Cheapest SIM-Only Plans Australia 2026 — Under $30/Month

Updated March 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.

The Best Plans Under $30/Month Right Now

Boost Mobile — $18 first month (promo), $26 ongoing

Boost's first-month deal is one of the most aggressive entry offers in the market right now: 30 GB of data on the Telstra network for $18. After that, the plan steps down to $26 for 7 GB per month — which is the trade-off. If you're a light data user on Wi-Fi most of the time, this is excellent coverage at a very low price. If you need consistent data volumes month-to-month, look elsewhere.

Best for: Light data users who want Telstra coverage without the Telstra price.

Amaysim — $30/month for 32 GB

Technically $30 sits right at the threshold, but Amaysim's value is hard to ignore. 32 GB on Optus for $30 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. If you don't want the $26/7 GB ongoing price of Boost but can stretch to $30, this is the pick.

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

Felix Mobile — $20 first 3 months (then $40)

Felix's introductory rate puts unlimited data at $20/month for the first three months — the cheapest per-month entry to unlimited in Australia. After month three it climbs to $40, which is still competitive for truly unlimited data on Vodafone's 4G/5G network. 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.

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 $300/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 Switcheroo
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.