Everyone wants to save a buck or two, and when it comes to mobile phone plans, it’s all about getting the best value for money possible. Luckily there has never been a better time to choose a new phone plan, with telcos large and small competing for your business with some great offers and often incredible promotional deals. Here at Canstar Blue, we explore some of the biggest and best mobile phone deals currently available in Australia — who’s offering what, when it expires and what you need to keep in mind so you can grab the best mobile plan for your needs.
Best Mobile Phone Plans – at a glance
Looking for a quick comparison of some of the best phone plans and prices? Below is a selection of SIM-only phone plans to compare before we jump into what deals are on offer from a range of telcos.
Postpaid Plans Under $35
Here is a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database for $35 or less, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Prepaid Plans Under $35
Here is a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database for $35 or less, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Compare Mobile Phone Deals
iPhone 12 5G Phone Plan Deals
Apple’s latest iPhone upgrade landed in October 2020. If you’re interested, here are a selection of published iPhone 12 deals on offer from Telstra, Vodafone and Optus.
iPhone 12 Plans
The following table shows a selection of 24-month 64GB Apple iPhone 12 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a wide range of telco providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
iPhone 12 Pro Plans
The following table shows a selection of 24-month 128GB Apple iPhone 12 Pro plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a wide range of telco providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Here’s the cheapest way to get the 64GB iPhone 12 from each major telco:
- Optus Choice Small $39 Plan (10GB data): $76.46 per month ($39 plan + $37.46 phone payment). Total cost $1,348.56 over 36 months just for your phone; with the $39 plan added on, $2,752.56 over 36 months.
- Vodafone $40 Lite Plan (10GB data): $77.47 per month ($40 plan + $37.47 phone payment). Total cost $1,349 over 36 months just for your phone; with the $40 plan added on, $2,789 over 36 months.
- Telstra Small Plan (40GB data): $111.20 per month ($55 plan + $56.20 phone payment). Total cost $1,348.80 over 24 months just for your phone; with the $55 plan added on, $2,668.8 over 24 months.
If you’re looking for more information on the iPhone 12 and the other 5G iPhones, as well as details on plans and prices from the telcos, you can check out our guides on Telstra iPhone 12 series plans, Optus iPhone 12 series plans and Vodafone iPhone 12 series plans.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Phone Plan Deals
Eyeing up the Samsung Galaxy S21 series? Now could be the best time to score a deal on this popular device from either Telstra, Vodafone, Woolworths Mobile or Optus.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plans
The following table shows selected published 24-month plans for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ Plans
The following table shows selected published 24-month plans for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Plans
The following table shows selected published 24-month plans for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Here’s the cheapest way to get the 128GB Samsung Galaxy S21 from each major telco:
- Woolworths Mobile $25 Plan (18GB data): $61 per month ($25 plan + $36 phone payment). Total cost $1,296 over 36 months just for your phone, with the $25 plan added on, $2,196 over 36 months.
- Optus Choice Small $39 Plan (10GB data): $73.68 per month ($39 plan + $34.68 phone payment). Total cost $1,248.48 over 36 months just for your phone; with the $39 plan added on, $2,652.48 over 36 months.
- Vodafone $40 Lite Plan (10GB data): $74.69 per month ($40 plan + $34.69 phone payment). Total cost $1,248.84 over 36 months just for your phone; with the $40 plan added on, $2,688.84 over 36 months.
- Telstra Small Plan (40GB data): $107 per month ($55 plan + $52 phone payment). Total cost $1,248 over 24 months just for your phone; with the $55 plan added on, $2,568 over 24 months.
You can find more Samsung Galaxy S21 series plans from Telstra, Vodafone, Woolworths Mobile and Optus.
What is the best phone plan?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. What might look like a good mobile plan to one person, might not be the best mobile phone plan for another person. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to consider what you need from your phone plan. In order to determine what mobile phone plan will be best for you, you’ll need to do some research to give you an idea on what is available from Aussie telcos. There are also several things you will need to consider, such as cost and inclusions, when looking for the best phone plan for your needs:
- Plan type: Prepaid or postpaid, phone-on-a-plan or SIM-only, along with the contract length or billing period of the plan.
- Cost: Plans can vary from under $10 to over $100 and these costs are often determined by the plan type and inclusions.
- Inclusions: How much call, text and data is included on the plan, do you need international calls or roaming, along with other extras.
- Network: Which network is the carrier with and will you get coverage where you live and work?
Best Phone Plans – April 2021
If you’re shopping around for a mobile phone deal, now is a good time to do it. You’ll soon realise that most of the time these deals come on a month-to-month basis, with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that operates off one of the three networks in Australia. They get a wholesale network and, consequently, have a bit of room to move on price; examples of MVNOs are Amaysim, Boost Mobile, Southern Phone, Moose Mobile and supermarket mobile brands such as Woolworths Mobile and ALDI. However, you’ll still find deals and offers available from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
Further below the page you’ll find more details on some of the best mobile plan deals available this month from some of Australia’s most-popular telcos. If you want a quick glance of a few of the offers currently available, these are the best mobile phone deals available in April 2021:
| Telco | Mobile Plan | Included Data | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | $65 SIM-Only Lite+ Plan | 100GB + 2Mbps unlimited capped-speed data | Save $120 over 12 months ($10 off plan fees for 12 months) + 100GB bonus fast-speed data (200GB in total) + 3 months free Amazon Prime |
| Boost | $40 Prepaid | 30GB | Get 20GB bonus data on first 3 recharges |
| Moose Mobile | $15.80 M2M plan | 6GB | Save $3 off plan fees for first 12 months (was $15.80 per month, now $12.80) |
Last updated April 2021.
Expect deals like a few dollars off the normal monthly rates, extra data, freebies, or even all of the above. However, also be aware that some deals come with a catch. Hit the links below to jump to your favourite carrier:
- Boost Mobile
- Southern Phone
- Moose Mobile
- Telstra
- Optus
- Amaysim
- Dodo Mobile
- Woolworths Mobile
- Vodafone
- Belong Mobile
- Vaya
- Numobile
- TeleChoice
- Catch Connect
- Circles.Life
- Kogan
- ALDI Mobile
- Lebara
- TPG
The tables below features a selection of published plans from each provider. Some sponsored products include a direct link to the provider’s website – for a greater selection of plans, search with our mobile comparison tool above.
Boost Mobile Phone Deals
Boost Mobile is a long-time Telstra MVNO and is, in fact, the only MVNO to get access to the full Telstra network – not just parts of it. Plus, all plans include some international call inclusions, with the included countries varying from plan to plan. Plans are available across seven-day, 28-day, six-month and 12-month expiry plans.
Currently you can pick up bonus data on Boost’s 28-day plans, including 20GB of bonus data on the $30, $40, $50 plan and $70 plans, but this will be for your first three recharges only. Terms apply. Offer expires July 5, 2021. You can also pick up the $30 SIM for $15, available online only, terms apply. Offer expires April 26, 2021.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $30 over 28 day expiry |
20GB | $30 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $40 over 28 day expiry |
30GB | $40 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $50 over 28 day expiry |
40GB | $50 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $70 over 28 day expiry |
65GB | $70 | Go To Site |
 View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Southern Phone Mobile Phone Deals
Southern Phone is a telco with a conscience, giving back some of its profits to regional councils to help with infrastructure and community projects. The below SIM-only plans operate on the Optus 4G network, and all operate on a month-to-month and contract-free basis. Plans begin at $12.99 for 2.5GB of data, going up to $45 per month for 60GB.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $12.99 over one month plan period |
2.5GB | $12.99 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $25 over one month plan period |
10GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $35 over one month plan period |
30GB | $35 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $45 over one month plan period |
60GB | $45 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Moose Mobile Phone Deals
Moose Mobile is already a competitive postpaid provider, offering good deals on month-to-month plans, but the telco also has a range of 12-month plans that include a bit more value. If you’re willing to sign up for a year, you can stand to receive a more competitive mobile plan with more data for your money.
Moose operates on the Optus network so you get good coverage and a great price. Below are a selection of 12-month SIM-only plans, in price order. This table includes links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $156 over 12 month plan period |
2GB | $13 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period |
6GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $264 over 12 month plan period |
20GB | $22 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $348 over 12 month plan period |
40GB | $29 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $408 over 12 month plan period |
50GB | $34 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $528 over 12 month plan period |
70GB | $44 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Telstra Mobile Phone Deals
Telstra offers a variety of deals and bonuses to entice you over across its prepaid and postpaid plans. You’ll get:
- Pay for your mobile plan upfront
- Unlimited international SMS and 30 minutes of standard calls to international numbers
- Data-free streaming of Apple Music
If you’re looking for a mobile plan with a phone — such as the new iPhone 12 series, or the Samsung Galaxy S21 series — the below month-to-month plans are available with devices bundled on, or as SIM-only. If you do decide to buy a new device from Telstra, you will pay it off over 12 or 24 months and your monthly plan payment depends on which phone plan you choose to bundle with your device.
Telstra is also throwing in a bonus 17GB of data on your first three recharges on $30, $40 and $50 Prepaid Complete SIMs and recharges: to qualify, you’ll need to activate or recharge your plan by July 5, 2021, and make your remaining recharges by August 31, 2021.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $55 over one month |
40GB | $55 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $65 over one month |
80GB | $65 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $85 over one month |
120GB | $85 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $115 over one month |
180GB | $115 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus Mobile Phone Deals
Optus is known for offering plenty of incentives for customers across its range of mobile plans, including bonus data and free Optus Sport with live Premier League content. The telco has also recently introduced ‘endless data’ to all postpaid Choice mobile plans, meaning in addition to a full-speed gigabyte allowance, your plan also includes unlimited data capped at speeds of 1.5Mbps.
Depending on your plan, you can also access unlimited international talk and text to selected countries, and up to 4GB each month of global roaming data. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for these and other offers, like special promo prices for set devices, plan discounts and even free gifts with certain mobile plans.
| Brand | Features | Data Allowance**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $39.00 over 1 month period |
10GB | $39 | Go To Site |
|
Medium Choice – Month to Month
min. cost $49.00 over 1 month period |
60GB | $49 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $59.00 over 1 month period |
100GB | $59 | Go To Site |
|
Extra Large Choice – Month to Month
min. cost $79.00 over 1 month period |
120GB | $79 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Amaysim Phone Deals
Amaysim is already well-known as a cut-price Optus network reseller, offering five prepaid mobile phone plans over 28-day expiry periods and a couple long-expiry plans. This telco is known for offering some good value for money, as well as frequent data bonuses and introductory offers.
Throughout April, you can save on your first renewal on selection plans. The 2GB plan is available for $10 for your first renewal, while Amaysim’s $30 plan is cut to $15. The $30 plan also includes a bonus 20GB of data for your first three renewals. These offers expire April 30, 2021.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $12 over 28 day expiry |
2GB | $12 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $20 over 28 day expiry |
6GB | $20 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $30 over 28 day expiry |
30GB | $30 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $40 over 28 day expiry |
50GB | $40 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $50 over 28 day expiry |
80GB | $50 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Dodo Mobile Phone Deals
Dodo is primarily known for its internet plans, however it also has a small range of postpaid phone plans on month-to-month plans with optional international call, MMS and data add ons. You can pick up a mobile plan for $5 with call and SMS inclusions, with the option of adding on a 3GB data pack for an additional monthly $10. Dodo also operates on Optus’ 4G network nationwide, so you can expect great coverage and fast data speeds.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $5 over one month plan period |
N/A | $5 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $15 over one month plan period |
3GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $20 over one month plan period |
12GB | $20 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $30 over one month plan period |
36GB | $30 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Woolworths Mobile Phone Deals
Woolworths Mobile is the only supermarket phone plan provider to offer mobile plans bundled with a new phone; available devices include the Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra.
Phones can be bundled with any of Woolworths Mobile’s three SIM-only postpaid plans, and are offered on a 24-month or 36-month contract. Woolworths Mobile also offers a selection of prepaid plans, including long expiry options.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $25 over first month |
18GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $35 over first month |
35GB | $35 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $45 over first month |
55GB | $45 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone Mobile Phone Deals
Vodafone, perhaps unsurprisingly, has some enticing mobile phone deals running most of the time. Most commonly found across its mobile plans is bonus data, depending on your choice of plan. Vodafone has even been known to offer free subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon Prime from time to time, so keep an eye out to see what’s on offer.
Vodafone often boosts data allowances and includes discounts on plan fees across SIM-only prepaid and postpaid along with plans bundled with phones. Students can score bonuses like extra data or discounts on plans, so keep an eye out for what is currently on offer.
The more you spend, the more bonuses you stand to receive. Out of the ‘Big 3’, Vodafone seems to be the most generous with its bonus data, but you’ll have to weigh up if that is worth switching. If you’re looking for a new phone, you’ll have the choice of plans similar to the below SIM-only plans, however data inclusions may vary on the phone plans.
Vodafone is currently offering new postpaid customers up to $240 off plan fees over their first 12 months. Sign up to the $40 SIM Only Lite plan or $45 SIM Only Lite+ plan and save $5 per month for your first 12 months, or the $55 Sim Only Super and $65 SIM Only Super+ plans to save $10 per month for 12 months. This offer expires April 29, 2021. On the $120 SIM Only Ultra plan, you can save $60 per month for 12 months, in the form of credit. This offer is available until April 29 2021.
You can also pick up 40GB of bonus data on the $40 plan, 30GB of bonus data on the $45 plan, 40GB on the $55 plan, 100GB on the $65 plan, and a huge 350GB on the $120 plan. Terms apply, offer expires April 29, 2021.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$40 SIM Only Lite Plan
min. cost $40 over first month |
10GB | $40 | |
|
$45 SIM Only Lite+ Plan
min. cost $45 over first month |
30GB | $45 | |
|
$55 SIM Only Super Plan
min. cost $55 over first month |
60GB | $55 | |
|
$65 SIM Only Super+ Plan
min. cost $65 over first month |
100GB | $65 | |
|
$120 SIM Only Ultra Plan
min. cost $80 over first month |
150GB | $120 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Belong Mobile Phone Deals
As a longstanding internet provider and top rated for ‘best value’ NBN plan, Belong has expanded to offer mobile phone plans on the Telstra network. As a direct subsidiary of Telstra, Belong exists as a low-cost alternative to the big blue telco, and offers some interesting postpaid mobile phone plans. For $25, for example, you can receive unlimited calls and SMS, plus 20GB data. Belong also allows customers to ‘bank’ any unused gigabytes each month for later use, provided you pay for your service on time each month.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $25 over one month plan period |
20GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
40GB (limited time promo plan)
min. cost $35 over one month plan period |
40GB | $35 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $45 over one month plan period |
80GB | $45 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vaya Mobile Phone Deals
Since being under the wing of Amaysim, Vaya has continued to build upon its competitive postpaid SIM-only plans. Like its bigger brother, Vaya uses the Optus network and offers five month-to-month plans with some fairly generous data inclusions for your money.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Unlimited M
min. cost $24 over one month plan period |
18GB | $24 | |
|
Unlimited L
min. cost $36 over one month plan period |
38GB | $36 | |
|
Unlimited XL
min. cost $44 over one month plan period |
50GB | $44 | |
|
Unlimited XXL
min. cost $56 over one month plan period |
64GB | $56 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Numobile Mobile Phone Deals
Numobile offers a simplified range of postpaid phone plans on a month-to-month basis. Running on the 3G and 4G Telstra mobile network for coverage, plans start at $15 for 3GB of data and go up to $45 with a generous 50GB of data included.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Small
min. cost $15 over one month plan period |
3GB | $15 | |
|
Medium
min. cost $30 over one month plan period |
30GB | $30 | |
|
Large
min. cost $45 over one month plan period |
50GB | $45 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
TeleChoice Mobile Phone Deals
TeleChoice is another provider offering discounts if you sign up on a contract over 12-month or 24-months rather than the month-to-month plans. If you sign up for a year or two, you’ll get a more competitive phone plan at your disposal — with savings between $2 and $4 per month available.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $204 over 12 month plan period |
5GB | $17 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $336 over 12 month plan period |
26GB | $28 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $396 over 12 month plan period |
35GB | $33 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $540 over 12 month plan period |
55GB | $45 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Catch Connect Mobile Phone Deals
Catch Connect offers prepaid plans on the Optus 4G Plus network. The telco has plenty of options available, so whether you prefer a 30-day, 90-day or 365-day plan, you’ll be able to find a prepaid plan to suit your needs. All plans include unlimited standard national calls and SMS, with data inclusions varying from plan to plan. This small telco is also known to offer big discounts and offers from time to time, so keep an eye out to see what’s available.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$9 30 Day Plan
min. cost $9 over 30 day expiry |
4GB | $9 | |
|
$15 30 Day Plan
min. cost $15 over 30 day expiry |
18GB | $15 | |
|
$29 30 Day Plan
min. cost $29 over 30 day expiry |
20GB | $29 | |
|
$60 90 Day Plan
min. cost $60 over 90 day expiry |
60GB | $60 | |
|
$120 365 Day Plan
min. cost $120 over 365 day expiry |
60GB | $120 | |
|
$150 365 Day Plan
min. cost $150 over 365 day expiry |
120GB | $150 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Circles.Life Mobile Phone Deals
New telco on the block Circles.Life offers a different approach to SIM-only plans – selling a single unlimited talk and text deal for $28 per month. This customisable mobile plan includes 20GB of data, with the option to add an additional 20GB for a further $10 per month. Customers can also add one-off data boosts ($6 for an extra 3GB) whenever necessary, with data bonuses also available for referring friends.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$28 SIM-Only plan
min. cost $28 over one month expiry |
20GB | $28 | |
|
$28 SIM-Only plan + $10 data add-on
min. cost $38 over one month expiry |
40GB | $38 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Kogan Mobile Phone Deals
Kogan Mobile is known as a cut-price prepaid provider, operating on the Vodafone 4G network. Although all of its prepaid plans are offered on a 30-day contract-free basis, Kogan is especially competitive with discounts if you commit to 90 days or more upfront.
For example, although its Large 20GB plan is $36.90 every 30 days, you’ll pay $99.90 for 90 days upfront – which works out to be just $33.30 monthly. The savings get larger if you commit to a longer period.
Right now, Kogan is offering 3GB bonus data for 30 days on all new and existing prepaid plans. Terms apply, offer available until withdrawn.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Medium
min. cost $29.90 over 30 day expiry |
13GB | $29.90 | |
|
Large
min. cost $36.90 over 30 day expiry |
20GB | $36.90 | |
|
Extra Large
min. cost $49.90 over 30 day expiry |
40GB | $49.90 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
ALDI Mobile Phone Deals
While you line up for your milk, bread and Special Buys, you might also want to pop an ALDI Mobile SIM card in your trolley as well. ALDI’s plans mean you can enjoy a massive 55GB data for $45; enough for social media scrolling lots of video streaming. ALDI Mobile is a prepaid provider running off the Telstra network, so you know you’re getting great coverage. You’ll also be able to rollover any of your unused data.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$15 Plan
min. cost $15 over 30 day expiry |
3GB | $15 | |
|
$25 Plan
min. cost $25 over 30 day expiry |
20GB | $25 | |
|
$35 Plan
min. cost $35 over 30 day expiry |
40GB | $35 | |
|
$45 Plan
min. cost $45 over 30 day expiry |
55GB | $45 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Lebara Mobile Phone Deals
Lebara has been on the Aussie market since 2001 and has a reputation for keeping customers connected to friends and family overseas with its range of SIM-only prepaid plans. Lebara also offers some generous bonus data inclusions from time to time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out to see what is on offer from the telco.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Small
min. cost $24.90 over 30 day expiry |
12GB | $24.90 | |
|
Medium
min. cost $29.90 over 30 day billing period |
35GB | $29.90 | |
|
Large
min. cost $39.90 over 30 day billing period |
45GB | $39.90 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
TPG Mobile Phone Deals
On its four prepaid plans, TPG is offering discounted rates for your first three months. TPG currently uses Vodafone’s coverage, and while the telco had started building its own network, it has had to cancel this plan more recently, so customers can probably expect to stay put with the Vodafone network, especially as these two telcos merged back in 2020, as Vodafone continues to build its 5G network.
Currently new customers can enjoy discounts on the first six months of plan fees — $19.99 plan is now $10, $24.99 plan is now $12.50, $29.99 plan is now $15 and the $39.99 plan is now $20. This offer may be withdrawn at any time, terms apply.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Super Value Medium Plan
min. cost $24.99 over one month expiry |
16GB | $24.99 | |
|
Super Value Large Plan
min. cost $29.99 over one month expiry |
40GB | $29.99 | |
|
Super Value Extra Large Plan
min. cost $39.99 over one month expiry |
55GB | $39.99 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
How to choose the best deal on mobile phone plans
Choosing a great mobile phone deal is more than just choosing the cheapest price and how much data, calls and texts you want. As previously mentioned, when you choose your mobile plan, there are several things to consider — plan type, cost, inclusions and network. Let’s go into a bit more detail to help you choose the best mobile phone deal for your needs.
Plan type
The first thing to consider is what type of mobile plan you’re interested in. Do you only need a SIM card or would you like a new smartphone on a plan? If you want a new handset, this will limit your selection of telcos as only a small group of telcos offer new phones on a plan. If you already have a phone or are planning on buying your device outright, you’ll need to decide whether a prepaid or postpaid SIM-only plan is right for you.
Generally you can get similar call, text and data inclusions on both prepaid and postpaid, but there are pros and cons to both. For a more in-depth guide on SIM-only plans, you can check out our SIM-only plans guide. If you’re interested in a new phone, whether its a cheap smartphone or a premium device, check out our smartphone comparison, iPhone, Samsung or OPPO guides for more information on devices and phone plans.
Cost
Everyone likes to save a bit of money, but the cheapest phone plan isn’t always the ‘best’ phone plan. While a phone plan for $10 or less might sound great, these plans generally have very limited inclusions, especially data, with around 1GB-2GB of data as standard. Cheap prepaid plans might also run on a short expiry period of seven or 10 days, requiring you to recharge three to four times per month. If you’re a big data user, the inclusions on these cheaper plans might not be enough data for you — you could find yourself paying excess data charges, which are generally around $10 for 1GB of extra data. Think about your monthly budget and what you can afford to spend on your mobile plan as a starting point.
Inclusions
The inclusions on a phone plan can often determine the cost of the plan. When looking at call, SMS, data and other inclusions, such as international calls and entertainment extras, you need to be realistic with what you will actually use. If you’re a very light phone user and sign up to a mobile plan with 10GB of data, you might find you use less than half of your data allowance, so you could be better off on a plan with 5GB or less. If you’re a heavier data user, these days many plans include very generous data inclusions with some mobile plans even offering over 100GB.
Some providers include unlimited data at capped speeds, so you won’t get charged for excess data usage. Phone plans might also include entertainment extras like data-free sports streaming and free subscriptions, or other extras like data pooling, international calls, global roaming inclusions or bonus data. If you’re on a tight budget but you’re looking at plans with 10GB or more, the good news is that these mobile plans can cost around $20-$30 and are generally quite affordable for most Aussies.
Network
Another important factor to consider is which mobile network you’ll be on. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all operate mobile networks in Australia, but many of the smaller telcos, known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), run on parts of these networks. If you’re in a regional or remote part of Australia, you might find you’ll only have coverage from one or two networks and in most cases, the MVNOs won’t always have access to the full network coverage that the network operator does. Once you’ve found a mobile plan you’re interested in, check that telco’s website to find out if you will have coverage in your area, including where you work and any place you travel to regularly.
Extras and deals
Once you’ve compared phone plans from several providers, if there are a couple virtually identical plans that have caught your eye, then you might be better off going with the one that offers the most incentives like bonus data, data banking or entertainment extras. However, there’s usually a catch to get these deals, like buying online only, buying before a certain date, redeeming your offer within a certain period, and so on.
While these deals may be great on paper, you might think twice if you have to do too much legwork. As for the big three providers, while they are generally the most expensive phone plans on the market, they do pack in value for money:
- Telstra has the data-free Apple music and Kayo Sports streaming options with access to some of the most popular competitions in the country, along with the Telstra Air WiFi network and free entertainment subscriptions.
- Vodafone seems to be the most generous with bonus data and its plans with unlimited capped data are at reasonable price points, plus you’ll have access to its $5 international roaming.
- Optus has a good balance between data inclusions and price, while offering data-free streaming of sports on most plans and unlimited data capped at 1.5Mbps.
Overall, the main message is that you probably shouldn’t choose a phone plan just based on what bonuses it offers. You might find these bonuses don’t last for very long or might require you to hop on a more expensive plan than you had intended. In any case, it pays to look at both the big three providers and a range of MVNOs to see what deals are out there and whether a certain provider really suits what you’re looking for.
How to compare deals on mobile phone plans
When you’ve considered the above points and have a clear idea of a budget, phone plan type, inclusions you want and network you’d prefer, you can use these preferences as a guide to comparing phone plans. Our comparison tool at the top of this page makes comparing phone plans quick and easy, plus, it’s free to use. Simply choose your phone plan type (prepaid, postpaid or phone on a plan), and then you can apply filters such as price, call, SMS and data inclusions or by device if you’re looking at phone on a plan.
When you compare mobile phone plans from a range of providers, you’ll have a clear idea of what plans are out there and what kind of value you can get for your money, to help you find the best mobile phone plan for your needs.
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