Compare NBN plans and deals

How do I compare NBN plans?

The key to comparing NBN plans is finding the right balance between price and speed - everything else comes after.

If any of the points feel unclear, don't worry, as we'll be unpacking them further in the guide.

1. Choose the right speed tier

There are several NBN speed tiers, ranging from NBN 12 at the slowest to NBN 2000 at the fastest.

As part of NBN's speed upgrades on 14 September 2025, the line-up was reshaped: three new tiers - NBN 500, NBN 750, and NBN 2000 - were added, and some existing plans were boosted to higher speeds.

For a lot of people, the sweet spots remain NBN 50 and NBN 100, which offer plenty of speed for everyday use.

Beyond NBN 100, the fastest speeds are only available if your home has a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection.

If you have one of these connections, many providers are moving customers onto the boosted speed tiers. For example, if you’re on NBN 100, you might be eligible for NBN 500 at around the same price.

We'll cover speed and connection types in more detail later in the guide.

2. Typical evening speeds

Every NBN plan is tied to a specific speed tier, but the speeds you actually experience in the evening (7-11 pm) can vary due to network congestion.

This is called the typical evening speed. For example, an NBN 100 plan has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps, but a provider might list its typical evening speed as 98Mbps.

The faster the typical evening speed, the more reliable it'll be during the busiest hours of the day.

3. Data allowance

Unlimited data NBN plans are now the norm, though a few providers still offer data-capped plans for just a few dollars less.

These are becoming increasingly rare and generally aren't great value for money.

4. Price and sign-up discounts

The general rule is that faster speeds cost more. However, after multiple NBN price hikes, and the new speed upgrades, the gap between slower and faster plans has narrowed, so it's worth comparing across the board.

Providers are also using these changes to make higher-speed plans more appealing.

Many plans also come with introductory discounts - most commonly for the first 6 months, so you can save even more when signing up.

Just make sure to compare both discounted prices and ongoing costs, especially if you don't plan on switching around once the offer expires.

5. Modem options

Plenty of providers let you BYO modem with your NBN plan, which can save on upfront costs when switching. A few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure your current modem is compatible with the provider and plan you want to switch to.

• If your modem is 5 years or older, upgrading is worth considering, as older hardware can cause slower speeds, buffering or lag and may not support faster speed tiers.

• If you want a new modem, you can buy one from your provider. It's worth comparing these costs just like you would with NBN plans.

• Some providers may also offer a modem for $0 if you stay connected for a set period or return it when you leave.

6. Contract length

Most NBN plans now come with no lock-in contract. If you choose one of the rarer plans with a contract, make sure the price is right or you're getting something extra in return.

7. Bundled extras

Most of us just want reliable internet, but some NBN plans also offer bundling discounts or add-ons.

This can include NBN and mobile bundles, internet and energy bundles, or the option to add a phone line with call packs.

Which NBN speed is right for me?

As mentioned earlier, there are several NBN speed tiers available in Australia: NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 500, NBN 750, NBN 1000, and NBN 2000.

Here’s a rundown of all of them before we jump into availability and eligibility.

You might still see some providers offering NBN 250 plans, but these are gradually being phased out and replaced by NBN 750 plans. NBN Co doesn't list it as an official speed tier either.

Some providers may also offer plans outside of these. Example, Aussie Broadband has a set of 'Pro' plans with higher than normal upload speeds, which are important for video calls, gaming and file sharing.

However, as mentioned, your NBN connection type will determine which speeds you can access.

For example, as part of NBN's speed upgrades, households on an FTTP or HFC connection can get free upgrades to NBN 500 or NBN 750 if they’re currently on an NBN 100 or NBN 250 plan, respectively.

How will my NBN connection affect the speeds I can get?

The NBN connection type at your address will determine what plans and speeds you can access.

• Most Australians are on fixed-line connections such as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) or Fibre to the Building (FTTB).

• FTTP is generally considered the fastest and most reliable option, supporting all NBN speed tiers, followed by HFC.

• By contrast, copper-based technologies like FTTN and FTTC often struggle to deliver speeds above NBN 100.

• If you're on FTTN or FTTC, you may be eligible for a free fibre upgrade to FTTP by signing up for an NBN 100 plan or faster. Pop your address into the NBN website to check eligibility.

• Others, particularly in regional or remote areas, may use fixed wireless NBN or satellite NBN (Sky Muster), with speeds capping out at 500Mbps and 100Mbps, respectively.

"I'd just moved into a new place and needed to check what internet options were available in my area. Even though we're only a household of three, I work from home so I wanted something fast and reliable for the day, plus strong enough to stream on multiple devices at night. I ended up going with Superloop's NBN 250 Superfast plan which was the same price as my old NBN 100 plan, and I even scored a discount for the first 3 months."

Clare Lee

Head of Publishing

Editor's note: Clare signed up before NBN's September 2025 speed upgrade. The NBN 250 tier has since been retired, and "Superfast" is now the name for the NBN 750 tier.

How much should I be spending on an NBN plan?

There can be a big difference between the cheapest and most expensive NBN plans offering similar speeds.

In the following table, you can see the cheapest and most expensive NBN plans in our database across various speed tiers.

We've also given an average monthly price as another benchmark to help you compare plans, as the cheapest may not always offer the best value, features or reliability.

Compare award-winning NBN providers

Awards are a great way to narrow down the best of the best. See which NBN providers won Finder's 2026 product and customer satisfaction awards.

Congratulations, TPG!

TPG was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards.

• Highly Commended, Best Everyday Use NBN Provider: TPG
• Highly Commended, Best Fast Speeds NBN Provider (NBN 100): TPG
• Highly Commended, Best Fast Speeds NBN Provider (NBN 500): TPG
• Winner, Best Wireless Broadband Provider: TPG
• Highly Commended, Best Superfast Speeds NBN Provider: TPG

Full list of 2026 broadband winners

Congratulations, Dodo!

Dodo was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards.

• Winner, Best Budget NBN Provider: Dodo
• Winner, Best Everyday Use NBN Provider: Dodo
• Winner, Best Fast Speeds NBN Provider (NBN 100): Dodo
• Winner, Best Fast Speeds NBN Provider (NBN 500): Dodo
• Winner, Best Superfast Speeds NBN Provider: Dodo

Full list of 2026 broadband winners

Congratulations, SpinTel!

SpinTel was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards.

• Highly Commended, Best Budget NBN Provider: SpinTel
• Winner, Best Ultrafast Speeds NBN Provider: SpinTel
• Highly Commended, Best Wireless Broadband Provider: SpinTel

Full list of 2026 broadband winners

Congratulations, Tangerine!

Tangerine was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards.

• Highly Commended, Best Budget NBN Provider: Tangerine
• Highly Commended, Best Everyday Use NBN Provider: Tangerine
• Highly Commended, Best Fast Speeds NBN Provider (NBN 100): Tangerine
• Highly Commended, Best Fast Speeds NBN Provider (NBN 500): Tangerine

Full list of 2026 broadband winners

Congratulations, Superloop!

Superloop was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards.

• Highly Commended, Best Budget NBN Provider: Superloop
• Winner, Best Hyperfast Speeds NBN Provider: Superloop
• Highly Commended, Best Ultrafast Speeds NBN Provider: Superloop
• Highly Commended, Best Superfast Speeds NBN Provider: Superloop
• Provider of the Year, Best NBN: Superloop

Full list of 2026 broadband winners

Who is the fastest and most reliable NBN provider?

The ACCC's Broadband Performance report, which ran every quarter until its final edition in June 2026, gives you a glimpse into how reliable the top NBN providers are in Australia.

Reliability is based on how frequently providers achieve the typical evening speeds they advertise.

Ideally, you want your NBN provider to be as close to hitting 100% of its advertised typical evening speed as possible, because this means you're actually getting the correct speeds you've signed up for.

Have a look at the top 5 providers from the final report, published in June 2026.

Find the full list of rankings and more details on how the ACCC's methodology works in our guide to the fastest NBN providers.

Related NBN guides

Types of connections

• NBN
• Home wireless
• NBN satellite
• Fixed wireless

Internet speeds

• NBN connection types
• Speed tiers explained
• Typical evening speeds
• Speed test

Tips & fixes

• Understanding speed
• Increase your speed
• Install NBN
• How to switch

Bundles & more

• Internet & mobile bundles
• Home phone & internet bundle
• NBN with 4G backup
• NBN plans for seniors

Compare & save

• Best NBN plans
• Cheap broadband plans
• Best internet deals
• Unlimited data plans

Frequently asked questions

• What is NBN?

  The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia's government-owned broadband infrastructure, designed to provide high-speed internet access across the country.

  Its rollout in Australia was officially declared complete in December 2021 as it replaced older technologies such as ADSL and cable internet.

  However, the network is undergoing significant upgrades to further enhance internet speeds and reliability.

• Can I switch NBN providers easily?

  Yes. Switching NBN providers is usually straightforward since the NBN connection itself stays the same.

  All you need to do is compare NBN plans, sign up with your new provider, and they'll handle most of the switch for you.

  Check if your current plan has any exit fees or requires a 30-day notice, and confirm that your modem is compatible with the new provider.

• How do I get NBN connected to my home?

  Once you've established the availability of NBN at your address and your connection type, the next step is to compare NBN plans and find one best suited to your needs.

  In some instances, a technician may need to come out for a first time connection. This will depend on your NBN technology type.

  You can read our guide to connecting to the NBN for more information.

• Do I have to pay to install NBN?

  Normally set up and installation is free of charge unless you're in a new development, which will require you to pay a one-off $300 fee.

  In some other instances you could be charged if a technician needs to come to sort out your cable or wiring, or if you need extra equipment.

  Ask your provider of choice for more information regarding additional fees before signing up.

• Are there any alternatives to NBN?

  If the NBN isn't available or giving you trouble, you have a few alternatives including:

  • Home wireless broadband: This allows you to connect to the internet using either the 4G or 5G mobile network. There's no installation required but you will need to purchase your provider's modem to access their home wireless service. Keep in mind that availability of a 5G home internet plan at your property will depend on the provider.

  • Mobile broadband: This is another wireless internet solution that uses the 4G or 5G mobile network. Options for mobile broadband include data-only SIMs, USB modems and pocket Wi-Fi. Unlike home wireless broadband, it's a portable internet connection so you can take it with you wherever you go.

  You can check out our full guide to NBN alternatives for more information.

• Who has the best NBN in Australia?

  Dodo was the biggest winner of the Finder Broadband Awards 2026, winning five of the eight categories, including Best Budget, Everyday Use and Superfast Speeds NBN Provider. For reliability, Dodo, iPrimus and Leaptel tied for first in the ACCC's final broadband performance report (June 2026), delivering 102.3% of advertised speeds in busy hours. Superloop was named Finder's 2026 NBN Provider of the Year.

• Is Belong NBN worth the money?

  Belong is worth it if you want a no-frills NBN plan backed by Telstra, which fully owns it. Its NBN Fast plan has a Finder Score of 9.3 out of 10, and its NBN 1000 plan was the cheapest in Finder's database in October 2026, at $75 a month for 6 months, then $110. It also offers unlimited data, no lock-in contracts and BYO modem.

• Is the nbn full fibre upgrade free?

  Yes. NBN Co upgrades eligible homes on Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) for free when you sign up for an eligible NBN 100 plan or faster. Enter your address on the NBN Co website to check whether you're eligible.

• Who provides nbn internet in NSW?

  Dozens of providers sell NBN plans in NSW, including Telstra, Optus, TPG, Dodo, Superloop, Aussie Broadband, Belong and Tangerine. Plans are the same nationwide, and Finder compares more than 40 providers. Dodo won five of the eight categories in the Finder Broadband Awards 2026, and Superloop was named Finder's 2026 NBN Provider of the Year.

• Does Superloop nbn use Telstra network?

  No. Superloop's NBN plans run on the National Broadband Network, which is owned by NBN Co, not Telstra. Superloop won Finder's 2026 NBN Provider of the Year award and was named Australia's fastest fixed network by Ookla for the second half of 2025.

Why compare NBN plans with Finder

We're internet addicts. We review every offer, every GB, every plan, every month. Yep, our data usage is bonkers, but it's worth it.

Obsessed with offers. Whether you're looking for basic or ultra fast NBN, we'll bring you hundreds of plan options. Sure, you could go website to website and find them yourself. Or, you could let us nerd out for you - so you can see them live, 24/7.

No mark ups. You get the same rates as going direct, heck sometimes you even score better as we put in the yards to bring you exclusive offers.

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