AUSSIES are paying through the nose to get popular television shows through market restrictions online, a consumer advocate body says.

Choice campaign director Matt Levey said Australian consumers were paying as much as $35 a month for online TV subscriptions, compared to only $7.99 for similar services in the United States.

"Like consumers around the world, Australians are increasingly showing they want to access content at a reasonable price in a way that suits them. It's called 'the internet'," he said.

"Unfortunately, some fans turn to piracy to access content when they might have paid.

"Piracy undermines the industry and is ultimately bad for consumers, but to counter it the industry needs to meet the needs of consumers and embrace advances in technology."

Mr Levey said Australians could use some online programs to circumvent geo-blockers to legally access overseas content, but the practice had risks such as suspension of services of restricted access.

He said Choice encouraged people to use such programs, but "you need to do your due diligence".