Are you on Australia's best SIM Only plan? (And if not, why!?)

By Anula Wiwatowska

Last updated 02 August 2021

At the end of the day, we all want to say that we chose the best, The best person, the best car, the best ice cream flavour - and while mobile phone plans aren’t necessarily up there when it comes to bragging rights, we just think they’re neat.

So neat in fact, that we think you should brag about your phone plan, and thanks to the WhistleOut Awards we make it easier to get those bragging rights. The WhistleOut Awards recognise mobile and internet providers that offer consistently great value for customers. We’re talking about great data inclusions, and low prices.

Looking at SIM-only plans, the WhistleOut Awards cover four categories; Best SIM-Only Provider, Value Plans, Best SIM-Only Provider, Large Plans, Best Prepaid Provider, Value Plans, and Best Prepaid Provider, Large Plans. Each of these categories has a provider that, throughout the previous financial year consistently had high value plans at affordable prices.

Did you pick a winner?

Best SIM-only Provider, Value Plans
Plans with at least 10GB of data per month

Winner: Moose Mobile

Runner up: SpinTel

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

Don’t need that much data? Value plans are the way to go! To secure those bragging rights you would need to be on a SIM plan with Canadian-flavoured, Brisbane-based telco, Moose Mobile.

Known to offer discounts, and bonus data for long promotional periods Moose Mobile scored the most points during our year of judging. Any incentives given out by Moose tend to last for at least 12 months, but can span up to 24 months. That is a long time to not think about your phone plan.

Operating on the Optus Network, you’ll get coverage anywhere that Optus does but at a significantly cheaper rate.

#1	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
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel $35 Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $35/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#4	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

Our runner-up, also powered by Optus, is SpinTel. While discounts with this provider don’t last as long. one perk that SpinTel offers above Moose is that you can get access to Optus 5G, but you’ll need to be on the right plan.

Best SIM-only Provider, Large Plans
Plans with at least 30GB of data per month

Winner: Circles.Life

Runner up: Dodo

#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	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
#3	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
#4	Dodo	Dodo $23 Mobile Plan 15GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#5	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#6	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
#7	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Saver 5G SIM Plan 20GB 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
#8	More	More 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G mobile network Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $19/mth for 12 mths, then $21.60/mth $26/mth Min. cost $26 Go to Site	$26/mth Min. cost $26	Go to Site
#9	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
#10	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site

Need a little bit more padding around your data limits? No worries, these Large Plans have more than got you covered.

This year’s winner is Circles.Life, finding its way onto our leaderboard thanks to its ongoing promotional discounts on the 20GB and 100GB plans. While 20GB is less than what is eligible for this category, don’t let the name fool you. Circles.Life has been consistently running a promotion that more than doubled that allowance, shifting it up to 50GB while also discounting the monthly rate. Plus, you can still get 100GB for around $30 per month.

Circles.Life operates on the Optus network, and offers some extras alongside its substantial data allowances. You can tack on international minutes for just $5 per month, and if you refer a friend you’ll both get a $38 discount to go towards your phone bills.

#1	Dodo	Dodo $23 Mobile Plan 15GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#2	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
#3	Dodo	Dodo $33 Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off for first 3 mths! Get the $33 Mobile Plan for $16.50/mth for the first 3 mths. New customers only. Offer ends 06.05.25 $33/mth Min. cost $16.50 Go to Site	$33/mth Min. cost $16.50	Go to Site
#4	Dodo	Dodo $38 Mobile Plan 60GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network $38/mth Min. cost $38 Go to Site	$38/mth Min. cost $38	Go to Site

Coming in as runner-up for Large Plans is Dodo. Better known for internet and electricity Dodo does in fact sell phone plans, and they do it well. Powered, once again by Optus, the provider offers international call options, and generous data top-up prices at $10 for 3GB.

Did you pick the right NBN provider?

If you're looking for bragging rights, or just to save some money throughout the year it's worth taking a look at your NBN provider as well.

Check out all of our internet award categories awarded across NBN, mobile broadband, and home wireless broadband.

Best Prepaid Provider, Value Plans
Plans with at least 10GB of data per month

Winner: gomo

Runner up: TPG

#1	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 32GB Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $20 & includes 18GB bonus data for first renewal when you sign up by 30.04.25. Online only. T&Cs apply $10 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$10 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Link not supplied
#2	Coles Mobile	Coles Mobile Prepaid $30 for 28 Days - Starter Pack 32GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: Get 32GB for $11 (incl. $19 off first renewal). Offer ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $11 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$11 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Link not supplied
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $12 SIM 5GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 5GB data on first 3 recharges, 3GB standard data thereafter. New services only. Speed caps apply. T&Cs apply $12 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$12 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $12 SIM 5GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 5GB data on first 3 recharges, 3GB standard data thereafter. New services only. Speed caps apply. T&Cs apply $12 Starter Pack 7 Day Expiry Go to Site	$12 Starter Pack 7 Day Expiry	Go to Site
#5	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
#6	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
#7	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $13 Prepaid 7GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 7GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 5GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $13 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$13 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Telstra	Telstra $13 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 3GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $13 Starter Pack 7 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$13 Starter Pack 7 Day Expiry	Link not supplied
#9	Vodafone	Vodafone $45 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 105GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $45 SIM for $15 + Includes 70GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $15 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$15 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Link not supplied
#10	Lyca Mobile	Lyca Mobile Unlimited 15 4GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $15 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

When we talk about SIM-only plans we refer to postpaid options, but prepaid is still alive, kicking, and offering great value for consumers.

The 2020-2021 winner for the best prepaid provider offering plans with at least 10GB of data is gomo. Owned and operated by Optus, gomo is an ongoing subscription service that focuses on the basics.

When first launched, gomo had just one plan but has since expanded out to offer three options. Each comes with a 30-day expiry, and data rollover up to 200GB to use on a rainy day. The upper echelon of gomo plans also come with unlimited international calls to 15 countries, but unfortunately no text messages.

#1	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
#2	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	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

After gomo, comes TPG. Operating on the Vodafone network TPG is synonymous with cheap internet plans, and it’s mobile plans live up to that reputation. Now, you can also bundle your TPG internet and mobile plans for a discount, so it’s worth considering to save some cash.

Best Prepaid Provider, Large Plans
Plans with at least 30GB of data per month

Winner: amaysim

Runner up: Lebara Mobile

UNLIMITED 32GB Plan

50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT
Deal: Save $20 & includes 18GB bonus data for first renewal when you sign up by 30.04.25. Online only. T&Cs apply

$10

Starter Pack

28 Day Expiry

Link not supplied

$10

Starter Pack

28 Day Expiry

Link not supplied

If you’re looking to stick with prepaid but need some more breathing room around your data, then a Large Plan is what you should be looking for.

You’ve probably heard of our winner this year. amaysim is arguably the most popular prepaid provider in Australia, and even though it was acquired by Optus the telco continues to pump out great value for customers.

Tack on referral bonuses, and amaysim keeps on giving to its customers.

#1	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $19.90 Extra Small Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $19.90 SIM for $8 online until 04.05.25 New customers only. T&Cs apply. $19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	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
#3	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $29.90 Medium Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $29.90 SIM for $12 online until 04.05.25 + Includes 45GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 300 bonus std mins to selected countries. $29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $39.90 Large Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data for first 3 recharges when you activate by 11.08.25 + 100 bonus std mins to selected countries. $39.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $49.90 Extra Large Plan 200GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $49.90 SIM for $19 online until 04.05.25 + Includes 100GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 100 bonus std mins to selected countries. $49.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile Extra Small Plan - 360 Days 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $160 Per 360 Day Renewal Go to Site	$160 Per 360 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile Medium Plan - 360 Days 260GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get the $250 SIM for $179 online until 04.05.25 + 150 bonus std mins to selected countries. $179 Per 360 Day Renewal Go to Site	$179 Per 360 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile Small Plan - 360 Days 180GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 150 bonus std mins to selected countries when you activate by 11.08.25 $200 Per 360 Day Renewal Go to Site	$200 Per 360 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile Large Plan - 360 days 425GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $300 Per 360 Day Renewal Go to Site	$300 Per 360 Day Renewal	Go to Site

In second place comes Lebara Mobile, a Vodafone subsidiary with a focus on international calls. Not only does the provider offer some generous bonus data, but every single one of its plans comes with some kind of international call allowance. Even the cheapest one. For those with families and friends overseas, it is well worth checking out.