We’ve compared 160 prepaid mobile plans from 26 providers in Australia and curated our top 9 picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not every prepaid plan will suit your needs, so be sure to weigh your options before picking the one that’s right for you.
Our top picks were reviewed by senior utilities editor Mariam Gabaji.
Are you looking for a prepaid mobile plan that fits your needs but doesn't break the bank? With more than 150 offers out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming to narrow down your options. Hi, I'm Mariam, Finder's tech and utilities expert, and I'm here to help you figure out how to pick a prepaid plan that actually works for you.
Prepaid plans are all about flexibility. If you already own your own phone, you pay upfront for a set period, which could be 7 days, 28 days, a month, or even a full year. Before that period ends, you can recharge the same plan, switch to a different one if your needs have changed, or even try another provider if you find a better deal.
There are no lock-in contracts. Porting your number is usually pretty easy as long as it's under your name. And best of all, there are no surprise bills. Just keep an eye out for auto-recharge as some providers switch it on by default. If you don't plan to renew, make sure to turn it off or cancel the plan before your next recharge date.
So, how do you narrow things down? Start by thinking about how much data do you really need and then look at network coverage, plan features and finally the total cost.
Let's talk about data first. On average, Australians use about 10GB a month on a prepaid plan. But if you stream, game, or work from your phone often, you'll probably need closer to 15 to 20GB a month at least. Check your previous bills, your provider's app, or online portal to see your typical data use. This can be a good benchmark to work from. Some plans even let you roll over unused data to the next recharge so you don't lose what you've already paid for. It's a simple way to make sure you're getting value for your money.
Next, think about network coverage. All that data doesn't mean much if you can't get a strong mobile signal. There are three main networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Telstra has the widest coverage followed by Optus and then Vodafone. Smaller providers use these same networks to get you online. It's always worth checking a provider's coverage map on their website before signing up to make sure you'll get a good signal where you live or travel.
Then there are the extras. Some prepaid plans include international calls to certain countries or let you add on roaming if you travel. Just make sure you're not paying for extras you don't actually need.
And lastly, price. The average prepaid plan on Finder at the time of recording sits at around $39 a month, but there are cheaper options. For example, you can often find plans for around $25 with about 25GB of data. So, it really does pay to compare. If you already know which network you want and how much data you typically use, you could even save more with a long expiry prepaid plan. These can work out cheaper overall, but keep in mind you'll need to pay the full amount upfront.
So, whether you're after something short-term, long-term, or just want to stay in control of your spending, there's a prepaid plan out there that will fit your needs. You can easily spot current offers on Finder and use the filters to narrow down your options. Check out the link in the description to find the best prepaid plan or leave a comment if you have any questions. Bye.
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.
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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!