What mobile plan speed do you need?

By Alex Choros

Last updated 02 December 2024

Contents

In this guide:

20Mbps mobile plans
100Mbps - 150Mbps mobile plans
250Mbps mobile plans
Uncapped mobile plans

Mobile plans are changing. There's now a large number of phone plans in Australia that have a speed limit, or speed cap. That is, a maximum speed they're capable of.

This is a big shift in the way that mobile plans are sold, and makes them similar to the NBN. You're not just picking a data allowance, you're picking your speed too.

This is a brave new world for mobile plans, so we're taking a look at the main speeds on offer to help you work out which is right for you.

What are Mbps?

Mbps stands for megabits per second, and is a universal method used to measure how fast data travels along the network. More Mbps means a faster connection, less means a slower one.

20Mbps mobile plans

20Mbps mobile plans are the slowest you'll get in Australia, but this speed is offered by just one provider: felix mobile. felix has a plan where you genuinely get unlimited data, but the catch is the 20Mbps speed cap.

While 20Mbps is slower than the speeds 4G is capable of (at least 50Mbps in metro areas), it's still fast enough for almost everything you'd want to do on your phone. You won't have any issues scrolling through socials or streaming video.

20Mbps might feel a bit slow if you're regularly downloading apps on the go or using your phone as a portable hotspot.

Here is felix's unlimited plan plan:

felix Unlimited Mobile Plan

Unlimited data at download speeds up to 20Mbps
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply

$40

Per 1 Month Renewal

Go to Site

$40

Per 1 Month Renewal

Go to Site

100Mbps - 150Mbps mobile plans

100Mbps and 150Mbps plans have become the standard for almost every provider powered by the Telstra network. Cheaper plans from telcos like Superloop, Exetel, and Everyday Mobile are all subject to a 100Mbps speed cap.

You can get a little more speed by opting for a prepaid plan from Telstra, Belong, Boost Mobile, Tangerine, or More. Most of these plans are capped to 150Mbps.

Optus also limits the majority of its prepaid plans to 150Mbps. On the Optus MVNO front, Southern Phone's 5G SIM-only plans and all of amaysim's plans are capped at 100Mbps, as are most Swoop and Moose Mobile plans. Aussie Broadband and Yomojo have faster 150Mbps plans available.

These plans have speeds equivalent to or faster than an NBN 100 plan, making them plenty fast for almost any mobile use case - especially given you're typically only using your phone for one thing at a time.

If you see a plan with speeds capped to 100Mbps or 150Mbps, don't be put off by this. It will still be more than fast enough for anything you can do on your phone.

Here's a selection of plans with either a 100Mbps or 150Mbps speed cap:

#1	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick Moose 26.80 SIM Only 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: Get 40GB for $12.40 – Includes $14.40 off and 13GB bonus data for first 6 months. Offer ends 31.05.25 $12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40 Link not supplied	$12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#5	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Medium 5G SIM Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Includes $10/mth discount for first 6 months. $19/mth first 6 months, then $29/mth. Offer ends 14.08.25 $19/mth Min. cost $19 Link not supplied	$19/mth Min. cost $19	Link not supplied
#6	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $24.90 Small Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Includes 15GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 200 bonus std mins to selected countries when you activate by 11.08.25 $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Yomojo	Yomojo Unlimited Voice & SMS + 25GB 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off on all Mobile Plans for the first 3 months. Ends 31.05.25. T&Cs apply. $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Swoop	Swoop 27GB SIM Only 5G 27GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $25/mth Min. cost $25 Link not supplied	$25/mth Min. cost $25	Link not supplied
#9	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#10	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: $25 SIM Starter Pack discounted to $12.50 + 10% off your grocery shop once a month $25 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

250Mbps mobile plans

250Mbps plans have become a "premium" option on Telstra-powered providers, as well as the speed cap on Telstra's entry-level Upfront plan. Optus' most expensive 28-day prepaid recharge also has a 250Mbps speed cap, as do the most expensive recharges from iiNet and TPG.

In general, most of us won't benefit from upgrading from a 100Mbps or 150Mbps plan to a 250Mbps plan - at least in terms of speed. The main reason we'd take the higher speed plan is if you also need the larger data allowance it comes with.

Mobile broadband plans on smaller Telstra network providers also tend to be capped to 250Mbps.

Here's a selection of mobile plans with a 250Mbps speed cap:

#1	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Belong	Belong 160GB Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $55 SIM 80GB Speed capped at 250Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get unlimited data, every weekend when you stay connected with AutoRecharge. Fair Go Policy and T&Cs apply. $55 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$55 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 150GB 5G Mobile SIM 150GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $58/mth Min. cost $58 Go to Site	$58/mth Min. cost $58	Go to Site
#6	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $59 Mobile Plan 175GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $59 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$59 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 120GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 120GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 45GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $59 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Telstra	Telstra $59 Pre-Paid Mobile 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps 4GX on the Telstra Mobile Network Deal: Includes 65GB bonus data on first 3 recharges. $59 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$59 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile $60 SIM Only 150GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 10% off for Everyday Rewards members + more! $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#10	Exetel	Exetel ExeSim Max 5G Plan 150GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $60 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$60 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Uncapped mobile plans

Until recently, uncapped plans were the industry standard. An uncapped plan allows download speeds as fast as your network type and network coverage allow. For example, we've seen speeds over 1Gbps on the Telstra 5G network.

The speeds you get on an uncapped plan will depend on your provider, your coverage, and your device. While an uncapped Telstra plan can get stupidly fast speeds on 5G, an uncapped plan from Vodafone with a 4G-only device might only get you speeds as fast as 100Mbps, for example.

If you're picking between a plan with a speed cap and an uncapped plan on the same provider, we'd typically recommend the capped plan - unless you need the extra data on offer from uncapped plan.

Here's a selection of uncapped mobile plans with at least 20GB:

#1	Catch Connect	Catch Connect 28 Day Plan - 15GB 25GB data Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network in available areas Deal: Get 25GB (15GB + 10GB bonus) for the first 12 recharges! Recharges $20/15GB. New customers only. Offer ends 30.04.25 $20 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$20 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Lyca Mobile	Lyca Mobile Unlimited 20 20GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $6 for first month + incl. 10GB bonus data on activation and first 2 renewals. Offer ends 30.04.25 $20 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$20 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 40GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50GB for $10 for first month (includes $15 off + 10GB bonus data), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 27.04.25 $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Coles Mobile	Coles Mobile Prepaid $25 for 28 Days 22GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $25 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick $28 Mobile Plan 30GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off for first 3 mths! Get the $28 Mobile Plan for $14/mth for the first 3 mths. New customers only. Offer ends 06.05.25 $28/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$28/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone $35 Prepaid Plus Recharge 25GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 55.80 SIM Only 220GB data On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: Get 220GB for $45.80 – Includes $10 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $55.80. Offer ends 31.05.25 $45.80/mth Min. cost $45.80 Link not supplied	$45.80/mth Min. cost $45.80	Link not supplied
#8	SpinTel	SpinTel $50 Mobile Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#9	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#10	Swoop	Swoop 220GB SIM Only 5G 220GB data Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied

How to check your current mobile internet speed?

You can use the tool below to find out what internet speeds you're currently receiving on your phone. Just make sure you disconnect from your WiFi so you're actually testing your mobile connection, rather than your internet.

Internet Speed Test

Is your internet fast enough? Test internet speeds at your location with a single click.

What affects mobile internet speeds?

Mobile internet speeds are far more prone to fluctuation than NBN speeds. Just because you're paying for a 100Mbps plan doesn't mean you'll see 100Mbps all the time.

By and large, two main factors impact mobile internet speeds: coverage and congestion.

If you're in a poor coverage area or too far away from a mobile tower, you're going to see slower speeds than you would in ideal conditions. Similarly, if too many people are using your mobile network of choice at the same time, you might experience slower speeds due to congestion.

The device you're using and whether you're connected to a 4G or 5G network will also impact your mobile speeds.

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Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1	Exetel	Exetel Extra-value nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. $60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99 Go to Site	$60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Value Plus NBN nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/month for first 6 months, then $82.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#3	Buddy Telco Editor's Pick	Buddy Telco Editor's Pick Value nbn - Unlimited nbn® 49/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $63/month for first 6 months, then $75/month. Use promo code BUDDY50. Offer ends 18.05.25 $63/mth Min. cost $63 Go to Site	$63/mth Min. cost $63	Go to Site
#4	TPG	TPG nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#5	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Silver Unlimited nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $59.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $78.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#6	iiNet	iiNet nbn50 Liimitless nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#7	Dodo	Dodo nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $83.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90 Go to Site*	$68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90	Go to Site
#8	Superloop	Superloop Extra-value nbn50/20 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $67/mth for 6 mths, then $81/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $67/mth Min. cost $67 Go to Site	$67/mth Min. cost $67	Go to Site
#9	Telstra	Telstra Upfront Internet Plan Essential nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $105/mth Min. cost $105 Link not supplied	$105/mth Min. cost $105	Link not supplied
#10	iPrimus	iPrimus Standard Plus nbn50 Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $84/mth Min. cost $84 Go to Site	$84/mth Min. cost $84	Go to Site