Types of plans
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What different scores mean
9+
Excellent
These mobile plans stack up extremely well for overall cost and data allowance over 12 months plus network coverage. You may also get a little something extra such as Wi-Fi calling and data rollover.
7+
Great
These mobile plans are competitively priced and offer a decent amount of data. You might need to compromise just a little bit on extra features.
5+
Standard
Usually these mobile plans are just okay for overall cost over 12 months and the amount of data you're getting in return. Network coverage and extra features can be lacking.
0+
Basic
You can generally do better than what these mobile plans have to offer in terms of cost, data costs, network coverage and features. In short, they're poor value for money.
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How do you switch mobile plans?
1
Compare mobile plans
Whether you're looking at a SIM only or phone repayment plan, find something that suits your needs and saves you some dosh.2
Sign up online
When you sign up you can choose to keep your mobile number. You don't have to cancel your old plan, it'll all be done for you.3
Activate your new service
If you're going with an eSIM your plan should be available right away. If not you'll need to wait for your physical SIM to be delivered. Activate your sim and you'll be good to go. You're old provider will be in touch if you have outstanding bills.What types of mobile plans can you get in Australia?
In Australia, there are 3 main types of mobile phone plans - prepaid, postpaid and mobile phones on a plan. It's worth mentioning that the first 2 are kind of blurring together these days.
Prepaid plans
Prepaid mobile plans come with a recharge or renewal period that usually reset every 28 or 30 days. Traditionally you'll purchase a SIM card and pay at the start of each month to continue your plan.
Prepaid pros
- Budget-friendly. You'll never pay extra on top of your monthly amount.
- Flexible. Prepaid plans come with no lock-in contract, making it easy to switch whenever you want.
Prepaid cons
- Active recharging. These days most people will turn auto-recharge on, but if you don't then you'll need to remember to renew it every month.
Postpaid plans
Postpaid plans continue indefinitely. You typically pay for them at the end of the month, but some providers will now charge you at the start.
Postpaid pros
- Set and forget. Just pay your monthly bill. Easy.
- Higher data caps. Need a lot of data? Postpaid plans typically offer more bang for your buck.
Postpaid cons
- Excess usage fees may apply. If you go over your plan's data or call cap, you could get charged extra.
- Contracts still exist. Most providers have a no-lock-in contract option, but some postpaid plans still come with 6 or 12 month contracts.
Mobile phones on a plan
You can also grab a new phone on a mobile plan. Your monthly bill will be the price of your phone repayment plus the plan fees on top. Pay off the phone in monthly instalments over 12, 24 or 36 months.
Phones on a plan pros
- You get a new phone! Splitting your phone into monthly repayments lets you can own the latest iPhone or Samsung without paying upfront.
- Special telco-only discounts. Telcos often throw in discounts or free gifts you won't get elsewhere, especially for pre-orders.
Phones on a plan cons
- Long repayment periods. Staying with one provider for 2 or 3 years could leave you missing out on better deals.
- More expensive overall. If you have the cash, buying a phone outright is still cheaper.
Australians spent $2.2 billion in loyalty tax on mobile plans in 2023
If you're on a plan with one of Australia's major telcos - Telstra, Optus or Vodafone - you could be paying a loyalty tax. There may be cheaper plans offering similar data allowances with a smaller provider. Find out how much more you're paying on your utilities bill and the potential savings you could make by comparing.
How do you compare mobile plans?
Data
The average Aussie uses just 12.8GB a month, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). We recommend checking your data usage with your provider or on your phone and go from there. If you're using upwards of 40GB a month, look into unlimited data mobile plans which could be better suited to you.
Network
The network you get your mobile phone plan on will determine your level of coverage. Make sure you check especially if you live outside of metropolitan areas as some mobile networks may not service your area.
Inclusions
Mobile plan inclusions vary across the board but some handy features to look out for are data rollover and data sharing, Wi-Fi calling and international calls. On the other hand, if you're just looking for a simple mobile plan with calls, texts and data, you could skip on the extras and just get a good value plan.
Plan length
While most plans are paid month-to-month, contracts and longer expiry periods may not be a bad option if you're okay to stick around for the long run. Long-expiry plans that last up to 365 days mean you pay upfront for a year's worth of usage and can usually save on your mobile plan over the course of the year.
Mobile plan guides and resources
How much data do I need?
How much data you will need is going to depend on how you use it.
Activities like browsing and social media don't use that much data so you should be able to get through the month with a smaller amount. On the other hand, multimedia streaming and downloads use a fair bit.
Here are some examples of the activities you can perform on these data allowances:
| Data | Activities |
|---|---|
| 5GB | Basic browsing, social media |
| 10GB | Basic browsing, social media, music streaming, some video streaming |
| 20GB | Basic browsing, social media, multimedia streaming and mobile games |
| 40GB | Basic browsing, social media, multimedia streaming, downloads and mobile games |
Calculate an estimate of your mobile data usage to get a better idea of how much you need.
If that's not enough data then consider an unlimited data mobile plan (and avoid excess data charges).
Which mobile network is right for you?
Australia is home to just 3 mobile networks: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. The main point of difference between them is coverage and price.
Telstra
Telstra is host to Australia's largest mobile network.
- Its 4G network reaches 99.5% of the population
- Has the most extensive 5G coverage in Australia (87%) and is still expanding.
- Wide coverage means Telstra's plans are a good option for those living in regional areas
- No lock-in contracts on all prepaid and postpaid plans
- Tends to be the most expensive mobile provider
Some of the providers that use the Telstra network include:
Optus
Optus comes next but it's no second fiddle.
- Its 4G network reaches 98.8% of the population
- Its prepaid and postpaid plans are a little cheaper than Telstra
- Optus is continuing to expand its 5G network, which now reaches 80.5% of the population.
- It covers a little less of Australia than Telstra – this difference in coverage is mostly felt in regional areas
Some of the providers that use the Optus network include:
Vodafone
Vodafone has the smallest network but is also the most affordable.
- 4G covers 96% of the population
- Vodafone's 5G rollout is still underway - it's now available in 3,000 suburbs across major cities in Australia
- Vodafone has the cheapest plans
- Not the best network for those living outside of metropolitan areas
Some of the providers that use the Vodafone network include:
"I've been a very regular mobile phone plan switcher - it's so easy to keep your number and try out different providers, I figure there's nothing to lose. I do really like having a plan on the Telstra network with great coverage and speed, but these days I'm spending most of my life in the city, so it's overkill. I'm currently with Felix on the Vodafone network and it suits me fine. I have their unlimited data prepaid plan on auto-recharge, so I don't need to think about it at all."
Finder Award winners
Overwhelmed by the amount of options? Look to our award-winning mobile providers – we've done the hard work for you.
2024 Finder Award for Best Budget Mobile Provider
TPG was a standout this year for the budget category because it stacks up well for price and data, especially when it's running frequent promotional offers.
2024 Finder Award for Best SIM Only Mobile Providers (Postpaid)
SpinTel and Circles.Life topped the charts this year for offering value for money. Their plans are well-priced and come with generous data allowances.
2024 Finder Award for Best Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile Provider
Kogan's 365-day mobile plans are some of the best around. They offer fantastic value for money and come with Wi-Fi calling and instant eSIM setup.
2023 Finder Award for Best Rated Mobile Provider
amaysim was rated highly by customers for offering value for money and great customer service with its prepaid plans.
2023 Finder Award for Best Postpaid Mobile Providers
Circles.Life and Belong topped the charts this year for offering value for money. Their plans are well priced and come with generous data allowances.
2023 Finder Award for Green Mobile Plan Provider of the Year
For the second year in a row, felix has taken the crown for its sustainability efforts which includes using 100% renewable energy and a tree planting program.
Looking for a phone with your plan?
Although buying a phone outright works out cheaper in the long run, it's not easy to pay a hefty amount upfront.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone allow you to pair your mobile plan with a new handset. You then pay the cost of the phone monthly over a 12-, 24- or 36-month repayment period.
Major phone launches in 2024
The last major phone launch is behind us, with Apple's iPhone 16 series now on sale. It's powered by Apple Intelligence (coming this December) and priced lower than the iPhone 15 lineup! All four models are available on plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
Right before that, we saw Google roll out its Pixel 9 series, and in July, Samsung gave us the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.
And let's not forget. It all kicked off with Samsung's Galaxy S24 launch, sparking the year's AI buzz.
Read our expert reviews on other popular mobile phones
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Ask a question
Is it good service in the middle of Australia?
Hi Leslie, which network provider or plan are you specifically referring to? I can help you understand how good the coverage is if you can provide some more details. Thanks :)
Just looking to see any brand that have unlimited plan on data, sms very rarely and never talk on phone. so looking for best Family of 4 deal. And looking at NBN for unlimited data or looking at 600mbps-1000mbps cos i have two playing xbox and we watch like netflex, disney+, stan and etc
Hi Matt, We have a detailed guide to mobile plans with unlimited data which you might find helpful. Typically with these plans the speed will be reduced after a certain volume of data. Most NBN plans include unlimited data – if speed is a consideration, check our roundup of NBN 250 broadband options.
I need a plan for my elderly mum that has unlimited international txts mainly to the UK and NZ we dont need any data just unlimited national calls and txts and unlimited intenational txts every plan i look at she has to pay extra ontop of her plan to send just 1 txt overseas. Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions
Hi Shaz, https://www.finder.com.au/best-mobile-plans-international-calling this page will be able to help you out. Dodo, amaysim and the long expiry plan for Coles Mobile are all good options as you get international call and text inclusions without having to pay extra on top of your plan fees. Hope this helps!
Why haven’t you included Amazon and Officeworks in your comparison lists? Thx
Hi Nuran, this specific comparison list is for mobile plans provided by telcos in Australia. Amazon and Officeworks don’t fit the category in this instance. Hope this helps!
Which is the best plan for international roaming?
Hi Gexi, this guide should help you out with your query: https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/global-roaming