Best internet deals in Australia (March 2024)

Wi-Fi modem in home
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Looking for a better deal on your home internet? We’re here to help you with our curated picks, which include some of the best NBN plans, home wireless and mobile broadband, so there’s plenty of options no matter what your needs.

Our top tip for finding the best internet deal is to look for discounts – some of the best NBN providers offer discounts throughout the year, and you’ll usually be able to get a deal for your first six months with a new service. This is the easiest way to save money on your internet bill, and you can even switch providers every six months to take advantage of intro offers.

Due to changes in the wholesale price of certain NBN tiers, some NBN 50 plans have increased in price in 2024, while fast plans such as NBN 100 have gotten cheaper in some cases. In March, we’ve seen Origin NBN’s fastest plans get cheaper by up to AU$25 a month, and we’ve highlighted one of the telco’s deals below. We’ll be keeping this page up-to-date every month so you know the latest deals and prices.

Best overall internet deals this month

DodoNBN 100Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$64p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85p/m)

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=323&gi=392&pi=12088&ct=0&ci=17422&byo=true&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">Dodo | NBN 100 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$64p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85p/m)

Dodo’s NBN 100 plan has a new introductory price of AU$64 a month, and that discounted rate applies for the standard first six months. Afterwards, your monthly bill will increase to AU$85 ongoing, and while it isn’t the lowest ongoing rate we can find, it is below the market average of the telcos we monitor. Dodo’s plan comes with a typical evening speed of 100Mbps.

Total minimum cost: AU$64 | Total cost for first year: AU$894 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,020

OriginNBN 100Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$99p/m (+ get 12 months of Paramount Plus)

<a href="https://www.originenergy.com.au/internet/plans?cid=tp:re:TechRadar-NBN:0603" data-link-merchant="originenergy.com.au"" target="_blank">Origin | NBN 100 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$99p/m (+ get 12 months of Paramount Plus)

Origin’s NBN 100 plan was previously AU$104 a month, but it’s recently been reduced to AU$99 thanks to the NBN’s wholesale prices getting cheaper. While there’s no initial discount on this plan, you can get a AU$10 ongoing monthly discount by bundling it with one of Origin’s energy plans. On top of that, you’ll get a complimentary 12-month subscription to Paramount Plus, and 5,000 Everyday Rewards points.

Total minimum cost: AU$99 | Total cost for first year: AU$1,188

FlipNBN 50Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$59p/m (first 6 months, then AU$69.90p/m)

<a href="https://www.flipconnect.com.au/cheap-nbn-plans?utm_source=techradar&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=nbn23&utm_term=value_50?subtag=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="flipconnect.com.au"" target="_blank">Flip | NBN 50 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$59p/m (first 6 months, then AU$69.90p/m)

We’ve selected this as the best NBN 50 plan currently available, and it’s one of the best internet deals you can get. Flip increased the cost of this plan in December 2023, but it’s still one of the most affordable options in this speed tier. You’ll pay a discounted rate of AU$59 a month for your first six months, and get a typical evening speed of 50Mbps.

Total minimum cost: AU$59 | Total cost for first year: AU$773.40 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$838.80

SpintelNBN 250Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$75p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85.95p/m)

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=454&gi=1792&pi=13311&ct=0&ci=17106&byo=true&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">Spintel | NBN 250 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$75p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85.95p/m)

Spintel’s NBN 250 plan is one of the best internet deals we’ve seen this month. This crazy-fast plan is insanely cheap, with an intro price of AU$75 a month for your first six months. Once the discount ends, this plan only increases to AU$85.95 ongoing, which is easily the cheapest NBN 250 plan we can find. You’ll only get a typical evening speed of 211Mbps, but we think the price makes it absolutely worthwhile.

Total minimum cost: AU$75 | Total cost for first year: AU$965.70 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,031.40

SuperloopNBN 1000Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$99p/m (first 6 months, then AU$109p/m)

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=581&gi=2156&pi=12810&ct=0&ci=13407&byo=true&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">Superloop | NBN 1000 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$99p/m (first 6 months, then AU$109p/m)

If you want lightning-quick speed, Superloop’s NBN 1000 plan is an absolute no-brainer. It now advertises a typical evening speed of 700Mbps, which puts it on par with Telstra’s equivalent plan. Superloop’s offering is significantly cheaper too, as you’ll only pay AU$99 a month for your first six months with Superloop, which is AU$71 cheaper than Telstra.

Total minimum cost: AU$99 | Total cost for first year: AU$1,248 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,308

Best cheap internet deals this month

FlipNBN 25Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$44p/m (first 6 months, then AU$54.90p/m)

<a href="https://www.flipconnect.com.au/cheap-nbn-plans?utm_source=techradar&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=nbn23&utm_term=value_25?subtag=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="flipconnect.com.au"" target="_blank">Flip | NBN 25 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$44p/m (first 6 months, then AU$54.90p/m)

This is our pick for the best NBN 25 plan on the market. Flip’s cheap introductory offer will see you pay AU$44 a month for your first half-year on the service, after which the price will bump up to AU$54.90 each billing. Flip advertises a typical evening speed of 25Mbps on this plan, so you’re getting good value for money with this.

Total minimum cost: AU$44 | Total cost for first year: AU$593.40 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$658.80

SpintelNBN 25Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$49p/m (first 6 months, then AU$54.95p/m)

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=454&gi=1792&pi=12463&ct=0&ci=10859&byo=true&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">Spintel | NBN 25 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$49p/m (first 6 months, then AU$54.95p/m)

Spintel is another cheap internet deal you can get this month. Prices start at AU$49 a month for your first six months, which then increases to AU$54.95 ongoing. That puts it significantly below the average monthly cost in this speed tier, which is currently AU$68.20 for the plans we monitor. This plan promises a typical evening speed of 25Mbps, which is the maximum available on an NBN 25 plan.

Total minimum cost: AU$49 | Total cost for first year: AU$623.70 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$659.40

Fast internet deals this month

DodoNBN 100Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$64p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85p/m)

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=323&gi=392&pi=12088&ct=0&ci=17422&byo=true&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">Dodo | NBN 100 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$64p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85p/m)

Dodo’s 100Mbps plan is super cheap for your first six months, with an intro price of AU$64 each billing. You’ll pay an ongoing price of AU$85 after the first half-year, which is reasonable considering the average cost is just over AU$90 among the telcos we monitor at TechRadar. The plan promises a typical evening speed of 100Mbps, and you’ll also get AU$20 off a Dodo-supplied modem should you need one. 

Total minimum cost: AU$64 | Total cost for first year: AU$894 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,020

SpintelNBN 250Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$75p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85.95p/m)

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=454&gi=1792&pi=13311&ct=0&ci=17106&byo=true&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">Spintel | NBN 250 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$75p/m (first 6 months, then AU$85.95p/m)

The cost of Spintel’s NBN 250 plan is frankly insane. The plan reports a typical evening speed of 211Mbps, and while that’s not the top speed available, we think the super cheap price is an easy compromise to make. You’ll pay AU$75 a month for your first six months, before prices revert to AU$85.95 ongoing. There are NBN 100 plans available for this price, but you’re getting double the speed with Spintel.

Total minimum cost: AU$75 | Total cost for first year: AU$965.70 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,031.40

ExetelNBN 100Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$68.99p/m (first 6 months, then AU$84.99p/m)

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=377&gi=307&pi=3152&ct=0&ci=13714&byo=true&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">Exetel | NBN 100 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$68.99p/m (first 6 months, then AU$84.99p/m)

Exetel currently holds the spot for <a href="https://www.techradar.com/best/best-nbn-100-plans" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">best NBN 100 plan, and it’s easily one of the best internet deals you can get. You’ll initially pay AU$68.99 a month for this plan, before it reverts back to its standard pricing of AU$84.99 a month after your first six months. It comes with a top typical evening speed of 100Mbps, and the ability to boost your internet up to NBN 250 five times a month.

Total minimum cost: AU$68.99 | Total cost for first year: AU$923.88 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,019.88

Best home wireless internet deals this month

Optus5G home internet (uncapped)Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractFirst month free and then AU$79p/m (first 6 months, then AU$99p/m)

<a href="https://optus.sjv.io/c/338476/1378182/16505?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.optus.com.au%2Fbroadband-nbn%2F5g-home-broadband%2F5g-home-broadband-plan" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Optus | 5G home internet (uncapped) | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | First month free and then AU$79p/m (first 6 months, then AU$99p/m)

Optus’ 5G home internet plan will set you up with unlimited data and uncapped download speeds, though the typical evening speed is rated at 240Mbps (putting it on par with an NBN 250 plan). You’ll get your first month free, and after that, your next six months will be AU$79 each. Following that, you’ll pay AU$99 each billing. Note that the minimum charge is AU$468, which is the cost of the modem. A standard Netflix subscription is included.

Total minimum cost: AU$468 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$969 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,188

TPG5G home internet (capped)Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractFirst month free and then AU$59.99p/m

<a href="https://techradar.whistleout.com.au/Transact?pai=2&si=221&gi=2411&pi=12903&ct=0&ci=14649&ai=42&ppt=0&subtag=hawk-custom-tracking&r=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="whistleout.com.au"">TPG | 5G home internet (capped) | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | First month free and then AU$59.99p/m

For cheaper 5G home internet, you might want to consider TPG’s plan which costs AU$59.99 a month, and you get your first month free. This 5G broadband plan comes with unlimited data, but speeds are capped at 50Mbps, which is the same speed you get on an NBN 50 plan. Note you’ll need to live in an area with 5G coverage to be eligible for this plan.

Total minimum cost: AU$59.99 | Total cost for first year: AU$659.89 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$719.88

Best mobile broadband internet deals this month

Tangerine5G mobile broadband100GB dataNo lock-in contractAU$29.90p/m (first 6 months, then AU$34.90p/m)

<a href="https://t.cfjump.com/14042/t/71334?UniqueId=hawk-custom-tracking&Url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tangerinetelecom.com.au%2Finternet%2Fmobile-broadband" data-link-merchant="tangerinetelecom.com.au"" target="_blank">Tangerine | 5G mobile broadband | 100GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$29.90p/m (first 6 months, then AU$34.90p/m)

If you want mobile broadband with 5G access, we recommend this plan from Tangerine which comes with a hefty 100GB of data. The current discount means you’ll only pay AU$29.90 a month for your first six months, and after that, it increases a smidge to AU$34.90. Download speeds are capped at 100Mbps on this plan, whether you’re connected via 4G or 5G.

Total minimum cost: AU$29.90 | Total cost for first year: AU$388.80 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$418.80

Vodafone4G mobile broadband30GB dataNo lock-in contractAU$20p/m

<a href="https://www.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l8Ljv/pubref:hawk-custom-tracking/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vodafone.com.au%2Fmobile%2Fsim-only-modem-plans" data-link-merchant="vodafone.com.au"">Vodafone | 4G mobile broadband | 30GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$20p/m

There’s technically no discount on Vodafone’s mobile broadband plan, but it comes in at such a low price we felt we had to include it. For just AU$20 a month, you’ll get 30GB of data to use on your tablet or laptop while you’re out and about. Only 4G coverage is available on this mobile broadband plan, but that’ll give you plenty of coverage.

Total minimum cost: AU$20 | Total cost for first year: AU$240

Internet deals FAQ

Which provider has the best internet deals?

There are a lot of providers offering a wide range of internet deals, making it difficult to know which plan is right for you. Some are super cheap, while others offer fast speeds at a higher cost. Each ISP has a selling point that makes it worth your time.

  • Telstra: best for fast speeds and optional add-ons
  • Optus: one of the best performing internet providers overall
  • TPG: best for reliable speed at a bargain price
  • Aussie Broadband: high speeds, local support and flexible plans
  • Flip: one of the cheapest providers for internet plans

Who has the cheapest internet deal in Australia?

Flip has the cheapest internet deal in Australia, with its NBN plans starting at just AU$39 a month. That introductory price is available on Flip’s NBN 12 plan, so as you might expect, its cheapest plan is also its slowest. It promises a typical evening speed of 12Mbps, so it’s really only intended for very light internet users. If you want faster speeds, Flip offers some of the lowest prices across the speed tiers.

What NBN speed do I need?

NBN speeds are represented as megabits per second (Mbps), and generally speaking, the higher Mbps, the faster the speed. Do keep in mind though that the advertised typical evening speed is the 'average' and doesn’t necessarily reflect the actual download speed you’ll receive during peak periods. For the most part, that varies depending on your connection type.

0-12Mbps. This is considered entry-level broadband, and at 12Mbps is equivalent to just over 1MB per second. It should be fast enough for small households where only one or two people are using the internet at once. Be aware that if you stream TV, you may experience the some buffering interruptions.

25-50Mbps. Every major internet provider offers 25-50Mbps broadband, and you’ll commonly see it referred to as an NBN 25 plan and an NBN 50 plan. This is the sweet spot between fast speeds and good value, and should comfortably suit a household with three to five users who are streaming, gaming or working from home all at once.

50-100Mbps. If you want to stream in 4K, or have five or more people using your internet connection at the same time, then it may be worth shelling out for the extra speed. It will cost you more, but you’ll experience much less lag, and providers may sweeten the deal with added extras and rewards.

250Mbps. Now we’re getting really fast. An NBN 250 plan is best-suited to a busy household that wants lightning-quick broadband. You’ll only really get value out of this if you want to download large files, have multiple devices online at the same time, or if multiple users want to stream in 4K or 8K simultaneously.

1,000Mbps. If money is no object, then 1Gbps download speed is the best broadband you can get. It’s a relatively new speed tier in Australia, and as such, the small number of telcos who provide it report a typical evening speed of 513Mbps on average. However, in real world tests it’s often much higher; we’ve seen speed test results of over 900Mbps. With this kind of speed, you can expect to do everything highlighted above without incident, and have exceptionally fast downloads.

What is 'average' speed for internet?

According to the Speedtest Global Index, the median download speed of internet in Australia is 54Mbps, which places Australia at number 95 among all the countries ranked. 

You won’t personally receive that kind of speed unless you sign up to an NBN 50 plan or higher (where typical evening speeds are 49Mbps on average). But also note that your connection type and location can affect the final speed you receive, so it’s best to double check with any prospective providers to see exactly what their minimum speed provisions and conditions are.

Every internet service provider (ISP) in Australia is required to state each of its NBN plans' typical evening speed, so look out for this number when signing up to a new plan.

Is the NBN available in my area?

The simplest way to see if the NBN is available in your area is check your address directly on NBN Co’s website. This will tell you what type of connection is available at your address, so you know what to look for when comparing NBN plans.

Now that the NBN rollout has officially been declared complete, the vast majority of Australians should now have access to the National Broadband Network in some form. You can also take a look at the NBN rollout map to see what is available and where.

Internet contracts and pricing

What contract length should I go for?

Most internet providers offer month-to-month plans with no lock-in contracts. Some providers do give you the option of signing up to a six or 12-month contract, though it is certainly less common than rolling month-to-month terms. Given the flexibility that month-to-month contracts provide, we wouldn’t recommend signing up to a lock-in contract.

No lock-in contracts are much more popular though, and most of them do give you the option of using your own modem if you have one. While some telcos will require you to pay set-up fees, the benefit of a no lock-in contract is that the minimum you could pay might be as little as a one-month term.

Will I have to pay anything upfront for NBN?

Possibly. Known interchangeably as 'activation', 'connection', 'setup' or 'upfront' fees, most of the major internet providers ask for some payment when you kick off your contract, even if it’s just to cover the cost of delivering your new modem.

But plenty of providers have now scrapped their set-up fees completely (Telstra, for example, will waive its connection fee if you sign-up online), while others run promotions where they temporarily scrap their upfront cost.

There may be other added extras, too. If you want an internet and entertainment package, you might be charged for the set-top box – that could be worth it if you don’t have a device to pause and record live TV.

Do I have to pay more to have a phone line?

If you use a home landline to make and receive calls, many broadband providers give you the option of including a phone line, with some even including one at no extra cost.

Telstra’s NBN plans all include a home phone landline at no extra cost, and you’ll also get unlimited calls to Australian mobiles and standard lines included for free.

Optus offers you an optional phone line with all its NBN plans, with calls billed on a PAYG basis. Alternatively, you can choose to add a phone line with unlimited calls to standard numbers and mobiles in Australia for an extra AU$10 a month.

TPG is much the same, offering PAYG calls. For an additional AU$10 a month, you can add unlimited calls to standard numbers and mobiles in Australia.

Are Wi-Fi and broadband the same thing?

Yes and no. For many of the broadband deals we've listed above, you will be getting a Wi-Fi modem-router alongside a broadband connection. 

Wi-Fi is what enables you to connect your laptop and phone to the internet through wireless connections within and around your home. This is achieved thanks to the modem-router that comes with your broadband package.

Broadband is the external connection that allows your modem-router to access the internet, which can be via a physical cable (such as a fibre-optics based NBN connection) or via a fixed-wireless connection, such as satellite or even a 4G- or 5G-based connection.

Can I cancel my internet plan early?

Cancelling your internet plan early is possible, and is especially easy if you’ve signed up to a no lock-in contract.

Whether or not you’ll have to pay any exit fees depends on the specifics of your plan. If you’re on a no lock-in contract and are using your own modem, or you paid for it upfront, chances are you can jump ship without facing a fee.

If you’re on a rolling month-to-month contract but haven’t yet paid off your modem, you’ll often be required to pay out what is remaining for the device.

Cancelling an internet plan that you’ve signed a six or 12-month contract for can be harder, and you’ll almost certainly have to pay an exit fee. You may need to pay out the monthly cost for each month you have remaining, a percentage of it, or a flat fee.

While you can cancel early, if you are able to ride it out, it’s likely the better option and will save you a decent amount of money.

My contract has ended, should I change plans?

Yes, always yes! When internet contracts come to an end, your plan will end up rolling on, and often the costs have sky-rocketed up. This could leave you paying significantly more for the same plan.

When your internet package is coming to an end, take a look at what is available and see if you could get better speeds, prices or freebies somewhere else.

4G and 5G home internet: what are they?

In recent years, alternatives have been proposed to the NBN, offering more flexible solutions, cheaper plans and other options.

Of the alternatives, 4G home internet has proven to be the most popular and effective. It works by placing a SIM card inside a modem, amplifying its connection through a house.

It offers a few key benefits that standard internet deals can’t quite achieve. Primarily, it doesn’t require a set-up process, it can be taken anywhere there’s a power socket and it offers flexibility for renters or travellers.

It’s not as powerful as regular internet, but if you're unhappy with the NBN connection where you live, are in need of a temporary solution or any other factor that applies, this could be the perfect way to go.

Can I get freebies with my internet plan?

The most common freebie you’ll get with your internet plan is a free modem, though this usually requires you to stay connected to the plan for around 24 months.

Telstra and Optus are the most likely to include other added perks, such as a free streaming subscription to your plan. Telstra currently offers a two-month free subscription to Binge, three months of Apple TV Plus and four months of Spotify Premium.

Jasmine Gearie
Ecommerce Editor

Jasmine Gearie is an Ecommerce Editor at TechRadar Australia, with a primary focus on helping readers cut through the jargon to find the best mobile and internet plans for their needs. She crunches the numbers to maintain dedicated guides to the latest phones, NBN and broadband plans of all types, and covers the important telco industry news. She also hunts down tech deals on laptops, phones, gaming consoles and more, so readers know where to buy the products they want for the cheapest prices.