Australian Mobile Phone Plan Comparison Calculator

How this mobile plan comparison works

• Sorted by ongoing price. The plan list is ordered by each plan's ongoing price, lowest first.
• Introductory offers are shown separately. A discount for the first few months appears as a "Current offer" note, so it doesn't make a plan look cheaper than it will be once the offer ends.
• 28-day and longer plans are converted to a monthly equivalent. For example, a plan that renews every 28 days is converted so it can be compared fairly with plans billed by the month.
• Cost per GB is the monthly cost divided by the data included each month.
• "Lowest price" means price only. It doesn't mean the best plan for you, so check what each plan includes.
• Prices are checked monthly against provider websites, and the date of the last check is shown under the plan list.

What this tool doesn't compare

Price and inclusions are only part of choosing a mobile service. This tool doesn't rank:

• real-world network coverage at your address
• customer service quality
• phone or device repayment arrangements
• detailed excess data charges
• every international call rate or condition

Check these on the provider's website and in its Critical Information Summary. The ACCC's guide to choosing a mobile phone service is a useful checklist.

How to compare mobile phone plans

Mobile plans are one of the easiest bills to cut, because many people pay for far more data than they use. This calculator compares plans by monthly cost, data allowance and cost per GB, so you can see which plan gives you more for your money based on how you actually use your phone.

Step 1: Check how much data you really use

Look at your last three bills or your phone's usage settings. If you are regularly using less than half your allowance, a smaller plan could save you money every month.

Step 2: Enter the monthly price and data allowance

Use the ongoing price, not an introductory offer. For prepaid plans that renew every 28 days, remember there are 13 renewals a year, not 12, so the yearly cost is higher than 12 times the price.

Step 3: Tick what is included

Check for data rollover or data banking, international calls, 5G access and whether you can pause or change the plan without a fee.

What to check before you switch

• Which network the plan uses. Many smaller providers run on the Telstra, Optus or TPG (Vodafone) networks for less money. Check coverage where you live and work.
• Prepaid or postpaid. Prepaid gives you more control and no bill shock. Postpaid can suit people who want to pay after using.
• Phone repayments. If your plan includes a phone, check what happens to the price once the phone is paid off. Many people keep paying the higher price without noticing.
• Keeping your number. You can usually keep your number when you switch. Your new provider will ask for your account details to move it across.
• The Critical Information Summary. Every provider must give you a short summary of the plan's key terms and costs.

Frequently asked questions

What does cost per GB mean?

It is the monthly price divided by the data allowance. It shows whether a bigger plan is good value or whether you are paying for data you will not use.

Are cheaper providers worse?

Not necessarily. Many budget providers use the same networks as the big brands. The main differences tend to be customer service, extras and which parts of the network you can access.

Why can a 28-day mobile plan cost more than it looks?

28 days is shorter than a calendar month, so a 28-day plan renews about 13 times a year, not 12. Comparing its 28-day price directly with a monthly plan makes it look cheaper than it is over a year. The plan list converts 28-day plans to a monthly equivalent so you can compare them fairly.

Does this calculator show me available plans?

Yes, for a selection of popular Australian providers. The plan finder lists plans that include at least the data you use, sorted by price. It does not cover every plan on the market, so it is worth checking a few providers yourself too. Prices are checked regularly and the date is shown under the list. Nothing you enter is sent to a provider.

Keep going

• Internet and NBN plan comparison calculator
• Free subscription audit calculator
• Subscriptions worth cancelling
• 3-Minute Budget: see where your savings could go
• Household bills checklist: the other regular costs worth reviewing

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