Choosing the fastest nbn® plans

The fastest nbn® speed tiers

The nbn® network offers four speed tiers above the standard 50 Mbps. All four require an FTTP or HFC connection. As of September 2025, nbn® Co upgraded all existing nbn® 100 plans on eligible FTTP and HFC connections to nbn® 500. This didn't cost anything extra, which is a nice perk for anyone on a budget.

When comparing speeds, we believe the best thing to do is assess your household's needs first. If it's just you and you just send emails and watch a little Netflix, you likely won't need to pay big money for a nbn® 500 plan. But if your home is busy, packed with streamers and gamers and needs fast downloads, higher tiers make sense.

Please note: The fastest broadband Australia has to offer isn't necessarily what will bring you value!

*Based on ACCC Measuring Broadband Australia Report 31, December 2025 (ACCC, 2026).

Across all nbn® fixed-line services, providers delivered an average of 98.5% of plan speeds during busy hours. For nbn® 500 specifically, 80.5% of services recorded a busy hour speed exceeding 500 Mbps (ACCC, 2026).

Not sure which tier your address supports? That's what we're here for. Compare plans at your address using the Compare Broadband plan checker or call 1300 764 000.

For most households, nbn® 500 is the sweet spot. This is especially the case if you love movies and you work from home. Remote workers need all the speed help they can get, particularly if that Teams call button keeps going off!

If you are weighing up whether the upgrade cost is worth it for your situation, we have a guide to help.

Which providers offer faster plans?

Compare Broadband works with the following providers across the faster speed tiers. We can't stress enough that the fastest nbn® provider may not necessarily be right for you in terms of cost or service. So, in this case, comparison is what brings joy - not steals it.

Internet speeds are vital to pay attention to, but so is customer service. If you're on the list for the mandatory Fibre to the Premises 2027 switch over, you need a solid service. You can read more about the forced fibre upgrades here. So, which providers offer you the stable internet connections you need?

What connection type do you need?

Not all connection types support the faster speed tiers. Knowing your connection type is essential if you enjoy a solid internet service. There are different types of nbn® connection, so check your address to see what's available.

What connection type do I need for nbn® 500?

You need to look beyond speed tiers and to the connection type in your home before you sign up to anything. Fibre to the premises (FTTP) and hybrid fibre coaxial HFC can access all four tiers. FTTN, FTTC and Fixed Wireless are capped at lower speeds.

Do I need FTTP for the fastest nbn® speeds?

It helps! If you are on FTTN or FTTC, check whether you are eligible for a free FTTP upgrade. Many properties have become eligible since the government fibre rollout expansion.

Choosing the right speed for your household

The right tier depends on how many people are online simultaneously and what they are doing. Remote workers always appreciate faster speeds but mostly, it's whether they're reliably fast or not that's the question. The nbn® service you get when connecting devices is as important as the speed your household needs.

To get a personalised recommendation based on your address, compare plans using the Compare Broadband plan checker.

Hayley Griffin Content Lead Hayley draws on over ten years of experience in technology, internet, and communications fields. Her experience spans across global clients, offering expertise on about the nbn, internet plans and hardware challenges facing Australian households, businesses and consumers. Read full bio

References

• ACCC (2026). Measuring Broadband Australia, Report 31. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Available at: accc.gov.au/consumers/internet/measuring-broadband-australia-program
• NBN Co (2025). Faster speed tier upgrades for home customers. Available at: nbnco.com.au