Compare SIM-only plans in Australia

What should I consider when choosing a SIM-only plan?

SIM-only plans let you pay for calls, texts and data without a phone included, hence the name 'SIM-only' or BYO phone plan.

Before you pick one, there are a few things to think about, such as network coverage, whether you want a prepaid or postpaid plan, how much data you need, and what extra features you're after.

Prepaid vs postpaid SIM-only plans

There are two main types of SIM-only plans: prepaid and postpaid.

Postpaid plans used to mean being locked into a contract and tied to handset repayments, but most are now month-to-month.

Sometimes, providers like Telstra and Dodo even ask for an upfront payment when you sign up, instead of billing you at the end of the month.

The main difference with prepaid plans is that they come with expiry periods, such as 7-day, 28-day, 30-day, monthly and long-expiry options (usually 90, 180, or 365 days).

You pay upfront for a set period and then need to recharge your plan manually before it expires, or set up auto-recharge if available.

Despite popular belief, prepaid plans can also include extras like data banking and international call inclusions.

Data allowance

Since most SIM-only plans include unlimited local calls and texts, your next consideration should be data allowance.

According to ACCC research, Aussies use an average of around 10GB per month on prepaid plans and around 20GB on postpaid plans.

You can use this as a guide or check your past data usage to estimate how much you need.

Network coverage

There are 3 main network providers in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Telstra has the widest coverage, which is important if you live in regional or rural areas, followed by Optus and then Vodafone.

These 'big 3' providers also allow smaller companies, known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), to use their networks to sell SIM-only plans.

We go into more detail later in the guide, including details on which providers offer SIM-only plans.

Extra perks

There are a few features to look out for when choosing a SIM-only plan to help you tell them apart, such as data rollover and international call inclusions (we'll talk about these in just a minute).

But if you don't need any of the extras, it's best to keep it simple and go for a well-priced plan with just calls, texts and data.

Here's a look at the type of perks you can get:

SIM-only vs phone plans: What's the difference?

A SIM-only plan gives you just a SIM card to use in a phone you already own or want to buy outright.

A phone plan (also known as a phone on a plan) includes a new handset that you pay off over time, bundled with a SIM-only plan.

Only Telstra, Optus and Vodafone offer phone plans, usually with 12-, 24-, or 36-month repayment options.

The good news is that, unlike back in the day, these repayment plans don't lock you into a contract. If you want to cancel, you just need to pay off the remaining cost of the phone.

How do I find the best SIM-only plan?

Now that you know what to look for in a SIM-only plan, you're likely ready to check out some plans that match your needs.

The good news is we round up the best SIM-only plans each month across different to help make the choice easier.

Which cheap SIM-only plans offer the best value in Australia?

Smaller providers tend to offer cheaper plans than Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

Based on data from our Consumer Sentiment Tracker, Aussies spend about $27 a month on average with a smaller provider, much lower than the $65 typically spent with the big 3.

We've put together a guide comparing cheap mobile plans if you're looking for a starting point.

Just keep in mind that the cheapest option won't always offer the best value. A plan might cost less, but does it include enough data and features to match what you actually need?

Can I get a SIM-only plan with unlimited data?

You can get an unlimited data SIM-only plan, but there are a few things to be aware of.

felix mobile is the only provider that comes close to offering a truly unlimited data plan. There's no set monthly data allowance - you just pay each month to stay on the plan.

The catch is that your download speeds are capped at 40Mbps. However, that's still fast enough for streaming HD videos, browsing, social media and more, so most people won't even notice the speed cap.

Other providers such as Belong, Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, and Dodo offer a monthly data allowance, but if you use it up before your next billing cycle, your speeds will be slowed to anywhere between 256 Kbps and 2Mbps, depending on the plan.

This allows you to avoid excess data charges while still being able to use your plan for basic online activities.

Which providers offer SIM-only plans?

As mentioned earlier, there are 3 network providers in Australia - Telstra, Optus and Vodafone - and smaller providers (also known as MVNOs) operate on their networks.

MVNOs running on the Optus and Vodafone networks have full access to their coverage. For Telstra, it's a bit different.

Most Telstra MVNOs use its wholesale network, which covers 98.8% of the Australian population. Only Boost Mobile has access to the full Telstra network, which reaches 99.7% of the population.

When the 'big 3' talk about SIM-only plans or mobile plans without prepaid in the mix, they're usually referring to their postpaid options.

Let's take a look at those, along with a list of MVNOs operating on each network.

Telstra SIM-only plans

SIM-only plans from Telstra start at $70 a month for 50GB. You also get:

• Widest network coverage reaching 99.7% of the population.
• Access to 5G and uncapped download speeds.
• No excess data charges. Your download speeds will slow to 1.5Mbps if you use up your monthly data allowance.
• Access to the Telstra Plus rewards program, which allows you to earn points and redeem them for products.
• Unlimited international texts and 30 minutes of international calls.
• International roaming day passes available starting at $5 per day for 2GB and unlimited calls and texts.
• Access to Telstra Satellite Messaging. If you're outside Telstra's network, your phone will try to connect via satellite if it has a clear view of the sky.
• Option to sign via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.

Besides Boost Mobile, all other MVNOs have access to Telstra's wholesale network, which reaches 98.8% of the population.

Providers that use the Telstra network include:

Optus SIM-only plans

SIM-only plans from Optus start at $55 a month for 50GB. You also get:

• Access to the second largest network coverage in Australia reaching 98.5% of the population.
• Access to 5G and uncapped download speeds.
• No excess data charges. Your download speeds will slow to 1.5Mbps if you run out of data.
• Unlimited international calls and texts to 35 destinations on selected plans.
• $5 for 5GB daily roaming add-on to use on selected airlines and 150+ destinations. You also get unlimited calls and texts.
• Option to save up to 10% on subscriptions every month via Optus SubHub.
• Between $10 to $20 per month credit to spend on subscriptions of your choice for 12 months, also through Optus SubHub.
• Option to sign up via an eSIM.

Providers that use the Optus network include:

Vodafone SIM-only plans

SIM-only plans from Vodafone start at $53 for 60GB. You also get:

• Access to its 4G and 5G networks with uncapped download speeds.
• No excess data charges. Your download speeds will slow to 2Mbps if you run out of data.
• Option to sign up via an eSIM.
• Unlimited international calls to Zone 1 and 300 minutes to Zone 2 destinations plus unlimited texts.
• $5 a day roaming add-on to use your data, calls and texts overseas in over 100 destinations.
• 30-day network satisfaction guarantee.

Providers that use the Vodafone network include:

Finder Score explained

• 9+ Excellent - These mobile plans stack up extremely well for overall cost and data allowance over 12 months plus network coverage. You may also get a few bonus features attached to your plan.
• 7+ Great - These mobile plans are competitively priced and offer a decent amount of data. You might need to compromise just a little bit on some features.
• 5+ Satisfactory - Usually these mobile plans are just okay for overall cost over 12 months and the amount of data you’re getting in return. Network coverage and other features can be lacking.
• Less than 5 – Basic - You can generally do better than what these mobile plans have to offer in terms of cost, data costs, network coverage and features. In short, they’re poor value for money.

Digging deeper into the Finder Score for mobile plans

There are an overwhelming number of mobile plans available from over 40+ providers. More than 300 to be exact. You also have to figure out how each of their costs stack up against the amount of data you’re getting in return. We group plans into 3 categories - month to month plans, long expiry plans under $250 and long expiry plans for $250 and above.

That's where the Finder Score comes in. The score is a simple way for you to compare mobile plans at a glance.

Here's how the scores work:

• We analyse hundreds of mobile plans in our database that run on either Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks.
• We assess the overall costs and data inclusions over a year, coupled with some additional features like data rollover, WiFi calling and network provider coverage.

• How Finder Score is calculated

  The Finder Score methodology is designed by our insights and editorial team. We review products objectively. Commercial partnerships do not affect the scores.

  Finder Score weightings - mobile plans

Frequently asked questions

• Do you get a new number with a SIM-only deal?

  Yes, you do, but only if you want one. Otherwise you can easily port an existing number if it's under your name. You can read our guide on number porting for more details.

• Can I keep my number with a SIM-only plan?

  Absolutely. You will be asked if you want to keep your number during the sign-up or activation process. Your new provider will handle the switch for you – you don't even need to tell your current telco you're leaving.

  You can read our guide on number porting for more details.

• What happens when a SIM is not used for years?

  In Australia, if a SIM isn't used for a long period of time, usually 6 months or more, the provider may deactivate it and reallocate the number to someone else.

• What documents are required for a SIM card?

  To activate a SIM card in Australia, you'll need a valid ID. This can include your driver's license, passport or Medicare card.

  If you're signing up online, you may also need to provide additional information such as your email address and credit or debit card details for payment.

• Can I use a SIM-only plan in a tablet or a modem?

  If you're using a tablet or modem, your best bet is to go with a data-only SIM plan. It works similar to a SIM-only plan for your phone, but typically doesn't include calls or texts.

  Some plans might still let you make calls at pay-as-you-go rates, but they're mainly designed for internet access.

• Can I switch SIM-only providers easily?

  Switching SIM-only providers is easier than you think. Once your new SIM arrives, you buy it in-store, or you sign up online for an eSIM, just follow the activation steps and you'll be good to go.

  If you're keeping your number, your new provider will handle the porting process for you.

• Can I use my SIM-only plan for data only?

  Yes, you can use a SIM only plan for data only. Just keep in mind that if you're hotspotting to another personal device any excessive use such as downloading large files over an extended period may be flagged with the provider.

  You can compare high-data SIM only plans to match your needs.

  Alternatively, consider a mobile broadband plan, which is designed for data use and works anywhere you have mobile coverage.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

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 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 435 Finder guides across topics including:

• Energy
• Mobile
• Broadband
• Consumer tech