





Finding the best SIM-only plans
Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 326 SIM-only mobile plans from 48 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 7 top picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not every SIM-only plan will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
326 SIM-only plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Best value SIM-only plan for everyday users
Catch Connect 28 Day Plan 30GB Online Only Offer
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
$12.50/recharge for the first 6 recharges, then $25/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 8.4.25
Pros & cons:
- This offer will save you $75 over six months.
- Catch offers a handy mobile app to help you track data usage and manage your plan.
- The price of the plan reverts to $25 per recharge after 6 months. However, the ongoing cost and data allowance still stack up well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
- A 28-day expiry means you'll be paying 13 bills over the year instead of 12.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $225
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with at least 15GB of data, which is around the average Aussies use, according to the ACCC. We’ve also capped the data allowance at 30GB to keep the monthly cost budget-friendly. 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.
Best SIM-only plan for power users
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per month
*$19/mth for the first 6 months, then $34/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.4.25
Pros & cons:
- You'll save $90 over six months with this offer.
- $50 international call credit included.
- There’s no lock-in contract so you can leave whenever you want. You can also BYO number and sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- Its plans are certified carbon neutral at no extra cost to you.
- The price will revert to $34 a month after six months.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps, though this is fast enough for online activities on your phone.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $318
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with over 40GB of monthly data. 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.
Best 12-month SIM-only plan
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge after. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 29.4.25
Pros & cons:
- This offer is the equivalent of paying around $12.50 for 17GB each month. This stacks up well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
- Catch offers a handy mobile app to help you track data usage and manage your plan.
- It received the highly commended award for 'Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile Plan' in the 2024 Finder Product Awards.
- The price of the plan reverts to $200 from the second recharge.
- It's light on extra features like data roll over or international call inclusions.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $149
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that cost under $200 with an expiry period of 12 months or 365 days. 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.
Best SIM-only plan with unlimited data
felix Subscription Unlimited GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 20Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
$20/mth for the first 6 months, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX6. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 6.4.25
Pros & cons:
- You’ll save $120 overall with the offer. Even the original price of the plan is pretty decent if you're a high data user or prefer having peace of mind with unlimited data.
- At the moment, felix is the only provider that comes close to offering a truly unlimited data mobile plan in Australia.
- You can easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- felix's plans are certified carbon neutral. It also plants a tree monthly for every active subscription.
- Your download speeds will be capped at 20Mbps through out. However, this is good enough for streaming Netflix in HD, scrolling through social media, browsing and more.
- The price of the plan will revert to $40 a month after 6 months.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $360
Why we chose it
To select the best unlimited data SIM-only 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.
Best 5G SIM-only plan
amaysim 32GB Plan
Pros & cons:
- You can bank all your unused data for future use.
- You can make unlimited international calls and texts to 28 selected countries.
- Bundle mobile and internet with amaysim and save $10 a month on broadband.
- amaysim won Finder's 2024 Mobile Customer Satisfaction Award for a second consecutive year. The award is based on a survey of hundreds of Aussies.
- Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps, but this is fast enough for online activities on your phone.
- A 28-day expiry period means you’ll end up paying 13 bills over the year instead of 12.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $360
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with 5G for under $40 a month. 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.
Best SIM-only plan on the Telstra network
Tangerine 25GB 5G SIM
Pros & cons:
- You can bank up to 1000GB of unused data for future use.
- Save 10% on your mobile bill when you bundle with one of Tangerine's broadband plans.
- Unlimited calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
- Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- 4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps, which is more than enough for online activities on your phone.
- There's a $3.50 charge for non-direct debit payments.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $348
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder that run on the Telstra network and come with at least 15GB of data, which is around the average Aussies use, according to the ACCC. We’ve also capped the monthly cost to $40 a month. 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.
Best SIM-only plan for international calls
TPG Medium
Calls & Text
data
per month
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- You’ll get unlimited international minutes and texts to 31 selected countries.
- TPG's latest offer will save you $105 over 6 months.
- After 6 months, you can save $5 a month by bundling with a TPG internet plan.
- TPG had two big wins in Finder’s 2024 Product Awards. It won Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - Value and Best Mobile Provider.
- TPG's mobile app doesn't support managing mobile services.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans on Finder for under $40 per month that offer international call inclusions. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
2024 Finder Awards for the best SIM-only plans
As part of the 2024 Finder Awards, we selected the Best Prepaid and Postpaid Mobile Providers, based on value and data. The winners and finalists were chosen based on their cost per day, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps.

Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - Value
- Winner: TPG
- Highly commended: felix
- Highly commended: Everyday mobile

Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - High Data
- Winner: felix
- Highly commended: amaysim
- Highly commended: TeleChoice

Best SIM Only Mobile Provider - Value
- Winner: Spintel
- Highly commended: Tangerine
- Highly commended: Coles

Best SIM Only Provider - High Data
- Winner: Circles.life
- Highly commended: Tangerine
- Highly commended: TeleChoice
How do you find the best SIM only plan?
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to finding a SIM only plan. Your budget and data needs can vary depending on how you use your phone. Here are a few things to consider apart from price alone:

What network are you after?
There's no doubt Telstra's network reigns supreme in coverage. It reaches the most number of Aussies, especially if you're living outside the metro areas. That being said, if you're staying in the city, you could be better off with the lower price tags of plans on the Optus or Vodafone network.

How much data do you need?
Australians download around 12.8GB of data on average every month according to the ACCC. We recommend finding out how much data you use and matching a plan that fits the bill accordingly. You don't want to be paying more for data that's going to waste and to rack up any excess charges because you signed up to a much lower limit.

What plan length works best for you?
While most people are familiar with month-to-month mobile plans, long-expiry plans also exist that could help you save money by paying for your plan usage upfront. These plans last for 90–365 days but just remember you'll need to be happy to stick it out with that one provider for 3–12 months.

Do you want a no-frills plan or one packed with features?
The cheapest plans are usually those with just calls, texts and data. But if that's all you need anyway, you might as well grab these simple plans for a lower cost. If you're looking for more value, consider extra features such as international calls, data rollover or Wi-Fi calling.

"I'd been on a contract phone, well, forever. I used to regularly pay over $80 a month for my phone bill. I took the leap to get a Sim Only and buy a phone outright as I found it easier to manage my bills month to month. I also got a great deal, paying just $15 a month with a Circles offer. I've switched 3 times since then while keeping my phone number, it's allowed me to take advantage of great sign up offers."
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