Top 10 Best Internet providers in Australia compared
Seeking Australia’s best Internet provider? Explore our top 10 list ranked for speed, price and data plans to find your ideal match.
Who is the best Internet provider in Australia?
When it comes to selecting the best Internet provider for your household, you have a lot to consider. You need a reliable Internet connection, and that often means more than cost in an age where we rely on Wi-Fi for everything.
With our help, you can sift through the NBN plans and Internet service providers in Australia and make your choice from the best Internet provider list below.
At Compare Broadband, we’ll help you identify the best Internet provider for your household based on speed, cost and customer service, and then get you connected.
- Free Activation
- BYO Modem Option
- 7 Day Support
+ Home Phone
- Free Activation
- BYO Modem Option
- 7 Day Support
+ Home Phone
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So, you’ve read through the list of the available plans and now you want the best Internet provider for your household. To help make your decision easier, we have evaluated the top 10 best Internet providers in Australia according to speed, price, and customer service.
In this guide:
- - Best value internet providers
- - Cheapest internet providers
- - Best internet providers: Fastest typical evening speeds
- - Best customer service experience providers
- - Which is the best Internet plan?
- - Ask our experts
How do we evaluate our Internet providers?
At Compare Broadband, we take an objective approach to evaluating our Internet providers. We start with cost first, looking at the monthly cost of each plan and the overall value offered per year. We also include whether you have to pay for a modem up front when we determine the best value for money.
We then weigh up the fast evening speeds on offer, listing the plans that can give our customers the efficiency they need. Lastly, we look at which companies offer high-quality customer service so that you feel supported even after you’re connected.
The best bit? We’ve compared each of these so you can find out who offers what services at what prices at a glance. Read on to discover which ISPs are rated highest in each category.
Best value Internet providers
Having the best value Internet plans means getting the biggest bang for your buck. While these may not be the cheapest plans in the market, they balance price and performance.
Determining the value of our providers starts with their monthly pricing and then includes speeds and customer support options.
Exetel Internet plans
At a glance:
- Exetel speed tiers: NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100/20, NBN 100/40, NBN 250, NBN 500
- Exetel services: Fixed Line NBN
- Exetel benefits: Customers get 5 free speed boosts per month, optional mobile bundling discounts!
Exetel is a customer-focused Internet service provider known for its competitive prices. With no lock-in contracts, customers can switch providers without incurring any exit fees.
When customers need support, Exetel offers an open phone line, online chat and social media.
Exetel Internet plans
Exetel Broadband Service also offers OptiComm internet plans for those living in multi-dwelling units. Their OptiComm internet services come with no contract, allowing you to switch providers at any time without any exit fees.
Belong NBN Plans
At a glance:
- Belong speed tiers: NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100
- Belong services: Fixed Line NBN, Mobile Broadband
- Belong Benefits: Bonus mobile credit, a simpler choice
Belong quickly made a name for itself since its launch in 2013 with its competitively priced NBN plans and great evening speeds.
Belong is owned by Telstra, yet stands apart by offering a straightforward selection of NBN plans at an affordable price. Unlike Telstra's comprehensive range of Internet packages, Belong provides a simpler and more accessible choice for customers.
It focuses on providing NBN plans that guarantee excellent speeds while keeping monthly contracts affordable for all. Belong offers its customers the chance to call or find support via social media when needed.
Belong Internet plans
Ask our experts about Belong NBN plans.
Cheapest Internet providers
Many NBN providers offer competitive pricing with no lock-in contracts. We've compared some of the most budget-friendly providers by their monthly cost (without extras) to help you connect to the NBN without putting a strain on your wallet.
Remember, the cheapest home Internet provider doesn't always mean the best value when you consider what you are getting. For example, are you paying for a modem? Are you getting great speeds? Is there a way to bundle your Internet plan with other bills?
The cheapest plans may not include all of those options; but here’s what the the following affordable providers do include:
Tangerine Home Internet Plans
At a glance:
- Tangerine speed tiers: NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, NBN 1000
- Tangerine services: Fixed Line NBN, Fixed Wireless NBN, Mobile Broadband
- Tangerine benefits: Customers benefit from a 14-day risk-free trial, plan bundles for mobile customers
Tangerine Telecom is an Australian-based Internet and mobile service provider committed to connecting Australians with the NBN.
Its product portfolio includes standalone plans, SIM-only mobile phone plans and affordable bundles incorporating an Internet plan, mobile SIM and modem.
Tangerine Telecom's NBN plans are incredibly affordable and offer abundant data, making them a compelling choice compared to the typical big-name NBN providers.
Tangerine Internet plans
Compare Tangerine Telecom NBN plans.
Dodo Home Internet Plans
At a glance:
- Dodo speed tiers: NBN 15, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100
- Dodo services: Fixed Line NBN and Fixed Wireless NBN
- Dodo benefits: Bundling discounts for gas and electricity for customers in New South Wales and Victoria
Dodo offers broadband, mobile phone plans, and energy products to its customers. It’s a subsidiary of Vocus Communications.
Customers can bundle their favoured products with Dodo, and new customers can get 50% off the cost of their modem.
Dodo offers a comprehensive range of services on the NBN along with mobile Internet. Dodo's gas and electricity plan bundle is also available in addition to standard Internet-only plans, allowing you to save money on your utilities and keep your bills in one place.
Dodo Internet plans
Best Internet Providers with the Fastest Typical Evening Speeds
NBN speed tiers tell you the maximum speed you can expect on a specific plan, but the typical evening speed tells you how fast it should be during the peak hours of the day.
Peak hours are between 7pm and 11pm when people are at home and are online. To get the best for your money, you should look for plans that will offer the highest possible typical evening speed.
The ACCC releases information regularly on which providers can deliver the fastest speed relative to the speed tier of the plan.
Must read: Fastest NBN Plans
There are several factors that may affect the actual NBN speed you get from your service, but the biggest is the Internet connection type. These include:
- Fibre-to-the-premises
- Fibre-to-the-curb
- Fibre-to-the-node
- Fixed wireless
- Sky Muster satellite
These connection types offer different speed tiers that may affect your overall NBN experience. Depending on where you live, fibre-optic cables, a combination of fibre and copper wires, or radio signals may connect your home or business.
Must read: 5G vs NBN: Which is the Better Choice?
Available NBN speed tiers are as follows:
| NBN Speed Tier | Poor NBN Speeds | Great NBN Speeds |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 30 Mbps |
40 – 50 Mbps |
|
|
0 – 60 Mbps |
85 – 100 Mbps |
|
|
0 – 110 Mbps |
150 – 250 Mbps |
|
|
0 – 250 Mbps |
500 – 1000 Mbps |
Another key factor in determining Internet speed is the tier that you pay for. NBN Standard is the most popular NBN plan in Australia. It offers speeds of up to 50Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. Plans under this speed should be able to handle streaming HD content and basic online gaming.
If you need a fast Internet connection with unlimited data during peak hours, then the following NBN providers with the best typical evening speed are the best to choose from:
Optus home Internet plans
At a glance:
- Optus speed tiers: NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, NBN 1000
- Optus services: Fixed Line NBN, Fixed Wireless NBN, Mobile Broadband, 4G Home Internet, 5G Home Internet
- Optus benefits: 4G backup options, discounted access to Optus SubHub, bonus Netflix subscription on Entertainer plan
Optus is one of the most renowned Australian Internet providers available today, with a long history of providing mobile and internet services across Australia. This has now expanded to include home wireless as well as NBN.
Although Optus is popular for its mobile phone plans and fixed-line services, it now provides 4G and 5G house wireless options and the speeds are impressive.
At Optus, you can take advantage of the SubHub product and its unique bundling experience. Add two subscriptions together to save 5% or bundle three or more for a whopping 10% discount on select paid subscriptions.
Optus best Internet deals
- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $89 for first 6 months, then $99 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $89 for first 6 months, then $99 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 50/18 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $105 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 50/18 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $105 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 240/22 Mbps
- Deal: $99 for first 6 months, then $119 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 240/22 Mbps
- Deal: $99 for first 6 months, then $119 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $109 for first 6 months, then $119 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $109 for first 6 months, then $119 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 240/22 Mbps
- Deal: $119 for first 6 months, then $139 ongoing
- Unlimited Data
- 240/22 Mbps
- Deal: $119 for first 6 months, then $139 ongoing
Aussie Broadband home Internet plans
At a glance:
- Aussie Broadband speed tiers: NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 75, NBN 100/20, NBN 100/40, NBN 250, NBN 1000
- Aussie Broadband services: Fixed Line NBN, Fixed Wireless NBN, Mobile Broadband
- Aussie Broadband benefits: Bundle Fetch TV with its NBN plan, publicly accessible bandwidth graphs
Aussie Broadband offers NBN and mobile broadband plans with incredibly fast typical evening speed. It has gained a commendable reputation for its exceptional speed capabilities.
The September 2023, ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) NBN typical evening speed report indicates that Aussie Broadband achieved 97.5% of the maximum plan speed available.
Aussie Broadband best deals
Compare Aussie Broadband plans
Uniti Internet home Internet plans
At a glance:
- Uniti Internet speed tiers: Home fibre internet plans
- Uniti Internet services: Fibre to the Premises, Fibre to the Basement/Building, Fibre to the Node, Hybrid Fibre Coaxial
- Uniti Internet benefits: Range of OptiComm plans to choose from, unlimited data on all plans, home phone services via VoIP
Previously known as Uniti Wireless, Uniti Internet has broadened its service range since acquiring the OptiComm network.
Since shifting its focus exclusively to the OptiComm network, Uniti Internet offers better speeds and connectivity, with the option of add-on phone plans. Uniti Internet won't ask you to lock into a contract, either, so you have the flexibility to go month-to-month.
Uniti Internet best deals
TPG home Internet plans
At a glance:
- TPG speed tiers: NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, NBN 1000
- TPG services: Fixed Line NBN, Fixed Wireless NBN, 4G Home Internet, 5G Home Internet
- TPG benefits: No-contract Internet plans, discounted mobile plans, plans across all speed tiers
TPG has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years to become one of Australia's most preferred Internet providers.
TPG is also known to be one of the most reliable providers when it comes to evening speeds, backed up by the September 2023 ACCC NBN typical evening speed report.
This report indicates that TPG has achieved 98.6% of customer's typical evening speeds.
TPG Unlimited data plans
Best customer service experience providers
Customer satisfaction is important for any service provider, and the telecommunications industry is no exception.
The providers delivering exceptional customer support have gone a long way in earning their loyal customers. We looked at how customers can get in touch to help determine which can give the best experience.
Superloop home Internet plans
At a glance:
- Superloop speed tiers: NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100/20, NBN 100/40, NBN 250, NBN 1000
- Superloop services: Fixed Line NBN
- Superloop benefits: Bundle your mobile plan and gain discounts, easy contact with the team, free five-speed boosts!
Superloop is a popular NBN provider in Australia, known for exceptional customer satisfaction. It offers customers four different ways to get in touch when they need support: call, email, live chat and via social media.
With a range of Internet plans that cater to all households and individual needs, Superloop’s plans are simple, offering excellent value for money.
Superloop Unlimited data plans
Telstra home Internet plans
At a glance:
- Telstra speed tiers: NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, NBN 1000
- Telstra services: Fixed Line NBN, 5G home wireless
- Telstra benefits: Excellent response times, high data speeds, bundles to suit your needs
Telstra is the oldest telco in Australia and it has consistently ranked among the highest in terms of customer satisfaction and response times. Telstra offers customers four ways to get in touch when they need support: in-store visits, by phone, live chat and via social media.
Telstra also offers excellent data speeds and performance even during peak hours as well as a great range of NBN plans and bundles that can be tailored to suit individual needs.
Telstra Internet plans
Which is the best Internet plan?
Before you start comparing Internet plans, bundles, and discounts from various providers, it's essential to first assess your needs and budget.
Think about speed
Most home Internet plans on the market today are unlimited. Instead of worrying about how much data you can use, you can focus solely on the typical speeds you’re looking for.
The actual speed of your broadband connection will depend on various factors, such as the type of connection and the number of people using it at once.
Must Read: What NBN Speed do I Need?
Map out your budget
If you want to make paying bills easier, consider opting for a bundle plan, as these give you the chance to put them in one place. Keep an eye out for discounts and additional deals on plans to get the most bang for your buck.
Lastly, it’s best to research and read reviews from other customers to make an informed decision before signing up for any Internet plan. Ultimately, you need to find the right balance between price and quality of service that works for your needs.
Ask our experts
At Compare Broadband, we understand the importance of reliable and affordable Internet from the best Internet provider available to you. That is why we compare plans from major names to give you an idea of what is available in the market.
As an independent broadband comparison service with a 5-star rating on Trustpilot, we are committed to helping you find the best broadband deal for your needs. Our team of experts are available to answer any questions about choosing an Internet provider or comparing plans.
With our easy-to-use platform and wealth of information, you can rest assured that you are getting the best deal for your money. Call us today.
FAQs
How to change internet providers in Australia?
The process for changing Internet providers in Australia is relatively straightforward. You will need to make sure that the new provider you’re switching to offers services in your area, and then contact them to set up your new plan. Your current provider will be able to help cancel your old service, and the new provider should assist with setting up your new service.
Can I cancel my internet plan anytime?
Most Internet plans in Australia are on a contract-free basis, so you can usually cancel your plan at any time without penalty. However, checking with your provider before cancelling is best, as some providers may charge a cancellation fee.
Can you have two internet providers in one house Australia?
Unfortunately, NBN FTTC, HFC, FTTN all will only allow one service per premises. You can, however, get a home wireless service alongside an existing NBN connection.
Will my internet plan work with all devices?
Yes, most Internet plans in Australia are compatible with all devices and operating systems. However, it’s essential to check with your provider first to make sure that the speeds provided will be sufficient for your needs.
What is the minimum speed required for streaming?
Streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Stan usually recommend a minimum broadband speed of 3.0 Mbps for standard definition content, 5.0 Mbps for HD content, and 25 Mbps for Ultra-HD 4K content. However, the actual Internet speeds required will depend on your provider and the streaming service you are using.
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