Best 5G mobile plans in Australia – speed up without overspending

Most providers now offer 5G plans, so finding a great deal is easier than ever. Check out our top 5 picks to get started.

Top pick: Under $30
 image
25GB
$10
per month
for the first 3 months then 25GB for $25. T&Cs apply. Ends 13.12.24, Use promo code GREEN10
Top pick: Under $40
 image
Exclusive
40GB
$16.50
per month
for the first 3 months then 40GB for $33. T&Cs apply. Order by 3.12.24
Top pick: Under $50
 image
200GB
$45
per month
for the first 12 months then 100GB for $45. T&Cs apply. Ends 12.1.25
Top pick: Unlimited data
 image
Finder Award
Unlimited data
At speeds up to 20Mbps
$20
per month
for the first 3 months then Unlimited Data for $40. T&Cs apply. Use code FELIX50.
1 - 10 of 164
Name Product AUFMP-SIM Data Price Apply Price
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
$15/mth for the first 6 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.25
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
Postpaid
$15/mth for the first 6 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.25
Exclusive
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 5G/4G network
50GB
$15
per month
Go to site
View details
Exclusive
$15/mth for the first 6 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
50 GB
Data
$15
per month
iiNet Medium Plan
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
iiNet Medium Plan
Prepaid
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 5G/4G network
50GB
$17.50
per month
Go to site
View details
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
50 GB
Data
$17.50
per month
Belong 40GB
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
Black Friday deal: 60GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 40GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 12.1.25
Belong 40GB
Postpaid
Black Friday deal: 60GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 40GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 12.1.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Wholesale Telstra 5G/4G network
60GB
No excess data charges
$35
per month
Go to site
View details
Black Friday deal: 60GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 40GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 12.1.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
60 GB
Data
$35
per month
felix Subscription Unlimited
SubscriptionNo lock-in contract
$20/mth for the first 3 months, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
felix Subscription Unlimited
Subscription
$20/mth for the first 3 months, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Finder Award
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 5G/4G network
Unlimited data
At speeds up to 20Mbps
$20
per month
Go to site
View details
Finder Award
GREEN COMPANY
$20/mth for the first 3 months, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
Unlimited data
At speeds up to 20Mbps
$20
per month
Optus Flex Plus $35
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
Black Friday: $12 1st 28 days, ends 4.12.24 + 55GB on 1st 3 recharges, activate by 7.3.25 + Unlimited data weekends with AutoRecharge, ends 16.3.25. T&Cs apply
Optus Flex Plus $35
Prepaid
Black Friday: $12 1st 28 days, ends 4.12.24 + 55GB on 1st 3 recharges, activate by 7.3.25 + Unlimited data weekends with AutoRecharge, ends 16.3.25. T&Cs apply
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 5G/4G network
55GB
$35
per 28 day recharge
Go to site
View details
Black Friday: $12 1st 28 days, ends 4.12.24 + 55GB on 1st 3 recharges, activate by 7.3.25 + Unlimited data weekends with AutoRecharge, ends 16.3.25. T&Cs apply
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
55 GB
Data
$35
per 28 days expiry
Dodo $33 Online Exclusive
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
$16.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 3.12.24
Dodo $33 Online Exclusive
Postpaid
$16.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 3.12.24
Exclusive
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 5G/4G network
40GB
No excess data charges
$16.50
per month
Go to site
View details
Exclusive
$16.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 3.12.24
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
40 GB
Data
$16.50
per month
TPG Large
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$22.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $45/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
TPG Large
Prepaid
$22.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $45/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Finder Award
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 5G/4G network
100GB
$22.50
per month
Go to site
View details
Finder Award
$22.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $45/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
100 GB
Data
$22.50
per month
Lyca Plan M
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
Pay $15 when you first sign up and get 120GB on activation + 2 recharges, then 80GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.12.24
Lyca Plan M
Prepaid
Pay $15 when you first sign up and get 120GB on activation + 2 recharges, then 80GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.12.24
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 5G/4G network
120GB
$40
per 28 day recharge
Go to site
View details
Pay $15 when you first sign up and get 120GB on activation + 2 recharges, then 80GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.12.24
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
120 GB
Data
$40
per 28 days expiry
Optus Flex Plus $160 186 days
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
130GB for the first 3 recharges within 3 years of activation, then 80GB/recharge. Speed caps and T&Cs apply.
Optus Flex Plus $160 186 days
Prepaid
130GB for the first 3 recharges within 3 years of activation, then 80GB/recharge. Speed caps and T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 5G/4G network
130GB
$160
per 186 day recharge
Go to site
View details
130GB for the first 3 recharges within 3 years of activation, then 80GB/recharge. Speed caps and T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
130 GB
Data
$160
per 186 days expiry
AGL Medium 5G
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
$30/mth when bundled with AGL Energy. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
AGL Medium 5G
Postpaid
$30/mth when bundled with AGL Energy. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 5G/4G network
80GB
$40
per month
Go to site
View details
$30/mth when bundled with AGL Energy. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
80GB
Data
$40
per month
loading

Finding the best 5G mobile plans

Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 158 5G mobile plans from 36 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 5 top picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not all 5G mobile plans are created equal, so be sure to compare your options. Look at data limits, speeds, and coverage to find the plan that best fits your needs.

Why you can trust our research

158 5G mobile plans analysed

180+ hours of research

Mariam Gabaji
Expert picks reviewed by Mariam Gabaji – Utilities editor at Finder

Top pick: Best 5G mobile plan under $30

felix Subscription 25GB GREEN COMPANY

Unlimited
Calls & Text
25GB
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
$10
per month
felix Subscription 25GB logo

$10/mth for the first 3 months, then $25/mth. Use promo code GREEN10. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 13.12.24

Pros & cons:

  • Current offer will save you $45 over 3 months. Even the ongoing price stacks up fairly against our $1 per GB benchmark.
  • There are no excess data charges. Your download speeds will simply slow to 1.5Mbps if you use up your monthly data allowance.
  • The unlimited data banking feature is quite handy. Your unused data will never go to waste if you stay on this plan.
  • Option to easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
  • Price reverts to $25 a month after 3 months.
  • felix offers purely digital customer support, which may not suit everyone.

Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $255

Why we chose it

To choose our best pick in this category, we looked at 5G mobile plans in our database from Finder partners with a monthly cost of $30 or under. We ranked our shortlist based on a value score that looks at overall cost and cost per gigabyte over 12 months, network coverage, and features like international calls and data rollover.

Top pick: Best 5G mobile plan under $40

Dodo $33 Online Exclusive

Unlimited
Calls & Text
40GB
data
$16.50
per month
Dodo $33 Online Exclusive logo

$16.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 3.12.24

Pros & cons:

  • You’ll only pay $16.50 a month for 40GB for the first three months. Even the ongoing cost of $33 a month stacks up well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
  • Unlimited data banking is available. Your unused data won’t ever go to waste as long as you stick with this plan.
  • Plan includes $300 international call credit.
  • No excess charges. If you run out of your monthly data allowance, the download speeds will simply slow to 256Kbps.
  • 5G network speeds are capped at 100Mbps though this is still fast enough for most online activities.

Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $346.5

Why we chose it

To choose our best pick in this category, we looked at 5G mobile plans in our database from Finder partners with a monthly cost of $40 or under. We ranked our shortlist based on a value score that looks at overall cost and cost per gigabyte over 12 months, network coverage, and features like international calls and data rollover.

Top pick: Best 5G mobile plan under $50

Belong 100GB

Unlimited
Calls & Text
200GB
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
$45
per month
Belong 100GB logo

Black Friday deal: 200GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 100GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 12.1.25

Pros & cons:

  • You're essentially paying $0.23 per GB. This stacks up really well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
  • Keep all your unused data as long as you pay on time.
  • Option to add on unlimited international calls and texts to 30 destinations for $5 a month.
  • You can switch on international roaming when travelling overseas.
  • 4G and 5G network speeds are capped at 150Mbps though this is still fast enough for most online activities.

Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $540

Why we chose it

To choose our best pick in this category, we looked at 5G mobile plans in our database from Finder partners with a monthly cost of $50 or under. We ranked our shortlist based on a value score that looks at overall cost and cost per gigabyte over 12 months, network coverage, and features like international calls and data rollover.

Top pick: Best 5G mobile plan with unlimited data

felix Subscription Unlimited GREEN COMPANY

Unlimited
Calls & Text
Unlimited
data. Slowed down to 20Mbps after full speed data used up
$20
per month
felix Subscription Unlimited logo

$20/mth for the first 3 months, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.

Pros & cons:

  • You can use as much data as you want, without worrying about caps.
  • Save $60 over 3 months with felix's current offer.
  • Easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
  • Option to add on international roaming if you're heading overseas.
  • Download speeds are capped at 20Mbps throughout. However, this should still be good enough for emails, messaging, social media and streaming.
  • Price reverts to $40 a month after 3 months.

Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $420

Why we chose it

To choose our best pick in this category, we looked at 5G mobile plans in our database from Finder partners that cost $35 or less per month and boast no excess data charges. This way you won't ever have to deal with bill shock. We ranked our shortlist based on a value score that looks at overall cost and cost per gigabyte over 12 months, network coverage, and features like international calls and data rollover.

Top pick: Best long-expiry 5G mobile plan

Boost $300 SIM

Unlimited
Calls & Text
265GB
data
$300
per 12 months
Boost $300 SIM logo

265GB on activation, then 240GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 10.3.25

Pros & cons:

  • You're essentially paying $25 a month for 22GB of data.
  • Option to sign up quickly via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
  • Unlimited international calls to 20 countries plus 3600 minutes to 30 selected countries and 3600 texts to any country.
  • Data will revert to 240GB on the next recharge.
  • 4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps, though this is still fast enough for most online activities.

Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $300

Why we chose it

To choose our best pick in this category, we looked at 365-day long-expiry mobile plans in our database from Finder partners that offer 5G coverage and cost $300 or less. We ranked our shortlist based on a value score that looks at overall cost and cost per gigabyte over 12 months, network coverage, and features like international calls and data rollover.

Who offers the best 5G network coverage in Australia?

Telstra has the widest 5G coverage in Australia, reaching 87% of the population, followed by Optus at 80.5%.

Vodafone hasn't reported a specific percentage, but its 5G network is now available in over 3,000 suburbs across major cities in Australia.

All three telcos are still rolling out 5G, so these figures will change over time.

Good to know: Smaller providers on the Optus and Vodafone networks have full access to their 4G and 5G coverage. Boost Mobile is the only smaller provider with full access to Telstra's network while the rest use its wholesale network. You might notice a difference in some regional and rural areas.

Which providers offer 5G mobile plans?

There are 30+ mobile providers in Australia that offer 5G mobile plans, giving you plenty of options to shop around.

We reckon this number will continue to grow as Telstra and Optus shut down their 3G network towards the end of October 2024.

Here's the full list of providers in our database offering 5G mobile plans:

  • AGL
  • ALDImobile
  • AlphaSim
  • amaysim
  • Aussie Broadband
  • Belong
  • Bendigo Telco
  • Boost Mobile
  • CMobile Blue
  • Dodo
  • Everyday Mobile (Woolworths)
  • Exetel
  • felix Mobile
  • Goodtel
  • iiNet
  • JB Hi-Fi
  • Kogan (Trial)
  • Konec
  • Lebara
  • MATE
  • Moose Mobile
  • More
  • numobile
  • Optus
  • Pennytel
  • Southern Phone
  • Spriggy
  • Superloop
  • Swoop
  • Tangerine
  • TeleChoice
  • Telsim
  • Telstra
  • TPG Mobile
  • Vodafone
  • ZenSim

How much do 5G mobile plans cost per month?

The average cost of month-to-month 5G mobile plans in Finder's database is around $49 a month as of August 2024 (excluding any promotional offers).

However, that's just the average and you can get a much cheaper plan based on your data needs.

For example, the cheapest plan we have in our database base is Southern Phone's $24 a month for 20GB deal. The most expensive is Telstra's $99 plan for 300GB.

As more providers offer 5G on their regular plans, the price gap with 4G plans has narrowed. It's all about comparing options to find the best deal.

Angus Kidman's headshot

"I needed to switch to the Telstra network because of reception dramas, but I didn't want to pay the Telstra price premium. ALDImobile had a much more affordable 5G option and I've had no dramas at all since switching."

Editor-at-large

How fast is 5G mobile?

5G speeds can theoretically reach 1 gigabit per second - about 20 times faster than 4G.

However, you're more likely to see speeds around 100-400Mbps.

Some providers also cap 5G speeds between 100-250Mbps. Factors like location, your device, and your provider can affect your actual 5G speed.

  • Optus currently has the fastest 5G network in Australia with an average 5G download speed of 229.6Mbps, according to the OpenSignal Mobile Network Experience Report.
  • Telstra came in at a close second with 215Mbps. However, it had the best consistent quality overall.
  • Vodafone clocked in 106.8Mbps but did better than Optus and Telstra for 5G availability. recognises operators for the proportion of time that our 5G users have an active 5G connection.

Is it worth getting a 5G mobile plan in Australia?

If you've got a 5G phone and coverage in your area, then yeah, it can be worth it.

It really depends on how you use your phone and what you're up to online.

With 3G more providers adding 5G to their regular plans, the price difference between 4G and 5G has definitely shrunk.

If mobile prices seem to be creeping up, it's because providers have been raising costs over the last couple of years citing inflation and network costs. It's not only because of 5G.

Finder survey: What mobile plan features are most important to Australians of different ages?

In a survey of 1,110 Australians, 5G was the 3rd most popular feature that respondents were looking for in a mobile plan.

Response
Network coverage85.32%
Data rollover34.14%
5G27.3%
Customer support options24.32%
Wi-Fi calling18.02%
Brand14.14%
International calls11.17%
Data sharing10.9%
Other3.15%
eSIM2.52%
None of the above2.34%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1110 Australians, December 2023

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Frequently asked questions

Mariam Gabaji's headshot
Written by

Editor I Tech and utilities expert

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio

Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 300 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Energy
  • Mobile
  • Broadband
  • Consumer tech

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    billiMay 13, 2024

    whick company has best coverage in FNQ

      AvatarFinder
      MariamMay 14, 2024Finder

      Hi Billi, Telstra offers the widest network coverage followed by Optus and Vodafone. However, sometimes it depends on your address and the proximity to one of their towers. You can sign up for a cheap mobile plan to test out a provider and its coverage https://www.finder.com.au/compare-mobile-plans-under-20. Hope this helps!

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