Data-only SIM plans in Australia

Picking a data-only SIM for a tablet or WiFi dongle can be even harder than picking one for your phone. Internet needs for tablets can vary a lot more than other devices - let's face it most of us don't use our tablets all that often. It can be hard to figure out exactly what the best call for you is, but we have some pointers that might help you out.

How do you choose a good data-only SIM plan?

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When it comes to picking a good data-only SIM plan, it will entirely depend on what you plan on using it for. You may be looking for some data to go with a new iPad or tablet - just enough to get you by when you’re not on WiFi. Alternatively, you may be searching for a dongle to subsidise your internet connection when you’re out of the house.

The latter will probably need a bunch more data than the former. But regardless of what your needs are, you don’t want to be spending money on something you don’t use. The best data-only SIM plan for you is the one that covers your needs for the lowest possible price.

Here's a selection of the most popular data-only plans in our database: 

What devices can you use a data-only SIM in?

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You can put a data-only SIM in any device with a SIM slot, but you'd typically use one with tablets, internet dongles, and mobile broadband modems. 

Data-only SIM plans with tablets

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Tablet plans work a lot like phone plans - you’ll pay off your tablet in equal monthly instalments and pay for a SIM plan on top of that. While a phone plan will give you a mobile SIM, a tablet plan gives you a data-only SIM plan.

When it comes to tablets you will either pick from an iPad or an Android device and regardless of which way you go there are a lot of choices. Similar to phones, tablets have a range of storage and model options to choose from. 

Here's a look at the cheapest 24-month iPad plans for the latest entry-level model: 

And here are the cheapest 24-month plans for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8:

All tablets sold through telcos on a plan are 4G or 5G enabled, but if you bought your tablet outright make sure that you’ve got a 4G version of the device and not the WiFi-only option.

Internet dongle and hotspot plans (with modems included)

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If you’re in the market for something more substantial that can connect to multiple devices, then an internet dongle (also known as a portable hotspot or Pocket WiFI) is the best call.

Dongles are available from a few providers, in some cases, you’ll pay them off over a couple of years while in other instances you can buy the modem outright in your first payment. Below are the most popular 4G internet dongle plans in our database.

And here are the most popular 5G internet dongle plans in our database:

Optus data-only SIM plans

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Optus currently only has a single data-only SIM plan. If you go over the allowance, your speeds will be capped to 1.5Mbps, but you'll be able to keep using your service. 

If you add an Optus data-only SIM to your account, its allowance will be shared with any other eligible plans on your account. 

Telstra data-only SIM plans

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Big T has a few data-only SIM plans available with tablets or on their own. Each Upfront plan works similarly to prepaid, where you’ll pay for your usage before you use it. Apart from that, these plans come with a bunch of inclusions.

Firstly these plans are part of are compatible with Telstra data sharing, meaning that you can share your data with up to 10 eligible services connected to the same account. Even if you do manage to get through all your data, you’ll keep using your connection with capped speeds of 1.5Mbps

Each of these plans comes with the option to sign up for Telstra Plus, Telstra’s point-based loyalty program. For every dollar you spend, you’ll get points in exchange which can be used for discounts on products and services.

Data-only SIMs with 5G

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For the moment there are only a small handful of mobile broadband plans that have 5G. You'll find these at Telstra, Optus, Belong, and Tangerine. 

Telstra and Optus also offer 5G modems and tablets that you can pair with these plans, but Belong and Tangerine's 5G mobile broadband offerings are SIM-only; you'll need your own compatible 5G device. Tangerine does sell 5G modems outright, however. 

Here are the most popular data-only SIM plans that come with a 5G modem:

Prepaid data-only SIM plans

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Prepaid mobile broadband SIM cards are a great way to just grab data when you need it. If you grab a prepaid SIM then you can simply top it up in months when you actually need it, and otherwise save your money.

Long-expiry data-only SIM plans

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Some months may be more data-heavy than others and that is where long-expiry data-only SIM plans come into play. If you just want to get some data for your tablet or dongle, and not have to think about it for a while then it may be worth looking into long expiry plans. These have expiry periods of over 60 days and up to 365 days, so jumping on one can have you set for up to a whole year.

Data-only SIM FAQs

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Can I get a data-only SIM for my smartphone?

Yes, you can put a data-only SIM in a phone. The one exception to this is Telstra, which states its data-only SIMs are solely for use in tablets and modems.

Do data-only SIMs have a phone number?

Data-only SIMs technically have a phone number assigned to them, but you won't be able to use it to make calls or send messages. Some providers allow this, but it will cost you extra. 

How much data do you need? 

Everybody's basic data needs are different and if you're travelling for long periods of time while working on the go, your internet needs can fluctuate even more. 

If you're after a data-only SIM for a tablet, we'd recommend at least 10GB per month, depending on how much you want to stream on the go. That should cover you for times you're connected to WiFi. 

If you're looking for a data-only SIM to replace a home internet connection, we'd go for one of the 400GB options. 

That said, we have a range of guides about how much data different apps and programs use.

• How much mobile data do you need?
• How much data does Netflix use?
• How much data does Google Maps use?
• How much data does TikTok use?
• How much data does Zoom use?

That's the deep-end stuff taken care of. If you're only after data to periodically check emails and do some light Internet browsing then you can get away with a much smaller allotment.