5G internet vs. NBN: Which is best for you?

Contents

In this guide:

What are 5G internet and the NBN?
5G vs. NBN: Cost
5G vs. NBN: Speed
5G vs. NBN: Reliability
5G vs. NBN: Getting connected
Verdict: Should I pick 5G or NBN?
5G internet compared
5G vs. NBN FAQs

5G mobile networks are rolling out across Australia but what is the difference between 5G internet and the NBN, and which is best for you?

Before we start, here are the main things you need to know:

Every Australian should be able to get NBN, but 5G networks are still being deployed
5G plans tend to be cheaper than NBN for the speeds on offer
Both 5G and NBN plans can achieve speeds over 500Mbps, but NBN plans can do so more consistently

What are 5G internet and the NBN?

5G home internet and the NBN are two ways Australian households can connect to the internet. 5G home internet or home wireless connects to the web via mobile networks just like our phones do. The NBN is a fixed fibre (or part fibre) connection. Unless you're connecting via Fixed Wireless or Satellite NBN, you'll have a physical wired connection to the internet.

Officially, the Australian government declared the NBN rollout complete in late 2020. Despite this, work on the network continues with eligible households able to upgrade from FTTN and FTTC connections to FTTP which unlocks access to faster speeds. NBN Co is also using 5G technology to upgrade the Fixed Wireless portions of its network, which has allowed for faster Fixed Wireless plans.

Telstra started offering 5G in mid-2019, followed by Optus and Vodafone. 5G coverage has grown a lot over the years, but it still isn't available everywhere.

Telstra's 5G network now covers over 91% of the population, Optus' 5G network covers 80.5% of the population, while Vodafone says it has upgraded over 2,500 towers to have 5G connectivity.

5G vs. NBN: Cost

5G is better value than NBN, with better speeds for lower prices

5G internet plans can often represent a better deal than NBN plans of a similar speed.

5G home internet plans have speed tiers similar to the NBN. These range from 50Mbps up to uncapped 5G plans.

Capped 5G home broadband plans are fairly comparable to their speed-equivalent NBN plans. NBN plans might look slightly cheaper at first but they often factor in introductory period discounts which typically expire after six months. The equivalent 5G home wireless plans end up cheaper in the long run.

For example, a 50Mbps 5G plan tends to be a more affordable option than a 50Mbps NBN plan. The same holds true with NBN 100 and NBN 250 plans and their 5G equivalents.

Hot tip

For maximum NBN savings, you could switch to a plan with an introductory offer every six months. If that sounds like too much effort, then 5G generally has better value.

Here's a look at 5G home broadband plans capped at 50Mbps versus the cheapest NBN 50 plans in our database right now:

50Mbps 5G
NBN 50

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit) Wireless 50 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $49/mth for the first 6 mths, then $59/mth. $25 upfront postage for rental modem also apply $49/mth Min. cost $74 Link not supplied	$49/mth Min. cost $74	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Plus Wireless 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Go to Site	$49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Go to Site
#3	TPG	TPG 5G Home Broadband Plus Wireless 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for 6 months! $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. T&C apply. $49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Go to Site	$49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Plus Plan Wireless 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 mths + Save $5/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $55/mth Min. cost $55 Link not supplied	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Link not supplied
#5	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday 5G Wireless 45/11 Mbps Unlimited Data $69/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#6	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 50 Wireless 43 Mbps Unlimited Data $69.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Link not supplied	$69.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Link not supplied

#1	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Silver Unlimited nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $59.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $78.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Value Plus NBN nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/month for first 6 months, then $82.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#3	MATE	MATE Ripper nbn 50/20 nbn® 49/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths (code RIPPER20) + 1-month money back guarantee + Bundle & Save $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#4	Exetel	Exetel Extra-value nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. $60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99 Go to Site	$60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99	Go to Site
#5	Buddy Telco	Buddy Telco Value nbn - Unlimited nbn® 49/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $63/month for first 6 months, then $75/month. Use promo code BUDDY50. Offer ends 18.05.25 $63/mth Min. cost $63 Go to Site	$63/mth Min. cost $63	Go to Site
#6	Moose NBN	Moose NBN nbn 50/20 Premium nbn® 50/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $16/mth off for first 6 months, then $79.80/month. Ends 30.06.25 $63.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
#7	Superloop	Superloop Extra-value nbn50/20 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $67/mth for 6 mths, then $81/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $67/mth Min. cost $67 Go to Site	$67/mth Min. cost $67	Go to Site
#8	Dodo	Dodo nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $83.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90 Go to Site*	$68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90	Go to Site
#9	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Everyday nbn® 50/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE15, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25 $69/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#10	iiNet	iiNet nbn50 Liimitless nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site

And here's a look at how 100Mbps capped 5G plans stack up against NBN 100 plans in our database:

100Mbps 5G
NBN 100

#1	TPG	TPG 5G Home Broadband Premium Wireless 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for 6 months! $54.99/mth for first 6 months, then $64.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. T&C apply. $54.99/mth Min. cost $54.99 Go to Site	$54.99/mth Min. cost $54.99	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (100Mbit) Wireless 100 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $59/mth for the first 6 mths, then $69/mth. $25 upfront postage for rental modem also apply $59/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$59/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
#3	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Premium Wireless 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $59.99/mth Min. cost $59.99 Go to Site	$59.99/mth Min. cost $59.99	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Premium Plan Wireless 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 mths + Save $5/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#5	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 100 Wireless 75 Mbps Unlimited Data $75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90 Link not supplied	$75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90	Link not supplied
#6	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G Wireless 87/15 Mbps Unlimited Data $79/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied

#1	MATE	MATE No Worries nbn 100/20 nbn® 97/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee + Bundle & Save $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#2	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Fast nbn® 100/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for 12 months! $65/mth for 12 months, then $89/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $65/mth Min. cost $65 Link not supplied	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Link not supplied
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited Premium 100 nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $16.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $65/mth for first 6 months, then $81.95/mth $65/mth Min. cost $65 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Go to Site
#4	Moose NBN	Moose NBN nbn 100/20 Elite nbn® 100/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months, then $84.80/month. Ends 30.06.25 $65.80/mth Min. cost $65.80 Link not supplied	$65.80/mth Min. cost $65.80	Link not supplied
#5	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Gold Unlimited nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $65.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $83.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Go to Site	$65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90	Go to Site
#6	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Speedy NBN nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $65.90/mth for first 6 months, then $85.90/mth + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Go to Site	$65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90	Go to Site
#7	Exetel	Exetel Family nbn100/20 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $65.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth $65.99/mth Min. cost $65.99 Go to Site	$65.99/mth Min. cost $65.99	Go to Site
#8	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited nbn Fast As nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months (Incl. Standard Intro Offer), $70/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $70/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#9	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Fast nbn® 100/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE22, $72/mth for first 6 mths then $94/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $72/mth Min. cost $72 Link not supplied	$72/mth Min. cost $72	Link not supplied
#10	Buddy Telco	Buddy Telco Speedy nbn - Unlimited nbn® 99/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $73/month for first 6 months, then $85/month. Use promo code BUDDY100. Offer ends 18.05.25 $73/mth Min. cost $73 Go to Site	$73/mth Min. cost $73	Go to Site

The price difference becomes even more noticeable on uncapped 5G plans, with 5G plans coming in slightly less expensive than NBN 250 plans. Plus, considering uncapped 5G can reach speeds faster than NBN 250, you might get better speeds for less money. Here's how uncapped 5G home broadband plans compare to NBN 250 plans in our database:

Uncapped 5G
NBN 250

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband Wireless 240 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $79/mth for the first 6 mths, then $89/mth. $25 upfront postage for rental modem also apply $79/mth Min. cost $104 Link not supplied	$79/mth Min. cost $104	Link not supplied
#2	Telstra	Telstra 5G Home Internet - 1TB Wireless 300/30 Mbps 1000GB Data $85/mth Min. cost $85 Link not supplied	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Link not supplied
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G Wireless 210/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Intro Offer - $89/mth for 6 mths on this plan (normally $99/mth). T&Cs apply. $89/mth Min. cost $89 Link not supplied	$89/mth Min. cost $89	Link not supplied
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet Max Wireless 225 Mbps Unlimited Data $95.90/mth Min. cost $95.90 Link not supplied	$95.90/mth Min. cost $95.90	Link not supplied

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Fixed Wireless Speedy nbn® Wireless Superfast Speed Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths - $65.90/month for first 6 months, then $85.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Go to Site	$65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90	Go to Site
#2	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Superfast nbn® 250/23 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 12 months! $75/mth for 12 months, then $95/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $75/mth Min. cost $75 Link not supplied	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Link not supplied
#3	Superloop	Superloop nbn Fixed Wireless Home Fast (250/20) nbn® Wireless 90/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $15/mth off 6 months! $75/mth for 6 mths, then $90/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $75/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site
#4	Activ8me	Activ8me Fixed Wireless Home Fast nbn® Wireless 90/8 Mbps Unlimited Data $79.95/mth Min. cost $79.95 Go to Site	$79.95/mth Min. cost $79.95	Go to Site
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited 250 nbn® 240/22 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $9.95/mth off for the life of the plan while you stay connected to this plan. T&Cs apply $80/mth Min. cost $80 Go to Site	$80/mth Min. cost $80	Go to Site
#6	Exetel	Exetel Superfast nbn250 nbn® 220/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $18/mth off for first 6 months - $80.99/mth for first 6 months, then $98.99/mth. $80.99/mth Min. cost $80.99 Go to Site	$80.99/mth Min. cost $80.99	Go to Site
#7	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Superfast nbn® 241/25 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $37/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE37, $82/mth for first 6 mths then $119/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $82/mth Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#8	Dodo	Dodo nbn Home Superfast Plan nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $98.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply $83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90 Go to Site*	$83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90	Go to Site
#9	Vodafone	Vodafone Home Superfast nbn® nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $84/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
#10	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet nbn250 Platinum Unlimited nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $84.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $94.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Go to Site	$84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90	Go to Site

Expert tip: 5G replaced my NBN

“I've been using 5G home internet as my primary connection for over three years now. I'm getting faster speeds, and spending less each month.

I went with Telstra's 5G home internet plan, which costs me $85 per month. I've seen speeds as fast as 600Mbps, but I typically average around 300Mbps. There's a 1TB download allowance, which means it's not the best option for very heavy downloaders, however.”

Alex Choros, Managing Editor

5G vs. NBN: Speed

5G and NBN plans are both capable of hitting very fast speeds

5G and NBN plans are both capable of hitting very fast speeds, but actual performance depends on a number of real-world factors.

5G home internet can hit speeds as fast as 1Gbps, but this won't be a constant experience unless you're very lucky with coverage. More realistically, telcos are promising between 200Mbps and 300Mbps during busy hours on an uncapped plan.

If you pick a capped 5G home internet plan, your speeds will be limited to a maximum of either 50Mbps or 100Mbps. See a summary below of which home wireless speed tiers providers are offering. Telstra only offers uncapped speeds.

Provider	50Mbps cap	100Mbps cap	Uncapped
iiNet
Optus
SpinTel
Telstra
TPG
Vodafone
Yomojo

5G home internet speeds depend on factors like coverage and congestion. They are more prone to fluctuation than NBN speeds.

For many, NBN 100 is the top speed available. The fastest NBN 100 plans start at 90Mbps during evening hours when the network is most heavily congested. This means that for many customers an uncapped 5G connection will be significantly faster than the NBN. If you can't get an NBN 100 plan, NBN 50 is your next best option, with speeds of up to 50Mbps.

Hot tip

NBN plans can also achieve up to 1Gbps if you opt for the NBN 1000 speed tier. But you're unlikely to ever see 1Gbps during peak hours. There's also NBN 250 but both are only available to those with FTTP and HFC connection types.

Over two million households can request free upgrades to FTTP, however. These upgrades are available to those with FTTN or FTTC connection types in eligible areas. FTTN customers need to order an NBN 100 plan or faster to take advantage of the upgrades, while FTTC premises will need to order an NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan.

Over five million premises will be able to upgrade from either FTTN or FTTC by the end of 2025, so if you can't upgrade yet, there's still hope.

Swoop currently has the fastest typical evening speeds on NBN 1000 plans, reporting 900Mbps during the busiest part of the day. Aussie Broadband and its budget brand Buddy follow at 875Mbps, with Superlooop, Southern Phone, AGL, and Origin right behind at 860Mbps.

Here's a look at NBN plans across all four of these speed tiers:

#1	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Silver Unlimited nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $59.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $78.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Value Plus NBN nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/month for first 6 months, then $82.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#3	MATE	MATE Ripper nbn 50/20 nbn® 49/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths (code RIPPER20) + 1-month money back guarantee + Bundle & Save $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#4	Exetel	Exetel Extra-value nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. $60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99 Go to Site	$60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99	Go to Site
#5	Buddy Telco	Buddy Telco Value nbn - Unlimited nbn® 49/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $63/month for first 6 months, then $75/month. Use promo code BUDDY50. Offer ends 18.05.25 $63/mth Min. cost $63 Go to Site	$63/mth Min. cost $63	Go to Site
#6	Moose NBN	Moose NBN nbn 50/20 Premium nbn® 50/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $16/mth off for first 6 months, then $79.80/month. Ends 30.06.25 $63.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
#7	Superloop	Superloop Extra-value nbn50/20 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $67/mth for 6 mths, then $81/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $67/mth Min. cost $67 Go to Site	$67/mth Min. cost $67	Go to Site
#8	Dodo	Dodo nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $83.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90 Go to Site*	$68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90	Go to Site
#9	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Everyday nbn® 50/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE15, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25 $69/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#10	iiNet	iiNet nbn50 Liimitless nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#11	TPG	TPG nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#12	Flip	Flip Unlimited Family nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Promotional pricing - $64/mth for first 4 months then $73.90/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25 $73.90/mth Min. cost $64 Go to Site	$73.90/mth Min. cost $64	Go to Site
#13	Vodafone	Vodafone Essential+ nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $74/mth Min. cost $74 Link not supplied	$74/mth Min. cost $74	Link not supplied

#1	MATE	MATE No Worries nbn 100/20 nbn® 97/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee + Bundle & Save $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#2	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Fast nbn® 100/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for 12 months! $65/mth for 12 months, then $89/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $65/mth Min. cost $65 Link not supplied	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Link not supplied
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited Premium 100 nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $16.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $65/mth for first 6 months, then $81.95/mth $65/mth Min. cost $65 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Go to Site
#4	Moose NBN	Moose NBN nbn 100/20 Elite nbn® 100/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months, then $84.80/month. Ends 30.06.25 $65.80/mth Min. cost $65.80 Link not supplied	$65.80/mth Min. cost $65.80	Link not supplied
#5	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Gold Unlimited nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $65.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $83.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Go to Site	$65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90	Go to Site
#6	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Speedy NBN nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $65.90/mth for first 6 months, then $85.90/mth + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Go to Site	$65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90	Go to Site
#7	Exetel	Exetel Family nbn100/20 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $65.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth $65.99/mth Min. cost $65.99 Go to Site	$65.99/mth Min. cost $65.99	Go to Site
#8	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited nbn Fast As nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months (Incl. Standard Intro Offer), $70/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $70/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#9	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Fast nbn® 100/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE22, $72/mth for first 6 mths then $94/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $72/mth Min. cost $72 Link not supplied	$72/mth Min. cost $72	Link not supplied
#10	Buddy Telco	Buddy Telco Speedy nbn - Unlimited nbn® 99/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $73/month for first 6 months, then $85/month. Use promo code BUDDY100. Offer ends 18.05.25 $73/mth Min. cost $73 Go to Site	$73/mth Min. cost $73	Go to Site

#1	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Superfast nbn® 250/23 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 12 months! $75/mth for 12 months, then $95/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $75/mth Min. cost $75 Link not supplied	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited 250 nbn® 240/22 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $9.95/mth off for the life of the plan while you stay connected to this plan. T&Cs apply $80/mth Min. cost $80 Go to Site	$80/mth Min. cost $80	Go to Site
#3	Exetel	Exetel Superfast nbn250 nbn® 220/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $18/mth off for first 6 months - $80.99/mth for first 6 months, then $98.99/mth. $80.99/mth Min. cost $80.99 Go to Site	$80.99/mth Min. cost $80.99	Go to Site
#4	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Superfast nbn® 241/25 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $37/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE37, $82/mth for first 6 mths then $119/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $82/mth Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#5	Dodo	Dodo nbn Home Superfast Plan nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $98.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply $83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90 Go to Site*	$83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90	Go to Site
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone Home Superfast nbn® nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $84/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet nbn250 Platinum Unlimited nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $84.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $94.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Go to Site	$84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90	Go to Site
#8	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom SuperSpeedy NBN nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $84.90/month for first 6 months, then $104.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Go to Site	$84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90	Go to Site
#9	iiNet	iiNet nbn Home Superfast Liimitless nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths - $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $99.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Go to Site	$84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99	Go to Site
#10	TPG	TPG nbn Home Superfast Unlimited Plan nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $99.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Go to Site	$84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99	Go to Site

#1	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Ultrafast nbn® 860/43 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 12 months! $85/mth for 12 months, then $105/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $85/mth Min. cost $85 Link not supplied	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Link not supplied
#2	MATE	MATE Flamin' Fast nbn 1000/50 nbn® 831/49 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (use code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee on your Internet + Bundle & Save! $90/mth Min. cost $90 Link not supplied	$90/mth Min. cost $90	Link not supplied
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited 1000 nbn® 750/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10.95/mth off for the life of the plan while you stay connected to this plan. T&Cs apply $90/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone Home Ultrafast nbn® nbn® 800/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $94/mth Min. cost $94 Link not supplied	$94/mth Min. cost $94	Link not supplied
#5	iiNet	iiNet nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless nbn® 800/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths - $94.99/mth for first 6 months, then $109.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99 Go to Site	$94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99	Go to Site
#6	TPG	TPG nbn Home Ultrafast Unlimited Plan nbn® 800/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $94.99/mth for first 6 months, then $109.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99 Go to Site	$94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99	Go to Site
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet nbn1000 Diamond Unlimited nbn® 800/42.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $98.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $108.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $98.90/mth Min. cost $98.90 Go to Site	$98.90/mth Min. cost $98.90	Go to Site
#8	Buddy Telco	Buddy Telco Zoomy nbn - Unlimited nbn® 875/42 Mbps Unlimited Data $99/mth Min. cost $99 Go to Site	$99/mth Min. cost $99	Go to Site
#9	Superloop	Superloop Lightspeed nbn1000/50 nbn® 860/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $99/mth for 6 mths, then $109/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $99/mth Min. cost $99 Go to Site	$99/mth Min. cost $99	Go to Site
#10	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom UltraSpeedy NBN nbn® 700/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $99.90/month for first 6 months, then $124.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $99.90/mth Min. cost $99.90 Go to Site	$99.90/mth Min. cost $99.90	Go to Site

5G vs. NBN: Reliability

Reliability depends on multiple factors, but in ideal situations, both 5G and NBN can be very reliable.

We know everyone likes clear-cut answers but like speed, reliability is hard to gauge.

When it comes to the NBN, reliability can be affected by a variety of issues we've already addressed, including the type of connection you have, congestion on the network and the quality of your modem.

Meanwhile, 5G reliability will probably depend on factors like signal strength, network congestion and the 5G frequency used. For now, if 5G is available in your area then you're likely to be able to get some speedy downloads, but it is important to take note of the aforementioned environmental factors as well.

As a wireless network, 5G is more prone to congestion than NBN. An NBN plan should offer close to maximum speeds most of the time. For example, an NBN 250 plan offers maximum download speeds of 250Mbps, and even slower plans offer typical evening speeds of at least 200Mbps. Meanwhile, Telstra says its 5G home internet plan speeds can range from 30Mbps to 570Mbps. That's quite the ballpark.

These kinds of fluctuations are a bigger issue on uncapped plans. 5G home internet plans capped to 50Mbps and 100Mbps tend to have similar typical evening speeds to NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans.

5G coverage maps: Where is 5G available in Australia?

Want to know where you can get 5G? See our 5G coverage maps.

5G vs. NBN: Availability

NBN is available to almost every Aussie.

At the moment, there's really no contest. The NBN is available to almost every Australian, while not everyone can get 5G.

Telstra has the widest 5G network, with 91% of the population able to get coverage. Optus says over 3.6 million addresses can get its 5G home internet, while Vodafone has upgraded over 2,500 network towers.

This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple. You can tick 4G and 3G to compare and use the dropdown menu to choose between telcos.

Click to Activate Interactive Map

Coverage information is collected from carriers and other third party sources. This is approximate coverage only and does not include indoor coverage. Actual speed and performance depends on your location and device. Local conditions and things like natural and artificial physical features of an area all affect your reception. Coverage © Mosaik

Even if you have 5G in your area, you might still be out of luck. Telstra, for example, will only sell a limited number of 5G home internet plans in each postcode to prevent congestion.

If 5G hasn't rolled out in your area yet, you're not stuck with the NBN. You could always opt for a 4G home broadband connection instead. 4G speeds are similar to NBN 25 and a viable alternative for households of one to two people. Take a look at the cheapest 4G internet plans in our database below:

#1	TPG	TPG Home Wireless Broadband Wireless 16/1.9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for 6 months! $44.99/mth for first 6 months, then $54.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. T&C apply. $44.99/mth Min. cost $44.99 Go to Site	$44.99/mth Min. cost $44.99	Go to Site
#2	iiNet	iiNet Home Wireless Broadband Wireless 16/1.9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth + $10 off for existing iiNet customers. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Go to Site	$49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone 4G Home Internet Unlimited Wireless 16/1.9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $50/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
#4	SpinTel	SpinTel 4G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (25Mbit) Wireless 25/2 Mbps Unlimited Data $53.95/mth Min. cost $69.95 Link not supplied	$53.95/mth (plan + modem) Min. cost $69.95	Link not supplied
#5	Yomojo	Yomojo 4G Internet 25 Wireless 16 Mbps Unlimited Data $55.90/mth Min. cost $55.90 Link not supplied	$55.90/mth Min. cost $55.90	Link not supplied
#6	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Basic 4G Wireless Unlimited Data $59/mth Min. cost $59 Link not supplied	$59/mth Min. cost $59	Link not supplied
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet 4G Home Internet Plan Wireless 16/1.9 Mbps Unlimited Data Prepaid (90 Days) Deal: Free modem included on the Kogan 90-day 4G Internet Plan! Average cost $49.90/mth (based on total once-off cost $149.70) $149.70 Link not supplied	$149.70	Link not supplied

5G vs. NBN: Getting connected

Plug and play connectivity makes 5G the clear winner when it comes to getting online quickly.

Setting up a 5G internet connection is as simple as buying a plan with a wireless 5G modem and plugging it into your home power supply.

Getting your first fixed-line NBN connection, however, can require visits from a technician and waiting for several business days (if not weeks). If you already have an NBN connection, swapping from one provider to another should happen on the same day most of the time, often in a matter of hours.

Setting up the NBN can be made less tiresome with the help of a modem with 4G backup, like the Telstra Smart Modem or Vodafone WiFi Hub.

Should I pick 5G or NBN?

If you've got an unreliable NBN connection and have 5G coverage, it's worth trying 5G as an alternative. In many cases, 5G can also be more affordable than an equivalent speed NBN plan. The most expensive uncapped 5G plans are priced roughly in line with an NBN 100 plan, for example.

However, if you've got a good NBN connection on a reliable connection type such as FTTP or HFC, you could get a more consistent experience by sticking with NBN.

See our Editor's Pick: Best NBN plans
See our Editor's Pick: Best home wireless broadband plans

5G can be more prone to congestion and speed fluctuation than NBN. For example, a 5G connection might deliver speeds of 400Mbps on a good day, but could drop to under 100Mbps on a busy evening.

On the other hand, NBN plans deliver speeds more reliably. If you're paying for an NBN 250 plan, you should still be getting speeds close to 250Mbps during the busiest parts of the day.

5G internet compared

As aforementioned, 5G internet can be better than NBN, but this can depend on your technology type. Here's how 5G internet compares to each NBN tech type.

5G vs. FTTP NBN: FTTP is the best NBN connection type, and should deliver a more reliable connection than 5G. Maximum speeds can be faster, but you'll pay more for those speeds with FTTP NBN.
5G vs. HFC NBN: HFC can achieve faster speeds than 5G, but you'll pay more for those speeds with HFC NBN.
5G vs. FTTN NBN: FTTN is widely considered the worst NBN connection type due to its reliance on copper. FTTN users may struggle to even get speeds of 100Mbps. FTTN is also very prone to dropouts, so 5G could be a good upgrade.
5G vs. FTTC NBN: FTTC is a more reliable version of FTTN, thanks to less copper being used to deliver the final connection, but it is still limited to speeds of 100Mbps. 5G internet can be much faster if you go for an uncapped plan.
5G vs. FTTB NBN: FTTB is like FTTN, but with less copper. Fibre is typically laid directly to a building, and then copper connects individual apartments. There is still a 100Mbps limit on FTTC, however, making it slower than an uncapped 5G internet plan.

5G vs. NBN FAQs

Can I use 5G to replace home internet?

Yes, if you live in a location where 5G is available, you could use it to replace your existing NBN connection. It's as simple as signing up for a 5G plan and cancelling your NBN plan once you're set up. You can even keep your NBN for a month while you test 5G, and then cancel your NBN after if you've decided 5G is right for you.

Will NBN be replaced by 5G?

It's unlikely that NBN will be replaced by 5G. While 5G home internet will certainly replace individual NBN connections, it won't necessarily replace the need for the NBN.

Fixed line networks such as the NBN have a much larger capacity than wireless networks, and as such, are less prone to issues such as congestion. For example, Telstra says there's a limit to how many 5G home internet services it will sell per postcode, to ensure fast performance for every customer.

However, larger spectrum availability - especially in the higher frequencies used for mmWave 5G - will help make 5G a more viable alternative to NBN. The greater amount of spectrum a telco holds, the less chance of congestion, which is especially important when trying to replace a traditional internet connection.

Is 5G better than NBN?

There are pros and cons to both 5G and NBN. If value for money is your biggest concern, then 5G could be a better option for your household because it can provide faster speeds at a lower price. However, if overall you want a more stable connection,n NBN is the way to go.

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