Mobile Phone Plans

How do I compare mobile plans?

When choosing a new mobile plan, there are several key factors you should consider. To make sure you get the right plan for you, you'll need to answer questions like whether you want a new phone, how much data you need, and what network is right for you.

1. Do you want a new phone?

Do you want a new phone, or are you happy with a SIM-only mobile plan? If you're looking to buy a phone on a plan, you're largely limited to Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. 

However, if you're happy with your current phone or intend to buy a new one outright, you can pick from a much wider range of providers. Smaller providers are powered by the same networks as The Big Three, but often have cheaper plans and better value deals. WhistleOut's data shows that more and more Australians are picking plans from these smaller telcos. 

2. Do you want a prepaid or postpaid plan?

If you're opting for a SIM-only mobile plan, you'll need to decide whether you want a postpaid plan or prepaid plan. These days, there's very little difference other than when you pay your bill. 

On postpaid mobile plans, you'll get a bill at the end of each month and have two weeks to pay it. Telstra's Upfront plans are structured like postpaid, but you get automatically billed at the start of each month. 

On prepaid mobile plans, you'll pay upfront ahead of your month. 

Prepaid plans tend to be harder to rack up excess charges on, which can make them better for kids. Just note that some prepaid plans need to be recharged every 28 days, which means you'll be charged 13 times per year. 

3. How much data do you need?

You'll want to work out how much data you're currently using each month as a starting point for finding a new phone plan. While there's a host of supersized plans available with over 100GB per month now, there's no point in paying for more data than you're using. According to the ACCC, the average Australian on a postpaid plan uses around 18GB per month. This drops to 9.8GB for prepaid customers. 

4. What network meets your coverage needs?

Mobile coverage is always important. After all, you'll want to make sure you can use your mobile plan where you live, work, and commute. In metro areas, you should be fine with any provider, but if you're more remote, you may want a provider on the Telstra network. 

5. Do you need roaming inclusions?

If you're a regular international traveller, you'll want to ensure your plan has international roaming inclusions that meet your needs. This is especially important if you want to use your local number when you're overseas. 

How much data do I need for my phone plan?

According to the latest ACCC Internet Activity Report, the average Australian with a postpaid mobile plan uses around 18GB per month. This drops down to 9.8GB per month for prepaid customers. 

As such, most of us would get by fine with a 20GB postpaid mobile plan or a 10GB prepaid plan. It's always good to have a buffer to avoid paying excess usage fees.

At the same time, you'll want to consider your own needs. If you barely use mobile data, you can get away with a smaller phone plan. If you're constantly streaming on the go, you might want a more generous allowance. 

The important thing is to only pay for the data you're using. There's no point getting a 100GB phone plan if you only use 10GB each month. When working out your own data needs, consider these questions: 

• How much data have you used on previous bills?
• Will your data usage needs change in the future?
• Can you use WiFi instead?

Make sure you look at the apps you frequently use and factor in how much data they burn through. 

Compare mobile networks

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Australia has three mobile networks. No matter which provider you choose, you will still be connected to the Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone network. 

Telstra has the most mobile coverage, making it or a Telstra-powered provider a great choice for those who spend lots of time in remote and rural parts of Australia. 

If you're in a city or major town, your choice of provider won't matter as much. Vodafone has also greatly improved its regional coverage thanks to a network sharing agreement with Optus. As a result, Vodafone now has almost identical coverage to Optus.  

Check out our interactive coverage map below: 

Telstra network coverage

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Telstra has Australia's largest network, covering over 2.1 million square kilometres. If you live in or regularly visit rural or regional Australia, Telstra could be your only option.

• Over 2.1 million square kilometres of coverage
• Is often the fastest network
• All plans come with generous data inclusions

• More expensive than competitors

Providers who use the Telstra Network

• ALDI mobile
• Belong
• Boost Mobile
• Everyday Mobile (Woolworths)
• Exetel

• MATE
• More
• Tangerine
• Superloop
• SpaceTalk

Optus network coverage

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Optus follows with 1.2 million square kilometres of coverage.

• More affordable than Telstra
• Good value for a new smartphone plan
• Phones can be paid off over 12, 24, or 36 months

• Smaller network compared with Telstra

Providers who use the Optus Network

• AGL
• amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Coles Mobile
• Dodo

• iPrimus
• OnePass Mobile
• SpinTel
• Yomojo

Vodafone network coverage

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Thanks to a network-sharing agreement, Vodafone's mobile coverage is effectively equal to Optus. In regional and rural areas, Vodafone customers will use the Optus network if Vodafone coverage is not available. Vodafone continues to maintain its own network in metro areas. 

• 1.2 million square kilometres of coverage
• 30-day network guarantee
• $5 per day international roaming is the best way to travel with your smartphone
• No-contract plans

• Smallest 5G footprint 

Providers which use the Vodafone Network

• felix mobile
• iiNet
• TPG
• Moose Mobile

• Kogan Mobile
• Lebara Mobile
• LycaMobile
• Swoop

The best mobile plans

Each month, WhistleOut product experts pick the best mobile plans based on a mix of criteria. We consider pricing (the total cost over 12 months), data allowances, plan features, bonus perks, and support channels. Below are some of this month's expert picks.

WhistleOut's monthly editor’s pick selections serve a dual purpose. The providers recognised in a monthly pick become eligible for inclusion in our annual WhistleOut Awards. Here are the most recent winners of a WhistleOut mobile award, judged in 2026.

• Mobile Provider of the Year: TPG
• Best SIM-Only Provider, Value Plans: SpinTel
  • Runner Up: Dodo
• Best SIM-Only Provider, Large Plans: Dodo
  • Runner Up: SpinTel
• Best Prepaid Provider, Value Plans: TPG
  • Runner Up: felix mobile
• Best Prepaid Provider, Large Plans: felix mobile
  • Runner Up: TPG
• Best Provider, iPhone Plans: Vodafone
  • Runner Up: Optus
• Best Provider, Samsung Plans: Vodafone
  • Runner Up: Optus
• Best Provider, International Calls: TPG 
  • Runner Up: Lycamobile
• Best Provider, Plans for Kids: Yomojo
  • Runner Up: Kogan Mobile

Compare mobile phones

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We put most new phones through their paces, testing screen quality, camera performance, battery life, and more. If you're tossing up between different brands for your next phone, here's a little info on the big names, and their competitors.

Apple iPhone

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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. The iPhone 17 starts at $1,449 outright, for example, and you'll pay even more if you want an iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 17e helps alleviate this somewhat with a slightly more affordable entry-level product. There are also refurbished iPhones available from a variety of retailers. 

• Widely available
• Great for photography
• iPhone 17e is a solid cheaper option

Samsung Galaxy

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Samsung Galaxy phones are often considered the default choice if you don't want an iPhone. The Galaxy S26 family goes head-to-head with Apple's high-end devices, but there are also cheaper Samsung handsets available in its A-series, like the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57. 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 Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung's Galaxy S26 family is expected to launch in late February. 

• Fast, sleek and powerful
• Some of the best Android handsets
• Samsung offers great security and support.

Google Pixel 

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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 phones. If you're looking for an affordable phone, Google's A-series Pixels are among the best. 

• Unique software features not on other Androids
• More affordable than other flagship handsets
• Google phones can take amazing photos.

OPPO

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OPPO is a smaller brand but has a strong reputation 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.

• Premium handsets compete well with Apple and Samsung.
• OPPO has some of the best mid-range phones available
• Full support for Android and the Play Store.

If you're looking for a phone on a plan, compare popular models below:

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 18 Pro
• iPhone 18 Pro Max
• Galaxy S26
• Galaxy S26 Plus
• Galaxy S26 Ultra

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get a phone plan?

The cheapest phone plans in Australia are SIM-only plans from smaller providers, and you can pick from prepaid and postpaid options. 

Cheap mobile phone plans don't typically come with extras and perks, like bonus subscriptions to streaming services or mobile phone discounts. Most cheap plans don't include international calls or texts either, but in some cases, you can add this on for a small fee. 

Here are the cheapest phone plans in our database with at least a 28-day expiry: 

Are there any unlimited data phone plans in Australia?

There are unlimited data phone plans in Australia, but these all tend to have a catch. You still get a monthly data allowance, but if you go over it, you can continue using your service with slower speeds. These typically range from 1Mbps to 2Mbps. In the case of Dodo, they're much slower at 256Kbps. These plans are best thought of as plans with no excess charges. 

felix mobile has a plan with true unlimited data, but speeds are capped to 40Mbps. 

Here's a look at some other plans with unlimited data: 

Is a prepaid plan cheaper than a postpaid SIM-only mobile plan?

Generally speaking, you should be able to find postpaid SIM-only plans as cheap as prepaid plans. The starting cost for both prepaid and postpaid SIM-only mobile plans tends to start around $10 per month. Plan inclusions are always pretty similar in this price range, too. If you own your phone and need a BYO phone plan, you should compare SIM-only and prepaid plans at the same time.

Just make sure you note the expiry on your prepaid plan. Many prepaid plans have a 28-day expiry, which means you'd make 13 recharges per year. As such, this can make them more expensive than a postpaid plan at the same price point. 

Which network does my provider use?

All Australian mobile providers are powered by one of three networks: Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone. 

Understanding this is usually the difference between feeling trapped with an expensive phone plan and exploring the numerous other providers. You can save a bunch of money with a smaller provider, and you'll always have the peace of mind that the coverage is the same.

For example, ALDI usually uses the Telstra network, but offers plans that are significantly cheaper than Telstra offers. Likewise, Boost, Belong, and Everyday Mobile all use the Telstra network.

Many smaller providers operate on the Optus network, including amaysim, Aussie Broadband, Dodo, and Coles Mobile. 

How much are mobile plans in Australia?

The cheapest phone plans in Australia start at about $10 per month for a SIM-only plan. Plans can get a lot more expensive, however, especially if you're paying off a new handset. For example, you might pay as much as $200 per month if you're after a new iPhone on a plan. 

With over 30 mobile providers to choose from, you can be sure that every price is covered in between, with thousands of different plan combinations to compare. If you're looking to buy a plan with a new smartphone, our Phone Finder tool is a great place to start.

Which are the best phone plans for seniors?

Unfortunately, there aren't many dedicated phone plan offers specifically designed for people who carry a Senior's Card. We've collected a list of the best mobile plans for seniors, and we keep it updated with any new information we come across.

In lieu of dedicated senior plans, we recommend you check out the best prepaid phone plans to find a low-cost option. The price of these plans usually starts at about $10 per month, and we think you'll find something suitable in this list.

Mobile phone plan glossary

Prepaid

Prepaid refers to a mobile plan where you pay for your usage upfront. You then have a set data allowance, and if you go over, you'll be cut off instead of being charged excess fees.

Postpaid

Postpaid refers to a mobile plan where you're sent a monthly bill and then have a set period of time to pay it. Postpaid plans may have excess usage fees.

Speed cap

A speed cap refers to the maximum speeds your mobile plan is capable of hitting. These are becoming increasingly common on more affordable plans. Cheaper plans, for example, may have a speed limit of 100Mbps.

eSIM

An eSIM is a rewritable SIM card that’s built into a smartphone or smartwatch. An eSIM never leaves your phone. There's no need to pop open a slot or pry off a case to put it in. Instead, you simply download a "software SIM" from your provider of choice. Most high-end phones from recent years support eSIM.

International roaming

International roaming refers to using your Australian phone plan overseas. Not all phone plans support roaming, but all providers that offer the service charge extra. Prices for roaming tend to start at $5 per day.

MVNO

MVNO is short for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. An MVNO is a mobile provider that doesn't own its mobile network. Instead, it resells access to someone else's network. In Australia, MVNOs resell access to Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone.

SIM-only

SIM-only mobile plans are mobile plans that don't come with a new phone. SIM-only plans can be postpaid or prepaid, but the telcos often use SIM-only in reference to postpaid plans.

About the author

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Alex Choros

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.

Throughout his career as a journalist, Alex has covered international trade shows, spent three years co-hosting a tech show on community radio, and was awarded Highly Commended in the Best Reviewer category of the 2018 IT Journalism Awards and the 2021 IT Journalism Awards. His work contributed to WhistleOut Australia winning the Best Consumer Technology Coverage award in the 2023 IT Journalism Awards. Alex won the Consensus Award for Best Investigative Writer in 2024, and the Consensus Award for Best Editor in 2025.

He regularly contributed to Gizmodo and Lifehacker, and he often pops up on 2GB and 3AW to talk telco. On weekends, you'll find Alex at a wine bar, on a hike, or in the middle of a mosh pit.

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | Twitter | Instagram

Important information

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Mobile plan sort order

By default, SIM-only mobile plans on this page are sorted by their popularity with WhistleOut users in the last seven days. This is calculated based on the number of times a plan is interacted with by users on WhistleOut.

In widgets, our interactive tables, users can change the sort order by clicking through See More Plans. The sorting filter is then in the top right-hand corner. In the interactive search section on this page, users can filter by data allowance and price, and sort by popularity, price, and data.

Speed caps

Some mobile plans have a speed cap. Best thought of as a speed limit, this refers to the maximum speeds a plan is capable of. When a mobile plan has a speed cap, we list the maximum download speeds next to its data allowance. Maximum speeds are not a guarantee of typical performance.

Unlimited data

When unlimited is used in relation to the data available on a plan, it is likely to be subject to a fair use policy. Some mobile plans have "unlimited data” after their primary data allowance is exceeded. In these cases, the speeds are heavily restricted.

Comparisons and recommendations

The comparisons and recommendations made by WhistleOut do not take into account your individual circumstances. While we explain who a certain plan may be for when making a recommendation, this does not mean it will be suitable for everyone.

Advertiser disclosure

WhistleOut may receive payment from a provider who you click on a plan on our site. When we have a commercial relationship with a provider, you'll see a "Go To Site" button that takes you straight to that plan. We still compare plans from providers we don't have a commercial relationship with, but these don't have a button.