Canstar Blue’s annual review of mobile broadband providers compares ALDI Mobile, Amaysim, Vodafone, Optus, and Telstra on their value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity, speed and coverage, ease of setup and overall customer satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
ALDI Mobile has taken out our mobile broadband ratings for the second year in a row, beating Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and Amaysim to be 2020’s best-rated provider. ALDI scored an impressive five stars across all research categories, including value for money, speed & coverage and customer service.
Gone are the days of needing a fixed-line connection to get the best speeds, service and data. Nowadays, mobile broadband plans have become a viable alternative to the NBN, ADSL, and cable. Mobile data is the ultimate for flexibility and browsing on the move, so get the lowdown on which providers offer the best bang for your buck with Canstar Blue’s 2020 mobile broadband review and ratings.
This year, we’ve surveyed more than 1,000 mobile broadband customers to determine just which provider offers the best prices, fastest speeds, and overall most satisfaction for your money. Our 2020 ratings include Australia’s three biggest telcos – Vodafone, Optus and Telstra – while also showing that good things come in smaller packages with ALDI Mobile and Amaysim. The idea is to give you as much information as possible about the compared providers, and more, to help you make a better-informed decision about which mobile broadband plan to go with. Brands must have received a minimum of 30 survey responses to be included in this review. So, what did we find?
Here are the best mobile broadband providers in Australia, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s 2020 review:
In an outstanding effort, ALDI Mobile received five stars in every category, including customer service, value for money, bill and cost clarity, ease of set-up and speed & coverage, in addition to overall satisfaction. In its first year in our mobile broadband ratings, Amaysim came in second with four stars for overall satisfaction, followed by Vodafone, Optus, and Telstra, all of which received three stars overall.
With 5G data now a reality, it’s an exciting time to check out a new mobile broadband plan – it could even replace the NBN in the future! So, what are the best mobile broadband deals around? Read on for specifics about the brands in our review, but first, below is a quick comparison of 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 |
20GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $50 over one month |
60GB | $50 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $75 over one month |
200GB | $75 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
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 | |||
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 | |||
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 | |||
Operating on the Telstra 3G and 4G networks, ALDI Mobile offers a range of data-only SIM packs that are ideal for on-the-go tablet and device use. Data packs begin at $95 for 30GB of data with a 365-day expiry.
For the second year in a row, ALDI Mobile received an outstanding score of five stars overall, with an additional five-star review for every other category.
The following table shows a selection of published ALDI Mobile 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$95 Data Pack
min. cost $95 over 365 days |
30GB | $95 | |
|
$240 Data Pack
min. cost $240 over 365 days |
185GB | $240 | |
|
$365 Data Pack
min. cost $365 over 365 days |
365GB | $365 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
A new entrant in Canstar Blue’s mobile broadband ratings, Amaysim operates on Optus’ 4G networks and offers a small selection of SIM-only data plans, ideal for tablet users. Plans are BYO-only, and begin at $15 for 7GB of data.
Amaysim scored four stars for overall satisfaction in 2020, as well as four stars for every other category.
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 | |||
Vodafone offers a comprehensive range of options for mobile broadband users. Customers can select from a plan with a bundled-in modem, as well as from prepaid mobile broadband plans, or SIM-only modem or tablet options. Red Mobile Broadband plans begin at $20 per month for 10GB of data, with modems available from an extra $2.50 per month over 36 months.
Vodafone’s range of mobile plans may be confusing for some customers, but the telco achieved an overall satisfaction rating of three stars in our 2020 review, plus four stars for customer service, bill and cost clarity and for ease of setup.
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 | |||
Optus offers both SIM-only and 4G wireless broadband modem plans, with prices beginning at only $15 per month for 5GB of data on a month-to-month SIM-only plan.
Optus scored three stars for overall satisfaction and three stars in almost all other categories, but did achieve four stars for ease of setup.
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 | |||
Telstra’s mobile broadband range includes both BYO and device-on-a-plan options, with four main plans available. Prices start at $15 per month for 5GB, up to $75 for 200GB of monthly data. Although these plans aren’t classed as prepaid, you will need to pay for each month in advance via AutoPay.
Telstra came in fifth in our 2020 ratings, scoring three stars overall and a four-star result for ease of setup.
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 |
20GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $50 over one month |
60GB | $50 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $75 over one month |
200GB | $75 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
While our ratings cover five major mobile broadband providers, there are many more out there just as capable of offering you a good deal. Here is a quick guide to some of them.
Southern Phone also operates on the Optus network and offers a range of four mobile broadband SIM-only plans on 12-month contracts.
Plans start at just $15 with 7GB of data per month and go up to $65 per month with 100GB of data. Data is charged in 1MB increments and if you go over your included data amount, you’ll be charged for excess data usage.
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 | |||
Another reseller offering mobile broadband on the Optus 4G Plus network, Yomojo’s plans are available at 2GB, 7GB, 15GB, 50GB or 100GB tiers, with prices beginning at $14.90 every 30 days.
All plans are contract-free and offered on a 30-day basis. You’ll need to bring your own device, and plans will automatically renew every 30 days. Excess data is available to add at a rate of $11 per gigabyte, or 2GB for $20.
The following table shows a selection of Yomojo 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
2GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $14.90 over 30 day billing period |
2GB | $14.90 | |
|
7GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $19.90 over 30 day billing period |
7GB | $19.90 | |
|
15GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $34.90 over 30 day billing period |
15GB | $34.90 | |
|
50GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $54.90 over 30 day billing period |
50GB | $54.90 | |
|
100GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $79.90 over 30 day billing period |
100GB | $79.90 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Exetel offers a wide range of mobile broadband products on month-to-month plans. Options include an entry-level $9.99 plan with 1.5GB of data each month contract-free, up to 90GB for $79.99 monthly.
All plans are powered by Optus’ 4G Plus and 3G networks, and customers can either buy a compatible USB modem from Exetel for $69 upfront, or bring their own.
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 | |||
Another Optus network provider, SpinTel offers a large range of no-contract mobile broadband plans starting at $14.95 per month for 4GB of data. Inclusions go up to a generous 500GB for $69.95 per month, with in-between options including 50GB, 80GB and 200GB.
Plans are available as SIM-only, or you can add on a compatible modem from $119 upfront. Note that 200GB and 500GB plans require the purchase of a Netgear AC800S gateway, priced at $290 upfront.
The following table shows a selection of SpinTel 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
4GB Plan
min. cost $19.95 over a one month period |
4GB | $14.95 | |
|
20GB Plan
min. cost $29.95 over a one month period |
20GB | $24.95 | |
|
50GB Plan
min. cost $45 over a one month period |
50GB | $40 | |
|
80GB Plan
min. cost $55 over a one month period |
80GB | $50 | |
|
200GB Plan
min. cost $365.95 over a one month period |
200GB | $54.95 | |
|
500GB Plan
min. cost $379.95 over a one month period |
500GB | $69.95 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
If you’re after unlimited data mobile broadband, there’s another wire-free mobile option on the market. It’s called ‘home wireless’ and can theoretically replace your home internet. In most cases, simply plug in your 4G or 5G modem and use it like normal internet – no wires, no installation, and setup can take less than five minutes.
Home wireless differs from mobile broadband in that it comes packaged with a router, and is intended for use as a replacement for a fixed-line connection. It’s worth considering if you’re renting or have no fixed address, or if you’re unable to access an ADSL or NBN connection.
Major players on the home wireless scene include Optus, Exetel, and SpinTel, and plans usually come with a 4G WiFi modem. Most 24-month plans will include a pre-configured modem, but those on month-to-month plans may need to pay an upfront fee.
Prices usually begin at around $40 per month for 250GB of data, but selected Optus customers can access unlimited 5G home broadband from $75 per month. However, this is only available to a small number of subscribers in 5G-enabled areas.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $1,279 over 24 month plan period |
200GB | $50 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,759 over 24 month plan period |
500GB | $70 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
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
min. cost $59.90 over first month |
200GB | $69.90 | Go To Site |
|
500GB Plan
min. cost $69.90 over first month |
500GB | $79.90 | Go To Site |
|
1000GB Plan
min. cost $99.90 over first month |
1000GB | $99.90 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus provides a choice of two 4G home internet plans, both on two-year contracts or month-to-month. $65 buys you 200GB of data, while the $75 plan features 500GB each month. Two-year plans include a modem at no upfront cost, but if you decide to go contract free, you’ll need to pay $216 upfront.
If you use more than your included data during your billing month, you’ll automatically receive another 40GB for $10 up to 5 times, after which your speed will be slowed to 1.5Mps. Coverage and serviceability will vary depending on device, location and other factors.
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)
min. cost $1,560 over 24 month plan period |
200GB | $65 | Go To Site |
|
4G Home Internet Lite 200GB (Month-to-Month)
min. cost $281 (incl. $216 modem cost) over first month plan period |
200GB | $65 | Go To Site |
|
4G Home Internet Everyday 500GB (24 Month)
min. cost $1,800 over 24 month plan period |
500GB | $75 | Go To Site |
|
4G Home Internet Everyday 500GB (Month-to-Month)
min. cost $291 (incl. $216 modem cost) over first month plan period |
500GB | $75 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
The following table shows a selection of published Yomojo 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.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Home Wireless Broadband Plan
min. cost $238.90 for the first month |
200GB | $59.90 | |
|
Home Wireless Broadband Plan
min. cost $258.90 for the first month |
500GB | $79.90 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
The following table shows a selection of published Spintel 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.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Basic Home Wireless Broadband Plan (12Mbps)
min. cost $798.40 over 12 month plan period |
200GB | $49.95 | |
|
Home Wireless Broadband Plan (High Speed 4G)
min. cost $918.40 over 12 month plan period |
200GB | $59.95 | |
|
Home Wireless Broadband (High Speed 4G)
min. cost $1,038.40 over 12 month plan period |
500GB | $69.95 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
If you’re interested in home wireless broadband, you can find more information in our guide. But keep in mind that home wireless broadband is different to NBN fixed wireless.
Aside from the few names mentioned above, there are around 30 providers out there, and many phone plan providers also double up to offer mobile broadband. After all, mobile broadband is essentially a phone plan without the calls and texts. Other providers worth keeping an eye out for include:
Smaller service providers tend to operate with lower overheads and can therefore deliver more data often at a cheaper price. However, in terms of ‘extra stuff’, such as data-free streaming, they may lack behind. It’s important to consult Critical Information Summaries here to see what you’re getting.
4G’s theoretical speeds can exceed 100Mbps, which is fast enough to stream TV shows and sports across multiple devices. However, in real-world scenarios, mobile broadband speeds typically only reach around 30Mbps to 50Mbps, and even slower in congested areas or times.
5G testing has revealed that the new network can exceed 20Gbps in ideal conditions, with more realistic real-world scenarios likely to achieve about 1-5Gbps. This is much faster than anything we have seen in Australia.
While 5G is still in its infancy, it’s a huge leap forward from 4G networks. 4G is still reasonably quick for internet on the go, but 5G will be a game changer. There are some factors that can affect your mobile broadband speeds, however – regardless if you’re using 5G, 4G or even 3G.
According to Canstar Blue’s 2020 research, Australians are spending an average of $69 per month on mobile broadband – which is actually equal to the average monthly NBN bill, according to our 2020 NBN Providers survey. If you do want a flexible, portable internet option – and you don’t need unlimited data – mobile broadband could be an easy, commitment-free alternative to NBN plans.
With prices beginning from less than $10 per month for basic entry level plans, and options up to 500GB or more per month, mobile broadband offers a much wider variety of data and prices points than most fixed-line broadband services, for a cheaper cost than high-speed unlimited NBN. If you’re unhappy with the reliability of your NBN or ADSL plan, and find yourself switching to mobile data on your phone rather than using WiFi at home, mobile broadband might be an ideal solution if you don’t require unlimited gigabytes each month.
Most mobile broadband customers seem to use their plan to complement their existing internet, or as a temporary solution while waiting to connect to the NBN: 43% of respondents said they primarily to use while travelling, while 56% said it was cheaper to pay for mobile internet than to buy more data or upgrade their phone plan. 53% of survey participants prefer to use mobile internet around the home as it’s faster and more reliable, and 39% expect to only use mobile broadband at home going forward.
No matter what type of broadband plan you need, it’s important to do your research to find a data limit that’s appropriate and at a price you’re happy to pay. Although they may not necessarily make or break a plan, consider other bonuses such as data-free streaming and other perks. Happy browsing!
This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent more than seven years writing for and editing telco comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things phone & internet, including mobile broadband and how to find the best deal for your family. She loves to highlight the next best deals, while flagging the things you need to be aware of. Tara also acts as a spokesperson for Canstar Blue.
Canstar Blue surveyed 9,259 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have a mobile broadband plan in their name and they pay the bills – in this case, 1,096 people.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overalls satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.
2019
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2017
2016
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