If you want affordable unlimited data plans in Australia for 2026, this guide has you covered. We’ve ranked the top 10 plans from the big three networks—Telstra, Optus, Vodafone—and the most popular MVNOs like Boost, Aldi Mobile, and Belong. This guide looks at costs, data limits, contract terms, and network quality to help you find a plan that fits your needs, whether that’s wide 5G coverage, strong regional service, or low prices. Here’s a quick snapshot before we dive in.
Quick Comparison Table of Top 10 Mobile Plans
- Telstra Essential: $62/month, 180GB, Telstra network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Optus Choice: $59/month, 200GB, Optus network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Boost Mobile: $40/month, 65GB, Telstra full network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Aldi Mobile: $25/month, 18GB, Telstra network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Belong: $45/month, 180GB, Telstra network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Amaysim: $30/month, 55GB, Optus network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Felix Mobile: $35/month, 80GB, Vodafone network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Woolworths Mobile: $30/month, 40GB, Telstra network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Vodafone: $55/month, 200GB, Vodafone network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
- Spintel: $34/month, 80GB, Optus network, 5G included, unlimited standard calls/texts, no contract
1. Telstra Essential
Telstra Essential is a good choice if you need lots of data and reliable coverage across Australia. For $62 a month, you get 180GB of data with full 5G access and nationwide coverage that’s unmatched, especially in rural and regional areas. Telstra’s network reliability and speed make this ideal if you’re often out of metro zones.
Pros: Best rural/regional coverage, reliable 5G, large data allowance
Cons: Pricier than most MVNOs, no unlimited data (180GB cap)
Best for: Users needing strong coverage outside cities and large data usage
Pricing: $62/month, no lock-in contract
2. Optus Choice
Optus Choice offers 200GB on the Optus network for $59 monthly. It’s a solid pick for metro users who want lots of data and wide 5G coverage. While Optus isn’t as strong in remote areas compared to Telstra, it still covers most urban and suburban zones well.
Pros: Large data allowance, good 5G coverage in cities, competitive price
Cons: Less rural coverage, slightly more expensive than budget MVNOs
Best for: City dwellers who need heaps of data and 5G
Pricing: $59/month, no lock-in contract
3. Boost Mobile
Boost uses Telstra’s network and offers 65GB of data with 5G for $40 monthly. It’s the top budget pick if you want great coverage without paying Telstra prices. Boost includes unlimited standard calls and texts and no contract, making it flexible and affordable.
Pros: Uses Telstra’s network, 5G included, great value
Cons: Data capped at 65GB, no extras like international calls included
Best for: Budget-conscious users wanting top-tier coverage
Basically, pricing: $40/month, no contract
4. Aldi Mobile
Aldi Mobile is the cheapest plan on our list at $25 per month with 18GB of data on Telstra’s network. It includes 5G access and unlimited standard calls and texts. While the data is low for heavy users, Aldi is perfect if you want reliable coverage and just moderate data.
Pros: Cheapest plan, Telstra network, 5G included
Cons: Limited data allowance
Best for: Light users or those who want a backup plan with good coverage
Pricing: $25/month, no contract
5. Belong
Belong is Telstra-owned and offers 180GB for $45 monthly. This strikes a good balance between data and price. It runs on Telstra’s network with 5G included and no lock-in contracts. Belong is a good mid-tier option for those wanting decent data and coverage without the Telstra price tag.
Pros: Large data, Telstra network, 5G included, no contracts
Cons: No extras like international calls
Best for: Mid-level data users wanting Telstra coverage at a fair price
Pricing: $45/month, no contract
6. Amaysim
Here's the thing — amaysim uses the Optus network and offers 55GB plus 5G for $30 a month. It’s one of the better budget Optus plans, giving reasonable data at a low price with no lock-in contract. It includes unlimited standard calls and texts.
Pros: Affordable, 5G included, uses Optus network
Cons: Moderate data only, limited rural coverage vs Telstra
Best for: Budget users in metro areas wanting Optus coverage
Pricing: $30/month, no contract
7. Felix Mobile
Felix Mobile provides 80GB on Vodafone’s network for $35 a month, with 5G and unlimited calls and texts. It’s a solid budget choice on Vodafone, which tends to be cheaper than Telstra and Optus but with more limited coverage outside metro areas.
Pros: Good data allowance for price, 5G included, cheap
Cons: Vodafone’s network weaker in regional areas
Best for: Metro users wanting cheap Vodafone access
Pricing: $35/month, no contract
8. Woolworths Mobile
Woolworths Mobile runs on Telstra’s network and offers 40GB with 5G for $30 a month. It’s a budget-friendly option for those wanting Telstra quality but at a lower price point with moderate data.
Pros: Telstra network, 5G included, affordable
Cons: Data limited to 40GB
Best for: Budget users wanting Telstra’s coverage and moderate data
Pricing: $30/month, no contract
9. Vodafone
Vodafone’s main plan comes with 200GB for $55 a month plus 5G. While Vodafone’s network isn’t as strong in rural zones, they offer great value data allowances in metro regions. Unlimited standard calls and texts are included.
Pros: Large data, 5G included, good price
Cons: Weaker rural coverage
Best for: Heavy data users in metro areas wanting Vodafone network
Pricing: $55/month, no contract
10. Spintel
Spintel offers 80GB on the Optus network for $34 monthly with 5G included. It’s a competitive budget plan with solid data and network access, ideal for mid-level users looking for a no-frills option.
Pros: Good data allowance, 5G included, affordable
Cons: Optus network limitations outside metro
Best for: Budget-conscious metro users wanting Optus coverage
Pricing: $34/month, no contract
How We Chose These Plans
We focused on plans available in Australia for 2026 that offer the best balance of price, data allowance, and network quality—especially those with unlimited or large data bundles. Our top picks include the big three networks—Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone—for their coverage and 5G capabilities. We also included popular MVNOs like Boost, Aldi Mobile, and Belong to highlight budget options that still deliver good network access.
Coverage was a key factor. Telstra still leads for rural and regional Australia, while Optus and Vodafone offer strong metro coverage. We checked which plans include 5G, since it’s standard now for speed and future-proofing. We also looked at contract flexibility, prioritising no lock-in offers so you can switch plans without penalty.
Price was another big factor. MVNOs typically save Australians 30-50% compared to the big three carriers, so we made sure to spotlight those that give the best value for unlimited or near-unlimited data.
Final Verdict
If you’re after Australia’s best coverage, especially outside cities, Telstra Essential at $62/month with 180GB is the way to go.
For big metro data users, Optus Choice’s 200GB for $59/month gives excellent value and speed. But if you want the cheapest way onto the Telstra network with decent data and 5G, Boost Mobile’s $40/month plan is hard to beat.
On a tight budget, Aldi Mobile’s $25/month plan offers 18GB on Telstra’s network with 5G—great for light users. For those who prefer Vodafone’s network, Felix Mobile’s $35/month for 80GB is a solid pick.
Remember: buying a BYO phone plan saves you heaps compared to phone-on-plan deals. And if you’re after unlimited data, be aware many plans have soft caps or reduced speeds after the data limit. Check the fine print on hotspot data and international call inclusions too.
Whatever your needs, these 10 plans cover the best options for 2026—mixing price, data, and coverage so you can stay connected without paying over the odds.
Telstra remains the leader for rural and regional coverage, with Optus close behind in metro areas. Vodafone and its MVNOs offer cheaper options but with more limited coverage outside cities. MVNOs on the Telstra network like Boost and Aldi Mobile provide excellent value, often saving 30-50% over big carriers. For unlimited data lovers, plans with 180-200GB monthly data are the sweet spot in 2026. Check your coverage needs, data usage, and budget to pick the best plan—and consider a BYO phone deal to cut costs further. The cheapest unlimited data plans are out there if you know where to look.
This article was created with AI assistance.
