Best NBN plans

Looking for a new internet service provider? We use real-world performance to find the best NBN providers for you on a rolling monthly basis.

Our scores, based on the ACCC's NBN provider performance program, will show you the full list from volunteer triallists. Below is a shortlist of the best NBN plans available right now, based on how they measure up to their claimed plan speeds.

On this page:

Best NBN plans

We rank fixed-line fibre to the node (FTTN), fibre to the premises (FTTP) and cable (HFC) NBN plans on whether they're meeting their claimed speed based on the ACCC's broadband monitoring results.

If your NBN connection technology isn't represented here, that's because the range of volunteers on the program doesn't include enough data for us to confidently rank providers against each other. For those results, head to our full coverage of the ACCC's broadband provider performance program.

These are the best scorers from the most recent results. We leave out any scores lower than 70%. Any tied results for each month are represented by identical numbers in the first column.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

HFC (Cable)

Telstra requires you to first sign up to a Tier 50 NBN plan so that your line speed can be tested. After you've signed up to Tier 50 you can upgrade to Tier 100, but only if Telstra finds your connection speed sufficient.

* Telstra no longer offers 100 speed plans to FTTN connections.

Why we've partnered with WhistleOut

We've partnered with search engine WhistleOut to help you find and buy the right plan for you. The 'Search Providers' button above will take you to their site. While we make money if you buy through WhistleOut, this doesn't influence our rankings. 100% of the money we make goes straight back into our nonprofit mission.

What type of NBN technology do I have?

If you aren't sure what technology you have, visit the NBN Co website to find out what connection type is available in your area.

But here are a few quick pointers if that's all you need. The points below describe most NBN connections for these technologies.

Fibre to the premises (FTTP)

Fibre to the node (FTTN)

HFC (Cable)

We hope to add fibre to the curb, fixed wireless and satellite plans to this list as we gather more data from our testing program.

How much data will I need from my NBN plan?

To get an idea of how much speed you need, think of how many devices in your house use the internet at the same time. If it's just one or two screens streaming Netflix, then you could get by with a 50/20 or 50/10 plan.

If you have multiple users, such as households with large families or share houses, you may need a 100/40 or 100/20 plan.

CHOICE tip: It's usually easier to increase your plan's speed than decrease it once you've signed up, so it might be a good idea to start low and go up if you need it. Check with a service representative before you sign up if you'll incur additional fees for this. That, or sign up to a no-contract plan, which should let you change your cap on a monthly basis as needed.

Data

You'll also need to decide how much data you need each month. Your current provider should offer a way to check your monthly usage online. Go over the last few months to get an idea of your maximum data usage per month.

CHOICE tip: Go with something a little higher than your current usage, as it may fluctuate or increase over time, but you don't necessarily need a 500GB or unlimited plan, even though these are fast becoming the norm.

What NBN plan speed do I need?

Speed

We report on three main speed tiers for NBN plans: 25/5 (or NBN standard), 50/20 (NBN standard plus) and 100/40 (NBN premium). While a lot of people are still on 25/5 plans, most major providers and many smaller providers have stopped offering them, now using the 50/20 speed as their most popular option.

The numbers indicate the speeds of both the maximum download (e.g. streaming video) and upload rate (e.g. saving something to the cloud) a plan can achieve.

How do I change my internet provider?

I'm not on a contract

If you're not on a contract, changing providers should be as easy as contacting your new provider and signing up to a new NBN plan. You can do this online, by phone or sometimes instore, depending on what provider you're signing up to.

Your new NBN provider will contact your old one and make the switch. Your old plan will be cancelled at the end of your current billing month and your new plan will start around the same time. There may be some overlap in billing periods between the two providers, but you should be notified of the date your new billing period will start. There are often additional charges when signing up to a new provider, such as an activation fee or hardware costs.

I'm on a contract

If you're still within the term of a broadband contract, you'll need to ask your current provider what the cancellation process is. You may have to pay out all or part of your current contract and you may need to pay a termination fee.

Join the conversation

To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.