Home wireless broadband vs. the NBN: What’s the difference?

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 02 June 2026

Contents

In this internet guide:

Wireless Broadband vs. NBN: What's the difference?
Wireless Broadband vs. NBN: Cost and value
Wireless Broadband vs. NBN: Speeds
Troubleshooting the NBN at your house
Wireless Broadband FAQs

Australia's National Broadband Network is a bit of a lottery. For many homes, it's great! But for some households, the performance of the NBN can be distinctly underwhelming or certain internet types may not be available at your address at all.

The good news is that there is a viable alternative: home wireless broadband. This is a home internet connection delivered using the same mobile networks as your phone.

What is wireless broadband?

Wireless internet — or wireless broadband — is a mobile internet service that has been specifically designed to replace fixed-line connections, such as the NBN. Plans usually come with large data allowances and powerful modem routers that can connect dozens of devices around your home via WiFi.

You can get a wireless internet connection at any home where there's a decent mobile signal. And unlike the NBN, which may need a visit from an NBN technician when you connect, wireless broadband doesn't require any setup. You just unpack your new wireless modem, switch it on, and you should have instant internet.

4G vs. 5G

As you compare wireless internet plans, you'll notice that the cheaper plans operate on the older 4G networks, while the premium options utilise the faster 5G networks. Does this matter?

5G networks are a huge upgrade from 4G, and are capable of delivering much faster speeds. The cheapest 5G home internet plans tend to be equivalent to NBN 50, and speed up as you pay more.

Meanwhile, 4G wireless broadband is roughly equivalent to an NBN 25 plan. It's capable of keeping one or two people online. You can still stream video, listen to music, and browse the web, but not much more. 4G wireless internet plans aren't a good pick for demanding internet users.

Wireless Broadband vs. NBN: What's the difference?

You can divide home internet connections broadly into two categories: fixed-line and wireless internet. Here's how they differ:

A fixed-line connection, like the NBN, connects your home to the internet via kilometres of cable that run underneath your street
A wireless connection connects you to the internet using the same mobile networks as your phone

This makes wireless broadband a great alternative if there are physical issues with your NBN connection.

Wireless Broadband vs. NBN: Cost and value

Wireless internet plans tend to be cheaper than NBN plans when comparing services with similar upload and download speeds.

Typically, home wireless internet plans start at around $45 to $50 per month. These cheaper plans are on the 4G network, so you can expect speeds between 20 and 25Mbps depending on the coverage and congestion in your neighbourhood. 5G home internet plans start at around $50 to $60 per month with capped download speeds of 50Mbps.

By comparison, NBN plans tend to start at around $40 per month for a 25Mbps plan, when you factor in promotional offers. But at full price, you'll often pay around $70 per month. NBN 50 plans start at around $60 per month with promos, but at full price, you'll typically spend around $80 per month.

Here's a comparison of the cheapest 4G, 5G capped at 50Mbps, 5G capped at 100Mbps, and uncapped 5G wireless broadband plans in our database:

#1	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Basic 4G 4G Home Internet 14/4 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $44/mth for a year, then $59/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $260. Ends 6/10. $44/mth for first 12 months, then $59/mth or as notified Min. cost $44 Link not supplied	$44/mth for first 12 months, then $59/mth or as notified Min. cost $44	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel 4G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (25Mbit) 4G Home Internet 25/2 Mbps Unlimited Data $49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95 Link not supplied	$49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95	Link not supplied
#3	iiNet	iiNet Home Wireless Broadband 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth + $10 off for existing iiNet customers. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
#4	TPG	TPG Home Wireless Broadband 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for 6 months! $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. T&C apply. $49.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
#5	Yomojo	Yomojo 4G Internet 25 4G Home Internet 16/5 Mbps Unlimited Data $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Link not supplied	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Link not supplied
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone 4G Home Internet Unlimited 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $5/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $60/mth for 12 mths, then $65/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth for 12 mths, then $65/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet 4G Home Internet Plan 4G Home Internet 17/1.9 Mbps Unlimited Data Prepaid (90 Days) Deal: Free modem included on the Kogan 90-day 4G Internet Plan! Average cost $49.90/mth (based on total once-off cost $149.70) $149.70 $49.90/mth average cost Link not supplied	$149.70 $49.90/mth average cost	Link not supplied

#1	TPG	TPG 5G Home Broadband Plus 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special offer - Includes $30/mth off for 6 months! $29.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. $29.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $29.99 Link not supplied	$29.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $29.99	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Plus 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special Offer - Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $39.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $39.99 Link not supplied	$39.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $39.99	Link not supplied
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday 5G 5G Home Internet 50/11 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $54/mth for a year, then $69/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $522. Ends 6/10. $54/mth for first 12 months, then $69/mth or as notified Min. cost $54 Link not supplied	$54/mth for first 12 months, then $69/mth or as notified Min. cost $54	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Plus Plan 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $55/mth for 12 mths, then $70/mth Min. cost $55 Link not supplied	$55/mth for 12 mths, then $70/mth Min. cost $55	Link not supplied
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit) 5G Home Internet 50 Mbps Unlimited Data $55/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $80 Link not supplied	$55/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $80	Link not supplied
#6	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 50 5G Home Internet 42/11 Mbps Unlimited Data $75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90 Link not supplied	$75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90	Link not supplied

#1	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 5G Home Broadband Premium 5G Home Internet 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special offer - Includes $30/mth off for 6 months! $39.99/mth for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. $34.99/mth for 6 mths, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $34.99 Link not supplied	$34.99/mth for 6 mths, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $34.99	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Premium 5G Home Internet 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special Offer - Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Premium Plan 5G Home Internet 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $60/mth for 12 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth for 12 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#4	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G 5G Home Internet 87/15 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $64/mth for a year, then $79/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $532. Ends 6/10. $64/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth or as notified Min. cost $64 Link not supplied	$64/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth or as notified Min. cost $64	Link not supplied
#5	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 100 5G Home Internet 75/15 Mbps Unlimited Data $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Link not supplied	$84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90	Link not supplied
#6	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (240Mbit) 5G Home Internet 240 Mbps Unlimited Data $89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114 Link not supplied	$89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114	Link not supplied

#1	Optus Editor's Pick	Optus Editor's Pick Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G 5G Home Internet 230/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $84/mth for a year, then $99/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $552. Ends 6/10. $84/mth for first 12 months, then $99/mth or as notified Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84/mth for first 12 months, then $99/mth or as notified Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (240Mbit) 5G Home Internet 240 Mbps Unlimited Data $89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114 Link not supplied	$89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114	Link not supplied
#3	Telstra	Telstra Premium 5G Home Internet - 1TB 5G Home Internet 300/30 Mbps 1000GB Data $95/mth Min. cost $95 Link not supplied	$95/mth Min. cost $95	Link not supplied
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet Max 5G Home Internet 225/20 Mbps Unlimited Data $105.90/mth Min. cost $105.90 Link not supplied	$105.90/mth Min. cost $105.90	Link not supplied

And here's how these compare to various plans on NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, and NBN 500 speed tiers in our database:

If you just need a basic connection, it could be worth considering an NBN 25 plan. You can expect download speeds of up to 25Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5Mbps. Most online activities can still be done on an NBN 25 plan, but it will start to buckle if you have too many people using your connection.

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel All Fixed Line nbn® Home Starter 25/10 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data WhistleOut Special: Includes $28.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $41/mth for first 6 months, then $69.95/mth $41/mth for first 6 mths, then $69.95/mth Min. cost $41 Go to Site	$41/mth for first 6 mths, then $69.95/mth Min. cost $41	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value NBN 25/10 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths, $42.90/month for first 6 months, then $72.90/month. Ends 30.10.26 $42.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $72.90/mth Min. cost $42.90 Go to Site	$42.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $72.90/mth Min. cost $42.90	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® nbn25 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $73.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $43.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $73.99/mth Min. cost $43.99 Go to Site*	$43.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $73.99/mth Min. cost $43.99	Go to Site
#4	Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 25/10 Value All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months - $44.80/mth for 6mths, then $64.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $44.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $64.80/mth Min. cost $44.80 Link not supplied	$44.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $64.80/mth Min. cost $44.80	Link not supplied
#5	Flip Editor's Pick	Flip All Fixed Line nbn® Editor's Pick Unlimited Premium nbn25 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $17.90/mth off for 12 months - $48/mth for first 12 mths then $65.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $48/mth for first 12 mths then $65.90/mth Min. cost $48 Go to Site	$48/mth for first 12 mths then $65.90/mth Min. cost $48	Go to Site
#6	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Starter – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $26 off for 6 months - $49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Bronze Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 12mths. $49.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $70.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $70.90/mth Min. cost $49.90 Go to Site	$49.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $70.90/mth Min. cost $49.90	Go to Site
#8	Swoop	Swoop All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® Home Casual All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months, $54/mth for first 6 months then $69/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $54/mth for first 6 mths, then $69/mth Min. cost $54 Link not supplied	$54/mth for first 6 mths, then $69/mth Min. cost $54	Link not supplied
#9	MATE	MATE All Fixed Line nbn® Crikey nbn 25/10 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/10 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for first 6 mths, $55/mth for first 6 mths, then reverts to $80/mth (code MATE25) + Bundle & Save + more! $55/mth for first 6 months, then $80/mth Min. cost $55 Link not supplied	$55/mth for first 6 months, then $80/mth Min. cost $55	Link not supplied
#10	Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Everyday nbn25/10 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $58/mth for 6 months, then $78/mth + Bundle & Save $58/mth for first 6 mths, then $78/mth Min. cost $58 Go to Site	$58/mth for first 6 mths, then $78/mth Min. cost $58	Go to Site

NBN 50 plans are your best bang for your buck option when it comes to the NBN. They are affordable and are a good option for households with between two and four people. An NBN 50 plan will ensure everyone in your household is able to partake in their favourite online activities, whether it's streaming movies and music, online gaming or video calling with overseas friends and family.

#1	amaysim	amaysim All Fixed Line nbn® NBN50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro offer), then $85/mth. Ends 04.10.26 $45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#3	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® Editor's Pick nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Go to Site*	$57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99	Go to Site
#4	Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 50/20 Premium All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for first 6 months - $59.80/mth for 6mths, then $83.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80 Link not supplied	$59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80	Link not supplied
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month. $64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Go to Site	$64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90	Go to Site
#6	Flip	Flip All Fixed Line nbn® Unlimited Family nbn50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68 Go to Site	$68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68	Go to Site
#7	Swoop	Swoop All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® Home Everyday All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#8	Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#9	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Silver Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
#10	TPG	TPG All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Link not supplied

NBN 100 plans are the next logical step if you don't think NBN 50 will cut it for you. You get twice the download speed, meaning your connection will go as fast as 100Mbps. Most NBN 100 plans have upload speeds of 20Mbps, which is the same as what you get on NBN 50. We'd say NBN 100 plans are best for larger households, households with plenty of devices, or anyone who regularly downloads large files, such as new-release video games.

By and large, NBN 100 plans are now mostly available for those on FTTN, FTTC, and FTTB. HFC and FTTP customers can get NBN 500 for the same price, and many providers will no longer sell NBN 100 to those who can get NBN 500.

#1	amaysim	amaysim FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN Premium – Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
#3	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Editor's Pick nbn100 Unlimited Plan FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
#4	Moose NBN	Moose NBN FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn 100/20 Elite FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for first 6 months - $63.80/mth for 6mths, then $86.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Speedy NBN 100/20 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $67.90/mth for first 6 months, then $92.90/mth. $67.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $67.90 Go to Site	$67.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $67.90	Go to Site
#6	Flip	Flip FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Unlimited Turbo Boost nbn100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $19.90/mth off for 6 months - $69/mth for first 6mths then $88.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Gold Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 98/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
#8	iiNet	iiNet FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn Home Fast Liimitless FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 99/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths - $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE25FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#9	Swoop	Swoop FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® Home Fast FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months, $72/mth for first 6 mths then $94/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $72/mth for first 6 mths, then $94/mth Min. cost $72 Link not supplied	$72/mth for first 6 mths, then $94/mth Min. cost $72	Link not supplied
#10	Superloop	Superloop FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Family nbn100/20 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 95/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $21/mth off 6 months! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $95/mth + Bundle & Save $74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74 Go to Site	$74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74	Go to Site

NBN 500 plans are faster yet again, and have effectively replaced NBN 100 plans for those on HFC and FTTP. Despite being five times faster than NBN 100, pricing is still in line with what you'd pay for an NBN 100 plan.

#1	amaysim	amaysim FTTP, HFC NBN500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/43 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong FTTP, HFC NBN Fast – Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTP, HFC Speedy Max NBN 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $33/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth. Ends 30.10.26 $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#4	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo FTTP, HFC Editor's Pick nbn500 Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/48 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
#5	Moose NBN	Moose NBN FTTP, HFC nbn 500/50 Turbo FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for first 6 months - $63.80/mth for 6mths, then $86.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
#6	Flip	Flip FTTP, HFC Unlimited Fast Speed nbn500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $19.90/mth off for 6 months - $69/mth for first 6mths then $88.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#7	SpinTel	SpinTel FTTP, HFC Home Turbo 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $69/mth for first 6 months, then $89.95/mth. $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.95/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.95/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#8	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTP, HFC Gold Plus Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
#9	iiNet	iiNet FTTP, HFC nbn500 Liimitless FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths - $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE25FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#10	Swoop	Swoop FTTP, HFC nbn® Home Megafast FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months, $72/mth for first 6 mths then $94/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $72/mth for first 6 mths, then $94/mth Min. cost $72 Link not supplied	$72/mth for first 6 mths, then $94/mth Min. cost $72	Link not supplied

Wireless Broadband vs. NBN: Speed

Wireless internet plans and NBN plans are both capable of very fast speeds, but actual speeds depend on what plan you subscribe to.

NBN speeds

If you're shopping for a plan, NBN providers offer a choice of several NBN speed tiers.

There are a few factors that will determine which speed tier is best suited to you. But as a rule of thumb, the more people or devices in your household, the faster your NBN plan should be. This is because your internet speed is a shared resource. The download speed of your plan also indicates the capacity, or bandwidth, of your service.

For example, if you're streaming a movie on Netflix, you will need about 20Mbps for a crystal-clear 4K stream. If you have an NBN 50 connection, this leaves plenty of bandwidth for others in your house to jump on YouTube or play online games, without the internet slowing down for everyone.

Speed tier	Best for	Max. speeds
NBN 12	Lone, low internet users	12Mbps
NBN 25	Budget pick for 1-2 people	25Mbps
NBN 50	All-rounder for small households of 2-4 people	50Mbps
NBN 100	For WFH and larger households	100Mbps
NBN 250	Faster speeds for WFH and larger households	250Mbps
NBN 500	Seamless internet experience when everyone is online	500Mbps
NBN 750	Even faster speeds for simultaneous use	750Mbps
NBN 1000	The fastest speeds you can get for less than $100 per month	1000Mbps
NBN 2000	The fastest speeds you can get right now, at a premium	2000Mbps

_{Note: Speed tiers above NBN 100 are only available at premises with FTTP and HFC connection types.}

Also note that while each NBN speed tier comes with a maximum download speed, providers also specify a plan's typical evening speed. This is the speed you can expect during busy periods (usually in the evenings) when the network may become congested. The higher the typical evening speed, the better.

Also, different types of NBN connections are capable of different maximum speeds. For example, only FTTP and HFC are the only connections that can get speeds above NBN 100. Conversely, some FTTN connections can't even get NBN 100 speeds due to physical limitations, like the distance of your home from the NBN connection node or the condition of the copper lines running from the node to your house.

Most FTTN and FTTC customers can get free upgrades to FTTP now, however. The upgrade process is triggered by ordering an NBN 500 plan or faster for an eligible provider.

Wireless Broadband speeds

Wireless internet speeds are more difficult to predict as performance can be affected by:

The strength of your mobile signal
Congestion on the mobile networks throughout the day

Like NBN plans, wireless internet plans also have speed tiers that determine the maximum download speeds you can get. For 5G, you can typically pick between 50Mbps, 100Mbps, or uncapped speeds.

If you pick a 50Mbps or 100Mbps speed cap, these will be the fastest download speeds achievable on your plan. If you pick an uncapped 5G internet plan, your speeds will go as fast as network conditions allow. In our testing, we've seen speeds over 400Mbps. Conversely, uncapped plans can also slow down more in busy hours; speeds could fall under 100Mbps.

With that in mind, here's a rough breakdown of speed options across wireless internet plans and the providers who offer them:

Wireless Broadband Plan	Download Speed Estimate	Wireless Broadband Providers
4G speed capped	20Mbps to 25Mbps	iiNet, Kogan Internet, Optus, SpinTel, TPG, Vodafone
5G speed capped	50Mbps or 100Mbps	iiNet, Optus, SpinTel, TPG, Vodafone, Yomojo, Telstra
5G speed uncapped	50Mbps to 1,000Mbps	Optus, Telstra, Yomojo

Wireless Broadband or NBN — which is better?

We often get asked whether wireless internet or NBN is better, but there's no easy answer. It depends on your individual circumstances. If you've got a reliable NBN connection and you're happy with it, NBN is the simplest option and should deliver more consistent speeds.

However, if you're unhappy with your NBN, 4G and 5G wireless broadband are viable alternatives and could vastly improve your experience. However, speeds can be less consistent as home wireless is more prone to congestion.

Troubleshooting the NBN at your house

If your NBN connection is too slow or unreliable, there are a number of possible causes. It could be that you are paying for a plan on a slower speed tier, or your provider's typical evening speeds might be low. Home equipment, like your modem or router, could also be at fault.

See our guide on what to do about slow NBN for more information.

Wireless Broadband FAQs

Does NBN offer a more stable connection than wireless broadband?

NBN internet connections are often more stable than wireless broadband. Wireless internet plans can have more variance in speed and latency due to network congestion. As such, NBN can be a better choice for competitive online gaming.

Is wireless broadband cheaper than the NBN?

Wireless internet plans can be cheaper than their equivalent NBN plan. For example, a wireless internet plan with a 50Mbps speed cap tends to be more affordable than NBN 50. The same holds true for 100Mbps 5G wireless internet plans when compared to NBN 100 plans. NBN 500 plans are cheaper than uncapped 5G plans, however, for those on FTTP and HFC.

Are there data usage limits for wireless broadband and NBN internet connections?

The majority of NBN and wireless broadband plans include unlimited data for downloads. All telcos include a 'fair use policy' in the terms and conditions, but this isn't a clearly defined limit, and shouldn't be of concern for most Aussie households.

Telstra is the one wireless internet provider in our database that doesn't have an unlimited plan. Instead, Telstra's 5G internet plans have a 1TB allowance. If you go over this, your speeds get capped, but you won't pay any excess usage fees.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

Read full bio