At the start of each month, our team of mobile experts analyse hundreds of plans and all the latest mobile deals in the market to find the best value plans for a wide range of categories.
There is no singular mobile plan that will work perfectly for everyone so we try to spread the love by keeping different users in mind.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $225
To choose the best prepaid mobile plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans in our database from Finder partners with a monthly cost of $35 or under. Of the plans that met those criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $270
To choose the best SIM-only mobile plan, we looked at postpaid mobile plans from partners in our database with a monthly cost of under $40 a month. Of the plans that met those criteria, we then ranked them by value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $400
To choose the best mobile plan for this category, we looked at mobile plans in our database from Finder partners that came with unlimited data. From these plans, we then ranked them by our value score, which takes into account cost per gigabyte, network coverage and plan features, and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $250
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder with a plan length of 365-days or 12 months that cost $400 or less, including any promotional discounts. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $360
To choose the best mobile plan in this category, we looked at high-data mobile plans in our database from Finder partners that offer at least a 40GB monthly allowance and cost under $60 a month. From these plans, we then ranked them by our value score, which takes into account cost per gigabyte, network coverage and plan features, and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $270
To choose the best mobile plan in this category, we reviewed Telstra network plans from Finder partners in our database that cost $40 a month or less. From these plans, we then ranked them by our value score, which takes into account cost per gigabyte, network coverage and plan features, and went with the highest-ranking plan.
It's a hat trick! For the third year in a row, felix mobile has been crowned the best mobile provider for unlimited data in the Finder Mobile Awards. Its Unlimited Data Plan received an overall score of 9.9 out of 10. With an average annual cost of $599, it is also signficantly cheaper than the other finalists.
The best mobile plan for you will depend on your personal preferences. Here are some of the things to consider to help get you started:
While there are dozens of mobile plan retailers, there are just 3 network operators. In order of coverage, they are Telstra (99.7%), Optus (98.5%) and TPG/Vodafone (98.4%).
You can check coverage in your area online before you sign up because even in metropolitan areas, there may be coverage gaps.
The average Australian uses 12.8GB a month according to the ACCC's Internet Activity Report.
You can use our mobile data usage calculator to get an estimate of how much data you use, but it's also a good idea to check your latest bill.
Knowing how much data you need will stop you from overpaying on your mobile plan.
When choosing our top picks, we considered a broad range of features that are useful to have, including data rollover, Wi-Fi calling and international calls and texts.
That being said, you may just be happy with a regular plan with national calls and texts and data. If that sounds like you, don't be fooled by fancy extras and stick to a simpler plan for cheaper instead.
Buying outright will always be cheaper in the long run as you won't be tied to the major telcos and their premium prices.
However, phone repayment plans can work out better if you don't want to pay a hefty amount upfront.
If you do end up getting a new phone on a plan, you'll need to decide which repayment period works best. You can typically choose between 12-, 24- and 36-months.
You can read our guide to buying outright vs on a plan for more tips.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
We've got a lot more plans and deals for you to compare.
Spoiler alert: The gap between prepaid and postpaid mobile plans isn’t as big as it used to be.
While you can get unlimited data with your mobile phone, there are a few restrictions to be aware of.
Looking for a great phone plan from a provider that uses the Optus network? There's something available no matter what you're looking for.
Don't pay too much, even if your data needs are large, with these high-data value plans.
Compare cheap mobile phone plans starting from just under $12 a month.
We pored over 150 mobile plans featuring international calls to find you our top picks for this month.
From budget-conscious to international students, these mobile plans offer something for every type of student.
It's easy to avoid overpaying for your mobile plan, even without a seniors discount. We've rounded up our top 6 picks and shared tips on how to save.
Getting a phone for kids or teens is an important decision to make, so here are the things to consider when choosing a mobile plan for them.
Optus have offered, on a 24 month plan, a new iPhone 7 with unlimited text and national calls together with 10GB of data discounted to $45.20 per month. Is this a good deal?
Hi Roy,
Thanks for getting in touch! It’s helpful to know that when choosing a mobile plan, it should be one that fits your monthly budget and lifestyle. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki
Hi,
I would like to know which MVNO using full strength 4G network for voice and data. I heard that Boost is using Telstra’s full network and Virgin is using Optus. Is there any other MVNO using full strength network for both voice and data ??
Cheers!
Samy
Hi Samy,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder.
The network strength depends on different factors such as time and place. However, in terms of network coverage, the service an MVNO offers shouldn’t differ in any way at all from the service that you’d get from the underlying network provider at the same location. That makes sense because it’s the exact same network infrastructure. If there’s an outage or a reception problem with an MVNO, it’s a question of the underlying carrier’s network, not the MVNO.
We also have a list of MVNOs along with the networks they use. Please check and see if it answers your question.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I need a new mobile phone (keeping my existing mobile number) + prepaid monthly plan to receive incoming calls from work and reply back fast and easy … as my job based on how fast I receive the messages from work and can take the shift … so coverage is important … between Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast and Bribie Island . Best/lowest price deals with fast and safe/reliable network even in rain/storm? Any suggestions? Thanks*
Hi Zita,
Thanks for your inquiry.
In terms of speed, calls, and messaging, all Australian telcos are largely using 3G networks. So we couldn’t single out who’s fast and who’s not. You may compare your phone plan using our comparison table and search filters to help narrow down your options. Please see the image below:
Once you have chosen a particular plan, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May