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![Dodo logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/5f98bc5242ce2.png)
![Catch Connect logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/60c199eccbb4b.png)
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Finding the best SIM-only plans
Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 313 SIM-only mobile plans from 51 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 10 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
313 SIM-only plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Top pick: Best SIM-only plan under $20
felix Subscription 25GB GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 3 months then 25GB for $25. T&Cs apply. Use code FELIX50.
Pros & cons:
- You’ll save $37.50 over 3 months with felix’s latest offer.
- There are no excess charges. Your download speeds will simply slow to 1.5Mbs until the next recharge.
- Unlimited data banking allows you to save unused data for future needs.
- The price of the plan will revert to $25 from the fourth month onwards. However, there’s no lock-in contract so you can leave whenever you want.
Mobile network: Vodafone 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $262.5
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder that cost under $20 per month. 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.
Top pick: Best SIM-only plan under $30
Dodo $25
Calls & Text
data
per month
for the first 3 months then 25GB for $25. T&Cs apply. Order by 27.8.24
Pros & cons:
- You’ll save $37.50 with Dodo’s latest offer. The plan measures well against our $1 per GB benchmark even after the discount runs out.
- You can bank up to 500GB of data for future use.
- The plan comes with $200 of international call credit.
- There are no excess data charges. Using your data allowance will slow download speeds to 256Kbps until the next recharge.
- The price reverts to $25 a month after 3 months.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $262.5
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that cost under $30 per month. We 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.
Top pick: Best SIM-only plan under $40
felix Subscription 50GB GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 3 months then 50GB for $30. T&Cs apply. Use promo code FELIX50.
Pros & cons:
- You’ll save $45 overall with felix’s discount. Even the original price of the plan is quite good for how much data you get in return.
- There are no excess charges. Your download speeds will be capped at 1.5Mbps if you use up your monthly data allowance.
- There’s a handy mobile app to manage your plan. You can also sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- The monthly price reverts to $30 after 3 months.
Mobile network: Vodafone 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that cost under $40 per month. 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.
Top pick: Best 12-month SIM-only plan
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 120GB
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
for the first 365 days then 120GB for $150.
Pros & cons:
- You're essentially paying around $9 a month for 10GB of data for the first year.
- Catch offers a mobile app so you can manage your plan and track your data usage easily.
- You'll get unlimited domestic calls and texts.
- The price of the plan reverts to $150 after 365 days.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $109
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that cost under $150 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.
Top pick: Best SIM-only plan with unlimited data
felix Subscription Unlimited GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 20Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 3 months then Unlimited Data for $40. T&Cs apply. Use code FELIX50.
Pros & cons:
- Only pay $20 a month for the first 3 months and get unlimited data in return.
- Currently, felix is the only provider that comes close to offering a truly unlimited data mobile plan.
- It's 1 of only 6 carbon neutral mobile providers in Australia and plants a tree for every active subscription.
- Your download speeds will be capped at 20Mbps through out. However, this is good enough for streaming Netflix in HD, browsing and more.
Mobile network: Vodafone 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
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.
Top pick: Best high data SIM-only plan
Belong 40GB
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 12 months then 40GB for $35. T&Cs apply. Ends 27.8.24
Pros & cons:
- You’ll get 60GB for the first 12 months before the data allowance reverts to 40GB. There’s no lock-in contract so can leave after the first year.
- You can add on extras such as an international roaming pack or unlimited international calls and texts to 30 selected destinations for $5 a month.
- The plan comes with unlimited data banking which lets you keep all your unused data when you pay on time.
- 4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps though this is fast enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
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.
Top pick: Best 5G SIM-only plan
ALDI $29 5G Plan
Pros & cons:
- You can bank an unlimited amount of data for future use.
- Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected countries.
- ALDImobile offers a handy app that lets you check your balance, set up auto recharge, add data and more.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps - this should still be good enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $348
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with 5G for under $35 per month. 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.
Top pick: Best SIM-only plan on Telstra network
Belong 40GB
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 12 months then 40GB for $35. T&Cs apply. Ends 27.8.24
Pros & cons:
- You'll get access to Telstra's wholesale 4G and 5G networks.
- Rollover any unused data as long as you pay on time.
- There are no excess data charges. Your download speed will be capped at 1Mbps once you've run out of data for the month.
- Its 4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mps but that's fast enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder for under $35 per month that run on the Telstra network. We 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.
Top pick: Best SIM-only plan for international calls
Boost $35 SIM
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
for the first 3 recharges then 25GB for $35. T&Cs apply. Ends 5.8.24
Pros & cons:
- You can make unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected destinations, 300 minutes to 30 selected destinations and 300 texts to any country.
- Boost is the only small provider with access to the full Telstra 4G and 5G networks, the largest network in Australia. This can be handy especially if you live in rural or regional parts of the country.
- Rollover data for future use as long as you recharge your plan before it expires.
- Data allowance drops to 25GB from the fourth recharge.
- A 28-day expiry means you’ll end up paying 13 bills over the year instead of 12.
Mobile network: Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder for under $35 per month that offer international call inclusions. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different 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.
Top pick: Best SIM-only plan for customer satisfaction
amaysim 32GB Plan
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
50GB for $10 for the first recharge. T&Cs apply. Ends 13.8.24
Pros & cons:
- You can enjoy 50GB for $10 for the first recharge when you sign up to this plan.
- amaysim came out on top in Finder's 2023 Mobile Customer Satisfaction Awards based on a survey of 700+ Aussies.
- It offers a bunch of features such as unlimited data banking, international roaming packs and unlimited calls and texts to 28 countries.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps.
- A 28-day renewal means you'll end up paying 13 bills instead of 12 over the year.
Mobile network: Optus 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $340
Why we chose it
We selected the best value plan for under $35 per month from the mobile provider that won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Rated Mobile Provider.
2024 Finder Awards for the best SIM-only plans
As part of the 2024 Finder Awards, we selected the Best Prepaid and Postpaid Mobile Providers, based on value and data. The winners and finalists were chosen based on their cost per day, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps.
![TPG logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2021/09/TPGlogo_supplied_450x250-1.png)
Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - Value
- Winner: TPG
- Highly commended: felix
- Highly commended: Everyday mobile
![felix logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/04/felixmobilelogo_supplied_450x250.png)
Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - High Data
- Winner: felix
- Highly commended: amaysim
- Highly commended: TeleChoice
![Spintel Mobile Logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/04/spintelmobilelogo_supplied_450x250.png)
Best SIM Only Mobile Provider - Value
- Winner: Spintel
- Highly commended: Tangerine
- Highly commended: Coles
![Circles.life Logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/04/circles.lifemobilelogo_supplied_450x250.png)
Best SIM Only Provider - High Data
- Winner: Circles.life
- Highly commended: Tangerine
- Highly commended: TeleChoice
How do you find the best SIM only plan?
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:
![Image: Finder mobile network signal](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/network_signal_flaticon90x90.png)
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.
![Image: Finder phone with arrows pointing to opposite direction](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/data_fmp_flaticon90x90.png)
How much data do you need?
Australians download around 10.2GB 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.
![Image: flaticon Plan length](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/length_flaticon_150X150.png)
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.
![Image: Finder bulleted list](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/01/features_flaticon90x90.png)
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.
![Alex Holderness](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/12/Alex-Holderness_Finder_600x600.png)
I'd been on a contract phone, well, forever. I used to regularly pay over $80 a month for my phone bill. I took the leap to get a Sim Only and buy a phone outright as i found it easier to manage my bills month to month. I also got a great deal, paying just $15 a month with a Circles offer. I've switched 3 times since then while keeping my phone number, it's allowed me to take advantage of great sign up offers.— Alex Holderness, head of publishing
Here are some handy tips from our experts for picking the best prepaid plan:
It's easy to stick it out with the same provider year after year but that's where loyalty can cost you big bucks. This is especially true if you've been with a big-name brand for a long time. You could be missing out on great value deals elsewhere if you don't compare plans regularly.
Mariam Gabaji
Utilities editor
Consider signing up to a mobile plan with a longer expiry period. 365-day or 12-month mobile plans are a great way to cut down your bill. You can usually get deals equivalent to 10GB for $10 a month.
Michelle Kwong
Utilities publisher
Find a SIM plan that works for you with our top picks
How we researched the best SIM-only plans
- We looked at SIM-only plans in our database designed for personal use.
- Other selection criteria to narrow down our shortlist included looking at active Finder partners across the categories which allowed for this.
- Promotional discounts were also taken into account during scoring.
Best SIM-only plan categories
Each month, we select the best SIM-only plans across 12 categories.
- Best SIM-only plan under $20: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $20.
- Best SIM-only plan under $30: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $30.
- Best SIM-only plan under $40: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $40.
- Best 12-month SIM-only plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $100 with an expiry of 12-months or 365-days.
- Best SIM-only plan with unlimited data: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans with unlimited data.
- Best high data SIM-only plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or greater than 40GB for equal to or less than $50.
- Best 5G SIM-only plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to 5G mobile plans equal to or under $35.
- Best SIM-only plan on Telstra network: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans on the Telstra network equal to or under $35.
- Best SIM-only plan for international calls: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans with international calls or credit equal to or under $35.
- Best SIM-only plan for customer satisfaction: Based on our 2023 Finder Awards for Customer Satisfaction methodology.
How does Finder's value scoring system work?
For certain categories, we use a value scoring system to choose the best SIM-only plan by scoring the following factors:
- Cost per gigabyte. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 12 months divided by the amount of data (GB).
- Network coverage. We awarded scores depending on how wide the network coverage is across Australia.
- Data rollover. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature.
- International calls. This includes those that offer unlimited calls or credit/minutes for international purposes.
- Wi-Fi calling. We weight providers that offer Wi-Fi calling higher than those that don't have this feature.
We then assign a weight to each of the factors in order to calculate a value score. Price and data are given the highest weighting.
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