The best cheap internet plans this month

Before the age of the NBN, the most important choice you had to make when choosing a broadband plan was how much data it included. But these days, most plans offer unlimited data and in its place, broadband speeds have become a more important consideration, and what will ultimately dictate the price of your monthly bill. That's why the best NBN plans for most people aren't always the best for everyone. If you’re one of the many Australians that’s more interested in saving money than getting faster download speeds, there are plenty of cheap unlimited internet plans to consider.

Below is daily updating list of the cheapest unlimited internet plans in database of our sister website, WhistleOut. 

Tangerine NBN is also a great choice for NBN 25 plans. You'll pay $44.90 per month for your first six months, and $59.90 per month thereafter. That's a steep increase.

SpinTel has an "NBN 25" plan that's $0.90 per month cheaper initially, but it maxes out at 20Mbps - 5Mbps short of what this speed tier is capable of. That's why we've crowned Tangerine the winner here. 

Take a look at the plans below to see how Tangerine's cheap NBN 25 plan stacks up against the competition:

We're starting to speed up now with NBN 50 plans (also known as NBN Standard). NBN 50 is the most popular speed tier in Australia because it comfortably covers the most common internet needs and then some. You'll only find an NBN 50 plan below $50 per month on the rare occasion that a provider discounts their plans below the threshold but typically, $50 to $60 per month is what you will pay for NBN 50 speeds and unlimited data.

This month, Exetel has the best NBN 50 deal. You'll pay $53.50 per month for your first six months, but this jumps to $74.95 per month thereafter. 

$75 per month isn't unreasonable for an NBN 50 plan, but you can get cheaper deals in the long run. For example, SpinTel's NBN 50 plan is $54 per month for your first six months, but only $64.95 per month when your discount expires. 

Take a look at the plans below to see how Exetel's cheap NBN 50 plan compares:

Tangerine currently has the cheapest price for your first six months of an NBN 100 plan. You'll pay $62.90 per month for your first six months, and $89.90 per month thereafter. 

While $89.90 is still on the lower end for an NBN 100 plan, there are cheaper options to consider after your first six months are up. For example, Dodo is only a hair more expensive during the initial six months - $63.85 per month - and then $85 per month at full price. 

Below you'll find more of the cheapest NBN 100 plans so you can see how they stack up against Tangerine's discounted plan.

If you're looking to score a deal on NBN 250, Exetel has a great offer right now. You'll pay $83.95 per month for your first six months, and then $108.95 per month thereafter. 

Exetel NBN plans also include five speed boosts per month, allowing you to supercharge your connection to gigabit speeds for 24 hours for no extra cost. 

NBN 250 plans are only available to FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises) or HFC (Hybrid-Fibre Coaxial) premises, but all addresses with these technology types should be able to get these plans. 

Exetel reports typical evening speeds of 225Mbps on NBN 250 plans. If you're looking for even faster peak hour performance, here's a shortlist of NBN 250 plans sorted by typical evening speeds.

Aussie Broadband's NBN 12 plan costs $59 per month and comes with unlimited data and 11Mbps typical evening speed. However, we would not recommend this plan since Tangerine's  NBN 25 plan is cheaper at $44.90 for first 6 months, $55.90 thereafter. In fact, NBN 25 plans by and large more affordable than NBN 12 plans these days. There's very little reason to opt for a plan on this speed tier. 

If you are already on this plan, you might want to consider switching plans and providers, which is easier than ever on NBN. After all, $60 per month is enough to get you an NBN 50 plan.

Aussie Broadband provides 100% Australian-based technical support as well as received over 3,000 five star reviews which makes them a great choice for good customer service.

Take a gander at this week's five cheapest fixed-line NBN 12 plans with unlimited data below for comparison.

If you can't get reliable NBN, 4G home internet might be worth a shot. Kogan's 4G home internet plan is especially cheap, billed at $54.90 per month. 

The main trade-off is you'll need to pay an extra $130 upfront to get a modem. 

The plan's download speeds are capped to 20Mbps, which is the standard for most 4G home internet plans.

Here is how Kogan's offering compares to the competition: 

If you're lucky enough to be in a 5G coverage area, 5G home internet is a faster alternative to 4G home internet.

5G home internet plans start with 50Mbps speeds - the same as NBN 50 - and TPG has one of the cheapest around. You'll get your first month free, and then pay $59.99 per month. 

The plan is contract-free; you'll just need to return your modem if you leave in your first two years.

Optus currently has a 5G home internet plan that's a hair cheaper during your first six months, but is more expensive in the long run. Optus 5G home internet plans also attract a modem fee if you leave in your first three years. 

Here is how TPG's 5G home internet plan compares: 

There aren't any unlimited mobile broadband plans around, but for some, Belong's 400GB plan could still be more than enough. 

This plan will set you back $70 per month, and is entirely contract-free. You'll need to bring your own Pocket WiFi, however, as Belong's plans are all SIM-only. 

This plan is powered by the Telstra network, and can get speeds up to 250Mbps if you're in a 5G coverage area. 

Australia's leading mobile provider charges a premium for its services and unlike the mobile market, there are fewer reasons to favour Telstra NBN over the competition. Telstra's cheapest unlimited home internet plan currently clocks in at $80 per month. That comes with unlimited data and NBN Basic II speeds (25 Mbps average typical evening speeds) with no contract. Just note that you'll need to return your modem if you leave within your first two years (or pay a non-return fee).

Take a look at Telstra's most popular NBN plans below.

The cheapest option on Telstra's biggest competitor Optus is a 4G home internet plan. You'll get your first month free and pay $59 per month. Just be aware that download speeds are limited to 25Mbps.

The plan is contract-free, but you'll need to pay out your modem if you leave within your first 24 months. This is equivalent to $9 for each month left in your two-year term. 

Alternatively, here are Optus's most popular NBN plans: 

One of the most important things to consider when looking for a cheap NBN plan is to work out which NBN speed tier you need. An NBN 12 plan's price might look appealing, but if you are a household of heavy internet users, you'll experience slow internet speeds that won't keep up with your needs.

Also double check whether the price you're getting is a promotional discounted price for new customers. If so, you'll need to check what the original price will revert to once the promotion is finished. If you're not in a contract - and most NBN plans aren't - you can easily find another cheaper plan to swap to.

​Still, when shopping for a budget broadband plan, there a few things to keep an eye out for:

• Technology at your address: If you're looking for a faster plan, NBN 250 and 1000 are only available to select FTTP and HFC customers. Knowing what NBN technology you have available at your address is the first step to knowing what deals are available to you.
• Promo pricing: Though most telcos no longer offer contracts, they do offer limited-time promotional pricing (typically for the first six months of your plan). When shopping for the cheapest NBN plans, be sure to check what the monthly price will be after your first six months.
• BYO modem: Most smaller providers offer BYO modem broadband plans and won't necessarily supply a modem unless you specifically request it. You will also incur an outright fee for the modem on your first bill if you do choose to take a modem. If you do already have an NBN modem that you're happy with, be sure to let your provider know you would like to BYO.