Finding the best cheap 365-day prepaid mobile plans
Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 46 long expiry plans prepaid plans (180 and 365 days) from 17 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 8 top picks by predominantly focusing on price and network coverage, but also using our expertise to make sure each plan offers a good bang for your buck. Not all long expiry 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
46 365-day plans analysed
180+ hours of research
Top pick: Cheapest 365-day prepaid mobile plan
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 120GB Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$119 for the first recharge, then $150/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 19.11.24
Pros & cons:
- This plan is the equivalent of paying around $10 a month for 10GB of data which is pretty good value for money.
- You can have your SIM delivered to you for free.
- You can use Catch's mobile app to track your data usage and manage plan details.
- Catch is thin on additional features such as 5G access or international calls inclusions. However, it's a moot point if you only care about local calls, texts and data.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $119
Why we chose it
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder with a plan length of 365-days or 12 months that cost $150 or less, including any promotional discounts. 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.
Top pick: Best 365-day prepaid mobile plan under $200
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$150 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 19.11.24
Pros & cons:
- This is another great bargain from Catch - you’re essentially paying $12.50 for just over 16GB of data.
- You can track data usage using Catch’s handy mobile app.
- The price of the plan reverts to $200 for 200GB after your first 365 days are up.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $150
Why we chose it
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder with a plan length of 365-days or 12 months that cost under $200, including any promotional discounts. 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 as the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best 365-day prepaid mobile plan under $300
Kogan Large 365 Days Flex
Pros & cons:
- You’re essentially paying $20 a month for 25GB of data which works well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
- With this plan, you can enjoy flexible use of the 300GB data allowance. If you'd prefer a stricter limit, there's also an option for a 25GB allowance every 30 days.
- Kogan won the Best Long Expiry Mobile Provider category in the 2024 Finder Product Awards.
- You can easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- Lack of customer support options. Your only option is to give the team a call.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $240
Why we chose it
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder with a plan length of 365-days or 12 months that cost under $300, including any promotional discounts. 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 as the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best 365-day prepaid mobile plan on the Telstra network
Boost $300 SIM
Calls & Text
data
per 12 months
265GB on activation, then 240GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 10.3.25
Pros & cons:
- It's the only other mobile provider to run on the full Telstra network besides Telstra itself - this will make a difference if you live or are visiting regional and rural areas of Australia.
- Plenty of international inclusions including unlimited calls to 20 countries, 3600 minutes of standard calls to 30 selected countries and 3600 standard texts to any country.
- International roaming pack available to purchase for use in selected destinations.
- Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps on the 4G and 5G network - this is still pretty fast so it shouldn't impact your day-to-day online activities.
- Data goes back to 240GB on your next recharge.
Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $300
Why we chose it
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder with a plan length of 365-days or 12 months that cost $300 or less and run on the full and wholesale Telstra networks. 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 calls, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best Telstra 365-day prepaid mobile plan
Telstra $350 SIM Kit
Calls & Text
data
per 12 months
260GB on activation, then 165GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Activate by 10.3.25
Pros & cons:
- You'll get 6000 international minutes to Zone 1 destinations and 800 minutes to Zone 2 and 100 minutes to Zone 3 destinations.
- You can quickly sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- Data drops down to 165GB per recharge after your first 365 days.
- Not the best value plan - if you'd still like access to the full Telstra network, consider Boost Mobile as an alternative.
Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $350
Why we chose it
Telstra only offers a singular 365-day prepaid mobile plan, so this plan wins by default.
We recommend comparing plans from other providers to get the best deal, rather than looking at provider-specific plans.
Top pick: Best Optus 365-day prepaid mobile plan
Optus Flex Plus $320 365 days
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
280GB for the first 3 recharges within 3 years of activation, then 200GB/recharge. Speed caps and T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- You're essentially getting just over 23GB of data for around $27 a month. This can be decent value for people who do require a higher data allowance.
- You can rollover up to 200GB of unused data if you recharge before your plan expires.
- Customise your plan with add-ons including international roaming, additional data packs, access to Optus Sport and more.
- The price is a bit more on the expensive side given you're getting very limited features.
- The download speeds of this plan are capped at 150Mbps for 4G and 5G but it is still sufficient for most of your online activities.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $320
Why we chose it
Optus only sells one 365-day prepaid mobile plan, so this plan wins by default.
We always recommend comparing plans from other providers to get the best deal, rather than looking at provider-specific plans.
Top pick: Best Vodafone 365-day prepaid mobile plan
Vodafone $250 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per 365 days
250GB for $179 on activation, then 250GB for $250/recharge for the next 2 recharges. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 9.12.24.
Pros & cons:
- Sign up online and pay for only $179 on activation plus get a whopping 250GB of data on your first 3 recharges.
- Get a 50GB extra data each recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge.
- Includes 50 standard international texts to any country.
- No excess data charges if you go over the data allowance, instead your download speed will get slowed down to 1.5Mbps.
- Price reverts to $250 on your second recharge and data goes back to 150GB on your fourth recharge.
- No international calls included, unlike other providers.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $179
Why we chose it
To choose the best Vodafone 365-day plan, we looked at prepaid mobile plans from Vodafone that offer data over 365 days. Since there was only one plan, it was the natural winner for this category.
Top pick: Best 186-day prepaid mobile plan under $180
Optus Flex Plus $160 186 days
Calls & Text
data
per 186 days
130GB for the first 3 recharges within 3 years of activation, then 80GB/recharge. Speed caps and T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- You're basically getting around 21GB of data for just over $26 per month for the first 3 recharges.
- You can rollover up to 200GB of data as long as you renew the plan before it expires.
- You have the freedom to customise your plan with add-ons such as international roaming and additional data packs.
- The data allowance drops to 80GB after the first 3 recharges.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $320
Why we chose it
We looked at prepaid mobile plans on Finder with a plan length of 186-days or 6 months that cost under $180, including any promotional discounts. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 6 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen as the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
2024 Finder Awards for the best long expiry prepaid mobile provider
As part of the 2024 Finder Awards, we selected the Best Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile Provider and two finalists based on how much their plans cost per day across all long expiry plans, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps.
Best Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile Plan
- Winner: Kogan Mobile
- Highly commended: Everyday Mobile (previously known as Woolworths Mobile)
- Highly commended: Catch connect
Is a long expiry plan right for me?
Long expiry prepaid plans last between 90 to 365 days.
They’re well suited for people who don’t mind paying upfront, know which network coverage works best for them and are fairly certain of how much data they need.
Here’s a quick pros and cons list if you’re still unsure:
Pros
- Total yearly costs usually work out cheaper compared to a month-to-month plan.
- No need to worry about paying for recharges to top up your plan or paying monthly phone bills.
- Most plans let you use your data freely throughout the year so you can use less one month and more on another, and it'll even out.
Cons
- You'll usually need to pay a decent amount of money upfront ($100+).
- There's no option of a refund in case you're not happy with your service.
- You'll need to recharge early if you aren't careful about your data usage.
How do I find the best long expiry plan?
Apart from the cost of the plan itself and your willingness to pay it upfront, you should consider some other key points before committing to a long expiry plan:
Think about how long you're willing to commit for, whether that's for 90, 180 or 365 days. The longer you commit for, the fewer times in the year you'll need to worry about recharging. Just keep in mind if you choose to leave before your expiry period ends, you'll lose the money you paid upfront.
Choose a data limit that matches your needs. Look at past bills or your account to see how much data you're currently using each month. When in doubt, add a some extra gigs on to how much data you think you'll use. You don't want to get stuck with not enough data after committing to a plan long term. Also keep in mind that some plans allocate monthly data limits. Reading the fine print before signing up!
"I used to be lazy and just top up my phone each month. I then realised that the monthly cost for a 365 day plan worked out to be far cheaper and I wouldn't exceed the data limit. The savings was $16 per month less than what I was paying, which meant I was able to reduce my phone bill by $192 a year."
Which mobile providers offer long expiry plans?
Around 17 mobile providers in our database offer long expiry prepaid mobile plans.
Some popular ones include Everyday Mobile (Woolies), Coles Mobile, Catch Connect, amaysim, ALDImobile, Kogan Mobile, Boost Mobile, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
Here’s a full list of mobile providers with long expiry plans:
- ALDImobile
- amaysim
- Better Life
- Boost
- Catch Connect
- Cmobile
- Coles Mobile
- Everyday Mobile (Woolies)
- Kogan
- Konec
- Lebara
- Lycamobile
- Optus
- Telechoice
- Telsim
- Telstra
- Vodafone
Compare all long expiry plans to find the best pick for you
Want options beyond our curated selection of top picks? You'll find mobile plans with expiry periods between 90 and 365 days in the comparison table below.
Frequently asked questions
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Ask a question
I am an older lady with not a lot of understanding re my mobile phone. I am with Optus pre paid. But it keeps running out of money. I usually pay $30 at a time. It doesn’t seem to last out the month. I rarely use my phone. It’s more for an emergency, when I’m away from home, as I can’t get coverage at home. Which plan would suit me best?
Hi Roslyn, I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your mobile plan. You can take a look at our guide to cheap plans under $20 https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/cheap-mobile-plans or if you’re after better coverage at home you can also check out these plans from Telstra MVNOs https://www.finder.com.au/best-mvno-plans-on-the-telstra-network or prepaid plans from Telstra itself https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/telstra-mobile.
I’m looking for a long term data only plan, preferably 5 years if possible. Data usage is low, just monitoring power at a site with no internet access.
Hi Dean,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Currently, long expiry prepaid plans are up to 365 days which is for a year. Kindly contact your chosen provider if they may provide a modified mobile plan for your needs.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I intend to buy a prepaid mobile plan for 365 days. My present plan will end on 25/04/2019. Can I buy now and activate the SIM card nearer to the end date of my present plan?
Hi John,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
There are SIM providers that may allow you to buy a SIM now and then activate on a later time. You may need to check this with the specific SIM provider whom you are considering to buy a prepaid SIM so you can be advised accordingly. This is normally applicable if you are to get a new mobile number. If you intend to port your number, you need to let the incoming provider know that you are planning to move your number and check their porting time frame so you can consider and check your options.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Mai
Hello, great article, but it seems as though none of the pre-paid plans listed allow calls to be received when roaming internationally? What prepaid long expiry plans allow you to receive calls internationally?
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Our company finder.com.au is a financial comparison website and general information service designed to help consumers to make a better decision. Please note we do not represent any company we feature on our pages.
On this article, you may need to contact the providers to inquiry if they have an offer to receive a call from overseas.
Cheers,
Harold
Can these SIM cards be used in a Telstra mobile phone?
Hi Aldimobile,
Thank you for your enquiry.
You can use any of the SIM cards featured on this page if you have an unlocked mobile phone, however, you can only use a Telstra SIM card on a Telstra locked phone. You can get in touch with Telstra for assistance in unlocking your Telstra locked phone.
Cheers,
Jason