The best SIM-only mobile plans in Australia (March 2024)

We pick the best SIM-only mobile plans each month for all users: everyday, cheap, iPhone, big data and more.

Best value SIM-only plan
Southern Phone
Southern Phone Medium SIM-only Plan
🔥First 3 months for
$20
/mth
Typical price
$25/mth
Data
50GB
Best cheap SIM-only plan
Moose Mobile
Moose 14.80 SIM Only
🔥First 12 months for
$14.80
/mth
Typical price
$24.80/mth
Data
25GB
Best big-data SIM-only plan
Moose Mobile
Moose 28.80 SIM Only
🔥First 12 months for
$28.80
/mth
Typical price
$36.80/mth
Data
100GB
Best epic-data SIM-only plan
AGL-logo
AGL 4G Large
🔥 Bundle for
$10/mth discount
Typical price
$50/mth
Data
250GB
Best 5G SIM-only plan
Belong
160GB Mobile Plan
🔥
No excess data fees
Typical price
$55/mth
Data
160GB
Nathan Lawrence
Mar 06, 2024
Icon Time To Read11 min read

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If you want a good mix of price, data and features, all wrapped up in a monthly payment, SIM-only mobile plans may be up your alley. Our comparison engine has SIM-only mobile plans from a starting promotional price of $10 a month for a little data, or you can pay upwards of $70 for hundreds of gigabytes of data.

The only thing you need with a SIM-only plan is an unlocked mobile phone, be that an iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24, a Google Pixel 8 or any other smartphone.

Scroll on for the best SIM-only plans this month, including picks for everyday use, big-data needs, cheap alternatives, and more.

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What is a SIM-only plan?

A SIM-only plan is one that’s sold without a mobile phone and, except for Telstra Upfront SIM-only plans, is paid for at the end of every month. In Australia, SIM-only plans are typically no-contract offerings that include unlimited national talk and text. What you’re really paying more or less for is the monthly data allowance.

Outside of data caps, SIM-only telcos typically compete on plan inclusions. Features start at a network level, with the main Telstra and Telstra wholesale networks being the most widespread, followed by Optus and Vodafone. Other perks may include access to 5G with varying speeds, international inclusions and data rollover/banking.

Best value SIM-only plan

Southern Phone Medium SIM-only Plan

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We ranked SIM-only mobile plans with at least 30GB of base data (capped at $40 per month) then used dollar-to-data comparisons to find the best value. More widespread networks, plan features and our in-depth provider schema are used to settle tie-breaks.

Data from the ACCC’s Internet activity report says that Australians are using around 16GB of data per month. This average data usage grows each year, which is why we use 30GB as a comfortable baseline to cover the recommended plans for our best value SIM-only category.

This month, Southern Phone is our favourite with its Medium SIM Only Plan again. For $25 a month, you’ll get 50GB of data on the Optus 4G network. Better still, new sign-ups pay a $20 monthly fee for the first three months, improving the overall first-year value (just get in by 8 April 2024). This Southern Phone SIM-only plan also comes with $50 of international call credit. For alternatives, consider the Spintel $35 Mobile Plan or the iiNet Mobile 55GB Plan for lots and slightly more data, respectively.

Main plan details

  • Data: 50GB
  • Network: Optus 4G
  • eSIM: No
  • International calls: $50 credit
  • International roaming: No
  • Data rollover: No
  • Cost for first 12 months: $285

How does this SIM-only mobile plan compare?

For more contenders, check out these popular SIM-only mobile plans with at least 30GB of data, which don’t cost more than $40 per month.

Best cheap SIM-only plan

Moose Mobile 14.80 SIM Only

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We ranked SIM-only mobile plans with at least 10GB of base data (capped at $25 per month) then used dollar-to-data comparisons to find the best value. More widespread networks, plan features and our in-depth provider schema are used to settle tie-breaks.

While the average monthly SIM-only data use is higher than 10GB in Australia, the best way to save money with a mobile plan is opting for less data. Choosing a SIM-only plan with 10GB is enough for basic monthly mobile data needs, plus it’s more manageable if your mobile phone tends to be connected to WiFi most of the time.

This month, the Moose Mobile 14.80 SIM Only prepaid plan is our top pick. New customers can tap into 12 months of discounted pricing: $14.80 instead of the typical $24.80 monthly fee. You’ll get 25GB of monthly data on the Optus 5G network, which includes a 200GB data bank to squirrel away leftover gigabytes for busier months. Sign up by 1 May 2024 for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card, too. Alternatively, consider the Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan for more data or Spintel $22 Mobile Plan for slightly cheaper initial promo pricing.

Main plan details

  • Data: 25GB
  • Network: Optus 5G
  • eSIM: No
  • International calls: Add-on
  • International roaming: PAYG + prepayment
  • Data rollover: 200GB
  • Cost for first 12 months: $177.60

How does this SIM-only mobile plan compare?

For more cheap SIM-only alternatives, consider these popular picks from our database, which have at least 10GB of data and don’t cost more than $25 per month.

Best big-data SIM-only plan

Moose Mobile 28.80 SIM Only

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We ranked SIM-only mobile plans with at least 60GB of base data (capped at $55 per month) then used dollar-to-data comparisons to find the best value. More widespread networks, plan features and our in-depth provider schema are used to settle tie-breaks.

30GB is more than enough for most SIM-only users. But if you’re craving more gigabytes, you don’t have to spend a whole lot more to get at least 60GB of monthly data. This big-data category is great for people who are heavy social media users and like to stream video on their daily commute.

Moose Mobile returns to nab the top spot with its Moose 28.80 SIM Only plan. New sign-ups pay a very competitive $28.80 per month for the first year. After the first 12 months, the place price reverts to a $36.80 typical monthly fee. For either price you get 100GB of Optus 5G data, which is capped at 100Mbps download speeds, but you also get 200GB of data rollover. Alternatively, consider the Spintel $35 Mobile Plan or the Southern Phone Large SIM Only Plan for slightly cheaper typical pricing.

Main plan details

  • Data: 100GB
  • Network: Optus 5G (100Mbps)
  • eSIM: No
  • International calls: Call credit
  • International roaming: PAYG + prepayment
  • Data rollover: 200GB
  • Cost for first 12 months: $345.60

How does this SIM-only mobile plan compare?

If you’re keen to check out more big-data contenders, have a look at this list of popular SIM-only plans with a minimum of 60GB of data that are capped at $55 per month.

Best epic-data SIM-only plan

AGL 4G Large

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We ranked SIM-only mobile plans with at least 150GB of base data then used dollar-to-data comparisons to find the best value. More widespread networks, plan features and our in-depth provider schema are used to settle tie-breaks.

Okay, so maybe 60GB isn’t enough. Maybe you stream so much video and download so many apps on the go that you need hundreds of gigabytes of data. Or perhaps you hotspot for work or play. If that sounds familiar, this epic-data SIM-only category is for you. These days, there are plenty of telcos offering 150GB+ SIM-only plans, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar for them.

Our favourite this month is again the AGL 4G Large plan, which comes with a chunky 250GB of data. Admittedly, that’s on the Optus 4G network, so don’t expect to get download speeds beyond 100Mbps. That said, 4G speeds are enough for any application on a mobile device. This AGL SIM-only plan costs $50 a month or its cheaper if you bundle it with AGL gas or electricity. For an epic-data alternative, consider the $89 Optus Plus Promo Plan (500GB) or the initially cheaper Moose Mobile 44.80 SIM Only plan, both of which have access to the Optus 5G network.

Main plan details

  • Data: 250GB
  • Network: Optus 4G
  • eSIM: Yes
  • International calls: $300 credit
  • International roaming: No
  • Data rollover: No
  • Cost for first 12 months: $600

How does this SIM-only mobile plan compare?

There are plenty of other epic-data SIM-only plans in our database. These popular picks have at least 150GB of data.

Best 5G SIM-only plan

Belong 160GB Mobile Plan

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We ranked 5G SIM-only mobile plans with at least 60GB of base data (capped at $60 per month) then used dollar-to-data comparisons to find the best value. More widespread networks, plan features and our in-depth provider schema are used to settle tie-breaks.

There was a time when 5G plans were relegated to the network owners. Not anymore. While 5G SIM-only plans are plentiful, a bunch of them come with restrictive download caps. For this category, we favour 5G SIM-only plans with either fast download caps (150Mbps+) or uncapped download speeds.

The Belong 160GB Mobile Plan takes the top spot this month. For $55 a month, you get 160GB of data on the Telstra 5G network, with no excess data charges. If you burn through that 160GB cap, speeds are slowed to 1Mbps, but you can otherwise expect to hit max download speeds of up to 250Mbps. This Belong SIM-only plan also comes with unlimited standard international calls to 30 dialling destinations, plus unlimited data banking. You can also gift unused data to other Belong users. Alternatively, consider the Vodafone $59 Medium SIM Only Plan for more data or the Moose Mobile 44.80 SIM Only plan for cheaper pricing.

Main plan details

  • Data: 160GB
  • Network: Telstra 5G
  • eSIM: No
  • International calls: Unlimited to 30 destinations
  • International roaming: Add-on
  • Data rollover: Unlimited
  • Cost for first 12 months: $660

How does this SIM-only mobile plan compare?

There are other 5G SIM-only plans to choose from. Here are the popular picks today from our comparison engine with at least 60GB of data that don’t cost more than $60 per month.

Popular Telstra network SIM-only plan

Belong 25GB Mobile Plan

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We highlighted the most popular Telstra network SIM-only mobile plans on 4 March 2024.

Telstra and Boost Mobile customers get access to the full Telstra mobile network. But there are also plenty of other telcos that operate on the slightly smaller but still expansive Telstra wholesale network. This category is designed to acknowledge the popularity of the Telstra network with SIM-only users.

At the start of the month, the Belong 25GB Mobile Plan was the most popular SIM-only plan on the Telstra network. For $29 a month you get 25GB of max-speed data, with no excess data charges. Admittedly, speeds are throttled to 1Mbps, which isn’t particularly speedy. Expect max download speeds up to 150Mbps, which includes Telstra 5G network coverage, plus you can store or gift unused monthly data.

Main plan details

  • Data: 25GB
  • Network: Telstra 5G (150Mbps)
  • eSIM: No
  • International calls: No
  • International roaming: Add-on
  • Data rollover: Unlimited
  • Cost for first 12 months: $348

Other popular Telstra network SIM-only plans

You’ll find other popular Telstra network SIM-only plans below.

Popular Optus network SIM-only plan

Dodo $10 Mobile Plan

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We highlighted the most popular Optus network SIM-only mobile plans on 4 March 2024.

The Optus mobile network is nipping at the Telstra network’s heels, supporting a selection of telcos that deliver solid coverage options with competitive pricing. The Optus network is a good choice for those after widespread 4G coverage or faster 5G options.

At the start of the month, the Dodo Mobile $10 Mobile Plan was the most popular SIM-only plan again on the Optus network. It comes with 2GB of Optus 4G data and no excess data charges, albeit speeds are capped to a sluggish 256Kbps if you go over your monthly allocation. Still, that’s a great regular price for those with basic mobile data needs.

Main plan details

  • Data: 2GB
  • Network: Optus 4G
  • eSIM: No
  • International calls: Add-on
  • International roaming: PAYG credit
  • Data rollover: No
  • Cost for first 12 months: $120

Other popular Optus network SIM-only plans

Check out more popular Optus network SIM-only plans from our database.

Popular Vodafone network SIM-only plan

iiNet Mobile 8GB Plan

How we chose the best SIM-only mobile plan:

  • We highlighted the most popular Vodafone network SIM-only mobile plans on 4 March 2024.

While its 5G coverage isn’t as widespread, most Australians can happily access the Vodafone 4G network. And with that access comes some great comparative SIM-only savings, both from Vodafone SIM-only plans as well as Vodafone mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), all of which use the same network.

At the start of the month, the iiNet Mobile 8GB Plan was the most popular SIM-only pick on the Vodafone network again. Part of the appeal is likely the long-running iiNet six-month discount: $10 per month instead of the typical $19.99 monthly fee. Whether discounted or typical, that monthly price nets 8GB of Vodafone 4G data.

Main plan details

  • Data: 8GB
  • Network: Vodafone 4G
  • eSIM: Yes
  • International calls: PAYG
  • International roaming: PAYG credit
  • Data rollover: No
  • Cost for first 12 months: $179.94

Other popular Vodafone network SIM-only plans

For more popular Vodafone SIM-only plans, check out the list below.

Best mobile phone plans in Australia graphic for Reviews.org

The best mobile phone plans in Australia

Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Have a gander at our mobile plan picks by clicking the link below.

What to look for in a SIM-only plan

All SIM-only mobile plans in our database come with unlimited calls and text in Australia, so you’re ultimately dealing with data caps. The more you pay, the more data you get. But before you go too far down that rabbit hole, consider which mobile networks you have access to in the areas you frequent.

For most Australians, that’ll be all three mobile networks, at least for 4G coverage. If you’ve had coverage issues in the past or travel a lot in Australia, particularly off the beaten track, a Telstra network plan is your best bet. For Aussies who frequent metro areas, you can also consider the generally cheaper Optus network plans and potentially cheaper still Vodafone network options.

Use the interactive map below to get an idea of Telstra, Optus and Vodafone network coverage in the areas you visit most.

With the network out of the way, it’s time to think about data. Aim for around 15–20GB of data minimum if you’re the average user. If you find you use less data each month, save money with a cheaper SIM-only plan. Alternatively, if you constantly need to top up or get stung with excess-data bills, upgrade to a plan with more data.

Speaking of excess data, not every SIM-only telco charges for it these days but speeds may be capped to the point where doing more than just the online basics feels like a sluggish chore. To separate closely priced plans, we advise taking first-year costs into account. Six months of promotional pricing is good, but it’s not as great if the typical price leaps to a point that nullifies the discount.

The data suggests that most people tend to stick with their telcos, too. If that’s you, pick a mobile provider with competitive ongoing pricing relative to your data needs. Alternatively, if you find your monthly data usage fluctuates, go for a telco with data banking, so those quieter months can help support heavier months with stored gigabytes.

To help further separate contenders from your chosen telco, consider plan inclusions. eSIM, for instance, is a great way to avoid having to wait for a physical SIM card to arrive. International talk and/or text is another consideration, as is straightforward international roaming via add-ons rather than pay-as-you-go (PAYG) credit. Whatever the plan perk, don’t pay more for a plan feature if you don’t intend on using it.

How to switch SIM-only plans

Changing SIM-only plans is straightforward. Once you’ve chosen the plan that’s best for you, follow these steps:

  1. Click the ‘Go to Site’ button next to the plan you want. Alternatively, if a link is not supplied, visit the telco’s site.
  2. On the telco’s site, confirm your SIM-only mobile plan selection and follow the prompts. You’ll likely have to create an account, provide personal details and may need to verify your identity.
  3. During plan sign-up, specify whether you’d like to transfer your number or get a new one. Also choose between eSIM or physical SIM card options (where available).

The benefit of eSIM is not having to wait for a physical SIM card to arrive by mail to start using your new SIM-only plan. SIM activation should take around half an hour, but it may take longer. Just remember to not remove your old physical SIM card for your current plan before the new one is ready to go.

icon-expertise

How we choose the best SIM-only plans

Every month, we re-evaluate the dozens of plans in our comparison engine relative to the respective categories outlined above. At the top level, plans are separated into relevant data, cost and/or network-type brackets, then we break down the first-year dollar-to-data value. Our dollar-to-data values are determined based on average monthly pricing, which factors in any relevant plan promo pricing.

Max plan cost caps for relevant categories help stop pricier plans with loads of data from automatically rising to the top, and we lean towards the ones with cheaper first-year costs. That said, cheapest isn’t always the best per category, which is where we consider the network, whether it’s 4G or 5G, maximum plan speeds and relevant inclusions.

The perks that we favour most are eSIM convenience, international talk and text, as well as data banking/rollover. We also use an in-depth SIM-only schema with dozens of fields to separate contenders from winners based on price, data, features, support pathways and reported customer satisfaction.

SIM-only plans frequently asked questions

The big difference between postpaid and prepaid is when you pay: prepaid is upfront and postpaid is after the fact. The only exception is Telstra Upfront SIM-only plans, which are also paid upfront. Once a prepaid plan’s data is exhausted, you have to top up. Conversely, postpaid (SIM-only) plans may charge extra fees or cap your speeds for the rest of the billing cycle.

Generally, SIM-only telcos will run a credit check during sign-up to ensure that you’re able to pay the mobile bill at the end of the month. If there are any credit-check issues, consider a prepaid plan instead.
Unlimited really is unlimited for SIM-only plans in terms of national calls and text. Data isn’t unlimited. Almost every SIM-only plan we track has a fixed max-speed data limit. Once a SIM-only plan’s max-speed data is exhausted, you’ll either be automatically charged for more data, use up stored gigabytes from your data bank or have speeds capped to a noticeably slower speed until the next billing cycle.
No, you shouldn’t use a SIM-only plan in lieu of home internet. NBN is the best choice for reliable home internet in Australia, generally with unlimited data, otherwise consider a 4G or 5G home internet plan.
According to the ACCC, you need at least 16GB of data on average per month. We recommend 10GB for light use, 30GB+ for everyday use and 60GB+ for heavier users. If you want a more specific answer, use your telco’s companion app to track monthly data use and switch to a plan with less or more data based on your data tracking.
Almost every SIM-only plan is paid for at the end of a billing month. Expect to receive a mobile bill on roughly the same day each month for a SIM-only plan. The main exception is Telstra Upfront plans, which are billed in advance of a month.
A few different things can happen if you go over your monthly data allowance. Some telcos automatically charge extra, either by megabyte, gigabyte or with a data bundle. Others have data banks that will be used to support extra data needs, if you have enough stored. Others still slow plan speeds significantly for the rest of the billing cycle.
Nathan Lawrence
Written by
Nathan Lawrence
Nathan Lawrence has been banging out passionate tech and gaming words for more than 11 years. These days, you can find his work on outlets like IGN, STACK, Fandom, Red Bull and AusGamers. Nathan adores PC gaming and the proof of his first-person-shooter prowess is at the top of a Battlefield V scoreboard.

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