Are you trying to figure out which NBN plan best suits your data and speed needs? Canstar Blue compares the biggest and best National Broadband Network (NBN) providers and their plans to help you decide, from the cheapest deals with basic inclusions to unlimited data plans with high speeds and fast downloads. If you want a quick comparison, check out our ‘key takeouts’ from each provider and you’ll be better-informed about your broadband options.
Before we go into details about the NBN plans and providers we’ve compared, it’s important to understand the difference between the different NBN speeds you can sign up for, to help you put the prices of these deals into perspective. We also recommend you check your existing internet connection, to give you a good idea of what NBN download speed you think you will need – and what is going to represent good value for money for you. So, if you’re ready to jump in, here’s a quick comparison of plans across the main NBN speed tiers.
This page lists NBN plans from Australia’s biggest providers, but if you’re in a hurry and just want to see a quick selection of deals, here are some top picks.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) 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 above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) 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 above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) 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 above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Basic Evening Speed (NBN 12) 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 above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
There are a few things to consider when comparing NBN plans, especially when you’re looking for the best provider and deal to suit your needs. There are generally four speed tiers to choose from, and data inclusions can vary between providers (although you’ll find most plans do offer unlimited as standard). You’ll also need to consider if you want to sign on to a contract or prefer the flexibility of going month-to-month, along with any entertainment extras or bundles you want included. To help you get started comparing NBN options, we’ll take a look at the plans available from some of the most popular NBN providers around.
For more on how to choose the best NBN plans for you, hit the below links to jump to more information on comparing plan types, broadband speeds and more. Otherwise, scroll down for more details, offers and prices from some of Australia’s top NBN providers.
Here is a look at the plans on offer from the most prominent NBN providers. Click a link to jump to the provider of your choice, or scroll through to check out and compare what each of these providers have to offer:
Telstra boasts a simple mix of NBN bundles to pick from, based on varying data allowances. The first step is to decide how much data you think you will need (100GB, 500GB, or unlimited), and then you can start to consider add-on extras such as Telstra TV (which gives you access to Netflix and Stan) and Foxtel.
When you’re thinking about signing up to a Telstra plan, look carefully at the potential start-up costs. Telstra says an additional fee of $240 may apply if you require a professional installation. And if you’re in a new development and not already connected to the NBN, a $300-odd NBN Co New Development fee may also apply.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $291Â for first month |
500GBÂ | $75 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $306 for first month |
Unlimited | $90 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Aussie Broadband frequently tops speed tests for its fast, industry-leading NBN. Its premium NBN 100 plan lists a typical evening speed of 86Mbps; currently, this is faster than typical evening speeds cited by other leading providers.
Customers may also appreciate Aussie Broadband’s range of plan add-ons and options, commitment to customer service, and simple, no lock-in plan structure. With no set-up or exit fees on month-to-month plans, no data overage charges, and the option to bring your own modem, the company’s NBN deals are flexible and bill-shock free. Aussie Broadband offers every high speed tier, including NBN 75, NBN 250 and NBN 1000.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $69 over first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $79 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $89 over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus recently revamped its broadband plans, with a more streamlined approach allowing customers to more easily navigate their options and choose a bundle that’s right for them – and the headline is that all its NBN offerings now come with unlimited data. Optus is working hard to battle for its image as a premier provider, while still offering competitive prices. The short and skinny is as follows:
The most exciting plan seems to be the $90 one, which crams a lot of extra stuff in for that $15 premium and makes a great all-round package deal.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Internet Everyday $75 and Phone Lite
min. cost $426 over first month |
Unlimited | $75 | Go To Site |
|
Internet Entertainer Lite $79 and Phone Lite
min. cost $430 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
|
Internet Entertainer $90 and Phone Lite
min. cost $441 over first month |
Unlimited | $90 | Go To Site |
|
Internet Everyday $75, Phone Lite and Premium Evening Speed $20
min. cost $446Â over first month |
Unlimited | $95 | Go To Site |
|
Internet Entertainer Lite $99, Phone Lite and Premium Evening Speed $20
min. cost $450Â over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Go To Site |
|
Internet Entertainer $90, Phone Lite and Premium Evening Speed $20
min. cost $461 over first month |
Unlimited | $110 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
iiNet was taken over by the TPG Group in late 2015, but maintains its own identity and broadband plans. It has a solid reputation for good customer service, but iiNet is about more than just friendly voices when you pick up the phone, as its NBN packages will attest. There are a total of four speed options, and each includes iiNet’s Netphone (VoIP) service.
The cheapest Premium 100Mbps plan is priced at $99.99, and includes unlimited data. After that you, could pay out $109.99 or $119.99 depending on your call packs preferences. Fetch entertainment bundles are available from an extra $5 a month, but on six-month plans are often included at no extra cost, besides a $59.99 setup fee.
These iiNet plans are available with no lock-in contract, or over six months. However, the former will mean you need to pay extra if you buy a pre-configured modem.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $69.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $74.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $74.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $99.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
TPG faces increased competition from the likes of iiNet, Dodo and Optus, but it still offers great plans. TPG breaks its NBN plans into three different categories – NBN 12, NBN 50 and NBN 100 – all of which come with a Wi-Fi modem and are bundled with the telco’s Digital Voice Service. Each includes three plan options based on data allowance or call inclusions.
All plans are available with no lock-in contract, or as an 18-month deal. The difference is that if you want the flexibility of leaving any time you like, you’ll need to pay a $99.95 set-up fee.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $1,109.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $59.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,289.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,649.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $89.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone is the last of the ‘Big 3’ mobile carriers – after Optus and Telstra – to offer NBN, but has some downright competitive deals. All come with unlimited data, and prices start at just $65 a month.
Vodafone is also backed by its 4G network, with all routers coming with in-built 4G backup just in case the NBN service is down for whatever reason. Vodafone also backs its internet plans with a 30-day network satisfaction guarantee, meaning you can leave your contract if you’re not happy. Aside from this, Vodafone also offers big bonuses such as bonus mobile data, free Netflix and other goodies from time to time.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Essential NBN Plan (Month to month)
min. cost $245Â for first month |
Unlimited | $65 | Go To Site |
|
Essential+ NBN Plan (Month to month)
min. cost $255Â for first month |
Unlimited | $75 | Go To Site |
|
Premium NBN Plan (Month to Month)
min. cost $275 for first month |
Unlimited | $95 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Internode is a direct subsidiary of its bigger brother, iiNet, and other provider included in this guide. Internode was one of the originators of ADSL2+ internet, and now features as a top telco for NBN, as well as home phone and mobile services. Internode offers unlimited Standard NBN 25, Standard Plus NBN 50 and Platinum NBN 100 speed tiers (labelled ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ ‘Gold’, and ‘Platinum’ respectively).
The range of data and speed options available through Internode makes it a great way to create a customised, mix-and-match NBN plan, with unlimited data beginning at $69.99 per month for NBN 25. If you’re looking for something faster, NBN 50 is available from $79.99 per month, and NBN 100 from $99.99, and all options can be purchased on a monthly basis or on a six-month contract. Like iiNet, Internode users can also bundle in a Fetch entertainment pack from only $5 extra per month, and call packs from an additional $10 monthly.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $419.94 over six months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $359.94 over six months |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $599.94 over six months |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
MyRepublic has created a lot of buzz, and since its introduction to the Aussie market in 2016 it has amassed a strong following thanks to its competitive prices and no-fuss offers. While you won’t get the ‘cheapest of the cheap’ prices with MyRepublic, it does offer a range of deals across several speed tiers, all with unlimited data.
MyRepublic has decided to focus on NBN plans at the NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100/20 and NBN 100/40 speed tiers, with unlimited data standard. There are two different plan types available on all speed tiers — no lock-in with option to BYO modem, or 12-month contract. Both the month-to-month and 12-month plans are the same monthly price, but locking in for 12 months will allow you to add on a standard NBN rental modem for $1 (plus postage) — the no lock-in plan requires you to pay full price for the modem. There are also gamer-specific plans at NBN 50 and NBN 100 speeds (both NBN 100/20 and 100/40 speeds), with perks and optimised services included with the aim to create a great experience for online gamers.
Home phone packs are available as add-ons, with a $0 connection offering access to Aussie landline numbers only. You’ll need to pay extra to access calls to Australian mobile and international numbers.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $839Â over 12 months |
Unlimited | $69 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,079Â over 12 months |
Unlimited | $89 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $89Â for first month |
Unlimited | $89 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,199Â over 12 months |
Unlimited | $99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Belong offers three high speed NBN options, all with unlimited monthly data. Prices start from just $55 per month and offer download speeds up to 30Mbps; Standard Plus (NBN 50) plans begin at $65 per month, while Premium (NBN 100) deals are available from $95 per month. Customers have the option of going month-to-month, or signing a 12-month contract for Standard Plus and Starter speeds. If you do decide to skip the contract, you’ll pay an extra $5 per month for both Starter and Standard Plus products.
Customers who sign up for 12 months will receive an included WiFi modem ($60 on month-to-month plans), and all offers come with $0 standard activation. New NBN customers are also entitled to a free Belong mobile SIM which comes pre-loaded with $80 of free mobile credit. You can activate your Belong mobile service on any unlocked phone via the Belong smartphone app.
Belong NBN key takeouts:
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
NBN Starter
min. cost $660 over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $55 | |
|
min. cost $780Â over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $65 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $155 over first month plan period |
Unlimited | $95 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Dodo has a reputation for providing fairly cheap and cheerful home broadband, and its NBN plans are no exception. Opting for a simplified approach to an often-confusing product, Dodo’s offers all include unlimited data. There are three speed tiers on offer – NBN 25, NBN 50, and NBN 100 – and customers can choose from going contract-free, or signing up for 12 (and enjoying waived modem and setup fees, besides a $24.90 modem P&H fee).
With month-to-month modem and fees totalling $144.90, Dodo customers can save by committing to a longer-term contract. However, if you are looking for a basic NBN 12 option, you may want to shop around.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $804.90 over 12 months |
Unlimited | $65 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $864.90Â over 12 months |
Unlimited | $70 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1040.90Â over 12 months |
Unlimited | $85 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
At Canstar Blue, we have an expert methodology to identify the best value NBN plans available right now, based on a combination of price and features.
Here are the top 8 best NBN plans on our database as of September 2020, based on unlimited data on the Standard Plus (NBN 50) speed tier. One plan per provider.
| Ranking | Provider | Plan Details |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Belong | Unlimited Standard Plus, $65/month |
| #2 | Tangerine | XL Speed Boost BYO Modem, $59.90/month |
| #3 | SpinTel | Unlimited Plus BYO, $64.95/month |
| #4 | MyRepublic | Unlimited NBN Essential – Flexi BYO, $69/month |
| #5 | Vodafone | Essential+ BYO, $65/month |
| #6 | Internode | NBN Gold Unlimited BYO, $59.99/month |
| #7 | Flip | Family BYO, $69.90/month |
| #8 | TPG | NBN 50 SL Bundle, $69.99/month |
See here for our NBN value rank methodology.Â
We regularly update our list of the best NBN plans to help you find a great deal. You can also use our NBN comparison tool to see deals compared from a wide range of providers. Here, you will see products ranked by value with a score between 0 and 10.
Generally, a good NBN plan relies on the right combination of three things:
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.
Each household has different needs when it comes to an internet connection. We have several guides on specific types of plans depending on costs, inclusions and users:
Finding the perfect-fit plan involves a compromise between price and connection speed. Comparing before you commit can help you work out the best internet deals and cheapest NBN prices, but getting real value will often come down to choosing the best speed tier for your needs.
Research from Canstar Blue has shown that not every NBN 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 plan that’s fast enough for how your use your broadband connection.
When comparing NBN plans, it’s important to look not just at the potential download speeds, but also each telco’s listed Typical Evening Speed for plan tiers. This is the average speed users on a plan 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:
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 if you’re comparing NBN 100 plans. 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 best 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 plans on these speed tiers. 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 areas of the country.
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 each month (depending on your telco), making the decision to upgrade may pay off down the line – resulting in an overall better performance.
The speed of your internet will be impacted by the type of NBN 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:
Most Aussie 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 NBN speeds – such as NBN 250 and NBN 1000 – are currently only available to customers with FTTP or selected HFC connections. Homes with fixed wireless will generally get slower speeds.
The best NBN plan for you will depend on factors such as how much data you need, what speed tier you’d prefer, and any additional features you’re interested in, not to mention your budget. Keep in mind that unlimited data is standard on most plans, and the speed tier you choose will have the biggest impact on the price you will pay.
Going with a plan without a contract may increase the monthly cost slightly compared with a one or two-year contract, not to mention any upfront fees or modem costs. Also, not all providers bundle in a TV or entertainment pack, so this is very much a point of personal preference. Entertainment bundles aren’t for everyone and are often more expensive or are an additional monthly cost — consider whether this extra entertainment option 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 from the NBN, you should then compare plans from a range of providers. Keep in mind that while there are the big internet companies which have a large portion of the NBN market share, there are around 200 providers in total. Looking at offers from a range of telcos, both the big and small names, will help you to find the best plan for your home.
Every year at Canstar Blue, we release our annual customer satisfaction review for NBN providers. Providers are ranked by speed and reliability, customer service, value for money, ease of setup, bill and cost clarity, along with overall customer satisfaction.
Here are the top 5 most popular NBN providers as rated by Australian consumers.
| Ranking | Provider | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Aussie Broadband | Plans from $59/month |
| #2 | Westnet | Plans from $59.99/month |
| #3 | Internode | Plans from $49.99/month |
| #4 | Belong | Plans from $55/month |
| #5 | TPG | Plans from $29.99/month |
Source: Canstar Blue NBN customer satisfaction survey, July 2020. Sample size: 4,489.
In this, report we have reviewed the NBN plans of 10 major service providers, but it’s important to know that there are numerous other telcos out there all desperate to get you connected. You can learn about more of them in our article named The best NBN providers you’ve never heard of, or browse through selected providers below.
This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent over seven years writing for and editing telco comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things phone & internet, including NBN plans and how to find the best deal for your family. She loves to highlight the next best NBN deals, while also flagging the things you need to be aware of. Tara also acts as a spokesperson for Canstar Blue.
