The best internet plan for you is the one that has the amount of data you crave, with a contract length you’re happy with and above all, a price you’re happy to pay. There are over 100 providers out there, and all you have to do is shop around for the next greatest deal.

• Other considerations include whether a modem or router is included in the plan, how much the plan costs to setup and any other fees associated with the plan.
• Also consider if entertainment bundles are worth it – you will likely pay extra, but it can still work out cheaper versus if you kept internet and entertainment separate.

All in all, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to internet. Before finding a plan, you will have to assess your own needs and your own budget. Happy shopping!

How to Switch Internet Providers

Provided you’re off-contract, switching internet providers can be very easy. No matter if you’re switching from ADSL to ADSL, NBN to NBN, or from ADSL to NBN, the process is quite straightforward, due to industry-wide agreements making it easier for everyone.

If you’re off contract:

• On a month-to-month plan, or no longer under contract? Simply purchase your new plan with your desired provider, and your new telco will do the work in getting your connected switched over.
• Once you’re connected, you’ll need to make sure your previous plan with your former provider is cancelled – some telcos will ask for up to 30 days’ notice, so check before you switch. Your old provider will also likely bill you pro-rata for any days left remaining on your one-month term.

If you’re still on a contract:

• Switching providers while still under contract may mean you face cancellation fees. This fee is usually determined by how months you have remaining on your current contract.
• You can follow the same steps to switch as above, but keep in mind that your finally bill may include cancellation fees, plus other charges such as modem costs (where applicable).

Other things to keep in mind before you switch:

• Switching may incur a setup fee, but often providers waive this fee if you sign up to a contract of 12 months or longer.
• Providers often make it a point of difference to advertise fast ‘churn time’ – the time you may go without internet during the transition process – meaning they work to switch you over quickly.
• In many cases, your internet downtime between providers can be as little as around 30 minutes. However, this will vary between providers and locations, so check ahead and plan accordingly.

How do I switch from ADSL to NBN?

The NBN is due to be completed fully by 2021, and if you’re one of few yet to be switched over, the good thing is it’s actually fairly easy to make the transition. To simplify the process, many providers now offer a ‘free’ transition package, which means you get to keep your existing plan and hardware (provided your router is ready for the NBN).

• Switching off your ADSL and transitioning to NBN may have a downtime of up to four days.
• Many providers, including Vodafone and Telstra, offer 4G backup routers to combat this downtime.

Once the NBN arrives, you have up to 18 months to switch over, so there’s plenty of time to stop and think about the type of plan you want to purchase, if switching providers as well.

NBN Providers in NSW

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Broadband
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• Telstra
• TPG
• Vodafone

Please note that the above list is for providers that operate at least in some part of New South Wales that are on our database. Certain regions may have other location-specific telcos that pride themselves on servicing that region.

NBN Providers in Victoria

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Broadband
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• Telstra
• TPG
• Vodafone

Please note that the above list is for providers that operate at least in some part of Victoria that are on our database. Certain regions may have other location-specific telcos that pride themselves on servicing that region.

NBN Providers in Queensland

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Broadband
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• Telstra
• TPG
• Vodafone

Please note that the above list is for providers that operate at least in some part of Queensland that are on our database. Certain regions may have other location-specific telcos that pride themselves on servicing that region.

NBN Providers in Tasmania

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Broadband
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• Telstra
• TPG
• Vodafone

Please note that the above list is for providers that operate at least in some part of Tasmania that are on our database. Certain regions may have other location-specific telcos that pride themselves on servicing that region.

NBN Providers in ACT

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Broadband
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• Telstra
• TPG
• Vodafone

Please note that the above list is for providers that operate at least in some part of Australian Capital Territory that are on our database. Certain regions may have other location-specific telcos that pride themselves on servicing that region.

NBN Providers in Western Australia

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Broadband
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• Telstra
• TPG
• Vodafone

Please note that the above list is for providers that operate at least in some part of Western Australia that are on our database. Certain regions may have other location-specific telcos that pride themselves on servicing that region.

NBN Providers in Northern Territory

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Broadband
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• Telstra
• TPG
• Vodafone

Please note that the above list is for providers that operate at least in some part of the Northern Territory that are on our database. Certain regions may have other location-specific telcos that pride themselves on servicing that region.

Will I lose internet if I switch providers?

Yes, but generally not for too long. Once you purchase a plan, your provider does the rest of the work to switch your connection over from the old one, provided you have let you know your old provider of your intentions. This may result in a downtime of as little as half an hour, but complications could arise and could mean you are without internet for hours or days.

Your new provider will let you know if a technician can’t switch you over right away. Providers generally like to schedule switch-overs during the day while you are at work so you’re not affected. If there are complications, however, expect a phone call while at work!

Will it cost me money to switch internet providers?

Even if you are out of a contract, you still need to be mindful of any other costs associated with switching internet plans.

• If in a contract you may be liable to pay for any months remaining plus any other fees.
• If you leave your month to month plan you may be liable to pay the pro-rata amount for the days remaining on your plan.

Aside from this, your provider may also charge a setup fee. These may, however, be waived if you sign up for a 12 month contract or longer. Setup fees can range from as little as around $50 to upwards of $200. It is possible to not pay anything extra when switching, but the timing has to be right and you may have to choose a plan with no setup fees and also be on a no contract plan.

What do I do if I have a complaint about my internet provider?

The complaints process in the telecommunications world can be quite a lengthy process. However, if you are unhappy with your provider it can be worth it. Usually, you need to raise an issue with the support service. If after speaking to your provider’s support service you are still unhappy or if the complaint is still not rectified, you may have grounds to speak with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). 

• Successful complaints may result in early exit of contracts at no penalty, financial compensation, switching plans at no penalty and more, but there’s a few hoops to jump through first.

If your complaint revolves around the speed of the plan, you may need to perform speed tests at various times in the day to confirm your complaint. This can be inconvenient, but arguably, putting up with slow internet is even more inconvenient.

Not every household will have access to the same internet plan. A lot of this depends on the area you live in, as some connection types are only available in certain areas. For example, some regional communities might not have cable connections and instead will only have access to satellite internet plans.

The type of home you live in might also determine what internet is available to you — apartments, for example, might have a different NBN connection type compared to the NBN connections which are typically used for houses or townhouses.

While NBN is the most common internet in Australia, other internet types, such as mobile broadband, might not be available in your area. Mobile broadband uses a mobile network to deliver internet services, so areas with little or unreliable mobile reception will probably not be the right place for a mobile broadband plan.

If you want to work out what NBN type is available at your home to help determine what internet plan you can sign up to, you can check your address on the NBN Co website. This will tell you if NBN is available to you and what connection type you have to your home.

You can also check your address on the website of your preferred internet provider, which will generally tell you what internet plans are available to you at your address.

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is an Australia-wide program, rolling out a fixed line network to replace existing ADSL technology. Generally you can expect NBN connections to be more reliable and offer faster speeds than what your old ADSL connection may have been capable of.

You can check your address on the NBN website to find out if or when NBN is expected to be connected in your area. You may also receive a letter in your mailbox notifying you when you can connect. While switching to the NBN isn’t compulsory, old ADSL connections will eventually be switched off.

As for NBN plans, there are plenty of providers and plan types to choose from. There are also different speed tiers — NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 — which are the most common speeds available. How you use your internet (whether you just browse the web or do a lot of video streaming), and how many people are in your home, can help determine which speed tier is best suited to your household. Once you’ve decided on your preferred speed tier, you can then compare what NBN plans are available on your chosen speed tier.

The Cheapest NBN Plans in Australia

The best NBN plans with superfast speeds usually come with a hefty amount of data – unlimited in many cases – and this will be reflected by the price you pay. Historically, going for the cheapest deals usually meant sacrificing either speed or data. However, if you really do your homework, you’ll be able to find some awesome NBN plans that strike a good balance between download speed and data allowance.

The cheapest NBN plans start at around $30 per month, but these usually don’t come with a lot of data – often in the 10GB-100GB per month region. However, if you’re a light user, you could benefit from providers such as TPG, Exetel, Internode, or iiNet.

If you’re looking for unlimited data, most NBN providers offer plans from around $50 per month and up. However, keep in mind that  that these plans are mostly on the lowest speed tier – NBN 12, or Basic Evening Speed. This may be suitable for basic tasks, but isn’t ideal for larger homes and heavy streamers or online gamers. Before you buy, you’ll need to look past just the cheap price to see what you’re really purchasing.

It’s important to understand the difference between the four NBN speed tiers available, because they’re directly linked to what you’ll pay each month.

• NBN 12: 12 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload. Also known as Basic Evening Speed.
• NBN 25: 25 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload. Also known as Standard Evening Speed.
• NBN 50: 50 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload. Also known as Standard Plus Evening Speed.
• NBN 100: 100 Mbps download, 40 Mbps upload. Also known as Premium Evening Speed.

As you’ll find, many NBN plans offered by the big service providers will give you the option of upgrading your speed tier for an extra monthly cost.

A selection of cheap NBN plans across all four speed tiers is below.

Cheap NBN 12 (Basic Evening Speed) Plans

Also known as Basic Evening Speed, NBN 12 may not be a great deal faster than what you’re used to with an ADSL2+ connection. However, this speed tier they should certainly meet the very basic internet needs of most households, and is the cheapest NBN option if your main focus on is budget-friendly broadband.

Unfortunately, many providers have phased out NBN 12 plans, but if you know where to look it’s possible to find a good deal. For the most basic, entry-level plans, expect to pay around $30-$40 for 100GB; for unlimited data, you’re looking at about $50 per month and up.

While you likely won’t be able to stream Super HD Netflix without any hiccups, Basic Evening Speed plans should take on most ‘day-to-day’ duties capably. But if you’re part of a multi-user household, you’re probably going to need something a little faster.

Below are some of the cheapest unlimited NBN 12 plans available on our database.

Cheap NBN 25 (Standard Evening Speed) Plans

Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) plans are much harder to come by these days, as most providers that offer Basic speeds now skip Standard plans completely, instead jumping straight to the Standard Plus (NBN 50) speed tier. However, there are still several NBN 25 plans available, usually at competitive prices.

For unlimited data, expect to pay around $60 per month at a minimum with most service providers. Again, be mindful of setup fees, modem charges and more. If you’re looking to save a little extra, you can also find a few data-capped plans out there, but keep in mind unlimited data may not be much more per month regardless.

Below are some of the cheapest unlimited NBN 25 plans available on our database.

Cheap NBN 50 (Standard Plus Evening Speed) Plans

The NBN 50 speed tier – also known as Standard Plus Evening Speed – has grown to become the most popular speed option for Australia, with more and more consumers skipping slower plans to go straight to 50Mbps max speeds. Most providers offer plans at this speed, and prices tend to begin at around $60-$70 per month for unlimited gigabytes.

To really get the best of this speed tier, you’ll likely want a lot of data to play with; fortunately, most plans included unlimited data as standard. Overall, expect to get a significant boost in speeds on NBN 50 plans, but be aware that you’ll need to shell out a little more each month for the privilege.

Below are some of the cheapest unlimited NBN 50 plans available on our database.

Cheap NBN 100 (Premium Evening Speed) Plans

NBN 100 – or Premium Evening Speed – is the fastest NBN tier available to most residents. While downloads of 100Mbps are the maximum speeds attainable, this isn’t a realistic speed for most households, with providers usually offering peak-hour averages of between 70Mbps and 90Mbps, depending on your telco.

Premium plans tend to start at $70 per month for unlimited data (with Vodafone), but can be upwards of $100 with other providers. An average price is in the $80-$90 region, but costs can rise to $120 and up if you decide to add entertainment or home phone bundles.

Unlimited data is almost always included on NBN 100 plans, as by design this tier is best sited to bigger households and serious data users. However, customers should also take into account setup fees and modem costs before buying, as these can make or break a plan.

Below are some of the cheapest unlimited NBN 100 plans available on our database.

Cheap No-Contract Internet Plans

No one likes being locked in, paying for something they either don’t use or are not happy with. This has given rise to internet plans with no lock-in contracts, meaning you can leave at the end of the month with no penalty if you are unhappy. This can be especially useful if testing the waters of a new telco, or for renters who tend to move around a lot.

Despite the cheap prices on offer, there are several caveats to these offers. Often, for the convenience of no contract, you may face hefty setup fees to the tune of $100 and up. Modems, while usually included on two-year internet plans, can also be another surprise upfront cost for month-to-month customers, and are frequently priced at over $100. Therefore, it pays to do your homework when shopping for a no-contract deal – always check the setup costs and fine print before you sign up.

Below is a selection of unlimited no-contract NBN plans available on our database.

If you do a lot of video streaming at home, you’ll want an internet plan that is fast enough with enough included data, to let you stream all the Netflix, Disney+, Stan and YouTube that you want.

Video can be streamed in different quality, with Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD) and Ultra HD available across most streaming platforms. In order to stream at any of these quality levels, you’ll need fast enough internet speeds to support it.

Generally for video streaming, you’ll need:

• 2.0Mbps for good-quality picture
• 3.0Mbps for Standard Definition (SD) quality
• 4.5Mbps for High Definition (HD) 720p quality
• 7.5Mbps for High Definition (HD) 1080p quality
• 15.0Mbps for Ultra High Definition 4K (UHD 4K) quality

Access to these speeds are also determined by your device capabilities. For example, you will need a 4K-compatible TV in order to stream UHD 4K to your TV. You might also find that streaming in standard definition looks fine on your mobile phone, while it might not look as good on your computer or large TV.

When it comes to NBN speeds, you’ll have a choice between the NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 speed tiers. It is recommended that the minimum NBN speed for SD video streaming is NBN 25, for HD video streaming is NBN 50 and for Ultra HD 4K is NBN 100.

Unless you’re streaming in 4K, you’ll most likely find that the NBN 50 speed tier is enough to meet your streaming needs. The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

Broadband and Phone/TV Bundles

The internet and home phone/entertainment bundle is where the big players dominate, with providers such as Optus, Vodafone and Telstra often throwing in extras including Fetch TV, Foxtel, and sport subscriptions.

• From $80 per month, Optus gives customers access to Fetch TV media players and channel packs, plus Optus Sport, which gives exclusive viewing to EPL soccer matches.
• Vodafone is new to the NBN game, and offers its own Vodafone TV box for an extra $5 per month.
• For around $99 per month and up, Telstra customers can combine their broadband with extras including traditional Foxtel subscriptions and Telstra TV streaming.

These plans of course also come with unlimited data to get all the streaming you desire. You also usually get a faster NBN speed tier – often NBN 25 or better. All in all, you’ll likely be paying a bit extra for the privilege of bundling entertainment packs, so consider whether you will actually make use of this ‘free’ entertainment or not.

How Canstar Blue compares broadband providers and plans

Canstar Blue compares hundreds of broadband plans from 28 internet service providers across Australia to help you find a better deal. Prices are updated as soon as we are made aware of any changes. We also publish customer satisfaction ratings to help you compare providers on factors including customer service, billing, and value for money.

Our broadband comparison site includes a unique ‘value score’ feature, that lists plans based on which offer the best overall value, rather than just the cheapest prices. The value score is a rating out of 10, combining price and features data to help you make an informed decision about your next broadband provider.

Click here for more details on our pricing and value scores methodology.

Canstar Blue’s broadband comparison tool compares plans and prices from 28 Australian providers. Providers compared are:

• 10Mates
• Activ8me
• Aussie Broadband
• Barefoot Telecom
• Belong
• Bendigo Telco
• Dodo
• Exetel
• Flip
• Foxtel
• iiNet
• Internode
• iPrimus
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• MyRepublic
• Optus
• Origin
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• TeleChoice
• Telstra
• Tomi
• TPG
• Vodafone

We also publish plan and price information for other internet providers, including AusBBS, Hello Broadband, MyNetPhone, SkyMesh and Westnet.

Our broadband comparison tool is free to use, and we’ll never ask for your phone number or personal details.

How to use our broadband compare tool

Canstar Blue exists to help you compare broadband plans on the premise of both price and overall value. By selecting your desired monthly data allowance and your preferred speed tier, you’ll receive a selection of plans and prices that match your preferences, taken from our long list of Australian internet service providers.

To compare NBN plans, use the sliders on our comparison tool to select how much data you’ll need each month, and how fast you’d like your plan to be. If you’re looking to compare specific providers, you can select the telcos you’d like to see from the drop-down menu to the right of the tool. If you want to see plans from all listed providers, you don’t need to click this menu.

You also have the option of filtering your results to only show plans which feature a link to a referral partner’s website. You can toggle this option on or off under the data and speed sliders. Once you’ve made your adjustments, hit the green Compare NBN Plans button, and you’ll be taken to your matching list of NBN plans.

Once your result screen loads, you can make further changes to your plan requirements (including adjusting data, speed, and monthly pricing), and filter results by contract length, bundles and inclusions, and preferred providers. You can also sort your results by Canstar Blue’s value score, as well as the feature score, monthly cost, included data, customer satisfaction score, and by provider.

If you find a plan you like, you can see more in-depth information by selecting the blue More Details link. This will bring up additional plan, billing, and account management information. To go to a provider’s website for further information, click the green Go To Site button featured on plans from Canstar Blue’s referral partners.

Telstra Internet Plans

The value in Telstra’s NBN plans comes in the form of its extra features. Telstra internet plans come with the option of adding a Foxtel subscription as well as Telstra TV, which delivers access to streaming services like Netflix and Stan.

Basic broadband packages are also on offer, with prices starting from $70 a month for 100GB of data. Telstra also offers unlimited data, but be prepared to pay $90 a month. If you decide on a Telstra bundle, prices range from $70 up to $130+, depending on the data allowance, speed tier and entertainment add-ons.

Optus Internet Plans

Optus has a more concise range of NBN plans than you might expect from a big telco. You may also be surprised at its prices. Customers can get connected with Optus NBN from $85 per month, but if it’s those extra entertainment packages you want, you’ll need to pay $99, for which you’ll receive both Optus Sportand a Fetch TV bundle.

Customers get the Standard Plus speed tier on all base plans, with Premium NBN 100 speeds available for $30 per month extra. Plans are available monthly or over 24 months; the flexible option means you’ll need to pay a significant $200 up-front, but if you commit for the long haul on a two-year plan, this price drops to $99.

iiNet Internet Plans

Acquired by TPG Telecom a few years ago, it seems iiNet has lost none of the characteristics that made the Perth-based internet service provider such a hit with customers in the first place. iiNet earned four stars for overall satisfaction and for every other research category this year.

To get unlimited data on a fixed-line NBN plan, you’ll pay at least $69.99 per month, with three speed tiers available – NBN 12, NBN 50, and NBN 100. NBN plans are available on either a no contract or 24-month basis, with the flexible option resulting in an activation fee. You can also throw in streaming service Fetch to any plan from $0 extra per month.

TPG Internet Plans

They may be part of the same telco group, but there are many differences between TPG, Internode and iiNet. TPG’s NBN plans start off at less than $30 a month, but you receive a very modest 10GB in return. Prices then increase gradually as you either increase your speed, data allowance or call inclusions.

All plans are available with no lock-in contract, or over 18 months. However, the monthly option means you’ll need to pay a $99.95 set-up fee. Unlimited data starts at only $59.99 per month, with the NBN 12 speed as standard, with the option to boost to either NBN 50 or 100.

iPrimus Internet Plans

A stablemate of Dodo under the Vocus Communications umbrella, iPrimus has an interesting array of NBN plans. These start at $80 a month for unlimited data, or $90 if you wish to add Fetch TV. Plans come bundled with the NBN 50 speed tier as standard.

Internode Internet Plans

A subsidiary of iiNet, Internode offers near-identical NBN plans to its bigger brother, all featuring unlimited data and the option of either 24-month or month-to-month contracts. Prices begin at $69.99 per month for NBN 12 speeds, up to $99.99 for Premium NBN 100. Customers can also bundle in Fetch TV from an extra $10 per month.

Dodo Internet Plans

Dodo has streamlined its NBN plans, and now offers two options: 101GB of monthly data on the NBN 25 tier, and unlimited gigabytes at NBN 50 speeds. Prices begin at $60 per month for 10GB of data, and $70 for unlimited, with plans offered on a 24-month basis.

MyRepublic Internet Plans

MyRepublic’s range of plans and frequent promotional offers make it an increasingly popular NBN choice, with plans beginning at $74.95 per month for unlimited data. NBN 50 and NBN 100 speeds are available, and customers can pick from going month-to-month, or signing up for a 12-month contract.

Aussie Broadband Internet Plans

Aussie Broadband frequently tops speed tests for its fast, industry-leading NBN. Unlimited data plans begin at $69 per month on the NBN 25 speed tier, with NBN 50 priced at $79 and NBN 100 available for $99 per month. With no set-up or exit fees on month-to-month plans, no data overage charges, and the option to bring your own modem, all of Aussie Broadband’s NBN plans are flexible and bill-shock free.

Exetel Internet Plans

Exetel also has a very simple plan structure, with no lock-in plans available minus setup costs (excluding an optional $59 modem fee). Unlimited data starts at $59.99 per month for NBN 50 speeds, up to $89.99 for Premium NBN 100.

Vodafone Internet Plans

Vodafone now offers NBN plans from $59 per month for unlimited data, with NBN 25, NBN 50, and NBN 100 speed tiers available. All plans come with no lock-in contract, but require a $180 modem payment upfront; however, stick around for 36 months, and this full cost will be credited back to you. Vodafone plans also feature 4G network backup and a 30-day network satisfaction guarantee.