Unlimited data phone plans Background

Compare Unlimited Data Mobile Plans

Unlimited data phone plans are increasingly common and at first glance they might all look the same. But each comes with different speed tiers, perks and other pros and cons. The table below shows all the unlimited data phone plans on our database listed in order of data allowance, from highest to lowest, then in order of standard monthly cost. This includes plans with a full-speed data allowance and with unlimited speed-capped data.

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Optus | Optus Flex $12
SIM-Only prepaid | 7 days renewal period
min. total cost $10.00 spend over 7 day expiry
Optus logo
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Optus Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
5GB Glossary
5GB for 3 months, then 3GB/mth Glossary
$10 Glossary
for one recharge then $12.00/expiry Glossary
Telstra | $12 Pre-Paid Max
SIM-Only prepaid | 7 days renewal period
min. total cost $12.00 spend over 7 day expiry
Telstra logo
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Telstra Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
3GB Glossary
$12 Glossary
Telstra | $35 Pre-Paid Max
SIM-Only prepaid | 28 days renewal period
min. total cost $15.00 spend over 28 day expiry
Telstra logo
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Telstra Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
35GB Glossary
35GB for 3 months, then 15GB/mth Glossary
$15 Glossary
for one recharge then $35.00/expiry Glossary
Vodafone | $40 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack
SIM-Only prepaid | 28 days renewal period
min. total cost $20.00 spend over 28 day expiry
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Vodafone Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
60GB Glossary
60GB for 3 months, then 30GB/mth Glossary
$20 Glossary
for one recharge then $40.00/expiry Glossary
Optus | Optus Flex $45
SIM-Only prepaid | 28 days renewal period
min. total cost $20.00 spend over 28 day expiry
Optus logo
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Optus Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
80GB Glossary
80GB for 3 months, then 30GB/mth Glossary
$20 Glossary
for one recharge then $45.00/expiry Glossary
Belong | 25GB SIM Only
SIM-Only postpaid | No lock-in contract
min. total cost $29.00 over 1 month period
star star star star empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Telstra Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
25GB Glossary
$29 Glossary
Vodafone | $30 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack
SIM-Only prepaid | 28 days renewal period
min. total cost $30.00 spend over 28 day expiry
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Vodafone Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
40GB Glossary
40GB for 3 months, then 20GB/mth Glossary
$30 Glossary
Vodafone | $50 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack
SIM-Only prepaid | 28 days renewal period
min. total cost $30.00 spend over 28 day expiry
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Vodafone Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
80GB Glossary
80GB for 3 months, then 45GB/mth Glossary
$30 Glossary
for one recharge then $50.00/expiry Glossary
Belong | 40GB SIM Only
SIM-Only postpaid | No lock-in contract
min. total cost $35.00 over 1 month period
star star star star empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Telstra Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
40GB Glossary
$35 Glossary
Optus | Optus Flex 4G- $35
SIM-Only prepaid | 28 days renewal period
min. total cost $35.00 spend over 28 day expiry
Optus logo
star star star empty empty
Brand Satisfaction Glossary
  • icon Network provider: Optus Glossary
  • icon Network technology: 5G enabled Glossary
Value Rank Glossary
out of 10 Glossary
60GB Glossary
60GB for 3 months, then 20GB/mth Glossary
$35 Glossary

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The initial results in the table above are sorted by Advertised Cost (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 is unlimited mobile data and how does it work?


Unlimited mobile data is what it says on paper — mobile data that is unlimited with no caps on how much data you can use. While unlimited data is available in other countries, it’s still a bit of an anomaly in Australia, only offered by a few telcos and usually with a catch.

The advantage to signing up to an unlimited data plan is that you won’t need to worry about running out of data if you happen to be a heavy user. This also means you won’t have to pay any excess data charges for use in Australia if you go over your data inclusions.

However, before you jump onto an unlimited mobile data plan, these plans do come with a catch, no matter which of the four telcos you sign up with. Before signing up to any phone plan, it’s important to read all the information to ensure you know what you’ll be signing up for with your plan.

Is unlimited data really ‘unlimited’?


The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has cracked down over what constitutes ‘unlimited’ data, threatening fines for misleading advertisements. The end result is that the big three telcos have removed ‘unlimited’ from its advertising. Instead, you’ll see terms like ‘full speed data’, ‘data at no extra cost’ and so on. Vodafone has previously described its plans as ‘endless’ data — avoiding the prickly term ‘unlimited’ altogether — but in September 2020, rebranded its plans as offering ‘infinite’ data.

Former ACCC Chair Rod Sims said that this crackdown has put the three telcos on notice. “With much higher penalties now available for breaches of consumer law, I hope they will take their obligations more seriously. From now on consumer law penalties will seriously affect their bottom line, and we will not hesitate to seek the highest possible penalties.”

Overall, while data could still technically be described as ‘unlimited’, the fact is that after a certain amount of that ‘fast speed’ data, data is typically speed-capped. If you’re interested in one of these phone plans, it’s important to read the Critical Information Summary to know how much full-speed data you’re getting and if there are any further restrictions. 


Read more: What is a good internet speed?


Vodafone had previously offered a phone plan with unlimited data with no capped speed across its 3G, 4G and 5G networks (where 5G is available), however this plan is no longer available.

But, do you really even need unlimited data? Well, we’ve done a full breakdown of how much mobile data you need on a phone plan to help you determine how much data you need and whether an unlimited plan is right for you.

What does endless data mean to each Australian telco?


Five Australian telcos offer some form of ‘unlimited’ data phone plan, including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Belong and Felix. But what are the catches?

 The biggest ‘catch’ is the fact that speeds are throttled after a certain amount of data use: all Telstra and Optus plans cap unlimited speeds at just 1.5Mbps, Vodafone has 2Mbps capped speeds and Belong has 1Mbps capped speeds. Felix offers a plan with unlimited data (with no fast-speed inclusions) however these speeds are capped at 20Mbps, and its other plans with data inclusions are capped at 1.5Mbps. Each telco has pros and cons to its plans.

  • Vodafone offers a capped speed slightly faster than Telstra and Optus, but not by much
  • Optus offers a bit more data for money at the higher end of its plans (excluding bonus data offers), plus 5G network access is included on all plans (and the Optus 5G network is larger than Vodafone’s)
  • Telstra includes a few more perks than the other two, which could justify the higher price, plus it has the largest 5G network (but 5G speeds are capped on its cheapest postpaid plan)
  • Felix offers unlimited data on its most expensive plan (but with 20Mbps capped speeds), is certified as Climate Active Carbon Neutral, and will plant a tree for every month your plan is active
  • Belong includes capped 1Mbps speeds, but is also slightly cheaper priced than the big three telcos

Which carrier’s phone plan is better is dependent on your needs. Do you value flexibility and peace of mind from truly unlimited data, or do you value a host of extra data-free goodies that could see your full-speed data go further? The decision is yours.

 Vodafone  Telstra  Optus  Felix Belong
Price per month $49-$69 $62-$95 $45-$85 $25-$40 $29-$55
Full speed data 50GB-360GB 50GB-300GB 20GB-240GB N/A 25GB-160GB
Unlimited data speed 2Mbps 1.5Mbps 1.5Mbps 1.5Mbps & 20Mbps 1Mbps
Month to month contract
Available with a phone? X X
International inclusions

Source: Respective retailer websites, January 2024.

Which provider has the best unlimited data mobile plan?


Telstra unlimited data mobile plans

Telstra offers a ‘unlimited’ capped data on a range of SIM-only postpaid plans along with plans bundled with phones, with unlimited 5G access on plans with 5G inclusions. If you still want unlimited data, and don’t mind a cap on your speed, all of Telstra’s Upfront plans come with no excess data charges, i.e. you’ll get unlimited data capped at 1.5Mbps. This is available alongside your plan’s full-speed data inclusions.

Optus unlimited data mobile plans

Optus was the first to drop an unlimited phone plan, called ‘Unleashed’. However, the telco had withdrawn the plan only to offer it again later and then remove it indefinitely. Optus now offers ‘endless data’ and joins Telstra and Vodafone by eliminating excess data charges with ‘unlimited’ capped-speed data on postpaid phone plans.

These postpaid plans are month-to-month and are available as SIM-only or bundled with a new phone (bundling with a phone will lock you into a 12, 24 or 36-month device payment plan). Once you’ve used your plan’s fast-data inclusion, you’ll be able to keep using your data but at the capped-speed of 1.5Mbps. Prices for these Optus postpaid plans start at $45 per month with 20GB of data included and go up to $85 with 240GB of data, with 5G access included on all plans.

Vodafone unlimited data mobile plans

Vodafone had previously offered a fast-speed unlimited data plan, but this is no longer offered and instead customers will have access to ‘infinite’ capped-speed data at 2Mbps available as both month-to-month SIM-only plans or bundled with a new device. There are three Infinite data plans to choose from – $49, $59 or $69. With these plans you get either 50GB, 180GB or 360GB of full-speed data over the full Vodafone 4G network and the expanding 5G network (if available in your area). Once this data is used up, you’ll have access to unlimited data capped at 2Mbps speeds.

Felix unlimited data mobile plans

Felix offers unlimited data on its most expensive phone plan, however, that unlimited data is capped at speeds of 20Mbps. The good news is that 20Mbps is typically fast enough for most general usage including web and social media browsing, streaming music and HD video.

You’ll pay $40 per month, and Felix uses a prepaid/subscription model, so you’ll need to pay your $40 in advance and it renews automatically. In addition to your unlimited capped-speed data, you’ll get unlimited standard national calls and SMS included. The plan is also month-to-month with no exit fees if you cancel, so you can cancel at any time. Felix also works towards being more environmentally friendly, as its products are certified as Climate Active Carbon Neutral and powered by 100% renewable electricity.

If you’re happy to skip the faster capped speeds in order to save some money, Felix’s two cheaper plans ($25 per month and $30 per month) have set data inclusions and once you use up your data allowance, you can continue using data at the capped speeds of 1.5Mbps.

Belong unlimited data mobile plans

Belong offers four postpaid plans with full-speed data inclusions between 25GB and 160GB per month, but doesn’t charge excess data fees; instead, customers who exceed their plan inclusions can continue using data, but at capped speeds of 1Mbps. This is available across all of Belong’s plans, which also include unlimited data banking and the option to gift unused data to other customers. Belong runs on the Telstra 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, with 5G access included on all plans.

Test your internet speed with our free tool

 

How can I get unlimited 5G data?


If you want to experience the next level of mobile technology with a 5G phone plan, you’ll be able to get 5G network access on unlimited data plans from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. All three telcos include 5G network access on postpaid plans (with the exception of Telstra’s $62 Small plan which has a 250Mbps speed cap on 4G and 5G speeds). However, keep in mind that these ‘unlimited’ data plans are at capped speeds and won’t take advantage of the speeds that 5G is capable of — you’ll only be able to take advantage of 5G speeds with your data inclusions.

About our phone 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 Unlimited Data

Telcos often have a speed cap on unlimited data plans (often around 1.5Mbps or 2Mbps) after you’ve exceeded your data allowance, in order to maintain some level of control over a customer’s data usage. However, unlike many other mobile data plans, you won’t receive any excess data charges which means that you don’t have to worry about the amount you’re using, you might just notice your data slow down towards the end of the billing cycle.

Some telcos may allow you to share your unlimited data on a data-sharing or family plan, but this entirely depends on your telco and the terms of your plan. For example, Vodafone allows you to share your regular data with other plans on your account, but you won’t be able to share your speed-capped data.

Generally you can’t use your unlimited mobile data overseas, however Vodafone allows eligible customers to use their plan’s inclusions overseas. This is through the $5 per day roaming option offered by Vodafone, however you will only have access to your Max Speed data, as the slowed down unlimited data isn’t available when overseas. Other telcos offer international roaming options, but it differs from provider to provider.

The amount of data you need entirely depends on your usage habits. For example, someone who only really uses their phone for maps or G oogle while out and about is going to need less data than someone streaming Netflix on the train on the way to work. For a breakdown of mobile data requirements, check out our useful mobile data guide to help you determine how much data you need.

With an unlimited data plan, you don’t have to worry about going over the limit. Yes, your speeds will be slowed but you won’t cop excess data charges like you would on other mobile data plans. That being said, if you figure out how much data you actually need and get a plan accordingly, then a plan with lots of data might work out to be a better deal for you.

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.

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Mobile 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 Mobile Value Rank Methodology

Our Value Rank compares a plan’s data allowance over a calendar month which is approximately 30.4 days regardless of a plan’s expiry period. When showing results filtered by data, a calendar month average will be used.

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 Mobile 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 Mobile retailers or products in the market, and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply mobile services. If you decide to apply for a particular Mobile product, you will deal directly with the mobile retailer, and not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information, costs,  and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant mobile retailer. 

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.

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