SIM only plans
300+ SIM only plans (checked daily), starting from $10 a month.
What is a SIM only plan?
SIM only is a type of mobile plan where you pay for calls, texts and data. The SIM usually comes included with the plan and you don't get a phone with the SIM, which is why it's known as "SIM only" or a BYO phone plan.
A SIM only plan can traditionally be categorised as one of 2 types: prepaid or postpaid.
However, the concept of a postpaid plan is fairly outdated since you no longer get locked into a contract 99% of time and often providers such as Telstra will ask you to pay upfront when you sign up.
Even from a cost perspective, the price of month-to-month prepaid plans in our database averages $38 a month and postpaid sits at $40 a month. However, paying upfront for a long-expiry prepaid plan, like a 12-month option, can be a cheaper way to save.
- Good to know: Historically SIM only plans were postpaid as they were tied to handset repayment contracts. Nowadays these don't come attached to handsets and can be purchased separately, often on a month-to-month basis.
"I've been using SIM only plans for years now. It's got to be one of the easiest things to switch so I change providers every year. There's always a different deal worth snapping up."
Do you need a SIM card with your plan?
In Australia, it's still common to get a SIM card with your mobile plan. You will usually need to buy a SIM card from the store or order it online. The SIM will then need to be inserted into your phone so you can activate your plan.
Some providers also offer the option to sign up with an eSIM, which is a newer technology rolling out in Australia.
An eSIM allows you to set up your mobile plan digitally without the need of a physical SIM card, meaning you don't have to wait for your SIM to arrive by post. This can be especially useful when you're travelling overseas.
Who has the cheapest SIM only plans in Australia?
Some of the cheapest SIM only plans on Finder come from providers such as Flip, ALDImobile, Lebara and Catch Connect. We have a guide comparing cheap mobile plans if you're looking for a starting point.
Keep in mind though that the cheapest option won't always mean you're going to get the best value for your money. Plans might cost less but do they offer enough data and features to match your requirements?
A good rule of thumb is to look out for deals and use the benchmark of $1 per GB to compare plans. All you need to do is divide the monthly cost by the monthly data allowance the provider is offering on its plans to find out how much each gigabyte of data will cost you.
Meet our 2024 Finder Award winners for mobile plans
2024 Finder Award for Best Budget Mobile Provider
TPG was a standout this year for the budget category because it stacks up well for price and data, especially when it's running frequent promotional offers.
2024 Finder Award for Best SIM Only Mobile Providers (Postpaid)
SpinTel and Circles.Life topped the charts this year for offering value for money. Their plans are well-priced and come with generous data allowances.
2024 Finder Award for Best Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile Provider
Kogan's 365-day mobile plans are some of the best around. They offer fantastic value for money and come with Wi-Fi calling and instant eSIM setup.
What do you get on a SIM only plan?
There are a few features to look out for when choosing a SIM only plan to help you differentiate them all. Just keep in mind that if you're not in need of any of the following features, keep it simple and get a well-priced plan with just calls, texts and data.
Data rollover
Also known as data banking, this allows you to bank unused data for future use. Usually providers will let you roll over your data for either your next recharge or up to a certain data limit (e.g. 200GB).
No excess data charges
This is essentially how "unlimited data" mobile plans in Australia operate. Once you've used up your data allowance, your speeds will usually get capped to 1.5–2Mbps until your next billing cycle. This helps avoid any bill shock.
International calls
Some providers may offer unlimited international calls to selected countries on some of their plans, or alternatively they could offer a certain number of minutes or credit to call friends or family overseas.
International roaming
International roaming add-ons are becoming a more frequent feature with smaller providers and not just limited to the likes of Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. They can help ease any travel jitters if you can't access a local SIM straight away.
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling can be an important feature if you're having trouble with mobile network signals at your home or elsewhere indoors as it allows you to make calls over the internet.
Do SIM only plans now come with 5G?
5G is now becoming a more prominent feature on SIM only plans, from both big and smaller mobile providers including Boost Mobile, Belong and amaysim.
There are 39 out of 48 providers offering 5G plans on Finder and one offering plans with a free 5G trial.
You can check out our top picks for 5G mobile plans as a starting point to compare your options.
- Keep in mind: You'll need to have a compatible smartphone and have 5G coverage available in your area to take advantage of this faster network.
Can I get an unlimited data SIM only plan?
You can get an unlimited data SIM only plan, with prices starting at just $10 a month. However, you'll need to understand that unlimited data mobile plans come with a couple of caveats.
In Australia, most plans with unlimited data actually come with a monthly data allowance (anywhere between 15GB and 360GB), but they're considered unlimited because you won't get charged for going over this allowance.
Instead, providers will reduce your downloads speeds to around 1.5–2Mbps once you've used up your data allowance for the month.
This means you won't ever be hit with excess data charges but you'll have to put up with slow speeds until your plan renews the next month.
Only felix mobile comes close to offering a truly unlimited data plan. There's no data limit so you can use as much as you want but your speeds will be capped at 20Mbps the whole time.
Will my SIM only plan work overseas?
The only provider that gives you the option to use your exact SIM only plan overseas in 100+ countries is Vodafone. You'll need to enable international roaming for $5 a day to do so.
Other providers may offer international roaming add-ons so you can take your plan overseas, but your call, text and data inclusions will be different.
Is a SIM only plan right for me?
Here's a rundown of the pros and cons of signing up to a SIM only plan so you can decide if it's right for you:
Pros
- Affordable. You'll find a wide price range with an even wider selection of data allowances so you can choose to pay for only what you need and stick to a budget.
- Flexibility. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan as frequently as you like based on what your needs are at any given time.
- Deals. There are no lock-in contracts on SIM only plans so you can always be on the hunt for a better deal and switch when one comes up to your liking.
Cons
- BYO phone. This can be both a pro and a con. While SIM only plans do give you the flexibility to use your existing handset, you will need to pay for one outright if you're unable to BYO. The alternative is to get on a handset repayment plan with one of the major telcos and pair it with its SIM only plan. This can restrict your options.
Who offers SIM only plans in Australia?
There are 3 network providers in Australia – Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. They allow smaller providers also known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to access their network in order to sell SIM only plans.
MVNOs normally have cheaper prices than the big 3. According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, Australians spend as much as $65 a month with the big 3, but around $27 a month with a smaller telco. That's a difference of $456 over a year.
MVNOs that run on the Optus and Vodafone network have full access to their coverage. For Telstra it's slightly different.
The majority of Telstra MVNOs run on its wholesale network that reaches 98.8% of the Aussie population. Only Boost Mobile has access to full Telstra coverage which reaches 99.7% of the population.
Telstra SIM only plans
SIM only plans from Telstra start at $65 a month for 50GB. You also get:
- 4G and 5G access with the largest network in Australia.
- No excess data charges. Your download speeds will be slowed down to 1.5Mbps once you've used up your monthly data allowance.
- Access to Telstra Plus rewards program which allows you to earn points and redeem on products.
- Unlimited international texts and 30 minutes of international calls.
Optus SIM only plans
Optus has the second largest network in Australia. Its SIM only plans start at $52 a month for 50GB and come with:
- 4G and 5G network access.
- No excess data charges. Once you've used up your data for the month your download speeds will be capped at 1.5Mbps until your next billing cycle.
- Unlimited international talk and text to 35 selected countries on its Medium Optus Choice Plus plan and above.
- International roaming. $5 a day for 5GB in 100+ countries.
Vodafone SIM only plans
Vodafone's SIM only plans start at $49 a month for 50GB. It offers the least amount of coverage out of the big 3 but is the cheapest of the lot. You also get:
- Access to its 4G and 5G network.
- No excess data charges. Once you've run through your monthly data allowance, your download speeds will be capped at 2Mbps.
- International roaming. Use your plan overseas for $5 a day in 100+ countries.
Why compare mobile phone plans with Finder?
Call us fan boys (and gals). Because nerding out on data inclusions and discount sim deals is in our DNA.
We hate sneaky fees. Paying $2 per extra megabyte? Not on our watch. We're deep in the weeds, fact-checking dozens of Aussie telco contracts to keep you aware of the hidden ts & cs.
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.
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Do you KEEP your existing phone number with “sim only” plans?
Hi Tracey, yes you can keep your existing phone number with any SIM only plan. When signing up/activating your new SIM, you will be asked if you want to keep your existing number. When this prompt comes up just select yes. Hope this helps!
Can all providers allow new users to bring their existing number in the new plan.
Hi Glen, yes you are able to port your existing number to any new provider in Australia. Hope this helps!
Why do you not consider e.tel in your list?
Hi Grahame, E.tel is in our provider database – here’s a direct link to see its plans.
if I have a phone with say belong or Telstra pre paid sim and number and when I go where there is no coverage for 5months or more and can’t use phone so I don’t pay for the months first – when I get into a coverage area can I recieve calls and texts ? can I get it to be used again by paying the monthly amount or will it not work ? thanks
If you don’t pay your bill for multiple months, the odds are high your service will be cancelled – which would mean you wouldn’t be able to make calls or send texts when you get back into a coverage area. In this scenario, you’d be better off looking at a 365-day plan. Options using the Telstra network include Boost, ALDImobile, Telechoice and Everyday Mobile. Hope this helps!
One doubt..loved the article..witha sim cars only..you can change provider as you wish..depending on the offer as it has no contract..but that means one new number w new sim card everytime?
Hi Liv, No, you can keep your number when you change providers. Our guide to number porting explains how this works.