Cheap NBN Plans Background

Cheap NBN plans

Going for the cheapest NBN plan usually means sacrificing either speed or data. But if you do your homework, you’ll find cheap plans that strike a good balance between download speed and data allowance. 

Data Insights Analyst
Utilities Editor
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Kogan | Silver UNLIMITED BYO
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
Modem not included | min. $58.90 spend over 1 month
Not yet rated
Features Glossary
  • icon BYO Modem, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$58.90 Glossary
$58.90/mth for 3 months, then $68.90/mth
FLIP | Senior Family 50 BYO
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
Modem not included | min. $59 spend over 1 month
Not yet rated
Features Glossary
  • icon BYO Modem, no setup fees
  • icon This plan is exclusively for Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card Holders.
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$59 Glossary
$59/mth for 6 months, then $65.90/mth
FLIP | Family 50 BYO
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
Modem not included | min. $59 spend over 1 month
Not yet rated
Features Glossary
  • icon BYO Modem, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$59 Glossary
$59/mth for 6 months, then $69.90/mth
FLIP | Senior Family 50
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
+$219 modem (optional) | min. $278 spend over 1 month
Not yet rated
Features Glossary
  • icon Modem Included, no setup fees
  • icon This plan is exclusively for Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card Holders.
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$59 Glossary
$59/mth for 6 months, then $65.90/mth
FLIP | Family 50
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
+$219 modem (optional) | min. $278 spend over 1 month
Not yet rated
Features Glossary
  • icon Modem Included, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$59 Glossary
$59/mth for 6 months, then $69.90/mth
Tangerine Telecom | Value Plus BYO Modem
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
Modem not included | min. $59.90 spend over 1 month #T&Cs apply
DISCOUNT
Save $120 over 6 months. $59.9/mth for 6 months, normally $79.9/mth. New customers only.  
#
Tooltip icon
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
Features Glossary
  • icon BYO Modem, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$59.90 Glossary
$59.90/mth for 6 months, then $79.90/mth
Tangerine Telecom | Value Plus
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
+$139.90 modem (optional) | min. $199.80 spend over 1 month #T&Cs apply
DISCOUNT
Save $120 over 6 months. $59.9/mth for 6 months, normally $79.9/mth. New customers only.  
#
Tooltip icon
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
Features Glossary
  • icon Modem Included, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$59.90 Glossary
$59.90/mth for 6 months, then $79.90/mth
Swoop | nbn Home Everyday BYO
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
min. $64 spend over 1 month #T&Cs apply
DISCOUNT
Save $90 over 6 months. $64/mth for 6 months, then $79/mth ongoing. When you use promo code, SUMMER 
#
Tooltip icon
Not yet rated
Features Glossary
  • icon BYO Modem, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/20 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$64 Glossary
$64/mth for 6 months, then $79/mth
Swoop | nbn Home Everyday
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
+$130 modem (optional) | min. $194 spend over 1 month #T&Cs apply
DISCOUNT
Save $90 over 6 months. $64/mth for 6 months, then $79/mth ongoing. When you use promo code, SUMMER 
#
Tooltip icon
Not yet rated
Features Glossary
  • icon Modem Included, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/20 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$64 Glossary
$64/mth for 6 months, then $79/mth
dodo | nbn 50 BYO
NBN Fixed Line | No lock-in contract
Modem not included | min. $65 spend over 1 month #T&Cs apply
DISCOUNT
Get $15/mth off for 6 months. $80/mth thereafter. Offer ends 26/03/2024 
#
Tooltip icon
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
Features Glossary
  • icon BYO Modem, no setup fees
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
Unlimited Glossary
Data included
50/17 Glossary
Max download speed 50Mbps
$65 Glossary
$65/mth for 6 months, then $80/mth

Showing 10 of 259 results

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The initial results in the table above are sorted by Cost per month (Low-High) , then Value Rank (High-Low) , then Provider Name (Alphabetical) . Additional filters may have been applied, see top of table for details.

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What to expect from a cheap NBN plan


Signing up to a cheap NBN plan can no doubt save you money on what has become one of our most essential household bills. However, cheap NBN plans aren’t always what meets the eye. You might think you’ve picked up a bargain plan, but that plan could cause you grief down the track if it doesn’t suit your home internet needs.

The cheapest NBN plans will be on the slowest NBN speed tiers — NBN 12 and NBN 25 speeds. Plans on these speeds are typically designed to suit smaller households with lighter internet needs.

NBN 12 for instance, is ideal for a one or two person household only using the internet for low-intensity activities, such as web browsing and checking emails — it’s not built for larger households with high video streaming needs. NBN 25 is likewise best suited to smaller households and lighter internet needs, but may be able to handle one standard definition video stream.

That’s why it’s essential to know which NBN speed tier will be best suited to your household needs before shopping around for an NBN plan. After all, a cheap NBN plan isn’t going to be much use if you or your family can’t use the internet how you would like to. Even if you need a higher speed tier (and therefore a more expensive plan), you can still pick up NBN plans across all speeds that’s good value. All you need to do is compare plans and shop around.

What to expect from cheap NBN 12 plans

The cheapest NBN plans on the market will be on NBN 12 speeds. These plans are aimed at households with low internet needs such as web browsing and emails. This is usually a good option for seniors who just need home internet for the basics.

You can pick up NBN 12 plans with data limits or unlimited data. Choosing a plan with a data limit can save you some serious cash, with plans available for around $30 per month. Plans with unlimited data are typically available between $40-$60 per month and up. Many providers will also offer month-to-month plans, along with the option to add on a modem or BYO modem.

What to expect from cheap NBN 25 plans

If you need a bit more speed, NBN 25 plans can handle a bit more than the basics, even standard-definition video streaming. However it’s still best suited to smaller households and reasonably light internet usage.

Cheap plans on this speed tier can be found around the $55 mark and go up to around $60 to $65 per month, with most plans including unlimited data by default. Plans are also commonly available as month-to-month plans and with the option to BYO modem or to add a modem to your plan.

What to expect from cheap NBN 50 plans

The most popular speed tier, NBN 50, is well suited to a range of households. From households of around three or four people, or heavier internet users that need something to keep up with their high-definition video streaming or online gaming needs. This speed tier is also the fastest available to homes with certain NBN connection types.

The cheapest NBN 50 plans are around the $65 price point, and plans commonly available for around $70 to $80, however some providers might go over $80 per month. You’ll have a much wider range of providers to choose from compared to the slower speeds, with month-to-month plans common and optional BYO modem or add-on modems also on offer.

What to expect from cheap NBN 100 plans

One of the fastest speed tiers available, NBN 100 will of course set you back a fair bit for your plan. Best suited to larger families and users with big internet needs, NBN 100 was the fastest speed on offer before the introduction of NBN 250 and NBN 1000. Plans with this speed might also be limited to homes with certain NBN connection types.

As you might expect, these plans aren’t exactly cheap. But if you need NBN 100 speeds, the cheapest plans can be found for around $80 per month, with the most common price range around $90 to $100 per month (with some plans costing more than $100). Month-to-month plans are widely available, as is the option to either buy/add on a modem or BYO modem.

 

Pros and cons of cheap NBN plans


Signing up to a cheap NBN plan might not be a straightforward decision, no matter how much we all like to grab a bargain. Sometimes cheap NBN plans can come with a catch, and these plans might not suit everyone. Here are some pros and cons of cheap NBN plans.

Pros:

  • NBN plans are available for as little as $30 per month
  • NBN 12 is usually the cheapest, suitable for light internet users only
  • Cheaper plans on faster speeds such as NBN 25 and NBN 50 available around $50-$65 per month
  • Month-to-month plans widely available

Cons:

  • Cheap plans might have data allowances such as 10GB or 100GB
  • Larger families with high internet needs can end up paying around $30 more per month for their internet (with faster, more suitable speeds) compared to the slower speeds
  • Cheaper plans on NBN 12 or NBN 25 speeds have less choice for providers
  • Discounts (usually for the first six months) on plans might make the plan look cheaper than it is — look out for the ongoing standard pricing after discounts end to get a clearer idea of which plans are cheapest

 

How to choose the best cheap NBN plan


The most important thing to consider when choosing a cheap NBN plan is whether the plan will meet your home internet needs. Choosing a plan based on the speed tier that’s best suited to your household’s size and internet usage needs, is the first step you’ll need to take.

Once you’ve selected the best speed tier for your needs, then you can compare a range of plans and providers offering those speeds. Using our comparison tool at the top of the page, you can compare the cheapest plans offering the speeds you need.

Look to compare plans across a number of factors

You might also wish to compare plans based on providers (such as, your current provider or other providers you’re interested in) or other factors such as modem inclusions or any bundled extras. If you’re torn between a few providers offering similar priced plans, these additional comparisons could help you decide which plan is the best option for you.

To help you with your NBN plan comparisons, you might also want to see how Aussies rated their current NBN provider for Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customer ratings for NBN Provider. This could help give you a general idea as to what you might expect when you sign up with a particular provider (although individual experiences will differ).

 

How to switch to a cheaper NBN plan


So, you’re looking to save some money by switching to a cheaper NBN plan with a different provider, and you’ve compared a range of cheap NBN plans to find the best option for you. Now all you need to do is switch to your new plan — and the good news is, it’s a simple process.

Once you’ve chosen your new NBN plan/provider, before signing up, you should check your address on the provider’s website to ensure that the NBN plan/speed you’re signing up to is available at your address.

Switching to a new plan is simple

If your new plan is available to you, simply sign up to your new plan, which you can usually do online through your new provider’s website. Once you’ve signed up to your new plan, you’ll need to get in touch with your current NBN provider and cancel your current plan.

One thing you’ll need to be aware of when cancelling your current NBN plan, is that you might be up for some cancellation fees. This could be in the form of early exit fees, or you might need to pay off the remainder of your modem cost (if you didn’t BYO modem). You might also need to pay one final NBN bill, even after your new service has started. Some providers might also ask you to return the modem provided to you, otherwise you could be charged a non-return fee.

 

Do cheap NBN plans have a catch?


When you’re looking into cheap NBN plans, there is a catch. Pricing for NBN plans is generally based on the speed tier — the faster the speed, the more expensive the plan. That’s why a $40 NBN plan, as cheap as that is, isn’t going to suit every household’s internet needs.

Some plans might also have limited data inclusions (rather than unlimited data), although this is becoming less common. If you have high internet usage needs, a plan with 100GB of data might not quite cut it for your household. After all, a cheap NBN plan isn’t going to give you good value if it doesn’t meet your home internet needs.

Look for standard pricing rather than discounted prices

Another catch to look out for is discounted prices. Many NBN providers will offer a discount on your plan fees — usually for the first six months — and these discounts can be as much as $15 off per month. However, once those six months are over, you could be paying more for your plan than you realised. Make sure you compare the standard non-discounted pricing before signing up, and ensure that there are no early exit fees (or that plans are month-to-month) if you plan to leave after the discount period.

However, you can still shop around for a cheap NBN plan by comparing plans with your preferred speed tier — even the faster speeds — and seeing which telcos offer the best prices for your budget.

 

About our internet experts


TaraTara Donnelly: Utilities Editor

As Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, Tara Donnelly covers the electricity, 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.

Meet the Editorial Team

 

 

Josh Filosi: Data Insights Analyst

Josh Filosi is Canstar’s Data Insights Analyst, and helps develop and deliver the methodology for Canstar Blue’s Value Rankings and Awards for the telco industry. He holds a double-major in Economics and Behavioral Science, and enjoys interpreting complex data. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.

Meet the Research Team

 

FAQs about cheap NBN plans

As there are close to 200 NBN providers in Australia — and with providers changing their prices and plans every now and then — keeping on top of the cheapest NBN plans in Australia is a near impossible task.

At Canstar Blue, we compare plans from over 30 of the most popular and well-known NBN providers to help you narrow down your NBN plan comparison.

Currently, the cheapest NBN plan on our database is the TPG NBN 12 S plan with 10GB of data for $29.99 per month. The cheapest unlimited data NBN plan on our database is the Flip Value 12 (NBN 12) plan for $44.90 per month.

If you’re looking at the super-fast NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans, you’ll need to be prepared to spend quite a bit for your fast internet.

Currently, most of the NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans will cost you over $100 each month. The cheapest NBN 250 plans are available around the $110 to $120 price point, while the cheapest NBN 1000 plans will cost around $135 to $145 per month.

Important information

For those that love the detail

This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.

Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it’s an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.

 NBN Value Rank & Sort Order 

The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our NBN Value Rank Methodology

Please note that the Customer Satisfaction rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customer overall satisfaction with the brand, and should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about NBN Customer Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Customer Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Customer Satisfaction Ratings Methodology.

The ratings shown are only one factor to take into account when considering products. The results do not include all NBN retailers or products in the market, and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply internet services. If you decide to apply for a particular NBN plan, you will deal directly with the NBN retailer, and not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant NBN retailer. The NBN plans listed are suitable for Fixed Line connections for residential purposes.

NBN Speed Tiers 

The speed associated with a speed tier is the theoretical maximum speed of the access line connecting your premises to the NBN. The actual speeds you experience, particularly during busy periods, may be limited by demand in other parts of the network and will typically be much slower. Check with a retailer before purchasing a product to see what speed you will likely receive at your address.

Typical Evening Speed 

The typical evening speed of personal household plans can also be known as typical busy period speed. Typical busy period speeds are the download/upload speeds the plan typically delivers between 7pm and 11pm each day (the busy period). The method for measuring and verifying the typical busy period speed may differ between retailers, however all retailers must conform to an ACCC legislated base case. The typical evening speed for each product is displayed in accordance with the product information developed by the retailer. The accuracy of the speed information should be confirmed with the relevant NBN retailer.

When 'TBC' is displayed this means that the provider is currently unable to provide typical evening speed estimates because sufficient data is not yet available.
The ACCC monitors the performance of internet providers. You can read more here. The speeds you experience may be lower than the advertised typical evening speed depending on factors such as your in-home set up and wiring.

Unlimited Data

Where 'unlimited' is used in relation to Data available on a plan it is likely to be subject to a fair use policy. Please confirm any terms of a fair use policy with your selected provider before making a purchase decision.

What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner's brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.