Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 322 SIM-only mobile plans from 49 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 7 top picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not every SIM-only plan will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
322 SIM-only plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $262.5
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with at least 15GB of data, which is around the average Aussies use, according to the ACCC. We’ve also capped the data allowance at 25GB to keep the monthly cost budget-friendly. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $540
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with over 40GB of monthly data. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $119
We compared mobile plans on Finder that cost under $200 with an expiry period of 12 months or 365 days. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
To select the best unlimited data SIM-only plan, we looked at mobile plans on Finder with no data limit. There is currently only 1 plan with no imposed limit on data so it defaulted to being the winner for this category.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $346.5
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with 5G for under $40 a month. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
We looked at mobile plans on Finder that run on the Telstra network and come with at least 15GB of data, which is around the average Aussies use, according to the ACCC. We’ve also capped the monthly cost to $40 a month. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
We looked at mobile plans on Finder for under $40 per month that offer international call inclusions. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
As part of the 2024 Finder Awards, we selected the Best Prepaid and Postpaid Mobile Providers, based on value and data. The winners and finalists were chosen based on their cost per day, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to finding a SIM only plan. Your budget and data needs can vary depending on how you use your phone. Here are a few things to consider apart from price alone:
What network are you after?
There's no doubt Telstra's network reigns supreme in coverage. It reaches the most number of Aussies, especially if you're living outside the metro areas. That being said, if you're staying in the city, you could be better off with the lower price tags of plans on the Optus or Vodafone network.
How much data do you need?
Australians download around 12.8GB of data on average every month according to the ACCC. We recommend finding out how much data you use and matching a plan that fits the bill accordingly. You don't want to be paying more for data that's going to waste and to rack up any excess charges because you signed up to a much lower limit.
What plan length works best for you?
While most people are familiar with month-to-month mobile plans, long-expiry plans also exist that could help you save money by paying for your plan usage upfront. These plans last for 90–365 days but just remember you'll need to be happy to stick it out with that one provider for 3–12 months.
Do you want a no-frills plan or one packed with features?
The cheapest plans are usually those with just calls, texts and data. But if that's all you need anyway, you might as well grab these simple plans for a lower cost. If you're looking for more value, consider extra features such as international calls, data rollover or Wi-Fi calling.
"I'd been on a contract phone, well, forever. I used to regularly pay over $80 a month for my phone bill. I took the leap to get a Sim Only and buy a phone outright as I found it easier to manage my bills month to month. I also got a great deal, paying just $15 a month with a Circles offer. I've switched 3 times since then while keeping my phone number, it's allowed me to take advantage of great sign up offers."
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