Compare SIM-only plans in Australia

Whether you’re after a cheap SIM-only plan with prices starting at $10 a month, or something with unlimited data and extras, we’ve got you covered.

20 of 283 results
Brand Data Price Apply Price
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 4G/5G network
Unlimited data
No excess data charges
At speeds up to 40Mbps
$20
per month
felix Subscription Unlimited
$20/mth for the first 3 months, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
Unlimited data
At speeds up to 40Mbps
$20
per month
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G network
30GB
No excess data charges
$14
per month
Dodo Finder Exclusive
Exclusive
$14/mth for the first 6 months, then $28/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 31.8.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
30 GB
Data
$14
per month
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 4G network
25GB
$12.50
per month
TPG Small
$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $25/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
25 GB
Data
$12.50
per month
Belong 40GB
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
80GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 40GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 5.10.25
Belong 40GB
Postpaid
80GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 40GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 5.10.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
80GB
No excess data charges
$35
per month
Belong 40GB
80GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 40GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 5.10.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
80 GB
Data
$35
per month
Boost $365 SIM
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
Boost $365 SIM
Prepaid
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 4G/5G network
365GB
$365
per 12 months
Boost $365 SIM
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
365GB
Data
$365
per 12 months
felix Subscription 25GB
SubscriptionNo lock-in contract
$12.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
felix Subscription 25GB
Subscription
$12.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 4G/5G network
25GB
No excess data charges
$12.50
per month
felix Subscription 25GB
$12.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
25 GB
Data
$12.50
per month
amaysim 32GB Plan
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
50GB for $12 for the first recharge, then 32GB for $30/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 16.9.25
amaysim 32GB Plan
Prepaid
50GB for $12 for the first recharge, then 32GB for $30/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 16.9.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
32GB
$30
per 28 day recharge
amaysim 32GB Plan
50GB for $12 for the first recharge, then 32GB for $30/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 16.9.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
32GB
Data
$30
per 28 days expiry
Optus Flex Plus $39
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$15 on first recharge. Ends 31.8.25. 45GB on the first 3 recharges, then 25GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Optus Flex Plus $39
Prepaid
$15 on first recharge. Ends 31.8.25. 45GB on the first 3 recharges, then 25GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
45GB
$39
per 28 day recharge
Optus Flex Plus $39
$15 on first recharge. Ends 31.8.25. 45GB on the first 3 recharges, then 25GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
45 GB
Data
$39
per 28 days expiry
OnePass Mobile 365 Day Plan 200GB Finder Exclusive
ExclusivePrepaidNo lock-in contract
$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 9.9.25
OnePass Mobile 365 Day Plan 200GB Finder Exclusive
Prepaid
$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 9.9.25
Exclusive
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G network
200GB
$149
per 365 day recharge
OnePass Mobile 365 Day Plan 200GB Finder Exclusive
Exclusive
$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 9.9.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
200GB
Data
$149
per 365 days expiry
TPG Medium
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
TPG Medium
Prepaid
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 4G/5G network
50GB
$17.50
per month
TPG Medium
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
50 GB
Data
$17.50
per month
Boost $39 SIM
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
50GB for $13 on activation, 50GB for $39 on the next 2 recharges, then 25GB for $39. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.8.25
Boost $39 SIM
Prepaid
50GB for $13 on activation, 50GB for $39 on the next 2 recharges, then 25GB for $39. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.8.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 4G/5G network
50GB
$39
per 28 day recharge
Boost $39 SIM
50GB for $13 on activation, 50GB for $39 on the next 2 recharges, then 25GB for $39. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.8.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
50 GB
Data
$39
per 28 days expiry
Dodo $33
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
$16.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 30.9.25
Dodo $33
Postpaid
$16.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 30.9.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
40GB
No excess data charges
$16.50
per month
Dodo $33
$16.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 30.9.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
40 GB
Data
$16.50
per month
Belong 100GB
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
200GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 100GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 5.10.25
Belong 100GB
Postpaid
200GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 100GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 5.10.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
200GB
No excess data charges
$45
per month
Belong 100GB
200GB/mth for the first 12 months, then 100GB/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 5.10.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
200 GB
Data
$45
per month
Optus Flex Plus $350 365 days
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
300GB for first 3 recharges, then 220GB/recharge. Plus 40GB bonus data with AutoRecharge. T&Cs apply.
Optus Flex Plus $350 365 days
Prepaid
300GB for first 3 recharges, then 220GB/recharge. Plus 40GB bonus data with AutoRecharge. T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
300GB
$350
per 365 day recharge
Optus Flex Plus $350 365 days
300GB for first 3 recharges, then 220GB/recharge. Plus 40GB bonus data with AutoRecharge. T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
300GB
Data
$350
per 365 days expiry
AGL Small 5G
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
$25/mth when bundled with AGL Energy. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
AGL Small 5G
Postpaid
$25/mth when bundled with AGL Energy. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
40GB
$35
per month
AGL Small 5G
$25/mth when bundled with AGL Energy. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
40GB
Data
$35
per month
Kogan Extra Large 365 Days
Finder AwardPrepaidNo lock-in contract
$209 for the first recharge, then $300/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.8.25
Kogan Extra Large 365 Days
Prepaid
$209 for the first recharge, then $300/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.8.25
Finder Award
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 4G network
500GB
$209
per 365 day recharge
Kogan Extra Large 365 Days
$209 for the first recharge, then $300/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.8.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
500GB
Data
$209
per 365 days expiry
amaysim 15GB Plan
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$10 for the first recharge, then $25/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.9.25
amaysim 15GB Plan
Prepaid
$10 for the first recharge, then $25/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.9.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
15GB
$25
per 28 day recharge
amaysim 15GB Plan
$10 for the first recharge, then $25/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.9.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
15GB
Data
$25
per 28 days expiry
Optus Choice Plus $65
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
$50/mth for the first 12 months, then $65/mth or as notified. Online only for new services. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 7.9.25
Optus Choice Plus $65
Postpaid
$50/mth for the first 12 months, then $65/mth or as notified. Online only for new services. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 7.9.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
200GB
No excess data charges
$50
per month
Optus Choice Plus $65
$50/mth for the first 12 months, then $65/mth or as notified. Online only for new services. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 7.9.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
200 GB
Data
$50
per month
amaysim 150GB Long Expiry Plan
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$109 for the first recharge, then $150/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 16.9.25
amaysim 150GB Long Expiry Plan
Prepaid
$109 for the first recharge, then $150/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 16.9.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
150GB
$109
per 182 day recharge
amaysim 150GB Long Expiry Plan
$109 for the first recharge, then $150/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 16.9.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
150GB
Data
$109
per 182 days expiry
Optus Flex Plus $49
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$17 on first recharge. Ends 31.8.25. 65GB on the first 3 recharges, then 35GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Optus Flex Plus $49
Prepaid
$17 on first recharge. Ends 31.8.25. 65GB on the first 3 recharges, then 35GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/5G network
65GB
$49
per 28 day recharge
Optus Flex Plus $49
$17 on first recharge. Ends 31.8.25. 65GB on the first 3 recharges, then 35GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
65 GB
Data
$49
per 28 days expiry
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Showing 20 of 51 results

What should I consider when choosing a SIM-only plan?

SIM-only plans let you pay for calls, texts and data without a phone included, hence the name 'SIM-only' or BYO phone plan.

Before you pick one, there are a few things to think about, such as network coverage, whether you want a prepaid or postpaid plan, how much data you need, and what extra features you're after.

Prepaid vs postpaid SIM-only plans

There are two main types of SIM-only plans: prepaid and postpaid.

Postpaid plans used to mean being locked into a contract and tied to handset repayments, but most are now month-to-month.

Sometimes, providers like Telstra and Dodo even ask for an upfront payment when you sign up, instead of billing you at the end of the month.

The main difference with prepaid plans is that they come with expiry periods, such as 7-day, 28-day, 30-day, monthly and long-expiry options (usually 90, 180, or 365 days).

You pay upfront for a set period and then need to recharge your plan manually before it expires, or set up auto-recharge if available.

Despite popular belief, prepaid plans can also include extras like data banking and international call inclusions.

Did you know?

From a cost perspective, month-to-month prepaid plans in our database average $39 a month, while postpaid plans sit around $42 a month. However, paying upfront for a long-expiry prepaid plan, like a 12-month option, can be a cheaper way to save.

Data allowance

Since most SIM-only plans include unlimited local calls and texts, your next consideration should be data allowance.

According to ACCC research, Aussies use an average of 9.3GB per month on prepaid plans and 17.4GB on postpaid plans.

You can use this as a guide or check your past data usage to estimate how much you need.

Network coverage

There are 3 main network providers in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Telstra has the widest coverage, which is important if you live in regional or rural areas, followed by Optus and then Vodafone.

These 'big 3' providers also allow smaller companies, known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), to use their networks to sell SIM-only plans.

We go into more detail later in the guide, including details on which providers offer SIM-only plans.

Extra perks

There are a few features to look out for when choosing a SIM-only plan to help you tell them apart, such as data rollover and international call inclusions (we'll talk about these in just a minute).

But if you don't need any of the extras, it's best to keep it simple and go for a well-priced plan with just calls, texts and data.

Here's a look at the type of perks you can get:

Data rollover icon

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 icon

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 icon

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.

Add Ons icon

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.

Wifi Calling icon

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.

SIM-only vs phone plans: What's the difference?

A SIM-only plan gives you just a SIM card to use in a phone you already own or want to buy outright.

A phone plan (also known as a phone on a plan) includes a new handset that you pay off over time, bundled with a SIM-only plan.

Only Telstra, Optus and Vodafone offer phone plans, usually with 12-, 24-, or 36-month repayment options.

The good news is that, unlike back in the day, these repayment plans don't lock you into a contract. If you want to cancel, you just need to pay off the remaining cost of the phone.

How do I find the best SIM-only plan?

Now that you know what to look for in a SIM-only plan, you're likely ready to check out some plans that match your needs.

The good news is we round up the best SIM-only plans each month across different to help make the choice easier.

Which cheap SIM-only plans offer the best value in Australia?

Smaller providers tend to offer cheaper plans than Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

Based on data from our Consumer Sentiment Tracker, Aussies spend about $27 a month on average with a smaller provider, much lower than the $60 typically spent with the big 3.

We've put together a guide comparing cheap mobile plans if you're looking for a starting point.

Just keep in mind that the cheapest option won't always offer the best value. A plan might cost less, but does it include enough data and features to match what you actually need?

Did you know?

A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye out for deals and use $1 per GB as a rough benchmark. Just divide the monthly cost by the amount of data you get to see how much you're really paying per gigabyte. For example, if you're paying $25 a month for 20GB, that's right on the $1 per GB benchmark.

Can I get a SIM-only plan with unlimited data?

You can get an unlimited data SIM-only plan, but there are a few things to be aware of.

felix mobile is the only provider that comes close to offering a truly unlimited data plan. There's no set monthly data allowance - you just pay each month to stay on the plan.

The catch is that your download speeds are capped at 40Mbps. However, that's still fast enough for streaming HD videos, browsing, social media and more, so most people won't even notice the speed cap.

Other providers such as Belong, Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, and Dodo offer a monthly data allowance, but if you use it up before your next billing cycle, your speeds will be slowed to anywhere between 256 Kbps and 2Mbps, depending on the plan.

This allows you to avoid excess data charges while still being able to use your plan for basic online activities.

Which providers offer SIM-only plans?

As mentioned earlier, there are 3 network providers in Australia - Telstra, Optus and Vodafone - and smaller providers (also known as MVNOs) operate on their networks.

MVNOs running on the Optus and Vodafone networks have full access to their coverage. For Telstra, it's a bit different.

Most Telstra MVNOs use its wholesale network, which covers 98.8% of the Australian population. Only Boost Mobile has access to the full Telstra network, which reaches 99.7% of the population.

When the 'big 3' talk about SIM-only plans or mobile plans without prepaid in the mix, they're usually referring to their postpaid options.

Let's take a look at those, along with a list of MVNOs operating on each network.

Telstra SIM-only plans

SIM-only plans from Telstra start at $70 a month for 50GB. You also get:

  • Widest network coverage reaching 99.7% of the population.
  • Access to 5G and uncapped download speeds.
  • No excess data charges. Your download speeds will slow to 1.5Mbps if you use up your monthly data allowance.
  • Access to the Telstra Plus rewards program, which allows you to earn points and redeem them for products.
  • Unlimited international texts and 30 minutes of international calls.
  • International roaming day passes available starting at $5 per day for 2GB and unlimited calls and texts.
  • Access to Telstra Satellite Messaging. If you're outside Telstra's network, your phone will try to connect via satellite if it has a clear view of the sky.
  • Option to sign via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.

Besides Boost Mobile, all other MVNOs have access to Telstra's wholesale network, which reaches 98.8% of the population.

Providers that use the Telstra network include:


Optus SIM-only plans

SIM-only plans from Optus start at $55 a month for 50GB. You also get:

  • Access to the second largest network coverage in Australia reaching 98.5% of the population.
  • Access to 5G and uncapped download speeds.
  • No excess data charges. Your download speeds will slow to 1.5Mbps if you run out of data.
  • Unlimited international calls and texts to 35 destinations on selected plans.
  • $5 for 5GB daily roaming add-on to use on selected airlines and 150+ destinations. You also get unlimited calls and texts.
  • Option to save up to 10% on subscriptions every month via Optus SubHub.
  • Between $10 to $20 per month credit to spend on subscriptions of your choice for 12 months, also through Optus SubHub.
  • Option to sign up via an eSIM.

Providers that use the Optus network include:


Vodafone SIM-only plans

SIM-only plans from Vodafone start at $53 for 60GB. You also get:

  • Access to its 4G and 5G networks with uncapped download speeds.
  • No excess data charges. Your download speeds will slow to 2Mbps if you run out of data.
  • Option to sign up via an eSIM.
  • Unlimited international calls to Zone 1 and 300 minutes to Zone 2 destinations plus unlimited texts.
  • $5 a day roaming add-on to use your data, calls and texts overseas in over 100 destinations.
  • 30-day network satisfaction guarantee.

Providers that use the Vodafone network include:

Frequently asked questions

Mariam Gabaji's headshot
Written by

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 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 391 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Energy
  • Mobile
  • Broadband
  • Consumer tech

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57 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JillJuly 19, 2025

    My current Samsung Galaxy S8 is quite old but functioning. The reason for wanting a new phone is that the 4G S8 is incompatible with most apps. By updating to 5G and seeking an inexpensive SIM plan, will the phone download Apps and function as they should?

      Mariam Gabaji's headshotFinder
      MariamJuly 23, 2025Finder

      Hi Jill, the issue isn’t just that your S8 is a 4G phone — it’s also:

      – Running an older version of Android (likely Android 9 or earlier)
      – May no longer support app updates, or new apps might be incompatible
      – Some essential apps (banking, government, security) require newer versions of the Android operating system for security reasons

      With this in mind, you might need to consider upgrading your handset. There are plenty of budget-friendly 5G phones in the market such as the Motorola Moto G35 5G, Samsung Galaxy A36, OPPO A60 5G etc. Hope this helps!

    Default Gravatar
    StephenJuly 17, 2025

    My wife and I are looking for best data banking and data sharing sim only plans

    Default Gravatar
    FrankJuly 10, 2025

    which monthly plan allows overseas calls and to which countries
    also the cost

    Default Gravatar
    thomasJuly 6, 2025

    what is the best sim

      Mariam Gabaji's headshotFinder
      MariamJuly 8, 2025Finder

      Hi Thomas, that depends on the network coverage you’re after and how much data you use or need among other things. You can check out our top picks for this month across different categories here: https://www.finder.com.au/best-sim-only-plans. Otherwise, if you can tell me a bit more about what you use your mobile plan for and whether you live in a major city or somewhere else, I can help narrow it down for you. Hope this helps!

    Default Gravatar
    KevinJune 15, 2025

    How do I keep my present number

      Mariam Gabaji's headshotFinder
      MariamJune 16, 2025Finder

      Hi Kevin, when you sign up to a new provider, you’ll be asked whether you want to keep the same number – it’s either during the sign up process or when you’re activating the new SIM. Just follow the prompts presented :) Hope this helps!

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