Could 5G internet be your key to unlocking cheaper, faster internet?

One of the most frequently asked questions potential customers have is ‘how much is 5G compared to the NBN?’

Many are surprised to learn 5G can often be on par or cheaper than NBN pricing of the same speed tier. However, this does depend on which speed tier and provider you choose.

5G home internet is divided into three speed tiers – 50Mbps, 100Mbps and uncapped. These are equivalent to NBN 50, NBN 100 and NBN 250 and upwards, respectively. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

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5G home internet plans with 50Mbps

As mentioned, 5G plans can often be more affordable than standard NBN plans.

For example, TPG’s most affordable 5G home internet plan costs $59.99 per month compared to $74.99 per month for its NBN 50 equivalent plan. That’s already $15 per month back in your pocket.

For the cheapest price overall, we recommend Optus due to its current promo discount. Its new 50Mbps 5G plans offer your first month free and then you’ll only pay $59 per month for the next six months. After the promo period expires, expect to pay $69 per month.

It’s important to remember that if you’re thinking of jumping ship when the promo discount ends, you will need to pay out the remaining value of your modem if you leave within the first three years. This costs $16 for each month left on your three-year term.

Here’s a selection of 5G home internet plans with speeds of 50Mps, sorted from lowest to highest price:

And here’s what you can expect to pay each month on an equivalent NBN 50 plan:

5G home internet plans with 100Mbps

As the speed tiers increase, so do the savings. For comparison, iiNet’s 5G home internet plan with 100Mbps sits at $69.99 while its NBN 100 equivalent plan costs $89.99 per month. There’s $240 per year you could be saving.

For Vodafone mobile customers, if bundled in one of its 5G home internet plans, you’ll save money off your bill each month. Vodafone’s cheapest plan on this speed tier is $70 per month but by bundling your internet and mobile plans with Vodafone, you’ll pay just $65 per month. Plus, you get the first month free.

Here are the cheapest 5G home internet plans in our database with speeds of 100Mbps:

Here’s a comparison of what the same providers charge for an equivalent NBN 100 plan:

5G home internet plans with uncapped speeds

While there are only a few providers currently offering 5G plans with uncapped speeds, this will likely change as more providers dip their toes into the 5G pool.

For those who need the fastest internet possible, Optus remains the cheapest option at $79 per month for the first six months. After that, the price jumps to $99 per month. To sweeten the deal, it also includes a Standard Netflix subscription via Optus Sub Hub and a free 5G modem if you stay connected for three years.

But when you consider this sharp price increase, Telstra’s $89 per month plan is more cost-efficient. With Telstra, you’ll receive a 1TB data allowance plus new customers also score a bonus 12-month Kayo Basic subscription, worth $360 for the year.

You’re also eligible for a two-month Standard Binge subscription, three months of Apple TV+, and four months of Spotify Premium. Another perk is you will have the option to leave early without incurring a modem fee – simply return it and you won’t need to pay a hardware fee.

Here are the most affordable 5G home internet plans with uncapped speeds in our database:

And here are some NBN 250 plans for the same providers to give you an idea of the price difference:

Christie Graham is Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut, Australia’s mobile and internet comparison site.