Best Prepaid
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We’ve compared 297 mobile phone plans from 46 providers in Australia and curated our top 5 picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not every mobile plan will suit your needs, so be sure to weigh your options before picking the one that’s right for you.
Our top picks were reviewed by senior utilities editor Mariam Gabaji.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone allow you to pay for your phone in monthly instalments over 12, 24 or 36 months.
However, it’s difficult to pick a single top iPhone, Samsung or Google Pixel plan since budgets and priorities vary.
Instead, you can compare phone plans from the major brands for every model, not just the newest and use the filters to find the best deal for you.
The best mobile plan for you will depend on your personal preferences. Here are some of the things to consider to help get you started:
While there are dozens of mobile plan retailers, there are just 3 network operators. In order of coverage, they are Telstra (99.7%), Optus (98.5%) and TPG/Vodafone (98.5%).
You can check coverage in your area online before you sign up because even in metropolitan areas, there may be coverage gaps.
The average Australian uses 14.5GB a month according to the ACCC's Internet Activity Report.
You can use our mobile data usage calculator to get an estimate of how much data you use, but it's also a good idea to check your latest bill.
Knowing how much data you need will stop you from overpaying on your mobile plan.
When choosing our top picks, we considered a broad range of features that are useful to have, including data rollover, Wi-Fi calling and international calls and texts.
That being said, you may just be happy with a regular plan with national calls and texts and data. If that sounds like you, don't be fooled by fancy extras and stick to a simpler plan for cheaper instead.
Buying outright will always be cheaper in the long run as you won't be tied to the major telcos and their premium prices.
However, phone repayment plans can work out better if you don't want to pay a hefty amount upfront.
If you do end up getting a new phone on a plan, you'll need to decide which repayment period works best. You can typically choose between 12-, 24- and 36-months.
You can read our guide to buying outright vs on a plan for more tips.
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I have a samsung s23 ultra,l am looking for the best phone plan,with coverage (Gwandalan.NSW 2259),
I currently use approx 40gb of data/month……can you assist. Thank you
Hi Peter, you can compare high data sim only plans here: https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/high-data-sim-only-mobile-plans. When you choose a provider, just go on their website to double check the coverage map. Hope this helps!
looking for plan that is mostly incoming calls little to no data usage and no phone attached to plan
Hi Juanita, you can compare cheap mobile plans here: https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/cheap-mobile-plans. Use the filters in the table to find a plan best suited to your needs or you can scroll a bit further down to guide to check out our table highlighting the top 10 cheapest plans for the month. Hope this helps!
Have a genbolt camera to use at my club. I have no idea how much data i will use per month. How do I calculate my data requirements?
Hi Fred, it’s tricky to calculate, but I reckon it might be worth finding a plan with around 100GB of data and seeing what your usage is like in the first month. You can compare options here: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/mobile-broadband/data-only-sim-plans. They’re all month to month, so it’ll be easy to switch around — even to a different data limit with the same provider. Hope this helps!
what are the countries included in you plan pleaes?
Hi Christopher, I’m not sure which plan you’re referring to, as there are many different providers listed on this page. If you can share more details we can do our best to find the information you’re looking for.
I tried to move my $50 phone account from optus to telstra However after a week with Telstra , optus said i had to move it back as I had 2 years to go in my prepaid account, I moved it baxk and now optus are trying to bully me in to paying $600+ instead of $about $50, What carrier can i take my phone number to ??
Hi Stewart,
We’re not licenced to provide personal advice, so we suggest you get in touch with Optus’s customer service and dispute resolution team to work out what your next steps might be. Best of luck