Kayo vs Foxtel vs Free-to-Air: Which Is Best for Footy in 2026?
Prices last checked: 27 September 2026
Kayo Standard at $29.99 a month is the cheapest way to watch every AFL and NRL home-and-away and finals game live, with no ad-breaks during play. Both Grand Finals are live and free — the AFL on Channel 7 and 7plus, the NRL on Channel 9 and 9Now — so free-to-air covers the biggest games at no cost.
| Service | Monthly price | Every AFL game live | Every NRL game live | 4K | Replays/mini-matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayo Sports | Standard $29.99; Premium $45.99 (new Premium customers: first month $1) | Yes — all nine games a week and finals weeks 1–3 on Fox Footy; Grand Final is on Seven only | Yes — every game of every round on Fox League, no ad-breaks during play; Grand Final and State of Origin are on Nine only | Premium only, selected NRL and AFL games, compatible device and 25Mbps required | Yes — on demand plus Kayo Minis (about 20-minute condensed games) |
| Foxtel (Sport bundle) | $113/month no contract, or $60/month on a 12-month plan (new customers, min cost $720, with iQ5) | Yes — every game of every round and finals before the Grand Final on Fox Footy | Yes — same Fox League coverage as Kayo | Selected games, needs internet-connected iQ4 or iQ5, 4K TV and Sport pack | Yes — on demand plus Fox Minis |
| Channel 7 / 7plus (AFL) | Free | No — an average of at least three games a round, finals weeks 1–3 and the Grand Final | — (no NRL) | Not listed on 7plus | Yes — replays of every AFL game aired in your area until season end, plus AFL Minis |
| Channel 9 / 9Now (NRL) | Free | — (no AFL) | No — three games a week, the Finals Series, the Grand Final and State of Origin | Not listed on 9Now | Yes — replays and mini matches on 9Now |
Cheapest way to watch every game
Kayo Standard ($29.99/month) carries every AFL and NRL game except the two Grand Finals, which are free on Seven and Nine. Foxtel's Sport bundle has the same games but costs $60–$113 a month and is priced with a Foxtel iQ5 box.
Best for 4K
Kayo Premium ($45.99/month) streams selected AFL and NRL games in 4K on compatible devices. Foxtel also offers 4K on selected games, but only through an internet-connected iQ4 or iQ5 with the Sport pack.
Best free option
Channel 7 and 7plus show an average of at least three AFL games a round plus finals and the Grand Final; Channel 9 and 9Now show three NRL games a week, the finals, the Grand Final and State of Origin. AFL free-to-air guide · NRL free-to-air guide
Frequently asked
Is Kayo cheaper than Foxtel for AFL and NRL?
Yes. Kayo Standard is $29.99 a month with no lock-in, while Foxtel's Sport bundle is $113 a month, or $60 a month on a 12-month plan for new customers. Both carry the same Fox Footy and Fox League games.
Does Kayo show the AFL Grand Final live?
No. The AFL Grand Final is live on the Seven Network and 7plus. Kayo and Foxtel show every game in the home-and-away season and finals weeks one to three.
Can I watch every NRL game on Kayo?
Kayo shows every game of every NRL round live on Fox League with no ad-breaks during play. The NRL Grand Final and State of Origin are on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Which service streams footy in 4K?
Kayo Premium ($45.99 a month) streams selected AFL and NRL games in 4K on compatible devices with at least 25Mbps. Foxtel offers 4K on selected games with an internet-connected iQ4 or iQ5 and the Sport pack.
Can I watch AFL and NRL for free?
Yes. Channel 7 and 7plus show at least three AFL games a round on average, plus finals and the Grand Final. Channel 9 and 9Now show three NRL games a week, the finals, the Grand Final and State of Origin.
Sources
- Kayo Sports plans
- Kayo live channels help
- Foxtel Sport bundle
- Foxtel AFL
- AFL broadcast rights 2025–2031
- 7plus AFL help
- Nine NRL rights release (7 Jul 2026)
- Kayo 2026 NRL season release
- 9Now NRL
FootyTonight is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Kayo, Foxtel, Seven or Nine. Prices change — confirm on the official site before you subscribe.