Cheapest SIM-Only Plans Australia 2026 — Under $49/Month

Updated April 2026 · 7 min read

The average Australian is still paying $55–70/month to Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone directly. They don't have to. MVNOs — smaller providers that rent the exact same network infrastructure — offer plans that are just as reliable for a fraction of the price. Here's where the real bargains are in 2026.

Quick Comparison: Best Value Plans Right Now

The Best Plans Under $49/Month Right Now

Lebara — $25/28 days for 25GB (Cheapest Overall)

Lebara takes the crown for the cheapest ongoing plan in 2026. At $25/28 days, you get 25GB on the Vodafone network with unlimited standard Australian calls. What makes Lebara stand out is their inclusion of international calls to select countries — a feature that competitors like Boost and Felix charge extra for. If you regularly call family overseas, this alone could save you $40–$30/month compared to adding international call packs to other providers.

Best for: Budget-conscious users, people who make international calls, light to moderate data users.

Watch out for: Vodafone's network coverage is strong in metro areas but weaker in regional Australia compared to Telstra.

ALDI Mobile — $23/mo for 12GB (Cheapest Telstra Network)

If you need Telstra network coverage but want to pay as little as possible, ALDI Mobile is your entry point. At $23/month for 12GB, it's the cheapest way onto Telstra's wholesale network. ALDI Mobile also offers data rollover — unused data carries over to your next month, which can build up a nice buffer over time. The trade-off is lower data allowances compared to Vodafone-based competitors at similar price points.

Best for: Regional users who need Telstra coverage, light data users, ALDI shoppers who want simplicity.

Watch out for: 12GB may not be enough for heavy streaming or hotspot use. Consider stepping up to their 30GB plan at $35/month if you need more headroom.

TPG Mobile — $12.5.0.50/mo for 6 Months (Best Introductory Deal)

TPG is running an aggressive promotion: 50% off their 25GB plan for the first 6 months, bringing it down to $12.5.0.50/month. After the promotional period, it reverts to $25/month. Even at the regular price, this is competitive value for 25GB on the Vodafone network. The introductory rate makes it the cheapest short-term option if you're willing to switch again after 6 months or accept the price increase.

Best for: Students, anyone wanting to minimise costs for the next 6 months, people comfortable switching providers.

Watch out for: Set a reminder for month 6 — you'll either need to switch or accept the price doubling to $25/month.

Amaysim — $30/month for 32GB (Best Mid-Range Value)

Amaysim's value is hard to ignore. 32GB on Optus for $30/month is one of the strongest data-per-dollar ratios in the market. International calls are included on most plans, which saves money for anyone who regularly calls overseas. Optus network coverage sits between Telstra and Vodafone — better regional reach than Vodafone, though not quite matching Telstra's extensive footprint. A strong pick for moderate users who want solid value without stretching the budget.

Best for: Moderate to heavy users who want solid data at a fair price, Optus network preference.

Watch out for: Optus has had occasional network outages in recent years, though reliability has improved significantly in 2025–2026.

Woolworths Mobile — $25/mo for 22GB (Grocery Saver)

Woolworths Mobile offers something unique: 10% off your weekly Woolworths shop (up to $25 discount per month). If you're already shopping at Woolies regularly, this effectively reduces your phone bill to $30–$30/month after the grocery savings. The plan itself gives you 22GB on the Telstra wholesale network, which is decent for the base price. The real value comes from stacking the grocery discount on top.

Best for: Regular Woolworths shoppers, families who can maximise the 10% discount, Telstra network users.

Watch out for: You need to actively claim the discount each month. If you forget or don't shop at Woolies, you're paying $25 for 22GB — decent but not exceptional value.

Belong — $34/mo for 25GB (Data Rollover King)

Belong, owned by Telstra, offers a unique feature: Data Bank. Any unused data rolls over indefinitely as long as you stay on the plan. Over several months, you can build up a substantial data buffer — perfect for months when you know you'll need extra (holidays, working from home, etc.). The base plan is 25GB for $30/month on the Telstra network. Note: prices rise to $34/month from May 5, 2026, so lock in now if this appeals to you.

Best for: Variable data users, people who want Telstra coverage without Boost's pricing, anyone who hates wasting unused data.

Watch out for: Price increase coming May 5. Data Bank only works if you stay on the plan — switching resets your banked data.

Felix Mobile — $40/mo Unlimited (Best for Heavy Users)

Felix offers genuinely unlimited data at $40/month on Vodafone's 4G/5G network, capped at 40Mbps. For most users, 40Mbps is more than enough for streaming, browsing, and even HD video. The key advantage here is peace of mind — you literally cannot run out of data. Felix is also carbon-neutral and plants trees with every plan, appealing to environmentally conscious users. If you know you're a heavy user and the $40 ongoing rate works for your budget, Felix is worth serious consideration.

Best for: Heavy users, remote workers, people who use mobile as a home broadband substitute, environmentally conscious consumers.

Watch out for: 40Mbps speed cap won't matter for most, but tech enthusiasts with 5G phones might notice the limitation. Vodafone network coverage applies.

Boost Mobile — $20.0/28 days for 30GB (Full Telstra Network)

Boost sits slightly above the the threshold but earns its spot because of the Telstra network coverage and data value. Boost is one of the few MVNOs with access to Telstra's full network — not the wholesale version that ALDI and Woolworths use. This means better speeds and priority during congestion. The plan includes 30GB with data rollover. The previous the/125GB first recharge sale ended on April 20, 2026, so new customers now pay the standard the/28 days. The 28-day billing cycle means you'll pay 13 times a year rather than 12, making the effective monthly cost around the.

Best for: Heavy data users who need Telstra coverage, anyone travelling regional Australia, people who want uncapped speeds.

Watch out for: 28-day cycles mean 13 payments per year. No international calls included — you'll need to purchase add-ons.

Network Coverage Comparison: Which Should You Choose?

Your network choice matters more than you might think. Here's how the three main networks compare in 2026:

Telstra (via Boost, ALDI, Woolworths, Belong)

Telstra has Australia's most extensive network, covering 99.5% of the population. If you travel regionally or live outside major cities, Telstra is worth the premium. Boost gets full Telstra network access (same as Telstra customers), while ALDI, Woolworths, and Belong use Telstra Wholesale — slightly lower priority but still excellent coverage. Expect to pay $25–$25/month more for Telstra coverage compared to equivalent Vodafone plans.

Optus (via Amaysim, Coles Mobile)

Optus covers about 98.5% of the population — very close to Telstra in metro and major regional areas. Their network has had some high-profile outages in 2023–2024, but reliability has improved significantly. Optus MVNOs typically offer better value than Telstra while maintaining good regional coverage. A solid middle-ground choice.

Vodafone (via Lebara, TPG, Felix, iiNet)

Vodafone covers about 96% of the population — excellent in cities and major towns, weaker in regional areas. If you stay mostly in metro areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide), Vodafone offers the best value. Their 5G rollout is extensive in urban areas. For regional travellers or rural residents, Vodafone may have gaps that Telstra or Optus would cover.

What's the Catch With Cheap SIM Plans?

The honest answer: there are a few genuine trade-offs, but most people never notice them.

Customer support

MVNOs don't have retail stores. Support is via online chat or phone. For most billing or SIM issues this is fine, but if you need in-person help, you'll need to go to a Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone store — which won't service a competitor's account. That said, MVNOs often have faster phone wait times than the big carriers, since they have fewer customers.

Network priority

During peak congestion, some MVNOs operate at lower priority than the parent carrier's own customers. In practice this means very occasional slowdowns during busy periods in dense areas (think CBDs at lunchtime, music festivals, sporting events). Most users never experience this as a problem. Boost Mobile is an exception — they get full Telstra network priority, same as Telstra customers.

Fewer perks

Major carriers bundle extras like entertainment subscriptions (Netflix, Stan, Disney+), roaming deals, or loyalty rewards. MVNOs strip these out to offer lower base prices. If you use those perks, factor them into your true cost comparison. For most people, paying $25–$40 for a no-frills plan and subscribing separately to streaming services still saves money.

Data speed caps

Some MVNOs cap speeds even on 4G/5G networks. Felix caps at 40Mbps (though they offer unlimited data). Most others don't cap speeds but may deprioritise during congestion. If you need maximum speeds for gaming or large downloads, check the provider's terms carefully.

How Much Could You Save by Switching?

Let's run the numbers. A typical Telstra postpaid plan with 50 GB runs around $65/month. Compare that to:

• Amaysim's $30 plan with 32GB on Optus saves $420/year
• Felix's $40 unlimited plan saves $300/year versus a comparable Telstra unlimited plan
• Lebara's $25 plan saves $480/year — but you'll need to manage your 25GB carefully
• Boost's $20.0/28 days (~$20.0nth effective) saves $273/year with full Telstra network access

The savings compound quickly — over three years, switching could mean over $1,000 back in your pocket for equivalent or better service. That's a holiday, a new laptop, or a serious dent in your mortgage.

Real-World Scenarios: Which Plan Fits You?

"I'm a student on a tight budget"

Go with TPG's $12.5.0.50/month introductory deal for 6 months, then switch to Lebara at $25/month. You'll pay less than $200 for your first year of phone service. Use the savings for textbooks or rent.

"I work from home and use my phone as broadband"

Felix Mobile's unlimited data at $40/month is your best bet. The 40Mbps cap is enough for video calls, streaming, and general work. Alternatively, Boost's 30GB with rollover could work if you have Wi-Fi at night.

"I travel regionally for work"

Boost Mobile ($20.0/28 days) gives you full Telstra network access. The extra cost over Vodafone MVNOs is worth it for reliable coverage on the road. ALDI Mobile at $23/month is a budget alternative if you use less data.

"I call family overseas regularly"

Lebara includes international calls to 35+ countries at no extra cost. Amaysim also includes international calls on many plans. With other providers, you'd pay $30–$30/month for international call packs.

"I shop at Woolworths every week"

Woolworths Mobile at $25/month effectively costs $25–$25 after your 10% grocery discount. Do the maths on your typical shop — if you spend $200+ weekly, you're getting an incredible deal.

How to Switch Without Losing Your Number

1. Choose your new plan on Switch Save
2. Order your new SIM or activate eSIM
3. When prompted, request a number port — you'll need your account number and birthday from your current provider
4. Your existing service stays active until the port completes (usually 2–4 hours on weekdays)
5. Done — your number follows you

There's no downtime. You keep your number. And if the new provider doesn't work out, you can switch again just as easily. The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) mandates that all providers must support number porting, so you're protected by regulation.

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