Compare Mobile Plans in Australia | Networks, Prices & Data
Mobile phones are for more than just talking these days, acting as a computer, phone, TV, and gaming system all in one. It's important, when it comes to mobile phone plans, to find the best mobile plan for you whether that's a prepaid plan with unlimited international calling, a cheap mobile phone plan, data-only, or a mobile plan that connects you to 5G. To help you compare mobile plans, and find the best phone plan for you, keep reading below.
What to Consider When Comparing Phone Plans
There’s more to choosing a phone plan than just buying one, and careful consideration can help you save money, and get the most out of your phone. Before you compare phone plans, consider the following:
Looking for a new budget-friendly smartphone? Check out Selectra's Best Budget Phones of 2021 to find a new phone at a great price or compare the best iPhone plans to get your hands on the newest iPhones.
Type of Mobile Phone Plan
The first step to choosing a new phone plan is to consider the type of plan you want. This includes whether you want a new device with your plan, just the phone plan itself and whether you want a prepaid or postpaid SIM.
- SIM-only or with a new smartphone? You can choose either a SIM-only phone plan, if you're happy with your current handset or would rather purchase a new phone outright. This gives you the most choice when choosing a new phone plan. If, however, you want a brand new handset, your options are more limited to a smaller number of mobile companies. You can find our budget smartphone picks, and best iPhone plans if you're looking for a new smartphone.
- Prepaid or postpaid? These days, prepaid and postpaid phone plans are generally quite similar with calls, texts, and data inclusions and both often come without contract periods. With prepaid phone plans you recharge your phone plan before, and only get what you pay for. With postpaid phone plans, however, you pay afterwards for what you used. If you used more than your phone plan offers (more data, for example) then you will need to pay extra.
Monthly Phone Budget
It’s always best to choose a phone plan within your budget, but the cheapest phone plan is not necessarily the best phone plan. The cheapest mobile phone plans are available for around $10 or less, but often come with very little data and other inclusions. For someone who doesn’t use their phone often, or for kids or seniors who might not need lots of data, this might be the perfect phone plan. For most average phone users, however, a budget between $15 and $25 per month can usually get between 6GB and 20GB, plus unlimited standard national calls and texts, and often some additional international calling inclusions.
The Mobile Network
All phones, no matter who you pay your monthly phone bill to, are on one of three networks. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all operate their own mobile networks in Australia, while everyone else (the Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs) purchase the right to use parts of these networks.
If you live in a big city, which network you’re on (and whether it’s with an MVNO), really won’t matter. However, for those living in regional or remote parts of Australia, it’s important to check and make sure your chosen phone carrier offers full coverage in your area.
5G mobile network If you live in the urban center of most major Australian cities, you may already have 5G network access. Find out more about the 5G network in Australia and see which 5G mobile plans are available to you.
Mobile Plan Inclusions
The cost of your phone plan is usually determined by what’s included in the phone plan. If you’re comparing phone plans, it’s important to understand your own phone habits and usage to choose the best phone plan with the best inclusions. If you’re a light phone user, you probably don’t need lots of data and a $15 or under plan would be just fine. If you have lots of family or friends in another country, a phone plan with unlimited international calls might be the best choice. Inclusions to consider are:
- Data: Phone plans may include less than 1GB of data per month, or up to 100GB or more. The average Australian uses approximately 25GB of data per month, according to the ACCC December 2020 report.
- National calls and texts: Most phone plans include unlimited standard national calls and texts no matter the price point
- International calls and texts: Many prepaid phone providers offer generous unlimited international calls and texts to multiple countries.
- Extras: These inclusions can include data rollover or data banking, data-free streaming for certain subscription platforms like Apple Music, or even unlimited and uncapped data.
Best Budget Phone Plans: $10 and Under
It might be surprising to hear that you can find a decent phone plan for under $10 a month. Cheap phone plans like these might not have all the bells and whistles, but they’re great for kids and seniors, or anyone who might not need much more than standard calls and texts, and a couple of GB of data. Below you can find the best budget phone plans with no lock-in contract for $10 or less per month, along with any additional features or inclusions.
| Provider | Cost & Data Allowance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dodo | $5 / month No data | Unlimited standard talk & text |
| Moose Mobile | $8.80 / month 1GB of data | 300 minutes |
| Southern Phone | $10 / month 2.5GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text |
| Tangerine | $9.90 / month 1GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text |
| Yomojo | $9.90 / 30 days 1GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text |
Source: Provider's website. Comparison does not include all plans or plan features. Valid August 2021.
Looking for a New Internet Plan for Your Home?
Selectra Can Provide Advice & Help You Find The Best Plan
Looking for a New Internet Plan for Your Home?
Selectra Can Provide Advice & Help You Find The Best Plan
Looking for a new cheap smartphone? Check out Selectra's Best Budget Phones of 2021 to compare the best budget phones on the market
Best Phone Plans With Unlimited Data
Finding a mobile phone plan with unlimited data can be tricky as there just aren’t many providers offering truly unlimited data. Newcomer to the Australian market, Felix, currently offers the only truly unlimited data mobile phone plan, with guaranteed speeds up to 20Mbps. However, the three biggest telcos; Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone; all offer SIM-only plans with premium data allowances at max speeds that, if you use up, drop down to unlimited data at reduced speeds.
| Provider | Cost & Data Allowance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Felix | $35 / month Unlimited data | Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited data at 20Mbps |
| Optus | $85 / month 240GB of data | 5G network access Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international talk to 35 countries Endless data at 1.5Mbps |
| Telstra | $85 / month 120GB of data | 5G network access Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international text 30 international minutes Unlimited data at 1.5Mbps |
| Vodafone | $65 / month 100GB of data | 5G network access Unlimited standard talk & text Infinite data at 10Mbps |
Source: Provider's website. Comparison does not include all plans or plan features. Valid August 2021.
Looking for a New Internet Plan for Your Home?
Selectra Can Provide Advice & Help You Find The Best Plan
Looking for a New Internet Plan for Your Home?
Selectra Can Provide Advice & Help You Find The Best Plan
Best Phone Plans With 5G Access
5G is rolling out across Australia, and some mobile phone providers are already offering access to the 5G network. Currently, only Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone, along with SpinTel on the Optus 5G network, offer plans that can connect you to 5G. It’s important to remember that if you want 5G, you will also need a 5G-enabled phone. Below, you can find the best mobile phone plans on the 5G network from each of these four providers.
| Provider | Cost & Data Allowance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Optus | $55 / month 80GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international talk & text to 35 countries Endless data at 1.5Mbps |
| SpinTel | $50 / month 80GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text |
| Telstra | $65 / month 80GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text Endless data at 1.5Mbps 30 international minutes Unlimited international text |
| Vodafone | $55 / month 60GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text Infinite data at 10Mbps |
Source: Provider's website. Comparison does not include all plans or plan features. Valid August 2021.
Best Mobile Plans for Calling and Texting Overseas
It can be hard when friends and family live overseas, but thankfully there are many mobile providers with generous international inclusions. These often include unlimited calls and texts to selected countries, as well as some additional minutes and texts to other international places. If there is a specific country you want to call frequently, always make sure to check that it’s included in your mobile plan’s unlimited international call and texts. Below are some of the best mobile phone plans with the most generous international inclusions so you can stay connected to loved ones near and far.
| Provider | Cost & Data Allowance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Amaysim | $40 / 28 days 50GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international talk & text to 42 countries |
| Belong | $25 / month 20GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international talk & text to 30 countries for $5 / month Unlimited data banking |
| Boost Mobile | $40 / 28 days 30GB + 17GB bonus data | Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international talk & text to 20 countries 300 international minutes 300 international texts Data rollover |
| Lebara | $24.90 / 30 days 25GB of data | Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international talk & text to 26 countries International call wallet Unlimited standard international text to 60 countries |
| Lycamobile | $30 / 28 days 30GB + 20GB bonus data | Unlimited standard talk & text Unlimited international talk & text to 29 countries 30 international minutes |
Source: Provider's website. Comparison does not include all plans or plan features. Valid August 2021.
Compare Mobile Phone Networks: Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone?
No matter who you pay for your mobile phone service, your mobile network is owned and operated by one of three mobile phone providers; Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone. All other mobile phone providers are known as MVNOs, meaning they purchase pieces of the mobile network from one of these three network operators at wholesale rates and sell them to the customer.
While MVNOs often sell mobile phone plans at a lower cost than the major network operators, they don’t always offer full access to the mobile network. You might not have coverage everywhere, or might not get access to 5G right away, and most MVNOs don’t carry the latest phones and tablets or other gadgets. For many, this is a nonissue. However, if you’re looking for a new, contracted phone on a plan, or want access to some of the latest technology such as 5G, you might be more interested in a mobile phone plan from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone.
Compare Vodafone Mobile Phone Plans
Vodafone has both SIM-only postpaid plans, and prepaid mobile phone plans. Vodafone SIM-only plans come with additional features such as infinite data, $5 roaming, and a 30-day network satisfaction guarantee. If you’re interested in getting a new phone as well, any Vodafone mobile phone can be added to a SIM-only plan.
| Vodafone mobile plan | Plan features |
|---|---|
| 50GB of data $35 / month first 12 months $40 / month after | Unlimited standard national calls & text Infinite data at 2Mbps speeds |
| 60GB of data $40 / month first 12 months $45 / month after | Unlimited standard national calls & text 100 international minutes to selected countries Infinite data at 2Mbps speeds |
| 100GB of data $45 / month first 12 months $55 / month after | Unlimited standard national calls & text 1100 international minutes to selected countries Infinite data at 10Mbps speeds |
| 200GB of data $55 / month first 12 months $65 / month after | Unlimited standard national calls & text Unlimited international minutes to selected countries Infinite data at 10Mbps speeds |
| 500GB / month $60 / month first first 12 months $120 / month after | Unlimited standard national calls & text Unlimited international minutes to selected countries Infinite data at 25Mbps speeds |
If you prefer a prepaid mobile phone plan, Vodafone offers both Prepaid Plus plans, which come with data, voice, and text inclusions, or Pay and Go which comes with a longer expiry period, and calls, text, and data on a pay-as-you-go basis. All Vodafone prepaid plans come with a $5 discount if you choose Automatic Recharge, and data banking up to 200GB of unused data.
| Vodafone prepaid plan | Plan features |
|---|---|
| 40GB of data 15GB after first two recharges $9 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national calls & text 500 international minutes to selected countries 50 standard international texts Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| 50GB of data 30GB after first two recharges $40 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national calls & text 1100 international minutes to selected countries 50 standard international texts Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| 60GB of data 45GB after first two recharges $15 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national calls & text 1700 international minutes to selected countries 50 standard international texts Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| 120GB of data 80GB after first two recharges $120 / 185 days | Unlimited standard national calls & text 50 standard international texts |
| 240GB of data 150GB after first two recharges $200 / 185 days | Unlimited standard national calls & text 50 standard international texts |
Compare Optus Mobile Phone Plans
Like the other big-name mobile network providers in Australia, Optus offers both postpaid SIM-only plans, phones with a mobile plan, and prepaid mobile phone plans. Optus postpaid and SIM-only plans offer 5G network access where available, and endless data at 1.5Mbps so you never need to worry about running out. If you’re looking for a new phone, you can also bundle your monthly phone repayments with your Optus SIM-only plan or bring your own phone.
| Optus SIM-only plans | Plan features |
|---|---|
| Small 10GB of data $39 / month | Unlimited standard calls & text 5G network access Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| Medium 60GB of data $49 / month | Unlimited standard calls & text Unlimited standard international calls & text to select countries 5G network access Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| Large 100GB of data $59 / month | Unlimited standard calls & text Unlimited standard international calls & text to select countries 2GB roaming data in select countries 5G network access Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| Optus One 500GB of data $65 / month first 12 months $119 / month after | Unlimited standard calls & text Unlimited standard international calls & text to select countries 10GB roaming data in select countries 5G network access Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| Extra Large 120GB of data $79 / month | Unlimited standard calls & text Unlimited standard international calls & text to select countries 4GB roaming data in select countries 5G network access Endless data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
If you prefer a prepaid phone plan, Optus offers two types. Choose from a daily, weekly, or monthly data allowance with Optus Flex, or get bigger data allowances with an Optus Prepaid Epic Data plan.
| Optus Prepaid Mobile Phone Plans | Plan Features |
|---|---|
| Optus Flex Daily 1GB of data $1 / day | Unlimited standard national call & text Data rollover up to 200GB |
| Optus Flex Weekly 7GB of data $7 / week | Unlimited standard national call & text Data rollover up to 200GB |
| Optus Flex Monthly 30GB of data $30 / month | Unlimited standard national call & text Data rollover up to 200GB |
| Prepaid Epic Data 40GB of data 10GB after fourth recharge $30 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national call & text Data rollover up to 200GB Unlimited standard international calls to select countries 10GB video streaming data |
| Prepaid Epic Data 50GB of data 20GB after fourth recharge $40 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national call & text Data rollover up to 200GB Unlimited standard international calls to select countries 10GB video streaming data |
| Prepaid Epic Data 60GB of data 30GB after fourth recharge $50 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national call & text Data rollover up to 200GB Unlimited standard international calls to select countries 10GB video streaming data |
Compare Telstra Mobile Phone Plans
The Telstra Network is the most expansive mobile network in Australia, covering over 99% of the population. With Telstra’s SIM-only plans, you pay upfront, not at the end of each month, and can enjoy unlimited data at 1.5Mbps download speeds no matter how much you use your phone, and can choose to add a new mobile phone payment plan to your service.
| Telstra SIM-only Plan | Plan Features |
|---|---|
| Small 40GB of data $55 / month | Unlimited standard national call & text 30 international standard minutes Unlimited international SMS Excess data at 1.5Mbps speeds |
| Medium 80Gb of data $65 / month | Unlimited standard national call & text 30 international standard minutes Unlimited international SMS Excess data at 1.5Mbps speeds 5G network access |
| Large 120GB of data $85 / month | Unlimited standard national call & text 30 international standard minutes Unlimited international SMS Excess data at 1.5Mbps speeds 5G network access |
| Extra Large 180GB of data $115 / month | Unlimited standard national call & text 30 international standard minutes Unlimited international SMS Excess data at 1.5Mbps speeds 5G network access |
If you prefer a more classic prepaid mobile phone plan, Telstra offers two types. Their classic prepaid plans come with larger data inclusions and unlimited national call and text to standard numbers on a 28-day expiry period while those who use their mobile phones less might prefer a Telstra casual prepaid phone plan with less data and a longer expiry period.
| Telstra prepaid mobile plan | Plan features |
|---|---|
| 2GB of data $10 / 7 day expiry | Unlimited standard national calls & text Continuous data rollover |
| 25GB of data 10GB after fourth recharge $30 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national calls & text 360 international minutes to select countries 100 international texts Continuous data rollover |
| 35GB of data 20GB after fourth recharge $40 / 28 days | Unlimited standard national calls & text 600 international minutes to select countries 100 international texts Continuous data rollover |
| 60GB of data $150 / 6 months | Unlimited standard national calls & text 3350 international minutes to select countries 100 international texts Continuous data rollover |
| 150GB of data $300 / 12 months | Unlimited standard national calls & text 6800 international minutes to select countries 100 international texts Continuous data rollover |
| Telstra Casual Prepaid Mobile Plan | Plan features |
|---|---|
| 150MB of data $20 / 45 days | 40 minutes to standard Australian numbers 50 standard national SMS 10 international minutes to select countries 5 international texts |
| 300MB of data $30 / 6 months | 80 minutes to standard Australian numbers 100 standard national SMS 20 international minutes to select countries 10 international texts |
| 500MB of data $50 / 6 months | 120 minutes to standard Australian numbers 150 standard national SMS 20 international minutes to select countries 10 international texts |
| 700MB of data $70 / 12 months | 200 minutes to standard Australian numbers 200 standard national SMS 40 international minutes to select countries 15 international texts |
| 1GB of data $100 / 12 months | 300 minutes to standard Australian numbers 300 standard national SMS 40 international minutes to select countries 15 international texts |
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