Finding the best mobile phone plan for you
At the start of each month, our team of mobile experts analyse all the latest mobile deals in the market to find the best value plans for a wide range of categories. There is no singular mobile plan that will work perfectly for everyone.To help you find the right mobile plan, we've evaluated hundreds of plans based on a value score. These top picks were awarded on January 10 based on the prices and deals available at that time.
Top pick: Best prepaid mobile plan
felix Subscription 50GB GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 3 months then 50GB for $30. T&Cs apply. Use code FELIX50. Ends 31.3.24
Top pick: Best 365-day mobile plan
Catch Connect 60GB Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
for the first 365 days then 60GB for $120.
Top pick: Best mobile plan under $20
Dodo $20
Calls & Text
data
per month
for the first 3 months then 15GB for $20. T&Cs apply. Order by 27.2.24
Top pick: Best plan on the Telstra network
Belong 40GB
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
Top pick: Best iPhone plan
Top pick: Best Samsung plan
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How do you find the best mobile plan?
The best mobile plan for you will depend on your personal preferences. Here are some of the things to consider to help get you started:
While there are dozens of mobile plan retailers, there are just 3 network operators. In order of coverage, they are Telstra (99.5%), Optus (98.5%) and TPG/Vodafone (96%).
You can check coverage in your area online before you sign up because even in metropolitan areas, there may be coverage gaps.
While a few providers offer unlimited data, most people don't need very much data at all. The average Australian uses 10.2GB a month according to the ACCC Communications Market Report.
You can use our mobile data usage calculator to get an estimate of how much data you use, but it's also a good idea to check your latest bill.
When choosing our top picks, we considered a broad range of features that are useful to have, including data rollover, Wi-Fi calling and international calls and texts.
That being said, you may just be happy with a regular plan with national calls and texts and data. If that sounds like you, don't be fooled by fancy extras and stick to a simpler plan for cheaper instead.
If you're getting a new phone on a plan, you'll need to decide how much you can afford for the repayment period. You can typically choose between 12-, 24- and 36-month repayment periods.
Keep in mind that while a 36-month repayment period will have a "smoothing" effect on your monthly bill, you may miss out on better deals that come along within that 3-year period while you stay with the same provider.
Expert tip: The next time your phone bill comes in, look at how much data you used. The average Aussie downloads just 10.2GB a month. If that’s you and you’re paying for more data than you need, it might be time to compare your options.
Dylan Crismale
Utilities writer
Compare to find the best mobile plan
Methodology: How we researched the best mobile plans
- We looked at mobile plans in our database for personal use only.
- This includes major providers that operate Australia-wide across the Telstra, Optus and Vodafone networks.
- We calculated a value score for each plan in our database weighted as follows: 70% cost per gigabyte over the first 12 months of the plan, 20% mobile network coverage and 10% features (including data rollover 6%, Wi-Fi calling 3% and international call inclusions 1%).
To select the overall winner of each category, we ranked the plans in our database via their final value score.
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Ask an Expert
Optus have offered, on a 24 month plan, a new iPhone 7 with unlimited text and national calls together with 10GB of data discounted to $45.20 per month. Is this a good deal?
Hi Roy,
Thanks for getting in touch! It’s helpful to know that when choosing a mobile plan, it should be one that fits your monthly budget and lifestyle. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki
Hi,
I would like to know which MVNO using full strength 4G network for voice and data. I heard that Boost is using Telstra’s full network and Virgin is using Optus. Is there any other MVNO using full strength network for both voice and data ??
Cheers!
Samy
Hi Samy,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder.
The network strength depends on different factors such as time and place. However, in terms of network coverage, the service an MVNO offers shouldn’t differ in any way at all from the service that you’d get from the underlying network provider at the same location. That makes sense because it’s the exact same network infrastructure. If there’s an outage or a reception problem with an MVNO, it’s a question of the underlying carrier’s network, not the MVNO.
We also have a list of MVNOs along with the networks they use. Please check and see if it answers your question.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I need a new mobile phone (keeping my existing mobile number) + prepaid monthly plan to receive incoming calls from work and reply back fast and easy … as my job based on how fast I receive the messages from work and can take the shift … so coverage is important … between Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast and Bribie Island . Best/lowest price deals with fast and safe/reliable network even in rain/storm? Any suggestions? Thanks*
Hi Zita,
Thanks for your inquiry.
In terms of speed, calls, and messaging, all Australian telcos are largely using 3G networks. So we couldn’t single out who’s fast and who’s not. You may compare your phone plan using our comparison table and search filters to help narrow down your options. Please see the image below:
Once you have chosen a particular plan, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May