- 5G modems use MIMO - unlike 4G options
- What are the best 5G Modems?
- 5G vs NBN
| Quick AI Answer Last updated: 16 June 2026 What 5G modems are available in Australia? The Netgear Nighthawk M5 is the best-performing retail 5G modem in Australia, supporting speeds up to 500 Mbps. The Inseego MiFi M2000 is a portable 5G hotspot is available through Tangerine. Most 5G home internet providers supply a compatible modem when you sign up, so you may not need to purchase one separately. Check 5G coverage at your address before buying any 5G modem. |
5G home internet is a genuine alternative to the nbn® for some Australian households. To use it, you need a 5G-compatible modem. 5G internet is great for those on the road often as it's accessible.
It's also good for those living rurally in an area that doesn't have a great internet connection. The biggest question you'll have is whether or not you can find the best 5G modem Australia has to offer.
In this article, we'll answer some key questions such as what is the difference between a 4G and 5G modem? Here's what's available, how 5G modems differ from 4G, and whether a 5G setup makes sense for your home.
What is a 5G modem?
A 5G modem connects to a mobile provider’s 5G network. It then shares that connection over Wi-Fi with your devices. With the right modem, you can ensure faster speeds and be able to access the internet with ease.
Unlike a fixed nbn® connection, it's wireless. The modem acts as both the connection point and the router. There are two main form factors: portable pocket Wi-Fi devices (hotspots) and plug-in home units. Home units provide better range and handle more simultaneous devices.
There are plenty of options to buy 5G modem Australia so that you can stay better connected. When it comes to 5G vs nbn® home internet, the best option depends on your location and how many devices are connected at home.
Do I need a 5G modem for 5G internet?
If you want a solid internet connection with the best 5G speeds, make sure you have the right modem. It's much easier to connect to the internet with 5G home internet plans when you have a compatible 5G modem.
How 5G modems differ from 4G
| Feature | 4G modem | 5G modem |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna technology | Single or 2x MIMO | MMO with 8x8 or higher arrays |
| Typical download speed | 20-100 Mbps | 100-500+ Mbps |
| Latency | 20-50ms | 5-20ms |
| Simulatneous devices | 10-15 | 20-30+ |
5G modems use advanced MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antenna arrays that receive more data simultaneously. This is why 5G handles more connected devices without the slowdowns common with 4G.
It's easier to stay connected at a high speed with a modem that aligns with 5G over 4G. Reaching maximum speeds with a 5G modem will still depend on network congestion, though.
5G modems available in Australia
There are many different 5G modems available in Australia. Some providers offer specific modems for 5G where others just offer mobile plans. For example, Tangerine 5G mobile broadband doesn't need a modem - it's all done and connected via SIM card. What 5G modems are available in Australia?
Netgear Nighthawk M5
The Nighthawk M5 is the best retail 5G modem available in Australia for performance. It supports download speeds up to 500 Mbps.
It includes a built-in VPN server. It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also supports MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology.
Ideal for households where 5G is replacing their fixed broadband connection. Available from major retailers.
Inseego 5G MiFi M2000
Tangerine sells the Inseego MiFi M2000. This is a portable 5G hotspot that supports up to 30 devices, includes Wi-Fi 6 and a battery lasting up to 24 hours.
It isn't a cheap option, but it's unlocked, so you can use it with other providers. A strong option if you want a portable 5G setup or a backup connection for your household.
Provider-supplied 5G modems
Most 5G home internet providers supply a compatible modem when you sign up. These are often not available for purchase separately.
Check with your provider if they support a BYO modem for 5G home internet.
Do this before you buy hardware separately.
What about Telstra 5G modems?
Telstra offers 5G home internet with its own modem. Compare Broadband doesn't sell Telstra plans directly. If you're comparing Telstra 5G against other options, call us on 1300 764 000.
5G vs nbn®: Which is better for home internet?
| 5G home internet | nbn® | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical evening speeds | 50-300 Mbps | 25-1,000 Mbps (depends on tier) |
| Availability | Metro and regional growth areas | Available to 96% of premises |
| Congestion risk | Higher during peak hours | Lower on fixed lines |
| Data | Some plans have fixed limits | Unlimited on all our plans |
| Contract | Usually no lock-in | Varies by provider |
5G home internet works best for households where nbn® speeds are consistently below 50 Mbps, or where the nbn® connection type is poor.
Fixed nbn® remains the better option for most Australian households. Use our nbn® plan comparison tool to compare providers and speeds at your address.
What if there's no 5G coverage at your address?
Check 5G coverage using your provider's coverage map before buying a 5G modem. If 5G isn't available, you'll fall back to 4G, which provides much slower and less consistent speeds. If 5G isn't an option, see our guide to wireless broadband alternatives, or compare nbn® plans at your address.
If you've decided nbn® is the better fit, see our guide to cheap nbn® modems for BYO modem options.
| 5G mobile coverage | 5G home internet | |
|---|---|---|
| Metro and suburban areas | -85% of the population | Available in selected postcodes only |
| Regional areas | -45% of population, drops quickly beyond town centres | Very limited. Most regional areas have no 5G home internet option, |
| Typical speeds | N/A (mobile data) | 100-500 Mbps in metro with strong signal |
| Congestion management | N/A | Providers restrict sign-ups per postcode to protect performance for existing customers |
| nbn® alternative? | No | Partial - suits some metro households not satisfied with nbn® speeds |
Frequently asked questions
Is 5G going to replace the nbn®?
5G home internet is growing but it won't replace the nbn® in the near future. Fixed-line networks have a significant capacity advantage over wireless. Telstra, for example, restricts the number of 5G home internet services per postcode to prevent congestion.
Do I need a new modem to switch from 4G to 5G internet?
Yes. 4G modems are not 5G-capable. You'll need a 5G-compatible modem or a provider-supplied device. Some 5G modems are backward-compatible with 4G, which is useful in areas where 5G coverage is patchy.
Can I use my phone as a 5G hotspot instead?
Yes, if your phone supports 5G. A phone hotspot is fine for occasional use but drains the battery quickly and uses your mobile data allowance. For home internet, a dedicated 5G modem is more practical.
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