Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 325 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.
Best SIM-only plans for March 2025
Best SIM-only plan for everyday users: Tangerine 25GB 5G SIM
Best SIM-only plan for power users: Belong 100GB
Best 12-month SIM-only plan: Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB Finder Exclusive
Best SIM-only plan with unlimited data: felix Subscription Unlimited
Best 5G SIM-only plan: Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
Best SIM-only plan on the Telstra network: Tangerine 25GB 5G SIM
Best SIM-only plan for international calls: TPG Medium
Tangerine's latest offer will save you $58 over 4 months.
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 including Bangladesh, China, India, Hong Kong, Greece, the UK and Thailand.
Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset. This way you won’t have to wait for a physical SIM card to be delivered.
The plan price reverts to $29 a month after 4 months. It's still a good bargain for the perks you get in return.
4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps, though this is fast 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: $290
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 25GB 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
Belong 100GB
Unlimited Calls & Text
100GB data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
You're essentially paying $0.45 per GB which stacks up well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
No excess charges. If you run out of data, your download speeds will simply slow to 1Mbps until the next billing cycle.
Option to share data with other Belong mobile and data users.
Add ons such as unlimited international calls and roaming packs are available for an extra cost.
4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps though this is fast enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $540
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 Finder Exclusive
Unlimited Calls & Text
200GB
data
$149 per
365 days
$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.3.25
This offer, which is only available via Finder, 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.
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 UnlimitedGREEN COMPANY
Unlimited Calls & Text
Unlimited data. Slowed down to 20Mbps after full speed data used up
$20 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
You’ll save $120 overall with the offer. Even the original price of the plan is quite good considering you’re getting 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
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
Unlimited Calls & Text
80GB
data
$19 per
month
*$19/mth for the first 6 months, then $34/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.4.25
You'll save $90 over 6 months with this offer, which is only available through Finder. Even the ongoing price works out really well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
$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 6 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 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
Unlimited Calls & Text
25GB
data
$14.50 per
month
$14.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.3.25
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.
The price of the plan will revert to $29 a month after 4 months.
4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps, which is more than enough for most 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: $290
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
Unlimited Calls & Text
50GB
data
$17.50 per
month
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
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.
We looked over 300 SIM-only plans in our database and attached a value score to each plan we compared for each category, looking at factors such as price, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps, with the provider having the highest score coming out as the winner.Keep in mind, we only looked at Finder partners but they were still chosen for our best guide keep a rigid methodology in mind.Here’s a rundown of exactly how our value-scoring system works:
Cost per gigabyte. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 12 months divided by the amount of data (GB). The price includes any promotional offers.
Network coverage. We awarded scores depending on how wide the network coverage is across Australia.
Data rollover. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature.
International calls. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature. This includes those that offer unlimited calls or credit/minutes for international purposes.
Wi-Fi calling. We give weights to providers that offer Wi-Fi calling higher than those that don't have this feature.
We then assigned a weight to each of the factors in order to calculate a value score. Price and data are given the highest weighting.
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."
Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio
Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 325 Finder guides across topics including:
Check out which mobile phone providers Finder users are loving this month and the top plans they're choosing!
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