Over 600,000 Aussies compared internet plans with us in the past year
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Key takeaways
- The internet available to you depends on your address - whether that’s NBN, 5G home wireless or private fibre - and that affects the speeds you can get.
- Many providers give big intro discounts for the first 6 to 12 months, so switching plans now and then can help keep your monthly bill low.
- Choosing a plan with a speed that fits your household’s actual usage and number of users is the best way to avoid paying for more bandwidth than you need.
How to compare internet plans: a step-by-step guide
Here's a rapid-fire list of five questions to ask yourself before you start comparing internet plans.
If anything feels a bit fuzzy, don't worry - we'll unpack it all just after.
What type of internet plan are you after? In Australia, you'll generally have access to one or more of these: NBN (including fixed-line, fixed wireless or satellite), home wireless broadband or mobile broadband. What's available depends on where you live.
What's your budget? Our research shows the average broadband bill in Australia is $82 a month, but your cost will depend on the speed you need and which provider you go with. Finder compares 40+ providers, so there's plenty of choice when it comes to price.
What internet speeds do you want? It comes down to how many people are in your home and what you're using the internet for. More users and heavier activities (streaming in 4K, uploading or downloading large files regularly or gaming) usually mean you'll want faster speeds.
How much data do you need? Most internet plans these days come with unlimited data, providing peace of mind. But with mobile broadband or NBN satellite, data caps are more common, so it's important to check that the allowance suits your internet use. Take a look at our guide to get a better idea of how much data you might need.
Contracts or no contracts? Most providers these days offer no lock-in contracts. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions before signing up.
3:16
The price gap between the cheapest and priciest broadband providers can top $600 a year, but with so many broadband plans and speed tiers out there, it can be hard to know which one's right for you, especially if all the jargon sounds confusing.
Hi, I'm Mariam, Finder’s tech and utilities expert, and I'm here to help you figure out how to compare internet plans and pick the one that works best for your home and won't break the bank.
Let's start with the basics. In Australia, there are a few main ways to get internet at home. Most people use the NBN, which is the National Broadband Network. That includes fixed line NBN, which most of us have, plus satellite and fixed wireless NBN, which are mainly used in regional and rural areas.
If you can't get NBN, you might have access to a private fibre network like those offered by TPG or GigaComm. Another option is home wireless or mobile broadband, which run on 4G or 5G mobile networks. What's actually available to you will depend on where you live. So, it's worth checking which options are available at your address before comparing. You can use the address tracker on Finder to see what plans you can get. If it's not NBN, we'll show you alternatives.
Once you know the type of connection you can get, the next step is to look at speed. For fixed line NBN, speeds are grouped into tiers like NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100 and higher. These help you work out what suits your household.
For example, NBN 25 can be fine for light users or smaller households, while NBN 100 is better for busier homes with three or four people online at once. Your address also determines the type of fixed line NBN connection you have, which will in turn affect what speeds you can get. Some connection types can't go beyond NBN 100, while fibre to the premises, for example, can reach the fastest speeds available all the way up to NBN 2000.
If you're not happy with your NBN connection or you just can't get access to it, home wireless broadband plans have become a really popular alternative, especially on the 5G network as it can hit speeds similar to some NBN plans. The main catch is that not every provider offers it yet and coverage still depends on where you live.
If you want something more portable or your internet needs are pretty light, you could go for a mobile broadband plan. It works similar to your phone plan minus the calls and texts.
Once you've decided on the type of plan, the next thing to look at is data and price. Most internet plans now come with unlimited data, which gives you peace of mind, but with mobile broadband or NBN satellite, data caps are more common. So, make sure your allowance actually fits how you use the internet.
And finally, price. Always, always look out for a deal. Most broadband providers have sign-up offers, think six or even 12-month discounts. Plus, most plans don't have lock-in contracts anymore, so it's easy to switch when a better deal comes along.
And remember to factor in modem costs, too. If you can't bring your own modem or don't already have a compatible one, you might need to get it from your provider. Some will even give you one for free if you stay connected for a certain period or return it after cancelling your plan.
And that's a wrap. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to compare internet plans. Check out the link in the description to shop around for a deal or leave a comment if you have any questions. Bye.
What type of internet plans are available?
When it comes to picking an internet plan in Australia, you'll usually be looking at one of three main types.
NBN
The NBN (National Broadband Network) is what most of us use to get online in Australia.
It's a government-owned network, built and maintained by NBN Co, with plans sold through a range of internet providers.
Since the NBN uses a mix of technologies like fixed-line (available to around 90% of Aussies), fixed wireless, and satellite, your connection type will depend on where you live.
That's why your address plays such a big role when signing up for an NBN plan.
- Widespread coverage
- Flexible speed tiers, with options up to 1Gbps
- Plenty of plans to choose from based on your budget
- Performance can vary depending on the NBN technology at your address
Home wireless broadband
Home wireless broadband has quickly become a popular alternative for those who aren't happy with their NBN connection or can't get access to it.
It runs on the same 4G or 5G mobile networks as your phone, but instead of using a portable device, your provider sends you a modem designed specifically for home use. Just plug it in and you're good to go.
5G home wireless broadband - or 5G home internet for short - can offer speeds similar to some NBN connections.
The main caveat is that fewer providers offer home wireless broadband plans, and availability will depend on your address.
- Easy setup - no installation required
- Good alternative to the NBN for speed and price
- Reliability can be an issue depending on signal strength and network congestion
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband works similarly to your mobile phone plan, just without the calls and texts.
You can use a data-only SIM in a tablet or phone, or insert it into a Wi-Fi dongle that plugs into a USB port.
Alternatively, you can use a portable Wi-Fi modem (also known as pocket Wi-Fi), which can be handy if you want to create a hotspot for multiple devices.
- Internet on the go. Can be used anywhere you get phone signal.
- Great backup option if your home internet goes down.
- Your connection might drop out in bad weather or areas with patchy signal.
How much can you save by comparing broadband plans?
We calculated potential savings by comparing the prices of the cheapest and most expensive broadband plans in our database over a 12-month period.
| Internet type | Cheapest Plan (provider) | Most expensive plan (provider) | Savings over 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBN 12 | $39.90 per month (Telsim) | $73 per month (Aussie Broadband) | $397 |
| NBN 25 | $48.99 per month (Arctel) | $93 per month (Telstra) | $528 |
| NBN 50 | $60 per month for 6 months, then $80.99 per month (Arctel) | $103 per month (Origin) | $390 |
| NBN 100 | $59.99 per month for 6 months, then $79.99 per month (Arctel) | $109 per month for 12 months, then $119 per month (Optus) | $468 |
| NBN 500 | $59.99 per month for 6 months, then $79.99 per month (Arctel) | $109 per month for 12 months, then $119 per month (Optus) | $468 |
| NBN 750 | $84.90 per month for 12 months, then $94.90 per month (Kogan Internet) | $129 per month (Origin) | $529 |
| NBN 1000 | $80 per month for 6 months, then $104.99 per month (Arctel) | $140 per month (Future Broadband) | $570 |
| NBN 2000 | $141 per month for 6 months, then $166 per month (MATE) | $195 per month (E.tel) | $498 |
| 4G Home wireless | $49.95 per month (SpinTel) | $59 per month (Optus) | $109 |
| 5G home wireless (50Mbps) | $29.99 per month for 6 months, then $59.99 per month (TPG) | $80 per month (Telstra) | $420 |
| 5G home wireless (100Mbps) | $34.99 per month for 6 months, then $64.99 per month (TPG) | $79 per month (Optus) | $348 |
| Mobile broadband | $19 per month (JB Hi-Fi) | $59 per month for 1 months, then $79 per month (Vodafone) | $748 |
What internet speed do I need?
People often zone out when it comes to internet speeds because really, who cares about megabits per second (Mbps)? Most of us just want to know if it's good enough for our internet needs.
We get it. So here's a simple breakdown of how to choose between NBN and home wireless broadband speeds.
NBN speeds
Selecting the right NBN speed tier comes down to how many people are in your household and what you want to do.
1 person or light users
- Stream shows in high definition or even 4K
- Browse the web and scroll social media
- Take video calls
- Download small files or apps
2-3 people or moderate users
- Stream high definition content on multiple devices at once
- Join video calls while others game or stream
- Download large files faster
- Good option if you have multiple smart devices (lights, speakers)
3-5 people or moderate users
- Stream HD and 4K video on multiple screens
- Play online games smoothly
- Upload medium-sized work files or videos quickly
- Work from home while others stream or game
4–6 people or heavy users
- Stream 4K or even 8K content across multiple screens
- Online gaming with smooth performance
- Upload videos or large work files in minutes
- Keep lots of smart home devices running without slowing the network
7+ people or very heavy users
- Stream 4K or 8K content on multiple screens
- Support multiple simultaneous video calls and gaming sessions
- Upload large work files or media projects within seconds
- Connect multiple smart home devices without slowing down
Don't forget, your NBN connection will determine what speeds you can get.
Only those on a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) NBN connection, will be able to get speeds faster than NBN 100.
Read our detailed guide on NBN speed tiers.
Home wireless broadband speeds
Your speeds on a 4G home wireless broadband plan will normally cap out at 25Mbps.
For 5G home internet, providers tend to lean towards plans with either a maximum of 50Mbps or 100Mbps speeds.
Some providers, like Telstra and Optus offer faster or even uncapped speeds.
Winners of the 2025 Finder Broadband Awards
Awards are a great way to narrow down the best of the best. See which providers topped this year's broadband awards.
2025 Provider of the year - TPG
TPG has claimed Finder's Provider of the Year Award for broadband with a cracking score of 9.9. It's mostly to do with competitive pricing across the majority of its NBN and home wireless internet plans that come with no lock-in contracts, speed reliability and multiple customer support options. TPG also scored highly for customer experience, value, reliability, and trustworthiness.
2025 Finder Award for Best Everyday Use NBN Provider - Dodo
Dodo knocked it out of the park with its competitive pricing for everyday speeds (NBN 50). You can BYO or buy one with multiple payment options to suit your needs. There's also the option to bundle internet and energy with Dodo to save up to $10 a month.
- Highly commended: SpinTel
- Highly commended: Southern Phone
2025 Finder Award for Best Fast Speeds NBN Provider - Dodo
Dodo takes home another win for delivering fast speeds at a great price point. Its recent 12-month discounts have given it the edge this year. It's also been in the top five in the last few ACCC reports, which measure speed reliability on a quarterly basis.
2025 Finder Award for Best Budget NBN Provider - SpinTel
SpinTel earns its first win for Best Budget NBN Provider by delivering the maximum typical evening speeds available on an NBN 25 plan, coupled with one of the lowest prices in this category.
- Highly commended: Dodo
- Highly commended: Southern Phone
2025 Finder Award for Best Superfast Speeds NBN Provider - TPG
In addition to scoring well for speed reliability in the ACCC's recent broadband performance report, TPG's NBN 250 plan offers solid value at just under $100 a month. New customers can often take advantage of six-month sign-up discounts, bringing the price down to under $85 a month for the first half of the year.
- Highly commended: Dodo
- Highly commended: Southern Phone
2026 Finder Award for Most Loved NBN Provider - Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband knocked it out of the park for the fourth year in a row as the most loved broadband provider by Australians. It got the highest overall score of 4.26 out of 5.
Finder Score explained
- 9+ Excellent - These plans offer outstanding value with fast speeds, generous data, and great features, making them among the best on the market.
- 7+ Great - These plans are strong performers, though they may have slightly higher prices or less competitive features.
- 5+ Satisfactory - These plans are serviceable but may come with slower speeds, limited data, or fewer features.
- Less than 5 – Basic - These are less competitive plans, often offering lower value in terms of speed, data, and included features.
Digging deeper into the Finder Score for broadband
We analyse over 300 internet plans from 40+ providers and compare them side by side to produce a straightforward score out of 10. Products are assessed for their costs over a two year period, download speeds, data limits and modem costs. We also assess providers for customer support features offered, while also assigning each provider a customer satisfaction score generated from our annual survey.
Products must be active residential NBN, 5G or 4G plans to be eligible for a score. NBN plans are grouped into speed tiers and scored within their applicable tier. The speed tiers NBN products are grouped into are NBN 25 Mbps or lower, NBN 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps, NBN 250 Mbps to 750 Mbps and NBN 1000 Mbps or higher.
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