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.
"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."
TPG knocked it out of the park for its competitive pricing and 50Mbps typical evening speed, which is the maximum speed available in this category. You can also sign up for its 6-month NBN 50 plan if you want a modem for $0 and use the live chat feature for support.
SpinTel's NBN 100 plan is one of the cheapest around and offers a typical speed of 100Mbps (the maximum available on this speed tier). Together with its well-priced plan, you'll get access to multiple support channels including phone, live chat and WhatsApp or Messenger.
Exetel came out on top for value. Its NBN 25 plan, also known as Exetel NBN Everyday, is the cheapest one on offer from the provider and comes with 25Mbps typical evening speeds, the maximum you can get on this speed tier. Plus, we've already established it's one of the more reliable providers around so you know you're getting your money's worth.
Aussie Broadband ranked first place for customer satisfaction in 2023. In our survey conducted by Dynata, 91% of respondents said they would recommend Aussie to a friend. It scored the highest from 10 providers for overall satisfaction.
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.
Good to know
Most Australians are on an NBN 50 plan, according to the ACCC. However, NBN 100 plans are expected to rise in popularity soon with prices for faster NBN plans dropping in the new year.
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
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)
Typical evening speeds (or typical download speeds) refer to the speed you can expect to receive during busy hours of the day between 7-11pm. This is the most realistic speed you'll get on your plan, as you can assume speeds outside of these busier hours will be faster (since less people are online).
Best NBN plans for October 2024
Each month, our team of experts review the latest NBN deals and select their top picks for the best NBN plans. Here's a few favourites from this month:
Provider
Plan
Offer
Learn more
Best cheap: Tangerine NBN Value
$47.90 a month for the first 6 months, then $67.90 a month
There are also a few things to consider to avoid being blindsided when signing up to a new NBN plan:
Promotional discount vs ongoing price: Many NBN providers offer a discount on the first 6-12 months of your plan. This is a great way to pack in more value but make sure you check the ongoing price after the promotion ends. If that's above your budget, make sure you can easily switch plans once the discounted price runs its course.
Notice period: Some providers may not lock you into a contract but they can have a 30-day notice period if you wish to cancel. Keep this in mind for when you want to jump ship as you may need to wait a month with your current provider before you can do so.
Compare and save with these NBN deals
Don't miss out on discounted NBN plans and exclusive deals only available via Finder.
Ausralians spend on average $78 per month on broadband, according to our consumer sentiment tracker. If you're paying more than that, it could be worth switching.
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.
Here's a cheeky tip
Before you sign up to your new NBN plan, consider ringing up your current provider to let them know you're looking to cancel your plan within the next month. Sometimes your provider will offer you a promotional discount for a further 6 months to keep you on.
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 September 2024.
Fastest NBN providers: Percentage of max download speed achieved during busy hours
Rank
Provider
Percentage of max download speeds achieved
1
Exetel
102.5%
2
Telstra
102.3%
3
Optus
101.6%
4
Superloop
101.6%
5
Dodo and iPrimus
101.1%
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.
Something to consider
If you've had your modem for 5 or more years, it might be time to upgrade to a new one when you switch plans. Old modems may cause slower speeds which can cause buffering or lagging in your connection.
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.
NBN fibre upgrades: Are you eligible?
Eligible households with FTTN or FTTC connections can now access faster and more reliable internet by upgrading to an FTTP connection.
Once you've confirmed your home is on the list, you'll need to sign up for an NBN 100 plan or faster to trigger the upgrade. This will especially benefit people working from home or households of 4 or above that are logged on simultaneously.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 969Mbps.
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.
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.
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
NBN
Stands for National Broadband Network
NBN Co
The organisation established by the Commonwealth Government in 2009 to build and operate a wholesale broadband network in Australia.
Typical evening speeds
Download speeds your NBN plan can achieve during the busy hours of the day (7-11pm) when most people are online at the same time. This is usually advertised by most NBN providers on their plans.
Speed tier
Speed tiers are different speed categories set by NBN Co, with maximum download and upload speeds that can be expected on each one.
Download speed
This determines how quickly you can download data from the internet to your computer such as images, files, audio and text. A good download speed will ensure you have a seamless experience such as when you're browsing the web, streaming video or listening to music.
Upload speed
This determines how quickly you can send data to the server from your computer. Upload speeds are important for when you're uploading files such as photos and videos, having video calls or sending emails.
Maximum speed
This determines the fastest download speed you can achieve on any speed tier. For example, the maximum speed on an NBN 50 plan is 50Mbps.
Mbps
This stands for megabits per second. It's a measure of internet download and upload speeds.
ISP
Stands for Internet Service Provider and refers to the company that's offering you internet service.
BYO modem
BYO stands for 'bring your own'. You will come across BYO modem as a feature on some NBN plans. It implies you don't have to buy a new one from the provider you're switching to as long as the one you have is compatible.
Month-to-month
This means your plan is not locked into a contract and you're paying each month with the option to leave whenever you want. (Keep in mind that notice periods may still apply)
Minimum total cost
This is the minimum amount that you'll pay to sign up to a provider. It's normally equal to 1 month's plan fee plus any other mandatory upfront costs that are non refundable.
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio
Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 285 Finder guides across topics including:
Hi Kate, FINDER40 is for Swoop’s NBN 250 plan. Which NBN speed are you opting for? You can try FINDER15 for NBN 25 and NBN 50, or FINDER25 for Swoop’s NBN 100 plans. Hope this helps!
PeterMarch 17, 2023
I am an AGL electricity customer. I have my NBN connection at present with Telstra.
If I transfer can I keep my bigpond email address?
I need to get rid of 2 to 4 NBN recorded calls each day they are driving us mad.
NikkiSeptember 18, 2019
Hi Allan,
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about your current situation with your NBN provider. While we review NBN in our pages, it’s helpful to know that we neither work with them or answer for their company. It would be best to contact the customer service support of NBN directly for further assistance.
Hope this clarifies and we hope they find a quick resolution for you!
With care,
Nikki
MichaelSeptember 5, 2019
Hi, is there a hidden cost of $300 to be payed for the nbn
NikkiSeptember 5, 2019
Hi Michael,
Thanks for getting in touch! I understand you want to get the full disclosure of NBN costs. Kindly note that while we have a review and comparison page for NBN providers, we don’t work with them directly. It would be best to reach out to your chosen NBN provider to check the net costs of using their service.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Cheers,
Nikki
IanJuly 26, 2019
I have nbn connected but I was not consulted about the location of te internet access point in the house and would like it changed. How do I organise someone to change the access point. (I live in Somerton Park, Adelaide.
Finder
FayeJuly 26, 2019Finder
Hi Ian,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
In that case, you’ll need to contact the representative who installed your NBN connection. You may also directly reach out to NBN so they can refer you to an agent.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Faye
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FINDER40 code is not working in SWOOP
Hi Kate, FINDER40 is for Swoop’s NBN 250 plan. Which NBN speed are you opting for? You can try FINDER15 for NBN 25 and NBN 50, or FINDER25 for Swoop’s NBN 100 plans. Hope this helps!
I am an AGL electricity customer. I have my NBN connection at present with Telstra.
If I transfer can I keep my bigpond email address?
Hi Peter,
You can keep your bigpond address after closing your Telstra account, but you have to let them know when you do so. It’s free to keep for the first 12 months after you cease to be a Telstra customer. After that, it’s $79 a year.
You can find more info here: https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/help/pdf/cis-personal/broadband/personal-critical-information-summary-paid-email.pdf
Hope this helps.
I need to get rid of 2 to 4 NBN recorded calls each day they are driving us mad.
Hi Allan,
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about your current situation with your NBN provider. While we review NBN in our pages, it’s helpful to know that we neither work with them or answer for their company. It would be best to contact the customer service support of NBN directly for further assistance.
Hope this clarifies and we hope they find a quick resolution for you!
With care,
Nikki
Hi, is there a hidden cost of $300 to be payed for the nbn
Hi Michael,
Thanks for getting in touch! I understand you want to get the full disclosure of NBN costs. Kindly note that while we have a review and comparison page for NBN providers, we don’t work with them directly. It would be best to reach out to your chosen NBN provider to check the net costs of using their service.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Cheers,
Nikki
I have nbn connected but I was not consulted about the location of te internet access point in the house and would like it changed. How do I organise someone to change the access point. (I live in Somerton Park, Adelaide.
Hi Ian,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
In that case, you’ll need to contact the representative who installed your NBN connection. You may also directly reach out to NBN so they can refer you to an agent.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Faye