Compare high data mobile plans

What's considered a high-data mobile plan?

There’s no magic number for ‘high-data’ plans, but we’d call anything over 40GB a solid choice. This is also the average amount of data Aussies get on their mobile plans, according to Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker research.

Sure, gaming, video chats, and YouTube can eat up your data, but it’s Netflix and Stan that really take the cake, munching up to 3GB an hour.

So if you’re streaming on the go a lot, a high-data plan might a good option.

Is a high-data mobile plan right for me?

A high-data mobile plan is perfect if you’re all about streaming on the go or if your phone is your main gateway to the internet when you're out and about.

Good to know: On average, Aussies use 12.8GB of data, so you might not need as much as you think. Always check your past usage before signing up for a plan. You shouldn't pay for data you're not using.

How much data is enough?

"I always overestimate how much data I need. I stream music and video on the go, so I always think I'll go through 50GB or 60GB a month, but I mostly use less than 20GB. However, when I work remotely I can't afford to be charged more or speed limited. My unlimited data plan from Felix has been great - it gives me the peace of mind of a high data plan, while saving money by being on the Vodafone network."

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

What apps use the most data?

The biggest culprit for your need for a high-data mobile plan is video streaming. Streaming services like Netflix can eat up to 3GB an hour if you're streaming HD video. Other activities like taking video calls and social media can also dig into your monthly data allowance.

If you're not up for paying for a higher data mobile plan, consider data-saving tips like downloading Netflix shows and Spotify playlists at home on Wi-Fi, so they don't eat into your mobile data.

Should I consider an unlimited data plan instead?

There's a good chance you want a high data mobile plan for peace of mind where you can avoid bill shock and still have access to your plan.

In that instance you could consider an unlimited data mobile plan. The catch being:

1. If a provider offers a plan with no monthly data limit, it probably comes with a speed cap. This is as close as you'll get to a truly unlimited data mobile plan. Only felix offers a plan like this one.
2. If the plan comes with a monthly data allowance and you use it up before your next billing cycle, your speeds could be slowed down to anywhere between 256kbps to 2Mbps.

Why compare mobile phone plans with Finder?

Genuine phone addicts. Unlimited scrolling and streaming, we got you. We track all offers daily so you can stay online all the time.

Cause we all hate caps. Our goal is to bring you all the good stuff, and surface any hidden fees. So you can get back to the fun stuff, like gaming.

Tried and tested. We give these plans a run for their money and listen to the feedback of the millions of Aussies who have used our plans comparison.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Australia have an unlimited data plan?

  There are two types of unlimited data plans available in Australia:

  1. If a provider offers a plan with no monthly data limit, expect a speed cap to be in place. This is as close as you'll get to a truly unlimited data mobile plan.
  2. If your plan includes a monthly data allowance and you exceed it before the next billing cycle, your speeds may be reduced to between 256Kbps and 2Mbps.

  Due to these caveats, providers often refer to it as 'endless data' or simply state 'no excess charges' in their plan advertising.

• Is unlimited data worth it?

  This comes down to how you use your mobile and how much data you tend to go through.

  It helps with peace of mind at the very least as you won't get hit with excess charges at any point.

  You can compare plans in our guide to see if any take your fancy.

• How do excess mobile data charges work?

  Excess mobile data charges apply when you use more data than your plan's limit. This usually happens on postpaid plans.

  Look out for SIM only plans with no excess charges. With this, your download speeds will slow down if you use up all your data allowance, but you'll never be charged extra.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 333 Finder guides across topics including:

• Energy
• Mobile
• Broadband
• Consumer tech