Canstar Blue’s annual review of NBN providers compares 14 brands on their speed and reliability, customer service, value for money, bill & cost clarity, ease of sign-up, and overall satisfaction. The ratings are formed from a survey of more than 2,500 Aussie consumers.
See our Ratings Methodology.
The smaller alternative making a big impression, Aussie Broadband has been rated the best NBN provider in our 2019 customer review. It achieved five stars for speed and reliability, customer service, ease of sign-up and overall satisfaction.
When the National Broadband Network (NBN) arrives in your area, your door will be opened to more than 200 different service providers. They include all the big names you’ve already heard of, as well as dozens of others you probably haven’t. Your challenge as an NBN customer is to find the provider and plan that best meets your new-found superfast internet needs. It’s no easy task.
Our mission as a review and comparison website is to help you along the way. We do this by surveying thousands of households across the country that are already connected to the NBN. The feedback we receive is reflected by the star ratings table you see above. If you’re wondering why we haven’t rated all 200 NBN providers, it’s because we have strict minimum sample requirements to be included. If a small NBN provider only has 10 customers, we don’t include them. We think we need to hear from at least 30 customers of each brand to get a good, balanced view of its service.
Our ratings do, however, include some of the biggest and best NBN providers out there, giving you lots to think about when the time comes to make the switch, or you’re just sick of your current provider and fancy a change. Providers have been compared on factors including their speed and reliability, customer service, ease of activation and value for money. The idea is to give you as much information as possible to help you pick the best provider for your needs. So, what did we find this year?
Canstar Blue’s 2019 review of NBN providers saw 14 brands compared and rated in the following order for overall customer satisfaction:
This is the first year that Aussie Broadband has received the sample size required to feature in our NBN ratings – and it’s straight in at No.1! It was rated best for overall satisfaction, as well as speed and reliability, customer service and ease of sign-up.
Aussie Broadband replaces Internode at the top of the board, with iiNet and TPG also previous winners in this category (all part of the TPG Telecom Group).
Ultimately, finding the best NBN provider for your needs means finding the right balance between price, speed performance and customer service. That’s what our annual review aims to deliver – based on the real-world experiences of consumers just like you. If you’re only interested in the cheapest NBN plans on offer, this will be a fairly short review. But if you’re more interested in finding the best value, then keep reading as we compare NBN providers big and small to help you find the right deal.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited data NBN plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest, all on the NBN 50 speed tier. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $143.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $64.99 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $65 | Go To Site |
 |
Essentials+ NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $249 for first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $1,289.82 over 18 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $79 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
 |
Unlimited Essential Flexi Plan
min. cost $79 for first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $159.94 for first month |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
 |
min. cost $178.99 for first month |
Unlimited | $79.99 | 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 | |||
New entrant Aussie Broadband offers NBN plans over several speed tiers, with prices beginning at just $55 per month for 100GB of data. Unlimited data starts at only $69 monthly for NBN 25 speed, with plenty of customisable options available.
Aussie Broadband knocked it out of the park in our 2019 ratings, scoring five stars not only in overall satisfaction, but in speed and reliability, customer service, and ease of setup. The NBN provider also achieved four stars on value for money and bill clarity.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $55 over first month |
100GB | $55 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $69 over first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $79 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $99 over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
A subsidiary of Telstra, Belong offers a dead-simple approach to NBN. All of its plans include unlimited data – simply choose your NBN speed, then decide your contract term.
Belong was scored an overall satisfaction rating of four stars, with a five-star result in the value for money category and four stars in all other areas.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NBN Starter
min. cost $660 over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $55 | |
|
min. cost $780 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 | |||
Part of the iiNet family since 2008, Westnet remains an independent brand but offers a similar range of NBN plans. Prices begin from $69.99 monthly for unlimited data at NBN 12 speeds, although the 500GB option is available for $59.99.
Westnet received an overall satisfaction result of four stars, but did achieve five stars for bill clarity.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
NBN 12 Unlimited Plan
min. cost $1,689.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | |
|
NBN 50 Unlimited Plan
min. cost $1,929.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $79.99 | |
|
NBN 100 Unlimited Plan
min. cost $2,409.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $99.99 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Beating out bigger brother iiNet, Internode is an all-round four-star provider offering a comprehensive range of NBN services. Plans start from $49.99 for 100GB of data, with unlimited plans available from $69.99 at NBN 12 speeds.
Internode scored four stars in every category in our 2019 review, including overall satisfaction, value for money and speed.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $1,679.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $168.99 for first month |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,919.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $178.99 for first month |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $2,399.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $198.99 for first month |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Despite being one Australia’s ‘big three’ telcos, Vodafone is a relative newcomer to the NBN game. The telco offers unlimited data across three NBN speed tiers, with prices beginning at $59 a month for NBN 25.
Vodafone achieved a four-star rating across all categories except bill clarity, for which it scored three stars.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Essential NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $239 for first month |
Unlimited | $59 | Go To Site |
|
Essentials+ NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $249 for first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Go To Site |
|
Premium NBN (Month to month contract)
min. cost $269 for first month |
Unlimited | $89 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
iiNet remains a hit with customers thanks to its range of customisable NBN plans. Its NBN 12 plans begin at $59.99 for 500GB of monthly data, or $69.99 for unlimited gigabytes.
Like its sister provider Internode, iiNet scored four stars for overall satisfaction, and four stars in every additional category.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $1,679.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,919.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $2,399.76 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $149.94 for first month |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $159.94 for first month |
Unlimited | $79.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $179.94 for first month |
Unlimited | $99.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Exetel offers ‘NBN, your way’, with plans starting at just $64.99 for unlimited data on the NBN 50 speed tier and $89.99 on the NBN 100 speed tier, both deals with a free modem included. With it’s entry price starting at $64.99, Exetel is one of the lowest-priced providers included in our 2019 ratings.
Exetel took home an overall satisfaction rating of four stars, along with four stars in all other categories.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $143.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $64.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $168.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $89.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
One of Australia’s best-known internet providers, TPG’s NBN plans begin at just $29.99 per month, but you receive a very modest 10GB in return. For unlimited data, you’ll pay a minimum of $59.99 for NBN 12 speeds, with a mid-way 500GB option available for $49.99.
TPG achieved a result of four stars in each of our NBN categories, including for overall satisfaction.
| 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 | |||
A stablemate of Dodo under the Vocus Communications umbrella, iPrimus offers customisable unlimited data NBN plans from $80 per month.
iPrimus received an overall score of four stars in our 2019 ratings, and achieved three stars in all other categories.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Unlimited Supercharged
min. cost $1,920 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $80 | |
|
Entertainment Supercharged
min. cost $2,230 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $90 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Dodo’s newly-streamlined NBN plans include two speed options, with prices starting at $60 a month for 101GB of data on the NBN 25 tier. Unlimited data begins at $70, and is available only at NBN 50 speeds.
Like iPrimus, Dodo received four stars overall, and also achieved four-star scores for customer service, value for money, bill clarity, and ease of setup.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
101GB Plan
min. cost $1,440 over 24 months |
101GB | $60 | |
|
Unlimited Plan – Supercharged
min. cost $1,680 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $70 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
MyRepublic has offered historically cheap top-tier NBN plans, although pricing and options have been tweaked since its 2016 launch. Unlimited data is included on all plans, with prices beginning at $75 for NBN 50 speeds.
MyRepublic scored ratings of four stars for value for money, bill clarity, ease of setup, and overall satisfaction in our 2019 review.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $900 for 12 months |
Unlimited | $75 | Go To Site |
|
Unlimited Essential Flexi Plan
min. cost $79 for first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $959 over 12 months |
Unlimited | $79 | Go To Site |
|
Unlimited Premium Promo BYO Plan
min. cost $1,079.40 for 12 months |
Unlimited | $89.95 | Go To Site |
|
Unlimited Premium Promo Flexi Plan
min. cost $94.95 for first month |
Unlimited | $94.95 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $1,150.40 over 12 months |
Unlimited | $94.95 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Telstra’s newly revamped NBN products are simpler than ever, although the telco giant remains a generally expensive provider. 200GB of data at NBN 25 speeds is available from $75 per month, with unlimited data on the NBN 50 tier priced from $90.
Telstra was rated three stars in each category for our 2019 report, including overall satisfaction, value for money, and speed.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $291 for first month |
200GB | $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 | |||
Optus has recently lowered its NBN pricing, with plans now beginning at $70 per month for unlimited data at NBN 50 speeds.
Like main competitor Telstra, Optus achieved an overall rating of three stars, plus three stars across all other categories.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
70 Bundle Plan
min. cost $1,779 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $70 | |
|
90 Bundle Plan
min. cost $2,259 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $90 | |
|
70 Bundle Plan + speed boost
min. cost $2,499 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $100 | |
|
90 Bundle Plan + speed boost
min. cost $2,979 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $120 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Another new addition to Canstar Blue’s NBN ratings, Foxtel now offers combined broadband and pay TV packages, all featuring unlimited monthly data. Broadband prices begin at $65 per month for Platinum HD Foxtel customers, and $75 monthly on all other packages (in addition to your monthly Foxtel fee).
Foxtel’s broadband services received an overall rating of three stars for satisfaction, and three stars in all other categories.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Unlimited Broadband + Entertainment
min. cost $1,487 over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $104 | |
|
Unlimited Broadband + Drama
min. cost $1,727 over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $124 | |
|
Unlimited Broadband + Sport
min. cost $1,955 over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $143 | |
|
Unlimited Broadband + Platinum HD
min. cost $2,207 over 12 month plan period |
Unlimited | $164 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
In addition to the big telcos featured above, there are several ‘second tier’ NBN providers around that should be equally capable of supplying your internet service. These include some familiar names from the world of mobile phone plans, plus NBN-only challenger brands.
These smaller telcos may even offer superior value than their bigger counterparts, but what you save in price you may lose when it comes to customer service and other features. Or you may not. The point is, it’s hard to know for sure.
Big providers will generally have the most comprehensive customer service and will likely pick up the phone a little bit quicker if you call. This will not always be the case, but it’s worth keeping in mind when it comes to deciding which provider to go with. And just because someone picks up the phone, doesn’t mean they’ll be able to help. Also consider that the big providers often offer more in the way of extra entertainment features, or other sign-up incentives.
While some of these NBN providers will offer cheap alternatives to their bigger counterparts, it would be hard to really judge their customer service credentials until you have actually signed up. It could mean taking something of a gamble with your NBN service. With that in mind, you may want to avoid lengthy contracts, rather keeping your options open just in case things don’t work out as planned.
The NBN is due for completion in 2021. And while there are more than 200 NBN providers in Australia, the majority of households are still connected with one of the big telcos featured above. Is that a good move? Maybe. We’ll come to that shortly.
If you’re really not sure about the NBN actually offering the best internet service for you, you may want to consider the alternatives and how 5G could be the solution. The launch of 5G phone plans in 2019 has also added an extra element to the NBN conversation. Maybe, one day, you won’t need a fixed-line internet connection at all.
As you will have gathered, picking the right NBN provider for your specific needs can be a real challenge, which will help explain why a majority of Aussie households stick with one of the big guys as a seemingly ‘safe bet’. While this is perfectly understandable, try to keep an open mind and judge every provider on its own merits. Try not to be sucked in by funny marketing campaigns or other gimmicks, rather focusing on the products and service being offered.
Also seek out customer reviews to give you an idea of what you can expect if you sign up. All in all, with so many NBN providers out there, it can be hard to disseminate which provider is right for you.
Our research shows that households connected to the NBN are paying an average of about $77 a month for their new service. This compares to an average of about $72 for those who still have an ADSL connection, suggesting an upgrade to the NBN is resulting in higher costs for many. Though this doesn’t have to be the case. While the opportunity to upgrade your internet service is tempting, make sure you consider exactly what you need in terms of speed levels and data allowance.
NBN speeds remain a major political issue, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigating service providers to ensure that advertised speeds are realistically being met by the end user. It is worth remembering that all download/upload speeds reported are the maximum speeds that can be achieved with a particular plan.
While it’s tempting to go for a cheap NBN plan, keep in mind that doing so will likely mean that you are sacrificing either speed or data allowance. You might find there is better value in paying a little extra but think carefully about what you’re getting if your new NBN plan is more expensive than your old service. The last thing you’ll want is to end up paying more for a service that is no better than your old one!
When it comes to picking an NBN provider or plan, the most important message is to keep your options open – you certainly have plenty of them!
Our NBN ratings are based on the feedback of more than 2,500 paying customers across Australia. Several brands performed well in different areas:
While only a handful of NBN providers dominate the market, the wholesale nature of the National Broadband Network means it is relatively easy for smaller telcos to start up and compete for customers. In fact, there are more than 200 NBN providers recognised by NBN Co. Here is a complete list of registered NBN providers available to residential customers in Australia:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
X
Other
Canstar Blue surveyed 9,000 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 currently have an NBN plan in their name and they pay the bills – in this case, 2,544 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 overall 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.
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– Read more
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Compare internet deals from providers such as Belong, SpinTel, Amaysim, MyRepublic, AusBBS, MATE, Barefoot and Telstra with Canstar Blue.
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