Best Mobile Broadband Plans September 2024: Editor's Pick

Our monthly picks for the best mobile broadband plans around.

• Best mobile broadband plan: Heavy use
• Best mobile broadband plan: Everyday use
• Mobile broadband plans with even more data
• How we choose the best mobile broadband plans
• Optus mobile broadband plans
• Telstra mobile broadband plans
• Vodafone mobile broadband plans
• Prepaid mobile broadband plans
• Why would I get mobile broadband?
• What equipment do I need for a mobile broadband connection?

When it comes to getting online, mobile broadband is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to do it. You can stick a data-only SIM in an iPad or Android tablet, or grab a compact, lightweight WiFi modem, so you can use it at home in the evenings and then pack it in a bag before leaving in the morning.

Best mobile broadband plan: Heavy use

100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 100GB Data
• Deal: $29.90/month for first 6 months, then $34.90/month

What we love: Tangerine's 100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan comes with a massive 100GB of data for only $34.90 per month – enough data to keep your internet up and running on the go. With Tangerine's current promo, you'll save $5 per month during your first six months, bringing your bill down to $29.90 per month.

Or if you want some alternatives, check out how this plan compares to other popular options from our database, all with at least 75GB:

400GB Data SIM Only

• Mobile Broadband
• 400GB Data

$160 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go

• Mobile Broadband
• 100GB Data
• Prepaid (12 Months)
• Deal: Get 100GB data on your first recharge (incl. 30GB bonus data). Activate by 21.10.24

$365 Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 365GB Data
• Prepaid (365 Days)

90GB Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 90GB Data
• Prepaid (28 Days)
• Deal: Get 90GB for $30 on your first renewal (save $30) when you sign up by 17.09.24

100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 100GB Data
• Deal: $29.90/month for first 6 months, then $34.90/month

Best mobile broadband plan: Everyday use

Small Data SIM Only Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data

What we love: If you use your data SIM on an iPad, chances are you probably already have a mobile phone and home internet plans. As such, you'll probably want to keep the bill for your data SIM as low as possible.

Vodafone has a great plan where you'll get 30GB of data for $20 per month.

Or if you want some alternatives, check out how this plan compares to other popular options from our database, all with at least 30GB:

Small Data SIM Only Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data

Data Plan Small

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data
• Prepaid (30 Days)
• Deal: Get 10GB Bonus Data on Small Data Plan until 05.11.24

Upfront Data Plan Small

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data
• Deal: Get 3 months Telstra Device Security + exclusive entertainment deals across selected streaming apps!

Mobile Broadband 50GB

• Mobile Broadband
• 50GB Data

100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 100GB Data
• Deal: $29.90/month for first 6 months, then $34.90/month

Mobile broadband plans with even more data

200GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 200GB Data
• Deal: $44.90/month for first 6 months, then $49.90/month

Mobile Broadband Unlimited

• Mobile Broadband
• Unlimited Data

400GB Data SIM Only

• Mobile Broadband
• 400GB Data

$70 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go

• Mobile Broadband
• 300GB Data
• Prepaid (28 Days)

XX-Large Data Only 5G SIM

• Mobile Broadband
• 220GB Data

$240 Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 185GB Data
• Prepaid (365 Days)

Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge $250

• Mobile Broadband
• 200GB Data
• Prepaid (365 Days)

What we love: These mobile broadband plans have at least 150GB of data per month.

How we choose the best mobile broadband plans

Mobile phone and internet plans are our focus at WhistleOut, so we put a lot of thought into how we judge these awards.

When considering mobile broadband plans for these recommendations, we break up the eligible plans into two categories: plans with lots of data that could be used as the main internet service at home, and plans with less data designed for use on a tablet or iPad.

Because of the simple structure of mobile broadband plans, the winners tend to be the best value plans meeting the usage criteria that our expert team believes will meet the needs of most people. We also consider setup costs and plan bonuses in selecting the best plans.

Optus mobile broadband plans

20GB Optus Choice Plus Data Plan (M2M)

• Mobile Broadband
• 20GB Data

What we love: Optus is Australia's second-largest telco and a trusted name in Australian internet. In addition to fixed-line internet, Optus has a single mobile broadband plan that can be bought with a 5G modem or as a SIM-only plan.

Telstra mobile broadband plans

Upfront Data Plan Small

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data
• Deal: Get 3 months Telstra Device Security + exclusive entertainment deals across selected streaming apps!

What we love: Telstra is still Australia's biggest telco, and while it isn't the best option for more budget-conscious consumers, this provider is a good choice if you're after quality, reliability, speed, and extras.

Vodafone mobile broadband plans

Small Data SIM Only Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data

What we love: Vodafone mobile broadband plans come with a 30-Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee and the telco's signature $5 roaming deal. Take Vodafone mobile broadband overseas and use your plan inclusions as you would at home for an extra $5 per day.

Prepaid mobile broadband plans

Data Plan Small

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data
• Prepaid (30 Days)
• Deal: Get 10GB Bonus Data on Small Data Plan until 05.11.24

$30 Prepaid Data Only SIM Starter Kit

• Mobile Broadband
• 25GB Data
• Prepaid (30 Days)

Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge $35

• Mobile Broadband
• 35GB Data
• Prepaid (30 Days)

$95 Data Plan

• Mobile Broadband
• 30GB Data
• Prepaid (365 Days)

$160 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go

• Mobile Broadband
• 100GB Data
• Prepaid (12 Months)
• Deal: Get 100GB data on your first recharge (incl. 30GB bonus data). Activate by 21.10.24

What we love: With a prepaid mobile broadband plan you have the flexibility to pay for each individual recharge on a month-to-month basis, with no contract, no overages, and no automatic billing. If you run out of data, you're simply out. This has the advantage of not incurring any extra fees. But it also means you won't be able to use your service until you recharge.

Some telcos also offer longer expiry plans, which offer a larger amount of data to use over a longer period of time. Some providers even offer plans with a 365-day expiry, which could be ideal if you're looking at mobile broadband as a backup to a fixed-line connection, rather than a day-to-day tool.

Why would I get mobile broadband?

There are three main reasons why you'd consider signing up for a mobile broadband connection.

1. The first is that you don't have a fixed address, are regularly changing addresses, or can't get a fixed-line connection where you live. Mobile broadband doesn't rely on copper or the NBN, so there's no need for a fixed physical connection between your place and the internet.
2. Mobile broadband can also be useful as a backup solution if your fixed line connection goes down or in the event of a power outage. Many mobile broadband modems are powered by a battery, so they'll keep on kicking even when the lights are out.
3. A portable mobile broadband modem and connection are also a good option when travelling, especially if you don't want to burn through your smartphone's battery while tethering.

What equipment do I need for a mobile broadband connection?

At a minimum, you need a data-only SIM card and a device to put it in to get a mobile broadband connection going. This could be as simple as putting a SIM in your iPad, and using it as a hotspot, or alternatively, as involved as buying a modem with a SIM card slot.

Most telcos selling data-only SIM plans will also have a range of 4G capable modems available. These include portable battery-powered solutions, as well as more traditional modem replacements that plug into a spare power outlet.

SIM-enabled tablet If you've got a SIM-enabled iPad or Android tablet, you can simply put in a data-only SIM and then use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot to share its connection with another device.
USB Modem A USB modem is a great portable mobile broadband solution, provided you only need to take one computer online at a time. While it doesn't need to be recharged, it needs to be plugged in directly to the device you want to get connected.
Portable WiFi Hotspot A portable wireless hotspot lets you share a mobile broadband connection with a number of devices simultaneously. These are typically battery-powered and will need recharging.
Fixed Home Wireless Modem A fixed home wireless modem is much more like a traditional modem, in that it needs to be plugged into a power outlet to work. As such, these are more appropriate for those who don't need their mobile broadband on the go.

Our Editor's Picks awards are selected by our team of data experts. We may earn a commission if you click on one of the products listed, but a service provider isn't required to have a commercial relationship with us to be eligible for consideration. See here for more information about how we work.

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