The ultimate guide to finding the cheapest NBN plan in Australia

While some cut back on avo toast and the brunch of it all (how Anthony Bourdain of you!), others are opting for at-home espresso instead of iced lattes. Pretty responsible stuff when it feels like you’re paying $1 per ice cube (they’re not even magical). It’s saving something, but not changing much.

But we raise you one unexpected expense… When was the last time you checked in to your internet plan? The average internet bill per month in Australia is $85, which works out to be $1020 a year. That’s a lot of magic ice cubes. Especially when cheaper, reliable options exist.

Getting a cheap internet plan shouldn't mean dealing with constant dropouts, hidden fees or a support line that puts you on hold. It should just mean paying less for the same reliable connection. Here's how to find it.

What to look for in a budget-friendly nbn™ plan

Speed vs. Cost: Finding the sweet spot

The biggest mistake budget-conscious internet shoppers make is paying for speed they don't need. Here's the breakdown:

For a single renter:

nbn® 25 or nbn® 50 is almost always sufficient. If you're streaming, browsing and video calling of the leisurely variety, not gaming competitively or uploading large files, there won’t be a huge noticeable difference to higher tiers.

It will still depend on your lifestyle and how many devices you're running. Single renters with multiple smart home devices or who are avid gamers will need a higher nbn® tier.

For a couple:

nbn® 50 is the sweet spot. One can still stream the NBA Playoffs, while the other streams Running Point; they can still work from home and run a handful of smart devices. A couple can comfortably sit on 50 Mbps without paying for headroom they won't use.

However, the same caveat applies as above. For couples with many devices or running security cameras, there will be bandwidth issues on nbn® 50.

The deal on data allowances: Do you really need unlimited?

Short answer: yes, and here's why…

Streaming is on the up

The average Australian nbn user downloaded around 423GB per month in 2025. That’s more than 50 per cent compared to three years ago.

It’s the equivalent of streaming The Office on repeat for approximately 708 hours. That is how long it would take Michael Scott to say "that's what she said" 14,000 times (don’t quote us on the maths!)

Working from home/couch/kitchen needs reliability

And it's only going up. More than half of Australians are working from home at least weekly, with 35 per cent doing it daily.

And it’s only increasing…

Average households now have 25 connected devices, and that number is expected to hit 44 in 2030.

The solution?

A plan that looks cheap at $49 per month becomes expensive quickly if you're paying $10 per extra 10GB. Bill shock from data overage is one of the most common telco complaints in Australia…and entirely avoidable.

We say no more to the mid-month panic check. That’s why Superloop includes unlimited data on every plan. We prefer our surprises when they’re sparkly gold, not in high bill form.

Compare our cheapest nbn® Plans

Here's a straightforward look at what Superloop's entry-level plans include:

Please note: All prices listed in this article are accurate at time of publication and subject to change. For up-to-date pricing, head to our nbn® plan page.

Hidden costs to avoid when switching broadband providers

Setup fees and modem costs

A plan that advertises $49 a month can quickly become $49 plus a $99 setup fee plus a $199 modem if you're not paying attention.

Here are a few things to check before signing up:

• Setup or activation fees — some providers charge $0, others charge up to $99

• Modem costs — if you already own a compatible modem, BYO (Bring Your Own) options save you the hardware cost entirely

• Technician call-out fees — standard installations are typically free, but some providers charge for new connections or hardware changes

Superloop supports BYO modem on all plans. If your current modem is compatible, you're not paying for new hardware you don't need.

Or if you want a shiny upgrade, including the Amazon eero 7 or eero PRO 7, that option is there too on selected plans. We’re all about making your life easier.

Lock-in contracts

A lock-in contract on an internet plan is almost never in your favour. It removes your ability to switch if:

• A better deal becomes available

• Your circumstances change (moving house, losing income)

• Your provider's service deteriorates and you want to leave

Month-to-month contracts give you the flexibility to leave without penalty, which is also what keeps providers honest. If you can leave, they have to give you a reason to stay.

Superloop operates on no lock-in contracts across all plans. You stay because the service is worth it, not because you have to.

How to switch your nbn® plan today

Switching internet providers sounds complicated. It isn't. Here's the full process:

Step 1: Check your address

Enter your address to confirm availability and see the plans available to you.

Step 2: Choose your plan

Pick the speed tier that matches your actual usage, not the fastest one, not the cheapest one, the right one. The comparison table above is a good starting point.

Step 3: Sign up online

The sign-up process takes around 10 minutes. Have your address and payment details ready.

Step 4: Superloop handles the transfer

If you're moving your existing nbn® connection from another provider, Superloop coordinates the transfer directly with nbn®. In most cases, there is zero downtime and your connection switches over without interruption.

Step 5: Return your old provider's equipment (if applicable)

If your previous provider supplied a modem, check their return policy. Most provide a prepaid satchel.

That's it. No technician required for most transfers.

Compare Superloop's cheapest nbn® plans

Unlimited data, no lock-in contracts and award-winning customer support according to Productreview.com.au…what’s not to love.

Compare plans and check your address at Superloop today.