Canstar Blue’s annual review of postpaid SIM-only providers compares Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Southern Phone, Belong, Vaya, iiNet and Dodo based on value for money, customer service, network coverage, ease of sign up & activation, billing, plan flexibility and overall satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Belong is the winner of Canstar Blue’s 2020 customer satisfaction award for SIM-only postpaid plan providers, scoring five-star reviews on network coverage, billing, plan flexibility and overall satisfaction.
To find the best phone plan for your needs, you’ll first need to determine which type of phone plan you want. If you desire the perfect trade-off between flexibility and value, then a postpaid SIM-only phone plan may be the way to go. Provided you already own your own handset, you can pick from more than 20 different mobile carriers, all competing for your business. Activating a new plan is as easy as ordering a SIM and porting over your old number if you want to keep it. But with so many service providers to choose from, picking the right plan for your needs can represent a challenge.
Canstar Blue can offer a helping hand with our annual review of postpaid SIM-only providers and their plans. Each year, we survey thousands of mobile users across Australia to find out how they’re getting on with their phone plans, and ask them to rate their mobile service providers based on key factors, including the sign up and activation process, customer service, billing, network coverage, plan flexibility, value for money and overall satisfaction. While the majority of postpaid SIM-only plans come on no-contract terms, these ratings also include feedback from customers on contracted SIM-only plans. These are not to be confused with mobile phone plans that include a new handset.
Our 2020 review sees the big guys – Vodafone, Optus and Telstra – pitted against smaller providers Southern Phone, Belong, Vaya, Dodo and iiNet. You might not have heard of all five lesser-known telcos, but this year’s results make a compelling case for taking a chance outside of the big three networks. So, what did we find this year?
Here are the best providers for postpaid phone plans, as rated by customers in Canstar Blue’s 2020 review:
Coming in at number one in our 2020 ratings is Belong, last year’s runner-up and the only telco to score five stars for overall satisfaction in this year’s review. In the number-two spot is last year’s winner Southern Phone, followed by Vaya in third place for the second year in a row.
Our 2020 review was dominated by smaller names, although major internet players iiNet and Dodo both made an appearance, in fourth and sixth place respectively. Bringing up the rear are Optus and Telstra, with Vodafone in fifth position – but comparatively lower scores shouldn’t necessarily scare you off the big telcos. These providers can still offer a great deal if you want an all-inclusive plan.
Our annual review provides an insight into which postpaid providers are going above and beyond to offer customers an all-round positive experience. Read on as we compare plans from the eight providers in 2020 ratings, giving you an overview as to what’s on offer and advice on picking the best phone plan for your needs.
Looking for a quick comparison of plans and prices? Below are selected published postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This selection of plans includes links to referral partners.
While Belong may be primarily known for its #1 rated, best value NBN plans, the telco also offers a small range of postpaid SIM-only plans on Telstra’s 3G and 4G networks. Its postpaid plan suite currently offers just two basic plans to new customers: a Regular $25 per month plan with 20GB of data, and a Large $45 per month plan with 80GB. Belong also previously offered an entry-level 1GB plan for $10 per month, but this is no longer available to new sign-ups.
Belong’s range is comparatively small, but it’s affordably priced, with all plans including unlimited standard calls and texts in Australia and no lock-in contract. While international features aren’t included, you can add-on unlimited talk and text to 30 selected countries for an extra $5 per month. Both plans also feature unlimited data banking, meaning you can save any unused gigabytes each month for future use.
With the option to switch between plans or cancel any time, and no hidden costs or data overage fees (excess gigabytes are simply slowed to speeds of 64Kbps), Belong offers flexible, well-priced plans with no catches. The telco was the clear winner in our 2020 rantings, scoring five stars for overall satisfaction as well for network coverage, billing, and plan flexibility. Belong also achieved four stars for value for money, customer service, and sign-up.
| 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 | |||
Operating on the Optus 3G and 4G networks, Southern Phone’s bring-your-own-phone plans are available on no-lock-in contracts, with prices beginning from just $12.99 per month for 2.5GB of data. With all plans priced at $45 per month or less, Southern Phone’s postpaid range makes for an affordable alternative to big-name providers, and all plans include unlimited standard talk and text to Australian numbers.
Data options are available up to 60GB per month; this should be more than plenty for most Australian phone users, as well as serious streamers and downloaders. In addition, Southern Phone’s excellent ratings for sign-up and customer service may be enough for many value-conscious customers to give the telco a try.
Southern Phone scored four stars for overall satisfaction in this year’s review, with five stars for sign-up and activation. The telco scored four stars in most categories, but three stars for plan flexibility.
| 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 | |||
Another Optus network reseller, Vaya offers a range of lower-priced, bring-your-own-device postpaid plans, all with no lock-in contract. Prices begin at $16 for 3GB of data, with data options available up to 64GB for $56 per month.
All plans include unlimited standard national calls and SMS, and customers can add 200 minutes of international calls to 100 select counties on selected plans for just $2 extra per month. The lack of bonus features and perks, such as included international calls, may be off-putting if you’re after a bells-and-whistles plan, but the great value data and unlimited talk and text keeps things simple. All of Vaya’s plans auto-renew, but you’re free to cancel at any time without penalty.
Vaya achieved a four-star result for overall satisfaction in our latest ratings, with four stars in most categories and five stars for value for money.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $24 over one month plan period |
18GB | $24 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $36 over one month plan period |
38GB | $36 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $44 over one month plan period |
50GB | $44 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $56 over one month plan period |
64GB | $56 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Known mostly for its competitive range of broadband and NBN plans, iiNet also offers a small selection of bring-your-own-phone plans. Since these ratings were released, iiNet has changed its suite of plans and also switched from postpaid to prepaid offerings. iiNet has also switched from the Optus mobile network to the Vodafone mobile network.
iiNet scored four stars for overall satisfaction in our 2020 review, with five-star results for customer service and for billing.
The following table includes iiNet’s prepaid plans.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$19.99 Mobile Voice SIM Only
min. cost $19.99 over one month plan period |
6GB | $19.99 | |
|
$24.99 Mobile Voice SIM Only
min. cost $24.99 over one month plan period |
14GB | $24.99 | |
|
$29.99 Mobile Voice SIM Only
min. cost $29.99 over one month plan period |
25GB | $29.99 | |
|
$39.99 Mobile Voice SIM Only
min. cost $39.99 over one month plan period |
30GB | $39.99 | |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
One of Australia’s biggest and most popular providers, Vodafone continues to offer value-packed postpaid plans to customers who are happy to bring their own phone. Offering solely month-to-month options with no lock-in contracts, Vodafone’s plans are available from $40 per month, and include unlimited standard national talk and text, plus great high-speed data inclusions beginning at 10GB each month.
All of Vodafone’s postpaid plans now feature unlimited data capped at either 2Mbps, 10Mbps, or 25Mbps (depending on your plan tier) in addition to your included high-speed data – a great way to prevent overage fees and bill shock. Selected plans also include international calling minutes, and Vodafone frequently throws in extras and discounts, such as loyalty credits or free Amazon Prime subscriptions.
Australians gave Vodafone three stars for overall satisfaction in 2020, with four stars for value for money, customer service, and billing.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $40 over first month |
10GB | $40 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $45 over first month |
30GB | $45 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $55 over first month |
60GB | $55 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $65 over first month |
100GB | $65 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $120 over first month |
150GB | $120 | Go To Site |
| View all mobile plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Another internet-focused telco with a side hustle in mobile, Dodo’s simple SIM-only plans are available on month-to-month terms. There is also a no-data plan available for customers just looking for a talk-and-text only option, a product that received Canstar Blue’s Innovation Excellence Award earlier this year.
Plans are priced from $5 per month for no data (but with an optional 3GB of data to add on for an additional monthly $10), and all feature unlimited national talk & text in Australia. The $20 plan includes 100 international minutes to 35 countries, while the $30 plan includes 200 minutes, although extras such as roaming aren’t available. In terms of coverage, all plans are powered by Optus 3G and 4G nationwide networks.
Dodo was awarded three stars for overall satisfaction this year, as well as four-star scores for value for money, customer service, and billing.
| 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 | |||
Optus’ streamlined selection of SIM-only plans take the confusion out of picking a BYO deal: the telco now offers four month-to-month SIM plans. Options include $39 per month for 10GB of fast data, $49 for 60GB, and $59 for 100GB, and all SIM plans include unlimited standard talk and text in Australia. Plans also include ‘endless data’ after your full-speed data allowance is exceeded, although this is limited to speeds of 1.5Mbps.
Customers on plans of $49 or more also enjoy unlimited standard international talk and text to 35 countries, plus 2GB of overseas mobile roaming data with the $59 plan and 4GB of roaming data with the $79 option. Optus also offers data-free Optus Sport on selected plans, which is also available to customers of their NBN plans and mobile broadband plans.
Optus achieved an overall satisfaction rating of three stars in 2020, with four stars for value for money.
| 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 | |||
Ranking in eighth place in our 2020 review, Telstra recently redesigned its postpaid plans, upping its data offerings significantly across all four plans. Prices start at $55 per month for 40GB of data, up to $115 per month for a hefty 180GB, and Medium, Large and Extra Large plans also include 5G network access.
Although Telstra isn’t the most affordable provider, its plans are feature-packed. Along with unlimited standard national talk and texts, all plans feature unlimited speed-capped (1.5Mbps) data in addition to your full-speed gigabytes, as well as data-free Apple Music streaming (subscription required). You’ll also get unlimited international SMS and 30 minutes of standard calls to international numbers. Plus, you can share data between up to 10 eligible services on the same account.
Telstra scored three stars for overall satisfaction in 2020, but did earn a four-star result for network coverage.
| 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 | |||
There are plenty of great SIM-only postpaid deals on offer if you’re ready to bring your own phone to the party. But it’s important to understand exactly how these plans work: unlike prepaid phone plans, going postpaid means you could be charged more than you were expecting to pay.
Postpaid phone plans require you to pay your bills at the end of each billing period. This means that if you exceed your plan’s data limitations along the way, you’ll be charged extra for doing so. Excess data is usually charged at $10 per gigabyte, but some providers charge more; others charge by the megabyte instead, which means costs can quickly add up if you’re not careful.
The main advantage of postpaid plans is that you’ll never be left unable to make a call, send a text message, or use mobile data to chat online. If your prepaid plan expires, you’ll need to spend extra money there and then to get your service back up and running. However, postpaid plans allow you to keep using your service, and simply settle the bill later.
The main disadvantage of postpaid phone plans is the potential to blow out your budget if you’re not careful. Make sure that you know exactly what you will need to pay for going over your plan’s inclusions, keep an eye on your data use, and make sure that exceeding your monthly allowance doesn’t become a habit. If it does, you would be better off upgrading your plan, rather than paying extra in excess charges.
The safety net of being able to make calls whenever you need to means that postpaid phone plans are probably a good idea for those who use their phone a lot. They may also be the preferred choice for parents looking for a phone plan for their child.
If keeping close tabs on your spending is important to you, then prepaid may be the wise alternative. But when it comes to ease of use and maximum bang for your buck, it’s hard to look past postpaid plans.
This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent over seven years writing for and editing telco comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things phone & internet, including phone plans and how to find the best deal for your family. She loves to highlight the next best phone deals, while also flagging the things you need to be aware of. Tara also acts as a spokesperson for Canstar Blue.
Our latest review of postpaid plans saw Belong claim the title of best-rated provider, but some other telcos performed well in specific areas. Here’s what our 2020 customer survey revealed:
| Telco | Mobile Plan | Included Data | Monthly Cost | Contract Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belong | Regular | 10GB | $25 | No contract |
| Belong | Large | 80GB | $45 | No contract |
| Southern Phone | Medium | 10GB | $25 | No contract |
| Southern Phone | Large | 30GB | $35 | No contract |
| Vaya | Unlimited $36 | 38GB | $36 | No contract |
| Vaya | Unlimited $44 | 50GB | $44 | No contract |
| iiNet | $29.99 Mobile SIM Only | 4GB | $29.99 | No contract |
| iiNet | $37.99 Mobile SIM Only | 9GB | $37.99 | No contract |
| Vodafone | $55 SIM Only Super | 60GB, plus unlimited data capped at 10Mbps | $55 | No contract |
| Vodafone | $65 SIM Only Super+ | 100GB, plus unlimited data capped at 10Mbps | $65 | No contract |
| Dodo | $20 SIM Only | 12GB | $20 | No contract |
| Dodo | $30 SIM Only | 36GB | $30 | No contract |
| Optus | $49 Medium Choice Plan | 60GB, plus unlimited data capped at 1.5Mbps | $49 | No contract |
| Optus | $59 Large Choice Plan | 100GB, plus unlimited data capped at 1.5Mbps | $59 | No contract |
| Telstra | Medium Plan | 80GB, plus unlimited data capped at 1.5Mbps | $65 | No contract |
| Telstra | Large Plan | 120GB, plus unlimited data capped at 1.5Mbps | $85 | No contract |
Canstar Blue surveyed 9,259 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 active SIM-only mobile phone account in their name and pay the bills – in this case, 2,326 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.
2019
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2017
2016
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