Best wireless internet plans in Australia: Fixed, 5G & mobile broadband compared

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Jump to:

Current Wireless Internet Plan Deals
Best NBN Fixed Wireless Plans
Best Home Wireless Internet Plans
Best Mobile Broadband Plans

Looking for the best NBN alternative? If you live in an area where the national network isn't widely accessible or you want to try another type of home internet tech, there's a variety of options to choose from. Some of these great alternatives include 4G or 5G wireless internet, which connects to the closest cellular tower to achieve an internet signal.

In addition to 4G/5G home internet, NBN fixed wireless transmits data via radio signals to connect rural and remote areas to the NBN network. And if you're looking for another way to get online, you can even purchase a mobile broadband plan that offers you a portable Wi-Fi service with a stronger connection than mobile data.

Some of Australia's best wireless internet plans are starting to rival NBN fixed-line offerings; both in terms of value and speeds theoretically achievable. So, whether you’re considering switching your fixed-line NBN to a home wireless internet plan or maybe your current ISP and service aren’t up to scratch, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive lineup of the best wireless internet plans.

We’ve compared the best wireless internet plans, in partnership with WhistleOut, including NBN's own fixed wireless service, 4G and 5G home internet and even 4G and 5G mobile broadband and listed them below.

Current Wireless Internet Plan Deals

Looking for some quick recommendations for the best wireless broadband options in Australia? We’ve picked out some of the standout deals currently available, which you can check out below.

NBN Fixed Wireless - Swoop NBN Wireless Plus | AU$69p/m (for 6 months, then AU$84p/m)
4G Home Internet - TPG Home Wireless Unlimited from AU$44.99p/m (for 6 months, then AU$54.99p/m)
5G Home Internet - TPG 5G Home Broadband Premium from AU$54.99p/m (for 6 months, then AU$64.99p/m)

Best NBN Fixed Wireless Plans

If your home isn't able to connect to one of the best NBN plans, instead of having to rely on a fixed wireless connection, then there is still good news to report. The latest data from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) found the average download speed on fixed wireless plans was a massive 100Mbps during all hours in September 2024, putting it on par with NBN 100 plans.

To put this into greater context, average download speeds during all hours were 100.1% of advertised plan speeds, i.e. users experienced faster download speeds than those they were technically paying for. This figure decreased to 84.1% during the busy evening hours of 7pm to 11pm.

This is to be expected, however, not only because more users will be connecting to the internet during this time, but also because of the inherent limitations of fixed wireless technology.

Best NBN Fixed Wireless plan: our pick

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Tangerine | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$65.90p/m (for 6 months, then AU$85.90p/m)

Shaving off a massive AU$120 over the first six months, Tangerine's Fixed Wireless Speedy plan is hard to pass up. This plan claims to reach between 200Mbps and 250Mbps during the busy evening hours, which is pretty incredible.

That said, your speeds may differ based on your location, so take that as a word of caution before signing the dotted line.

Total minimum cost: AU$65.90 | Total cost for first year: AU$910.80 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,030.80

Swoop | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$69p/m (for 6 months, then AU$84p/m)

Swoop is a relative newcomer to the NBN scene but has already been racking up positive reviews. This Swoop fixed wireless plan is one of the cheapest around, and claims to offer up to 75Mbps maximum download speeds. The actual speed you receive may be less, depending on your location to the nearest fixed wireless tower.

Total minimum cost: AU$69 | Total cost for first year: AU$918 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,008

More NBN Fixed Wireless deals

Best Home Wireless Internet Plans

Australia’s 4G and 5G network coverage has been steadily improving in recent years and is now a genuine internet option for people looking for a fast, reliable connection.

5G home internet, in particular, has the potential to offer download speeds that far exceed those offered on a fixed-line NBN connection.

4G home internet speeds may be slower in comparison, but they offer an easier and more convenient way of getting online for people in more remote areas.

Best 5G home wireless plan: our pick

When 5G home internet first became available in Australia, it was only Telstra and Optus that could offer it. And Telstra was by invitation only. But now Vodafone has joined the party, Telstra has dropped its invitation policy and overall 5G coverage has increased considerably.

This means 5G home internet is a genuine option for Australians wanting to get online and experience (potentially) superfast download speeds. And, with increased competition, the telco providers are starting to offer better deals to help entice you. We’ve picked out our favourite plan for most people below, but check out the best 5G home internet plans for more deals.

Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G | Uncapped | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$89p/m (for 6 months, then AU$99p/m)

This Optus 5G home internet plan advertises uncapped data speeds, meaning it could potentially rival even the best NBN 1000 plans if you have good coverage — you should be able to reach superfast 240Mbps speeds during the busier evening hours of 7pm to 11pm.

However, if you cancel within 36 months, you will be charged AU$16p/m for any time left on your plan. This makes the minimum cost of an Optus 5G home broadband plan AU$542 if you leave after one month.

Total minimum cost: AU$468 (including modem fee) | Total cost for first year: $AU$1,128 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,188

TPG | 5G Home Broadband Premium | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$54.99p/m (for 6 months, then AU$64.99p/m)

TPG is our pick for the best 5G home internet plan thanks to its fast speeds (up to 100Mbps) and affordable pricing in comparison to its competitors. TPG provides the required modem for free and if you choose to cancel your plan, you need to return it within 21 days. If you don’t, you’ll need to pay a non-return fee, charged at AU$17p/m for every unused month within a 36-month term.

The first month of your plan is free too, so if you find it doesn't quite deliver what you expected, then you are free to leave. You will be required to return the modem within 21 days or you'll be asked to pay a non-return fee.

Total minimum cost: AU$54.99 | Total cost for first year: AU$719.88 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$779.88

Spintel | 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$83p/m (for 3 months, then AU$93p/m)

If you're looking for a more affordable 5G option that still delivers superfast speeds, then this Spintel offering is ideal. The plan advertises up to 240Mbps during the busy evening hours, which is pretty standard for uncapped 5G speed tiers. You'll save AU$10p/m for the first three months — that's AU$30 — before the price increases to AU$93p/m ongoing.

That said, this plan does come with a mandatory modem fee of AU$4p/m, so it would typically cost you AU$79p/m during the introductory period. However, like most 5G plans, you will need a compatible modem and likely need to fork out the extra fee for the telco's provided device.

Total minimum cost: AU$54.99 | Total cost for first year: AU$719.88 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$779.88

More 5G home wireless plans

Best 4G home wireless plan: our pick

TPG | Home Wireless Unlimited | Unlimited data | AU$44.99p/m (for 6 months, then AU$54.99p/m)

The majority of 4G home internet providers only offer up to 20Mbps download speeds (only Optus offers 25Mbps) so choosing the best plan here predominantly comes down to price. This is why we’ve chosen TPG home wireless broadband as our top pick, as it’s the most affordable, due to it not requiring you to pay an upfront modem fee.

Other providers charge similar or less on a monthly basis, but come with a compulsory modem fee upon sign-up.

Total minimum cost: AU$44.99 | Total cost for first year: AU$599.88 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$659.88

Spintel | 4G Unlimited Wireless Broadband | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$53.95p/m

Much like TPG's 4G option above, this Spintel plan only reaches 25Mbps during the typical evening hours. While TPG has an attractive introductory offer, this plan is more cost-effective long term, as you'll only pay AU$647.40 per year for the plan (excluding the delivery fee) and you won't have to consider the price hike in the first six months.

That said, this plan does come with a mandatory modem fee of AU$4p/m, so it would typically cost you AU$49.95p/m during the introductory period. However, like most 4G plans, you will need a compatible modem and likely need to fork out the extra fee for the telco's provided device.

Total minimum cost: AU$69.95 (including delivery) | Total yearly cost: AU$647.40

More 4G home wireless plans

Best Mobile Broadband Plans

Mobile broadband can be useful if you spend a lot of your time away from home but still require an internet connection. Both 4G and 5G speeds are possible and perhaps the greatest benefit of mobile broadband is that it can serve as an alternative to using your smartphone as a personal hotspot. But, mobile broadband can get expensive if you need to buy a compatible modem, as telcos tend to charge a monthly fee for them.

You can get SIM-only mobile broadband plans, but these require you to have your own modem. You could, for example, put a SIM card in an old phone and use it as a personal hotspot. The key thing to remember with mobile broadband is that there is usually a limit on the amount of data included.

The plans we’ve selected below are based on the assumption that you need to pay for the compatible modem.

Best 5G mobile broadband plans: our pick

Tangerine | Data-only plan | 400GB | No lock-in contract | AU$59.90p/m (for 6 months, then AU$64.90p/m)

If you already have a mobile broadband modem or a tablet, then you can simply pop in this data-only 5G SIM card from Tangerine to unlock 400GB of monthly data.

Tangerine does give you the option of adding a compatible modem, but these can only be purchased outright and not on a monthly payment plan.

Tangerine's 5G mobile broadband network uses parts of the Telstra network, so you should get good coverage when you're out and about. Download speeds on both 4G and 5G networks are capped at 250Mbps.

Total minimum cost: AU$59.90 | Total cost for first 12 months: AU$748.80 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$778.80

More 5G mobile broadband plans

Best 4G mobile broadband plans: our pick

Telstra | Upfront Data Plan Small | 30GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$31p/m

Telstra offers the best overall value in our opinion when it comes to 4G mobile broadband, too. You’re able to connect to the ISP’s 4GX network, which doubles the bandwidth of 4G, offering potentially faster speeds. You also get 30GB data included as standard, far more than other providers.

Total minimum cost: AU$169 (1 month plan + 24mth modem cost) | Total cost for 24 months: AU$744 | Yearly cost after 24 months: AU$300

More 4G mobile broadband plans

Home wireless internet FAQ

What is fixed wireless internet?

Fixed wireless internet is a connection type predominantly used by people in rural and regional areas of Australia. The ACCC estimates that 4% of NBN customers are served by an NBN fixed wireless connection.

Fixed wireless broadband is served to home via base towers emitting radio waves that are received by an antenna installed on the roof of your property. The antenna connects to an NBN device inside your property, which connects to a modem to emit a Wi-Fi signal which your devices connect to.

Is wireless broadband better than the NBN?

Yes and no. For some Australians, wireless broadband is the only option for connecting to the internet, as their property isn’t served by a fixed-line NBN connection. Some others may find they live in an area with good 5G network coverage and so can achieve faster download speeds than what is possible from their fixed-line connection.

However, wireless internet options can be affected by network congestion, interference to the wireless signal and the distance between the property and the base tower. While the ACCC has found NBN fixed-wireless providers deliver 100.1% of download speeds across all hours, this isn’t a guarantee that you will experience the same. A fixed-line NBN connection is more likely to offer consistent speeds.

Lucy Scotting is a digital content writer for Tom’s Guide in Australia, primarily covering NBN and internet-related news. Lucy started her career writing for HR and staffing industry publications, with articles covering emerging tech, business and finance. In her spare time, Lucy can be found watching sci-fi movies, working on her dystopian fiction novel or hanging out with her dog, Fletcher.

With contributions from