Are you on Australia's best SIM Only plan? (And if not, why!?)

Anula Wiwatowska - Offsite Editorial Lead

Last updated 02 August 2021

At the end of the day, we all want to say that we chose the best, The best person, the best car, the best ice cream flavour - and while mobile phone plans aren’t necessarily up there when it comes to bragging rights, we just think they’re neat.

So neat in fact, that we think you should brag about your phone plan, and thanks to the WhistleOut Awards we make it easier to get those bragging rights. The WhistleOut Awards recognise mobile and internet providers that offer consistently great value for customers. We’re talking about great data inclusions, and low prices.

Looking at SIM-only plans, the WhistleOut Awards cover four categories; Best SIM-Only Provider, Value Plans, Best SIM-Only Provider, Large Plans, Best Prepaid Provider, Value Plans, and Best Prepaid Provider, Large Plans. Each of these categories has a provider that, throughout the previous financial year consistently had high value plans at affordable prices.

Did you pick a winner?

Best SIM-only Provider, Value Plans
Plans with at least 10GB of data per month

Winner: Moose Mobile

Runner up: SpinTel

Moose 23 SIM Only

30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network
Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27

$14.00/mth

Min. cost $14

Link not supplied

$14.00/mth

Min. cost $14

Link not supplied

Don’t need that much data? Value plans are the way to go! To secure those bragging rights you would need to be on a SIM plan with Canadian-flavoured, Brisbane-based telco, Moose Mobile.

Known to offer discounts, and bonus data for long promotional periods Moose Mobile scored the most points during our year of judging. Any incentives given out by Moose tend to last for at least 12 months, but can span up to 24 months. That is a long time to not think about your phone plan.

Operating on the Optus Network, you’ll get coverage anywhere that Optus does but at a significantly cheaper rate.

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	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
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel $35 Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $35.00/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35.00/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#4	SpinTel	SpinTel $50 Mobile Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site

Our runner-up, also powered by Optus, is SpinTel. While discounts with this provider don’t last as long. one perk that SpinTel offers above Moose is that you can get access to Optus 5G, but you’ll need to be on the right plan.

Best SIM-only Provider, Large Plans
Plans with at least 30GB of data per month

Winner: Circles.Life

Runner up: Dodo

#1	Pivotel	Pivotel 25GB Mobile Swift Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $11.45/mth for first 6 months, then $22.90/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45 Go to Site	$11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#3	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 23 SIM Only 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Link not supplied	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Link not supplied
#4	Swoop	Swoop 30GB SIM Only 5G 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $11 off for first 6 months - $14/mth for first 6 months then $25/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#5	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
#6	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
#7	Swoop	Swoop 60GB SIM Only 5G 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $23/mth for first 6 months then $33/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.2027 $23.00/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23.00/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#8	Dodo	Dodo Small Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $25.00/mth Min. cost $25 Go to Site	$25.00/mth Min. cost $25	Go to Site
#9	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
#10	Swoop	Swoop 120GB SIM Only 5G 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $30/mth for first 6 months then $40/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $30.00/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site

Need a little bit more padding around your data limits? No worries, these Large Plans have more than got you covered.

This year’s winner is Circles.Life, finding its way onto our leaderboard thanks to its ongoing promotional discounts on the 20GB and 100GB plans. While 20GB is less than what is eligible for this category, don’t let the name fool you. Circles.Life has been consistently running a promotion that more than doubled that allowance, shifting it up to 50GB while also discounting the monthly rate. Plus, you can still get 100GB for around $30 per month.

Circles.Life operates on the Optus network, and offers some extras alongside its substantial data allowances. You can tack on international minutes for just $5 per month, and if you refer a friend you’ll both get a $38 discount to go towards your phone bills.

#1	Dodo	Dodo Small Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $25.00/mth Min. cost $25 Go to Site	$25.00/mth Min. cost $25	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick Medium Mobile Plan 40GB 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 Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	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

Coming in as runner-up for Large Plans is Dodo. Better known for internet and electricity Dodo does in fact sell phone plans, and they do it well. Powered, once again by Optus, the provider offers international call options, and generous data top-up prices at $10 for 3GB.

Did you pick the right NBN provider?

If you're looking for bragging rights, or just to save some money throughout the year it's worth taking a look at your NBN provider as well.

Check out all of our internet award categories awarded across NBN, mobile broadband, and home wireless broadband.

Best Prepaid Provider, Value Plans
Plans with at least 10GB of data per month

Winner: gomo

Runner up: TPG

#1	Coles Mobile	Coles Mobile Prepaid $30 for 28 Days - Starter Pack 32GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: Get the $30 SIM for only $10! Offer ends 27.10.26 $10.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$10.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Link not supplied
#2	amaysim	amaysim 7-day UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $10.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$10.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	OnePass mobile	OnePass mobile 28 Day Plan - 22GB 22GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $12.50 - Get 22GB for only $12.50 for the first 6 recharges! Recharges $25/22GB. New customers only. T&Cs apply $12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $13.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Go to Site	$13.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Go to Site
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $13 Prepaid Plus Recharge 5GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 1GB extra data on every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $14 Prepaid 6GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick Unlimited Plan S 50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $15 for first 6 renewals when you activate this plan. Offer ends 31.12.26. T&Cs apply $15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	iiNet	iiNet 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#10	Telstra	Telstra $15 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 4GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $15.00 Starter Pack 7 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$15.00 Starter Pack 7 Day Expiry	Link not supplied

When we talk about SIM-only plans we refer to postpaid options, but prepaid is still alive, kicking, and offering great value for consumers.

The 2020-2021 winner for the best prepaid provider offering plans with at least 10GB of data is gomo. Owned and operated by Optus, gomo is an ongoing subscription service that focuses on the basics.

When first launched, gomo had just one plan but has since expanded out to offer three options. Each comes with a 30-day expiry, and data rollover up to 200GB to use on a rainy day. The upper echelon of gomo plans also come with unlimited international calls to 15 countries, but unfortunately no text messages.

30GB Small Plan

30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.

$15.00

Per 1 Month Renewal

Link not supplied

$15.00

Per 1 Month Renewal

Link not supplied

After gomo, comes TPG. Operating on the Vodafone network TPG is synonymous with cheap internet plans, and it’s mobile plans live up to that reputation. Now, you can also bundle your TPG internet and mobile plans for a discount, so it’s worth considering to save some cash.

Best Prepaid Provider, Large Plans
Plans with at least 30GB of data per month

Winner: amaysim

Runner up: Lebara Mobile

7-day UNLIMITED 10GB Plan

10GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT

$10.00

Per 7 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

$10.00

Per 7 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

If you’re looking to stick with prepaid but need some more breathing room around your data, then a Large Plan is what you should be looking for.

You’ve probably heard of our winner this year. amaysim is arguably the most popular prepaid provider in Australia, and even though it was acquired by Optus the telco continues to pump out great value for customers.

Tack on referral bonuses, and amaysim keeps on giving to its customers.

$25 SIM Plan

25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get the $25 SIM for $9 online until 05.10.26. T&Cs apply

$25.00

Per 28 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

$25.00

Per 28 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

In second place comes Lebara Mobile, a Vodafone subsidiary with a focus on international calls. Not only does the provider offer some generous bonus data, but every single one of its plans comes with some kind of international call allowance. Even the cheapest one. For those with families and friends overseas, it is well worth checking out.

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

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