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Popular Mobile Phones
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 256GB
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 128GB
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Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 128GB
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iPhone 12 Pro 128GB
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iPhone 12 128GB
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iPhone 12 64GB
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iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB
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Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G 128GB
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iPhone 12 mini 64GB
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iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB
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Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G 256GB
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Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 128GB
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Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 256GB
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Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G 256GB
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Google Pixel 5
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Compare Mobile Phone Plans
At WhistleOut, we compare mobile phone and internet plans. Our database contains thousands of plan combinations and our data analysis team search for new plans and changes several times each week. We work hard to make sure that every search you run on WhistleOut shows the latest plans and deals.
But before diving into a plan search, there are a few things we think you should know.
Which type of mobile phone plan is right for you?
Most Popular SIM Only Plans This Week
There's a lot to consider when selecting your mobile phone plan:
- There are three kinds of mobile phone plans:
- Phone Plans: You pay for a handset as well as service over a 24 or 36 month repayment.
- SIM Only Plans: You own a phone and only pay for services month-to-month.
- Prepaid Plans: You own a phone and pay for services before you use them.
- Budget: How much you can afford will affect the options you have
- Contract: Are you okay with being locked into a plan for an extended period?
- Coverage: If you live in a city you have a lot of options, but if you're rural or remote it’s best to check coverage before locking yourself in.
- Providers: There are three major providers (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone) who also own the three mobile networks within Australia and then there are a lot of smaller (and usually cheaper) brands who resell access to those networks.
- Data: There’s no point paying for more data than you need, so it’s worth checking your current usage before buying a new plan.
- Extras and deals: It’s worth looking at the extras you can get with some phone plans - inclusions like streaming services, data banking, international roaming, and overseas calls.
- Keeping your phone number: Some people stay with a provider because they don’t want to lose their phone number. No matter what mobile plan you choose you will always have the option to transfer your phone number. There are even laws that protect your right to do so.
Mobile Phone Plan FAQs
SIM Only plans SIM only plans are phone plans that are sold without a new handset. If you’ve got a phone you already love and are out of contract or are buying a new phone outright, you’ll want a SIM only phone plan to go with it.
One of the biggest benefits of buying a SIM only plan is that over 30 different providers sell them, whereas only a few providers sell plans with a phone bundled. This gives you much more choice, and means you’ve got a better shot of finding a deal that matches your usage habits.
SIM Only Pros & Cons
- Plenty of providers to choose from
- Great value
- You’ll need to bring your phone
Who does it suit?
A SIM only mobile phone plan is great if you own a phone you already love, but want a new plan.
Prepaid plans Prepaid plans are technically also SIM only plans, but are paid for differently. Prepaid plans vary in that you need to pay before you can use your service. If you use all your credit, you’ll then need to recharge again. This does however mean you’re protected from excess usage fees, as you’ll get cut off as soon as you hit your cap.
Prepaid recharges come in many different forms, including long-term recharges with large allowances that last an entire year. The most common form of prepaid is however a 28-day recharge. It’s worth being aware that a 28-day recharge does mean you need to top up 13 times a year, which can make a prepaid plan more expensive than a comparable postpaid SIM only plan.
Prepaid Pros & Cons
- No excess fees if you go over your allowance
- Entirely contract-free
- 28-day expiry plans can mean you recharge 13 times per year
- Not always as a good value as postpaid
Who does it suit?
A prepaid mobile phone plan is great if you’d prefer to pay for your phone plan ahead of time. This means you won’t get stung with any unexpected excess charges. You will already need to own your own phone.
While SIM only plans have become increasingly popular, many of us still prefer to buy a phone on a plan. With some phone prices now reaching - if not exceeding - $2,000 - it makes sense to split that up into more manageable repayments.
The major telcos now all sell phones the same way. You choose your device, and then divide its total cost by a repayment term - typicallying 24 or 36 months. This amount is known as your handset repayment fee, and is added on top of your base plan.For example, if you were looking at a 64GB iPhone 11 on a $50 plan paid off over a 24-month term, you’d be looking at around $100 per month. After your iPhone is paid off, your bill would drop down to $50 per month.
If you want to leave your plan early, you can simply pay out the remaining value of your phone. If you were half way through your iPhone 11 repayment, you’d need to pay out approximately $600. You’d then be free to take the phone to whatever telco you choose. You won’t be hit with any other termination fees.
Prepaid Pros & Cons
- You get a new phone
- Can be more manageable than paying for a phone outright
- While you can often can your plan at anytime, you’ll need to pay out the remainder of your handset in one hit
- Higher monthly bill
Who does it suit?
A mobile phone plan with a phone is great for people who want to spread the cost of a new handset over two or three years instead of forking out money upfront.
How to switch mobile providers and keep your phone number
The question we’re most often asked about switching is “can I keep my phone number?” In short, the answer is yes. You can always keep your phone number when changing providers. There are even laws that protect your right to do so. No matter what provider you swap to, whether you buy in store or online, and whether you’re adding a new device, you’ll always have the option to keep your number. When ordering a new plan online, your new provider will always ask if you want to keep your number. In some cases, this is referred to as “porting”.
The process is as follows:
- First of all: DO NOT cancel your existing mobile service, as this will mean you won't be able to port your number. Your new telco will handle the transfer and cancellation for you.
- Find a new plan and order a new SIM card online, over the phone, or buy in-store.
- During the sign-up process, you will be asked whether you want to 'port' or transfer your existing number to the new account. Simply put in your phone number and specify your current provider.
- After you receive your new SIM card (or SIM card and phone), you'll need to activate it. Doing this begins the process of transferring your number.
Your old service will continue to work until the transfer has been completed. In most cases, this should only take minutes. However, there are times when this can take a couple of hours, and if you’re unlucky, a day or two. You may need to be patient.
The short version
You can always keep your phone number, even when changing from one provider to another.
Building Your Perfect Mobile Phone Plan
The perfect mobile phone plan is one that matches your needs. Besides price, here are a couple of key things you need to consider when choosing a new plan.
Mobile Data
Your mobile data allowance is the most important consideration you’ll need to make when picking a phone plan. The more data a plan includes, the higher the price.
Sure, a 100GB mobile plan might sound alluring, but there’s no point in paying for that much data if you’re only using 10GB each month.
Ideally, you want to 'right-size' your plan. Get an understanding of how much data you’re using each month, and then select a plan that matches those needs. If you’re using 10GB per month, a 15GB plan is perfect.
The short version
Find out how much data you're using each month and then give yourself a 5GB buffer.
Extras
Almost every single phone plan includes unlimited talk and text these days, but there are other inclusions that could be useful. These range from international calling allowances to roaming to entertainment inclusions.
For example, if you’re regularly calling overseas from your mobile number, you’ll want to look for a plan that includes unlimited minutes to the countries you’re dialling. If you’re looking at pricier providers like Telstra or Optus, you’ll most likely receive free streaming subscriptions for select entertainment services.
The short version
Extras are great - if you use them. If you don’t, you could end up in a situation where you’re paying for something you don’t need.
Mobile Contracts
The majority of mobile plans are now contract-free, even if you’re buying a new phone. Instead, the cost of your phone is divided by a repayment term and then added onto your monthly bill. If you leave your plan early, you’ll need to pay out the remaining value of your phone. While this can still act as a form of lock-in, you are free to swap between plans on your telco once per month. If you’re on a 60GB plan with your provider and realise you’re not really using that much, you’re able to swap to a smaller, cheaper plan. Likewise, if your data allowance isn’t enough, you’re able to upgrade your plan.
The short version
While buying a new phone from a provider will effectively lock you in for 24 or 36 months, it’s worth talking to your telco about upgrading or downsizing your plan if you find there’s a need.
Cheap Mobile Plans
What you may consider cheap is highly subjective, but for the most part, phone plans these days start at around $10 per month. Unsurprisingly, these plans don’t necessarily include much data: 1GB is the standard inclusion for this sort of price point, but there are times when you can get more.
However, spending a little extra can greatly increase your data allowance. It’s now possible to get plans where less than $25 per month can get you 20GB. You don’t need to break the bank to get a lot of data.
It is important to be aware that cheaper plans tend to be a little more basic. Pricier options often (but not always) include perks like international minutes for calling overseas, which you will rarely find on plans worth less than $30. Even when it comes to larger providers like Optus, spending more will get you more. The telco’s cheapest SIM only plan is just talk, text, and data, whereas even spending an extra $10 per month will get you international calls and a free Optus Sport subscription.
Cheap Mobile Plans Pros & Cons
- Cheap
- Affordable
- May have small data caps
- Limited in terms of extras
The short version
The cheaper the mobile phone plan, the more basic the service. The more expensive the plan, the more data you’ll get - and the greater chance of perks like international talk and text.
Mobile networks: How to get the best coverage
There’s no point in owning a phone if it doesn’t have connectivity. To ensure you can use your phone to its maximum potential, you’ll need a plan that provides you with coverage where you need it.
Australia has three major mobile networks - Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone - and all three offer different experiences in terms of connectivity. Before you commit to a phone plan, you should have an understanding of a provider’s coverage in your areas, as well as any locations you frequent. At a minimum, where you live and work.
Telstra
Telstra has Australia’s largest network, covering 99.4% of the population. If you live in or regularly visit rural or regional Australia, Telstra may be your only option.
Pros & Cons
- Best coverage
- Can often be the fastest network
- Most expensive network
Optus
Optus follows, covering 98.5% of the population, with Vodafone trailing at 96%. This might not sound like a significant difference in terms of coverage, but it does impact coverage outside of cities.
Pros & Cons
- More affordable than Telstra
- Smaller network than Telstra
Vodafone
Vodafone has the least coverage out of the three, however if you’re in a city or major town, you should comfortably be able to get coverage on any of the three networks.
Pros & Cons
- 30-day network guarantee
- Smallest network
29% of Australia’s population lives in rural or remote areas, so if this is you, it’s best to double check our coverage map before locking in a provider.
What is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)?
In addition to Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, there are a whole host of smaller providers you can pick from. Known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), these providers tend to be a great choice when it comes to an excellent deal.
MVNOs are powered by the same networks as the big three. Essentially, MVNOs buy network access at wholesale prices, and then resell this. Since they have lower overheads, smaller ad budgets, and don’t always sell phones, MVNOs often offer the same basic products as the big brands, but at a cheaper price. But while you’re saving money, the plans in questions don’t have the same kind of extras you’d see at Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone.
Perks programs are non-existent, international roaming rates are unspeakably expensive, and you won’t get any extra content inclusions. In addition, very few MVNOs sell devices. Woolworths Mobile is the major exception, which has most Samsung and OPPO smartphones available.
MVNOs Pros & Cons
- Often cheaper than plans from larger providers
- Largely the same coverage and service as larger providers
- Many plans are contract-free, so you can always leave if you’re not happy
- Tend to be SIM-only or prepaid, so you won’t be able to buy a new phone with one
- Not as full featured as plans from larger providers
The short version
There are three major providers who also own the mobile networks, but there are also loads of smaller brands (MVNOs) who resell networks from the major suppliers. The big three (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone) offer handsets and more perks, while MVNOs usually have great deals on simpler plans.
Telstra MVNOs
Most Telstra MVNOs only have access to the Telstra wholesale network. The Telstra wholesale network reaches 98.8% of the Australian population, which is a tad smaller than the 99.4% that the full Telstra network reaches. While this might not sound significant, it can affect coverage in regional and rural areas.
Boost is the one Telstra MVNO with access to the entire Telstra network.
Optus MVNOs
Optus MVNO’s have identical coverage to Optus.
Vodafone MVNOs
Vodafone MVNO’s have identical coverage to Vodafone
Choosing a Mobile Phone
To help you choose, we've got comprehensive mobile phone reviews and ratings. We put all new phones through their paces, testing screen quality, camera performance, battery life and more.
We also pull in reviews from other experts from around the world to help you find the right phone.
If there's a carrier exclusive phone, our technology also includes phone substitution to show you "closest match" handsets and their plans. These plans are shown in search results so you can see a fair comparison.
If you're tossing up between different brands for your next smartphone, here's a little info on the big names, and their competitors.
iPhones
The iPhone needs no introduction, having revolutionised the mobile world over the last decade and a bit. iPhones are the go to for many Australians, with over half the population touting an Apple-made handset. Of course, iPhones are considered a premium product, and tend to be one of the most expensive smartphones you can buy, but the newly introduced iPhone SE helps alleviate this somewhat with a more affordable entry-level product.
Samsung Phones
Samsung Galaxy smartphones are often considered the default choice if you don’t want an iPhone, and it’s easy to understand why. The Galaxy S and Galaxy Note range go head-to-head with Apple’s high-end devices, but there are also plenty of cheaper Samsung handsets available in its A range. These can be a great choice if you’re looking to spend less than $1,000 on a phone. Samsung has also proven to be an innovative force in the industry with foldable devices like the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip.
OPPO
OPPO is still one of the newer smartphone brands operating in Australia, but it’s already made a strong reputation for itself thanks to its value driven handset range. Whether you’re looking for a $300 phone or a $1,500 phone, OPPO has a device for you. Better yet, you can be guaranteed that no matter how much you’re spending, you’ll be getting bang for your buck.
Google is perhaps better known for developing Android - the operating system powering many of today’s smartphones and tablets - but it also makes its own handsets. Known as the Pixel range, Google’s devices have come to be regarded as Android iPhones. Pixel devices are the first to get new features, they’re supported for longer than many other Android phone
How We Choose the Best Mobile Phone Plans
Every month the WhistleOut team get together to highlight the best mobile phone and internet plans. We call these our Editor’s Picks.
Before we settle on these selections we take a number of things into account. Obviously the price of a plan and the plan inclusions are key elements, but we also want to be sure that we’re recommending good providers.
We rate each provider on the plan features and customer support channels it offers, tally up reviews from across the web and calculate the plan's value for money across a range of different use cases.
We then find the best value plans across a range of categories and use our provider rankings to help determine which plan is the best. It may not be the cheapest plan, but we are confident that it's the best plan we can find each month.
Telstra Mobile Phone Plans
Telstra Mobile Phone Plans are a masterclass in simplicity. Rather than offering a dozen incrementally different phone plans, Telstra’s range includes just four: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.
Regardless of whether you want a new phone, or just want a SIM card for your current handset, Telstra customers choose from the same phone plan range. Each plan includes unlimited talk and text, plus a hefty chunk of mobile data.
What we like about Telstra plans:
- Four simple plans makes for simple comparisons
- All plans come with generous data inclusions
- Data-free streaming of Apple Music with all plans
- Free access to NRL, AFL, AFLW, netball and A-League football streaming
- You can jump on Australia’s first 5G network if you have the right device
See all current Telstra mobile phone plans.
Optus Mobile Phone Plans
If you’re looking for a new iPhone or the latest Samsung smartphone, Optus is the first place you should look for a bargain. You might be surprised to learn this, but Optus tends to have the most attractive deals on new phones, and is consistently cheaper than rivals Telstra and Vodafone.
Beyond the basics, almost everyone who signs up for an Optus phone plan gets free access to Optus Sport and an extended Apple Music free trial. Optus customers can also tap into the Optus Perks program, which offers discounted movie tickets, pre-sale concert tickets and regular competitions.
Optus also offer a range of business mobile plans and bundles for different business usage patterns see all Optus business mobile plans.
What we like about Optus plans:
- Often great value for a new smartphone plan
- International calls and roaming included in some plans
- Phones can be paid off over 12, 24, or 36 months
- Optus Sport is a must for any European football fan
See all current Optus mobile phone plans.
Vodafone Phone Plans
Vodafone may not have the largest coverage footprint in Australia (though with 96% of the population covered, it’s not far off), but it does have the largest global footprint. As part of the Vodafone group, Australian Vodafone customers tap into the reach of the Vodafone business across the world.
The most obvious benefit of this is Vodafone’s $5 per day international roaming feature. Vodafone customers can travel to over 80 countries across the globe and pay just $5 extra per day to tap into their standard monthly inclusions. This means that if you have a plan with 100GB of data per month to use in Australia, you can also use 100GB per month while you travel around the world.
What we like about Vodafone plans:
- $5 per day international roaming is the best way to travel with your smartphone
- No contract plans give control to the customer
- Vodafone offers bundling discounts when you sign up for an NBN internet plan
- You often get a loyalty discount on the price of the latest smartphones
See all current Vodafone mobile phone plans.
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