Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 300 SIM-only mobile plans from 46 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 6 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
300 SIM-only plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $216
To find the best cheap SIM only plan for light use, we looked at plans that cost $25 per month or less. 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.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $300
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 40GB 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: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
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: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $250
We compared mobile plans on Finder that cost $400 or less 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: $342
We looked at SIM-only plans on Finder that cost under $40 per month and came with unlimited international calls to a select number of destinations. 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, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
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 14GB 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.
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sims card for a365 days calls only
Hi Phyllis,
You can see a range of Optus pre-paid plans here, which currently come with a Finder Reward exclusive offer of a visa gift card. You can review a range of other pre-paid options here from different providers. Select ‘365-days’ in the plan length filter to the left, so see the year-long plans you’re looking for. Hope this helps!
Hi, I would like to please request cheapest plan for my palliative
partner in hospital . She requires just a plan that she can receive/answer calls. Thank you for your advice.
Hi Barb,
We’re very sorry to hear about your partner. You may want to consider a pre=paid plan? This is where you buy a certain amount of data/time, which could be ideal for your partner. You can get plans as low as $12.50 a month. If you’d prefer a post-paid account, you can get plans suitable for receiving calls for as low as $15 a month. Hope this helps!
Hi Finder, I have been treating myself with a new iphone 16 3 128g and a owatch SE 2nd Gen Cellular. I am a full time student and seeking a better mobile Esim only works for putting my iwatch and mobile phone Any recommendations, please, And thank you?
Hi Elizabeth, it sounds like you’re after an eSIM-compatible plan that can connect to both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
For our money, Southern Phone’s 20GB plan, which uses the Optus 4G/5G network, offers the best bang-for-buck.
You can currently get it for just $14 per month for the first 6 months, exclusively through Finder. The price then jumps to $24 per month but don’t stress – there’s no lock-in contract, meaning you can start shopping around before the deal ends.
The plan comes with 20GB data, unlimited calls & text and $50 international call credit. You can easily sign up for an eSIM via its website.