch interface you need to browse to a category horizontally and then the results appear below the menu. I still find it hard to navigate and find what I'm interested in with no homescreen recommendations for watching. When turning the device on it annoyingly goes to the last selected channel, same when browsing the channel is playing in the background, and there seems to be no real "home" screen. Options in Menu are: Search, My Stuff, Guide, Shows, Movies, Apps, Sport, Add More, Settings. When in the Apps menu you then get further confusing options of Apps, Streaming, TV Apps, Music & More.
The Hubbl screen is very inviting and easy to use. It lacks embedding a lot more apps and FTA options in home screen.
Telstra TV home screen whilst looks dated I still think offers the best setup with the menu/categories listed on the left of the screen and browsing view on the right of the screen. Where Telstra failed is updating the content more frequently and allowing a merged app browsing experience.
Set-Top Boxes
The Fetch TV set-top box is the old square looking box, unfortunately not looking very modern and wanting to hide the device. Also, the box seems to always have lights showing on the front of the box and never seems to sleep unlike the other 2 devices.
The Hubbl TV set-top box is not bad looking and probably fits the best aesthetically.
The Telstra TV set-top box holds the test of time and still fits well mostly anywhere.
All ports are the same in the back of the box with power, ethernet, aerial, and a HDMI port.
Remotes
The Fetch TV remote gives quick access buttons to Netflix and the Apps menu. But what is with the paw print for the select button. Also controlling the TV requires a 2 button step to turn on/off, surely powering box on should also power TV on. Also in bad light it is hard to see the bottons outside of the central circle buttons.
The Hubbl TV remote is very Streamotion centric with quick access buttons to Kayo, Binge, and Netflix. The remote is okay but probably oversized but has a great feature of lighting up in the dark so yu can actually see the buttons. The directional controls are way too smooth so you actually have to look at the remote to know what directional button you are pressing. Hubbl remote is also missing a TV Guide button so no wuick way of getting straight to a TV channel.
The Telstra TV remote gives quick access buttons to Netflix and Foxtel. Now I love how small this remote is, big enough not to lose but lovely and compact. Take note Fetch and Hubbl!
All 3 remotes are powered by 2 AAA batteries.
Streaming Apps
Depending on your streaming app preferences I've given a list below of the main apps I currently or previously used. Only the following apps are currently available on all 3 devices: Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video, Stan, and YouTube. Noting there are some obvious shortfalls with Fetch (Binge, Kayo) currently.
Hubbl offers stack and save options for bundling 3 or more subscriptions including the following: Kayo, Binge, Netflix, Lifestyle, Flash. Save the following: 3 apps = $5, 4 apps = $10, 5 apps = $15.
| App | Fetch | Hubbl | Telstra TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7+ | |||
| 9Now | |||
| 10Play | |||
| ABC Kids | |||
| ABC iView | |||
| Acorn TV | |||
| Amazon Prime Video | |||
| Apple TV+ | |||
| BBC Earth | |||
| BBC First | |||
| Binge | |||
| Britbox | |||
| Disney+ | |||
| Flash | |||
| Foxtel Now | |||
| Kayo | |||
| Lifestyle | |||
| Netflix | |||
| Optus Sport | |||
| Paramount+ | |||
| SBS On Demand | |||
| Spotify | |||
| Stan | |||
| Telstra Plus Points: Telstra Box Office (closing 30/06/2024), Fetch Store |
|||
| YouTube |
Source from:Hubbl, Fetch, Telstra TV. Updated on 28/08/2024.
Watch Recommendations
| Title | App/Channel |
|---|---|
| Atypical (4 Seasons) | Netflix |
| A Small Light (1 Season) | Disney+ |
About
Some of us still like to watch Australian free-to-air (FTA) TV live (or on-demand) using our aerial connections. Not everyone wants to throw out their TV every few years and the best alternative is to get a set-top-box that works for you. I've got the 3 Australian players from Fetch TV, Hubbl TV, and Telstra TV so can easily compare all 3 and provide my insights.
Visit Hubbl vs Fetch vs Telstra TV YouTube Channel or email for further information. I'll try and refresh the content frequently so make sure you come back to this website or YouTube channel to get any updates.