Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - ValueThis category gives you a quick look into which prepaid mobile provider is offering the most bang for buck.
We looked at 81 prepaid mobile plans across 28 providers that cost under $35 per month. We gave each a value score based on how much they cost per day, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps.
amaysim won the 2023 Finder Award for best value because of its competitive pricing and generous data allowances compared to similar plans from other providers. Its 4G and 5G plans run on the Optus network – the second largest network in Australia. You also get unlimited data banking, access to international roaming packs and unlimited international calls to 42 countries on selected plans.
Highly commended
Yomojo, which runs on the Optus 4G network, ranked in second place out of the 28 providers we analysed. It stacked up well against other prepaid mobile providers thanks to how much its plans cost per day and the data limits allocated. You can even bundle multiple SIMs with Yomojo to score a discount, which can be useful for families looking to increase their savings.
Kogan Mobile, which runs on the Vodafone 4G network, came third in this category scoring highly for generous data allowances that won't break the bank. You can also roll over data up to 200GB for future use and sign up to Kogan with an eSIM if you have a compatible device. It also gives you the option to earn Qantas Points – that's 1 Qantas Point for every $2 spent.
Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - High DataThis category is for high data users who want generous data allowances on their mobile plan but without the hefty price tag.
We compared 63 mobile plans across 27 prepaid providers that came with at least 40GB of data. We leaned more heavily in this category on daily cost per gigabyte.
felix took the front seat here for being the only telco to offer a truly unlimited data mobile plan despite having download speed caps of 20Mbps. Its plan, which runs on the Vodafone network, can give you the peace of mind to stream, game and do heaps more without worrying about running out of data. felix also won the 2022 Finder Green award for Green Mobile Plan Provider.
Highly commendedKogan Mobile came in second for offering heaps of data at a reasonable price. It also allows you to bank up to 200GB of data for future use if you stay on the same plan. You can also earn 1 Qantas Point for every $2 spent.
Supermarket brand Woolworths Mobile came in third for being a budget-friendly option for high-data users on the Telstra wholesale network. You can bank up to 500GB of data and get 10% off your monthly groceries (up to $50) at Woolworths.
Best Postpaid Mobile Provider - ValueThis category gives you an overview into which postpaid mobile provider is offering the best data allowances at reasonable price points.
We looked at 97 postpaid mobile plans across 29 providers that cost under $35 per month. We gave each a value score based on how much they cost per day, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and applicable download speed limits.
Circles.Life secured its claim to fame for offering affordable plans for both low- and high-data users. That hasn't changed in 2023 and is the reason why we awarded it the best value postpaid mobile provider this year. You get access to the Optus 4G network, a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and the option to add on an international calls or roaming pack.
Highly commended
Moose Mobile came in second for also offering great-value plans on the Optus network. You get access to its Australia-based customer support team and a highly rated app to manage your plan wherever you are.
SpinTel isn't just about broadband, its 4G and 5G mobile plans that run on the Optus network are up there among the best for value. You'll often find it slinging 6-month discounts to hit that sweet savings spot. You also get a number of support options available should you need it, including live chat or a phone call.
Best Postpaid Mobile Provider - High DataThis category is aimed at high-data users who want generous data allowances on their mobile plan but don't want to pay heaps of money for it.
We compared 90 mobile plans across 29 providers that offered 40GB of data or more. For this category we focused on the daily cost per gigabyte.
Belong's mobile plans come packed with data at a reasonable price point. It also uses the Telstra 4G and 5G wholesale network which is always a plus for those looking for better coverage. There's also no excess data charges so should you hit your monthly data cap, you won't need to worry about getting slammed with extra fees.
Highly commendedCircles.Life already got our vote for being the best value postpaid mobile provider but it deserves a mention for coming in second place for its well-priced high-data plans that run on the Optus network.
TeleChoice came in third for offering value for money high-data plans that run on the Telstra network. You can bank up to 500GB of data and get unlimited international calls to 20 countries, plus 240 minutes international calls to an additional 20 countries.
Best Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile PlanThis category is best suited for people who are happy to set and forget about their mobile plan for up to 365 days.
We compared 9 365-day prepaid plans from 7 mobile providers that cost $150 or less and came with a maximum of 150GB of data.
It's hard to look past Kogan's long expiry prepaid plans for offering the best value for money compared to the other providers we looked at. You can also access instant eSIM set-up, Wi-Fi calling and earn 1 Qantas Point for every $2 spent.
Highly commendedWoolworths Mobile came in second for having well-priced long expiry plans that run on the Telstra network and offer enough data for both low to moderate phone users. Its value is turned up a notch for offering 10% off each month on your Woolworths grocery shop (up to $50).
Coles Mobile is another supermarket brand that does long expiry plans right thanks to how much data you get for the money you're paying. You can enjoy unlimited national calls and text to 15 countries and a mobile app to manage your plan.
Our mobile plan award winners are based on 250+ hours of research by our expert authors and insights team.
We researched mobile phone plans from 29 providers over a 12-month period including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, amaysim and Boost Mobile.
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.
We reviewed 340 SIM only plans and found a difference of $1,371 over 12 months between the cheapest and most expensive plan.
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