Cheap mobile plans
We all have different ideas of what 'cheap' is but for under $20 a month, you can get up to 40GB of data which we think is a pretty solid deal.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Compare cheap mobile plans for under $20 here
While $20 might not seem like much, many providers offer great deals on data if you're a new customer. You can take a lot at all the budget-friendly plan options in our database below.
How to choose a cheap mobile plan
Picking a cheap mobile plan is finding a balance between what you absolutely need and what you can go without. Here are the top things to consider when you're browsing through cheap mobile plans.
- Data. Data's the biggest contributor to cost for any mobile plan, so keeping it low can save you heaps. Just remember that if you're routinely going to break your limit, a cheap plan will end up being significantly more expensive and less worthwhile.
- Consider MVNOs. Purchasing a plan with a big carrier like Telstra or Optus brings some brand security and neat features, but they usually won't be the cheapest choice. Instead, consider going with an MVNO that uses their networks for a more affordable option.
- Extras. Cheap plans tend to pare down on the bonus features you get like free streaming or other goodies. These extras can be nice, but only if you're going to take advantage of them. Leave them out and save.
- Downgrade your contract. Even if you're locked into a long-term phone contract, you might be able to save. Most providers will let you switch between a specific set of plans without breaking your contract, allowing you to downgrade to a cheaper one.
- Watch billing periods. Some prepaid plans come with 28-day recharge periods, while others offer the full month. 28-day expiry periods will end up costing you at least an extra recharge fee per year.
- Talk minutes. The cheapest mobile plans (usually under $10) can limit how many minutes of calls you can make, even within Australia. If chatting is important to you, steer clear.
 
Are prepaid or postpaid plans better if I want a cheaper deal?
While neither type of plan is inherently cheaper, you'll always know what you're paying with a prepaid plan since your service gets cut off when you hit your limit. Here's a quick rundown of how they compare.
| Feature | Prepaid | Postpaid |
|---|---|---|
| Payment made | At the beginning of the month | At the end of the month |
| Plan value | Moderate | Usually better in terms of data per dollar |
| Excess data charges | Never | Can be quite excessive |
| Extra features | Rarely | Often |
| Promotional deals | Sometimes | Sometimes |
What other options are there for cheap mobile plans?
Some of the cheapest possible plans are expressly designed for people who rarely use their phones or who just don't use much data at all. Many providers have long-expiry plans where you purchase a certain amount of credit and then are charged for each call you make, text you send or bit of data that you use.
See our guide to browse through the best-value long-expiry mobile plans on offer.
Latest mobile plans headlines
Image: Shutterstock
More guides on Finder
- Killer mobile plan deal: 200GB for just $20
Sick of slow Internet at home? Grab yourself a lockdown deal with amaysim’s latest mobile plan offer of 200GB for $20.
- Buying a phone outright vs on a plan
Buying a phone on a plan from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone can make owning a new phone easier for you, but is there a better solution for the long run?
- Mobile plans are now more expensive, but here’s a hack to save $200 a year
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone keep raising their prices even as the rest of the market is more affordable than ever.
- Stuck with Virgin or Qantas credits? How to take action
With snap border closures continuing to halt the travel plans of many in Australia, we asked seven Finder staff what they’re doing with their travel credits.
- Circles.Life’s new Samsung Galaxy S21 phone plans: How do they compare?
You'll get a Samsung phone for cheaper, but be prepared to sign up for a brand new credit card to get it.
- NBN and mobile bundles
Bundling your Internet and mobile services can get you a nifty discount or bonus data on your plans.
- Click Frenzyâ„¢ Mayhem 2021: Our favourite phone and mobile deals
Are you in the market for a new mobile phone or plan? These limited-time deals from Click Frenzyâ„¢ could set you up nicely.
- Optus now has the fastest 5G in Australia, so where’s Telstra?
Optus has beat out Telstra to take the crown for having the fastest 5G speed in Australia, doubling its results since August 2020.
- NBN alternatives
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.
- 15.6 million GB of data wasted: How bad is your mobile plan?
Are you paying for data you’re not actually using? You could save up to $500 a year by switching to a mobile plan that works better for you.
Latest mobile plan deals on Finder
Go large with unlimited mobile data
Get no excess data charges on these unlimited data mobile plans.
This month’s best SIM-only mobile plans
Save money with these top no-contract deals.
Save with a prepaid phone plan
Avoid bill shock and control your spending with the best-value offers.
Find the latest iPhone plan deals
Easily compare every Australian iPhone plan.