With the NBN rollout completed, and many Aussies already on an NBN plan, it’s important to understand what the different speed tiers are and what they mean for your household’s internet needs. While NBN Co originally offered NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 speeds, in the past few years, we’ve seen faster speeds like NBN 250 and NBN 1000 introduced.
NBN 25 — previously known as Standard Evening Speed, Standard NBN or Home Standard — is one of the slower NBN speed tiers available from many providers, but it does offer some of the best entry-level deals and plans from a wide range of providers. Read on to find out about NBN 25 plans and whether NBN 25 is the right speed tier for you.
NBN offers you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $105) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$105 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $79.99) Typical evening speed of 96Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$79.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $75) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$75.00 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of 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 referral partners.
How fast is NBN 25?
The NBN 25 speed — also known as Home Basic II — is capable of reaching maximum download speeds of 25Mbps, and maximum upload speeds of 5Mbps, with typical evening download speeds varying around 18Mbps and 25Mbps. Download speed is data received from the internet – such streaming Netflix, loading websites, etc. Uploads are what you send to the internet, including uploading pictures and videos to social media like Instagram or YouTube, or adding a file to a cloud storage service.
NBN 25 is great for general use for a smaller household of one to three people and NBN Co recommends it is best for high definition video streaming or 4K streaming on one device only, basic online gaming and video calls. While its download speed is capable of downloading a 10GB file within an hour and 10 minutes, its upload speed would take a 1GB file 35 minutes to upload.
While NBN 25 is not really a slow internet connection for basic tasks, it isn’t one of the faster options available either. However, you’ll typically notice a major speed difference between NBN 25 and other NBN tiers if you’re actively monitoring how fast your connection is or during higher intensity activities such as downloading large files, or streaming video on multiple devices.
Compare the best NBN 25 plans and providers
Many NBN providers start offering NBN plans at NBN 25 speeds, often skipping the slower NBN 12 speed tier. You’ll find plans on this speed tier available from providers including Aussie Broadband, Dodo, Telstra, iiNet, TPG and Optus. Plans on this speed tier can be very competitive and each provider offers their own benefits and bonuses. Most plans offer unlimited data and many providers offer month-to-month plans with no lock-in contracts.
If you’re unsure about which provider is right for you, you can look at the typical evening speed on offer from different providers to help give you an idea of how the plan will hold up during the busy evening period. You might also want to consider whether you can BYO modem or buy a modem, home phone add ons and more, to see which provider offers the right plan for your needs. If you’re still unsure about which is the best NBN 25 plan for you, you can check out our Most Satisfied Customer ratings for NBN providers to see what other Aussies think of their NBN provider.
NBN 25 plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 25 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Cheap NBN 25 plans
If you’re looking to save on your internet bill, cheap NBN 25 plans are easy to come by as the slower speed tiers are typically the cheapest NBN plans on offer. As there are over 100 NBN providers, finding the absolute cheapest NBN 25 plan is a big ask. Typically you can find NBN 25 plans starting around $55 per month and up, although with some providers offering discounts on NBN plan fees, you might be able to pick up a plan at a cheaper price, but for a limited time.
NBN 25 evening speeds explained
You’ve probably noticed that NBN plans often reference a ‘typical evening speed’ (or ‘average evening speed’). This refers to the average speeds recorded on plans during the peak internet traffic hours between 7pm and 11pm. This speed may be a good indication of how a plan and provider performs when there are more people using the internet for streaming, gaming and more. Keep in mind that these speeds are a guide and speeds from providers may vary. If NBN speed is important to you, you might want to consider a provider’s typical evening speed when comparing NBN 25 plans.
Read more: What to do when your internet is down
Is NBN 25 right for me?
With NBN 25 being one of the cheaper NBN options offered by providers, it’s tough to go wrong with this speed tier — especially if you’re in a one or two person household, and don’t use multiple devices at once. That being said, if your household is larger, or if you’re after a faster internet connection, this speed tier might not work for you. NBN 25 leans in on being cheaper rather than having a super-fast performance and while that might be great for some, it might not work for others.
Think about your own internet usage. If you do a lot of 4K streaming, big file downloads and high-definition video calls, NBN 25 won’t be for you. But for smaller households with regular web browsing, checking emails and social media, along with HD video streaming, this speed should suit your needs. NBN 25 is also widely available across a range of NBN connection types, unlike faster plans which are typically restricted to FTTP and HFC connections.
Should I get an NBN 25 plan?
An NBN 25 plan offers a great general-use broadband speed, especially if you’re a light user or don’t have many people in your household. It’s perfectly capable of online streaming, gaming and browsing without any noticeable downsides, but may struggle in homes with multiple simultaneous Netflix streams or downloads. If you’re after a more heavy-duty plan, you may prefer to upgrade to an NBN 50 plan.
If you’re not ready to commit to the faster and pricier NBN 50 or NBN 100 speed tiers, NBN 25 is a great way to try out the NBN without spending much money. While NBN 25 is a great place to start, but think about your household’s internet usage before you commit to a long-term contract — and make sure you shop around and compare providers before signing up.
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