The cheapest NBN 25 plan on Finder is currently offered by Exetel. The Exetel NBN Everyday plan is $49.99 a month for the first 6 months, then $59.99 per month after that. The discount period is technically 9 cents per month more expensive than Tangerine's $49.90 offer, but Tangerine charges about $5 more per month ongoing than Exetel.
An NBN 25 plan is designed for a household with minimal users online, around 1–2 people. This plan works well for browsing the internet, using social media, sending emails and basic video streaming. You will be able to stream in high definition, but you'll run into issues with multiple users. 4K streaming will definitely require a faster connection.
NBN 25 also suits working from home if you're not downloading and uploading large files on the regular or simultaneously running only activities with others at home. For example, you may notice a lag if you and your housemate are both on video calls around the same time or streaming movies on separate screens.
I had always had an NBN 50 plan because I didn't want the risk of slow internet, but when I moved apartments recently I tried out the NBN 25. I'm 1 person who mostly works from the office, so I just use it for streaming music, TV and occassionally gaming or the odd Zoom call if I'm working from home. It's been totally fine, except for a few occassions when I've had friends staying and the quality of video calls drops out. Definitely not a big enough problem for me to go up to NBN 50, but you should consider your own usage.— Rebecca Pike, senior writer, Money
NBN 25 should be fast enough if you're a light internet user and your activity consists mostly of browsing the internet and sending emails. You're also able to stream video on an NBN 25 but only reliably for SD, which has lower video quality.
If you prefer HD streaming and want more bang for your buck when you're gaming online then you may be better off moving up a speed category. That may work out to be the best NBN plan for you.
The average price difference between an NBN 25 and NBN 50 plan on Finder is about $15 a month. If you and your household spend a lot of time online on data-hungry activities, it may be worth checking out a faster NBN 50 plan that comes with double the speed.
Expert tip: You can always switch plans or jump up a speed tier with your current provider if you don't think NBN 25 is fast enough to meet your needs. It's definitely more for budget-conscious Aussies because when you start monitoring how fast your internet connection is or have more than 2 people carrying out online activities, you will feel a pinch.
Mariam Gabaji
Utilities editor
We know our stuff. We review every dollar, every GB, every plan, every month. Our data usage is bonkers.
You can rely on us. We update our database of plans and deals every month, and we're constantly fact-checking.
We're here to help. We've helped millions of Aussies find better broadband internet, with no plans to slow down.
If you're sick of slow speeds on the NBN, or just can't get connected, there are fast 4G/5G plans available for you.
Bringing your own modem across when you sign up to a new NBN plan could save you a couple hundred dollars.
Get the fastest internet available in Australia from providers like Telstra, Optus, TPG and more.
Whether you're looking for the cheapest plan or discounts available, we'll help you find the best NBN plans for seniors.
Mobile broadband has the potential to reach faster speeds than the NBN, but can be less reliable.
With the NBN officially rolled out across Australia, see how it differs with older ADSL and cable technology. Are we better off with NBN?
When the internet goes down, turning it off and on again is sometimes a viable solution.
Living in rural or regional Australia and need fast Internet? NBN fixed wireless uses radio signals to get you online.
FTTN uses the existing copper phones lines, with a mix of new fibre optic cables, to get you connected to the Internet. But it is any good?
From comparing NBN plans to technical installation, we guide you through how to connect to the NBN in 5 simple steps.