At the start of each month, our team of mobile experts analyse all the latest mobile deals in the market to find the best value plans for a wide range of categories. There is no singular mobile plan that will work perfectly for everyone.
To help you find the right mobile plan, we've evaluated hundreds of plans based on a value score. These top picks were awarded on 6 May based on the prices and deals available at that time.
This plan has no lock-in contract or exit fees, so you're free to cancel your plan anytime.
It was highly commended in the 2024 Finder Mobile Awards in the Prepaid Mobile Provider - Value category.
Sign up via an eSIM which makes switching to felix fairly easy.
Watch out for
Its international roaming add-on isn't the best. You get $20 for 4GB with some calls and texts which might make getting a local SIM much more appealing.
Your speeds will be capped at 20Mbps throughout but it's still enough to stream HD video, for instance.
To choose the best prepaid mobile plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans in our database from Finder partners with a monthly cost of $35 or under. We disqualified any mobile plans with enforced speed caps. Of the plans that met those criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Top pick: Best postpaid mobile plan
Southern Phone Large
Unlimited Calls & Text
80GB
data
$24 per
month
for the first 6 months
then 80GB for $34.
T&Cs apply. Ends 12.8.24
You not only save $60 for the year with its current deal, but the data allowance you get in return is quite impressive, both before and after the promo price runs out.
It has an Australia-based customer support team.
The plan comes with a $50 credit each month to make standard international calls.
5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps, though this is still good enough for streaming, browsing and social media.
To choose the best SIM-only mobile plan, we looked at postpaid mobile plans from partners in our database with a monthly cost of $35 or under. Of the plans that met those criteria, we then ranked them by value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
For only $99 you'll be getting 60GB of data on your first recharge. That works out as 5GB for $8.25 per month.
You can have your SIM delivered to you at no extra costs.
This plan has no lock-in contract so switching to a different plan will be a breeze.
Continuing with this plan means you'll be paying $120 on your next recharge, so make sure that you're okay with paying the hefty price if you're planning on sticking with Catch.
Catch is thin on bonus features so if you're keen to get additional benefits to go with your plan, then it might be best to check out other plans.
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder with a plan length of 365-days or 12 months that cost under $150, including any promotional discounts. 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.
You'll be getting 15GB of data for $20 when you sign up to this plan.
Includes $100 international call credit on top of your unlimited standard national calls and texts.
There's no excess charges meaning once you've used your monthly data allowance your speeds will be capped at 1Mbps.
You can add an additional 5GB of data pack for $10.
Despite it being a postpaid plan, you actually have to pay for your plan at the start of each month.
To choose the best mobile under $20 plan, we looked at mobile plans in our database from Finder partners with a monthly cost of $20 or under. From these plans, we then ranked them by our value score, which takes into account cost per gigabyte, network coverage and plan features, and went with the highest-ranking plan.
You get 50GB of data for $38 per month which works out to be $0.76 per GB. This stacks up well against out $1 per GB benchmark.
You can enjoy 5G speeds as long as you have a compatible smartphone.
Bank up to 500GB of data for future use.
You might be charged an additional fee if you decide not to setup direct debit.
To award the best mobile plan on the Telstra network, we compared plans with a monthly ongoing cost of $40 or under. We then ranked the plans by our value score and selected the highest ranking plan from a Finder partner.
You have the option to trade-in an eligible phone and get a digital gift card when you sign up for a phone plan with Optus.
Get access to Optus Sport for $6.99 a month instead of $24.99.
No excess data charges. Once you've used up your monthly data allowance, your speeds will be capped at 1.5Mbps until your next billing cycle.
International calls are not included in Optus's 30GB plan.
To choose the best iPhone plan, we selected the most popular iPhone phone model based on clicks on Finder over the past 30 days. We chose the base model storage variant and a repayment period of 36 months. We looked at plans in our database with a monthly cost of $60 or less and then ranked them according to the value score.
Vodafone has the smallest coverage out of the 3 major networks - the other 2 being Telstra and Optus. You may its coverage spotty in regional and rural areas.
To choose the best Samsung plan, we selected the most popular Samsung Galaxy phone model based on clicks on Finder over the past 7 days due to the recent launch of the S23 lineup. We chose the base model storage variant and a repayment period of 36 months. We then looked at plans from our partners in our database with a monthly cost of $60 or less and ranked them according to the value score.
Why you can trust Finder's mobile plan experts
We've done the work
We've researched and reviewed hundreds of phone plans to make our guides as helpful as possible. Our experts can be seen across TV, print and digital media.
We're reliable
Our product database of 52 providers is updated daily with the latest mobile deals in Australia. Our guides are regularly reviewed and fact-checked.
We're here to help
Since 2015, we've helped over 1.2 million people find the right mobile plan by explaining features clearly and simply. We're here to help you make a decision.
2024 Finder Award winners
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.
The best mobile plan for you will depend on your personal preferences. Here are some of the things to consider to help get you started:
Do you want access to a particular mobile network?
While there are dozens of mobile plan retailers, there are just 3 network operators. In order of coverage, they are Telstra (99.5%), Optus (98.5%) and TPG/Vodafone (96%).
You can check coverage in your area online before you sign up because even in metropolitan areas, there may be coverage gaps.
How much data do you need?
While a few providers offer unlimited data, most people don't need very much data at all. The average Australian uses 10.2GB a month according to the ACCC Communications Market Report.
You can use our mobile data usage calculator to get an estimate of how much data you use, but it's also a good idea to check your latest bill.
What features are must haves for you?
When choosing our top picks, we considered a broad range of features that are useful to have, including data rollover, Wi-Fi calling and international calls and texts.
That being said, you may just be happy with a regular plan with national calls and texts and data. If that sounds like you, don't be fooled by fancy extras and stick to a simpler plan for cheaper instead.
How much can you afford to pay?
If you're getting a new phone on a plan, you'll need to decide how much you can afford for the repayment period. You can typically choose between 12-, 24- and 36-month repayment periods.
Keep in mind that while a 36-month repayment period will have a "smoothing" effect on your monthly bill, you may miss out on better deals that come along within that 3-year period while you stay with the same provider.
Expert tip: The next time your phone bill comes in, look at how much data you used. The average Aussie downloads just 10.2GB a month. If that’s you and you’re paying for more data than you need, it might be time to compare your options.
Methodology: How we researched the best mobile plans
We looked at mobile plans in our database for personal use only.
This includes major providers that operate Australia-wide across the Telstra, Optus and Vodafone networks.
We calculated a value score for each plan in our database weighted as follows: 70% cost per gigabyte over the first 12 months of the plan, 20% mobile network coverage and 10% features (including data rollover 6%, Wi-Fi calling 3% and international call inclusions 1%).
To select the overall winner of each category, we ranked the plans in our database via their final value score.
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with over 11+ years of experience in print and digital media. Her main goal is to help households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their household bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine.
The RBA has held the cash rate for the third time in a row while the cost of living pressure experienced by Aussie households continues to sit in the ‘extreme’ range.
The May cash rate decision was no surprise for most economists, but borrowers waiting for their interest rates to fall may have to wait longer than was expected a couple of months ago.
I tried to move my $50 phone account from optus to telstra However after a week with Telstra , optus said i had to move it back as I had 2 years to go in my prepaid account, I moved it baxk and now optus are trying to bully me in to paying $600+ instead of $about $50, What carrier can i take my phone number to ??
We’re not licenced to provide personal advice, so we suggest you get in touch with Optus’s customer service and dispute resolution team to work out what your next steps might be. Best of luck
Optus have offered, on a 24 month plan, a new iPhone 7 with unlimited text and national calls together with 10GB of data discounted to $45.20 per month. Is this a good deal?
Thanks for getting in touch! It’s helpful to know that when choosing a mobile plan, it should be one that fits your monthly budget and lifestyle. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Hi,
I would like to know which MVNO using full strength 4G network for voice and data. I heard that Boost is using Telstra’s full network and Virgin is using Optus. Is there any other MVNO using full strength network for both voice and data ??
Cheers!
Samy
The network strength depends on different factors such as time and place. However, in terms of network coverage, the service an MVNO offers shouldn’t differ in any way at all from the service that you’d get from the underlying network provider at the same location. That makes sense because it’s the exact same network infrastructure. If there’s an outage or a reception problem with an MVNO, it’s a question of the underlying carrier’s network, not the MVNO.
We also have a list of MVNOs along with the networks they use. Please check and see if it answers your question.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
I need a new mobile phone (keeping my existing mobile number) + prepaid monthly plan to receive incoming calls from work and reply back fast and easy … as my job based on how fast I receive the messages from work and can take the shift … so coverage is important … between Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast and Bribie Island . Best/lowest price deals with fast and safe/reliable network even in rain/storm? Any suggestions? Thanks*
In terms of speed, calls, and messaging, all Australian telcos are largely using 3G networks. So we couldn’t single out who’s fast and who’s not. You may compare your phone plan using our comparison table and search filters to help narrow down your options. Please see the image below:
Once you have chosen a particular plan, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
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I tried to move my $50 phone account from optus to telstra However after a week with Telstra , optus said i had to move it back as I had 2 years to go in my prepaid account, I moved it baxk and now optus are trying to bully me in to paying $600+ instead of $about $50, What carrier can i take my phone number to ??
Hi Stewart,
We’re not licenced to provide personal advice, so we suggest you get in touch with Optus’s customer service and dispute resolution team to work out what your next steps might be. Best of luck
Optus have offered, on a 24 month plan, a new iPhone 7 with unlimited text and national calls together with 10GB of data discounted to $45.20 per month. Is this a good deal?
Hi Roy,
Thanks for getting in touch! It’s helpful to know that when choosing a mobile plan, it should be one that fits your monthly budget and lifestyle. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki
Hi,
I would like to know which MVNO using full strength 4G network for voice and data. I heard that Boost is using Telstra’s full network and Virgin is using Optus. Is there any other MVNO using full strength network for both voice and data ??
Cheers!
Samy
Hi Samy,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder.
The network strength depends on different factors such as time and place. However, in terms of network coverage, the service an MVNO offers shouldn’t differ in any way at all from the service that you’d get from the underlying network provider at the same location. That makes sense because it’s the exact same network infrastructure. If there’s an outage or a reception problem with an MVNO, it’s a question of the underlying carrier’s network, not the MVNO.
We also have a list of MVNOs along with the networks they use. Please check and see if it answers your question.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I need a new mobile phone (keeping my existing mobile number) + prepaid monthly plan to receive incoming calls from work and reply back fast and easy … as my job based on how fast I receive the messages from work and can take the shift … so coverage is important … between Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast and Bribie Island . Best/lowest price deals with fast and safe/reliable network even in rain/storm? Any suggestions? Thanks*
Hi Zita,
Thanks for your inquiry.
In terms of speed, calls, and messaging, all Australian telcos are largely using 3G networks. So we couldn’t single out who’s fast and who’s not. You may compare your phone plan using our comparison table and search filters to help narrow down your options. Please see the image below:
Once you have chosen a particular plan, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May