Best Internet Providers in Australia

Reliable internet is a must-have in today’s world. WiFi is a crucial aspect of daily life whether you work from home, live in a student house, or have a big family with older kids. Ensuring you get the best plan usually means trawling all the internet providers in Australia to see how to get the best for your money. 

Not today. This article covers the best internet providers in Australia, making it much easier to pick the perfect one for your needs.

Review the various home wireless broadband plans, the different NBN speed tiers, and the typical evening speeds you can expect from these internet service providers. Save money, explore the cheapest plans, and find the best provider in Australia. Let’s get started.

What Types of Internet Services Are There in Australia?

Australia has multiple internet connection types that have evolved over its history. Because of its sheer size and population spread, it takes time for the latest tech to roll out nationwide. This results in several different connection styles intended for different types of internet. Let’s review the most common internet connection types across the country.

ADSL Connections

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) internet uses copper phone lines from dial-up internet to provide efficient speeds. Not many areas still use ADSLs, but some internet providers do offer the right plans for ADSL users.

The most significant drawback of using ADSL internet is that its slower service has a cap of around 24 Mbps download speeds and 2 Mbps upload speeds. As a result, many internet providers have abandoned ADSL broadband plans as the faster NBN progresses.

NBN Plans

The Australian government started rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN) in 2010 to increase the Australian competition for internet providers and improve the quality of the broadband available. Since then, it has covered enough ground to provide high-speed internet to more than 12 million properties. The NBN uses the preexisting copper cables from phone lines and fibre networks to reach speeds in excess of 100 Mbps.

NBN plans use numerous connection types, including Fibre to the Building (FTTB), Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), Fibre to the Node/Neighbourhood (FTTN) and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), to provide internet to as many locations as possible. 

NBN internet plans are typically more expensive than an ADSL connection, but they are reliable and flexible for any household’s needs. Below are the different NBN speed tiers.

NBN Speed	Description
NBN 25	The Standard Evening Speed is ideal for smaller households with basic internet requirements, such as internet browsing, moderate online streaming in SD, and online gaming. Average speeds (7-11pm) for NBN 25 are 25 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload.
NBN 50	The Standard Plus Evening Speed is for busier households as it can accommodate more browsing, video streaming in HD on 2 devices at once, and responsive gaming. Typical speeds (7-11pm) are 50 Mbps download and 17 Mbps upload.
NBN 100	Before the latest speed add-ons (Superfast and Ultrafast), NBN 100 was the fastest speed tier in Australia. Typical speeds (7-11pm) are 100 Mbps download and also 17 Mbps upload. It’s fit for big households and can even accommodate 4K streaming.
NBN 250	Only available to FTTP and most HFC customers, the Superfast NBN has typical download speeds of 250 Mbps, which means it’s great for larger households who need to use the internet to browse, video-call, play online games, stream in HD and Ultra HD, download, and upload files, all at the same time.
NBN 1000	Aptly called the Ultrafast, it’s currently the fastest speed tier offered in Australia. While this speed plan might be too much for those who have no need for something this lightning-fast, the advent of streaming, gaming, and the arrival of 8K technology makes the NBN 1000 add-on plan an appealing option for many. Telstra is one of the providers in Australia that offers the Ultrafast plan, alongside Aussie Broadband and Superloop.

HFC Internet

Hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) is a type of cable internet that often works in conjunction with NBN fibre cables to create a middle ground between high-speed NBNs and the slower ADSL broadband lines. HFC carries radio signals for internet and digital TV services like Foxtel that use lots of data.

The hybrid fibre-coaxial and fibre optic cables equal a service that can reach the same 100 Mbps download speeds of NBN plans. However, HFC plans are usually closer to 50 Mbps because of the limited capabilities of the cables and their hardware.

Top 10 Internet Providers in Australia?

Australia has numerous internet service providers to choose from, but which is the best internet provider Australia has to offer? This list covers essential information about ten of the biggest broadband companies in the country. It covers NBN providers in Australia, their NBN plans, and other services like mobile phone plans and ADSL internet plans. Review their pros and cons and decipher which providers are the best in the nation.

1. Southern Phone

Southern Phone is a carbon-neutral company that has been delivering high-speed internet since 2002. They have plans with NBN and ADSL lines, making them highly accessible for many Australians. As well as having flexible internet plans for different connection types, Southern Phone also offers deals and bundles on services like mobile broadband plans for their customers.

Southern Phone focuses on providing affordable internet and mobile phone plans, particularly to rural and regional Australia. Because of this, Southern Phone offers internet connections with NBN plans and 4G mobile plans that get steady service in the cities and at the very edge of the grid. The only areas where Southern Phone has little coverage are areas where the NBN still needs to roll out.

Southern Phone plans also come with no lock-in contracts, whether a phone or internet plan. Enough plans are available to meet every price point and user style, but rural customers might prefer the SkyMuster satellite broadband service. SkyMuster provides internet in remote locations – it’s affordable but relatively slow. However, Southern Phone also offers high-speed internet, where users can easily download and stream 4K videos.

Pros:

• Far-reaching
• Australia-based customer support
• Comprehensive bundles

Cons

• Limited features
• Expensive 5G plans
• Bundles without extras

2. MATE

MATE is an Aussie broadband provider that recently joined the trend of other providers and started offering mobile plans with 4G and 5G. Several MATE NBN plans are also available at different speed tiers and price points. None of the contracts with MATE have lock-in contracts, and customers can also rest easy without a setup fee. The 4G and 5G coverage MATE offers come from the Telstra network, reaching most of the country.

MATE offers great value for money with its NBN plans that combine speed and pricing for competitive products. Customers looking for simple plans that don’t break the bank should review MATE’s internet plans for their latest deals. Arguably the biggest selling point of MATE is its impeccable customer service. It’s Australia-based, making it simple to resolve any issues customers face when setting up their broadband. With both live chat and phone options, customers are constantly satisfied.

The best way for customers to test if MATE is the right internet provider is to take advantage of their risk-free guarantee. Users can sign up and pay for MATE internet access for a month. If they decide not to keep their MATE plan, they receive a full refund without question. MATE’s cheapest NBN plan carries an evening speed tier of around 24 Mbps. While it isn’t too fast, it’s ideal for those with minimal internet needs and a budget to keep.

Pros

• Committed to customer satisfaction
• One-month trial available
• Unlimited data on all plans

Cons

• Weaker mobile plans
• Fewer offers than other providers
• Mid-tier speeds on cheaper plans

3. Moose

Moose carries SIM plans for mobile broadband and home wireless broadband. This internet provider has NBN plans, and mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) plans to offer mobile and internet plans at various speed tiers. Moose started as Moose Mobile and is a relatively new provider of internet plans. Like many other internet providers, their plans all include unlimited data and no lock-in contracts.

Moose customers can switch between NBN plans to find the best NBN for them without paying fees or buying out contracts. Reliable, inexpensive internet plans are available with Moose and Moose Mobile. This provider’s SIM plans receive unlimited high-speed data options that are perfect for keeping in touch on the go. Moose offers SIM plans, and NBN plans, separately.

Moose’s NBN plans are ideal for streaming, offering a fast internet connection that isn’t realistically achievable with the cheapest NBN plans from the provider. Moose Mobile frequently offers discounts and deals for new users, whether they’re joining the broadband service with their own modem or buying one from this NBN provider.

Pros

• Flexible prices and speeds
• Excellent mobile broadband plans
• High customer satisfaction

Cons

• Lacking features
• Expensive high-speed plans
• No loyalty rewards

4. Dodo

Dodo Broadband is one Aussie provider offering NBN and ADSL plans to its users. One of the biggest positives of Dodo is its extensive range of bundles that combine various services into a single price. For example, Fetch TV is a component of many Dodo bundles, making it very appealing for streamers. Dodo’s NBN speeds are also very competitive on the Aussie broadband scene.

The Vocus Group owns Dodo, meaning it has access to incredibly fast speeds and a reliable internet connection for its customers. Because of Dodo’s far-reaching servers, they’re an easy company for new users to switch to and still get steady service. Even with these great features, Dodo is one of the more affordable ADSL and NBN providers.

Dodo loves bundles, and they’re happy to combine gas and electricity with internet plans for a lower total bill than paying for each separately. This NBN provider always offers new customers heaps of deals, including unlimited data as standard and frequent discounts.

Pros

• No lock-in contracts
• Excellent bundles
• Fetch TV add-on

Cons

• Upfront fee for new modems
• Non-Australian support
• Mixed customer satisfaction reports

5. iPrimus

iPrimus started as an American company but is now a completely Aussie broadband provider. This provider is one of the few with its own dedicated ADSL network, perfect for areas still waiting for NBN access. However, iPrimus is still an NBN provider with various plans that are suitable for more parts of the country.

Another provider owned by the Vocus Group, iPrimus makes it easy to compile accounts like Netflix and Fetch TV into a single location. They continuously improve their services to support their ever-growing customer base. Recently, iPrimus rolled out mobile broadband plans and streaming services to its bundle internet plans. In line with the latest tech, the mobile deals from iPrimus use 5G for extra speed.

iPrimus is one of the biggest Aussie broadband companies around, providing various NBN speed tiers and mobile internet options for customers nationwide. As a provider, iPrimus utilises the NBN Fibre Connect Program to identify if users are eligible for free NBN upgrades with fibre optic cable. iPrimus is a relatively mid-range provider in terms of its prices, but it can produce speeds that compete with those offered by premium providers like Optus and Telstra.

Pros

• Top-tier mobile internet
• Enticing bundles and packages
• Variable packages

Cons

• Modems are only free with a 12-month commitment
• Upfront fees
• Expensive compared to some providers

6. Optus

This NBN provider is another one of the biggest competitors in the nation. Optus is the second-largest wireless broadband provider, offering numerous internet plans at various price points. Gamers and streamers love Optus because its higher tiers provide exceptional speed and reliability. It also has a Game Path™ feature that improves the performance of many online games.

Unlimited data is standard with all of Optus’ internet plans. Their bundles are essentially unmatched for the level of content they can provide. The sheer size of a company like Optus allows it to deliver features that smaller providers can’t offer. Combining mobile contracts and phone lines into broadband bills is easier and – often – cheaper with Optus’ bundles.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) tested Optus’ download speeds and graded their average speeds as some of the fastest across Australia. The most basic plan offered by Optus has typical evening speeds of 50 Mbps, while its fastest plan, Optus Plus Ultrafast, offers a broadband connection with download speeds of 1000 Mbps.

Pros

• Extensive bundles
• Faster speeds than many providers
• Frequent savings and deals

Cons

• Expensive broadband
• Customer service is lacking
• Fewer perks than some competitors

7. Superloop

Superloop is an Aussie broadband service provider with unlimited internet plans, including a Lightning speed plan with evening download speeds of 600 Mbps. Choosing an NBN plan with Superloop means getting excellent speeds at competitive pricing compared to other service providers. Superloop is more stripped-back than many NBN providers in Australia, bringing few features to the foreground.

Despite the lacking features, Superloop delivers reliable speeds and appropriate pricing regardless of the speed tier. While other companies offer a broader range of services, Superloop focuses on perfecting its NBN plans. For customers looking for an internet plan that doesn’t break the bank and relies on NBN services, Superloop fits the bill quite well.

Superloop also has the My Speed Boost™ feature enabled on each internet plan it offers. This lets customers increase their internet speed tier for 24 hours five times each month. Weekend gamers and streamers wanting to catch the big game will love this helpful feature.

Pros

• My Speed Boost™ feature
• Compelling sign-up deals
• Reliable speeds

Cons

• Lacking features
• Middling support features
• Only NBN plans

8. Telstra

Telstra is arguably Australia’s biggest broadband provider and telecom company, owning a majority stake in the NBN system. Landline plans, mobile phone networks, and internet services are the backbone of Telstra’s business. Telstra owns significant shares in Foxtel, allowing it to bundle Foxtel products in many of its internet plans and create a more compelling plan for customers.

Customers can expect to find the ideal broadband for next-gen gaming, streaming high-quality movies and TV shows, and combining satellite broadcasting with reliable streaming capabilities. Of course, all of these features come at a cost. Telstra has some of the most expensive plans on the Aussie broadband market, with add-ons and channel packs that bump the price up even more.

While Telstra is expensive, it’s less of an internet service provider and more of a general entertainment hub. Its Foxtel Premium Package includes every channel pack Foxtel offers, including movies, sports, drama, comedy, music, and many more. With Telstra, you get what you pay for, both in quality and quantity. It’s ideal for someone wanting to compile their online services into a single, large bill.

Pros

• Heaps of features
• Tons of streaming capability
• Exclusive offers

Cons

• Expensive
• Modem is only free with a two-year commitment
• Mixed customer satisfaction reviews

9. Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband is an NBN provider that brings plenty to the table. The ACCC rated them as the fastest broadband provider in 2017, and they continue to rank well today. As well as NBN plans, Aussie Broadband offers mobile broadband plans, each with unlimited data as standard. They make the top 10 internet providers list partly because of how popular they are with customers.

One reason customer satisfaction is so high with Aussie Broadband is because of their Ultrafast speed tier. This NBN speed makes it one of a few providers to reach a 600 Mbps typical evening speed. Furthermore, CHOICE voted Aussie Broadband as the nation’s Best NBN Provider in 2021, cementing its enduring popularity with customers. Even the Standard Evening Speed plan reaches a typical evening speed of 25 Mbps, making it perfectly suitable for small households and individuals living alone.

Aussie Broadband also breaks the mould by offering an internet plan specifically targeted at seniors. It can be challenging for older citizens to find the right NBN plan for them, and it’s easy to be scammed into overpaying for their needs. Aussie Broadband makes choosing an internet plan simple and fair, offering plans with speeds and prices that suit a senior’s internet and mobile phone usage.

Pros

• High customer satisfaction
• Senior-friendly bundles
• 100% Australian-based

Cons

• More expensive than similar options
• Mixed customer service reviews
• Potentially high installation fees

10. Exetel

The last Aussie broadband provider on this list is Exetel. It’s one of the cheapest providers to offer NBN speed tiers. Like most other providers, they have flexible contracts, so customers are free to switch up their plans as they wish.

Unlimited data is another pull to Exetel, using their IPv6 network in all modems to improve scalability and speed. Exetel offers speed checks for anyone connected with FTTN, FTTC, or FTTN NBN technology, ensuring customers know what speed they get. If customers find their speed is not up to standard with the tariff they pay, Exetel will happily downgrade their service and refund the price difference.

Exetel has made itself ideal for the modern age because of the My Exetel app. It’s easy for customers to manage their Exetel services, monitor their usage and pay their bills. Easily accessible management methods like this are great for young adults living alone for the first time.

Pros

• Unlimited data
• Comprehensive speed checks
• Australian-owned

Cons

• Price point is high for service
• Varied speeds
• No live chat available for support

How to Choose the Right Internet Service Provider for You

With all these Aussie broadband providers on the scene, each offering compelling features like unlimited data and flexible contracts, choosing the best internet provider is challenging. However, a few factors can help customers make the best decision for their needs.

Location

Where you’re located impacts the options you have for internet providers. Rural areas generally have fewer options, and the NBN rollout has been criticised for taking too long to reach certain areas. 

Instead, remote locations might have to rely on the strength of an ADSL plan that works in their area. The most significant disadvantage of this internet connection type is that it’s significantly slower than NBN plans. Ideally, customers stuck in these locations with few options will have less need for high WiFi speeds. 

Those who need reliable WiFi for working from home or staying in contact with friends and family most likely live in areas with access to better internet plans. For example, customers based in urban areas or even rural locations with strong NBN connections can choose from any number of providers to ensure they get the service they need.

Speed Requirements

Overpaying for WiFi is never worth it. Customers should consider the size of their home, household members, and requirements before choosing an internet provider. Families with older children where lots of people use the internet simultaneously need faster speeds to keep up.

Equally, online gamers require a strong, reliable connection to prevent lag. Small families, couples, and individuals living alone can benefit from paying less for their internet while still getting the needed speed.

Budget

Customers must decide their budget before being faced with an extortionate internet bill they can’t pay. Some providers are definitely more affordable than others, so it’s crucial that customers decide how much they can spend on their internet bill before they settle on a plan. Some providers offer appealing introductory discounts, but customers shouldn’t join a temporarily lowered plan unless the higher tariff that comes later is also within budget.

Extras and Bundles

One final aspect to consider is the possibility of bundling various services together and taking advantage of different extras that numerous providers offer. For example, Dodo offers bundles with gas, electric, and internet plans consolidated into a single bill. Some customers may prefer the bundles available at providers like Telstra, bringing entertainment packs that extend the options for streaming movies and TV.

All in all, choosing an internet service provider is a complex process involving numerous factors. However, thanks to the increased competition offered by the NBN, customers can find the right provider for them. If you’d like to learn more about the best internet providers in Australia, check out our broadband reviews page.

Best Internet Provider in Australia FAQs

Check out our take on some of the most commonly-asked questions about the best internet provider in Australia.