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We’ve listed the best NBN providers according to the ACCC for you to get the speediest connection possible.

Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall

Last updated:

Best NBN providers:

Here are the best NBN providers in Australia according to the ACCC.

  1. Optus - best rating, 89.9% of max plan speed
  2. TPG and Exetel
  3. Aussie Broadband
  4. Telstra
  5. iiNet
  6. MyRepublic
  7. Dodo & iPrimus

These providers were ranked based on NBN plan speeds delivered during busy hours.

Remember, the "best" pick may not always be the best for you. You can use our Internet plans search engine & filters to find a better match for you.

NBN providers regularly release their typical evening speeds, which are the best measure of how fast their plans are likely to be during peak evening times. But how accurate are these speeds? Will you ever actually reach the maximum speed stated by the provider?

This is where Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) comes in. They test the speeds of Australian NBN connections every quarter and release a report that provides information on the real world speed of broadband plans. More specifically, it looks at what percentage of a provider's maximum speed is actually achieved during peak hours (7pm-11pm).

The above ranking comes from the ACCC's latest report published in November 2019, showing the providers that were closest to reaching their maximum download speed.

While the above ranking is your best bet at getting the fastest internet provider, if speed isn't your number one criteria, you can also check out other providers to find a plan that better suits your needs.

  • TPG Broadband Plans
  • iiNet Broadband Plans
  • Telstra Broadband Plans
  • Aussie Broadband Plans
  • MyRepublic Broadband Plans
  • Optus Broadband Plans
  • Internode Broadband Plans
  • Dodo Broadband Plans
  • iPrimus Broadband Plans
  • Vodafone Broadband Plans
  • Picture not described: belong_140x50.png Image: Finder
  • Mate Communicate Broadband Plans
Click to see all broadband providers

Optus


Optus is Australia's second largest telco with Internet plans that use many broadband technologies, from ADSL2+ and NBN through to its own cable service. Optus also offers wireless broadband and mobile broadband plans that utilise their 4G network.

The key point of difference for Optus is its entertainment offering, which the telco includes on its flagship $90 plan and is available across its fixed-line broadband services (NBN, cable and ADSL2+).

The bundle includes a premium set-top box from Fetch and a subscription to an exclusive streaming service specialising in sports with Optus Sport. There's also a phone service with competitively priced call packs.

finder's pick: Best Optus broadband plan

Check out all of Optus's plans here

TPG

TPG has been around for over 30 years in Australia and has grown into the country's second largest Internet service provider. TPG owns the second-largest ADSL2+ infrastructure in Australia as well as broad fibre-optic networks giving it the capacity to connect customers and to deliver high-speed connectivity in more locations.

Today, TPG offers both newer NBN connections and legacy ADSL2+ connections, with a focus on value-driven unlimited data plans at reasonable costs.

finder's pick: Best TPG broadband plan

Check out all of TPG's plans here

Exetel


Exetel is a company based in North Sydney which provides web and telecommunications services across Australia. It is the winner of the best NBN50 plan in the 2019 Finder Awards and has some of the cheapest plans on the market. The top speed option from Exetel is an NBN100 plan that provides Premium tier speeds of 77Mbps for $100/month.

Its services are optimised for streaming and you can change plans at any time for no cost thanks to it having no contracts.

Check out all of Exetel's plans here

Aussie Broadband


Aussie Broadband has cemented itself as one of Australia's top broadband providers, ranking highly in Netflix speed tests, typical evening speed rankings, Steam download tests and in the ACCC's quarterly broadband reports.

Its customer support has also earned it much praise not only from industry bodies but from customers themselves, scoring very positive customer reviews on forums like Product Review, Google and Facebook.

Aussie Broadband also distinguishes itself by offering NBN connections above the Premium speed tier most broadband providers top out at. It also lets customers choose their own data caps, should they wish.

finder's pick: Best Aussie Broadband plan

Check out all of Aussie Broadband's plans here

Telstra

Telstra is not just Australia's largest telecommunication provider but also its oldest.
Telstra offers broadband services on just about every connection medium available: ADSL2+, cable over the HFC networks, NBN over fibre technologies and fixed wireless.

Telstra offers plans on a month-to-month as well as on a 24-month basis. Installation fees vary based on the service and contract length.

It's worth knowing that most Telstra services are based on bundling with a home phone service. In many cases, bundled services offer discounts on home line rental, making them slightly more appealing – but Telstra's best plans are often restricted to 24-month contracts only.

finder's pick: Best Telstra broadband plan

Check out all of Telstra's plans here

iiNet


As one of the longest-running Internet providers in Australia, iiNet has built quite a name for itself. Not only does it provide high-speed fibre Internet over the National Broadband Network (NBN), it has its own ADSL network separate from Telstra's available in select areas across the country.

All of iiNet's broadband plans share a few things in common. They all support both no lock-in, month-to-month contracts as well as 24-month contracts, and all but the slower satellite plans can be bundled with the streaming service Fetch to consolidate your Internet and entertainment costs into one bill.

finder's pick: Best iiNet broadband plan

Check out all of iiNet's plans here

MyRepublic


MyRepublic launched onto the Australian broadband market promising a simple unlimited data plan with the fastest possible speed your connection can deliver. Since then, it has expanded its offering with two NBN speed tiers and a naked ADSL plan.

There's also a plan for gamers, where MyRepublic will prioritise game traffic, potentially reducing lag while playing online. In addition, all of MyRepublic's broadband plans include a voice over IP (VoIP) phone service with unlimited calls to Australian landline numbers thrown in for free.

The beauty of MyRepublic is its simplicity. There are no confusing data caps spread across different price points to worry about as all plans come with unlimited data and a VoIP service.

finder's pick: Best MyRepublic broadband plan

Check out all of MyRepublic's plans here

Dodo


Dodo is one of the more established names in the Australian broadband market, having supplied Aussie homes with Internet services since 2001. Unlike its namesake, the Melbourne-based telco is very much alive and kicking, offering NBN, ADSL and mobile broadband plans on month-to-month, 12-month and 24-month contracts.

Alongside its standard Internet plans, Dodo also offers home phone services delivered either through Voice over IP (VoIP) or the traditional landline network. It also caters to entertainment needs with its Fetch TV bundles, which combine the streaming service Fetch with either its unlimited ADSL or unlimited NBN plan.

finder's pick: Best Dodo broadband plan

Check out all of Dodo's plans here

iPrimus


iPrimus has built one of the larger communications networks in Australia, with its own ADSL equipment in more than 66 exchanges around the country. It offers fixed line and mobile communication products, home broadband over NBN and ADSL as well as some value added services.

iPrimus advertises NBN plans at two speed tiers at present: Basic (nbn12) and Standard Plus (nbn50). It offers options for large data inclusions, unlimited data and an entertainment bundle that includes unlimited data and TV.

Their services are available on month-by-month plans or on 12- and 24-month contracts with varying up-front costs and sign-up bonuses depending on contract length.

finder's pick: Best iPrimus broadband plan

Check out all of iPrimus's plans here

What to look for when comparing Internet providers

Your location will dictate the type of internet connection available for you to access the Internet. You can check out what Internet connections are accessible in your area using our NBN tracker. What you can control is the provider you choose, which can depend on multiple factors. These are the factors you should consider when selecting your Internet provider:

Contract lengths
Most broadband plans are offered on a 24-month contract. This can make plans cheaper, but restricts your flexibility if you plan to move house or decide you're not happy with your current provider. Plans that run for shorter periods or on a month-to-month basis also exist, though typically you'll pay higher installation costs and will often have to buy your modem/router/connection device outright.

Compare casual and fixed-term broadband plans

Connection speed
For most technologies, you won't have any effective control over the speed – it will be the "best available" and is likely to vary based on your location and the condition of cabling and wiring. The NBN has multiple speed tiers, which allow customers to select the maximum theoretical speed they can access the Internet with. However, some providers don't offer all speed tiers, which could dampen your enthusiasm if you're looking for the fastest connection.

NBN speeds explained

Data allowance
The data allowance for broadband plans is typically measured in gigabytes (GB) per month. Many providers offer cheaper plans with lower data allowances, while others offer unlimited plans for a higher price. Determining how much data you will use each month will give you a solid start to choosing the best plan for your needs. However, be wary of providers that promote capped data plans on higher NBN speed tiers.

Calculate your monthly data usage

Pricing & minimum costs
The beauty of the NBN is that it has largely standardised pricing across providers. While you're likely to use the monthly cost as your basis for comparison, also look at the minimum total cost. If you sign up for a long-term contract, you'll often get a discount on installation fees and hardware, but you'll be stuck with paying out the whole contract if you decide it's not suitable.

Compare cheap NBN plans

Extras
The bonuses offered by a provider when you first sign up are the biggest differentiators between providers. Some offer unmetered access to streaming services like Netflix, while others bundle in pay TV from Foxtel or Fetch TV. If you sign up for an extended contract, most providers will supply you with a new modem router for free and possibly waive any set-up fees too.

Bundling discounts
Providers will often offer a discount if you bundle your internet connection with other services such as pay TV, mobile phone or landlines. While this can save you money, make sure that all the bundled services are suitable for your needs and that you're actually saving money. Bundled deals will also usually require you to sign up for a 24-month contract.

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