Cheap as chips mobile plans
Big plans, big data for under $30 a month
- Up to 50% off mobile plans
- Generous data for a low cost
- Switch when a better deal comes along (and keep on saving!)
Common questions about cheap phone plans
What is the definition of a cheap phone plan?
Any phone plan which costs less than $30 per month is generally regarded as a cheap phone plan. We’ve used that definition across this page.
We’ve also included some that are just over $30 so you can see what the next “level up” in plan costs looks like. Happy shopping!
Which plans under $30 have the most data?
We’ve included a bunch of low-cost plans with a variety of data amounts. You might only need 10GB a month, or you might need 80, depending on how you use your phone.
If you use your phone for work, streaming and playing games, you’ll need a lot more data than someone who’s mostly hooked up to Wi-Fi and only uses data to scroll Insta while waiting for a bubble tea.
Do you recommend small brands with cheap prices?
Yes. Most Australian prepaid plans have entry level price points of less than $30 per month. We do recommend them – often in fact.
Often MVNOs (the smaller carriers like Boost and felix) have better deals than the big guys like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
Some are even owned by the big names, but have more basic offerings which keeps the prices down (and still suit most people!).
What features are missing from cheap plans?
Honestly, plans are so good these days that you won’t miss out on much.
Cheap plans will still generally come with unlimited national calls and texts, data and maybe a couple of extras like international minutes.
Other extras like roaming can usually be added on when you want it, but remember not all brands offer roaming. If it’s important to you, check before you buy.
What's good
- Small companies are often cheaper than Telstra, Optus & Vodafone
- Great variety of cheap plans with unlimited talk and text
- Most people find they can spend $10 to $20 per month
What's bad
- Some offers are only for new customers
- Not a good fit for high-end data users
- 4G & 5G speeds may be capped
What's your opinion on cheap plans from small brands?
We’re big fans of cheap plans because they’re what the majority of Aussies want. We also know too many people pay too much for their phone plan. They have too much data, don’t use the extras and don’t shop around.
I’ve used many, many cheap plans from small brands and have yet to have a poor experience. In fact, smaller brands can actually be easier to deal with because they usually only have one product and focus on loads of deals and discounts.
Big telcos like Telstra are juggling a zillion services at once and have big, exxy offers packed with things most Aussies don’t need.
All we’re saying is that a little bit of comparison can save you hundreds over a year of phone plan payments. That’s a big win. 🏆
Cheap plans: a quick overview
You can get phone plans as cheap as $10 per month. Some providers might also include 50% discounts for several months if you’re a new customer.
However, the advice we give on this page does not include introductory offers and makes clear where additional charges might catch you out.
Note: When you compare mobile phone plans, you need to consider the number of days they’re active for. We say ‘a month’ here but some plans may have 28 day expiries, 30 day expiries (prepaid plans) or be postpaid plans which renew on the same day each calendar month.
You can use these tips when you’re comparing phone plans:
- Be realistic about what you use:
Consider how much data you realistically use. Try to avoid paying for more data than you use.
- Be prepared to try something new:
We make recommendations on this page around prepaid plans and plans from small phone companies. These sorts of plans tend to offer better value than the big brands you might have felt an affinity for purely because they were the first on the scene.
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How are these plans so cheap?
Telcos are adding more data and features to attract people like you to their plans. A big win for us!
Along with extra data, you’ll also find cheap plans can come with other perks:
- Lower entry points:
Some plans are targeted at the youth market with a ‘pocket money’ spending point, but also work for anyone - New phone companies have entered the market:
Small providers such as amaysim and TPG are adding innovative features and better value to the mix, particularly with data. Keep an eye out for half-price discounts.
Coverage has also improved Optus, Telstra and Vodafone continue pouring billions of dollars into network infrastructure.
- Network investments:
The enormous investments from big names like Optus and Vodafone have made 4G and 5G accessible to more people at lower prices. On a cheap phone plan, you’re likely to get similar network coverage as anyone on a more expensive version.
What you won’t get with a cheap plan
Of course, cheap plans can’t include all the extras of the premium plans. Here’s what you might not get:
- You’ll probably have to pay extra for International calls:
The cost of international calls in phone plans has reduced in recent years, but if you’re on WiFi you can use WhatsApp to call overseas.
- No entertainment services:
Content and entertainment in phone plans is an increasingly prevalent inclusion. Most Aussie’s have a few streaming service subscriptions so this has been phased out. - No roaming access:
If you’re planning on using your phone overseas, you might not get the same extras with a smaller player. But, you may be able to add on a roaming pack, or you can look at eSIMs available for international travel if you’re a real globetrotter.
The secret to good value is in smaller brands
All brands use a network belonging to either Telstra, Optus or Vodafone. So, no matter which brand you use, you’ll be getting pretty amazing coverage and reliability.
The difference is the cost. Smaller companies don’t have the foot the bill for upgrading, expanding and maintaining the network, and they pass the savings onto you.
No matter the size or brand recognition, all phone plan providers are regulated in the same way. Australia has a decently safe system to keep you from being ripped off.
Other great things about small phone providers
- You can keep your phone number.
If you want to move to a smaller phone company, you’ll be able to take your phone number with you.
- They mostly sell month-to-month agreements.
Smaller phone companies tend to offer SIM-Only plans – either prepaid plans or postpaid SIM-Only. These are almost always month-to-month agreements, which means you can easily switch plans when your expiry date arrives.
- Better online self service:
Smaller phone companies tend to have fewer brick-and-mortar stores. Instead, they tend to invest heavily in their Self Service apps and online portals. As a result, customers often find that they can resolve their service issues themselves without needing a call centre.
- They’re cheap!
We don’t want to keep yammering on about this, but we encourage everyone to compare from a range of brands. Sticking with Telstra, Optus or Vodafone because they’re “big” or “safe” means you could be massively overpaying for what you actually use. They’re good brands, but there are so many others to choose from too.
Keeping your cheap phone plan under $30 per month
When you get a cheap phone plan, you’re going to want to avoid those extra data charges. Here are the steps we’d recommend.
- Use your phone company’s Self Service App:
Downloading and installing a phone company app is easy and helps you track your data usage, buy any extra services, and turn off auto-renewal.
- Track your usage, especially data:
Both Android and iOS phones now allow you to measure your data usage through their settings. Or, again, you can use the app from your phone company. Here’s why it’s important. - Use WiFi calling apps like WhatsApp and Skype.
- Use WiFi for data where possible.
It’s a good idea to tune into Wi-Fi wherever you can (safely) and use home Wi-Fi to download any movies you want to watch.
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