If you’re on the move a fair bit, or just want something easy and convenient to access the internet with, have you considered an internet dongle or pocket Wi-Fi? Canstar Blue compares some of the top brands, including what’s available with Telstra, Vodafone and Optus.
Dongles – or USB modems – and pocket Wi-Fi are becoming increasingly popular due to the drop in price of mobile broadband. Usually, you need a mobile broadband plan to make use of either a dongle or pocket Wi-Fi hub; and fortunately, telcos such as Telstra, Vodafone and Optus are all service providers that bundle in their mobile broadband plans with a device, making it an easy one-stop shop. Read on as we explain all you need to know about internet dongles, and take a look at the plans on offer.
What is an internet dongle?
An internet dongle is a USB-sized gadget that plugs into the USB port on your laptop or computer for when you need easy mobile broadband access. Basically, a dongle is a tiny, unpowered modem that uses your computer’s power to access the internet. Dongles generally come prepackaged with mobile broadband plans from Telstra, Vodafone and Optus.
Just like with mobile phone plans, mobile broadband with these three providers is available as SIM-only, or as a bundled product. If you’re after a dongle from one of these three telcos, and want maximum convenience, you may prefer to opt for the bundled product.
What is pocket Wi-Fi?
The main difference between pocket Wi-Fi and an internet dongle is the pocket version is self-powered, meaning that you can get away with not plugging it into a device’s USB port to power it up. A pocket Wi-Fi hotspot gets it name because it’s usually small enough to fit into a pocket, can be easily transported, but has the battery power to last for a few hours for wireless connectivity.
A pocket Wi-Fi device is also somewhat of a hybrid between a wireless router and an internet dongle. It uses 4G internet from a mobile broadband SIM card, yet you can put it in the home – or just as easily take it with you.
Compare Home Wireless Broadband Plans
Mobile Broadband Plans with Dongles or Pocket Wi-Fi
If you like the sound of a dongle or pocket Wi-Fi device for easy on-the-move connectivity, there are several Australian providers offering devices and plans. Generally speaking, you’ll be locked in for at least 12 months, while many plans include the device at no extra cost if you opt for a 24-month contract.
Below are several mobile broadband options that can be paired with a dongle or pocket Wi-Fi device. These are featured products from referral partners.
Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $15 over one month |
5GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $55 over one month |
75GB | $55 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $85 over one month |
400GB | $85 | Go To Site |
 View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
10GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $20 over first month |
10GB | $20 | |
|
40GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $40 over first month |
40GB | $40 | |
|
100GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $60 over first month |
100GB | $60 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Amaysim Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Amaysim 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
SIM Only 7GB
min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period |
7GB | $15 | |
|
SIM Only 50GB
min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period |
50GB | $40 | |
|
SIM Only 90GB
min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period |
90GB | $60 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Southern Phone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Southern Phone 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period |
7GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period |
15GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period |
50GB | $40 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period |
100GB | $65 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Telstra Mobile Broadband Dongles & Pocket Wi-Fi
Perhaps the most notable pocket Wi-Fi device is the Netgear Nighthawk M2, which can be used on Telstra’s mobile broadband plans. If you’re serious about mobile broadband, you could bundle it with Telstra from $16 per month over a 24 month plan.
Telstra’s mobile broadband plans start at just $15 per month for 5GB of data, up to $75 monthly for 200GB. Plans are offered on a month-to-month contract only, and on an upfront basis meaning you pay at the start of each month via AutoPay.
You can also choose to bundle your service with other Telstra devices, including the 4GX Hotspot, and the Telstra 4GX USB for easy ‘plug-and-play’ use. Alternatively, Telstra also offers the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro, for 5G mobile broadband plans – 5G access is available free on Telstra’s Medium and Large mobile broadband plans.
Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $15 over one month |
5GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $55 over one month |
75GB | $55 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $85 over one month |
400GB | $85 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone Mobile Internet Dongles & Pocket Wi-Fi
Vodafone seems to have a few more options than others, and in the dongle range there are both prepaid and postpaid options available. Plans start at $20 per month for 10GB of data, and are available both as SIM only and on a plan with an included modem. Vodafone offers the Pocket WiFi 3 4G and the Huawei WiFi Cube 2 4G on plans.
If you’re an ongoing user, you may find better value in going for the contracted, bundled options. However, if you’re just looking for something short term, or want flexibility, a SIM-only option may be the way to go.
Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $20 over first month |
10GB | $20 | |
|
40GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $40 over first month |
40GB | $40 | |
|
100GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $60 over first month |
100GB | $60 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Exetel Mobile Internet Dongles & Pocket Wi-Fi
Exetel is known as a low-cost internet and mobile phone plan provider, and also produces a range of mobile broadband plans. With no lock-in monthly plans available, Exetel hops on the Optus 4G network to deliver its services, and plans are available with a Huawei E8372 USB modem for an extra $69 upfront.
Exetel offers plans from 1.5GB data for $9.99 per month up to a massive 90GB for $79.99 monthly, and all excess data is priced at $10 per gigabyte.
Exetel Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of Exetel 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
1.5GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $9.99 over first month |
1.5GB | $9.99 | |
|
8GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $19.99 over first month |
8GB | $19.99 | |
|
15GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $29.99 over first month |
15GB | $29.99 | |
|
60GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $59.99 over first month |
60GB | $59.99 | |
|
90GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $79.99 over first month |
90GB | $79.99 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus Mobile Internet Dongles & Pocket Wi-Fi
Optus offers a choice of portable Wi-Fi modems on its month-to-month mobile broadband plans, which can be bundled in as part of your service. Plans are listed below and start from $15 per month for 10GB of data, up to $50 per month for 75GB, with Optus Sport streaming and data sharing across plans included at no extra charge.
Optus Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of Optus mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Small Data SIM Plan
min. cost $15 month to month |
5GB | $15 | |
|
Medium Data SIM Plan
min. cost $25 month to month |
25GB | $25 | |
|
Large Data SIM Plan
min. cost $50 month to month |
75GB | $50 | |
|
^^View important information | |||
Should I get a dongle or pocket Wi-Fi modem?
Home wireless and mobile broadband are popular internet alternatives to signing up for an NBN plan. Although for some, having portable internet with a dongle or similar device, may simply be a supplementary internet option for those who travel a lot. Dongle or pocket Wi-Fi modems are convenient ways to get mobile broadband, especially if your device does not support a SIM card by itself. They make it easy to connect to the internet, in some cases getting full-flight 4Gx gigabit speed capacities.
Then there remains the big question – should I get a dongle or pocket Wi-Fi modem? A dongle is not powered on its own, but pocket Wi-Fi usually is. If you’re connected to multiple devices, pocket Wi-Fi might be the better option. However, if you’re doing work, say, on the train, or on a bus, then a dongle may work best for ultimate portability.
In any case, if you can find an unlocked dongle or pocket Wi-Fi modem, and a compatible mobile broadband plan, then you’re onto a winner: but for convenience, going with a locked option on a telco plan is also viable. Finally, be aware that mobile broadband is more expensive than most other kinds of internet, and isn’t a good substitute for fixed or wireless home broadband plans.
Plans for internet dongles summary
| Telco | Plan | Data | Monthly Cost | Contract Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra | Medium | 60GB | $50 | No contract |
| Telstra | Large | 200GB | $75 | No contract |
| Vodafone | 40GB Mobile Broadband Plan | 40GB | $40 | No contract |
| Vodafone | 100GB Mobile Broadband Plan | 100GB | $60 | No contract |
| Exetel | 60GB Mobile Broadband Plan | 60GB | $59.99 | 12 months |
| Exetel | 90GB Mobile Broadband Plan | 90GB | $79.99 | 12 months |
| Optus | $25 Data Only Plan | 25GB | $25 | No contract |
| Optus | $50 Data Only Plan | 75GB | $50 | No contract |
| Southern Phone | SMmll | 15GB | $25 | 12 months |
| Southern Phone | Medium | 50GB | $40 | 12 months |
Last updated: November 2020
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