How do I compare NBN plans?

Choose the right speed tier

There are 6 NBN speed tiers to choose from. How much you pay for internet will depend on the tier you pick. The faster the speeds, the more you'll pay. For most people, the sweet spots are NBN 50 (2-3 people) and NBN 100 (3-4 people or heavy internet users).

Compare price and typical evening speeds

Look at the monthly price of each NBN plan and compare typical evening speeds. Try to get a plan with a typical speed that's close to the maximum available on the tier. For example, the maximum typical evening speed on an NBN 50 plan will be 50Mbps, NBN 100 is 100Mbps.

Data allowance

Unlimited data NBN plans have become the norm and don't cost a lot more than a data-capped plan. You're looking at a $5 to $10 a month difference at most. Most providers offering capped internet won't charge you extra if you go over your monthly limit, and will instead slow down your speed to 128Kbps (warning though, this isn't fast at all).

Contract length

Month-to-month NBN plans with no lock-in contract can offer the flexibility of switching quickly. If you sign up for a contracted plan, make sure you're getting something in return, such as a free modem.

Additional features

Most of us may be happy with just fast, reliable internet, but you can also find NBN plans with a couple of extras thrown in. This includes NBN and mobile bundles, internet and energy bundles, access to cheaper streaming subscriptions and the option to add phone calls to your plan.

"I had no idea what to look for in an NBN plan, but with a family of 5, I knew we needed a big plan. I ended up bundling my NBN 100 plan with my mobile plan, my iPhone and my daughter's phone plan, and we now pay $210 a month for all of it – much cheaper than paying for each one seperately."

Sarah Megginson

Personal finance expert + media spokesperson

Compare Finder's NBN award winners

2025 Finder Awards

Best Everyday Use NBN Provider

• Winner: Dodo

• Highly commended: SpinTel

• Highly commended: Southern Phone

Full list of 2025 winners

2025 Finder Awards

Best NBN Provider for Fast Speeds

• Winner: Dodo

• Highly commended: SpinTel

• Highly commended: Exetel

Full list of 2025 winners

2025 Finder Awards

Best Budget NBN Provider

• Winner: SpinTel

• Highly commended: Dodo

• Highly commended: Southern Phone

Full list of 2025 winners

2025 Finder Awards

Best NBN Provider for Superfast Speeds

• Winner: TPG

• Highly commended: Dodo

• Highly commended: Southern Phone

Full list of 2025 winners

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Which NBN speed is right for me?

This is probably the most important question to consider when comparing NBN plans. You want to find the right NBN speed for your online activities and household size, and the speed will also affect the price of your NBN plan.

Here's a full breakdown to help you understand the right speed tier for you:

NBN 12 (Home Basic I)

Maximum 12Mbps download speed, maximum 1Mbps upload speed

• Enough speed for a single-person household with light internet use
• Suitable for sending emails and browsing the internet

Compare NBN 12 plans

NBN 25 (Home Basic II)

Maximum 25Mbps download speed, maximum 10Mbps upload speed

• Good for 1-2 people or light to moderate users
• Suitable for browsing the internet, sending emails and standard definition video streaming

Compare NBN 25 plans

NBN 50 (Home Standard)

Maximum 50Mbps download speed, maximum 20Mbps upload speed

• Great for 2-3 people or moderate to heavy internet users
• Suitable for streaming multiple high definition videos, working from home and online gaming

Compare NBN 50 plans

NBN 100 (Home Fast)

Maximum 100Mbps download speed, maximum 40Mbps upload speed

• Recommended for 4+ people or heavy internet users
• Suitable for 4K video streaming, downloading large files and having multiple devices connected at once

• Keep in mind: Not all NBN 100 plans come with an upload speed of 40Mbps. Many providers offer 20Mbps as the standard option, and only some will offer an upgrade to 40Mbps (usually for a slightly higher price)

Compare NBN 100 plans

NBN 250 (Home Superfast)

Maximum 250Mbps download speed, maximum 100Mbps upload speed

• Can be used for 5+ people or households with multiple heavy internet users, as well as small businesses and share houses
• Suitable for simultaneous 4K and 8K video streaming, downloading large files and using multiple devices at the same time

Compare NBN 250 plans

NBN 1000 (Home Ultrafast)

Maximum 1000Mbps download speed, maximum 50Mbps upload speed

• Best suited for small businesses or multiple serious internet users living in the same property
• Not relevant for most households

Compare NBN 1000 plans

How do I switch NBN plans?

Step 1: Compare plans

Compare NBN plans best suited to your budget and speed requirements. You can use filters on our comparison table to narrow down your search and even input your address to find a plan tailored to the NBN connection type at your premises.

Step 2: Sign up

Select the date you want your new plan to be activated and add on a modem to be delivered if you need one. Finalise the sign-up process and let the provider take care of the rest.

Step 3: Give notice

Give your current provider a heads up (usually over the phone), especially if their T&Cs state a notice period. You can add a cancellation date for your current plan to line up with the activation date of your new one so you're not stuck paying 2 bills.

Who is the fastest NBN provider?

The ACCC's Broadband Performance report, released every quarter, gives you a glimpse into how reliable the top NBN providers are in Australia.

Reliability is based on how frequently providers achieve the typical evening speeds they advertise.

Ideally, you want your NBN provider to be as close to hitting 100% of its advertised typical evening speed as possible, because this means you're actually getting the correct speeds you've signed up for.

Have a look at who's topped the chart in the most recent report from June 2025.

Fastest NBN providers: Percentage of max download speed achieved during busy hours

Find the full list of rankings and more details on how the ACCC's methodology works in our guide to the fastest NBN providers.

Are there any extra fees involved?

Besides your monthly NBN plan cost, there may be a few other costs to consider when you first sign up to your new plan:

• Modem fees: If you're getting a new modem with your NBN plan, you'll likely need to pay for it up front when you first sign up.
• New NBN development charge: This doesn't apply to everyone. If your property has never been connected to the NBN before and is considered a new housing development, you'll be required to pay a one-off $300 charge to your provider when you sign up to an NBN plan.
• Additional account fees: Some providers may charge fees such as a non-direct debit fee or a surcharge on Visa/Mastercard/American Express payments. You'll find these outlined in your plan's Critical Information Summary (CIS) so make sure you read through it before you sign up.

Do I need a new modem?

Plenty of providers give you the option to BYO modem with your NBN plan. This helps you save on your upfront cost when switching plans, but you'll want to double-check that your current modem is compatible with the provider you plan to switch to.

If you decide you do want a new modem, there are a couple of options that providers offer:

• Buy one outright. This is the most common option and the simplest. You just pay for the amount upfront when you sign up to your NBN plan. The modem is yours to keep after, though you may want to check it's unlocked before you use it with another provider.
• $0 modem if you stick around. Some providers give you a modem included with your NBN plan if you stay connected for a certain amount of time, generally between 6 to 36 months. Leaving early will mean paying off the remaining cost of the modem.
• $0 modem if you return it. Other providers may give you an option to get a modem included for free when you sign up, then return it in good working condition. Failing to do so can incur a non-return fee.

Most NBN plans come with a standard modem (or router), but others may come with a Wi-Fi extender or 4G backup modem.

What NBN connection types are there?

The NBN connection type at your address will determine what NBN plans you get access to. Not sure what you've got? You can check via our NBN tracker map.

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)

FTTP is the fastest and arguably the best NBN connection type available. Your home will be directly connected to the closest NBN node via a fibre optic cable.

FTTN (Fibre to the Node)

FTTN is the slowest fixed connection type available and uses existing copper wiring to connect to an NBN node in the neighbourhood.

HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)

HFC is similar to FTTN except coaxial cables make up the distance to the node instead of a copper wire, meaning you can access faster speeds.

FTTC (Fibre to the Curb)

FTTC is similar to FTTN as it uses the same copper cable network. Fibre optic cables are run to a node in a telecom pit on the street outside a property.

FTTB (Fibre to the Building)

FTTB is primarily available to apartment dwellers. Fibre optic cables run to the basement of the building, with copper wiring connecting each unit.

Fixed wireless

Fixed wireless uses an antenna installed on your roof to exchange signals with a nearby signal tower. Speeds are capped at around 75Mbps but can fluctuate.

Satellite NBN

Satellite NBN (also known as Sky Muster) is used primarily in rural or regional Australia. Speeds are capped at 100 Mbps and more prone to interference.

Are there any alternatives to the NBN?

There are a couple of NBN alternatives if it's been giving you trouble or you can't access it just yet. This includes:

Home wireless broadband: This allows you to connect to the internet using either the 4G or 5G mobile network. There's no installation required but you will need to purchase your provider's modem to access their home wireless service. Keep in mind that you will only be able to sign up for a 5G home internet plan if your property gets 5G coverage.

Mobile broadband: This is another wireless internet solution that uses the 4G/3G or 5G mobile network. Options for mobile broadband include data-only SIMs, USB modems and pocket Wi-Fi. This option is better suited to frequent travellers or anyone that needs internet access on the move.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the NBN?

  The NBN is Australia's broadband network funded by the federal government. It's been rolled out across Australia to provide fast and reliable internet, replacing outdated infrastructure and connections such as the ADSL for the majority of households.

  NBN Co has rolled out NBN technology types for different addresses depending on what's available at your property.

• Is the NBN still government-owned?

  Yes, the NBN is still owned by the government with no plans to privatise in the foreseeable future. Instead, it is focused on a full-fibre upgrade program as part of the Australian government's plan for a better broadband network.

• What is the cheapest NBN plan?

  NBN plans on Finder start from $39 a month. The general rule of thumb is that the faster the NBN speed you're after, the more you'll pay for internet each month.

  You can check out our guide to the cheapest NBN plans for the most budget-friendly options under $70 a month.

• What NBN connection type do I have?

  You can find out your NBN connection type using Finder's NBN tracker map. It'll tell you if your premises is already connected to the NBN and what technology or connection type is being used.

• How do I get NBN connected to my house?

  Once you've established the availability of NBN at your address and your connection type, the next step is to compare NBN plans and find one best suited to your needs.

  In some instances, a technician may need to come out for a first time connection. This will depend on your NBN technology type.

  You can read our guide to connecting to the NBN for more information.

• Do I have to pay to install NBN?

  Normally setup and installation is free of charge unless you're in a new development, which will require you to pay a one-off $300 fee.

  In some other instances you could be charged if a technician needs to come to sort out your cable or wiring, or if you need extra equipment.

  Ask your provider of choice for more information regarding additional fees before signing up.

• What is the fastest NBN plan you can get in Australia?

  NBN 1000 is the fastest speed tier available in Australia, with enough bandwidth to power a small business. However, it's only available to those with FTTP and HFC connection types.

  Advertised typical evening speeds on Finder go up to 900Mbps.

• How do I get faster speeds on my NBN plan?

  You could be experiencing slow NBN speeds due to a number of factors including equipment and signal issues, or network congestion.

  You could also upgrade to a faster speed tier if you find your current plan isn't meeting your needs. However, your NBN connection type will determine exactly what plans you're eligible for.

• Do I really need NBN?

  Once your property is connected to NBN, old fixed-line services such as the ADSL will be cut off.

  To maintain an active internet connection you will need to sign up to an NBN plan or seek out an alternative such as home wireless or mobile broadband internet.

  The NBN can be worthwhile if you can get a solid connection that allows fast, reliable speeds. This will largely depend on where you live and the type of NBN connection your address has access to.
  For example, those with an FTTN connection type may not be able to take advantage of fast speeds. In this instance, home wireless broadband could be a better alternative, especially if you get good 4G or 5G coverage at your home.

• Is NBN or 5G better?

  The main difference between the NBN and 5G is availability. The NBN is available to most Australians but 5G home internet is still being rolled out and your address may not be covered just yet.

  Some other things to keep in mind:

  • NBN can be more stable than 5G (unless you have an unreliable NBN connection because of the NBN techology your property is connected to)
  • You don't have the option to BYO modem for 5G home wireless internet
  • There aren't as many providers currently offering 5G home internet plans but the ones that do can offer some great sign up perks such as getting the first month for free

Why compare broadband internet with Finder

We're internet addicts. We review every offer, every GB, every plan, every month. Yep, our data usage is bonkers, but it's worth it.

Obsessed with offers. Whether you're looking for basic or ultra fast NBN, we'll bring you hundreds of plan options. Sure, you could go website to website and find them yourself. Or, you could let us nerd out for you - so you can see them live, 24/7.

No mark ups. You get the same rates as going direct, heck sometimes you even score better as we put in the yards to bring you exclusive offers.

NBN glossary of terms

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 374 Finder guides across topics including:

• Energy
• Mobile
• Broadband
• Consumer tech