What is a SIM-only mobile plan (and is one right for you)?

Mobile phone plans can get confusing. SIM-only vs. prepaid vs. postpaid - if you're not a tech wizard it can get overwhelming. This is why we created a SIM-only phone plan guide specifically for unravelling what a SIM-only phone plan is, why anyone would want one and how they stack up against the competition on perks, price and more.

But before we get started here are the most popular postpaid SIM-only plans available in our database with 50GB or more:

Mobile Phone Plans

#1	Dodo	Dodo Large Mobile Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Large Mobile Plan for $20/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $40.00/mth Min. cost $20 Go to Site	$40.00/mth Min. cost $20	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium SIM Only Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $21/mth for 4 months then $42/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $42.00/mth Min. cost $21 Go to Site	$42.00/mth Min. cost $21	Go to Site
#6	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29.00/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29.00/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#7	Pivotel	Pivotel 80GB Mobile Swift Plan 80GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50 Go to Site	$22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50	Go to Site
#8	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
#9	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $18/mth for 4 months then $36/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $36.00/mth Min. cost $18 Go to Site	$36.00/mth Min. cost $18	Go to Site
#10	Pivotel	Pivotel 50GB Mobile Swift Plan 50GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $17.50/mth Min. cost $17.50 Go to Site	$17.50/mth Min. cost $17.50	Go to Site

Sorted by popularity, based on user clicks from last 7 days

See More Plans ~ Last Updated 2/10/2026

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What is a SIM-only or BYO phone plan?

A SIM-only plan aka a BYO phone plan is simply a phone plan that doesn't come with a phone. Because you don't pay extra for a device, these plans suit those who want to keep their mobile plan costs down or are happy with their current device.

While you can get contract and no-contract SIM-only plans, the contracted ones are shorter than most, only lasting a maximum of 12 months.

Which providers offer SIM-only plans?

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone offer SIM-only plans, and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), who operate under these networks, also offer an extensive range of SIM-only plans.

What is the difference between a prepaid plan and a SIM-only plan?

The most significant difference is when your bill is paid.

Prepaid bills are paid upfront before you talk, text or use any data. This option is excellent for people who stick to their budgets like glue because once it's used up, you either go without until your next bill or will need to recharge early.

On the flip side, traditional SIM-only plans only require payment after usage which is why these plans are also referred to as "postpaid". If you exceed your monthly data allowance on a postpaid plan, you'll most likely be charged an excess data fee and have more data added to your account instead of having your usage cut-off.

Technically, prepaid plans are also considered SIM-only plans in that you're just buying a SIM card.

Why should I choose a SIM-only plan?

SIM-only plans are a great option if:

• You can afford to buy a phone outright
• You already have an unlocked phone that you want to keep (or are willing to get it unlocked)
• Your contract is up and you are waiting to upgrade to a new phone but you're looking for a plan to bridge the gap
• You want to pay less on your monthly phone bill
• You don't want to be locked into a long-term contract

Are SIM-only plans cheaper?

Yes, there are some ways SIM-only plans can be cheaper. For a start, you aren't paying for a handset on top of your plan which is a huge saving. Plus you have a wider range of providers and plans to choose from with smaller providers, in particular, offering cheaper prices when compared to the Big Three.

Additionally, we did the maths on whether it was cheaper to get a SIM-only plan and buy an iPhone outright or if iPhone contract costs were more affordable. The results showed that over two years, choosing a SIM-only plan from a smaller provider, and buying your phone outright can save customers up to $1,000.

What are the best SIM-only plans?

The best SIM-only plan depends entirely on what your needs are. Do you have a specific provider you want or need to stay with based on perks like Telstra Plus or better network coverage? Do you need a data-heavy plan?

Each month we select the best heavy-use and everyday-use plans from all the providers in our database as well as the top SIM-only mobile plans from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Check out our Best SIM-only plans guide for the top SIM-only plans with no contracts. These plans are chosen based on price and how much data they offer.

Can I keep my number if I switch to SIM-only?

Regardless of what plan type you choose, you can always take your number with you. It only takes a couple of extra steps but in the long-run keeping your phone number is much easier than updating everyone on your new digits.

Check out the video below for a detailed how-to:

How do I switch to a new SIM plan?

Switching phone plans may seem complex and time-consuming, but you'll find it's a surprisingly easy process. Signing up for a plan will take less than 10 minutes, and the systems which move your phone number from one provider to another (called porting) can make the necessary changes in under five minutes, in some cases.

What you'll need:

• Your phone or a computer
• A current phone account
• A driver's license (or similar ID

When you're buying a new phone plan online the process happens in a couple of steps:

1. You place your order on the provider's website. You will need to enter your details at this point and if you're ordering a postpaid phone plan the provider needs to run a quick credit check.
2. The provider sends you a new SIM card in the mail. This will take a couple of days.
3. Once the SIM card is delivered, you need to activate it. The easiest way to do this is on the provider's website.
4. Once you finish activating the SIM card your provider will begin the process of 'porting' your phone number from your old service to the new. You don't have to do anything at this point but wait. The process can take several hours, but in most cases, it will happen in a matter of minutes.
5. Sit back and enjoy your new phone plan!

Christie Graham

Digital Content Editor

Christie Graham is a tech industry expert and former head copywriter for Harvey Norman's Computers and Tech category. She won a national Newscorp writing competition to review TV shows on Binge, and keeps busy juggling her many hobbies including baking, painting, archery, stargazing, tending to her chickens, training her Border Collie, expanding her Harry Potter replica collection, and making lists (much like this one).

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