- Runs on Vodafone 4G network
- Unlimited national standard calls & texts
- 50% off for the first 3 months
Compare the top 10 mobile service providers in Australia
What you need to know
- Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone operate the 3 mobile networks in Australia. They also sell their own mobile plans.
- Other phone companies called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer plans but do not own their own network infrastructure.
- When you sign up with an MVNO, it is important to check which network they operate on as this will determine your mobile coverage.
1. felix Mobile: The only unlimited data mobile provider in Australia
felix is currently the only provider in Australia to offer a mobile plan with no data caps.
There are a couple of other providers that offer endless data, but your speeds will get slowed down once you reach your monthly data limit.
Most popular felix plan on Finder:
felix Subscription Unlimited GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 20Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 3 months then Unlimited Data for $40. T&Cs apply. Use code FELIX50. Ends 31.3.24
felix could be right for you if you:
- Want a carbon-neutral plan from a Finder Green Award-winning provider. It also plants 1 tree per active subscription each month.
- Want an unlimited data mobile plan.
- Keep in mind: There's a 20Mbps speed limit imposed on felix's unlimited subscription. This may not be fast enough for some users.
2. TPG: 50% off mobile plans for 6 months
TPG offers excellent value for money with its range of mobile plans slashed at half price for the first 6 months.
Most popular TPG plan on Finder:
TPG Large
Calls & Text
data
per month
for the first 6 months then 45GB for $30. T&Cs apply.
TPG could be right for you if you:
- Want expiry periods that last a full month – recharge just 12 times a year compared to 13 times from some other prepaid providers that offer 28-day expiry plans.
- Are already with TPG internet and want to save an additional $5 a month by bundling a mobile plan too.
- Keep in mind: TPG is one of the few providers to sting you with a port-out fee when you move your number to a new service.
3. Southern Phone: Great value carbon-neutral plans
Southern Phone has a wide range of mobile plans operating on the Optus 4G and 5G networks. It also offers some great low-data plans if you're not a data guzzler and are keen to keep your bills low.
Most popular Southern Phone plan on Finder:
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per month
for the first 6 months then 5GB for $15. T&Cs apply. Ends 14.2.24
Southern Phone could be right for you if you:
- Value Australia-based customer support.
- Want a carbon-neutral phone plan.
- Keep in mind: Southern Phone is one of a handful of providers that charges a fee when you port out your number to a new service.
4. Dodo: Lots of data options
Whether you're after a small or large amount of data, Dodo has you covered. This month, you'll get double data for the first 3 months on most of its mobile plans.
Most popular Dodo plan on Finder:
Dodo $10
Dodo could be right for you if you:
- Are looking for a simple mobile plan with unlimited calls and text in Australia, plus unlimited texts overseas too.
- Value multiple customer support options – Dodo has a call centre, live chat service and an account portal to submit a request.
- Keep in mind: Despite being advertised as a postpaid plan, you'll have to pay for the plan at the start of the month.
5. Belong: Telstra's eco-friendly sub-brand
Belong came out strong last month thanks to the Optus network outage. It runs on the Telstra 4G/5G network and has some pretty snazzy eco-friendly credentials, taking out a couple of Finder Green Awards for its carbon neutral plans and sustainable business practices.
This month, you'll get an extra 20GB on top of most of Belong's mobile plans.
Most popular Belong plan on Finder:
Belong 40GB
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
Belong could be right for you if:
- You tend to use a little over your monthly data limit – Belong offers no excess usage charges and will just slow your mobile internet speed down to 1Mbps instead.
- Environment is top of mind and you want to support an eco-friendly phone company.
- Keep in mind: All of Belong's mobile plans are capped at a max download speed of 100Mbps. This is still fast enough and shouldn't cause too much hassle.
6. Kogan Mobile: Loads of high-data long-expiry plans
Kogan Mobile has a wide range of plans with high data allowances, whether you're looking for a monthly option or a longer expiry to last you a year.
Most popular Kogan plan on Finder:
Kogan Small 365 days
Kogan could be right for you if you:
- Are a Qantas Frequent Flyer member – get bonus points when you pay your bill on time.
- Burn through quite a bit of data – Kogan's lowest data plan still comes with 10GB a month which is around the average amount of data Australians use on their mobile plan, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
- Keep in mind: Kogan has no online customer support options so you'll need to call them if you need a hand.
7. Boost Mobile: Full Telstra network coverage at a cheaper price
Boost Mobile comes with the unique advantage of sharing the same coverage as Telstra itself, across both its 4G and 5G networks. While it's not the cheapest Telstra MVNO, its prices are definitely a lot more budget-friendly than signing up directly with Telstra.
Most popular Boost plan on Finder:
Boost $230 SIM
Boost could be right for you if you:
- Want or need access to the full Telstra network.
- Want access to international calls and texts on your mobile plan.
- Keep in mind: Boost's bonus data offers only last for the first 3 recharges. Make sure you're happy with the standard data amount after the promotion ends.
8. amaysim: Unlimited data rollover at great prices
Winner of the 2023 Finder Award for the Best Prepaid Mobile Provider (Value), amaysim offers a variety of 28-day and longer expiry plans. Its 28-day prepaid plans offer great value for money on the Optus 4G network while its longer-expiry options help you save even more by paying upfront for 6–12 months of usage.
Most popular amaysim plan on Finder:
amaysim 32GB Plan
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
50GB for $15 for the first recharge. T&Cs apply. Ends 29.2.24
amaysim could be right for you if you:
- Want an easy-to-use mobile app to manage your plan.
- Want unlimited data banking for any data you don't use up before the end of your expiry period.
- Keep in mind: amaysim's plans come with auto-renewal switched on so remember to switch it off within the app if you don't intend to sign up for the next recharge period.
9. iiNet: Half off for half a year
iiNet's mobile plans offer the same deal as TPG, but with different plan inclusions. You'll get 50% off the plan prices for the first 6 months.
Most popular iiNet plan on Finder:
iiNet Medium Plan
Calls & Text
data
per month
for the first 6 months then 16GB for $24.99. T&Cs apply.
iiNet could be right for you if you:
- Have an iiNet internet plan and want to get 80GB bonus data (only available on the iiNet Large plan).
- Would like access to 24/7 technical support.
- Keep in mind: If you like to use an app to manage your plan then iiNet might not be for you. Its app is only for managing its internet plans.
10. Circles.Life: Bonus data for 12 months
Circles.Life is known for slinging big data deals and it's partnered with Finder this month to offer bonus data on 2 of its plans.
Its most popular plan on Finder will give you 4 times the data for the same price for the first 12 months - that's insane value!
Most popular Circles.Life plan on Finder:
Circles.Life 100GB Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per month
for the first 12 months then 100GB for $45. T&Cs apply.
Circles.Life could be right for you if:
- You like big data and you cannot lie - our Finder exclusive discounts this month offer great value for money.
- You'd like to sign up with peace of mind thanks to Circles.Life's 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Keep in mind: Circles.Life's bonus data expires after the first 12 months, but there's no lock-in contract so you're free to switch providers if you're not happy with the ongoing data allowance.
Who is the best mobile phone provider in Australia?
The best provider for you is going to depend on what you value most in a mobile phone company. That can range from anything such as network, price or included plan features.
There are a few stand-outs that we've awarded across a range of categories to help narrow down the list for you.
How do you compare mobile service providers in Australia?
When looking for a new mobile phone plan you'll want to consider a few factors:
Network
This determines the kind of coverage you get. Those outside of metropolitan cities should focus on plans on the Telstra or Optus network. If you're looking at 5G plans, make sure to check the provider's coverage map before you sign up.
Price
Decide how much you're willing to spend and whether you want a postpaid or prepaid plan. Postpaid plans are month-to-month but prepaid plans are more flexible with monthly, short-term and long-expiry plans up to 365 days.
Features
Consider which features are most important to you. Some plans include endless data with speed caps while others offer data rollover. You can get plans with or without international calls and handy options such as data rollover or Wi-Fi calling.
Inclusions like unlimited calls and texts are pretty standard on mobile plans these days. When you're picking a plan, look out for considerations like data amounts, data speed and extra data charges. Look out for inclusions like international calls, too. These can make a big difference to your overall mobile spend.— Tom Goodwin, Commercial Content Editor
What are the differences between mobile networks in Australia?
The primary difference between mobile networks in Australia is coverage. Each network covers the following percentage of Australians:
- Telstra: 99.5%
- Optus: 98.5%
- Vodafone: 96%
Where it gets a little tricky is when we start to include smaller network providers known as MVNOs. These providers don't own their own mobile network but basically rent it out to sell their own plans. MVNO network coverage really only differs for Telstra:
- Telstra MVNOs operate on the wholesale Telstra network that covers 98.8% of Australians, meaning you don't have full coverage access.
- Optus MVNOs operate on the full Optus network which covers 98.5% of Australians.
- Vodafone MVNOs also operate on the full Vodafone network which covers 96% of Australians.
How many phone companies are there in Australia?
Provider | Network | Connectivity | Types of plans |
---|---|---|---|
Accord Mobile | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
AGL | Optus | 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid |
ALDImobile | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid |
amaysim | Optus | 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid |
Aussie Broadband | Optus | 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid |
Australia Post | Optus | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Belong | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid |
Bendigo Telco | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
BetterLife | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Boost Mobile | Telstra (full) | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Catch Connect | Optus | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Circles.Life | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
CMobile Blue | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid |
CMobile Red | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid, Postpaid |
Coles Mobile | Optus | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Commander Mobile | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
dodo | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
e.Tel | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
Escapenet | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Postpaid |
Exetel Mobile | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid |
felix | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid subscription |
Flip | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
gomo | Optus | 3G/4G | Prepaid subscription |
Goodtel Mobile | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid |
gotalk | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Hello Mobile | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
iiNet | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
InnoTel | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
Internode | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
iPrimus | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
JB Hi-Fi | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid, Postpaid |
Kogan Mobile | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Konec | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Lebara | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Lycamobile | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Mate | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid |
Moose | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
More | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Postpaid |
numobile | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
Optus | Optus | 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid, Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
Pennytel | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Postpaid |
Reward Mobile | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
Southern Phone | Optus | 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
SpinTel | Optus | 3G/4G/5G | Postpaid |
Tangerine Telecom | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Postpaid |
TeleChoice | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Prepaid, Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
Telsim | Telstra (wholesale) | 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid |
Telstra | Telstra (full) | 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid, Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
Think Mobile | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
Think Mobile Classic | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Postpaid |
TPG | Vodafone | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Vaya | Optus | 3G/4G | Postpaid |
Vodafone | Vodafone (full) | 3G/4G/5G | Prepaid, Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
Westnet | Vodafone (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Woolworths Mobile | Telstra (wholesale) | Parts of 3G/4G | Prepaid, Postpaid, Plan with a phone |
Yomojo | Optus | 3G/4G | Prepaid |
Methodology: How we researched the best mobile phone providers
To calculate the top 10 best mobile phone providers, we look at the total number of clicks by Finder users over the last month. This includes all different types of plans including prepaid, postpaid and subscription-based plans.
Keep in mind that the providers on this list are Finder partners, which means we may be paid if you click links to partner websites. Learn more about how we make money.
We're still editorially independent, and in our breakdown of these providers and their plans, we'll be upfront about any sneaky terms and conditions we think is important to call out.
Why you can trust Finder's mobile plan experts
We've done the work
We're reliable
We're here to help
Frequently asked questions
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