In this SIM-only plans guide:
- What are the different types of SIM-only plans?
- Which providers offer SIM-only plans in Australia?
- Things that you need to watch out for with SIM-only plans
- Is it better to buy a phone outright and get a SIM-only plan?
- Cheap SIM-only plans in Australia
- Award-winning SIM-only plans in Australia
- No contract SIM-only plans
- SIM-only plans FAQs
What are the different types of SIM-only plans?
With SIM-only plans in Australia, all you pay for is a SIM with service from your telco of choice. You bring your own phone, whether that's a brand-new device or one you currently own. Also known as BYO plans, SIM-only plans come in two types: prepaid and postpaid plans. The main difference between the two is when you pay.
With a prepaid SIM-only mobile plan you pay upfront for your plan.
- These plans come in different expiry amounts. The most common is 28 or 30-day expiry
- When your plan expires you forfeit any remaining credit until your next recharge
- Many telcos offer an option to auto-recharge once you use up your inclusions
Postpaid SIM-only plans are paid for after the fact like most utility bills.
- These plans are billed month to month with no lock-in contract (exact billing date varies by telco)
- If you exceed your monthly data allowance some providers may hit you with "excess data charges"
- Some telcos offer unlimited data (more on that below)
At a minimum, with a SIM-only plan in Australia you'll typically get:
- Unlimited standard national voice calls to other Australian numbers
- Unlimited standard national SMS and MMS to other Australian numbers
- Unlimited calls to 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers
- Some SIM-only plans even include international calls to selected destinations
Other commonly seen features you'll get with SIM-only plans include:
Data rollover
Unlimited data
5G connectivity
Which providers offer SIM-only plans in Australia?
Big telcos like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone aren't the only ones who offer SIM-only mobile plans in Australia. There are also many smaller providers to choose from. These smaller providers are officially called Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). The same mobile networks that power the big three major telcos, power MVNOs.
Typically, because they don't have to pay the overheads to maintain the network MVNOs have simpler products, and cheaper prices. With an MVNO you can get an affordable service on the much-coveted Telstra network and the popular Optus network, and even a few offer Vodafone coverage.
Telstra SIM-only plans
Telstra SIM-only plans are super simple. There are just three plans to choose from, and they come with:
- Unlimited talk and text
- No lock-in contract
- No excess data fees
- 5G network coverage (where available)
- Family data-sharing options
- Access to the Telstra Plus rewards and perks program
As all plans are no contract, so you're free to switch to a different plan once per month or leave Telstra for a competitor any time you like.
|
#1
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Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
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#2
|
Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
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SIM-only plans on the Telstra network
Telstra's network reaches 99.7% of Australians making it the largest network in the country. Except for Boost Mobile, Telstra MVNOs access only a part of this network which covers 98.8% of the population.
These are the cheapest mobile plans with at least 20GB of data from Telstra MVNOs:
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#1
|
Everyday Mobile
Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge
$25
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
ALDI mobile
$25 Mobile Plan
$25
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Exetel
ExeSim Value 4G Plan
$28
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Tangerine Telecom
25GB 5G Mobile SIM
$29/mth
Min. cost $29
|
|
#5
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$30/mth
Min. cost $30
|
|
#6
|
More
25GB 5G Mobile SIM
$32/mth
Min. cost $32
|
|
#7
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Superloop
SuperSim Essential 5G Plan
$35
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#8
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Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Optus SIM-only plans
Optus SIM-only plans cost more than what smaller providers charge, similar to a Telstra plan. However, what sets Optus' plans apart from the smaller providers is the range of extras you get with an Optus plan. Optus' plans all come with:
- Unlimited talk and text
- No lock-in contract
- No excess data fees
- 5G network coverage (where available)
- Data-sharing options
- Discounted access to Optus Sport
Optus also offers the option to bundle streaming TV and other subscription services together under one bill with Optus SubHub, and there are discounts available for bundling multiple services.
|
#1
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
|
SIM-only plans on the Optus network
Optus has the second-largest in Australia which covers 98.5% of the population.
These are the cheapest mobile plans with at least 20GB of data from Optus MVNOs:
|
#1
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 26.80 SIM Only
$12.40/mth
Min. cost $12.40
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
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SpinTel
$22 Mobile Plan
$14/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#3
|
Southern Phone
Medium 5G SIM Plan
$19/mth
Min. cost $19
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Catch Connect
28 Day Plan - 15GB
$20
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
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Yomojo
Unlimited Voice & SMS + 25GB
$24.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#6
|
Coles Mobile
Prepaid $25 for 28 Days
$25
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Aussie Broadband
Saver 5G SIM Plan
$25/mth
Min. cost $25
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Dodo
$28 Mobile Plan
$28/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#9
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amaysim
UNLIMITED 32GB Plan
$30
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
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#10
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AGL
5G Small
$35/mth
Min. cost $35
Link not supplied
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Vodafone SIM-only plans
Vodafone SIM-only mobile plans come with perks that are similar to Optus and Telstra:
- Unlimited talk and text
- No lock-in contract
- No excess data fees
- 5G network coverage (where available)
- Data-sharing options
A couple of key differences though are Vodafone's great value $5 per day international roaming, and its bundle and save discounts. You can bundle Vodafone mobile, tablet and pocket WiFi plans and Vodafone will take 5% off all plans for each one you add, up to a maximum of four extra plans.
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#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small SIM Only Plan
$39/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium SIM Only Plan
$49/mth
Min. cost $49
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$69 Large SIM Only Plan
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
|
SIM-only plans on the Vodafone network
Vodafone used (and still does) have the smallest network of the big three. However, thanks to a new network-sharing agreement Vodafone's network now covers 98.4% of Australians. This means you now get extra coverage in regional areas making Vodafone's MNVOs worth a real shot because they have some great offers.
Here are the cheapest mobile plans with at least 20GB of data from Vodafone MVNOs:
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#1
|
iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#2
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TPG
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Lebara Mobile
$24.90 Small Plan
$24.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium Monthly Plan
$25
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#5
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$25
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
"By researching MVNOs more thoroughly, I discovered I could switch from Telstra to its smaller telco, Boost Mobile, get the same widespread Telstra coverage and save my family $960 a year."
Christie Graham, Digital Content Editor
Things that you need to watch out for with SIM-only plans
There are a few things to be on the lookout for when choosing between SIM-only plans:
- Most inclusions are for within Australia only - In many cases, these mobile plans won't include overseas usage. Even when they do, international roaming can be costly if you don't have an add-on option
- Some plans don't include international talk, text and MMS - However, it is becoming increasingly common to find a plan with some international calling inclusions. You can usually find these in a list of countries you can call/text. There might be limits on how many minutes and texts you can use each month
“Many mobile plans now come with a speed cap, which refers to the maximum download speeds you’re able to achieve on that plan. 100Mbps is the most common speed cap we’ve seen, which is roughly the equivalent of an NBN 100 plan.
"While 100Mbps should still be more than enough for most users, it’s still worth keeping in mind - especially if you’ve purchased a new 5G phone and you were expecting faster speeds for example.”
Alex Choros, Managing Editor
Is it better to buy a phone outright and get a SIM-only plan?
These mobile plans end up being cheaper than regular plans because you don't have to pay for a new phone. They have the same bells and whistles as regular plans.
This kind of mobile plan might be right for you if:
- You're looking to pay less on your monthly phone bill
- You already have an unlocked phone that you want to keep (or are willing to get it unlocked)
- Your contract is ending, but you're waiting for a new phone release to upgrade. You're searching for a plan to cover the time in between
It might not be the best option for you if:
- You can't afford to buy the phone you want outright
- You want to take advantage of bonuses offered by telcos for buying a new handset
Cheap SIM-only plans in Australia
It's not uncommon to pay up to and over $100 per month for a phone on a plan these days. You can save a lot of money by using your own phone (instead of buying the latest iPhone) and then pair it with a cheap SIM-only mobile plan.
The cheapest SIM-only plans available in Australia start from as little as $5 but those plans typically come with very short expiry periods of less than a week and less than 5GB of data. Cheap SIM-only plans start to get better around the $10 mark but you get the most value on plans starting $20 per month.
A cheap SIM-only plan that's still usable for most people should include at least 12GB. But you can get by on less.
See the five cheapest SIM-only plans with at least 28-day expiry from our database of 28 providers:
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#1
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 26.80 SIM Only
$12.40/mth
Min. cost $12.40
Link not supplied
|
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#2
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iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
TPG
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#4
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SpinTel
$22 Mobile Plan
$14/mth
Min. cost $14
|
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#5
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Lyca Mobile
Unlimited 15
$15
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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Often, it can be difficult to choose between different SIM-only plans if they look to have similar inclusions. Price alone can often be misleading. A better way to judge two plans is by performing a simple dollar per GB value calculation, like so:
[Total monthly cost] / [Montly data allowance] = [Value per GB].
For example, $20/month for 30GB works out to cost around $0.66 per GB. We tend to find you're getting the best value for money when you're getting 1GB for at least $1 or less.
Dylan Crismale, Digital Content Editor
Award-winning SIM-only plans in Australia
Each year the WhistleOut Awards recognise telcos across a wide array of categories. You can see some of the most recent award winners below.
Mobile Provider Of The Year 2024: TPG
TPG is WhistleOut's 2024 Mobile Provider of the Year, backing up the same achievement from last year. TPG consistently offers Australians great value across its phone plans, particularly in the prepaid area. If you're looking for an affordable mobile plan for yourself or your kids then TPG has got you covered with its range of no-frills options. It's a great place to start your search in this budget-conscious time.
Best SIM-Only Provider (Value Plans): Moose Mobile
Budget provider Moose Mobile took the win for best value mobile plans. Moose runs on the Optus network and offers high-inclusion low-cost plans. This was Moose Mobile's fourth win in a row for this category.
Best SIM-Only Provider (Large Plans): iiNet
Winning this category for the second year running, iiNet's value packed 40GB plan is definitely worth a look if you like a big data bang for your buck. iiNet operates on the Vodafone network.
Best Prepaid Provider (Value Plans): TPG
TPG established itself as one of the country's most consistent providers of budget-friendly prepaid plans over recent years.
Best Prepaid Provider (Large Plans): TPG
TPG's no-frills prepaid offering has won it the award for best prepaid provider with large data plans for the third year in a row. TPG's plans are powered by the Vodafone network.
No contract SIM-only plans
These days, nearly every SIM-only plan on the Australian market is offered contract-free. This is great news because no-contract plans are the best way to save money on your mobile plan. Plus you'll have the flexibility to switch to a new and better plan whenever you like.
When comparing SIM card plans, consider choosing from the many challenger brands available in the market. Save money by choosing alternatives like Boost Mobile, Moose Mobile, or amaysim instead of well-known telcos.
If you do want a mobile plan from a well-known company, you can choose one from Telstra, Vodafone, or Optus. They also have plans without contracts.
See the top five cheapest contract-free plans with at least 5GB of data taken from our database of 28 providers here:
|
#1
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 26.80 SIM Only
$12.40/mth
Min. cost $12.40
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
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TPG
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#4
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SpinTel
$22 Mobile Plan
$14/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#5
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Southern Phone
Medium 5G SIM Plan
$19/mth
Min. cost $19
Link not supplied
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Loyalty doesn't pay. The cheapest SIM-only plans today may not be the cheapest plans tomorrow. A lot of mobile plans are offered with deals that expire after six months. After that time, you may receive less data or have to pay more for your plan. Luckily, because these plans are no contract you can always find a new plan when that happens. There are always fresh deals on the market to choose from.
Just make sure to mark the date your plan price increases in your calendar so you remember to switch.
SIM-only plans FAQs
What is a SIM card?
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is a small removable card that stores data needed to identify a subscriber on a mobile network. You can remove your SIM from your current phone and insert it into any other compatible device, provided it's not "locked" to a network. Since 2018 there's also been the option of an electronic SIM or eSIM.
How do you switch SIM-only plans?
Switching to a new mobile plan is as simple as finding one you like and signing up. As part of the process, you can even decide if you want to "port" your number so you can keep your existing phone number. Transferring your number can take as little as 10 mins and up to a couple of hours depending on the telco. Your new telco will have information about the times and days it processes transfers.
If you've ported as soon as your new plan is activated you're good to go. If you've got a new number you'll need to remember to cancel your old plan as it won't be done automatically.
Does my phone need to be unlocked to get a new mobile plan?
Yes, if you're moving to a new carrier your phone will need to be unlocked. However, the good news is phones are rarely locked to by carriers these days.
Can I keep my mobile number when I switch mobile plans?
Yes, during the switching process, you have the chance to port your number to your new mobile plan provider. When you cancel a service without transferring, your number is quarantined for six months. During this time you are able to be reconnected back to that number.
Can I choose my mobile number when signing up for a SIM-only mobile plan?
Yes, a handful of telcos let you choose your mobile number for a fee. This includes Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and amaysim.
Can I get a 5G SIM-only mobile plan in Australia?
Yes, with the 5G rollout in Australia well underway several Aussie telcos now offer 5G SIM-only plans.
What is the cheapest SIM-only mobile plan?
At the time of writing amaysim's Unlimited 10GB is the cheapest in WhistleOut's database with a cost of $10 per renewal. That gets you 10GB of data with unlimited national calls and texts. So what's the catch? Well, this plan has a seven-day expiry. This means in a typical month you'd need to spend at least $40 dollars anyway to keep your plan active. This makes it more suited for visitors to Australia then as an ongoing monthly mobile plan.
Meet our SIM-only plan experts
Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.
Throughout his career as a journalist, Alex has covered international trade shows, spent three years co-hosting a tech show on community radio, and was awarded a highly commended in the Best Reviewer category of the 2018 IT Journalism awards and the 2021 IT Journalism awards. His work contributed to WhistleOut Australia winning the Best Consumer Technology Coverage award in the 2023 IT Journalism Awards.
He has regularly contributed to Gizmodo and Lifehacker, and he often pops up on 2GB and the Money Magazine podcast to talk telco. On weekends, you'll find Alex at a wine bar, on a hike, or in the middle of a mosh pit.
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Reviews Editor | Twitter | Instagram | Threads
Christie Graham
Christie Graham is a tech industry expert and former head copywriter for Harvey Norman's Computers and Tech category. She won a national Newscorp writing competition to review TV shows on Binge, and keeps busy juggling her many hobbies including baking, painting, archery, stargazing, tending to her chickens, training her Border Collie, expanding her Harry Potter replica collection, and making lists (much like this one).
Christie Graham - Digital Content Editor
Dylan Crismale
Dylan Crismale has been writing for over six years working across a variety of Australian publications. He previously worked as a writer at Finder covering energy, internet and mobile plans, and is passionate about finding the best deals to save people money. When he's not behind a desk Dylan loves drawing, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Dylan Crismale - Digital Content Editor
Alex Angove-Plumb
Alex Angove-Plumb has been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him only a couple of years away from the title of Grizzled Ancient in his chosen profession. He was an original WhistleOut-er before running NBN Co's corporate blog for two years, then moving on to a lengthy stint at CHOICE. Now he's come home to act as a Digital Content Editor.
Over his career, Alex has learned more about phones, telcos, and the NBN than he'd like to admit, and is happy to put his expertise to good use by helping our readers navigate the often-confusing morass of buzzwords that tech marketing can throw your way.
When not shaking his fist at kids these days, you might find Alex tinkering about the house doing arguably destructive DIY, messing with one or both of his cats, or trying just-one-more-run in whatever roguelite he's recently become obsessed with.
Alex Angove-Plumb - Digital Content Editor
Joseph Hanlon
Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for well over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Tech Radar, Gizmodo, and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.
Joseph Hanlon - Editorial Director | Twitter
