How do I compare mobile phone plans?

Compare the total cost over the whole contract, not just the headline monthly price. Add the plan fee and any handset repayment together, multiply by the number of months, and check what's included — data, calls and any out-of-bundle charges. A plan that looks cheap each month can cost more once the handset repayment is added in.

Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright?

Often, yes. Buying the handset outright and pairing it with a cheap SIM-only plan usually works out cheaper than a bundled plan, and it leaves you free to switch providers whenever a better deal appears with no repayment locking you in. The trade-off is the larger upfront cost, so weigh it against your cash flow.

What is a SIM-only plan?

A SIM-only plan gives you calls, texts and data without a phone included — you bring your own handset. Because there's no handset repayment baked in, the monthly cost is lower and most are month-to-month, so you can leave or switch at any time without an early-exit fee.

Phone Plan Comparison Calculator

Compare the total cost of two mobile phone plans over time, including handset repayments, to see which is cheaper.

Last verified: 5 May 2026

Which phone plan is actually cheaper?

Compare the total cost over the whole contract, not the monthly headline price. Add the plan fee and any handset repayment together, then multiply by the number of months. Bundled handset plans can hide a higher effective cost. Source: ASIC MoneySmart.

Worked example. Plan A is $65/month with no separate handset repayment, so over 24 months it costs $1,560. Plan B is $45/month plus a $20/month handset repayment ($65/month), also $1,560 over 24 months — identical. Drop Plan B's repayment to $10/month and it costs $1,320, saving you $240.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

From the Mate Network

Check Your Take-Home Pay →

Know your real income before you budget.

Phone Plan Comparison Calculator

Which phone plan is actually cheaper?

Related reading

Related Tools

From the Mate Network