Cheapest SIM-Only Plans Australia 2026 — Under $49/Month

Updated April 2026 · 5 min read

The average Australian is still paying $55–70/month to Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone directly. They don't have to. MVNOs — smaller providers that rent the exact same network infrastructure — offer plans that are just as reliable for a fraction of the price. Here's where the real bargains are in 2026.

Potential annual saving vs major carrier
$480–$600
Based on switching from a $70/month Telstra plan to a $20–$49 MVNO on the same network

The Best Plans Under $49/Month Right Now

Boost Mobile — $49/28 days for 30 GB (125 GB first recharge SALE)

Boost sits above the $49 threshold but earns its spot here because of the Telstra network coverage and data value. New customers get 125 GB on their first recharge for just $17 (a limited-time SALE ending April 20), then ongoing plans step down to 30 GB at $49/28 days (rising to 45 GB from May 5, 2026). You get uncapped speeds and data rollover. For anyone who needs Telstra's unmatched regional coverage, Boost is still solid. The 28-day billing cycle means you'll pay 13 times a year rather than 12.

Best for: Heavy data users who need Telstra coverage, or anyone travelling regional Australia.

Amaysim — $30/month for 32 GB

Amaysim's value is hard to ignore. 32 GB on Optus for $30/month is one of the strongest data-per-dollar ratios in the market. International calls are included on most plans, which saves money for anyone who regularly calls overseas. A strong pick for moderate users who want solid value without stretching the budget.

Best for: Moderate to heavy users who want solid data at a fair price.

Felix Mobile — $40/mo

Felix offers genuinely unlimited data at $40/month on Vodafone's 4G/5G network (capped at 40Mbps). It's competitive for truly unlimited data and a strong option for heavy users. If you know you're a heavy user and the $40 ongoing rate works for your budget, Felix is worth serious consideration.

Best for: Heavy users, remote workers, and people who use mobile as a home broadband substitute.

Tip: Annual prepaid plans often cut monthly costs by 10–20% compared to rolling monthly. Both Amaysim and Boost offer annual options — worth checking if you know you'll stick with a provider for 12 months.

Compare current prices across all providers — updated regularly.

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What's the Catch With Cheap SIM Plans?

The honest answer: there are a few genuine trade-offs, but most people never notice them.

Customer support

MVNOs don't have retail stores. Support is via online chat or phone. For most billing or SIM issues this is fine, but if you need in-person help, you'll need to go to a Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone store — which won't service a competitor's account.

Network priority

During peak congestion, some MVNOs operate at lower priority than the parent carrier's own customers. In practice this means very occasional slowdowns during busy periods in dense areas. Most users never experience this as a problem.

Fewer perks

Major carriers bundle extras like entertainment subscriptions, roaming deals, or loyalty rewards. MVNOs strip these out to offer lower base prices. If you use those perks, factor them into your true cost comparison.

How Much Could You Save by Switching?

A typical Telstra postpaid plan with 50 GB runs around $65/month. Amaysim's $30 plan with 32 GB on Optus saves $420/year. Felix's $40 unlimited plan saves $490/year versus a comparable Telstra unlimited plan. The savings compound quickly — over three years, switching could mean over $1,000 back in your pocket for equivalent or better service.

How to Switch Without Losing Your Number

  1. Choose your new plan on Switch Save
  2. Order your new SIM or activate eSIM
  3. When prompted, request a number port — you'll need your account number and birthday from your current provider
  4. Your existing service stays active until the port completes (usually 2–4 hours)
  5. Done — your number follows you

There's no downtime. You keep your number. And if the new provider doesn't work out, you can switch again just as easily.

Quick answers

What is the cheapest prepaid mobile plan in Australia in 2026?

Lebara's $9/month plan with 15 GB on Vodafone is the cheapest ongoing option. For Telstra network coverage, ALDI Mobile at $23/month for 12 GB is the most affordable entry point. Boost at $49/28 days gives you 30 GB on Telstra's full network (rising to 45 GB from May 5, 2026), with a SALE of $17 for 125 GB on the first recharge (ends April 20).

Is a cheap SIM plan safe and reliable?

Yes. MVNOs are regulated by Australian authorities (ACMA and ACCC) and use the same physical network towers as the major carriers. Your calls and data run on identical infrastructure — just with a different billing provider.

What's the difference between SIM-only and postpaid?

SIM-only (prepaid) means you own your phone outright and just pay for the plan. Postpaid bundles your phone repayment into a monthly contract. SIM-only is almost always cheaper once you own your device, since you're not paying a margin on the hardware.

Can I switch providers and keep my number?

Yes. Number porting is free and available with all Australian providers. You initiate it through your new provider and it usually completes within a few hours on weekdays.

Do these plans include calls and SMS?

Yes. All plans listed include unlimited standard Australian calls and SMS. International calls are included with Amaysim; Boost and Felix charge extra for international calling. Note: Boost's data offering has changed — the plan now includes 30 GB ongoing with a first-recharge SALE of 125 GB for $17.

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