Compare NBN Plans

Why compare NBN plans with Canstar Blue?

How to choose the best NBN plan for you

Choosing the best NBN plan can be a bit daunting, especially considering the sheer number of providers and plans out there, and the confusing jargon and plan structure. Generally, you need to look out for the right combination of these three things: price, connection and speed.

Price

Every Aussie household wants a reliable connection that won’t drop out or slow down, but the right price and speed may vary between families and individuals. If you’re on a tighter budget, you may be limited in terms of the maximum speeds you can comfortably afford each month. In contrast, if you’re a heavy video streamer or a big online gamer, you may be happy to pay a little extra for a faster plan.

Finding the perfect plan involves a compromise between price and connection speed. Shopping around before you commit can help you to find the best deals and cheapest NBN prices, but getting real value will come down to choosing the right speed tier for your needs.

Research from Canstar Blue has shown that not every user is aware of their current plan speed, which can cause issues if your connection isn’t fast enough to handle your household usage. Not everybody needs high speeds, but you do need a connection that’s fast enough for how you use the internet at home. On the other hand, if you’re on a plan with faster speeds than you actually need, you could save money by switching NBN plans to one that’s ‘slower’ .

Connection

The speed of your internet will be impacted by the type of connection you have. There are seven technology types used to connect homes to the NBN, and the option available to you will depend on where you live.

Here are the seven types of NBN connections:

• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)
  Connects your home directly to the nearest NBN node via fibre optic cable, and is the fastest NBN connection type available.
• FTTB (Fibre to the Building)
  Mostly used in apartment blocks, by connecting each apartment or unit via copper wiring to a central node in a building’s basement.
• FTTN (Fibre to the Node)
  Uses your home’s existing copper wiring to connect to an NBN node in your area.
• FTTC (Fibre to the Curb)
  Similar to FTTN, but runs fibre optic cable to a distribution point outside your home, which is connected to your house via copper wiring.
• HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)
  Uses existing cable networks – the same used to deliver pay TV – to connect your home to the closest NBN node.
• Fixed Wireless
  Uses transmission towers to broadcast a broadband connection to an antenna installed in your home. Mostly used in regional areas.
• Sky Muster satellite
  Beams an NBN network signal from the SkyMuster satellite to a dish installed on your home. Mostly used in regional areas.

Most homes will be connected by fibre or HFC, with properties in rural and regional areas more likely to use fixed wireless or satellite. The fastest speeds – such as NBN 100, 250 and 1000 – are typically only available to households with FTTP or selected HFC connections. Homes with fixed wireless will generally get slower speeds.

Speed

It’s important to look at potential download speeds, but also each telco’s listed Typical Evening Speed (TES). This is the average speed users will experience during peak periods (between 7pm – 11pm) and is generally the most accurate indicator of how fast your service will actually be. The speed tiers are:

• NBN 1000/50 Home Ultrafast
  Up to 1000Mbps download, 50Mbps upload – good for larger households with extremely high multimedia demands.
• NBN 250/25 Home Superfast
  Up to 250 Mbps download, 25Mbps upload – good for larger households with extremely high multimedia demands.
• NBN 100/40 Premium Speed
  Up to 100Mbps download, 40Mbps upload – good for larger households with high internet needs with higher uploading needs.
• NBN 100/20 Premium Speed
  Up to 100Mbps download, 20Mbps upload – good for larger households with high internet needs but doesn’t upload much.
• NBN 50/20 Standard Plus Speed
  Up to 50Mbps download, 20Mbps upload – good for families and moderate internet usage or higher usage for smaller households.
• NBN 25/10 Standard Speed
  Up to 25Mbps download, 10Mbps upload – good for small households.
• NBN 12/1 Basic Speed
  Up to 12Mbps download, 1Mbps upload – good for light users.

The additional Premium Evening Speed tier, which was introduced in early 2020 — the NBN 100/20 speed tier — is offered by some providers as a replacement to NBN 100/40, so keep this in mind. The only difference between these is the upload speed — 40Mbps or 20Mbps. For most home internet use, upload speed isn’t as important as download speed; however, if you tend to upload large files regularly and you’re looking at NBN 100 as the safest bet, you might find the 100/40 speed is more suitable for your needs.

Both the NBN 1000 and NBN 250 speeds are not widely available, with only a small selection of providers currently offering these tiers. Most ultra-fast NBN plans include unlimited data, however, another thing to consider if you’re looking at the faster speed tiers (even NBN 100) is they often require a certain internet connection type and may only be available in certain suburbs.

If you’re torn between two speed tiers, it may be safest to pick the faster option (assuming it fits within your budget). With price differences between speeds still averaging at around $10 per month (depending on your telco), making the decision to upgrade may pay off down the line – resulting in an overall better performance.

What are the best value NBN plans?

At Canstar Blue, we have our own an expert ‘Value Rank’ methodology to determine the best value NBN plans available right now, based on a combination of price and features.

Here are the top 8 best value NBN plans on our database as of July 2022. These plans include unlimited data on NBN 50 speeds.

See here for our NBN value rank methodology. One offer per provider shown.

Best NBN Plans for Value

What are the cheapest NBN plans?

If you’re just looking for the lowest monthly cost, the cheapest NBN plans are usually found on the entry-level NBN 12 speed tier, also known as Home Basic or Basic Evening Speed. Depending on your provider, you may be offered either unlimited data or a capped monthly data allowance on these plans, making them a worthwhile option for low-level internet users who don’t use their connection for data-intensive activity such as streaming, downloading, or social media.

NBN plan prices begin at the $30 per month mark for limited data, with unlimited NBN 12 plans usually averaging around $45-$50 monthly (not including discounts or introductory offers). However, if you do want a faster plan or a cheaper deal, you can score new customer discounts when you sign up at the right time: many providers will offer around $10 off monthly plan costs for your first six or 12 months when you sign up as a new customer. Keep an eye out for offers when you’re comparing plans, as these specials can save you $100 or more per year in plan costs.

If you’re looking for the cheapest NBN plans on offer, below are the top 5 cheapest NBN plans on Canstar Blue’s database as of July 2022. These prices exclude discounts or promos.

Cheapest NBN Plans

Top 5 Most Popular NBN Providers

Every year at Canstar Blue, we release our annual customer satisfaction ratings for NBN providers. Providers are ranked by speed and reliability, customer service, value for money, ease of setup, bill and cost clarity, and overall satisfaction.

Want to compare plans from the top 5 best NBN providers as rated by Australian consumers? Here’s a look at NBN plans with NBN 50 speeds.

Source: Canstar Blue NBN customer satisfaction survey, June 2022. Sample size: 5,744.

Best-Rated NBN Providers

Telstra

Telstra boasts a simple mix of plans to pick from across a range of speed tiers, all with unlimited data. The first step is to decide what speed tier you need, and then you can start to consider add-on extras such as Telstra TV and any streaming services you want added to your bill (for an additional cost).

Telstra offers five speeds — NBN 25, 50, 100, 250 and 1000 – however, the three fastest speeds are only available to customers with compatible NBN connections.

When you’re thinking about signing up to a Telstra plan, look carefully at the potential start-up costs. Telstra lists a range of fees for call out and service if you require a professional installation or maintenance.

Telstra NBN key points

• Unlimited data is included on all plans
• Modem included on all plans free, however you’ll need to return the modem or pay a $200 non-return fee if you cancel before 24 months
• Access to extras such as rewards program, subscription bundling, etc

Optus

Optus offers a streamlined approach to its NBN plans, allowing customers to more easily navigate their options and choose an Optus bundle that’s right for them, with unlimited data the default. Rather than offering one product per speed tier, you’ll instead be able to choose the plan option that works for your household and then choose the speed you want.

There are three base options to choose from —  an ‘Internet Everyday’ plan with the basics, an ‘Internet Gamer’ plan with included ASUS Gaming modem,  and a ‘Internet Family Entertainer’ plan with WiFi booster and entertainment add-ons.

You’ll have a choice between NBN 50, NBN 100/20, NBN 100/40, NBN 250 and NBN 1000. Both NBN 50 and NBN 100/20 are included as the default plans, but the other three can be added on as ‘speed packs’ for extra monthly cost.

All Optus NBN plans are month-to-month, with a $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 months (cancelling before that time will require you to pay off the remaining modem costs). The modem offered on the gamer plans may be unavailable from time-to-time, so Optus may withdraw that plan if there is no modem supply.

Optus NBN key points

• Different plans and speeds to suit a range of users and households
• Unlimited data included on all plans
• Modems included for $0 when you stay connected for 36 months (you’ll pay off the remaining modem costs if you cancel before then)

TPG

TPG is one of the best known NBN providers and faces increased competition from the likes of Optus and Dodo, but it remains very competitive. TPG offers its plans across six speed tiers, all of which are month-to-month and includes the option to add on a modem for additional cost.

It offers NBN 12, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 1000 speed tiers, all with unlimited data included. If you’re looking to save some money, you can get some budget NBN plans with NBN 12 speeds and data caps — a great option for low internet users who only need to access basics like email and web browsing.

You can also choose to either BYO modem, or add on a modem to your plan for an additional upfront cost. Call packs are also available to add on.

TPG NBN key points

• Wide range of speed tiers to suit all users
• Option to BYO modem or add modem on for upfront cost
• Low data and basic speed options for light internet users

Dodo

Dodo has a reputation for providing fairly cheap home internet. Opting for a simplified approach, Dodo’s offers all come with unlimited data. There are three speed tiers on offer – NBN 25, 50 and 100 – and customers can enjoy the flexibility of month-to-month plans with no contract. Dodo does also offer a cheaper plan on a slower speed tier, but rather than offering NBN 12 speeds, customers receive NBN 25 but with speeds throttled to 15Mbps maximum.

Plans are available as BYO modem or with a modem for an extra upfront cost. You can also save up to $10 per month if you bundle your broadband with Dodo’s energy products.

Dodo NBN key points

• Unlimited data on all plans
• Save up to $10 per month when bundled with a Dodo energy plan
• Choice of BYO modem or add on modem for additional upfront cost

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband is generally known as a consistent and reliable provider when it comes to speeds and service, winning back-to-back Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers rating for NBN Providers in 2019 and 2020.

Customers may also appreciate Aussie Broadband’s range of speed options, commitment to customer service, and no lock-in plans. With no set-up or exit fees on month-to-month plans and the option to bring your own modem, these deals are flexible and bill-shock free. In addition to a range of standard plans, you also have the choice to build your own plan with speed and data to suit your needs. Aussie Broadband also offers one of the widest ranges of speed tiers available, meaning there is something for everyone.

Aussie Broadband NBN key points

• Wide range of speed tiers available
• Option to choose from popular plans or build your own plan
• Australian customer service

Belong

Belong, a subsidiary of Telstra, is known for offering a very simple range of NBN plans, and prices are rather competitive compared to its parent company. You’ll find a simple range of the most common and popular speed tiers — NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 — all as month-to-month plans with unlimited data.

You’ll have the option to either BYO modem or add a modem on to your plan for an upfront or additional monthly cost over 12 months. Belong also includes a free SIM card preloaded with $80 credit (three months of Belong mobile service), which could be useful if you’ve been looking at switching to a new SIM-only phone plan.

Belong NBN key points

• Simple range of plans at competitive prices
• Choice to BYO modem or add modem on for additional cost
• Free mobile SIM preloaded with credit for new customers

Exetel

Exetel is one of Australia’s smaller NBN providers, but with a reputation for offering good value for money NBN plans. There’s a wide choice of NBN speeds to suit all types of internet users and households — NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100/20, NBN 100/40, NBN 250 and a plan with 500/50Mbps speeds, rather than offering the full NBN 1000 speeds.

All plans are month-to-month and include unlimited data. You also get the option to BYO modem or add on a modem, with a choice between two modems. Exetel also includes a free trial of its Home Secure service, which helps protect your home internet and offers parental controls and more.

Exetel NBN key points

• Wide range of speed tiers available for different households and users
• Option to BYO modem or add on modem for additional cost
• Access to Exetel’s Home Secure service (free trial then additional cost)

iiNet

iiNet is perhaps one of the most well known internet providers, and is part of the TPG Telecom umbrella of telcos (including TPG, Vodafone, Internode and more). You’ll find plans from iiNet to be rather simple and straightforward, with plans available across NBN 12, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 1000 speed tiers.

Most plans include unlimited data (with the exception of the NBN 12 plan), and all plans are available as month-to-month plans. You can choose to either BYO modem or add a modem on to your plan, and if you stay connected for 24 months, your modem cost will be waived. iiNet also allows you to add on entertainment extras in the form of Fetch, which can be included free for 24 months on your plan depending on your choice of speed tier, otherwise you’ll add this on for an additional monthly cost.

iiNet NBN key points

• All six speed tiers on offer to suit all kinds of households
• Choice to BYO modem or add on a modem to your plan
• Entertainment extras available to add on to your plan

Other NBN providers

While we’ve taken a closer look at some of Australia’s biggest and most popular NBN providers, there are still a lot of NBN providers out there (just under 200 providers in fact), all desperate to get you connected. Here are some other providers you can check out using our comparison tool, which haven’t been covered in more detail above.

Find and compare NBN plans

Once you’ve set your parameters over price, speed and you’ve checked your connection type, finding the right NBN plan can still be complicated. Some additional considerations to choosing the best NBN plan for you might include how much data you need, the contract type and any additional features you’re interested in — and all within your budget. Keep in mind that unlimited data is usually standard from most providers, and the speed tier you choose will have the biggest impact on the price you will pay.

Most providers offer month-to-month plans only, but some might still offer contracts such as 12 or 24 months. Providers offering both month-to-month and contract plans might have additional costs on the month-to-month plans in order to entice you to sign a contract — this could be in the form of more expensive plans or setup fees. However, with more telcos ditching the contracts, it’s a lot less common to find. Keep in mind that while you might be on a month-to-month plan, some providers will essentially lock you in for that 12, 24 or 36 months if you have a modem, offering the modem for ‘free’ when you stay connected for that length of time.

Some providers also offer NBN bundles, often with entertainment extras. Entertainment bundles are often more expensive, so consider whether this is something you will use, and whether it’s really worth the extra cost for your household.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you should review a range of providers. Keep in mind that while there are the big internet companies which have a large portion of market share, there are plenty of smaller providers to choose from. Looking at offers from a range of telcos, both the big and small names, will help you to find the best solution for your home. At Canstar Blue, our internet comparison tool is free to use and can help you to find and compare a range of plans from some of Australia’s top NBN providers.

About our NBN experts

Tara Donnelly: Telco Editor

As Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly covers the internet and mobile sectors – topics she’s spent a decade focused on, alongside consumer technology, within the comparison industry. Her telco expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald. You can follow Tara on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Henry Harbeck: Ratings Portfolio Lead

Henry Harbeck specialises in researching banking products for Canstar’s expert finance Star Ratings and Awards. As the Ratings Portfolio Lead, he mentors our research team through the rigorous research process, which includes investigating and collating a vast array of data about financial providers, their products and Australian consumers’ financial needs and behaviours. Connect with Henry on LinkedIn.