Best mobile broadband plans

The top mobile broadband plans for working from home

With so many Aussies now working from home, fixed broadband connections – such as NBN and ADSL – are starting to feel the strain. If you’re looking for a reliable, portable, and affordable internet option that offers on-the-go connectivity, mobile broadband may be a great alternative.

Mobile broadband uses the same cellular networks that deliver data to your smartphone, including 4G and 5G networks. As long as you have the right modem, SIM card, or USB dongle, you’ll be able to connect anywhere that your provider offers coverage – which is great for working away from the office. If you’re considering switching to mobile broadband, here are the plans you need to know about.

Telstra 5G Mobile Broadband

A telstra mobile broadband modem
IMG: Telstra

You may have heard that 5G technology is a potential ‘NBN killer‘. While we’re a long way from 5G being widely available across Australia, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are all rolling out their respective 5G networks in our major cities – and if you’re lucky enough to have coverage, you may be eligible for Telstra’s 5G mobile broadband.

Telstra offers 5G broadband service through its 5G Wi-Fi Pro device, which is available on 24-month mobile broadband plans. The Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro offers coverage both on the new 5G network and Telstra’s existing 4GX service, and 5G access is provided free to Medium or Large mobile broadband plan customers.

The below table features all published Telstra mobile broadband plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from lowest to highest and then by data allowance. These prices do not include the cost of the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro.

Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published Telstra mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Telstra Logo

Small

  • SIM only data plan – pay upfront via AutoPay
  • No excess data charges in Australia
  • 5G access (uncapped speeds)
  • Share your data with up to 20 plans across your account

min. cost $25 over one month

30GBMax Data**/billing period $25Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Telstra Logo

Medium

  • SIM only data plan – pay upfront via AutoPay
  • No excess data charges in Australia
  • 5G access (uncapped speeds)
  • Share your data with up to 20 plans across your account

min. cost $58 over one month

75GBMax Data**/billing period $58Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

4G Mobile Broadband Plans Compared

Not yet covered by Telstra’s 5G network? Well, 4G data is still widely available as an on-the-go alternative to fixed broadband. The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans from leading providers on Canstar Blue’s database. The table includes links to referral partners.

Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published Telstra mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Telstra Logo

Small

  • SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay
  • No excess data charges in Australia
  • 5G access included
  • Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account

min. cost $25 over one month

30GBMax Data**/billing period $25Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Telstra Logo

Medium

  • SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay
  • No excess data charges in Australia
  • 5G access included
  • Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account

min. cost $58 over one month

75GBMax Data**/billing period $58Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Telstra Logo

Large

  • SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay
  • No excess data charges in Australia
  • 5G access included
  • Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account

min. cost $90 over one month

400GBMax Data**/billing period $90Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Vodafone Logo

Small Data SIM Only Plan

  • SIM only plan
  • No excess data charges for use in Australia

min. cost $20 over first month

30GBMax Data**/billing period $20Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Vodafone Logo

Large Data SIM Only Plan

  • SIM only plan
  • No excess data charges for use in Australia

min. cost $40 over first month

70GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Amaysim Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of  published Amaysim mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Amaysim Logo

Sim Only 7GB

  • SIM Only

min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period

7GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Amaysim Logo

Sim Only 50GB

  • SIM Only

min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period

50GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Amaysim Logo

Sim Only 90GB

  • SIM Only

min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period

90GBMax Data**/billing period $60Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Southern Phone Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published Southern Phone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Southern Phones Logo

Extra Small

  • SIM Only

min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period

7GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Southern Phones Logo

Small

  • SIM Only

min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period

15GBMax Data**/billing period $25Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Southern Phones Logo

Medium

  • SIM Only

min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period

50GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Southern Phones Logo

Large

  • SIM Only

min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period

100GBMax Data**/billing period $65Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Tangerine Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published Tangerine mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Tangerine Logo

100GB Plan

  • Data-only SIM plan
  • Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage
  • Optional modems available
  • Download speeds capped at 100Mbps

min. cost $34.90 over first month

100GBMax Data**/billing period $34.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Tangerine Logo

200GB Plan

  • Data-only SIM plan
  • Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage
  • Optional modems available
  • Download speeds capped at 250Mbps

min. cost $49.90 over first month

200GBMax Data**/billing period $49.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Tangerine Logo

400GB Plan

  • Data-only SIM plan
  • Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage
  • Optional modems available
  • Download speeds capped at 250Mbps

min. cost $64.90 over first month

400GBMax Data**/billing period $64.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

The following table shows selected published Belong mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period

Small

  • SIM Only
  • 5G network access
  • Data speeds capped at 150Mbps
  • Data gifting available

min. cost $15 over one month billing period

20GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site

Medium

  • SIM Only
  • 5G network access
  • Data speeds capped at 150Mbps
  • Data gifting available

min. cost $35 over one month billing period

100GBMax Data**/billing period $35Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site

Large

  • SIM Only
  • 5G network access
  • Data speeds capped at 250Mbps
  • Data gifting available

min. cost $70 over one month billing period

400GBMax Data**/billing period $70Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Amaysim Mobile Broadband Plans

Amaysim’s SIM-only mobile data plans are compatible with devices such as tablets and dongles, and use Optus’ 4G Plus network. Data is available from 7GB up to 240GB, and plans auto-renew every 28 days.

Amaysim Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of  published Amaysim mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Amaysim Logo

Sim Only 7GB

  • SIM Only data plan
  • 4G only (up to 100Mbps speeds)

min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period

7GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Amaysim Logo

Sim Only 50GB

  • SIM Only
  • Includes 5G (up to 100Mbps speeds)

min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period

50GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Amaysim Logo

Sim Only 90GB

  • SIM Only
  • Includes 5G (up to 150Mbps speeds)

min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period

90GBMax Data**/billing period $60Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Southern Phone Mobile Broadband Plans

Southern Phone also offers SIM-only data plans, again using Optus’ 4G Plus nationwide network. Plans are available from 7GB for $15 monthly, up to 250GB for $110, all of which are offered on a 12-month contract.

Southern Phone Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published Southern Phone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Southern Phones Logo

X Small

  • SIM Only data plan

min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period

7GBMax Data**/billing period $15Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Southern Phones Logo

Small

  • SIM Only data plan

min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period

15GBMax Data**/billing period $25Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Southern Phones Logo

Medium

  • SIM Only data plan

min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period

50GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
Southern Phones Logo

Large

  • SIM Only data plan

min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period

100GBMax Data**/billing period $65Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans

Vodafone’s 4G mobile broadband plans are available both as SIM-only, or bundled with a new 4G modem. Modems are available over 12, 24, or 36-month device payment periods, and SIM-only data plans can be purchased month-to-month or on a 12-month contract.

Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Vodafone Logo

Small Data SIM Only Plan

  • SIM only plan
  • No excess data charges for use in Australia

min. cost $20 over first month

30GBMax Data**/billing period $20Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Vodafone Logo

Large Data SIM Only Plan

  • SIM only plan
  • No excess data charges for use in Australia

min. cost $40 over first month

70GBMax Data**/billing period $40Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

What about wireless broadband?

Like mobile broadband, home wireless broadband operates using your telco provider’s 4G or 5G networks. However, it’s designed to be used as a replacement for fixed line broadband, and usually isn’t as portable or flexible as mobile broadband.

Home wireless plans do offer larger data allowances, and are great for setting up a home network and connecting multiple WiFi devices. Be aware that some providers (for example, Exetel) may speed cap their home wireless options – usually to 12Mbps or 25Mbps downloads, the same speed available on the basic NBN speed tiers. However, other telcos, such as Southern Phone, and SpinTel, deliver typical speeds up to 50Mbps.

Several Australian providers now offer 5G home wireless broadband, which we’ll look at below. If your area isn’t yet covered by 5G, you can compare 4G home wireless broadband options in the following table, including links to referral partners.

The following table shows selected published 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
Telstra Logo

5G Home Internet

  • 5G speeds
  • Speeds capped at 25Mbps after 1TB allowance exceeded
  • Includes Telstra 5G Home Modem ($0 when you stay connected for 24 months)
  • Special offer: first month free for new customers. Terms apply.

min. cost $85 over one month

1TBMax Data**/billing period $85Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Optus Logo

Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G

  • No speed cap
  • 50Mbps satisfaction guarantee
  • Includes the Optus supplied Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway Modem ($576 modem cost)
  • Stay connected for 36 months and pay $0 for the modem
  • Includes standard Netflix subscription via SubHub
  • Special offer: $0 Start-up fee + 1 Month free
  • Intro offer: $89/mth for first 6 mths, then $99/mth T&Cs Apply

min. cost $675 over first month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $99Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

The following table shows selected published 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.

Brand Features Max Data**/billing period Advertised Cost^^/billing period
TPG Logo

5G Home Broadband Plus

  • Up to 50Mbps speeds
  • $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract
  • $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months
  • Black Friday Offer: $15/mth off for 6 months

min. cost $44.99 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $44.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site
iiNet Logo

5G Home Broadband Plus plan

  • Up to 50Mbps speeds
  • $0 set up fees and no lock-in contract
  • $0 5G modem
  • Black Friday Offer: $15/mth off for 6 months

min. cost $44.99 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $44.99Advertised Data^^/billing period Go To Site
Vodafone Logo

Ultimate 5G Home Broadband Plus

  • $60 per month for existing Vodafone customers
  • Up to 50Mbps speeds
  • $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract
  • $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months
  • Special offer: First month plan fees free. Terms apply.

min. cost $65 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $65Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
TPG Logo

5G Home Broadband Premium

  • Up to 100Mbps speeds
  • $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract
  • $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months
  • Black Friday Offer: $15/mth off for 6 months

min. cost $49.99 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $49.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period Go To Site
iiNet Logo

5G Home Broadband Premium plan

  • Up to 100Mbps speeds
  • $0 set up fees and no lock-in contract
  • $0 5G modem
  • Black Friday Offer: $15/mth off for 6 months

min. cost $54.99 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $54.99Advertised Data^^/billing period Go To Site
Vodafone Logo

Premium 5G Home Broadband

  • $65 per month for existing Vodafone customers
  • Up to 100Mbps speeds
  • $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract
  • $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months
  • Special offer: First month plan fees free. Terms apply.

min. cost $70 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $70Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Optus Logo

Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G

  • Speed capped at 100Mbps
  • 50Mbps satisfaction guarantee
  • Includes the Optus supplied Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway Modem ($576 modem cost)
  • Stay connected for 36 months and pay $0 for the modem
  • Special offer: $0 Start-up fee + 1 Month free

min. cost $655 over first month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $79Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Spintel Logo

SpinTel 5G Unlimited

  • Up to 250Mbps speeds
  • Nokia 5G modem available

min. cost $89 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $89Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

Image: Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock

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