Looking for the best mobile phone contracts in Australia for 2026? Whether you're after a SIM-only deal or a pay monthly plan with the latest handset, we’ve done the legwork to compare the top providers. This guide breaks down the key features, pricing, and who each deal suits best — all based on the latest 2026 offers and market trends. You’ll find a handy comparison table up top, then detailed reviews of each option so you can pick the best fit for your needs and budget.
Quick Comparison of Best Mobile Phone Contracts Australia 2026
- Telstra Mobile Plans – Best for nationwide coverage
- Optus Pay Monthly – Best for value and data
- Vodafone SIM-Only – Best for flexibility and no lock-in
- Amaysim SIM-Only – Best budget-friendly plan
- Aldi Mobile – Best no-frills, affordable option
- Boost Mobile – Best for prepaid and casual users
- TPG Mobile – Best for unlimited talk and text
- Belong – Best for simple, affordable plans
- Lebara Mobile – Best for international calls
- On The Move Mobile – Best for regional users
1. Telstra Mobile Plans
Key features: Telstra offers Australia’s largest mobile network coverage, reaching 99.9% of the population. Plans include 5G access, unlimited standard national calls and texts, and generous data allowances starting from 20GB up to 200GB. Pay monthly handset contracts start at around $45 per month, with SIM-only plans from $35.
Pros: Unrivalled coverage, fast 5G speeds, reliable for regional and remote areas, wide handset selection.
Cons: Pricier than most competitors, especially for high data plans.
Best for: Users who need the widest coverage and are happy to pay a premium for reliability.
Pricing: SIM-only from $35/month; handset plans from $45/month. Example: 50GB data with handset for $60/month.
2. Optus Pay Monthly Plans
Key features: Optus provides strong 5G coverage, with plans offering data from 30GB to 150GB. They include unlimited national talk and text plus data-free streaming on select platforms. Handset bundles start at $40/month, SIM-only plans begin at $30/month.
Pros: Competitive pricing, good data inclusions, extra perks like Optus Sport streaming.
Cons: Coverage less extensive than Telstra, some regional black spots.
Best for: Urban and suburban users wanting good data value without paying Telstra prices.
Pricing: SIM-only from $30/month; handset plans from $40/month. Example: 60GB data with handset for $55/month.
3. Vodafone SIM-Only Plans
Key features: Vodafone offers flexible SIM-only contracts with no lock-in, starting from 10GB up to unlimited data. Plans include unlimited standard calls and texts, plus 5G access in metro areas.
Pros: No lock-in contracts, affordable unlimited data option, decent 5G network.
Cons: Coverage patchy in rural areas, speed can vary.
Best for: Users wanting no commitment and large or unlimited data allowances.
Pricing: SIM-only from $25/month; unlimited data SIM-only for $60/month.
4. Amaysim SIM-Only
Key features: Amaysim runs on the Optus network and offers affordable SIM-only plans with data ranging from 5GB to 100GB. They provide no lock-in contracts and unlimited calls and texts.
Pros: Budget pricing, flexibility, access to Optus 4G and 5G networks.
Cons: No handset deals, limited extras.
Best for: Price-conscious users who only need a SIM card and decent data.
Pricing: Plans from $15/month for 5GB, up to $45/month for 100GB.
5. Aldi Mobile
Key features: Aldi Mobile offers prepaid and SIM-only plans on the Telstra 4G network, with data from 4GB to 100GB. Plans include unlimited standard calls and texts.
Pros: Affordable, no lock-in, Telstra network reliability.
Cons: No handset contracts, 5G access limited.
Best for: Users wanting cheap, reliable prepaid or SIM-only without frills.
Pricing: From $15/month for 4GB, up to $50/month for 100GB.
6. Boost Mobile
Key features: Boost runs on the Telstra 4G and 5G networks offering prepaid plans with data from 10GB to 150GB. Unlimited standard calls and texts come standard.
Pros: No lock-in, access to Telstra network, good for casual users.
Cons: No handset deals, prepaid only.
Best for: Casual or prepaid users wanting Telstra reliability without contract lock-ins.
Pricing: Plans from $25/month for 10GB to $60/month for 150GB.
7. TPG Mobile
Key features: TPG offers SIM-only plans on the Telstra 4G network with unlimited talk and text and data options from 10GB to 100GB.
Pros: Unlimited calls and texts, no lock-in, reliable coverage.
Cons: No handset deals, 5G access less extensive.
Best for: Users wanting unlimited calls and texts bundled with moderate data on a trusted network.
Pricing: From $20/month for 10GB, $45/month for 100GB.
8. Belong Mobile
Key features: Belong runs on the Telstra 4G and 5G network offering simple plans with data from 10GB to 50GB and unlimited standard calls and texts.
Pros: Straightforward pricing, no lock-in, 5G included.
Cons: No handset options, limited highest data allowance.
Best for: Users wanting simple, fuss-free mobile plans with decent 5G coverage.
Pricing: Plans from $20/month for 10GB to $40/month for 50GB.
9. Lebara Mobile
Key features: Lebara focuses on international call plans on the Vodafone and Optus networks with data allowances from 10GB to 60GB.
Pros: Great for international calls, no lock-in, affordable.
Cons: Coverage not as extensive, no handset deals.
Best for: Users who need cheap international calls paired with moderate data.
Pricing: Plans from $20/month for 10GB, $40/month for 60GB.
10. On The Move Mobile
Key features: On The Move Mobile targets regional Australia with plans on the Telstra network, offering data from 10GB to 100GB and unlimited calls and texts.
Pros: Tailored for regional coverage, reliable Telstra network, no lock-in.
Cons: Limited handset deals, slightly higher prices.
Best for: Regional users needing reliable coverage and no contract lock-ins.
Pricing: SIM-only plans from $30/month for 10GB to $55/month for 100GB.
How We Chose These Mobile Phone Contracts
We looked at the top Australian mobile providers active in 2026, focusing on both SIM-only and pay monthly handset contracts. Coverage was a big factor — Telstra’s network remains the best for reach, while Optus and Vodafone offer strong urban options.
Pricing and plan flexibility mattered too. We included providers offering no lock-in contracts and a range of data options to suit light to heavy users. We checked for extras like unlimited calls/texts, 5G access, and perks such as streaming data inclusions.
We also considered customer feedback on reliability and service. Handset deals were noted where available, but many budget options focus on SIM-only plans to keep costs down.
Final Verdict
For most Australians, Telstra’s pay monthly plans remain the go-to for unmatched coverage and fast 5G, though they come at a premium starting around $45 a month. Urban users who want good value will find Optus a solid choice with competitive data and perks for about $30-$40 monthly.
If you want flexibility without a contract, Vodafone and Amaysim’s SIM-only plans offer generous data and no lock-in, from as low as $25 a month. Those on a budget should consider Aldi Mobile or Boost Mobile for reliable Telstra 4G coverage at lower prices.
Regional users should look at On The Move Mobile for tailored coverage and no lock-in, while international callers may prefer Lebara for affordable overseas calls.
Overall, 2026 brings plenty of choices to fit every budget and usage pattern, whether you want the latest handset on a pay monthly deal or an affordable SIM-only plan with solid data and unlimited calls.
Picking the best mobile phone contract in Australia in 2026 depends on your location, data needs, and budget. Telstra still leads on coverage and reliability but costs more. Optus offers strong urban plans with extras at a better price. Vodafone and Amaysim give no-lock-in SIM-only flexibility. Budget-conscious users have Aldi and Boost as great options, while regional Aussies should check On The Move Mobile. Whichever you choose, ensure the plan matches your typical data use and coverage needs to get the best bang for your buck.
This article was created with AI assistance.
