It can be overwhelming to sift through all the options. Don't worry though, we've simplified the process to help you find a mobile plan that works for you.
This is the first question to ask yourself when choosing a phone plan.
💡 Pro Tip: You can keep your existing phone number when switching providers, and it's easy to bring it with you no matter where you switch.
Start by checking how much data you use, because there's a good chance you're paying for more than you need (and could save money!). Many Australians overestimate how much data they need; based on research from the ACCC, the average Aussie uses 13.4GB each month on average - far less than the 40GB most people choose as per our data.
💡 Pro tip: If you mostly use Wi-Fi and don't stream much on the go, a smaller data plan could save you money. Second, check your previous bills to get a clear picture of your typical usage. If you're still not sure of how much you use, there's more info below.
Coverage matters, especially if you live in rural or regional areas. Price and data won't matter much if you're constantly losing signal!
💡 Pro tip: Check the mobile phone provider's network coverage map before signing up.
Some mobile plans come with extras like international calls, data rollover or travel roaming.
💡 Pro tip: If you don't need these features, focus on finding a plan with the right price and data (unlimited local calls and texts are usually a given).
You could be overpaying by sticking with the same provider or plan for too long – or only looking at the big brands like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. As a rule, it's a good idea to look at plans every 6 to 12 months and to review it anytime the provider raises prices. If you don't, you're essentially being taken advantage of by being loyal; aka the loyalty tax. On average, Aussies spend $53 a month on their phone bill, but you could get a plan with 40GB for as little as $30 a month. For more insights like these, read our Loyalty Tax report on mobile, broadband and energy bills.
In Australia, there are three main types of mobile phone plans:
Each has its benefits depending on your needs.
There's less of a distinction between prepaid and postpaid plans these days, especially with the removal of lock-in contracts for postpaid. Here's a quick breakdown of the differences:
| Prepaid plans | Postpaid plans | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract length | No lock-in contract | Usually no lock-in contract |
| Payment period | Paid upfront | Billed monthly |
| Excess charges | No excess data charges | Some providers charge for excess data use, while others slow your speeds |
| Expiry period | 7-day, 28-day, 30-day, and long-expiry plans (90, 180, or 365 days), as well as monthly options | Monthly |
| Recharges | Without auto-recharge, you must renew your plan before it expires | The plan will continue monthly unless you cancel |
Buying a phone outright is cheaper in the long run, but it's not easy to fork out a big chunk of cash upfront, especially if you're eyeing something from Samsung, Apple or Google.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone allow you to pay for your phone in monthly instalments over 12, 24 or 36 months. There's no lock-in contract, and you can leave anytime by paying off the remaining phone cost.
So far this year, we've had Samsung launch its flagship Galaxy S25 series and three new phones in the Galaxy A series range. Apple has released a brand-new iPhone 16e to replace the legacy iPhone SE.
Google unveiled the Pixel 9a on 20 March 2025. It will go on sale on 16 April after facing a short delay. You can get all the details in our news piece covering the launch.
Alternatively, you can also compare plans for different models from the big tech brands.
Understanding how much data you need is key to avoiding overpaying.
Activities like browsing and social media don't use as much data as you'd think, so you can probably get by with less than 15GB, especially if you're on Wi-Fi most of the time.
Streaming and downloads, however, can burn through data quickly. If you're out and about a lot or have a long commute, you might want some extra buffer: at least 20-25GB a month.
Anything above 40GB is considered a high data plan.
| Data | Activities |
|---|---|
| 3GB - 10 GB | Enough for casual web browsing, social media, occasional music streaming and some online gaming |
| 15GB - 20GB | Great for regular web browsing, moderate streaming, gaming and occasional YouTube viewing |
| 30GB and above | Perfect for those who frequently stream high-definition videos or download large files like movies, TV shows and video games |
If you're still worried about going over your data allowance, consider an unlimited data mobile plan.
In most cases, once you've used up your data, your speeds will drop from anywhere between 256Kbps to 2Mbps. That's still enough for basic things like checking emails or browsing, but you might struggle with heavier tasks.
"My wife and I were both paying $44 a month each on our mobile plans, with more data than we needed. I thought it was a good deal until I found a 365-day plan with 120GB of data for $119, which works out to $10 each per month. Still, more data than we need since we're almost always connected to our Wi-Fi at home, but it will save us $800 a year!"
Australia's three mobile networks - Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone - each have pros and cons. Smaller providers use their networks to offer mobile plans.
Network coverage is important because it affects how smoothly you can do things like browse the web or stream content on your phone.
Telstra has the widest network coverage in Australia and leads in rural and regional areas.
Konec Mobile
MATE
More Telecom
numobile
Pennytel
Superloop
Tangerine
TeleChoice
Telsim
Think Mobile
Optus offers good coverage in major cities, at a lower price than Telstra.
Vodafone is the most affordable but has slightly limited coverage outside cities.
A 5G mobile connection offers faster speeds, particularly in crowded areas. But if you don't use much data, have an older phone that doesn't support 5G or live where the coverage is patchy, 4G might be enough.
The good news? Many mobile plans now include both 4G and 5G, especially with 3G now phased out, so you won't have to pay more for faster speeds.
Plans for different life stages
Most providers now offer 5G plans, so finding a great deal is easier than ever. Check out our top 5 picks to get started.
Each month, we pick the best prepaid plans for 9 different categories to help you find the right mobile plan.
We've done the hard work so you don't have to go searching far and wide for the best SIM-only plan.
Our experts have crunched the numbers to help you find the best mobile phone plan in Australia.
While you can get unlimited data with your mobile phone, there are a few restrictions to be aware of.
Looking for a great phone plan from a provider that uses the Optus network? There's something available no matter what you're looking for.
Known for its regular shopping deals, Catch also sells a range of well-priced prepaid plans.
If you want Telstra's coverage without the price point, there are great ways to save with a smaller provider on the Telstra network.
We pored over 180 mobile plans featuring international calls to find you our top picks for this month.
It's easy to avoid overpaying for your mobile plan, even without a seniors discount. We've rounded up our top 5 picks and shared tips on how to save.
Is telstra new prepaid plans good value?
Hi Testok,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
While we do not provide specific product recommendations, we can help guide you through the process of comparing options. This is a great page to make a comparison on different mobile providers. Depending on what you need and you mobile usage, you may customize the search to get the best results for you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Can I keep my mobile phone number on all plans?
Hi Barry,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
You may still use your number to a prepaid plan if you wish. You can request to port your number to the new provider and subscribe to their prepaid plans. Prepaid has the flexibility to change your recharge amount with every recharge and change your plan online or over the phone.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
In a couple of months my contract is over with Optus. I would like a new phone (not important) 4-5G of data, unlimited SMS and unlimited calls local and interstate on Australian mobile and time to bring just one country which is Greece.
Hello Helen,
Thank you for your inquiry. You can check our review for mobile plans for international calling. In this guide, we have suggested providers that you can consider for Greece.
Please explore the page and you should find more details to help you with your query.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I want a cheap iPad plan I only need a bit of data as I have access to wifi
Hello Maxine,
Thank you for your inquiry today.
You can check our list of mobile broadband plans.
Please take note that the options are only for bring-your-own-device or sim-only plans, so if you will be getting an iPad device with it, additional monthly repayments will be added to your plan if you would not be buying it outright.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I have a plan for $44.00 a month unlimited text and calls with 7 GB data. I would be happy with 5 GB. Is there a cheaper plan for my needs? Thank you
Hi Helen,
Thanks for reaching out to us.
You’re actually on the correct page for comparing mobile plans. You may make use of the search tool on this page to give you a list that may suit your needs. You can also have a look at our list of mobile plans under $20.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Rench