Compare Mobile Phone Plans | RateCity

Mobile phone users in Australia have a range of different needs and preferences when it comes to their phone usage. For this reason, most network providers offer several different types of mobile phone plans for their customers to choose from.

 The main types of mobile phone plans available include:

• Pre-paid plans: Opting for a pre-paid plan involves purchasing phone credit in advance that provides you with a set amount of call, text, and mobile data usage. The credit will have an expiry date, after which you will need to buy more credit to continue using the service. Pre-paid plans typically do not come with a phone, and you will not be locked into a contract.
• Post-paid plans: Choosing a post-paid plan means that you will sign a contract for a set term (typically 12, 24 or 36 months) and receive a bill at the end of each month throughout this period. The bill will cover call, text, and data usage, as well as a portion of the cost of the phone you select upon signup.
• Sim-only or BYO plans: If you already have a phone or prefer to buy your new device outright, a sim-only plan could be a good option for you. This type of plan works similarly to a post-paid plan in that you will receive a bill at the end of each month, but you won’t be locked into a contract and opt out at any time.

Each type of phone plan comes with its own potential benefits and downfalls. It’s worth weighing these up before deciding which option is best for you.

Pre-paid plans

Pros:

• No lock-in contract means more flexibility
• Paying upfront may allow you more control over your budgeting

Cons:

• Requires you to have a phone or purchase one outright
• May be inconvenient if you forget to buy more credit before it expires

Post-paid plans

Pros:

• Includes the cost of the phone so you don’t have to worry about buying one outright
• Your bill is sent to you for payment each month, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to top up your credit

Cons:

• Likely more expensive month-to-month due to the cost of paying off the phone
• You are locked into a contract which can be inconvenient if your circumstances change

Sim-only or BYO plans

Pros:

• No lock-in contract means more flexibility
• More affordable monthly payments as you won’t be paying off the cost of a phone

Cons:

• Requires you to have a phone or purchase one outright

Most major Australian phone networks, such as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, offer all three of these types of mobile phone plans. Other smaller providers may offer only one or two. 

RateCity’s mobile phone plan comparison table allows you to see which providers offer which types of phone plans, as well as the features they include.

Comparing mobile phone plans and choosing one that best fits your needs will ultimately come down to how you use your mobile phone and what works with your budget, among other things.

Here are some of the key features worth considering when comparing your options: 

• Phone plan type: Choosing between a pre-paid, post-paid or BYO plan is often the best place to start when comparing your options.
• Network connection: Some mobile phone plans will offer 5G network access, while others may only offer 4G. This can also differ between providers. Keep in mind that 5G may only be available in certain locations.
• Data allowance: Consider how often you use your phone’s data and what you use it for – e.g., just to browse the web, checking social media, or maybe even watching YouTube or Netflix on your daily commute. This will help you determine how much data you’ll require on your plan.
• Calls and text: Most providers offer unlimited standard national calls and text on all their plans, but be sure to check the terms and conditions. If you have loved ones or other contacts who live overseas, you may want to compare international calls and text inclusions and costs.
• Advertised cost: The advertised cost is the amount you’ll pay the provider each month. Typically, monthly billing periods range between 28 to 31 days, so it’s worth keeping this in mind when comparing costs.