Find the best home WiFi plans and deals for broadband internet connection. Wifi is where you have a wireless network within your home. The best type of WiFi network is made with a fixed connection service such as ADSL2+, Naked, Cable or NBN broadband connections, via a WiFi enabled modem router.
Looking for the right home WiFi plans for you and your family? We got you covered! At Compare Broadband, we've reviewed and analysed hundreds of plans from different providers to ensure you help you find the best internet plan to cater to your needs. Use our comparison tool above and you can find the cheapest to the fastest WiFi internet plans available in your area.
Considering whether or not to set up WiFi in your home? WiFi allows you to gain access to the internet without having to connect your device to your modem. So if you use your laptop, mobile phone or Smart TV more often than your desktop, having a home wireless internet connection provides you with the convenience of getting connected with your preferred device.
There are various options to consider when it comes to picking an internet plan, so here's everything you should know before making your decision.
Deciding whether or not your home needs WiFi is the first step in finding a suitable package. But this should be a no-brainer as most (if not all) Aussies are already reaping the benefits of this technology in their daily activities — whether it is for entertainment, communication, learning or work.
WiFi can be used for many activities, including game playing online and streaming movies, music and TV shows. With a WiFi connection, you can make a video call on Skype and keep in touch with family and friends from across the globe without worrying about who's listening to your conversation.
There are quite a few options to take into consideration when it comes to picking out your home WiFi plan. Many have different advantages, so the best option for you will depend on how often you use your phone or computer at home and what features you want in your package.
Here are just a few reasons to set up a wireless network in your home:
WiFi is the technology used to connect computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices to the internet. It is the radio signal sent from a modem or router to a nearby device, translating the signal into data you can use on your gadgets. This gives you the flexibility to stay connected as long as you’re within your network coverage area.
Most homes use a router or modem router to access the internet via WiFi. WiFi plans are so popular because they’re convenient to set up and have a wider mobility range from WiFi access points to devices. The downside is that WiFi has limited bandwidth and reduced speed, especially when multiple devices are connected simultaneously. There’s also a well as potential interference from other electromagnetic devices that can slow down your connection.
An ‘Internet’ connection is the link from your home to the wider world. This is usually done with a cable or phone line, and it gives you an IP address that allows you to access websites and online services. A ‘WiFi’ connection is what you need to connect devices in your home to the Internet without using any cables.
You need both an ‘Internet’ connection and a ‘WiFi’ connection to have WiFi in your home. Without an ‘Internet’ connection, your WiFi router won’t be able to connect to the outside world and show you websites or online services. Likewise, without a ‘WiFi’ connection, your devices won’t be able to connect to the Internet through your router.
Most internet service providers in Australia offer home WiFi plans though the deals vary from one telco to another.
There are four different types of home WiFi deals and plans available:
If you are looking to save on your home WiFi plan, buying your own modem is usually the cheapest way to go. This means you have complete flexibility with your home WiFi plan as you can switch internet service providers easily and even change plans, depending on your budget at any given time.
In the modern world, the Internet is a basic necessity. In order to enjoy all the perks of everyday life, having an internet connection at home is essential. Whether it's checking emails or browsing online shopping sites, staying connected with friends and family on social media or just surfing the net – we use our phones and computers for a whole host of activities.
Therefore, it doesn't come as a surprise that almost every house in the developed world has an internet connection. But here's the thing – not all of them have WiFi! And those who do have it, don't always use it to its full potential. Most people think that all they need for their home wireless network is just a basic connection to the Internet. But does that really solve their WiFi-related problems?
The answer is no! There are many other factors that go into deciding which internet plan is suitable for your home needs.
The reliability of an ISP also plays a decisive role in determining which plan suits you. In order to find the best ISP in your area, you can compare different plans online or consult with an experienced comparison site like Compare Broadband.
Here are some tips when shopping around for an internet service provider:
Now that you know what to look for in an ISP, you can start your search for the perfect home WiFi internet provider. Remember to compare prices, speeds, and data limits before making your final decision. And don't forget to ask about discounts!
It’s almost impossible not to find an internet service provider that offers home WiFi plans. So it shouldn’t be as challenging as you think it is! Offers vary from one provider to another, so if you’re looking for the best value plan, make sure you read through the details of each.
For example, some plans may offer including a modem/router in your subscription. However, it is unnecessary, especially if you already have an existing modem from your previous provider. To cut down on costs, look into BYO modem plans. These plans mean lesser setup costs and offer cheaper month-to-month fees.
If you choose to subscribe to plans with a modem included, so you won’t have to deal with the mundane task of configuring your modem, take note that you are required to settle a modem fee if you switch to a different plan/provider.
WiFi is available on a range of internet plans: NBN, cable, satellite, or mobile broadband. You'll just need to ensure that your modem/router supports it.
If you are not on the NBN (National Broadband Network) yet and you are planning to make the switch, check first if your current modem/router is already NBN compatible. If yes, then you don’t need to buy new hardware. Otherwise, shop for a modem/router that’s NBN-ready.
National Broadband Network or NBN is the new standard in broadband technology in Australia. It is a fast and reliable internet connection that is now available to the majority of homes and businesses across the country. If you are not on the NBN yet, it’s time to make the switch!
Choose a modem/router that is compatible with VDSL to use on the NBN. Either way, most internet providers offer plans with NBN compatible modem included. While this is the more convenient option, remember that this may require you to use that ISP’s service for a few months before you switch providers. Otherwise, you will need to settle a fee if you want to keep the modem.
Once you have your modem ready, connect this to your NBN connection box. Your qualified NBN technician will install the NBN connection box. You will need an ethernet cable to connect your NBN box to your modem’s WAN port to complete the setup. See our comprehensive guide to setting up your NBN ready modem here.
| NBN Provider | NBN Plan | Price | |
 | NBN Unlimited Belong Standard Plus broadband plan on the NBN™ | $70/Month | See Belong NBN Plans |
 | NBN Standard Plus (nbn50) Unlimited Dodo broadband plan | $75/month | See Dodo NBN Plans |
 | NBN The 50 (nbn50) Uniti Wireless NBN™ Broadband Plan | $79.95/month | See Uniti Wireless NBN Plans |
 | NBN 100GB Build your own nbn™ Aussie Broadband plan - Standard Plus Speed | $79/month | See Aussie Broadband NBN Plans |
| NBN Optus Internet Everyday NBN™ Bundle Plan | $79/month | See Optus NBN Plans |
After you have decided on an ISP, your next step is to decide whether or not you should go with an unlimited data plan. Generally, those who need unlimited data are either:
If you find yourself in any of the above categories, then an unlimited data plan is likely your best bet. The last thing you want is to be caught without enough data and have to ration your usage for the rest of the month.
Not everyone needs unlimited data, though. If you only use the internet for light web browsing and checking email, then you can probably get away with a lower data limit. The average person only uses about 3-5GB of data per month, so anything above that is likely overkill.
To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of the best-unlimited data plans from different ISPs.
There are many broadband providers who offer home internet plans with unlimited data. But not all of these services are created equal. You need to know how reliable their connection is and what typical evening speeds they offer.
There are different types of unlimited internet plans available in the market today. The cheapest among them limit your download speeds to just 1Mbps, while the most expensive offer speeds in excess of 100 Mbps! The latter is much better if you plan on streaming movies or playing online games. The next time you purchase home WiFi internet plans, make sure that it comes with unlimited data and offers high download speeds.
If you have ever shopped for a wireless router, then chances are that most of them look similar on paper. But this is not the case when it comes to compatibility. For example, if you are looking to buy your first wireless router, then it is recommended that you purchase one with the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard as it is compatible with most devices. However, if you own a slightly older computer or laptop without this feature, then an 802.11n router would be more suitable for you.
You can also opt for a dual-band router that offers high WiFi speeds in the 5GHz frequency band, so you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming.
Now that you have looked at your budget and chosen your internet plan and ISP, it's time to think about the more practical aspects of choosing an internet-ready router.
It may seem like a small consideration, but the size of the router makes a big difference to your home's WiFi coverage. If you have a large home or office space, then it is ideal if you opt for an oversized router that can cover every corner of your property. Furthermore, if you are renting out part of your house to a tenant, then it is best to go for a router that has detachable antennas. This will help you in shifting the position of your router according to where your tenants need WiFi. Also, you should opt for a plastic-made wireless router as they are lighter and more portable than their metallic counterparts.
The best internet speed for your home may not always be the one that’s available. Your network speed depends on your online activities and the number of devices connected to your network. The type of internet connection available in your area may also affect speed, as well as other factors like congestion and home equipment.
A WiFi internet plan with 25mbps speed can easily accommodate their online activities for smaller households with one or two members. This speed tier lets you do all the standard internet stuff; stream movies, browse social media, upload photos and send emails easily. However, for larger households with multiple devices connected simultaneously, you may notice a slower speed if you’re on the 25mbps speed tier.
A WiFi plan with 50mbps speed would probably be sufficient for most households with two or more people.
These are the speed tiers you'll need per household size:
| Maximum Download Speed | No. of Users |
|---|---|
12mbps | 1-2 light internet users |
25mbps | 1-2 moderate internet users |
50mbps | 3-4 moderate to heavy internet users |
100mbps | 4+ heavy internet users |
To help you further understand how you can get the best internet speed at home, first, you must learn what a typical evening speed means. Typical evening speed is the average speed you can expect during peak hours, which is usually around 8 pm. This is the time when everyone's home and using their devices for gaming, streaming movies or simply browsing the internet.
| Household Size | Typical Evening Speed |
|---|---|
| 1-2 internet users | 25mbps |
| 3-4 internet users | 50mbps |
| 5+ internet users | 75mbps |
Premium evening speed is the highest average speed you can expect during peak hours. Several internet providers offer speeds of up to 250mbps and even 1,000mbps in some areas.
This is the ideal internet speed for large households with multiple devices connected simultaneously. If you have a lot of people in your home using the internet at the same time for different activities, premium evening speed is what you need to keep everyone online without any lag or buffering.
While a fast home WiFi speed is ideal, it’s not always necessary. For example, if you primarily use your internet for browsing the web and checking email, you don’t need as much speed as someone who regularly downloads music or streams movies. The important thing is to find an internet speed that can accommodate your online activities without breaking the bank.
To get a better idea of how much speed you need, call us at Compare Broadband today. We'll help you find the right internet plans that can give you the speed you need at a price that fits your budget.
While unlimited data would give you peace of mind, it comes with a cost. If you’re a bit tight on the budget, going for a plan with data allocation would give you more bang for your buck.
It may seem like you use your internet a lot, but that doesn’t mean we consume tons of data even if you stream many videos on YouTube. Your favourite apps and services don’t consume as much data as you thought they would.
We’ve tested different online services to help you make a better decision in getting an internet plan and identified which types of plans suit you best according to your online activities.
| Activity | 50gb | 100gb | 500gb | Unlimited Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
Web Surfing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
Skype | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Spotify/Music Streaming | ⏱ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Online Gaming | ⏱ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
YouTube | ⛔ | ⏱ | ✅ | ✅ |
Streaming TV | ⛔ | ⛔ | ⏱ | ✅ |
Movie Downloads | ⛔ | ⛔ | ⏱ | ✅ |
Video Game Downloads | ⛔ | ⛔ | ⏱ | ✅ |
On the other hand, getting unlimited data can definitely help you save time from having to worry about your usage. If you have the money to spare, go for it! Benefits of having unlimited data include:
Do note that some unlimited plans may have fair usage policies, which limit your speed once you’ve hit a certain amount of data. So be sure to check with your internet provider before signing up for a plan!
Whether you're switching internet providers or getting your first home internet plan, we can help you compare and find the best broadband deal in Australia.
At Compare Broadband, we've got a wide range of broadband plans from leading providers such as Aussie Broadband, Belong, Dodo, Exetel, Harbour ISP, iiNet, Superloop, Tangerine Telecom, TPG, Uniti Wireless and more. We understand that everyone's needs are different, which is why we've created a number of search filters that you can use to find the perfect internet plan for you.
For many people, WiFi 6 is considered to be the next generation WiFi, connecting you to the internet more efficiently. It is as fast as 9.6Gbps which is up to 3.5Gbps on WiFi 5. However, WiFi 6 is not entirely about fast speeds. Rather, it is more about working towards network congestion improvements particularly when several users are simultaneously connected over the internet. This is through the use of new technologies that help mitigate network congestion issues. However, to enjoy these benefits of WiFi 6, you may need to purchase new devices because this technology doesn’t solely rely on software updates but hardware upgrades as well.
WiFi extenders generally boost the internet signal in your home by rebroadcasting the internet signal. In this way, the range of your internet signal is increased. However, for you to be able to reap the best results from the use of a WiFi extender, you have to install it between your router and any of the dead zones you wish to address. While they may prove to be a cost-effective solution that is easy to install, WiFi extenders may not always be the best resolution to address your WiFi issues. Check out our guide on how to extend WiFi range with WiFi extenders.
There are several ways on how you will be able to boost your WiFi signal. For instance, you can select a good place for your router, making sure that it is always updated. There is also the option for you to get a stronger antenna and exert the effort to cut off any WiFi leeches. In parallel to this, you can also get a WiFi repeater, booster, or extender. In case none of these still works, try switching to a different WiFi channel or control your bandwidth-hungry applications and clients. Furthermore, make sure that you are using the latest WiFi technologies. All these are geared towards effectively enhancing your WiFi signal.
To check the speed of your WiFi, you can leverage a web app. Some of the most popular ones that you can explore include Fast.com, Ookla Speedtest, SpeedSmart, as well as Internet Health Test. All of these apps are similar in terms of how they work. In this case, what you need to do is to access the internet using any of your gadgets. From there, open the web app and click the start button to begin running the speed test. Allow about a minute for the speed test to run and after this, you will be presented with the results displaying the speed of your WiFi.
The best plan depends upon the individual user’s demands and budget. Many people think that an unlimited data plan is the best choice. However, if you cannot utilise it to the maximum, then you’re just wasting money. Perhaps, a capped plan would best suit you. Other factors that can affect your choice of WIFI plans are your exact address, the amount of data you actually need, the NBN speed tier you want, besides budget, of course.
If your regular Internet activities involve emailing, web surfing, using Facebook, Skype and other similar platforms, then the 50GB plan would be just right for you. But, if there are other heavier activities such as streaming music, TV and movies plus continuous online gaming, then the unlimited data plan would be most fitting.
Experts have estimated that basic browsing only costs 7GB of data per month while using social media sites costs the user around 2.5GB of data monthly. Meanwhile, streaming films on Netflix requires about 21GB of data each month. That said, you need to determine your data usage as it’s crucial when choosing the best WIFI plan for your home.
So far, the cheapest WiFi plan available is the TPG bundle of broadband plus home phone costing $29.99 per month for 10GB, offering basic speed of 12Mbps. Meanwhile, Tangerine’s unlimited broadband plan with 25Mbps standard speed costs $44.90 per month.
According to reports, the average Aussie household spends $71 per month using their NBN plan; $73 in Western Australia and Tasmania while it’s $68 in South Australia. If you’re a senior or pensioner or both, you can save up to $25 a month on mobile and Internet plans, but with NBN bundles offered by various ISPs, seniors can get a savings of $10 per month
WiFi is a way of connecting to the internet without using a cable to connect the device to the modem. As long as a modem or WiFi router sends out a WiFi signal, any WiFi-enabled device such as a laptop or mobile phone can pick up on it, letting the user connect to the internet.
On the other hand, wireless is another name for mobile broadband; because of the similar lack of wires, it’s no wonder users confuse the term with WiFi. However, unlike WiFi, which uses a telephone line or cable to send out a broadband signal, mobile broadband uses mobile phone towers. In addition, mobile broadband modems are usually in the form of a USB stick or dongle.
Continue reading here for more information about WiFi and wireless.
If you’re tired of a spotty internet connection, an excellent way to extend the range of your WiFi network’s signal is to use a WiFi extender or WiFi booster. This device has different shapes and sizes, but all will have antennae on either side and either a dedicated power cable or a way to plug into a wall outlet.
WiFi extenders are supposed to act as a bridge between the signal and wireless router, transmitting that signal to the immediate surroundings and boosting the network’s range. But, unfortunately, WiFi extenders can only pick up on the signal your router has, and how strong the signal depends on factors that are usually out of your control.
For more info about boosting your WiFi network’s range, you can read this article.
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