best nbn plans

Best nbn plans in Australia compared

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Best NBN® Plans in Australia Compared

The best NBN plans in Australia are compared to help you make an informed decision. Before choosing an nbn plan for your home internet, it’s important to review the speed, network performance and pricing plans of the various providers in Australia. It’s also important to consider items such as customer service and if your provider operates an Australian based support centre or an overseas operation.

As Australians increasingly rely on fast and reliable internet for work, education, and entertainment, the National Broadband Network (nbn) continues to play a pivotal role in connecting homes across the country. With a multitude of plans available, navigating the nbn landscape can be overwhelming. This article aims to simplify the process by comparing some of the most popular and best nbn plans currently on the market.

Understanding nbn Speeds

nbn plans are classified into various speed tiers, ranging from Basic I (NBN 12) to Premium (NBN 250 and NBN 1000). The right plan depends largely on your household’s internet usage. For light users, such as those who primarily browse the web or stream in standard definition, NBN 12 (Basic I) may suffice. In contrast, larger households with multiple devices and heavy streaming needs may require higher-tier plans.

Here’s a breakdown of the different NBN speed tiers:

1. NBN 12 (Basic I)

  • Download Speed: Up to 12 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 1 Mbps
  • Best For: Light users who mainly browse the web, check emails, and stream standard-definition video. Suitable for one or two users.

2. NBN 25 (Basic II)

  • Download Speed: Up to 25 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 5 Mbps
  • Best For: Households with moderate usage. Supports streaming in standard definition, video calls, and online gaming for a few users.

3. NBN 50 (Standard)

  • Download Speed: Up to 50 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 20 Mbps
  • Best For: Larger households with multiple devices. Suitable for streaming in high definition, online gaming, and working from home.

4. NBN 100 (Fast)

  • Download Speed: Up to 100 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 40 Mbps
  • Best For: Heavy users who frequently stream in 4K, play online games, and download large files. Ideal for households with several users and devices.

5. NBN 250 (Superfast)

  • Download Speed: Up to 250 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 25 Mbps
  • Best For: Very heavy usage and large households. Suitable for multiple simultaneous 4K streams, intensive gaming, and extensive downloading.

6. NBN 1000 (Ultrafast)

  • Download Speed: Up to 1000 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 50 Mbps
  • Best For: Power users and very large households. This tier supports multiple 4K streams, high-speed file transfers, and is optimal for businesses or tech-savvy users.

Key Considerations

  • Actual Speeds: The speeds listed are theoretical maximums; actual speeds may vary due to network congestion, the quality of the connection, and the type of technology used (FTTP, FTTN, etc.).
  • Usage Needs: Choosing the right tier depends on your internet habits, the number of users in your household, and the types of activities you engage in online.
  • Future-Proofing: If you anticipate increased usage or additional devices in the future, opting for a higher speed tier might be beneficial.

Understanding these tiers can help you select the best nbn plan for your needs, ensuring you have a reliable and efficient internet connection.

Top NBN Service Providers by market share

The ACCC releases a quarterly report to provide an overview of the market share of the various providers. The most recent report released on 27 August 2024 for the June 2024 quarter shows the market share of providers below:

  • Telstra – 39.4%
  • TPG – 20.5%
  • Optus – 12.6%
  • Aussie Broadband – 8.9%
  • Vocus Group – 8.5%
  • Others – 10.2%

As you can see, the market is dominated by the big 3 players – Telstra, TPG and Optus with a combined 72.5% share of the market. However, if you look outside the big 3 players there is better value and superior customer support to be found. Consider Cmobile for example:

Cmobile is an Australian Telecommunications provider that offers both mobile phone and nbn internet plans. With Australian based, award winning customers support they offer some of the lowest cost plans in the market with no lock-in contracts.

NBN Plans Compared

In this comparison, we compare the 4 largest players by marketshare – Telstra, TPG, Optus and Aussie Broadband with an emerging challenger Cmobile.

Comparison of service from Product Review

Firstly, we compare the 5 providers on customer service and suppport from Product Review:

Next, we review the 4 most popular and best NBN plans by speed tier:

1. NBN 25 Basic Plan

2. NBN 50 Standard  Plan

3. NBN 100 Fast Plan

4. NBN 250 Superfast Plan

Factors to Consider

When choosing an NBN plan, consider the following:

  • Speed Requirements: Assess your household’s internet needs. Streaming, gaming, and multiple users all demand higher speeds.
  • Contract Length: Some plans offer month-to-month contracts, providing flexibility, while others may require a longer commitment.
  • Customer Service: Reliable customer support is essential for troubleshooting any issues that arise.
  • Promotions and Extras: Some providers hide the real price by offering introductory prices that generally last for 6 months. It’s important to compare the actual cost after any introductory offer.

Conclusion

You can save a considerable amount by switching your nbn plan to Cmobile. In these challenging cost of living times, it’s important to save money where you can. Cmobile is the cheapest provider across most of the 4 plans compared, and is at least $20 per month cheaper than the biggest provider – Telstra across every plan. With superior Product Review scores, you can save lots and get better service with a smaller provider such as Cmobile.

With various of the best nbn plans available, finding the right one for your needs is crucial. Whether you’re a casual user or a heavy data consumer, there’s a plan out there that suits your lifestyle and budget. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about your options will ensure you make the best choice for your home internet needs.

In summary of best nbn plans in australia compared

Before you choose your nbn provider, compare the best NBN plans, pricing, typical peak time speeds as well as the service and support you can expect. You can save lots of money avoiding the major Telcos and going with an Aussie owned Telco such as Cmobile.