Finder's NBN Awards showcase the best providers across different speed categories. We also have a top pick for budget-conscious Australians and those seeking a provider of the year.
Winners and those highly commended for each category were chosen by a value score that ranks factors such as price, download speed, cost of modem, option to BYO modem, speed reliability and live chat support.
This award is to give a special nod to an all-around great NBN provider that doesn't disappoint across most speed tiers.
We compared 255 NBN plans across 39 providers and gave more weight to NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans as they're the most popular among Aussies, especially NBN 50.
Tangerine shone across the most popular speed tiers for price and speed. It's always slinging 6-month signup offers and has multiple ways for people to get in touch which is handy, especially if you don't want to get on the phone directly. You can also BYO modem or bundle a home phone line for an additional $10 a month.
Highly commended
It's no surprise Superloop got highly commended in this category. Its pricing is top-tier but it misses out on the gong by falling just short on typical evening speeds.
It was very close between TPG and Superloop. TPG deserves its mention for the Provider of the Year Award as it's kept its pricing competitive, has good typical evening speeds plus you can get a modem for $0 if you stay connected for 6 months - that's the shortest contract period for a modem on Finder.
This category is great for the average Australian household that requires an NBN speed of up to 50Mbps, which is suited to 2–3 people.
We compared 67 NBN 50 plans from 37 providers. It's the most popular speed tier used by 42.5% of Australians.
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.
Highly commended
Flip is quite well-known for offering cheap prices across the majority of its plans including NBN 50. It narrowly misses out on a top spot because of a higher modem cost. Plus it's not included in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) quarterly broadband performance report, which measures speed reliability of the 11 major NBN providers in Australia.
Kogan usually hovers around the lower end of the pricing spectrum and has one of the cheapest modems from all the providers in Finder's database. Plus, you get the maximum typical evening speeds available on this speed tier. The reliability of its speeds also can't be verified as it's not part of the ACCC's broadband performance report.
This category is for online users who need speed but don't want to pay a hefty price tag.
We compared 74 NBN 100 plans from 38 providers that are suited to 3- to 4-person households..
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.
Highly commended
Apart from doing well on price, Exetel's biggest standout feature is its speed reliability. It consistently performs well in the ACCC's quarterly broadband performance report. You also get access to My Speed Boost, a feature that allows Exetel customers to get 5 speed upgrade days per month.
Tangerine has carried on its claim to fame into 2024 by still offering cheap prices and 6-month signup discounts. It falls a bit short on typical evening download speeds, clocking 95Mbps instead of the maximum 100Mbps that's available on an NBN 100 plan.
This category is for heavy internet users or households with 5+ people who regularly go online around the same time.
We compared 37 NBN 250 and NBN 500 plans from 27 providers to find a winner.
Superloop offers Superfast speeds for just under $100 a month and close to the maximum speed available on an NBN 250 plan. It often runs 6-month signup discounts which makes it stack up extremely well on price vs typical download speed. It also offers the option to boost your internet speed 5 times a month at no extra cost.
Highly commendedIf you're after Superfast speeds then the reliability of a provider achieving those speeds is important too. This is where Exetel shines. Plus you get 5 speed boosts each month free of cost and the option to bundle your mobile and internet services to get a discount.
Southern Phone stood out for offering the maximum typical evening speed available on an NBN 250 plan. You also get the additional perk of being on a carbon neutral internet plan.
This category gives an overview of which provider offers the most bang for buck without the hefty price tag. We looked at 25 NBN plans from 20 providers that cost $65 per month or less.
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.
Highly commended
Belong's NBN Starter or NBN 25 plan is one of the cheapest on Finder and you get the maximum 25Mbps typical download speed. BYO modem or buy one from Belong without having to pay for an arm and a leg.
No budget award category is complete without a nod to Tangerine. Expect frequent 6-month signup discounts, the option to BYO modem and access to multiple customer support channels including live chat and WhatsApp.
Finder's NBN Awards are determined by a methodology that ranks plans and providers based on the price of the plan, cost of a modem, option for customers to BYO modem, length of plan, download speed, reliability and customer support. To determine our winners, we reviewed 270 fixed-line NBN plans across 39 providers.
Our NBN Award winners are based on 250+ hours of research by our expert authors and insights team.
We reviewed 270 internet plans from 39 NBN providers including Telstra, Optus, TPG and Aussie Broadband.
Some winners may be partners but this never influences our decisions. All winners were selected based on a clear methodology and met our editorial standards.
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