Revealed: Australia’s best-value internet and phone providers

It’s easy to compare plans based solely on price, but that doesn’t take into account features, inclusions and overall value – so opting for the cheapest plan available could mean you’re stuck with an underperforming service.

At Canstar Blue, we assess telco products based not just on monthly pricing, but also on value. Our annual Outstanding Value Awards recognise the brands that offer the best bang-for-your buck on a consistent basis, showcasing NBN and mobile providers that continually outrank the competition when it comes to features, service and prices.

If you’re looking for a phone or internet plan that offers savings and substance, read on to see which telcos took home our awards in 2023.

Outstanding Value Award Winner for SIM-Only Mobile Plans

Winner: Moose Mobile

Moost Mobile has taken the top spot for outstanding SIM-only plans four years running, consistently outshining bigger names thanks to its focus on fuss-free affordability. All plans are no-contract and packed with data, along with extras such as international call credit and new customer introductory discounts. With plans already a standout on price alone (often almost 50% cheaper than the market average), Moose Mobile also provides Australian support, another factor that has proved important to Aussie customers.

Price comparison

Moose Mobile’s 25GB plan is currently priced at $16.80 per month for 12 months for new customers, then $23.80 per month ongoing. Compared to the market average 20GB+ plan price of $29.87 per month (as calculated by Canstar Blue on 23/3/2023), Moose Mobile’s plan could save you $150.84 over a period of 12 months.

The following table shows a selection of Moose Mobile plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers.

Outstanding Value Award Winner for Prepaid Mobile Plans

Winner: TPG

With prepaid plans offering some the most cut-throat pricing in the market, TPG has stood out thanks to its suite of low-cost, no contract plans on the Vodafone 3G and 4G networks. TPG’s plans feature great data allowances and frequent new customer price drops, making the telco a tough competitor in the prepaid space in 2023. TPG also offers strong customer service, which helped it soar ahead of similarly-priced providers.

Price comparison

TPG’s plan with 12GB of data is currently priced at $10 per month for six months for new customers, then $20 per month ongoing. Compared to the market average price of $24.58 every 35 days (as calculated by Canstar Blue on 23/3/2023), TPG’s plan could save you $76.37 over a period of 12 months.

The following table shows a selection of TPG prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers.

Outstanding Value Award Winner for Phone on a Plan

Winner: Vodafone

Vodafone tends to be the cheapest of the big three telcos (including Telstra and Optus), and its lower pricing across various iPhone models gave it an edge in 2023. The telco balances competitive monthly prices with generous data allowances, as well as offering frequent phone discounts and bonuses such as extra data. Vodafone also stocks a wide range of phone options, along with plan flexibility and varying payment terms to choose from.

Price comparison

Vodafone’s iPhone 13 128GB plan with 40GB of data is currently priced at $79.13 per month on a 36-month payment term. Compared to the market average price of $94.79 per month (as calculated by Canstar Blue on 23/3/2023), Vodafone’s plan could save you $67.92 over a period of 24 months.

The following table shows a selection of Vodafone plans for the 128GB iPhone 13 on a 36-month device contract from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a product from a referral partner.

Outstanding Value Award Winner for NBN Plans

Winner: SpinTel

Small internet and mobile provider SpinTel showed off consistently well-priced plans throughout Canstar Blue’s six-month judging period, with prices coming in at 10-20% below the market average across multiple speed tiers. SpinTel’s NBN 50 plan offers one of lowest standard monthly prices on this speed tier, and all plans include no contracts, no setup fees, and impressive busy period download speeds.

Price comparison

SpinTel’s NBN 50 plan is currently priced at $54 per month for six months for new customers, then $64.95 per month ongoing. Compared to the market average NBN 50 price of $82.09 per month (as calculated by Canstar Blue on 23/3/2023), SpinTel’s plan could save you $477.06 over a period of 24 months.

The following table shows a selection of published unlimited SpinTel NBN plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Outstanding Value Award Winner for High Speed NBN Plans

Winner: Tomi

With high-speed NBN plans becoming more available, but still comparatively expensive, Tomi’s NBN 250, NBN 450 and NBN 1000 plans have emerged as a market leader for features and prices. The telco offers some of the fastest evening download speeds for faster speed tiers, as well as prices that are 10-20% cheaper than the market average,  and gives customers the option of a month-to-month plan or 24-month contract with included modem.

Price comparison

Tomi’s NBN 250 plan is currently priced at $109.95 per month. Compared to the market average NBN 250 price of $124.50 per month (as calculated by Canstar Blue on 23/3/2023), Tomi’s plan could save you $349.20 over a period of 24 months.

The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Tomi NBN plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

About Canstar Blue’s Outstanding Value Awards