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Finding the best prepaid mobile plans
Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 148 prepaid mobile plans from 24 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 10 top picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not all prepaid plans will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
148 prepaid plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Top pick: Best value prepaid mobile plan
felix Subscription 25GB GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
$10/mth for the first 3 months, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX10. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 29.9.24
Pros & cons:
- You can sign up via an eSIM which makes switching to felix fairly easy.
- It was highly commended in the 2024 Finder Mobile Awards in the Prepaid Mobile Provider - Value category.
- You will have access to Wi-Fi calling, a handy feature for instances when you're having trouble with your phone signal.
- The price reverts to $25 a month after 3 months.
- felix offers purely digital customer support which may not suit people who prefer to get on the phone to seek help.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $255
Why we chose it
To find the best value prepaid mobile plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $35 per month. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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.
Top pick: Best cheap prepaid mobile plan
Catch Connect 28 Day Plan 15GB
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
25GB/recharge for the first 12 recharges, then 15GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.9.24
Pros & cons:
- It offers full access to the Optus 4G network, which is the second largest in Australia.
- There's a handy mobile app that can help you track your data usage and manage plan details.
- A 28-day renewal means you'll end up paying 13 bills instead of 12 over the year.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $240
Why we chose it
To find the best cheap prepaid mobile plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $20 per month. We gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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.
Top pick: Best 365-day prepaid mobile plan
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 120GB Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$109 for the first recharge, then $150/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.9.24
Pros & cons:
- The cost works out to be just around $9 a month for 10GB of data.
- Catch will deliver your SIM to you free of charge.
- There's no lock-in contract so you can switch plans anytime.
- The cost will revert to $150 after your 12 months are up and it's time for your next recharge.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $109
Why we chose it
To find the best 365-day prepaid mobile plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $150 with an expiry of 365-days or 12 months. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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.
Top pick: Best prepaid plan for customer satisfaction
amaysim 32GB Plan
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
50GB for $10 for the first recharge, then 32GB for $30/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 30.9.24
Pros & cons:
- The plan features unlimited data banking. Your unused data will never go to waste.
- You can make unlimited international calls to 28 selected countries.
- Multiple customer support options, including live chat.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps but this is still good enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $340
Why we chose it
To find the best prepaid mobile plan for customer satisfaction, we awarded the best value plan from the winner of the 2023 Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards for Best Rated Mobile Provider. To find the best value plan, we compared prepaid mobile plans for under $50 a month, and chose the plan with the highest score according to our internal ranking algorithm.
Top pick: Best high data prepaid mobile plan
felix Subscription 50GB GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
$15/mth for the first 3 months, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- You’ll save $45 overall with felix’s discount. Even the original price of the plan is quite good for how much data you get in return.
- There are no excess charges. Your download speeds will be capped at 1.5Mbps once you’ve through your monthly data allowance.
- You can quickly sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- The price reverts to $30 a month after 3 months.
- felix offers digital-only customer support which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
Why we chose it
To find the best high data prepaid mobile plan, we compared prepaid mobile plans on Finder with 40GB of included data or more. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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.
Top pick: Best prepaid mobile plan on the Telstra network
Boost $35 SIM
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
70GB for $12 for the first recharge, then 25GB for $35/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 30.9.24
Pros & cons:
- Full Telstra network coverage rather than the wholesale network - this will matter if you're living or travelling to a rural/regional area in Australia.
- Get an additional 45GB on your first recharge.
- International call and text inclusions available.
- Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps on 4G and 5G networks.
- Data allowance reverts to 25GB from the second recharge.
Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $397
Why we chose it
We compared prepaid mobile plans on Finder that run on the Telstra network and cost under $35 a month. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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.
Top pick: Best 5G prepaid mobile plan
ALDI $29 5G Plan
Pros & cons:
- You can make unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected countries.
- It has a handy mobile app that lets you check your balance, set up auto recharge, add data and more.
- The unlimited data rollover feature lets you bank unused data for future use.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps though this should still be good enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $348
Why we chose it
We compared prepaid mobile plans on Finder that run on any of the three 5G networks in Australia and cost under $35 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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.
Top pick: Best prepaid plan for international calls
amaysim 32GB Plan
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
50GB for $10 for the first recharge, then 32GB for $30/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 30.9.24
Pros & cons:
- While not all providers include international calls, amaysim gives more bang for your buck with its unlimited calls and texts to 28 selected destinations.
- Unlimited data banking so you can save unused data for later.
- It won Finder's 2023 Mobile Provider Customer Satisfaction Award.
- Download speeds are capped at 100Mbps.
- Automatically recharges but you can cancel this by contacting amaysim.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $340
Why we chose it
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder that offer international calls and cost under $35 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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 based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best Telstra prepaid plan
Telstra $35 SIM Kit
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
60GB for the first recharge, then 15GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply
Pros & cons:
- It offers the widest 4G and 5G network coverage in Australia.
- You can bank up to 200GB as long as you recharge before the plan expires.
- Includes up to 300 minutes of international call credit to selected destinations and 100 texts to any country.
- The data allowance drops to 15GB after the first recharge.
- Data rollover only applies if you recharge your plan before expiry.
- 4G and 5G download speeds capped at 150Mbps.
Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
We looked at Telstra prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $35 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score.
Top pick: Best Optus prepaid plan
Optus Flex Plus $35
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
40GB for $35 on the first 3 recharges, normally 20GB for $35. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- You get 20GB of bonus data on the first 3 recharges.
- You can rollover unused data up to 200GB if you recharge before the plan expires.
- Includes 400 minutes of standard international calls to 20 selected destinations.
- The data allowance drops to 20GB after the first 3 recharges.
- Data rollover only applies if you recharge your plan before expiry or maintain an active AutoRecharge.
- 4G and 5G download speeds capped at 150Mbps.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
We looked at Optus prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $35 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score.
2024 Finder Awards for best prepaid mobile providers
As part of the 2024 Finder Awards, we selected the Best Prepaid 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.
![TPG logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2021/09/TPGlogo_supplied_450x250-1.png)
Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - Value
- Winner: TPG
- Highly commended: felix
- Highly commended: Everyday mobile (previously Woolworths Mobile)
![felix logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/04/felixmobilelogo_supplied_450x250.png)
Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - High Data
- Winner: felix
- Highly commended: amaysim
- Highly commended: TeleChoice
How do you find the best prepaid mobile plan?
Finding the prepaid mobile plan that suits your needs best doesn't need to be complicated. Here are 4 factors to consider
![Image: Finder mobile network signal](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/network_signal_flaticon90x90.png)
Which mobile network serves you best?
Only 3 telcos operate the mobile networks in Australia that deliver calls and texts to your device: Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone. You'll notice the difference in coverage within parts of metro areas but especially in regional Australia. You can check coverage for areas you frequent online before you sign up.
![Image: Finder phone with arrows pointing to opposite direction](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/data_fmp_flaticon90x90.png)
How much data will you use?
Depending on the type of prepaid plan you're after, you can get data in amounts as small as 1GB all the way up to 200GB, 300GB or even unlimited data with felix. Look at how much data you currently use: the average Australian downloads just 10.2GB of data according to the ACCC.
![Image: Finder bulleted list](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/features_flaticon90x90.png)
What inclusions do you want?
When choosing our top picks, we factor in features that may appeal to a broad range of people such as data rollover, Wi-Fi calling and international calls. Other features offered by some providers include things like eSIMs, data gifting or sharing between users. You can even score discounts on your groceries.
![Image: Finder dollar sign inside a circle](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/price_flaticon_90x90.png)
Prepaid plans come in all shapes and sizes depending on your needs. There are plans that are essentially pay as you go (PAYG) as well as those designed to last a week, month-to-month or even up to 365 days.
Here are some handy tips from our experts for picking the best prepaid plan:
![Mariam Gabaji's headshot](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/11/MariamGabaji_supplied_600x600.jpg)
"Find the best prepaid plan for you by first considering which network you're best covered by. Your network of choice will depend on where you're based. Then select a plan length and data limit that suit your mobile needs best."
Keep an eye out for the recharge period for your prepaid plan to save some money. One that expires after 28 days will require an extra recharge during the year compared to one that expires after a month.
Mark Neilsen
Utilities writer
Make sure you check if your prepaid plan has automatic recharges switched on. This can be a handy feature so you can set and forget, but keeping recharges manual means you'll have greater control over your spending.
Michelle Kwong
Utilities publisher
Compare to find the best prepaid plans
How we researched the best prepaid mobile plans
- We looked at prepaid plans in our database designed for personal use.
- Other selection criteria to narrow down our shortlist included looking at active Finder partners across the categories which allowed for this.
- Promotional discounts were also taken into account during scoring.
Best prepaid plan categories
Each month, we select the best prepaid mobile plans across 9 categories.
- Best value prepaid mobile plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $35.
- Best cheap prepaid mobile plan: Based on our internal value scoring system limiting results to plans equal to or under $20.
- Best 365-day prepaid mobile plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $100.
- Best prepaid plan for customer satisfaction: Based on the methodology from the 2023 Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards.
- Best high data prepaid mobile plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or greater than 40GB.
- Best prepaid mobile plan on the Telstra network: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $35 on the Telstra network.
- Best 5G prepaid mobile plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $35 that run on a 5G network in Australia.
- Best prepaid mobile plan for international calls: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $35 with included international calls, credit or minutes.
- Best Telstra prepaid plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to Telstra prepaid plans equal to or under $35
- Best Optus prepaid plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to Optus prepaid plans equal to or under $35
How does Finder's value scoring system work?
For certain categories, we use a value scoring system to choose the best prepaid plan by scoring the following factors:
- Cost per gigabyte. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 12 months divided by the amount of data (GB). The price includes any promotional offers.
- Network coverage. We awarded scores depending on how wide the network coverage is across Australia.
- Data rollover. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature.
- International calls. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature. This includes those that offer unlimited calls or credit/minutes for international purposes.
- Wi-Fi calling. We weight providers that offer Wi-Fi calling higher than those that don't have this feature.
We then assign a weight to each of the factors in order to calculate a value score. Price and data are given the highest weighting.
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