5G prepaid plans in Australia

By Alex Choros

Last updated 01 May 2024

Contents

In this guide:

Telstra prepaid plans with 5G
Optus prepaid plans with 5G
Vodafone prepaid plans with 5G
amaysim prepaid plans with 5G
Other prepaid plans with 5G
Where can I get 5G?
How fast is 5G?
FAQ

The 5G rollout keeps on keeping on, with the next-generation network technology now available across a wide range of mobile providers. This extends to prepaid providers too. While postpaid 5G plans are a little more common, it's still available on prepaid. You might not get in on every plan, so if you're after a prepaid plan with 5G, here's what you need to know.

Before we start, here's a quick look at some prepaid mobile plans with 5G and at least 20GB of data:

#1	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Just $10/mth for your first 3 months using promo code FELIX10. Offer available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go
#2	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $29 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $29 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$29 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $29.90 Medium Plan 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#4	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 32GB Plan 32GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $30 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$30 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $35 Prepaid 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 45GB data on your first 3 recharges, then 25GB on next recharge. Offer ends 05.08.24 $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $35 SIM 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps EOFY Deal: $35 SIM for $12. Ends 30/6/24. Ongoing recharges revert to standard price. New services only. T&Cs apply $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#7	Telstra	Telstra $35 Pre-Paid Mobile 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 20GB bonus data on your first three recharges. $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	Vodafone	Vodafone $35 Prepaid Plus Recharge 25GB data Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Choice 5G Plan 55GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $40 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$40 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#10	Exetel	Exetel ExeSim Ultra 5G Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $48 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$48 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Optus prepaid plans with 5G

Every Optus prepaid plan has 5G connectivity, but with speed caps. Most of Optus' prepaid recharges are limited to download speeds of 150Mbps. Its $55 recharge has faster speeds of 250Mbps, however.

Here are Optus' current prepaid recharges:

#1	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $12 SIM 5GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps EOFY Deal: $12 SIM for $10. Ends 30/6/24. Ongoing recharges revert to standard price. New services only. T&Cs apply $12 Per 7 Day Renewal Go	$12 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go
#2	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $35 SIM 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps EOFY Deal: $35 SIM for $12. Ends 30/6/24. Ongoing recharges revert to standard price. New services only. T&Cs apply $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $45 SIM 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: 60GB data on first 3 recharges, 30GB standard data thereafter. New services only. Speed caps apply. T&Cs apply $45 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$45 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#4	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $55 SIM 80GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps EOFY Deal: $55 SIM for $22. Ends 30/6/24. Ongoing recharges revert to standard price. New services only. T&Cs apply $55 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$55 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#5	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $160 SIM 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps EOFY Deal: $160 SIM for $120! Ends 30/6/24. Ongoing recharges revert to standard price. New services only. T&Cs apply $120 Per 186 Day Renewal Go	$120 Per 186 Day Renewal	Go
#6	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $320 SIM 260GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps EOFY Deal: $320 SIM for $220! Ends 30/6/24. Ongoing recharges revert to standard price. New services only. T&Cs apply $220 Per 365 Day Renewal Go	$220 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go

Telstra prepaid plans with 5G

Every Telstra prepaid mobile plan has 5G connectivity. As with Optus, speeds are capped, but your exact download speed depends on how much you're spending. Most Telstra prepaid plans have a speed cap of 150Mbps, but its $55 recharge has a 250Mbps cap.

Telstra also has a $65 prepaid recharge with uncapped speeds, which means you'll get download speeds as fast as network conditions allow. These should typically exceed 400Mbps, but on a good day, you can get close to 1Gbps.

Here are Telstra's 5G plans:

#1	Telstra	Telstra $35 Pre-Paid Mobile 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 20GB bonus data on your first three recharges. $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Telstra	Telstra $45 Pre-Paid Mobile 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 25GB bonus data on your first three recharges. $45 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$45 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Telstra	Telstra $160 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 110GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 40GB bonus data on activation or first recharge. $160 Per 6 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$160 Per 6 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Telstra	Telstra $320 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 230GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get the $320 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM for $280 online + 65GB bonus data on activation or first recharge. $280 Per 12 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$280 Per 12 Month Renewal	Link not supplied

Vodafone prepaid plans with 5G

All Vodafone prepaid mobile plans can connect to Vodafone's 5G network. No Vodafone prepaid plans have a speed cap.

Here's the complete range of Vodafone prepaid plans:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $35 Prepaid Plus Recharge 25GB data Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $45 Prepaid Plus Recharge 35GB data Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $45 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$45 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $55 Prepaid Plus Recharge 50GB data Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $55 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$55 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $160 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 150GB data Deal: $160 SIM for $119 + 60GB bonus data on activation + Extra 30GB on every Automatic Recharge $119 Per 185 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$119 Per 185 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $250 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 240GB data Deal: Get 90GB bonus data on activation + Extra 50GB on every Automatic Recharge $250 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$250 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone $320 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 320GB data Deal: Get 100GB bonus data on activation + Extra 100GB on every Automatic Recharge $320 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$320 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

amaysim prepaid plans with 5G

amaysim prepaid recharges worth at least $30 have 5G connectivity. The telco's $30 and $40 recharge have a 100Mbps speed cap, while its $50 recharge has a slightly faster 150Mbps speed cap. amaysim is powered by the Optus 5G network.

Here's are all of amaysim's 5G plans

#1	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 80GB Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Get 80GB for $15 on your first renewal (save $25) when you sign up by 03.06.24 $15 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Go	$15 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Go
#2	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 32GB Plan 32GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $30 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$30 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#3	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 32GB Plan 32GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $30 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Go	$30 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Go
#4	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 80GB Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Save $25 on your first renewal when you sign up by 03.06.24 $40 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$40 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#5	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 120GB Plan 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $50 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$50 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#6	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 120GB Plan 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $50 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Go	$50 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Go

Other prepaid plans with 5G

There are a couple of other providers offering 5G on prepaid plans. These include Superloop, Exetel, ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Lebara. Here are the cheapest 5G-ready plans from each of these providers:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $22 Prepaid 7GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $22 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$22 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Just $10/mth for your first 3 months using promo code FELIX10. Offer available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go
#3	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $29 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $29 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$29 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $29.90 Medium Plan 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#5	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Choice 5G Plan 55GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $40 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$40 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#6	Exetel	Exetel ExeSim Ultra 5G Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $48 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$48 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Like the prepaid plans we've looked at earlier, most of these plans are subject to speed caps. 100Mbps is the most common speed cap, but some pricier plans have 250Mbps speed caps. Lebara is the only exception.

If you're just after a more affordable 5G plan than what's being offered by Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone, it could be worth checking out postpaid 5G plans. Here's a look at the cheapest 5G postpaid plans available from smaller providers right now:

#1	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick Moose 9.80 Promo 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Get 25GB for $9.80 – Includes $15 off for first 7 months, then reverts to $24.80 $9.80/mth Min. cost $9.80 Go	$9.80/mth Min. cost $9.80	Go
#2	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Small 5G SIM Plan 20GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Includes $10/mth discount for first 6 months when you sign up to all 5G SIM plans. Use promo code EOFY24. Offer ends 30.06.24 $14/mth Min. cost $14 Link not supplied	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Link not supplied
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $22 Prepaid 7GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $22 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$22 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Just $10/mth for your first 3 months using promo code FELIX10. Offer available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go
#5	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go
#6	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $29 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $29 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$29 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $29.90 Medium Plan 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$29.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#8	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Premium 5G SIM Plan 120GB data Deal: EOFY Offer - Includes 50% off for 6 months with code EOFYSIM. Price reverts to $60/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.06.24 $30/mth Min. cost $30 Link not supplied	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Link not supplied
#9	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 32GB 5G Mobile SIM 32GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps $33/mth Min. cost $33 Go	$33/mth Min. cost $33	Go
#10	MATE	MATE Great Mates 5G 32GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Bundle with a MATE nbn plan & Save $10 a month $35/mth Min. cost $35 Link not supplied	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Link not supplied

Once again, many of these plans are subject to speed caps. Aussie Broadband is the main exception.

Where can I get 5G?

WhistleOut's coverage checker tool can be used to inspect 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G in your area. All you need to do is punch in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.

This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop down menu lets you choose between telcos.

Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.

Click to Activate Interactive Map

Coverage information is collected from carriers and other third party sources. This is approximate coverage only and does not include indoor coverage. Actual speed and performance depends on your location and device. Local conditions and things like natural and artificial physical features of an area all affect your reception. Coverage © Mosaik

How fast is 5G?

5G speeds can vary quite a lot, but have the potential to reach over 1Gbps. In our 5G speed testing, we've found 5G speeds have typically ranged between 200Mbps and 600Mbps.

Many 5G prepaid plans have some sort of speed cap, however, limiting the maximum download speed you can reach. 100Mbps, 150Mbps, and 250Mbps are the common speed caps providers have implemented on their plans. In some cases, more expensive 5G prepaid plans may have uncapped speeds, which allows you to achieve download speeds as fast as network conditions allow.

What phones have 5G?

Naturally, you can't connect to a 5G network unless you have a 5G compatible phone. Below is a small selection of phones that have 5G that you can buy on a plan or outright.

Apple

iPhone 15 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

20 Plans from $90.63/mth

Choose

20 Plans from $90.63/mth

Min. cost $1,547.68

Samsung

Galaxy S24 256GB

6.2 inch display
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

20 Plans from $85.30/mth

Choose

20 Plans from $85.30/mth

Min. cost $1,450.96

Google

Pixel 8a 5G 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 64MP, 13MP
Front Camera: 13MP

Choose

14 Plans from $63.78/mth

Choose

14 Plans from $63.78/mth

Min. cost $900.88

OPPO

Find X5 Pro

6.7 inch display
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 13MP
Front Camera: 32MP

Choose

14 Plans from $100.86/mth

Choose

14 Plans from $100.86/mth

Min. cost $1,460.96

ZTE

A71 5G

6.52 inch display
Rear Cameras: 16MP, 5MP, 2MP
Front Camera: 8MP

Choose

8 Plans from $59.74/mth

Choose

8 Plans from $59.74/mth

Min. cost $330.64

Motorola

edge 30 5G

6.5 inch display
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 2MP
Front Camera: 32MP

Choose

6 Plans from $68.41/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $68.41/mth

Min. cost $747.76

Nokia

X30 5G

6.43 inch display
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 13MP
Front Camera: 16MP

Choose

6 Plans from $84.19/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $84.19/mth

Min. cost $860.84

FAQ

Are the cheapest 5G plans prepaid?

5G prepaid plans can be a great way to get a more affordable 5G SIM, but they're not always the cheapest option. amaysim has one of the cheapest prepaid 5G mobile plans right now, where you'll pay $30 for a 28-day recharge with 32GB. While that's not a bad deal, Moose Mobile has a 5G postpaid SIM-only plan where you'll get 15GB for $14.80 per month. This pricing lasts for your first year, after which you'll pay $19.80 per month. That's less data, but also a smaller monthly bill.

Do smaller prepaid providers like amaysim have 5G?

Several small prepaid providers now offer 5G on select plans. These include amaysim, ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, Lebara, Exetel, and Superloop.

Do you need a new SIM for 5G?

If you're sticking with the same provider and are already on a prepaid plan, you won't need a new SIM card to get 5G. If you're moving from a postpaid plan to a prepaid plan on the same provider, you'll often need to order a new SIM card. If you're moving to a different provider to get 5G connectivity, your new provider will send you a new SIM.

Alex Choros

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart.

In addition to guiding WhistleOut's editorial content and writing many words, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music. Over the course of his career as a journalist, Alex has covered international trade shows, spent three years co-hosting a tech show on community radio, and was awarded a highly commended in the Best Reviewer category of the 2018 IT Journalism awards and the 2021 IT Journalism awards. His work contributed to WhistleOut Australia winning the Best Consumer Technology Coverage award in the 2023 IT Journalism Awards.

He has made regular contributions to Gizmodo and Lifehacker, and often pops up on 2GB and the Money Magazine podcast to talk teclo. On weekends, you'll find Alex at a wine bar, on a hike, or in the middle of a mosh pit.

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Reviews Editor | Twitter | Instagram