| Category | Provider | Data | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best prepaid mobile phone plan | TPG | 45GB | $15/mth |
| Best SIM-only mobile phone plan | iiNet | 40GB | $15/mth |
| Best iPhone mobile plan | Vodafone | 50GB | $100.36/mth |
| Best Samsung Galaxy mobile plan | Vodafone | 50GB | $78.13/mth |
| Best mobile phone plan with international calls | Lebara | 25GB | $24.90/mth |
| Best mobile phone plan for kids | TPG |
12GB | $10/mth |
| Best data-only mobile plan | Vodafone |
30GB | $20/mth |
Pricing refers to the minimum total cost for the first month.
When it comes to mobile phone plans the word "best" means different things to different people. Some would say the best plan is the cheapest plan. Others would say the best is the one with the most data. Then there are plans with phones to consider.
To help you find what you're looking for, the WhistleOut team has split our database into six search categories so that you can zero in on the features and price tag that meets your needs. Check out our picks for Australia's best mobile phone plans below.
Best prepaid mobile phone plan
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
50GB Medium Plan
$17.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
How we chose this phone plan:
- At least 30GB of data
- One-month expiry
- Unlimited talk and text
TPG's 45GB Mobile Plan is our pick for the best prepaid plan for heavy use this month. With its current promo, you'll get 50% off for six months - that's 45GB of data for only $15.
On the other hand, if this plan doesn't suit your needs, there are plenty more to choose from. See how it compares to these popular prepaid plans with at least 30GB:
|
#1
|
TPG
100GB Large Plan
$22.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#2
|
felix mobile
Editor's Pick
felix 50GB Mobile Plan
$30
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
100GB Large Plan
$22.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#4
|
Optus
Optus Prepaid $35 SIM
$35
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Keep up to date with the latest prepaid phone plan deals on our Editor's Pick comparison page or if you're looking to travel to Australia our best prepaid plans for travellers in Australia.
Best SIM-only mobile phone plan
|
iiNet
50GB Medium Plan
$17.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
How we chose this phone plan:
- At least 30GB of data
- No contract
- Value for money
iiNet's Mobile 40GB Plan is our pick for the best heavy-use SIM-only plan this month. With their current promo, you get 50% off for the first six months - that's 40GB for $15 per month! Plus, you get 80GB bonus data when you bundle it with any active iiNet internet plan. This deal is too good to miss out on!
Or if this plan doesn't suit you, see how it compares to these popular alternatives, each with at least 30GB of data:
|
#1
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
$28 Mobile Plan
$28/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$49 Small SIM Only Plan
$39/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#4
|
Belong
100GB Mobile Plan
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#5
|
Tangerine Telecom
50GB 5G Mobile SIM
$40/mth
Min. cost $40
|
For even more options, check out our monthly roundup of the best SIM-only phone plans.
Best iPhone mobile plan
|
Vodafone
$49 Small Plan
$77.85/mth
Min. cost $1,737.84
|
How we chose this mobile phone plan:
- One of the cheapest iPhone 15 Pro plans with at least 30GB per month
- 36-month pricing
- Plans with 5G
If you are looking to get your hands on the iPhone 15 Pro on a mobile plan, this deal from Vodafone is the best you can get right now. You get 50GB of data every month, 100 minutes of international calls to select destinations, and roaming in eligible countries for just $5 extra per day.
Or if you fancy some alternatives, see how this plan compares to other popular choices from our database:
iPhone 15 Pro 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small Plan
$77.85/mth
Min. cost $1,737.84
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium Plan
$87.85/mth
Min. cost $1,747.84
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$69 Large Plan
$97.85/mth
Min. cost $1,757.84
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$112.19/mth
Min. cost $1,763.84
Link not supplied
|
If you want a cheaper iPhone, here's a look at the cheapest iPhone 15 plans on a 36-month term:
iPhone 15 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small Plan
$73.69/mth
Min. cost $1,287.84
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium Plan
$83.69/mth
Min. cost $1,297.84
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$89.68/mth
Min. cost $1,303.48
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
$69 Large Plan
$93.69/mth
Min. cost $1,307.84
|
|
#5
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$99.68/mth
Min. cost $1,313.48
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$99.69/mth
Min. cost $1,313.84
Link not supplied
|
If you are looking for a different iPhone read our full guide Editor's Pick: Best iPhone Plans.
Best Samsung Galaxy mobile plan
How we chose this mobile phone plan:
- One of the cheapest Galaxy S24 plans with at least 30GB
- 36-month pricing
- Plans with 5G
Looking to get the Samsung Galaxy S24 on a mobile plan? Vodafone has one of the best value 5G mobile plan options on a 36-month device repayment term. This plan is free from excess data charges. If you reach your data allowance, you'll get unlimited data capped to speeds of 2Mbps to last the rest of the billing month.
With Vodafone's current promo, you will save $350 on the device repayments. That works out to be a $9.72 per month discount on a 36-month term.
If you want to check out some alternatives, see how this plan compares to Telstra and Optus:
Samsung Galaxy S24 256GB Plans
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$99.69/mth
Min. cost $1,313.84
Link not supplied
|
Or if you're looking to go all in on Samsung, here's a look at the cheapest 36-month Galaxy S24 Ultra plans:
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$116.08/mth
Min. cost $2,253.88
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$126.08/mth
Min. cost $2,263.88
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$126.08/mth
Min. cost $2,263.88
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$130.08/mth
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
|
#5
|
Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$146.08/mth
Min. cost $2,283.88
|
Best mobile phone plan with international calls
|
Lebara Mobile
$24.90 Small Plan
$24.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
How we chose this mobile phone plan:
- Can call UK, NZ, USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
- Unlimited talk and text to Australian numbers
- At least 15GB data
This Lebara's $24.90 Small Plan is a superb all-rounder as you get unlimited international calls and text to 26 destinations, on top of the unlimited local talk and text. With its current promos, you'll get $12.90 off and 5GB of bonus data running until 9 April. That means you'll pay just $12 for 30GB on your first recharge. Turning on auto recharge shave 10% off your monthly bill.
If this plan doesn't suit your needs, here are some more popular plans with some international calls included:
|
#1
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
$28 Mobile Plan
$28/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Tangerine Telecom
25GB 5G Mobile SIM
$29/mth
Min. cost $29
|
|
#5
|
Lebara Mobile
$24.90 Small Plan
$24.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
We keep tabs on all the major plans with international calls included, so check back whenever you want to find the best mobile phone plans for calling overseas.
Best mobile phone plan for kids
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
How we chose this mobile phone plan:
- Prepaid
- Unlimited talk and text
TPG's 12GB Mobile Plan is a perfect mobile plan for kids that will suit their everyday needs. You'll pay just $10 per month for 12GB during your first six months, and $20 per month thereafter.
Or if you prefer to check out some alternatives, compare this plan to other popular options from our database:
|
#1
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Kogan Mobile
Editor's Pick
Small Monthly Plan
$20
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#4
|
Lebara Mobile
$19.90 Extra Small Plan
$19.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Catch Connect
28 Day Plan - 15GB
$20
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
These are our picks for the best phone plans for kids this month, but there are more in our monthly comparison.
Best data-only mobile plan
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
Small Data SIM Only Plan
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
|
How we chose this data-only mobile plan:
- At least 25GB included data
- Best value for money over 12 months
A data-only SIM plan is perfect if you've got a tablet that has a SIM slot or if you're after a new plan to go you with your Pocket WiFI or modem.
This plan from Vodafone gets you 30GB for $20 per month, which should be more than enough data if you're just trying to get your iPad connected. It could also be helpful as a backup option in case your NBN goes down. Just note you'll need to bring your own 4G modem.
Or if this plan isn't right for you, check out how it compares to the most popular mobile broadband plans in our database with at least 25GB:
|
#1
|
Telstra
Upfront Data Plan Medium
$58/mth
Min. cost $58
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Editor's Pick
100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan
$34.90/mth
Min. cost $34.90
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$30 Prepaid Data Only SIM Starter Kit
$30
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
Large Data Only 5G SIM
$35/mth
Min. cost $35
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
amaysim
90GB Data Plan
$60
Link not supplied
|
How we choose the best mobile phone plans each month
At WhistleOut, we take the job of recommending our monthly winners and runners-up for the best mobile plans very seriously. That’s why we have a dedicated team that keeps our plan database up to date. They read more than a thousand phone documents each week and spot hundreds of changes each month.
When it comes to the BYO SIM-only mobile plans, we consider a wide array of factors. To start, we only consider plans that are contract-free and have unlimited have unlimited talk and text. We prefer no contract plans, because they make it easier to switch if a better option pops.
Price is naturally very important, and we judge plans based on their first-year value. This is because many mobile plans have a discount that lasts for the first six months, after which they become more expensive. This helps separate actual great pricing from a limited-time promotion that may not offer better value in the long run. For promotional pricing to be considered, it has to last at least six months.
The other big consideration with any phone plan is how much data it comes with. For our best prepaid and best SIM-only plan picks, we've looked at plans with at least 30GB. This should be more than enough data from all but the heaviest users.
Many mobile providers tend to offer similar data allowances at similar price points, which can make it tricky to separate contenders from winners and runners-up. That’s why we also factor in a wide array of plan perks when judging our monthly winners. These include plan features like bundling options, international calls, and roaming options.
For our best iPhone and Galaxy phone plan picks, monthly cost is the main consideration. That's why we prefer 36-month plans. They're cheaper, even if it means paying off your phone over a longer period of time. We also only consider plans with at least 30GB of data. As with SIM-only plans, we also look at perks and extra features to help differentiate winners.
When it comes to phone plans for kids, we ensure that the plans are prepaid, free from a contract, and have unlimited talk and text.
How much data do I need on a mobile plan?
Not everyone has the same mobile data needs, which is why we split our monthly best SIM-only mobile plan picks into everyday plans and big data options.
For everyday SIM-only users, we recommend plans with at least 15GB of monthly data, which we feel is enough to get through a month without counting megabytes. For big data lovers, we suggest at least 30GB. Many plans offer far larger allowances, but you shouldn't pay for more than you're using.
If you're looking at buying a new phone like an iPhone 15 or a Galaxy S24, phone plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all have at least 30GB. We think these entry-level mobile plans should be enough for most, but they also have larger options. The good news is these plans let you change your data allowance once per month.
For kids phone plans, you can probably get away with a smaller data allowance, depending on their age.
“There's no point in paying for more data than you're using. While there are plenty of mobile plans that offer 100GB or more, don't be tempted by big numbers. The average Aussie on a postpaid mobile plan only uses around 16GB each month. If your usage is similar, paying for more data is just wasting money."
"When you're looking for a new mobile plan, work out your current usage, maybe add on a few extra gigabytes so you have a comfortable buffer, and find a plan that matches that.”
Alex Choros, Managing Editor WhistleOut
Mobile phone plans FAQ
Are there unlimited data mobile plans in Australia?
There are unlimited data mobile plans available in Australia, but they're best thought of plans with no excess charges. In most cases, these plans still have a primary data allowance - 30GB for example. After you go through this, you'll be able to continue using the plan with unlimited data but at a far slower network speed - typically between 1Mbps and 2Mbps. That's still fast enough for basic usage, but won't be the best experience.
|
#1
|
Dodo
$23 Mobile Plan
$23/mth
Min. cost $23
|
|
#2
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$25
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$30/mth
Min. cost $30
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
$49 Small SIM Only Plan
$39/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#5
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
Is prepaid or postpaid better?
If you're opting for a SIM-only phone plan, you'll need to decide whether you want a postpaid plan or prepaid plan. These days, there's very little difference other than when you pay your bill.
On postpaid, you'll get a bill at the end of each month and typically have two weeks to pay it. On prepaid, you'll pay upfront ahead of your month.
Can I keep my number when changing phone plans?
You can always keep your phone number when changing mobile plans. Your right to your phone number is protected by law.
Which provider has the best mobile coverage?
Telstra has the best mobile coverage in Australia, covering 99.6% of the population. Boost Mobile is the only Telstra network provider to have access to the full Telstra network, and as such, also covers 99.6% of the population. Other Telstra-powered providers such as Belong, Everyday Mobile, and ALDI Mobile cover 99.8% of the population. For comparison, Optus covers 98.5% of the population, and Vodafone 96%.
Our Editor's Picks awards are selected by our team of data experts. We may earn a commission if you click on one of the products listed, but a service provider isn't required to have a commercial relationship with us to be eligible for consideration. See here for more information about how we work.
Meet our mobile experts
Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.
Throughout his career as a journalist, Alex has covered international trade shows, spent three years co-hosting a tech show on community radio, and was awarded a highly commended in the Best Reviewer category of the 2018 IT Journalism awards and the 2021 IT Journalism awards. His work contributed to WhistleOut Australia winning the Best Consumer Technology Coverage award in the 2023 IT Journalism Awards.
He has regularly contributed to Gizmodo and Lifehacker, and he often pops up on 2GB and the Money Magazine podcast to talk telco. On weekends, you'll find Alex at a wine bar, on a hike, or in the middle of a mosh pit.
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Reviews Editor | Twitter | Instagram | Threads
Christie Graham
Christie Graham is a tech industry expert and former head copywriter for Harvey Norman's Computers and Tech category. She won a national Newscorp writing competition to review TV shows on Binge, and keeps busy juggling her many hobbies including baking, painting, archery, stargazing, tending to her chickens, training her Border Collie, expanding her Harry Potter replica collection, and making lists (much like this one).
Christie Graham - Digital Content Editor
Dylan Crismale
Dylan Crismale has been writing for over six years working across a variety of Australian publications. He previously worked as a writer at Finder covering energy, internet and mobile plans, and is passionate about finding the best deals to save people money. When he's not behind a desk Dylan loves drawing, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Dylan Crismale - Digital Content Editor
Alex Angove-Plumb
Alex Angove-Plumb has been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him only a couple of years away from the title of Grizzled Ancient in his chosen profession. He was an original WhistleOut-er before running NBN Co's corporate blog for two years, then moving on to a lengthy stint at CHOICE. Now he's come home to act as a Digital Content Editor.
Over his career, Alex has learned more about phones, telcos, and the NBN than he'd like to admit, and is happy to put his expertise to good use by helping our readers navigate the often-confusing morass of buzzwords that tech marketing can throw your way.
When not shaking his fist at kids these days, you might find Alex tinkering about the house doing arguably destructive DIY, messing with one or both of his cats, or trying just-one-more-run in whatever roguelite he's recently become obsessed with.
Alex Angove-Plumb - Digital Content Editor
Joseph Hanlon
Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for well over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Tech Radar, Gizmodo, and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.
Joseph Hanlon - Editorial Director | Twitter
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of mobile phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
Related Articles
Sign up for telco news, money-saving deals and more.
