We designed the Finder Score to simplify your search for the best NBN and Home Wireless plans. By analysing hundreds of options from 40+ providers, we evaluate pricing, speeds, data allowances and plan features. Each factor is weighted and combined to generate a score out of 10 — helping you quickly spot the most competitive plans on the market. Read the full breakdown.
5G home internet uses a mobile network to connect you to the internet. So if your phone gets good reception and your address is covered by 5G, it's actually a good option to consider.
In fact, 5G home internet is what's come to be known as an alternative to the NBN. There are no wires, either copper or fibre-optical cable and no installation required as such.
All you have to do is plug in the modem supplied by the provider, pop in a SIM card into the modem itself and voila, you're online!
This will depend on where you're based. Sometimes it can be a good alternative to the NBN but on the whole, fixed-line NBN connections are more reliable and widespread.
But let's run through some scenarios for when 5G home internet is a good option, and when it's not.
When 5G home internet is better than the NBN
When the NBN is better than 5G home internet
The ACCC's Internet Activity Report shows a steady rise in home wireless broadband connections, with about 654,000 services recorded as of 30 June 2025 - up from 549,000 in June 2024.
"I'm living in an apartment in Sydney that doesn't have access to NBN (shocker, right!). My choices on the Opticomm network are ridiculously limited so I can't really switch providers. But that's where 5G home internet has opened a few doors for me, especially since mobile network receptions have drastically improved at my address in the last year and I now also get 5G coverage. I've taken Optus 5G home internet for a spin and had zero issues with download speeds or poor reception. Plus, it was so easy to set up. I just had to pop in a SIM, plug in the modem and voilà, all good to go."
Home internet isn't good for everything. Most plans are limited to 50Mbps - 100Mbps, though some networks get higher. In any case, 50Mbps will suit households with 2 to 3 people using the net at the same time. However, there are some things 5G is better for:
Most 5G home internet plans have their download speed capped at 50Mbps or 100Mbps, but this is getting higher all the time. For instance, Optus and Telstra have typical speeds 230Mbps and 297Mbps respectively.
What speed is available will mostly depend on the provider's network and the plan you're on. Here are some of the top speeds available from 5G home internet provider:
| Provider | Fastest typical evening speeds available |
|---|---|
| Telstra | 297Mbps |
| Optus | 230Mbps |
| Vodafone | 100Mbps |
| TPG | 100Mbps |
| iiNet | 100Mbps |
| SpinTel | 240Mbps |
| Yomojo | 255Mbps |
While varying speeds are a factor in all internet connections, it's especially the case with 5G home internet. Speed can be affected by things such as:
Here are the main 5G home internet providers currently in Australia. We're always seeing more coming into the market as coverage of the network expands throughout the country.
Contrary to popular belief the coverage map for 5G home internet isn't similar to that of 5G mobile.
The best way to check if you can sign up for a 5G home internet plan is to enter your address on the provider's website.
Even if one provider offers 5G home internet at your address, it doesn't mean all of them will.
If you're out of luck, it might be easier to get a 4G home internet plan instead, as it's more widely available.
The main catch is that speeds are slower, so it may not be suitable unless you're a light internet user.
We like helping people out. Whether you're Zooming solo or a house full of gamers, we know getting the most speed for the least buck is top of your list.
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Skip the upfront costs with an internet plan that includes zero setup fees. Bring your own modem or snag one for $0 with some providers by staying connected for a set time.
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