Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 322 SIM-only mobile plans from 47 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 6 top picks based on price, network and expert analysis. Not every SIM-only plan will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
322 SIM-only plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $228
To find the best cheap SIM only plan for light use, we looked at plans that cost $20 per month or less. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $225
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with at least 15GB of data, which is around the average Aussies use, according to the ACCC. We’ve also capped the data allowance at 30GB to keep the monthly cost budget-friendly. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with over 40GB of monthly data. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $149
We compared mobile plans on Finder that cost under $200 with an expiry period of 12 months or 365 days. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
To select the best unlimited data SIM-only plan, we looked at mobile plans on Finder with no data limit. There is currently only 1 plan with no imposed limit on data so it defaulted to being the winner for this category.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $360
We looked at mobile plans on Finder with 5G for under $40 a month. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
As part of the 2025 Finder Awards, we selected the Best Prepaid and Postpaid Mobile Providers, based on value and data. The winners and finalists were chosen based on their cost per day, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to finding a SIM only plan. Your budget and data needs can vary depending on how you use your phone. Here are a few things to consider apart from price alone:
What network are you after?
There's no doubt Telstra's network reigns supreme in coverage. It reaches the most number of Aussies, especially if you're living outside the metro areas. That being said, if you're staying in the city, you could be better off with the lower price tags of plans on the Optus or Vodafone network.
How much data do you need?
Australians download around 12.8GB of data on average every month according to the ACCC. We recommend finding out how much data you use and matching a plan that fits the bill accordingly. You don't want to be paying more for data that's going to waste and to rack up any excess charges because you signed up to a much lower limit.
What plan length works best for you?
While most people are familiar with month-to-month mobile plans, long-expiry plans also exist that could help you save money by paying for your plan usage upfront. These plans last for 90–365 days but just remember you'll need to be happy to stick it out with that one provider for 3–12 months.
Do you want a no-frills plan or one packed with features?
The cheapest plans are usually those with just calls, texts and data. But if that's all you need anyway, you might as well grab these simple plans for a lower cost. If you're looking for more value, consider extra features such as international calls, data rollover or Wi-Fi calling.
Looking for the best 5G phone in Australia? We’ve reviewed the top models across different price points - from affordable to premium - to help you find the perfect upgrade.
Most providers now offer 5G plans, so finding a great deal is easier than ever. Check out our top 5 picks to get started.
Spoiler alert: The gap between prepaid and postpaid mobile plans isn’t as big as it used to be.
Our experts have crunched the numbers to help you find the best mobile phone plan in Australia.
Looking for a great phone plan from a provider that uses the Optus network? There's something available no matter what you're looking for.
In most cases, all you need to get your phone working is a local mobile plan. However, there may be a couple of exceptions.
As long as you have consent and sufficient proof of identity, the rest is easy.
We pored over 180 mobile plans featuring international calls to find you our top picks for this month.
From budget-conscious to international students, these mobile plans offer something for every type of student.
Getting a phone for kids or teens is an important decision to make, so here are the things to consider when choosing a mobile plan for them.
Hi Finder, I have been treating myself with a new iphone 16 3 128g and a owatch SE 2nd Gen Cellular. I am a full time student and seeking a better mobile Esim only works for putting my iwatch and mobile phone Any recommendations, please, And thank you?
Hi Elizabeth, it sounds like you’re after an eSIM-compatible plan that can connect to both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
For our money, Southern Phone’s 20GB plan, which uses the Optus 4G/5G network, offers the best bang-for-buck.
You can currently get it for just $14 per month for the first 6 months, exclusively through Finder. The price then jumps to $24 per month but don’t stress – there’s no lock-in contract, meaning you can start shopping around before the deal ends.
The plan comes with 20GB data, unlimited calls & text and $50 international call credit. You can easily sign up for an eSIM via its website.