Each year at WhistleOut...
7 million Australians
use our telco services to find the best deal.
5,000 mobile and internet plan changes
are uploaded to our database by our team of experts.
Over $160 in savings
is the average each user gains when they switch mobile or internet plans through us.
(Based on information gathered via a WhistleOut survey)
How do you compare internet plans?
There are a handful of things to think about when comparing internet plans, consider these five factors:
1. Fixed or mobile
Are you looking for an internet plan for home or are you after an internet plan you can take with you when you leave the house? Fixed options include NBN, home wireless internet while your options for internet while out and about are mobile broadband and sometimes satellite like Starlink's Roam plans.
2. Budget
You will find it much easier to compare internet plans if you have a set budget to work towards. Most internet plans have a monthly plan fee and some will have initial upfront modem costs to consider.
3. Internet speed
The speed of your internet connection is the factor that will have the biggest impact on the price of your monthly bill. Understanding download speeds and upload speeds and what your household needs, will help you make the right choice as you compare internet plans.
4. Providers
There are dozens of internet service providers, so having a shortlist of providers will speed up your search. On WhistleOut you'll find 34 home internet plan providers to compare from.
5. Contract
Most internet plans these days are no lock-in contract but it's still a good idea to read the Terms and Conditions carefully. There are sometimes conditions that require you to give your internet service provider notice before you cancel your plan. No one wants to end up paying for two bills. Some plans also require you to pay a modem fee if you leave within a set period of time.
Types of internet plans
It's not just about broadband plans these days. There are multiple types of internet plans available in Australia thanks to a range of different technologies in the mix. Let's take a look at just four broad categories that you may encounter when comparing internet plans on WhistleOut.
Presented by: Anula Wiwatowska - WhistleOut telco expert:
There are more internet options than ever in Australia, but which one is the best?
In this video we compare fixed line NBN, 5G Home Internet, and Starlink, and the winner probably isn’t what you think.
Are you ready?
Lets go!
Each of these three are totally different connection types. Fixed line NBN uses fibre optic cabling, and parts of the old copper phone network. 5G home internet uses the same 5G mobile spectrum phones do. And Starlink uses low earth orbit satellites.
They each have their own strengths. Fixed line NBN is reliable and widely available, 5G has fast speeds for cheaper prices, and Starlink offers better speeds and latency than any other option for rural and remote connections.
And they also have their own weaknesses. Fixed line NBN is a scattered system, and while upgrades are happening, not everyone has access to a full fibre connection. So speeds are mixed. 5G home internet is strictly limited by telcos to avoid congestion on the network, and Starlink is expensive and has higher latency compared to fixed line, earth bound connections.
Who can use each connection type is limited by coverage.
While Starlink has nationwide coverage, only about 94% of Aussies can access fixed line NBN plans. And, depending on the provider, 91-95% of the population is covered by a 5G connection.
This does make Starlink the best option when it comes to availability and coverage, but that comes with a caveat. Because it uses a satellite dish and network, Starlink needs a clear view of the sky to work properly.
Areas with plenty of tree coverage, air traffic, or built up apartment blocks will get much worse performance.
So while it technically is available everywhere, we wouldn’t recommend it for most people.
Moving on to speed.
Under the best conditions, fixed line NBN can go up to 2000Mbps, but the fastest plans readily available get up to 1000Mbps. Despite the maximum plan speed hitting a Gigabit, providers report typical speeds between 800-900Mbps.
Uncapped 5G plans can, theoretically, get just as fast, but telcos report their typical evening speeds to be around 230-297Mbps. Although Telstra says it can get up to 697Mbps during off peak times.
Starlink is the slowest of all of them, with an average download speed of 225.8Mbps but a peak time speed of 197.3Mbps.
Plans that can get these speeds cost around $110/mth for NBN 1000, $92/mth for 5G, and $150/mth for Starlink. That means you’re paying this, per Mbps.
This is just on the fastest possible plans though. If we look at a middle point instead - like a plan with 100Mbps download speeds - this is what those numbers look like.
Then you have to factor in any additional costs.
You can usually BYO modem with NBN plans, so generally speaking there are no secret fees as long as you tick that box.
You do have to pay for some 5G modems - Optus charges $468 for theirs, or it's free if you stay on the plan for 36 months. But it is free with Telstra and Vodafone, as long as you send it back if you cancel your plan. Starlink however charges up to $549 for it’s hardware. Sometimes these fees are on hold, but not always. That makes the NBN the most cost effective option across the board.
Let's go back to the beginning, and add in what we’ve learned.
When it comes to coverage, Starlink’s nationwide coverage wins. But we can’t forget that there are potential problems in metro areas.
When we look at speeds, NBN comes out on top. Not only does its fixed line connections have the fastest possible speeds, but the FTTC and FTTN upgrades mean that more Aussies are now able to get them.
And finally, price. The faster the speeds, the better value the plan is, but at the most popular speed tier or 100Mbps, all the costs are relatively similar. But, factoring in hardware costs, NBN pulls out ahead.
That makes a fixed line NBN connection the best internet option available in Australia.
That isn’t to say that the others can’t work for you too. If you’re stuck on satellite or fixed wireless NBN, then Starlink will probably be a better option. And if you can snag a good deal on 5G home internet then that might tip the scales in its favour. But, despite it’s messy rollout, the NBN is kind of good now? I didn’t think I’d ever say that.
But anyway, let us know what you think in the comments. I’m Anula, your local telco nerd for WhistleOut Australia. Thanks for watching, Bye!
NBN internet
The National Broadband Network is the network most Australian homes and businesses use to connect to the internet. Built and owned by the Australian Government, the NBN is a vast web of high-speed cables that cover the country, connecting each of homes to the rest of the world.
To make sure as much of our population can access the NBN, the network includes a number of different materials and technology types, and your connection is defined by your address. For this reason, we've built a comprehensive address lookup into the WhistleOut search engine, to make sure you only see plans that are available where you live or work.
On WhistleOut, you can compare a range of fixed-line NBN plans, fixed wireless NBN plans, and even satellite NBN plans.
- Widely available
- Speeds up to 2Gbps
- Plenty of affordable options
Home wireless internet
Home wireless internet or 5G home broadband plans are now seen as the most viable alternative to a fixed-line NBN service. Simply put, a home wireless internet plan works just like a mobile phone service, except that you use a WiFi router to connect the devices in your home. Like a mobile phone plan, you need to have a strong mobile signal wherever you plan on setting up the router in your house.
Home wireless broadband plans are sometimes an attractive NBN alternative. 5G technology means that in certain instances, 5G home wireless broadband plans can deliver faster speeds than the NBN. Also, providers are now offering affordable plans including unlimited data. The combination of these factors should have you at least consider the option of replacing the NBN with a wireless service if you're unhappy.
- Fast and affordable
- Instant setup
- Requires a solid mobile network signal
Starlink
SpaceX's Starlink satellites are a good satellite NBN alternative. It uses a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver internet. This means the satellites are closer than NBN's two Sky Muster satellites, which are set to be replaced in a few years by another LEO option.
- Cheaper than equivalent Satellite NBN plans
- Faster options than Satellite NBN
- Not designed for urban internet connections
Mobile broadband
Like home wireless internet, mobile broadband plans use the mobile networks to deliver internet, however mobile broadband services are best suited as a backup or on-the-go solution rather than a primary internet solution. Mobile broadband plans usually come with a portable battery-powered modem rather than a large router that needs to be plugged in at the wall.
People with low data use may find they can substitute a mobile broadband for an NBN broadband plan, but be aware that you won't have the option to add a home phone if you need one.
- Modems are small and rechargeable
- Speeds up to 1Gbps
- Most plans have a speed cap and low data allowances
Data-only SIM plan
Sometimes all you need is a SIM card with a load of data to act as your internet plan. A data-only SIM plan is perfect if you have a compatible iPad or laptop that you take with you to work or study and you need an internet connection while you're on the road. An old or cheap refurbished iPhone will even do the trick as you could use it as a modem hotspot for other devices.
- No extra modems needed
- Internet wherever you get a mobile signal
- You'll need a tablet or device with a SIM card slot
Internet plan providers in Australia
There are dozens of internet plan providers both big and small in Australia. Some are stronger or weaker in certain areas whether that's speed, price or customer service. On WhistleOut we compare internet plans from 34 providers including:
- Activ8me
- AGL
- ALDI Mobile
- amaysim
- Aussie Broadband
- Belong
- Buddy Telco
- Dodo
- Exetel
- iiNet
- iPrimus
- IPSTAR
- Kogan
- Lebara
- MATE
- Moose NBN
- More
- Optus
- Origin
- Skymesh
- Starlink
- Southern Phone
- SpinTel
- Superloop
- Swoop
- Tangerine
- Telstra
- TPG
- Vodafone
- Yomojo
Which internet speed is right for you?
When you're building an internet plan, the factor that impacts your cost the most is the speed of the plan. Faster plans are naturally more expensive than cheaper plans, no matter whether you're looking at NBN, satellite, or mobile broadband. At the same time, you don't want to get a speed that's too slow for your needs, especially in a larger household.
NBN internet speeds
Spotting a great value NBN plan usually boils down to finding the fastest plan at the cheapest price. You can save yourself a few headaches and in some cases even money by choosing the NBN speed tier that matches the size of your household and how you use the internet.
NBN SPEED TIER CHECK
Are you on the right NBN speed?
Let's take an average-sized family and imagine how they might use the internet. It's 8pm and everyone has moved to separate rooms after dinner:
- Mum and Dad are sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix.
- Timmy is in his room pretending to do homework but is actually watching videos on YouTube.
- Tammy is in her room pretending to do homework, but is actually playing online games on her PlayStation.
The total bandwidth needed to keep everyone online with stuttering and interruptions should be between 30Mbps and 60Mbps, but this would depend on the video streaming quality and the choice of online games.
For this family, an NBN 50 plan or an NBN 100 plan would be best. Those on FTTP or HFC can get NBN 500 for the same price of NBN 100. A slower plan would cause bandwidth bottlenecks (and arguments), while a faster plan could be overkill and a waste of money.
Home wireless internet speeds
The same basic speed principles apply with home wireless internet plans however, they don't necessarily match up exactly with the equivalent NBN speed tiers.
4G home wireless plans for example usually stop short of being as fast as NBN 25 plans with speeds capped at 20Mbps in some cases. 5G home wireless plans provide faster speeds for larger households. There are plans capped at 50Mbps and 100Mbps as well as uncapped plans. Typical evening speeds on uncapped plans can vary widely but sit between 225Mbps and around 300Mbps.
Home internet deals
Each month internet providers release new deals including things like sign-up discounts, free hardware and more. These include all various connection types and services there are broadband deals, home wireless deals and mobile broadband deals.
If you really want to hone in on a bargain here are the most popular internet deals in each category.
Best internet plans
Each month, our product experts pick the best internet plans based on a mix of criteria. We consider things like price (the total cost over 12 months), plan features, typical evening speeds, and support channels, and identify the best plan for each NBN speed tier. Below are some of this month’s expert picks.
Award-winning internet providers
WhistleOut awards the best internet service providers each year in a whole host of categories. You can see some of this year's award winners below.
Internet Provider Of The Year: Dodo
Dodo has won WhistleOut internet awards in the past, but hasn't taken out the top gong until this year. Not only did Dodo top our lists for some NBN categories, it also offered the best internet promotion of the year, highlighting its commitment to offering customers great value. All in all, Dodo is the deserved winner of the 2025 Internet Provider of the Year award.
Best Everyday NBN Provider: Dodo
It's been a few years since anyone beat Tangerine to this award, but Dodo has managed it this year, taking out the Best Everyday NBN Provider award for its simple and affordable plans.
Best Fast NBN Provider: SpinTel
SpinTel has taken the top spot for Fast NBN Provider by offering NBN 100 plans with reliable fast evening speeds at affordable prices
Best Superfast NBN Provider: Dodo
Dodo has won the inaugural Superfast NBN Provider award. 250Mbps plans are now widely available, offering consumers lots of choice to find the speed right for their situation. Dodo has consistently brought some of the best value Superfast NBN packages to the table over the last 12 months, securing it the win.
Best Fixed Wireless NBN Provider: Dodo
This is the first time Dodo has won the Best Fixed Wireless NBN award, and along with its other internet award wins this year, demonstrates that when it comes to affordable internet plans, Dodo has to be at the top of your list.
Best Satellite NBN Provider: Activ8me
Activ8me has finally broken the stranglehold SkyMesh has had on this category, having taken out the Best Satellite NBN Provider award after being the runner-up many times. Activ8me is a regional and remote Australian internet specialist. They are focused on connecting the more hard-to-reach areas of Australia with reliable internet services that don't cost the earth.
Internet plan FAQs
What is the best internet plan for my house?
The best internet plan for your house is dependent on a few considerations, but the most important of these is how many people live in your home and what typical evening speed do you need to keep everyone online without experiencing slower speeds.
Internet speeds are a shared commodity within a household. Every person and every device connected to the network will take up some of the total available bandwidth. This means that the more people in the house, the faster your NBN plan should be in order to keep everyone happy. Browsing the internet, social media, streaming music, and sending emails won't take up too much capacity on your home network, but things like online gaming, video conferencing, and 4K movie streaming can quickly sap your speed.
Who is the cheapest home internet provider?
The cheapest home internet provider changes week to week as our data analysts discover new NBN deals and offers.
Finding the cheapest NBN plan is exactly the sort of thing the WhistleOut search engine was designed for, and to make it even easier to uncover the latest bargains we've put together our guide to the cheapest NBN plans with options across all speeds to cover all budgets.
Examples of NBN providers who tend to offer the cheapest prices include Tangerine, Flip, Moose, SpinTel, Superloop and Dodo.
What's a good internet speed?
It will depend on your households needs. 50Mbps is a good internet speed for lots of households, although it's certainly not the fastest. NBN Standard plans, offering speeds up to 50Mbps are one of the most popular NBN plan choices in Australia. But is it fast enough to do what you need to do online?
The important thing to remember is that 50Mbps is the capacity of your connection, and everything you do online needs to share in the total bandwidth. If you have a bigger family or are using the internet for lots of tasks simultaneously we would recommend considering a faster internet plan.
Who is the best internet provider?
There is no one one-size-fits-all internet provider who is best for everyone. It comes down to what part of your internet service is most important to you. For many Aussie families, the most important factor in the decision is price, and there are plenty of cheap NBN plans to choose from.
For others, considerations like customer service, the quality of the included modem, value for money and bonus features and perks, all play a significant role in choosing their favoured supplier. We've put together a guide to the best NBN providers to help break down some of these factors and highlight providers who specialise in these areas.
How do I switch internet providers?
Switching internet plans may seem like a daunting, time-consuming task, and in days gone this was true. These days, switching to a new internet plan should as simple as switching to a new mobile phone plan - which is to say, it should be fast, seamless and stress-free.
Follow our step-by-step guide to switching internet plans.
Internet Plan Comparison Guides
More on Internet Plans
Meet our internet plan 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 Telco 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
