The price gap between the cheapest and priciest broadband providers can top $900, depending on your speed choice. Don't overspend on your home internet plan!
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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 $78 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.
Compare the best deals for home internet
Best for
Provider
Data
Typical evening speed
Min. monthly cost
Cheap NBN Plan
Southern Phone NBN Basic
Unlimited
25Mbps
$59
Everyday use
Tangerine NBN Value Plus
Unlimited
50Mbps
$59.90 for first 6 months then $84.90 per month
Fast speeds
Dodo NBN 100
Unlimited
100Mbps
$72.99 for first 12 months then $92.99 per month
Fast speeds
Exetel NBN One Plan
Unlimited
500Mbps
$80
Superfast speeds
Dodo NBN Home Superfast
Unlimited
700Mbps
$79.99 for first 12 months then $99.99 per month
Ultrafast speeds
Superloop NBN Lightspeed
Unlimited
860Mbps
$85 for first 6 months then $109 per month
NBN and energy bundle
AGL NBN Home Basic
Unlimited
25Mbps
$74 $59/mth when bundled with AGL Energy. T&Cs apply
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 (as of 2 December 2025) over a 12-month period.
We chose a slightly different method for each of the three technology types:
NBN: We looked at unlimited data NBN plans with no lock-in contracts across the 8 main speed tiers.
Home wireless broadband: We looked at all 4G plans, and for 5G, we focused on the most common speed tiers: 50Mbps and 100Mbps.
Mobile broadband: We used 20GB - 30GB of data per month as an example to show the potential savings. That's based on the ACCC's Internet Activity Report, which found Aussies use an average of 12GB per month - 20GB gives a bit of extra buffer.
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
12-25Mbps (NBN 12 or NBN 25)
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
At least 50Mbps (NBN 50)
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
At least 100Mbps (NBN 100)
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
At least 250–750Mbps (NBN 250, NBN 500, NBN 750)
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
At least 1000–2000Mbps (NBN 1000, NBN 2000)
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.
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, SpinTel 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.
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.
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.
2025 Finder Award for Most Loved NBN Provider - Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband knocked it out of the park for the third year in a row as the most loved broadband provider by Australians. It got the highest overall score of 4.1 out of 5.
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 250 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 nbn12, nbn25, nbn50, nbn75, nbn100, nbn250, nbn500 and nbn1000.
The Finder Score methodology is designed by our Insights team. Commercial partners carry no weight and all products are reviewed objectively.
This can vary depending on the speeds you're after and the current offers available, as prices often fluctuate. Especially with the frequent discounts internet providers offer in Australia.
Fortunately, we track plans and pricing regularly so that you're always in the loop. Check out our guide to cheap broadband plans to see which providers are offering the lowest prices.
Around 100Mbps is usually enough for a decent gaming experience. But if you're sharing the connection with others, bumping up to at least 250-500Mbps can help avoid lag or slowdowns.
This will depend on the type of internet plan you sign up for.
For NBN, it's common for providers to offer a BYO modem option (as long as it's compatible with their service).
However, for home wireless broadband, you will always need a new modem if you switch internet plans. Normally though, providers have some pretty good terms and conditions, such as giving you the option to rent the modem for a small monthly cost, or sometimes even providing one for $0. You'll just have to return it when you cancel your plan.
Netflix recommends at least 3Mbps for standard definition, 5Mbps for HD, and 25Mbps for 4K Ultra HD.
But in reality, you'll want a buffer, especially if others are online too, or you have smart devices plugged in.
For smooth streaming across multiple devices, aim for at least 50–100Mbps to avoid slowdowns or buffering.
You don't need a phone line to get connected to the NBN or any other wireless broadband connection.
However, you can choose to add a home phone line to most NBN plans, should you wish to. Check out home phone and internet bundles.
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.
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I’m just wondering what is the best internet connection in Kootingal NSW 2352. We don’t have NBN yet.
What is involved in getting the fibre optic connection?
Thanks.
Finder
JasonNovember 11, 2016Finder
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The best Internet connection would depend on the tasks that you frequently do online. Generally, the faster the transfer rate or the speed of the Internet connection, the better, but it may come with a much expensive monthly rate or plan. Getting a Fibre optic connection may also depend on the network coverage and the communication delivery of an Internet service provider. You’ll more likely be connected to a Fibre optic network if your preferred ISP has Fibre optic cables in your location or building.
Please use our comparison page for broadband plans to find the best plan and service provider that fits your needs. You can modify the search option by clicking “Filter results” and modify the filters according to your needs. You may filter cable/Fibre connection only if you want that type of connection.
Cheers,
Jason
RachelOctober 6, 2016
We are about to purchase a house in Kalbar Queensland and were told that the NBN there with be wireless, is this true?
Finder
DeeOctober 7, 2016Finder
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for your question.
If you want to know the type of NBN technology used in a particular location, you can search the address in our NBN tracker.
Once you get a result, just select the ‘More Info’ button to check the details of the NBN connection in that area.
Cheers,
Anndy
RussAugust 7, 2016
will it be cheaper for those on the age pension?
CarolineAugust 13, 2017
I have only a basic homeline connection. Ie. local,national and international calls provided for. I am a pensioner and cannot afford more than the$29.90 I am paying at moment. The Broadband plans are all way too much for me.
In checking out some of providers in my area of Katoomba NSW 2780 none of them provide this service in their plans. All quote only for broadband bundles. How can I maintain the simple service I have had for many years. Caroline
MariaAugust 14, 2017
Hi Caroline!
It’s possible that there are other options available in the market that match your preferences. You’re right to check with the providers directly in confirming this. It’s best to speak with your present provider and inform them of your situation to see what they can do for you.
Also, you may find an alternative or useful information by checking our guide on mobile plans for seniors.
I hope this helps.
Cheers!
Maria
BrodieAugust 16, 2016
Hi Russ,
Though there’s no pensioner discount, there providers like nbnsp who offer cheap pay as you go plans for pensioners.
Cheers,
Brodie
colinJuly 29, 2016
i understood that telstra is my only option
KashifFebruary 16, 2016
how do i get my broadband plans on your website.
Finder
StephanieFebruary 26, 2016Finder
Hi Kashif,
Please be advised that you have contacted finder.com.au and not a broadband provider.
Please read the article above for various broadband plans and click the “enquire” button on the ones you like to enquire about them with the broadband provider themselves.
Regards,
Stephanie
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Finder is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stand by our editorial principles.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
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I’m just wondering what is the best internet connection in Kootingal NSW 2352. We don’t have NBN yet.
What is involved in getting the fibre optic connection?
Thanks.
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The best Internet connection would depend on the tasks that you frequently do online. Generally, the faster the transfer rate or the speed of the Internet connection, the better, but it may come with a much expensive monthly rate or plan. Getting a Fibre optic connection may also depend on the network coverage and the communication delivery of an Internet service provider. You’ll more likely be connected to a Fibre optic network if your preferred ISP has Fibre optic cables in your location or building.
Please use our comparison page for broadband plans to find the best plan and service provider that fits your needs. You can modify the search option by clicking “Filter results” and modify the filters according to your needs. You may filter cable/Fibre connection only if you want that type of connection.
Cheers,
Jason
We are about to purchase a house in Kalbar Queensland and were told that the NBN there with be wireless, is this true?
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for your question.
If you want to know the type of NBN technology used in a particular location, you can search the address in our NBN tracker.
Once you get a result, just select the ‘More Info’ button to check the details of the NBN connection in that area.
Cheers,
Anndy
will it be cheaper for those on the age pension?
I have only a basic homeline connection. Ie. local,national and international calls provided for. I am a pensioner and cannot afford more than the$29.90 I am paying at moment. The Broadband plans are all way too much for me.
In checking out some of providers in my area of Katoomba NSW 2780 none of them provide this service in their plans. All quote only for broadband bundles. How can I maintain the simple service I have had for many years. Caroline
Hi Caroline!
It’s possible that there are other options available in the market that match your preferences. You’re right to check with the providers directly in confirming this. It’s best to speak with your present provider and inform them of your situation to see what they can do for you.
Also, you may find an alternative or useful information by checking our guide on mobile plans for seniors.
I hope this helps.
Cheers!
Maria
Hi Russ,
Though there’s no pensioner discount, there providers like nbnsp who offer cheap pay as you go plans for pensioners.
Cheers,
Brodie
i understood that telstra is my only option
how do i get my broadband plans on your website.
Hi Kashif,
Please be advised that you have contacted finder.com.au and not a broadband provider.
Please read the article above for various broadband plans and click the “enquire” button on the ones you like to enquire about them with the broadband provider themselves.
Regards,
Stephanie