ALDI Mobile

If you already own your phone, start with a SIM-only plan. My shortlist for Australia is amaysim for all-round value, ALDI Mobile for lots of data on a budget, and Boost if you need wider regional coverage. These are established providers people actually use—not just the cheapest introductory deals. In CHOICE’s 2026 customer survey, amaysim ranked highest for SIM-only satisfaction. (choice.com.au)

Want a major-carrier plan instead? Optus currently advertises 100GB for $39/month for 12 months on a new service, rising to $60/month for 60GB afterwards. That first-year offer is attractive, but put a reminder in your calendar before it ends. Telstra’s Basic SIM-only plan is $74/month for 50GB; I’d pay that premium only if you specifically need Telstra’s plan, features or service rather than a cheaper alternative. (optus.com.au)

Before switching: check the provider’s coverage map for your home, workplace and regular routes. A brand saying it “uses Telstra” does not necessarily mean it has the same coverage as a Telstra or Boost plan. Also compare 28-day prices with monthly prices—a 28-day recharge comes around roughly 13 times a year. (accc.gov.au)

Australian plans change often, and many prices are introductory. Check the ongoing price before you sign up.

Pick the network first

Most Australian providers run on one of three networks: Telstra, Optus or Vodafone (TPG). Budget brands rent capacity from them, so your choice of network matters more than the brand.

• Telstra network: Best for regional and remote areas. Telstra has 91% 5G coverage across Australia.
• Optus network: Usually good value in cities and suburbs.
• Vodafone network: Often the cheapest, with generous data, and best suited to metro areas.

Popular options

Big three (premium, best for handset plans)

• Telstra: The most expensive, but the best coverage.
• Optus: One review site picked Optus for the best Google Pixel plan (60GB).
• Vodafone: The same site picked Vodafone for the best Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra plan (65GB). Another review called it one of the best postpaid SIM deals across the 'big three' telcos.

Budget brands (best value for SIM-only)

• Telstra network:
  • ALDI Mobile: Finder named it the best prepaid plan on the Telstra network, and Provider of the Year for mobile plans in its 2026 awards.
  • Belong: Finder's best high-data pick is Belong 100GB on the wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network, at $49 a month.
  • Tangerine is another Telstra-network option.
• Optus network:
  • Dodo: Finder picked Dodo $30 as the best value mobile plan.
  • SpinTel: WhistleOut chose SpinTel's 25GB plan for at least 15GB and its 50GB plan for at least 30GB.
• Vodafone network:
  • TPG: Finder picked it as the best prepaid plan. It also has unlimited international talk and text to 31 selected destinations.
  • felix: TechRadar says it's the only provider in Australia with a truly unlimited data plan. Speeds are capped, though.
  • Lyca Mobile: Good for long-expiry plans. Finder's 365-day pick is 600GB on the Vodafone network for $360 a year.
  • Kogan Mobile is another option.

Quick recommendations

• Best all-round value: TPG, Dodo or SpinTel.
• Regional travel or rural living: ALDI Mobile or Belong, or Telstra itself.
• Heavy data users: Vodafone's 420GB plan for $65 a month (for the first 12 months, then $78), or felix Unlimited.
• Calling overseas family: TPG or Lyca.
• New phone on a plan: Compare Telstra, Optus and Vodafone directly.
• Own your phone: Choose a month-to-month SIM-only plan. These offer the best value if you own your phone outright, with no lock-in and full flexibility to switch.

For comparison, the average 5G mobile plan costs around $46 a month. Many of the plans above cost much less.

Before you choose, check the provider's coverage map for your home, work and regular travel routes. Compare sites like Finder, WhistleOut and Mozo list current deals.

In Australia, the mobile market is divided between the "Big Three" network owners (Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone) and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), which lease tower access from the Big Three.

Most Aussies save money by opting for SIM-only, no-lock-in plans with MVNOs, which offer identical coverage to the major carriers for a fraction of the cost.

Below are the top mobile plan recommendations and brands that people actually use in Australia, categorised by what they do best.

1. Best Overall for Rural & Regional Coverage

Winner: Boost Mobile (Telstra Network)

• Why people use it: Boost is the only reseller with access to the full Telstra retail network (covering 99.6% of the population). Other Telstra resellers only get access to the "Telstra Wholesale" network, which leaves out some remote towers.
• Best for: Anyone living in, traveling through, or working in regional/rural Australia, or anyone who wants Telstra’s premium coverage without paying Telstra’s premium prices.
• Plan types: Prepaid (28-day recharges or 12-month long-expiry plans).

2. Best Value & Everyday Life Hacks

Winner: Everyday Mobile by Woolworths (Telstra Wholesale Network)

• Why people use it: It’s famous in Australia for a specific perk: 10% off one Woolworths supermarket shop every month. If you spend $200 on a monthly grocery run, you get $20 off, which essentially pays for your phone plan.
• Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who already do their groceries at Woolies.

Runner-Up: ALDI Mobile (Telstra Wholesale Network)

• Why people use it: A consistent award winner for customer satisfaction. ALDI Mobile is extremely straightforward, offers great data rollover (whatever data you don’t use carries over to the next month), and has very cheap base tiers.
• Best for: Reliable everyday metro & suburban coverage with data banking.

3. Best for Flexibility & City Living

Winner: Amaysim (Optus Network)

• Why people use it: Amaysim is arguably Australia's most loved budget telco. It runs on the Optus network, has an intuitive app, excellent customer service, and frequently runs data promos.
• Best for: City and suburban dwellers looking for hassle-free SIM-only plans with generous data deals.

Runner-Up: Moose Mobile & SpinTel (Optus Network)

• Why people use it: These two consistently top comparison sites (like WhistleOut and Finder) for offering the absolute cheapest 6-month introductory SIM-only discounts.
• Best for: Deal hunters willing to switch providers every 6–12 months to get the lowest price.

4. Best for Heavy Data & Streaming

Winner: Felix Mobile (Vodafone/TPG Network)

• Why people use it: Felix offers unlimited data plans with speed caps (e.g., 20Mbps or 80Mbps) for a flat monthly fee. It’s also B Corp certified and plants a tree for every month you stay subscribed.
• Best for: Heavy streamers, hotspot users, or anyone who hates counting gigabytes.

5. What About the "Big Three" Directly?

Buying directly from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone is generally more expensive ($55–$100+/month). However, Aussies still sign up with them for a few key reasons:

• Telstra Direct: Best if you need the absolute maximum 5G speeds, want to bundle a brand-new phone on a 24/36-month payment plan, or require family plan sharing.
• Optus Direct: Good for bundling home internet/NBN and securing international roaming add-ons.
• Vodafone Direct: Known for the best international call inclusions and simple $5/day international roaming when traveling overseas.

Quick Advice for Choosing a Plan:

1. Check 28-day vs 30-day/Monthly cycles: Some prepaid providers charge every 28 days (which means 13 recharges a year instead of 12). If you prefer paying once a calendar month, look for monthly post-paid or SIM-only options.
2. BYO Phone: Unless you desperately need a brand new flagship phone financed through a carrier, buy your phone outright and stick to a SIM-only plan to save hundreds of dollars a year.
3. Check Coverage: If you live in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide), Optus and Vodafone networks perform great. If you live in the bush or travel regionally, stick to Boost Mobile or Telstra.

For most Australians, the best choice is a SIM-only plan rather than a handset bundle. The strongest brands to shortlist are Amaysim, ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, Belong, Vodafone and Telstra—the right one depends mainly on coverage, data use and whether you prefer prepaid or monthly billing.

Practical recommendations

• Live in a capital city and want a simple, good-value plan: Start with Amaysim, ALDI Mobile or Belong.
• Travel frequently through regional or rural Australia: Choose Boost Mobile; consider Telstra if you want direct support and premium features.
• Want the lowest ongoing cost: Compare ALDI Mobile, Moose Mobile, SpinTel, Kogan Mobile and Dodo. Smaller providers average substantially less per month than the major carriers.
• Need lots of data or hotspot use: Look at Belong or felix mobile, but verify Vodafone coverage where you live and work.
• Want a new iPhone, Samsung or Google phone paid monthly: Compare Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, the main providers offering handset plans.

Best overall shortlist

1. Amaysim — safest all-round SIM-only recommendation.
2. ALDI Mobile — excellent prepaid value.
3. Boost Mobile — best for Telstra coverage without paying full Telstra prices.
4. Belong — strong for high data allowances.
5. Telstra — best when coverage and reliability outweigh price.
6. Vodafone or felix — good value if Vodafone coverage is strong at your addresses.

Before buying, enter your home, workplace and regular travel locations into the provider’s coverage checker. MVNOs can use the same underlying network but may differ in access, speed, roaming, customer support and congestion.

In Australia, the “best” mobile plan depends on whether you care most about coverage, price, data, or flexibility. Prices change often, so treat these as indicative — but these are the brands and plan types people actually use.

Quick picks

• Best coverage / regional & rural: Telstra — expensive but the benchmark.
• Best value on Telstra coverage: Boost Mobile — popular because it uses the full Telstra network, including 5G, without Telstra prices.
• Best cheap Telstra-network alternatives: ALDI Mobile, Woolworths Mobile, Belong — Telstra wholesale coverage; check 5G/details.
• Best metro value on Optus network: Amaysim — cheap, flexible, popular.
• Best city value / 5G on Vodafone: Vodafone, Felix Mobile, Kogan Mobile, TPG.
• Best unlimited-ish data: Felix Mobile — unlimited data at capped speed (~20Mbps), good for most streaming/browsing.
• Best long-expiry prepaid: Kogan Mobile or Amaysim 365-day plans.

Popular providers and what they’re good for

What I’d actually recommend

• If you travel regionally or want the least stress: Telstra if you’ll pay for it; otherwise Boost Mobile.
• If you’re mostly in a capital city and want value: Amaysim on Optus or Vodafone/Felix/Kogan on Vodafone.
• If you want cheap Telstra coverage: ALDI Mobile or Woolworths Mobile.
• If you want unlimited data without huge cost: Felix Mobile.
• If you hardly use data and want a year-long plan: Kogan Mobile or Amaysim 365-day.

Important: Australia’s 3G networks are shut down, so you need a 4G/5G phone with VoLTE support. Check the provider’s coverage map for your home, work, and commute — especially if you’re outside metro areas.

The best mobile plans in Australia right now (as of early November 2026) focus on MVNOs offering strong value on the three main networks—Telstra (best regional/rural coverage), Optus (solid metro performance), and Vodafone (improved coverage, especially in cities, with some network sharing).

Aussies are increasingly ditching the big three (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) for cheaper MVNOs, with MVNO market share growing to around 19% as people chase better value amid cost-of-living pressures. Telstra still leads overall market share (roughly 35-42%), followed by Optus (~27-28%) and TPG/Vodafone (~15%).

Popular choices that real people use include SpinTel, Dodo, felix mobile, TPG, Moose Mobile, Boost Mobile, amaysim, Belong, and Lyca Mobile. These often appear in comparison sites, awards, and reviews for their deals, data allowances, and network performance.

Top Recommendations by Need

Here are standout options based on recent comparisons (prices are indicative; they fluctuate with promos—always check current deals, coverage maps for your area, and terms):

• Best overall value / everyday use (25-50GB): SpinTel or Dodo on the Optus network. SpinTel’s 25GB plan is frequently praised (around $23/month, often discounted to ~$12 for the first 6 months). Dodo’s ~$30 plans with 40GB are strong contenders for value and appear in multiple “best” lists.

• Best unlimited data: felix mobile (Vodafone network) – unlimited at up to 40Mbps for ~$40/month (often $20 for the first 6 months with a promo code). It wins “most loved” nods for flexibility and no lock-in.

• Best for coverage (regional or travel): Boost Mobile on the Telstra network (full prepaid access, better than many Telstra MVNOs). Popular recharges include 105-150GB options around $59-$74 for 28 days, with bonus data promos. Belong (Telstra-owned) is another reliable, simple month-to-month pick.

• Best cheap prepaid / long-expiry: TPG or Lyca Mobile on Vodafone (e.g., TPG Small plans from ~$15-30 with discounts; Lyca for 360+ day recharges offering hundreds of GB upfront for lower per-month cost). Great for light users or those wanting flexibility.

• Other strong contenders people like: Moose Mobile (Vodafone, aggressive intro discounts like 30GB for ~$14 first 6 months), amaysim (Optus, good international call bundles), and Aldi Mobile (budget Telstra option).

Quick Tips for Choosing

• Network first: Check coverage at your home/work/postcode on the provider’s map. Telstra wins for bush/regional; Optus and Vodafone are competitive (and cheaper) in cities.
• SIM-only vs handset: Most recommendations above are SIM-only (BYO phone). Handset plans from the big three add premiums but include the device.
• Prepaid vs postpaid: Prepaid (recharge) offers more flexibility and is popular for MVNOs; postpaid is convenient for monthly billing.
• Extras: Look for data banking/rollover (e.g., felix, Belong), eSIM support (widely available), and international calls if needed.
• Deals change fast: Many have 50% off intro periods (first 3-6 months). Sites like WhistleOut, Finder, or Wireless Choices are handy for comparing live offers.

Shop around based on your data needs (light: 20-30GB; heavy: 100GB+ or unlimited), location, and whether you want contract-free flexibility. If you tell me more about your usage (data amount, city vs regional, prepaid preference, etc.), I can narrow it down further!

The top providers Australians actually rate highest are Amaysim for SIM‑only and Telstra for SIM+handset plans, while Dodo, TPG, felix, Lyca Mobile and Belong offer the best-value plans month to month.

🇦🇺 How Australians rate their providers (consumer satisfaction)

CHOICE’s 2026 national survey shows Amaysim is the highest‑rated SIM‑only provider, scoring 82% satisfaction. Other strong performers include TPG (81%), Belong (81%), ALDI Mobile (80%), Woolworths (79%), and Kogan Mobile (79%). Major carriers Telstra, Vodafone and Optus score below average for SIM‑only plans (76%, 76%, and 71%) despite large market share.

For SIM + handset plans, Telstra leads with 79% satisfaction, ahead of Vodafone (75%) and Optus (74%).

📶 What Australians actually use (market share)

Even with lower satisfaction scores, Telstra and Optus still hold ~40% of the SIM‑only market combined. For SIM+handset plans, Telstra and Optus dominate even more, though their share has been declining since 2019. Amaysim, ALDI, Vodafone, Lyca Mobile, TPG, and Kogan Mobile continue to grow as value-focused alternatives.

⭐ Best mobile plans right now (expert picks)

Finder’s October 2026 analysis compared 300+ plans and surfaced the top options across categories:

Best prepaid plan

TPG Small — 30GB, Vodafone network, strong value and 6‑month discount.

Best value plan

Dodo $30 — 40GB on Optus network, unlimited data banking, no excess charges.

Best unlimited data plan

felix Unlimited — truly unlimited data on Vodafone, speeds capped at 40Mbps.

Best 365‑day plan

Lyca Mobile Online Only Offer — 600GB yearly, Vodafone network, strong international call inclusions.

Best high‑data plan

Belong 100GB — Telstra wholesale network, bonus 160GB for first 12 months.

🏆 Top 10 most popular providers (Finder user data)

Finder’s 2026 provider list highlights the brands Australians choose most often:

Dodo – budget-friendly, strong perks felix – unlimited data options OnePass Mobile – great long-expiry deals TPG – strong value, big discounts Tangerine – Telstra wholesale network, bundling discounts Lyca Mobile – big data, low price iiNet – half-price offers amaysim – top satisfaction scores Exetel – simple, good-value plans Kogan Mobile – strong prepaid value

✅ How to choose the right plan

Australians say the most important factors are value for money (59%), coverage (47%), and reliability (45%). If you want:

Best satisfaction → Amaysim (SIM‑only), Telstra (SIM+handset) Best value → Dodo, TPG, Lyca Mobile, Belong Unlimited data → felix Long-expiry savings → Lyca Mobile or OnePass Mobile Strong coverage → Telstra or Belong (Telstra wholesale)

📌 Quick recommendation summary

Best overall SIM‑only provider: Amaysim (highest satisfaction) Best value month-to-month: Dodo or TPG Best unlimited data: felix Best long-expiry: Lyca Mobile Best SIM+handset: Telstra (top reliability and coverage)

Would you like recommendations tailored to your usage (data amount, budget, or network preference)?

Top rated Best deals Buying guide Budget picks Compare options

The best cell phone plans in Australia depend on your budget and whether you prefer the major networks ( Telstra, Optus, Vodafone ) or lower-cost Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that use those same networks.

Consumer advocacy group Choice ranks Amaysim (on the Optus network) as the top SIM-only provider for overall customer satisfaction, while Telstra leads for SIM-plus-handset plans. Popular provider and data reviews also highlight standout choices across different categories:

Top-Rated Providers & Popular Plans

Amaysim (Optus Network): Consistently scores highest for overall customer satisfaction among SIM-only providers. They offer flexible, no-contract prepaid and postpaid plans with unlimited standard national talk and text. ALDImobile (Telstra Wholesale Network): A community favorite for running on parts of the Telstra network at a fraction of the cost. Users on Reddit note that it features competitive pricing and unlimited data banking as long as you maintain your monthly top-ups. Belong (Telstra Wholesale Network): Offers reliable month-to-month SIM-only plans—such as their 100GB plan for $45–$49 per month—which include unlimited data banking for unused data. Kogan Mobile (Vodafone Network): Well-known for value-packed long-expiry plans, such as their 365-day prepaid options providing large data blocks (e.g., 25GB per 30 days) for upfront savings. Coles Mobile (Optus Network): Offers affordable 28-day and long-expiry options (like 22GB for around $25) with generous data rollover rules. Dodo & TPG (Vodafone / Optus Networks): Frequently run aggressive introductory discounts (such as half-price mobile plans for the first 6 months) for budget-conscious switchers.

Key Tips for Choosing a Plan in Australia

Check the Underlying Network: Australia has three main physical infrastructure networks— Telstra (widest and best for regional/remote areas), Optus, and Vodafone. Most smaller providers (MVNOs) rent these networks, so pick one that matches your local coverage needs. Match Data to Your Usage: Average Australians use roughly 10GB to 18GB of data per month, though many people overpay for massive 60GB+ tiers they never touch. Check your last few phone bills to see how much data you actually consume. Go SIM-Only and Contract-Free: Unless you need a brand-new handset bundled into your monthly bill, BYO phone (bring-your-own-phone) SIM-only and prepaid plans give you the freedom to switch providers whenever a better promotion appears.

If you can share how much data you use each month and which network works best in your area (Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone), I can recommend specific dollar-value plans for you.

When looking for the best mobile plans in Australia, the market is split across the three major network infrastructures— Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone (TPG) —with smaller providers (MVNOs) offering significantly better value by piggybacking on these networks.

According to recent consumer ratings and market trends on Canstar Blue, here are the top-performing brands and plans that Australians actually use:

ALDI Mobile (Best Prepaid / Telstra Network): Highly rated for customer satisfaction and value, ALDI Mobile runs on the full Telstra 4G/5G network. Their prepaid plans feature data rollover (data banking) and great long-expiry options, making them a favorite for budget-conscious users who want Telstra coverage without Telstra prices. Aussie Broadband (Best Postpaid & Bundling): Known primarily for stellar home internet, Aussie Broadband’s postpaid mobile plans run on the Optus network. They offer reliable service, no lock-in contracts, and a handy $5/month discount if you bundle your mobile with an Aussie Broadband internet plan. Moose Mobile (Best SIM-Only Value): A perennial crowd-pleaser for low-cost SIM-only plans on the Vodafone network. They frequently run aggressive introductory discounts (such as 30GB for around $14–$23/month) with unlimited talk and text and no lock-in contracts. Dodo (Best Optus 5G Data Deals): Dodo leverages the Optus 5G network and stands out for offering generous data tiers (like 80GB plans) with monthly billing rather than 28-day cycles, alongside unlimited data banking. Vodafone (Best for Phones-on-a-Plan): If you are looking to buy a handset (like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy) bundled over 12 to 36 months, Vodafone consistently ranks well for its device payment flexibility and robust 5G network coverage.

To help narrow down the ideal plan for you, tell me:

Do you prefer prepaid or postpaid? Roughly how much monthly data do you need? Do you have a preference for Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone coverage?