Internet Plans Compare Plans from 34 Providers

At WhistleOut, we primarily compare internet plans and mobile phone plans. We use a database with thousands of plan combinations and, several times a week, our data analysis team searches for new plans and changes to existing ones.

The goal is simple: providing you with the latest plans and deals for every WhistleOut search you run. When it comes to broadband internet in Australia, there are hundreds of plans to select from, spread across three core configurations: NBN, Mobile Broadband, and Home Wireless.

While the technology types may differ across these categories, it’s best to simplify across the factors that are most relevant to your online needs. Instead of a deep dive into the technology behind each form of broadband, we’re more interested in helping you compare internet supplier apples to apples, then offering relevant information to help you choose which one is right for your internet needs.

If you require immediacy in your broadband and like to download large files, speed may be paramount. Similarly, if you’re in a home that splits streaming, online file transfers, and gaming, bandwidth may be of chief concern. Then there are data caps to consider: unlimited provides freedom but may be pricier.

Cost is, naturally, a primary concern when picking a broadband connection, as is contract flexibility or no contract at all. Then there’s the question of whether you’re seeking a home connection or broadband on the go.

Let’s take a closer look at NBN plans, Mobile Broadband, and Home Wireless before analysing some of the bigger providers.

Picking the right NBN plan can be confusing, especially with the various technology types, speed tiers, peak speed differences, and optional extras. Ultimately, the access technology type can impact maximum bandwidth and speed potential, but most are capable of comparable speeds.

These speed tiers start as low as NBN 12, which translates to 12/1Mbps, where 12 is the download speed, and 1 is the upload speed. The majority of NBN plans, though, exist in three offerings: NBN 25 (25/5Mbps), NBN 50 (50/20Mbps), and NBN 100 (100/40Mbps).

On a fixed line NBN connection – Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN), Fibre-to-the-Curb (FTTC) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) – you’ll have the choice of 12/1Mbps, 25/5Mbps, 50/20Mbps, and 100/40Mbps, albeit not every supplier offers all of these speed tiers. For wireless NBN access technologies, though, Fixed Wireless taps out at 50/20Mbps and Sky Muster satellite stops shorter at 25/5Mbps because of finite bandwidth.

It’s worth noting these speeds are listed in terms of the maximum speed achievable. Thankfully, providers must advertise expected evening speeds, which are the maximum speeds you should expect during peak times (typically, 7.00pm to 11.00pm).

Lower speed tiers are intended for more basic internet usage. This kind of logic also applies to data caps, where smaller caps reflect limited online use, and larger caps (through to unlimited) are designed for data-hungry households. The trend is that faster internet tends to lead to increased data usage, so it’s best to err on the side of more rather than less, or your high-speed internet may well be shaped to low-speed antiquity. Some suppliers even charge for extra data beyond your cap, so be sure to check the fine print.

• NBN 12 for basic internet use (some streaming, email, browsing, etc.).
• NBN 25 for moderate internet use (smaller-home streaming and gaming)
• NBN 50 for above average internet use (medium-sized home streaming, gaming and moderate downloading/uploading on a few devices)
• NBN 100 for heavy internet use (larger-home streaming, gaming and heavy downloading/uploading on several devices)

Then there are landline phone considerations. NBN means the old copper network will eventually be turned off. This means if you want a landline phone, you either have to separate it between providers or bundle internet and landline phone service with one supplier. Speaking of bundling, providers may also offer bundled or premium entertainment options, or unmetered content where certain applications don’t count towards a monthly download quota.

Phone tethering may be the most accessible form of mobile broadband, but there are alternatives dedicated to the task (importantly, with separate data caps). Telstra, Optus and Dodo are a few of the bigger names in this space, but there’s some less familiar names that help drive competitive pricing.

Ultimately, Mobile Broadband breaks down into two core offerings: a dedicated SIM Card or a portable modem. The SIM Card option has compatibility restrictions, as determined by whether your iPad (or other tablet brand) or laptop has a compatible SIM card slot, preferably one that supports 4G (or above).

The portable modem option is useful if your tablet or laptop doesn’t have this compatibility, as it can be connected to via a Pocket Wi-Fi device. For laptops specifically, you can also consider a USB Modem to get online albeit, like the SIM Card option, it’s relegated to a single computer.

Whichever Mobile Broadband option you’re leaning towards, they each have different pricing, contract terms and equipment considerations. That’s why it’s essential to first determine how you want to use a Mobile Broadband connection.

If you have an older laptop you want to get online with when you’re out and about, a USB Modem or Pocket Wi-Fi device are the best options. Similarly, for multiple mobile devices – tablets, laptops, or even extra data for a smartphone – or the option for getting more than one device online, Pocket Wi-Fi offers that versatility.

A SIM Card is the most portable choice, and tricky to misplace once inserted, if you have a compatible device.

Home Wireless is, technically, a form of Mobile Broadband, but it’s one that’s primarily built for the home. What Home Wireless lacks in comparable portability – though it can be taken with you – it makes up for with more generous data inclusions (usually at least 200GB per month).

If you’re looking at it to be or to replace home internet, including an NBN connection, Home Wireless uses a bundled modem/router (or a modem you can connect to a separate router) for connecting devices in the home.

As a wireless mobile-network-dependent form of home internet, speeds can fluctuate based on how many people are connected to the mobile network in your area. Home Wireless tends to include bigger data inclusions for a reason: a home of internet-dependent devices can quickly chew through data.

The catch, though, is that speeds are sometimes comparable to the slowest speed on NBN, with certain suppliers only offering a 12/1Mbps speed tier. These speeds are good enough for basic internet usage and even streaming video in HD content, but this latter task can quickly dint a data cap.

Netflix, for instance, recommends 5Mbps download bandwidth for HD streaming, which translates to around 2.25GB of data per hour. That converts to just over 88 hours of HD streaming (and not much else) per month on a 200GB plan, which is adequate for average monthly streaming but not for those who love to regularly binge.

There are other perks associated with Home Wireless, though, like no need for a technician to come out and set things up or other potentially frustrating setup delays. Basically, Home Wireless is intended to be plug and play. On top of this, as long as there’s power (or an inbuilt battery in the modem) for the Home Wireless modem/router and a network signal, you can take your internet connection with you.

Telstra Internet Plans

Before the NBN, Telstra was the internet provider to beat, given its ownership of the bulk of Australian telecommunications infrastructure. These days, the race is closer, but Telstra is still seen as a reliable choice for NBN, Mobile Broadband, and Home Wireless.

While Telstra doesn’t so much compete on price (expect to pay more), its plans are meant to be bundled. Telstra’s NBN plans include unlimited standard local, national and mobile calls. On top of this, you can optionally add bolt-ons like the sports-centric Kayo, Foxtel Now or Telstra TV.

Sign up online to dodge the $99 connection fee and avoid lock-in contracts (just pay out the cost of the modem if you leave before 24 months). Telstra Smart Modems also have a 4G mobile network backup option, which is compatible with NBN, ADSL and cable connections.

As Australia’s biggest telco, Telstra NBN Plans compete on reliability, speed, and extras for its Mobile Broadband plans. If speed is the be all and end all for your Mobile Broadband and Home Wireless needs, Telstra’s plans tap into super-fast 4GX and 5G coverage (where available, with a compatible modem). With strong signal and a lack of congestion on your side, this can lead to theoretical speeds above 4G.

4GX, for instance, can reach up to 150Mbps (for category 9 devices) or up to 2Gbps under the right conditions, while 5G has bragging rights over 100Mbps minimum download and up to 20Gbps. While Telstra Mobile Broadband and Home Wireless plans do have contracts, you can pay out the remaining value of the provided modem to cancel any time.

The pros of Telstra internet plans:

• Reliable speeds
• Option to bundle Telstra TV with plans

Optus Internet Plans

Optus doesn’t want you worried about data, with all NBN plans (plus ADSL and cable) including unlimited data. Unlike Telstra, Optus NBN plans don't come with unlimited standard local, national and mobile calls via landline phone as a standard feature. Instead, you can purchase them as a bolt-on, or step up to the 90 Plan, which also comes with Fetch TV entertainment. An extra $30 per month bumps the speed from 50/20Mbps to 100/40Mbps.

Football aficionados will likely appreciate the included Optus Sport, plus you can pay extra for Fetch TV entertainment. Until June 2020, Optus subscribers also have the option of accessing the National Geographic app.

Where Optus shines in the comparison is in Home Wireless. You’re looking at either 200GB ($65) or 500GB ($85) of data per month on a 24-month contract. Extra data is charged at a reasonable $10 per 10GB. Those 500GB plans have the most Home Wireless data that’s currently offered in Australia.

The bundled Optus Home Wireless modem allows for four wired Ethernet connections and 64 wireless devices via Wi-Fi, which is more than enough to keep a bunch of devices online. Optus plans also take advantage of 4G Plus, which can theoretically reach download speeds up to 300Mbps.

Jumping over to Mobile Broadband, Optus offers a great range of 4G plans that don’t skimp on monthly data via SIM Card or 4G Wi-Fi Modem. Start as low as 5GB per month for $15, or jump up to a generous 75GB per month for $50. All plans are contract-free.

The pros of Optus internet plans:

• Unlimited data as standard for all fixed-line plans
• Generous data caps for Home Wireless
• Faster Home Wireless than other 12/1Mbps providers
• Comparatively affordable Mobile Broadband

TPG Internet Plans

TPG has long had a reputation of competing primarily on low-cost internet. While this is still true of TPG today, the supplier has expanded by acquiring Internode and iiNet, as well as infrastructure investments.

This makes TPG a contender in the current internet arms race, and this is true of the provider’s simplified NBN plans. Basic 12/1Mbps is meant for, as the name implies, basic internet users. Standard Plus 50/20Mbps is targeted at moderate internet homes. And Premium 100/40Mbps is built for bigger homes and power users. TPG also has bragging rights over being recently identified by the ACCC as having the fastest average percent of maximum download speed.

Unlimited data is standard on TPG plans. And if you want home phone calls, landline add-ons start at $10 extra per month.

TPG’s investment in infrastructure has, understandably, been focused on providing fixed-line broadband to homes and businesses, which means the supplier isn’t competing on the Mobile Broadband or Home Wireless fronts.

Those still without NBN in their area can opt for an ADSL2+ plan with TPG on data allowances ranging from 50GB to unlimited. These plans also have the option of being ‘naked’ (just internet) or you can pay up to $20 extra for unlimited local, national and mobile calls (with the option to include international numbers).

The pros of TPG internet plans:

• Simplified options for three NBN speed tiers
• Affordable plans for unlimited data
• Versatile ADSL2+ plans for non-NBN areas
• Great ACCC-endorsed NBN speeds

iiNet Internet Plans

iiNet may have been bought out by TPG, but it still operates under its own banner. Being under the TPG umbrella, though, the NBN plans are similarly simplified to 12/1Mbps, 50/20Mbps and 100/40Mbps options.

The data allowances for iiNet plans are generous, even for those on an NBN 12 plan, which offers 500GB per month for $59.99. For $10 more that can be stepped up to unlimited data. Those who opt for 50/20Mbps and 100/40Mbps plans get unlimited data by default, with Australian local and standard national calls included with iiNet’s 50/20Mbps.

iiNet NBN plans are now offered on a 6-month contract or no-contract basis. With a 6-month contract you get the option to bundle a Fetch set-top box for entertainment streaming, alongside access to purchasable movies and TV, as well as 30 pre-selected free monthly movies. Those who opt for the 6-month contract option also score a no-cost activation and an NBN-ready modem for the $10 cost of delivery.

The real shining star in iiNet’s crown, though, is its exemplary customer service record, which may factor in if you regularly find yourself on the phone with support.

Like TPG, iiNet is solely focused on fixed-line home internet, which means you won’t find any iiNet Mobile Broadband or Home Wireless plans. iiNet still offers naked or bundled ADSL2+ plans with unlimited data alongside Ultra Broadband for those who live in the right areas.

The cable version of iiNet’s Ultra Broadband reaches up to typical evening speeds of 90Mbps (for those lucky speed-hungry residents in Ballarat, Geelong and Mildura).

The pros of iiNet internet plans:

• Some of the best-in-class customer support
• Generous data cap for basic NBN plan
• Unlimited data for every other NBN plan
• Bundled Fetch entertainment with 24-month contract

Exetel Internet Plans

While the Telstra and Optus rivalry rages on, Exetel’s big competitor is TPG. That means you can expect competitive prices and generous servings of data with an Exetel internet plan. NBN plans come with unlimited data and are contract-free.

Exetel NBN plans also boast decent peak speeds, especially when you take into account the competitive prices. When you sign up for a plan you're able to pick your speed across two simplified options: NBN 50 (50/20Mbps) or NBN 100 (100/40Mbps).

From here, there are optional extras are for a home phone service and/or bundled modem. Exetel NBN pricing is usually among the cheapest on the market, which often sees these plans sitting in first place of our monthly WhistleOut Editor's Pick awards.

For those unable to get NBN, Extel also offers award-winning ADSL2+ unlimited internet for $59.99 per month.

If you’re looking for a home internet alternative, Exetel also offers Home Wireless. While the speeds max out at 12/1Mbps, basic home internet users can get 250GB of monthly data (shaped to 256Kbps if you bust the cap) for $69 per month. It’ll cost $189 for the modem or you can have that at a discounted price of $94.50 if you sign up for a 12-month contract.

Exetel also offers Mobile Broadband in a range of price brackets – from 1.5GB for $9.99 per month up to 90GB for a $79.99 monthly fee – on the Optus 4G Plus network. That said, Exetel’s Mobile Broadband is relegated to a choice of included SIM Card or $69 premium for a USB Modem.

The pros of Exetel internet plans:

• Great for streaming over NBN
• Reasonably priced Home Wireless
• Unlimited-data, award-winning ADSL2+

MyRepublic Internet Plans

MyRepublic may not be a household name yet but it has made a name for itself as a purpose-built Australian provider of NBN plans. This means you won’t find any Mobile Broadband or Home Wireless options with MyRepublic.

Unlike other RSPs, MyRepublic’s basic NBN plan starts off with the 50/20Mbps speed tier. This includes unlimited data as well as pay-as-you-go local and national Australian home phone calls. Go on a contract for 12 months and you can bundle a Wi-Fi Hub+ modem for a once-off fee of $11 ($1 plus a $10 delivery fee); forego the 12-month contract and it’ll cost you $69.

There’s also the option of a Halo Modem upgrade, which costs $109 on a 12-month contract or $169 without one. Those who already have a compatible modem can BYO and save $5 per month on compatible MyRepublic NBN plans.

MyRepublic also targets its NBN plans at gamers, specifically those who enjoy online games. The gamer-centric 100/40Mbps NBN plan has features outside of speed that benefits online gaming. Specifically, there’s network optimisation for lower latency, a static IP address and live latency tracking.

The no-contract plan is designed for those with a BYO modem, whereas the slightly more expensive plan offers a reduced-price Halo Modem option, plus a $1 fee for a Sennheiser GSP 500 wireless gaming headset.

The pros of MyRepublic internet plans:

• Plans built for data-chewing NBN users
• BYO and affordable modem options
• Gamer-specific NBN plan features
• Reasonable prices outside of contract

Dodo Internet Plans

Despite being a smaller fish compared to Telstra, Optus and TPG, Dodo is still a household name. Dodo has achieved this by being renowned as a budget-friendly provider, piggybacking on the Optus network, and there’s certainly dollars to be saved on its NBN plans.

Contrasted to MyRepublic, Dodo is more interested in the lower-to-middle tiers of NBN plans. Because of this, Dodo maxes out at the 50/20Mbps speed tier. This simplicity persists with Dodo’s straightforward monthly plan options: $60 for 101GB of data ($2 per extra gigabyte of data used) plus 25/5Mbps speeds, and $70 for unlimited plus 50/20Mbps speeds. Dodo lets you choose from a plan on a 12-month contract, or no-contact. If you choose a no-contract plan you'll have to pay $144.90 upfront for your modem and its delivery, as well as a set-up fee (included).

For those without access to the NBN, Dodo also offers ADSL plans from as low as $20 per month, which includes 101GB of monthly data and the option to automatically switch to NBN once it’s available. The same automatic-switch logic is true of Dodo’s unlimited-data ADSL plan, which costs $30 per month.

Dodo also offers Mobile Broadband internet, albeit only in SIM Card form. You have the option of a 12-month or monthly plans. The 12-month contract gives you more bang for your buck – 25GB for $20 and 50GB for $40 – alternatively, spend $20 for 15GB or $40 for 25GB on the monthly option. Both have optional free home delivery.

The pros of Dodo internet plans:

• Simplified NBN plan structure
• Affordable unlimited NBN internet
• Automated upgrade pathway from ADSL to NBN
• Cheap Mobile Broadband internet plans

Aussie Broadband Internet Plans

Like MyRepublic, Aussie Broadband is mostly focused on NBN plans, so don’t look to this supplier for Home Wireless options. In terms of NBN plans, Aussie Broadband scored high on the ladder for the ACCC’s recent list of fast NBN RSPs, only topped by TPG.

This is a reflection of Aussie Broadband’s clear commitment to performance on its NBN plans, which is reinforced with some great internet goodwill and active engagement with users on popular internet forums.

Aussie Broadband offers two overarching approaches to an NBN plan. You can choose from the popular plans or customise one to your online tastes. The Casual plan starts at $60 per month for 100GB of data on the 25/5Mbps speed tier and goes up to $99 per month for unlimited data on the 100/40Mbps speed tier. All plans are offered with no lock-in contracts and Australia-based support.

You can also add unlimited Australian local and national calls for $10 per month ($20 to bundle mobile calls), and entertainment lovers can also bundle Fetch TV. For those internet users where 100/40Mbps isn’t fast enough, Aussie Broadband also offers a speedy 250/25Mbps option for those with FTTP.

Aussie Broadband does offer Mobile Broadband, albeit only in SIM Card form. Prices range from $10 for 1GB per month up to $65 for 60GB of monthly data.

The pros of Aussie Broadband plans:

• Fast average percentage of max NBN download speeds
• Committed to NBN performance
• No lock-in contracts on straightforward plans
• Internet goodwill and community engagement

Superloop Internet Plans

Superloop is one of the newest NBN providers on the block, but is already making waves thanks to its high-speed plans. The telco reports evening speeds of 90Mbps on its NBN 100 plans, making it one of the fastest providers around.

While it’s easy to think of Superloop as just another NBN provider, it stands out from the crowd thanks to its own robust infrastructure. It’s one of the few telcos with a physical connection to every NBN Point of Interconnect, and it has a whole lot of subsea cable capacity and domestic fibre. Other providers often need to outsource this. Essentially, Superloop has far greater control over its network than most providers, which helps with faster speeds as well as troubleshooting.

In addition, Superloop reports evening speeds of 44.4Mbps on NBN 50 plans, which is also up there with the best of the best.

Superloop offers NBN plans on a choice of the 50/20Mbps speed tier, or the 100/40Mbps speed tier. You can choose a plan with 500GB of data or unlimited data, and all plans are contract-free with zero set-up fees. You can bring your own modem to plans or you can buy one by contacting Superloop's sales team.

Superloop's plans aren't the cheapest around but you can make them more affordable by choosing 500GB of data instead of unlimited. 500GB should be enough to service most households.

The pros of Superloop plans:

• Excellent evening speeds
• Robust NBN infrastructure
• All plans contract-free
• Choice of data allowance