What are the best NBN plans for me?

Depending on your lifestyle, your needs, and the demands on your internet, the best broadband plan for you can vary greatly from the best plan for your neighbour. If you spend a lot of time at home you’ll probably want an NBN plan with super fast speeds, but if you’re more outgoing and out-and-about, you might want to get a cheaper, more flexible option.

In some circumstances, the NBN might not be right for you, in which case, there’s plenty of other options to pick from if you’ll still need access to the internet.

We’re here to help you through working out the right plan for you and your lifestyle.

Jump to:

• What are the best NBN plans?
• NBN plans for casual use
• NBN plans for heavy users
• NBN alternatives at home
• What is home wireless broadband?
• NBN alternatives on the go
• What is mobile broadband?

What are the best NBN plans?

The best NBN plan is quite frankly the one that best suits your needs, but beyond that nothing beats a great price. In Canstar Blue’s 2020 review of the best rated NBN providers, Aussie Broadband came out on top with the highest Overall Satisfaction score, but it’s also worth looking into other plans and providers offering great deals, perks and bundles.

We’ve prepared a table of some of the cheapest unlimited NBN plans on Canstar Blue’s database across all speeds, just to give you a glance of what you should be expecting as a minimum NBN price. Keep in mind, there’s plans out there that have bundled in offers like Telstra TV, Foxtel and Fetch, along with plans that will offer you temporary monthly discounts.

The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 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.

NBN plans for casual use

If you’re not a heavy user or big into streaming and downloading, the NBN shouldn’t be a major concern for you. If you must pay for it, the cost should be low and the benefits great, to justify even being connected. It might even be worth checking out the NBN alternatives that are later in this article.

We’ve prepared a selection of cheap, no-nonsense NBN plans that may work great for you below. If you’d like a deep-dive into NBN plans on offer that are quite cheap, check out our write up on that here.

NBN plans for heavy users

If you’re a homebody, or someone who plays a lot of games, streams a lot of high-definition videos, and generally has a need for a high-speed internet connection, then you’ll be looking at plans on the more pricey side of things. Slower speeds and smaller data packages will disappoint you if you’re using your internet daily.

Check out the table below to start your search for a better internet plan. Make sure you’re getting what you want, whether that’s bundled extras, discounts or included modems.

NBN alternatives at home

There’s a lot of circumstances in which the NBN isn’t a great option. If you’re a frequent mover, live in an area without a reliable fixed line connection, or just don’t have a need for a super-fast internet speed, you might want to consider home wireless broadband.

Home wireless broadband

Home wireless broadband is internet that relies on a 4G network to beam internet into your home. This means it doesn’t rely on the NBN to operate, rather relying on the mobile networks operated by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. It’s a great NBN alternative if you’re in an area with great mobile signals and not so great NBN connectivity.

We’ve prepared a table with a range of home wireless broadband plans from several leading providers. Prices range from $49.95 for 200GB from SpinTel , to $85 for 500GB a month from Optus.

iiNet TPG Optus Southern Phone Tangerine iiNet Wireless Broadband Plans The following table shows a selection of published iiNet home wireless broadband plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period Home Wireless Broadband Liimitless Plan Up to 20Mbps speed $0 set up fees and no lock-in contract $0 premium WiFi modem Special offer: one month plan fees free. Terms apply. min. cost $59.99 over one month UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $59.99Advertised Data^^/billing period Go to Site View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information TPG Wireless Broadband Plans The following table shows a selection of published TPG home wireless broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period Home Wireless Broadband Unlimited Plan Up to 20Mbps speeds $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract $0 home wireless modem Special offer: First month plan fees free. Terms apply. min. cost $54.99 over first month UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $54.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information Optus 4G Home Internet Plans The following table shows a selection of Optus 4G Home Internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period 4G Home Internet Lite 200GB (24 Months) Includes: B818 Modem Cost of 1MB included data is $0.0003 Available in selected areas min. cost $1,416 over 24 month plan period 200GBMax Data**/billing period $59Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable 4G Home Internet Lite 200GB (Month-to-Month) $216 upfront modem cost for B818 Modem Cost of 1MB included data is $0.0003 Available in selected areas min. cost $275 (incl. $216 modem cost) over first month plan period 200GBMax Data**/billing period $59Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable 4G Home Internet Everyday 500GB (24 Month) Includes: B818 Modem Cost of 1MB included data is $0.0002 Available in selected areas min. cost $1,656 over 24 month plan period 500GBMax Data**/billing period $69Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable 4G Home Internet Everyday 500GB (Month-to-Month) $216 upfront modem cost for B818 Modem Cost of 1MB included data is $0.0002 Available in selected areas min. cost $285 (incl. $216 modem cost) over first month plan period 500GBMax Data**/billing period $69Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information Southern Phone Wireless Broadband Plans The following table shows a selection of published Southern Phone wireless broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period Home Wireless 50 $79 upfront WiFi modem Optus 4G wireless broadband network min. cost $1,279 over 24 month plan period 200GBMax Data**/billing period $50Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable Home Wireless 70 $79 upfront WiFi modem Optus 4G wireless broadband network min. cost $1,759 over 24 month plan period 500GBMax Data**/billing period $70Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information Tangerine Wireless Broadband Plans The following table shows a selection of published Tangerine wireless broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period 200GB Plan Optus 4G Plus Network coverage Optional modem from $259.90 upfront Special offer: $59.90 per month for first 6 months, then $69.90 ongoing min. cost $59.90 over first month 200GBMax Data**/billing period $69.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable 500GB Plan Optus 4G Plus Network coverage Optional modem from $259.90 upfront Special offer: $69.90 per month for first 6 months, then $79.90 ongoing min. cost $69.90 over first month 500GBMax Data**/billing period $79.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable 1000GB Plan Optus 4G Plus Network coverage Optional modem from $259.90 upfront Special offer: $89.90 per month for first 6 months, then $99.90 ongoing min. cost $99.90 over first month 1000GBMax Data**/billing period $99.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information

NBN alternatives on the go

If you like to live life outside of your home, you might want an internet plan that can travel with you, so you can get online anytime you want without hassles. Mobile broadband would be great for you need a portable internet connection, but you’re dissatisfied with your phone plan’s data.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is a type of internet connection that uses mobile networks. Unlike home wireless broadband, it can be portable, with the trade-off of generally lower data plans. Mobile broadband comes in the form of a SIM card, and can be used in your phone, or in a SIM-card capable wireless modem or dongle.

We’ve prepared a selection of mobile broadband plans for you below. Plans start at $15 for 7GB from Amaysim to $110 for 250GB from Southern Phone. Some plans come with modems or dongles included, which you should definitely look into if you’re wanting to keep things light.

100GB and Over Plans Over 50GB Under 50GB Mobile Broadband Plans Compared: 100GB+ The following table shows a selection of published 100GB and over mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period 100GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM Only plan min. cost $720 over 12 months 100GBMax Data**/billing period $60Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable Large SIM Only min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period 100GBMax Data**/billing period $65Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site Large SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia 5G access included Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $85 over one month 400GBMax Data**/billing period $85Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information Mobile Broadband Plans Compared: Over 50GB The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with 50GB – 100GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period SIM Only 50GB SIM Only min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period 50GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period Medium SIM Only min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period 50GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site 60GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM Only plan min. cost $540 over 12 months 60GBMax Data**/billing period $45Advertised Cost^^/billing period Medium SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia 5G access included Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $55 over one month 75GBMax Data**/billing period $55Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site SIM Only 90GB SIM Only min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period 90GBMax Data**/billing period $60Advertised Cost^^/billing period View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information Mobile Broadband Plans Compared: Under 50GB The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with less than 50GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period SIM Only 7GB SIM Only min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period 7GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Extra Small SIM Only min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period 7GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site Extra Small SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia No 5G access Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $15 over one month 5GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site 5GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM Only plan min. cost $180 over 12 months 5GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Small SIM Only min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period 15GBMax Data**/billing period $25Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site Small SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia No 5G access Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $25 over one month 30GBMax Data**/billing period $25Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site 25GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM Only plan min. cost $360 over 12 months 25GBMax Data**/billing period $30Advertised Cost^^/billing period View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue **^^View important information