Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 160 prepaid mobile plans from 26 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 9 top picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not all prepaid plans will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
160 prepaid plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $225
To find the best value prepaid mobile plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $35 per month. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $250
To find the best 365-day prepaid mobile plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $400 with an expiry of 365-days or 12 months. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $348
We compared prepaid mobile plans from Finder partners that run on the Telstra network and don't exceed a 12-month price cap of $400. We also included long-expiry plans as they tend to offer better value for money. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $468
To find the best high data prepaid mobile plan, we compared prepaid mobile plans on Finder with 40GB of included data or more and price cap of $50 per recharge. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
We compared prepaid mobile plans on Finder that run on any of the three 5G networks in Australia and cost under $40 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of 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: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $400
To select the best unlimited data prepaid plan, we looked at mobile plans on Finder with no data limit. There is currently only 1 plan with no imposed limit on data so it defaulted to being the winner for this category.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $442
We looked at Optus prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $40 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score.
Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $442
We looked at Telstra prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $40 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $397
We looked at Vodafone prepaid mobile plans on Finder that cost under $40 a month. We gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score.
Finding the prepaid mobile plan that suits your needs best doesn't need to be complicated. Here are 4 factors to consider
Which mobile network serves you best?
Only 3 telcos operate the mobile networks in Australia that deliver calls and texts to your device: Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone. You'll notice the difference in coverage within parts of metro areas but especially in regional Australia. You can check coverage for areas you frequent online before you sign up.
How much data will you use?
Depending on the type of prepaid plan you're after, you can get data in amounts as small as 1GB all the way up to 200GB, 300GB or even unlimited data with felix. Look at how much data you currently use: the average Australian downloads around 14GB of data according to the ACCC.
What inclusions do you want?
When choosing our top picks, we factor in features that may appeal to a broad range of people such as data rollover, Wi-Fi calling and international calls. Other features offered by some providers include things like eSIMs, data gifting or sharing between users. You can even score discounts on your groceries.
Most providers now offer 5G plans, so finding a great deal is easier than ever. Check out our top 6 picks to get started.
We've done the hard work so you don't have to go searching far and wide for the best SIM-only plan.
Discover the new technology set to replace physical SIM cards altogether.
Our experts have crunched the numbers to help you find the best mobile phone plan in Australia.
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.
Our verdict: Moose Mobile's plans offer excellent value for money and some additional perks.
We pored over 150 mobile plans featuring international calls to find you our top picks for this month.
Whether you’re after a cheap SIM-only plan or something with unlimited data and extras, we’ve got you covered.
Dodo’s budget-friendly mobile plans on the Optus network stand out with extras like unlimited data banking.
Can I port my number, and do I change the NBN account yo the new provider (mobile and data)
Cheers
Peter Pankiewicz
Hi Peter, yes you are able to port your existing number when switching to another provider. I’m unsure of the last part of your question so if you could give me more details I can help accordingly. If you’re asking if you have to switch over your NBN account as well, no that’s not necessary as you can have NBN and mobile with two different providers. Hope this helps!