Compare Internet Plans & Providers

What is the best internet plan?

The best internet plan for you is the one that has the right inclusions, contract length and price that suits your needs and budget. There are more than 100 providers offering various types of internet plans, so there are plenty of choices when it comes time to shop around for a new deal.

To help you with your internet plan comparison, here are some things to consider:

• Which type of internet is available to your home? NBN, 5G mobile broadband, wireless, cable internet, etc.
• Which internet connection type suits your needs if you have multiple options. E.g. you may prefer wireless internet to a fixed-line connection.
• If you’re choosing NBN or other cable internet, which speed plan is best for your household needs?
• Do you need a modem included with your plan? In most cases, you’ll have the option to BYO modem or get one from your provider.
• Which contract length do you prefer? Going with a 12 month contract often saves you about $10 a month compared with a monthly plan, so there are pros and cons.
• Do you want bundled inclusions such as entertainment or home phone? It’s common for service providers to offer some form of TV package.
• What is your budget and how much are you willing to pay? Could you manage with a capped data allowance to save a few bucks, or do you need unlimited data?

All in all, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to home internet. Before finding a plan, you will have to assess your own needs, budget and preference for different internet types. There are lots of options to pick from!

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 a new internet plan with your desired provider, and your new telco will do the work in getting your connection switched over.
• Once 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 internet providers while still under contract may mean you face cancellation fees. This fee is usually determined by how many months you have remaining on your current contract.
• You can follow the same steps to switch as above, but keep in mind that your final 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 a point of advertising a seamless transition, 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, as well as connection types, 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 may allow you to switch to one of their NBN plans without paying any upfront or cancellation fees. This may also allow you to keep your existing hardware, provided your router is ready for the NBN.

Keep in mind, switching off your ADSL and transitioning to NBN may have a downtime of up to four days. Many providers, including Vodafone and Telstra, also offer 4G backup routers which can help during this downtime.

Once the NBN arrives in your area, you have up to 18 months to switch over before your ADSL connection is shut off, so there’s plenty of time to stop and think about the type of plan you want, and whether you want a new provider. Keep in mind, the NBN is not compulsory and there are other internet connection types available, including 4G home wireless broadband.

List of internet providers

Here is a list of major internet providers you can switch to:

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

Will I lose internet if I switch providers?

Yes, but generally not for too long. Once you purchase a new internet plan, your provider does the rest of the work to switch your connection over from the old one, provided you inform 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 internet 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’re at work so you’re not affected.

Will it cost money to switch providers?

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

• If on a contract, you might have to pay a cancellation fee or any months remaining, plus any other fees.
• Month-to-month plans might require you to pay for the remainder of the month’s billing cycle and other fees.

Your new internet provider may charge a setup fee. However, these fees are often 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’s possible to avoid paying extra when you first switch, but the timing has to be right, or you choose a plan specifically with no setup fees.

What if I have a complaint about my provider?

The complaints process in the telecommunications world can be quite a lengthy process. However, if you’re 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 putting up with slow internet is even more inconvenient.

Types of internet plans

Not every household will have access to the same internet plans. 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 will not have cable internet connections, such as Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), and instead will only have access to wireless or satellite internet plans.

The type of home you live in might also determine what internet is available to you — apartments, for example, may have a different NBN connection type to what’s most commonly used for houses and townhouses. Some estates and developments might not have NBN at all and instead use a different fibre network altogether.

Types of internet connection

Here are the different types of internet connections available across Australia:

• National Broadband Network (NBN)
• Home wireless broadband
• 4G or 5G mobile broadband
• Private fibre fixed-line networks

National Broadband Network (NBN)

Widely rolled out across the country, mostly as a high-speed fixed-line upgrade to old ADSL and cable connections, the NBN is delivered via high-speed fibre optic cables, although the various types of NBN use slightly different technologies depending on the area. NBN is also delivered by fixed wireless and satellite is certain areas.

Home wireless broadband

Home wireless broadband is a type of internet that involves connecting to a mobile network, 4G or 5G, through a SIM card inserted into a modem in your home. This modem can be moved around your home to improve the reception, and even taken with you on holiday so you always have WiFi with you.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband uses a mobile network to deliver internet services, whether it’s 4G or 5G, just like with your phone plan. Mobile broadband is most commonly delivered via an internet dongle or SIM card plugged into a laptop or tablet. It’s a good option to have as a backup for your fixed-line internet at home, or for those who always need WiFi access on the move.

Private networks

The NBN isn’t the only form of fixed-line internet for your home. Various local network operators also deliver high-speed internet services via fibre optic cables, the most notable being a provider called OptiComm. These networks are usually found in private housing complexes or apartment blocks.

The NBN Explained

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is an Australia-wide program rolling out a fixed line network to replace existing ADSL and cable technology. Generally, you can expect NBN connections to be more reliable and offer faster speeds than what your old internet type was capable of. You can check your address on the NBN Co website to find out if or when the network is expected to be connected in your area, as well as which type of NBN you will get.

NBN connection types

There are seven different NBN connection types:

• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)
• FTTB (Fibre to the Building)
• HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)
• FTTC (Fibre to the Curb)
• FTTN (Fibre to the Node)
• NBN Fixed Wireless
• NBN Sky Muster satellite

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial and FTTP are typically the NBN connections that deliver the fastest speeds, although FTTN has become the most widely used type. Finding out which NBN connection you have to your home will help you determine which NBN plans are available to you.

NBN plans

There are plenty of NBN providers and plans to choose from. Here are the four main types of NBN plans based on the different speed tiers:

• 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, 20 or 40 Mbps upload. Also known as Premium Evening Speed.

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.

You may receive a letter in your mailbox notifying you of when you can connect to the NBN. While switching to the NBN isn’t compulsory, old ADSL connections will eventually be switched off.

Cheap Internet Plans

The best internet 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. Usually, going for the cheapest deals means sacrificing either speed or data. However, if you really do your homework, you’ll be able to find some great internet plans across different speeds.

The cheapest NBN plans start at around $30 per month, but these usually come with capped data – often in the 10GB to 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 providers offer plans from around $50 per month and up. However, keep in mind that these plans are mostly on the lowest speed tier – NBN 12 (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.

The table below shows a selection of cheap NBN plans across the four main speed tiers.

Last updated September 2020.

Basic Evening Speed (NBN 12) 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+ internet connection. However, this speed tier should still meet the basic internet needs of small households and is the cheapest NBN option if your main focus 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 data, while unlimited data will cost about $50 per month and up. Just watch out for sneaky setup fees with these cheap plans.

While you likely won’t be able to stream video without any hiccups, Basic Evening Speed plans should manage internet browsing and emails. But if have a larger household, you’ll probably need something a little faster.

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

Last updated September 2020.

Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) Plans

Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) plans are 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 that unlimited data may not be much more per month regardless.

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

Last updated September 2020.

Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) 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.

Last updated September 2020.

Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Plans

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

Premium NBN plans tend to start from about $85 per month for unlimited data, but can cost up to $120 if you decide to add entertainment or home phone bundles.

Unlimited data is almost always included with NBN 100 plans, as by design this tier is best for bigger households and serious data users. However, customers should 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.

Last updated September 2020.

Internet for video streaming

If you do a lot of video streaming at home, you’ll want an internet plan that is fast enough and includes unlimited 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 all available across most streaming platforms. In order to stream at any of these quality levels, you’ll need an internet connection that delivers high speeds and reliability.

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 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 internet speeds, you’ll have a choice between the NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 speed tiers. It’s 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.

How Canstar Blue compares internet plans

Canstar Blue compares hundreds of broadband plans from 29 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 comparison tool 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.

Our internet comparison service includes plans and prices from over two dozen Australian providers. They are:

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

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

How to use our internet comparison service

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.

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