Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

Getting Astro no longer means waiting for a set-top box to arrive or scheduling an installation.

Astro has introduced Astro X3, a new streaming-first service that allows customers to subscribe and begin watching immediately using compatible smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and streaming devices.

Unlike Astro’s traditional satellite or Plug & Play offerings, Astro X3 doesn’t require any physical hardware from Astro. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can start streaming your subscribed channels and on-demand content almost instantly.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Astro Malaysia (@astromalaysia)

No Decoder, No Satellite Dish

The biggest selling point of Astro X3 is its simplicity.

Instead of receiving an Astro decoder, users simply download the Astro app on supported devices and sign in with their Astro account.

That means:

No decoder or Ultra Box

No satellite dish installation

No technician appointment

No waiting for equipment delivery

It’s a move that brings Astro closer to the experience offered by popular streaming platforms, where signing up is often all it takes to start watching.

Plans Start From RM39.99 Per Month

According to tech news portal Soya Cincau, Astro X3 launches with subscription plans starting from RM39.99 per month, making it one of Astro’s more affordable entry points.

Subscribers still get access to Astro’s mix of live TV channels and on-demand entertainment depending on the package they choose. Premium plans continue to include sports, movies and other content bundles familiar to existing Astro customers.

Astro X3 will also introduce a no-contract subscription option, giving customers greater flexibility. However, when the service launches on 20 July, only 12-month contract plans will be available. Astro says the no-contract plans will roll out from December 2026, allowing subscribers to start, pause or cancel their subscriptions whenever they choose.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Astro Malaysia (@astromalaysia)

A Better Fit For Modern Viewing Habits

Astro X3 reflects how more Malaysians are consuming entertainment today.

Many households already own smart TVs or streaming devices, reducing the need for dedicated TV hardware. By removing the box entirely, Astro is targeting users who prefer an app-based experience similar to Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video or YouTube.

It could also appeal to renters, students or people who move frequently, since there’s no installation process to worry about.

Existing Astro Customers Aren’t Being Replaced

Astro X3 doesn’t replace Astro’s existing services.

Customers who prefer the traditional satellite setup or the Plug & Play box can continue using those options. Instead, Astro X3 becomes another way for people to access the company’s content library, giving consumers more flexibility depending on how they prefer to watch TV.

Astro X3 is available from 20 July 2026.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.