Compare no lock-in contract NBN plans

What is a no lock-in contract internet plan?

A no lock-in contract internet plan, also referred to as a month-to-month plan, is a plan that doesn’t require you to sign a contract or stay connected for a set amount of time.

Most NBN plans come as no lock-in contract plans. However, providers may still require you to stay connected for a certain period in order to take advantage of a special offer, such as a discount or free modem. For example a ‘free’ modem might only be free if you stay connected for a specific term, such as six, 12, 24 or 36 months.

Keep in mind that a no lock-in contract NBN plan will typically not have any early exit fees, however you may need to pay some costs like a final bill, You may also be required to pay off any remaining modem costs or return your modem to cancel your service.

Any of these fees or requirements will be listed in the plan’s critical information summary (CIS). It’s important to read the CIS of a plan before signing up. The CIS can be found on the provider’s website, or you can request a copy from the provider.

Are home wireless plans also no lock-in contract internet plans?

Other internet plans, such as home wireless broadband, often come as no lock-in contract internet plans. However, like with NBN, you might find that most of these plans have a modem included for ‘free’, which requires you to stay connected to your plan for a set amount of time to keep the modem. Some home wireless providers don’t offer the option to BYO modem, so you may need to decide whether being locked in to your plan for a ‘free’ modem is worth it.

What are the benefits of an NBN no lock-in contract plan?

The most obvious benefit of a no contract NBN plan is that you have the freedom to cancel your plan whenever you want, without waiting for a contract to end and without paying early exit fees.

In the vein of ‘trying before you buy’, a no lock-in contract NBN plan may be a good way to test the service from a provider. It could also be a good way to try out NBN speed tiers, if you’re unsure which speed will best suit your household.

However, any upfront costs, such as modem fees, can make that first bill quite a big one: so when comparing no-contract NBN plans, look at these fees before signing up. This should give you an indication of how much you’ll be paying upfront and you can work out whether this hefty first bill will fit in your budget.

Compare no lock-in contract internet providers

While most NBN providers offer no-contract plans, we’ve included details below on what you can expect from a range of popular no lock-in contract NBN providers.

Aussie Broadband no-contract NBN plans

Winner of Canstar Blue’s 2024 award for the NBN provider with the Most Satisfied Customers, Aussie Broadband offers a range of seriously competitive plans across all NBN speed tiers, all of which are available month-to-month as either BYO modem or with the option to add on a pre-configured modem. Plans are offered without setup or exit fees, and Aussie Broadband also provides plans and extras tailored to seniors and gamers.

Dodo no-contract NBN plans

Dodo is another provider now offering solely month-to-month plans, with the option to cancel at any time. Plans are available on NBN 25, 50, 100 and 250 speed tiers all with unlimited data, and the option to either BYO modem or add on a modem for an upfront cost. Dodo sometimes offers discounts on some plans, so keep an eye out for what is on offer.

Amaysim no-contract NBN plans

Popular prepaid provider Amaysim offers a selection of no lock-in NBN plans, all offered as BYO plans only. Plans are available on the NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100 and NBN 250 speed tiers.

Buddy Telco no-contract NBN plans

Buddy Telco, which is owned by Aussie Broadband, offers a simple selection of BYO modem no lock-in contract NBN plans. Plans are available across the NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100 and NBN 1000 speed tiers.

Tangerine no-contract NBN plans

Tangerine’s NBN plans are no-contract by default with most speed tiers available, starting at NBN 25 and going up to NBN 1000 — it even offers both NBN 100/20 and NBN 100/40 plans. All Tangerine plans have the option to either BYO modem or add on your choice of modem for an upfront cost.

Southern Phone no-contract NBN plans

Southern Phone offers a range of NBN plans across different speed tiers starting at NBN 25 and going up to NBN 1000, which are all available as no lock-in plans. You’ll have the option to BYO modem, or add on a modem for an additional upfront cost.

iiNet no-contract NBN plans

iiNet customers have a choice of the main NBN speed tiers – NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250 and NBN 1000, however the faster speed tiers will be limited to homes with certain NBN connection types. All plans are offered month-to-month and no-contract, with the option to BYO modem or add one on at checkout. The modem is free, aside from the $10 delivery fee, if you stay connected for 24 months, but cancel early and you’ll need to pay the remainder of your modem costs.

TPG no-contract NBN plans

TPG offers all plans on a monthly basis, with NBN speeds starting at NBN 12 and going up to NBN 1000. You can choose to BYO modem or add a modem on to your plan. If you choose to add on a modem, you’ll have the choice of either paying for the modem upfront or get it free if you sign on for a six-month contract.

Optus no-contract NBN plans

Optus offers month-to-month NBN plans across two plan types. You’ll be able to choose between the ‘Everyday’ plan or the ‘Family Entertainer’ plan, which includes a WiFi Booster and standard subscription to Netflix (via Optus SubHub) included. All plans come with an optional phone pack add on (otherwise it’s PAYG calls) and your choice between NBN 25 (available with the Everyday plan only), NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250 or NBN 1000 speeds. Optus also offers customers on an eligible plan the option to bundle a range of subscription services, including Netflix and BINGE, via Optus SubHub, with discounts for bundling multiple subscriptions.

Telstra no-contract NBN plans

Telstra has simplified its NBN plan offerings with a range of month-to-month plans on speed tiers starting at NBN 25 and going up to NBN 1000. Telstra’s NBN plans also include unlimited calls to standard local, national and mobile numbers. Customers will get a Telstra modem included by default, which is available for $0 if you stay connected for 24 months, otherwise you’ll need to return the modem or pay a non-return fee. Telstra offers the option to add on a range of subscriptions and gaming consoles to your plan, but doesn’t offer discounts for bundling services.

Vodafone no-contract NBN plans

Vodafone offers all NBN plans as month-to-month plans, with speeds starting at NBN 12 and going up to NBN 1000. You’ll need to add on Vodafone’s 4G backup modem to your plan, which is $0 if you stay connected for 24 months. If you leave your plan early, you’ll need to pay off the remaining modem costs. Existing mobile customers with an eligible plan can save on NBN fees, while you can also add on a Hubbl Hub set top box on a 12 or 24-month payment plan.

Should I choose a no-contract NBN plan?

Finding an NBN no-contract plan is easy considering that most providers now only offer no lock-in NBN plans, so you have plenty of providers to choose from.

A no lock-in contract internet plan might suit you if you fall into the following categories:

• You’re a renter and likely to move in a year or so (and unsure what internet plan will work for your next home)
• You don’t like being locked into a contract and like the freedom to switch plans and providers
• You like to keep an eye out for good deals and are happy to switch plans if it means saving some money
• You’re not sure which NBN speed tier will suit you and want to try out one speed tier first
• You want to try out a provider to see what kind of experience you get

About our internet experts

Emma Bradstock: Senior Telco Specialist

As Canstar Blue’s Senior Telco Specialist, Emma Bradstock covers all things mobile phone and internet, which she’s focused on for over five years. Emma has over a decade of professional writing experience across print and digital media outlets and for digital agencies, and has turned her hand to multimedia content and social media management.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University. You can follow Emma on LinkedIn.

Josh Filosi: Data Insights Analyst

Josh Filosi is Canstar’s Data Insights Analyst, and helps develop and deliver the methodology for Canstar Blue’s Value Rankings and Awards for the telco industry. He holds a double-major in Economics and Behavioral Science, and enjoys interpreting complex data. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.