Revisiting our reviews: How long does tech last?

Whenever you read the review of some tech gear, you may notice one thing in common with every single item reviewed: the item under review is brand new.

Will that device fall apart after a few months of use? Will it last? Will long-term problems arise?

I’m going to do something a little different in this article. I’m going to go through several of the items I’ve reviewed in years past on these pages, and report on how they did in the years after I wrote the review.

The great majority of the things I’ve reviewed over the years have, after the review period, gone back to the distributor or manufacturer. Some less expensive items – or more personal things – I have been allowed to retain. Very occasionally, I’ve purchased items. Sometimes, the reviews are of items I’d purchased anyway. That’s why I still have – and use – the following devices.

Fujifilm X-T4 interchangeable lens camera

Reviewed November 2020.

I loved this camera. When it had to go back to Fujifilm I mourned its departure.

So much so, I eventually bought one from a retailer. Most of the photos you see on my reviews from the last couple of years were taken with this camera.

Unfortunately, when I was overseas in 2023 something in it broke. It has some kind of device that detects its horizontal or vertical level. That allows the camera to show a level-line in the viewfinder so you can make sure the camera isn’t tilted. And if it is put in portrait orientation, this device informs the camera so it the relevant entry is put into the photo’s EXIF data, and the photo displays the right way around.

Back in Australia, I found that the warranty had expired, and I’ve never gotten around to sending it for repair.

It’s a great camera, and still works fine, except for that disappointment.

Rode NT-USB Mini USB microphone

Reviewed February 2020.

It was extremely fortuitous receiving this microphone at the time that I did. It was just before COVID.

I don’t know how many times, since, that I’ve fumed as I’ve watched TV interviews with people, professional prognosticators and technical experts, who are remote, and whose voices are being delivered tinnily and echoey via the tiny microphones of their laptops. Surely they could afford to fork out a couple of hundred bucks (it’s currently $189 at JB) for this microphone? I’ve used it regularly over the years for zoom calls – often with overseas vendors – and more recently for conversing with one or the other AIs.

It is still available. Its firmware has been updated quite a bit since I wrote my review. You can just plug-and-play it, or expand its capabilities by installed some of Rode’s software.

And it’s compact. I’d be happy to take it with me for use wherever I might be with one of my laptops.

Epson WorkForce ET-4750

Reviewed November 2017.

This was one of the early printer entries into the low-cost-consumables space. In the years leading up to that point, printers were extremely cheap (profit-less I’d guess), but the ink was expensive. This printer cost more up front, but the ink was relatively cheap.

Instead of ink cartridges, you’d fill tanks from ink bottles. A set of four costs less than $100 and lasted for six thousand pages.

I’m not a heavy printer user, but in the nine years since getting this printer – I’m still using it – I’ve used perhaps two-and-a-half sets of ink bottles. That means I’ve printed around 15,000 pages over that time.

The moveable panel on the front has lost the friction that holds it in place, so it droops. But still the printer soldiers on, wirelessly accepting documents.

Fitbit Aria 2 Smart Scales

Reviewed May 2018.

When we moved house in the early 2020s, and through the subsequent network changes, I intentionally kept the network SSID the same to avoid reconfiguring an awful lot of connected devices. So my Fitbit Aria 2 smart scales continued to work with nary a wobble.

They still work, but the associated software and support has become very wobbly indeed. Google bought Fitbit. Quite recently – this year I think – Google retired the Fitbit software and replaced it with Google Health. A whole lot of features were jettisoned. You can no longer check out recent weigh-ins. Your weight “history” only goes back a few days, and misses quite a few weigh-ins.

My triumphant weight loss journey back around 2018 has disappeared completely.

These days, I keep an Excel spreadsheet, which I update daily, to track my weight. Happily, the scales themselves keep on keeping on!

Amazon eero Wi-Fi 5 system 3-pack (2020)

Reviewed July 2020.

The eero mesh system is still very much around. My review was early in the product cycle. The current models are more capable, at least according to the specifications. Anyway, after writing that review I moved and installed the system in my new place. After a couple of network changes, I ended up on FTTP NBN. I used the Telstra-supplied, and later Aussie Broadband-supplied, routers to ensure I’d have support, and connected two of the three eeros to it via ethernet, with the third one connected purely by Wi-Fi.

They simply kept on working. But one day I wanted to check something in the eero app, and found that while I was logged on, and the eero devices were still working well, the app seemed to be unaware of their existence.

I procrastinated for a couple of years, but only a few weeks ago, after resolving some other network issues, I decided to call eero support. It turned out that I was speaking, after almost no waiting in a queue, to a pleasant chap in the United States. He texted me a code, I repeated it back, he did something at his end and thereupon the app resumed working properly with the devices.

They still work. The app works. The support is excellent.

Braun S3 Shave & Style

Reviewed April 2017.

I assumed that this shaver was long-since gone, since I haven’t seen it in shops in recent years. And, indeed, I bought another couple on special a few years back, since they were not much more expensive than replacement shaving heads, and it’s convenient to have one in my office. But I see that you can still indeed buy new ones.

I still use the S3 I originally reviewed nearly a decade ago. I’ve changed the head a couple of times. The NiMH battery finally got tired enough for me to replace it. YouTube guided me through the process of dismantling the shaver. It’s basically as good as new again with the insertion of $15 worth of batteries from Jaycar.

Schiit Audio Vidar stereo/mono power amplifier

Reviewed June 2020.

My original review was of a unit I had purchased. It was the power amplifier for my main stereo sound system and it performed well there.

A couple of years later, I replaced it with a much more expensive power amplifier. But I didn’t get rid of the Vidar. It changed roles, and became the powerhouse for my desktop computer’s sound system. The Windows desktop feeds a Topping E30 DAC (which still works superbly, reviewed January 2021), which in turn feeds a Schiit Audio Saga preamplifier, which feeds the Vidar, which drives a pair of Dynaudio Emit 10 speaker on IsoAcoustic stands on my desk.

Sure beats your regular computer speakers!

The Vidar doesn’t have a standby mode, so for the most part it has been switched on continuously for the last five years. And yet it persists, as though it were brand new.

Oral-B Genius AI electric toothbrush

Reviewed December 2020.

My wife and I have now been using this toothbrush a couple of times a day for almost six years. Perhaps the battery is tired, but we wouldn’t know because it always goes back onto its charging stand.

I will confess, though I haven’t used all that fancy Bluetooth connectivity even once since writing the review.

Scratch that!

By complete coincidence, the toothbrush died a couple of days after I wrote this section! It’s the battery. Apparently once they drop below a certain voltage, the motor protection system kicks in and switches it off. Which seems kind of silly, seeing as how the battery is not intended to be replaced.

These days, to get a similarly-capable Oral-B toothbrush, you need one of its newer IO models. Seeing as how the very cheapest I’ve seen its replacement heads – in a ‘value’ pack – is about $8 each, I’m going to say, “no thanks!”

Logitech Slim Folio iPad case and keyboard

Reviewed October 2019.

I was very impressed with this unit. In addition to protecting my iPad, it had a very usable keyboard. This connected via Bluetooth, and worked very well … for about four years. Then it became very flaky. I could usually get it going again by pulling the batteries and reinserting them, effectively rebooting the unit. But then the next time I went to use it, I had the same problem. Which is a pity. Because it used replaceable batteries, there were never any worries about the tired rechargeables, so it ought to have lasted as long as that iPad lasted.

Logitech G512 Carbon gaming keyboard

Reviewed July 2020.

I’m not a gamer, but as a typer – I’ve published three or four million words over the years – I’ve always far preferred mechanical keyboards. I used the G512 for some years, but it died. No, it wasn’t its fault. I accidentally poured a beverage into it. Unlike the Slim Folio, it may have kept going for many years.

So I went to Officeworks and bought another one. (I’m typing on it now.) That surely is a solid recommendation.

Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad

Reviewed February 2017.

Back in those days, only premium phones supported wireless charging. And this pad worked with them then.

Today? It still sits on my work desk, and my Samsung Galaxy S25 it sitting on it, happily charging away. In my review, I tested it with a Samsung Galaxy S7, which shows how long I’ve been using it.

Belkin USB 3.1 Express Dock HD

Reviewed December 2017.

I loved this dock. I could plug my phone into it, and it would charge the phone, while turning it into a computer. I plugged in a Logitech G413 keyboard, and a mouse and a monitor and an SSD hard drive. Who needed a computer? Well I did, so I’d also use it with my Windows notebook.

So, it was a sad day for me in the early 2020s when it just up and died. But I still use its excellent USB-C to USB-C power cable.

Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam

Reviewed July 2017.

These days I have two screens for my Windows desktop computer: a 32-inch 4K screen right in front of me, and a 27-inch full screen off to the side. Atop the 4K display is the Brio. 4K models were rare back then, and it provides a lot of flexibility. During COVID, it got a very good workout, and never once failed to do its job. So, nine years later, there it sits, still doing the job whenever I call upon it.

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iGulu’s smart brewer uses tech to make DIY beer even easier

I was pretty excited when the iGulu F1 smart home brewer turned up at my place. But I had to wait as I was going on holiday. When I returned, I set the brewer up and again had to wait while the beer brewed. Cutting to the chase, I am now enjoying the beer, but once it runs out, I am going to have to wait for the next batch.

Let’s go back in time for a moment: the year is 1989, and my girlfriend and I (now wife) bought a homebrew kit. Since then, I have never stopped brewing, which has involved a fermentation tub and a lot of 750ml glass bottles. Today, the iGulu F1 is a temperature-controlled, carbon dioxide-fed brewing machine that brews five litres of beer and delivers it perfectly chilled via a pub-style beer tap.

Brew kit ingredients. Image: Angus Jones.

The machine requires 240 volts and measures 33 x 46 x 51cm, so you need space for it to work its magic. To make beer, you buy a kit which contains all the ingredients. I was surprised to find the main ingredient is a powder after so many years of using syrup from a beer kit. The reverse is true for hops, which come as a liquid essence, while I use hop pellets. After you mix your ingredients with water in a removable plastic keg, return the keg to the main machine, connect the gas and dispensing tube, and shut the lid.

Image: Angus Jones.

Each brew kit comes with an RFID tag which you hold against the iGulu logo on the brewer. A small screen on the front then recognises the beer style you’ve just added and sets up a brewing process specific to that beer. I started with a pilsner, which required a cooler, slower brew, meaning a three-week brew. As I waited, I could hear the regular discharge of gas as the sugars turned to alcohol.

Enjoying the fruits of my labour

The big day arrived, and it just happened to coincide with some dinner guests, one of whom only ever drinks VB, nothing else. Good news: he went back for a second glass. It tasted light and creamy, with a lot of foam (I need to work on my pouring skills).

I enjoy a pilsner, and this batch was one most would enjoy, but beer types and personal tastes do vary, so there will always be some experimentation to find what you like best. Once the beer is ready, you can keep pouring for the next 30 days, but with only the capacity of 15 beers, I doubt I will ever get to that point, especially when you have thirsty friends. For comparison, my traditional brew kit brews 23 litres at a time but must be decanted into bottles.

Pouring needs improving… Image: Angus Jones.

I next plan to brew a pale ale, which takes only 10 days to brew. At the time of writing, 12 different flavours of beer and cider were available. iGulu kits are around $30 each, and the brewer itself sells for $1,099. My traditional brewing is very economical compared to a case of store-bought beer, but the iGulu comes in at a very similar price per store-bought.

More than just homebrew beer

iGulu also sells a Master Mode upgrade for $149 that, when activated, lets you use the brewer for your own recipes, including kombucha. This way, you can brew to your own tastes and save money on ingredients.

Another use for the iGulu is as a dispenser. You could dispense a soft drink from the keg through to your own separately brewed homebrew, or even take the keg to your local bar and ask them to fill it with five litres of your favourite beer from their tap. At home, the unit chills the beer and delivers the draft-beer experience. If you want to take the iGulu beer on a picnic, you can purchase a set of homebrew pressure bottles that, once filled, will preserve the flavour.

Image: Angus Jones.

The world of homebrewing can get pretty complicated and expensive for some. For me, I have kept it simple for almost 40 years. The iGulu F1 may seem like an expensive novelty, but for those who want a true draft beer experience at home with a simple process, it is a bit of fun.  You may, however, get a bit thirsty waiting for your next batch to be ready.

The post iGulu’s smart brewer uses tech to make DIY beer even easier appeared first on GadgetGuy.

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Win an eero 7 router pack to turbocharge your home internet!

Back by popular demand, GadgetGuy is giving one lucky winner a three-pack of eero 7 routers for a big home Wi-Fi upgrade!

It wasn’t that long ago that setting up the perfect home network felt like a complicated chore. Thankfully, those days are long gone; eero routers are beautifully simple to set up and use. Best of all, they do all the complex optimisation for you.

If you’ve always struggled to get a consistently reliable internet connection at home, you need a high-quality mesh network. Combining the strength of multiple routers, a mesh Wi-Fi system ensures that internet reaches upstairs, downstairs, and wherever you need a connection.

An eero 7 is a great starting point. It supports up to 120 Wi-Fi-connected devices at any given time, and covers up to 560m² when three units are set up.

As its name suggests, the eero 7 uses the fast and reliable Wi-Fi 7 technology. You get wireless speeds of up to 1.8Gbps, and wired speeds up to 2.5Gbps via Ethernet. Even if your internet plan doesn’t reach those speeds, the added bandwidth helps ensure multiple devices get their fair share of the internet.

If you want to take your home Wi-Fi to the next level, eero routers connect with different models in the range, which is a great future-proofing measure. For the Wi-Fi-maxxers, it makes setting up the optimal network even easier.

How to win an eero 7 three-pack

GadgetGuy has one eero 7 three-pack to give away, valued at $749.99, thanks to eero. Keen to win a free Wi-Fi upgrade? Keep reading for all the important info.

Start by filling in your details using the form below. Included in the form are various entry methods using different social media platforms. The more entry methods you complete, the greater your chance of winning.

If you can’t see the entry form below, you can visit the entry page directly and fill in all the details there.

GadgetGuy & eero 7 three-pack giveaway

Entries are open now until 10:30 AM AEDT on November 17 2026. Eligible entrants include Australian residents aged 18 and over. For the full eligibility criteria, check out the entry form, which lists all the terms and conditions.

Get your entries in now and share the giveaway to spread the gift of good Wi-Fi. Good luck!

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Wybot S3 robot pool cleaner review: Premium hands-free cleaning

8.5

Having a pool is wonderful when you want to use it, but not so great when you have to maintain it. Vacuuming the leaves and scrubbing the sides is a chore that can consume hundreds of hours a year. Robot pool cleaners have solved this time drain, but there’s still a bit of work involved.

Most robot pool cleaners still need to be manually lifted out of the water. Especially when waterlogged, they can be quite heavy. They also need recharging, and the waste basket emptied, so it’s not an entirely hands-off process.

I recently tested the Wybot S3 robot pool cleaner to see how much of this process can be automated.

Wybot S3 features

The Wybot S3 is a robot pool cleaner that self-docks, charges, and transfers its waste basket contents to outside the pool. When you first open the box, it is a little daunting, but once you start assembling it, it’s like a small Lego set that comes together easily.

Image: Angus Jones.

Lifting a pool cleaner in and out of your pool to charge, especially when it may be full of water, is heavy, and you’ll likely get wet. The Wybot S3 solves this by docking itself underwater in a wall-mounted cradle.

From this cradle, it charges its battery and empties its waste basket contents into the docking station’s storage cassette at the edge of the pool. Wybot claims that between the 10-litre cassette and 3-litre waste basket, you won’t have to manually empty anything for up to a month. This, of course, depends on how much leaf litter and debris falls into your pool.

Either way, this robot is self-sufficient for a period when other robots would need charging and waste emptying after every clean.

Waste transfer to base station. Images: Angus Jones, Wybot.

Running a power cord to your robot pool cleaner is, honestly, a hazard. A cord lying on the ground with running kids sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. In theory, the Wybot S3 is self-sufficient with its solar panel if you clean your pool only once a week. With full sun, the solar panel will recharge the batteries in both the base station and robot in about three days. This will take longer if the panel is shaded for part of the day or the weather is cloudy.

I like the idea that if the base doesn’t get enough sun, you can temporarily run a cable to boost the unit. A removable cord also improves the aesthetics, removes the trip hazard and saves you from making cosmetic changes around your pool.

The internal battery lets the robot run for up to 2.5 hours and supports pools up to 300 square metres (about a 15m pool), which is more than enough for the average Australian pool. Charging the robot from the mains takes about three hours. Whilst working, the robot will suck 14,000 litres per hour.

Cleaning pool step. Image: Angus Jones.

The Wybot uses technology it calls AI Vision on the pool floor. This allows the robot to target areas of your pool that need cleaning using 36 sensors. In simple terms, it can chase leaves and save power by not cleaning every square centimetre in AI Vision mode.

You can select five cleaning modes: Floor, Wall, Wall then floor, Advanced Full, Turbo Floor. The AI mode can be switched on and off but only works with the Floor modes and not Advanced Full. Advanced will reach every spot, ensuring any fine grit is removed.

Wybot S3 specifications and price

Cleaning area	Up to 300 square metres
Battery life	2.5 hours
Basket capacity	3 + 10 litres
Dimensions	76 cm x 48 cm x 74 cm 21kg
Price (RRP)	$4,999
Website	Wybot Australia
Warranty	Two years

Using the Wybot S3

When you first commission the robot, it will create a 3D map of your pool to help it navigate. With each additional clean, it refines that map and its navigation techniques to ensure it reaches all underwater spots, including steps.

App with 3D image of pool. Screenshot: Angus Jones.

The docking station also enables underwater communication, something most robot pool cleaners can’t do. You can change cleaning modes on the go in the app. The app lets you see real-time progress and manually steer your robot to areas of the pool that may need special attention.

In the app, you can also schedule cleans over seven days and use different modes on different days. For example, on Monday you could clean the pool floor, on Wednesday the walls, and on Saturday do a complete clean. A key feature of the wall cleaning is that the robot lifts itself above the water line. This is an area where water, air, and sunlight combine to grow algae. This cleaning motion removes that algae and keeps your pool looking nice.

Scheduling. Screenshot: Angus Jones.

Whilst the robot pool cleaner seems maintenance-free and doesn’t need to be removed from the pool, that is not actually the case. The robot comes with three filter screen levels. The first is the standard 380 microns, which is the size of the holes in the basket. This is great for catching leaves, which are easily transferred to the base station waste drawer. 180-micron inserts allow finer particles to be captured in the basket, and a separate 10-micron filter can also be added into the unit to capture fine silt and pollen.

These finer filters don’t clean properly with the automatic water waste transfer to the dock. To clean them, remove the robot from the pool and flush the basket and filters with a good-pressure garden hose. Wybot recommends doing this every two weeks. If your pool starts dirty, add the filters after every few cleans to avoid the fine filters getting blocked immediately.

The standout negative of this pool robot is its price. With an RRP of $4,999, that puts the Wybot S3 at the super premium end. Other robots in this price bracket will also clean the surface, but the S3 has self-docking and basket cleaning.

Wybot does offer specials, though; at the time of publication, it listed the S3 for $3,799.99. In the past, Wybot has also done bundles with a solar-powered pool skimmer that collects leaves from the surface of the pool. I’m a big fan of pool skimmers because they catch debris before it sinks to the bottom.

Who is the Wybot S3 for?

The Wybot S3 is for people prepared to pay for extra convenience. If you have a robot pool cleaner, it saves you from cleaning your pool by hand. The Wybot S3 also saves you from removing the cleaner from the pool to charge and emptying the waste basket every time. This model is also suitable for people who would struggle to remove a robot pool cleaner from the pool.

If you have good sunlight to charge the dock, you may get away with not running a permanent power cord, which suits those with access issues, aesthetics, and safety.

Wybot S3

The Wybot S3 robot pool cleaner does more than most robots; it automatically exits the water and empties its waste, but it's quite pricey.

Features

9

Value for money

6

Performance

9

Ease of use

9.5

Design

9

Positives

Can charge without removing from pool

Waste is transfered to a surface storage tray

Can be powered by solar making it wireless

Negatives

Very expensive

8.5

The post Wybot S3 robot pool cleaner review: Premium hands-free cleaning appeared first on GadgetGuy.

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Cheapest NBN plans: Compare Australia’s fastest internet prices

Keen to find a better deal on your home internet? We’ve compared the cheapest NBN plans from many of the biggest telcos to find the best deals for you in each speed category.

One of the best ways to save money on your internet bill is to shop around frequently. Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer introductory deals, including generous discounts for the first six months. Afterwards, it’s always worth comparing providers so you’re not left paying more than you should. Most ISPs don’t use lock-in contracts, making it relatively easy to swap to a better-value plan.

After the big NBN speed upgrade, it’s now easier than ever to enjoy fast internet at decent prices. Some older NBN plans got five times faster for the same price. Not a bad deal for those eligible.

Image: Jay Marshall.

But there’s not much point in paying for speeds you don’t need. Make sure you regularly assess whether your current internet plan serves your needs, as recommended by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

With that in mind, here are the current cheapest NBN plans in Australia from a wide range of telcos. We also have some affordable tips and tricks on how to maximise your current internet speeds. Looking for a new phone plan, too? Compare the cheapest SIM plans to save even more money.

Cheapest overall NBN plans

Right now, SpinTel sells the cheapest NBN plan; its 25Mbps plan costs $41 per month for the first six months. After discounts, $69.95 per month is the ongoing price. Dodo and Moose NBN also sell some of the cheapest plans, offering discounted rates of $45 or less per month.

Take a look at the widget below for more of the cheapest NBN plans. We update this article monthly, but the widget updates automatically, giving you up-to-date and accurate information.

Many of the retailers display promotional prices aimed at new and returning customers. These offers generally involve paying a discounted rate for six months before reverting to a standard price. To view the details of promotional offers, click on the green text labelled ‘deal’, which will also show the standard price.

Each plan featured here includes unlimited data. Some providers let you save a few dollars every month by choosing a plan with a data cap. If you know you don’t need much data, use this search tool to find plans with monthly data allowances.

NBN 25 plans

Suited for streaming videos in HD and basic online tasks, an NBN 25 plan gives you a bit more flexibility and much more value for money.

As above, SpinTel’s NBN 25 plan is the cheapest, costing $41 per month for the first six months. Once the discounted period ends, the plan costs $69.95 per month ongoing. Other cheap NBN 25 plans come from Dodo ($43.99) and Moose NBN ($44.80). Once their six-month discounts end, Dodo charges $73.99 per month, while Moose costs a reasonably priced $64.80 per month.

Without discounts, most of the cheapest NBN 25 plans cost between $65 and $70 per month, so it’s a relatively cost-effective speed tier.

NBN 50 plans

Once Australia’s most popular internet plan, NBN 50 balances value with performance. These plans support 4K video streaming and can sustain multiple simultaneous users.

At the moment, Belong sells the cheapest NBN 50 plan, priced at $55 per month for the first six months, and then $91 per month thereafter. Dodo and Moose NBN also sell NBN 50 plans below $60 at the time of writing, at $57.99 and $59.90 per month for the first six months, respectively. After discounts, they’re a bit cheaper than Belong, with Dodo’s ($87.99) and Moose NBN’s ($83.80) full pricing sitting below $90.

Most full-priced NBN 50 plans start at around $85 per month, so it’s worth shopping around.

NBN 100 and NBN 500 plans

This is where the NBN speed upgrade starts to kick in. For customers with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections, the NBN 100 tier becomes NBN 500 plans at no extra cost.

Both sets of speeds are ideal for streaming multiple 4K videos and downloading files quickly. If you get 500Mbps speeds, those downloads will be five times quicker. Only slightly more expensive than the 50Mbps tier, NBN 100 plans are still good value for most people; NBN 500 is even better value, given the small gap in pricing.

To start with, let’s look at the cheapest NBN 100 plans — these speeds apply to those with Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connections:

You can currently choose from four discounted NBN 100 plans priced at $65 or less per month, including Belong ($59), Origin ($59), Dodo ($62.99), and Moose NBN ($63.80). Each telco’s discount lasts six months before the full price kicks in. Origin is the most expensive of the lot, at $114 per month, while Dodo costs $92.99 at full price, and Moose $86.80.

There are a few sub-$90 NBN 100 plans going around, but the majority start at $90 per month without discounts.

If you have a direct fibre connection, here are the cheapest NBN 500 plans:

As you can see, the prices are more or less the same as NBN 100, which makes it pretty good value for those who can get NBN 500 plans.

As long as you have the technology to support faster speeds, the prices for NBN 500 plans are no more expensive than the slower NBN 100 tier.

NBN 750 plans

500Mbps download speeds aren’t fast enough for you? For even faster speeds, you could try NBN 750, which was NBN 250 before last year’s wholesale speed upgrade. This is the tier you consider when you want to download the latest video game or save a whole bunch of media for offline viewing.

SpinTel and Dodo currently sell the cheapest NBN 750 plans at discounted monthly rates of $69 and $69.99 apiece. Afterwards, SpinTel’s ongoing cost is $94.95, while Dodo costs $99.99.

Without factoring in discounts, expect to pay between $100 and $110 per month for most NBN 750 plans.

NBN 1000 plans

NBN 1000 plans also come with 100Mbps upload speeds, giving you fast downloads and a strong upload rate. Consider these plans if you regularly work with large files, like content creators, and don’t want to waste time waiting for downloads or uploads to finish.

You’ll notice that not every telco promises 1,000Mbps download speeds during peak times. That’s because the NBN speed upgrade is still relatively new, so the industry is still collecting real-world performance data. Rest assured, though, that these plans are fast.

Of all the NBN 1000 plans, Amaysim is currently the cheapest, with its plan at $70 per month for the first six months as part of an early Black Friday deal. After the discount, Amaysim’s plan costs $100 per month.

Belong’s NBN 1000 plan costs $75 per month, while SpinTel is only a dollar extra at $76, with each plan costing $110 and $104.95 per month, respectively, after discounts. Another option is Dodo’s $79.99 monthly plan for the first six months, which costs $109.99 afterwards.

Elsewhere, most NBN 1000 plans cost upwards of $110 per month.

NBN 2000 plans

One of the new additions following the speed upgrade, NBN 2000 plans, also known as ‘Hyperfast’, is for absolute power users. Capable of handling multiple 8K video streams and downloading large files in the blink of an eye, it’s much faster than anything previously available to the wider Australian public.

Because it’s new and a bit on the pricier side, not many ISPs sell NBN 2000 plans just yet. Still, there are some discounts available, with prices already varying between telcos.

Mate currently has the cheapest and fastest NBN 2000 plan, selling it for $141 per month for the first six months, and $166 thereafter. Superloop is close behind, with a $148 monthly NBN 2000 plan. That price lasts for six months before increasing to $168 per month.

With not as much competition as other speed tiers, some NBN 2000 plans are as expensive as $194 per month.

What you need to know

If you want broadband internet in Australia, your main and most reliable choice is via the National Broadband Network (NBN). Although the NBN provides the internet backbone, it does not sell plans directly to the public. Instead, telecommunication vendors package up retail and business plans, which include different features and levels of customer support.

NBN availability

The NBN is available to all Australians, but the way you access the NBN may be different. This might include a fixed cable into your home, wireless access via an antenna on your roof or a satellite dish.

To see what technology is available to you, start by visiting the NBN getting connected page. After entering your address, you will be shown the technology available at your address. You will also see which providers or NBN retailers sell access in your area. In Sydney alone, we were presented with 123 different retailers.

Speed and reliability

It is important to understand that the speed and reliability of your NBN plan can differ by retailer. Each buys internet capacity from the NBN. This capacity is then shared with a certain number of the retailer’s customers. This means that a retailer may have faster speeds in one suburb versus another based on how many customers are accessing the overall capacity. It’s always good to ask your neighbours who they are with and their experience with a particular NBN retailer.

It’s also worth checking the ACCC website regularly. They publish quarterly broadband performance results, measuring how well telcos deliver on advertised internet speeds. You want to be certain that you’ll get the speeds you pay for, so this is a good starting point.

For those customers looking for an NBN alternative, we suggest the following GadgetGuy guides: How does 5G fixed-wireless stack up as an NBN alternative and Caravanner’s guide to connecting to the internet anywhere.

Having good internet speed is more than just a fast broadband connection. For more, be sure to check out GadgetGuy’s guide to improving your internet for more information.

Which NBN plan?

When evaluating an NBN plan, consider the following criteria:

• Data Limits – Is there a monthly download limit of data, or is the plan unlimited?
• Download Speed – Best measured at its busiest in megabits per second (Mbps) typical evening speed. Is it enough to watch Netflix? (Netflix requires 10-25Mbps depending on resolution quality.) Larger households with members using the internet simultaneously will require higher download speeds.
• Cost – How much do you pay each month, and is there a connection fee?
• Contract – Are you locking yourself to a retailer for a period, or is it month-to-month?
• Telephone – Is a fixed-line telephone service bundled into the plan?
• Customer service – What hours are supported, and is it an Australian-located call centre?
• Upload speed – Important for people who save large files online, like photos and videos.

Changing providers

If you wish to change internet providers, the process involves signing up with the new retailer in-store or online. You may receive a new Wi-Fi router, and you may have to return your old router to your previous retailer. The retailer-provided router is generally low quality but provides a fixed-line telephone connection if selected.

Your retailer might offer you an email address. Still, we recommend using a non-telco-specific email address, such as Gmail or Hotmail, allowing you to easily change NBN retailers.

The NBN changeover process can take less than an hour, but depending on the location and NBN technology, it could take a few days. To take advantage of introductory offers, you could swap your provider every six months.

Suppose you do not wish to leave your existing provider. In that case, you may be able to negotiate a better rate by comparing it to cheaper offerings.

GadgetGuy occasionally uses affiliate links and may receive a small commission from purchased products.

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Cheapest SIM plans: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone compared

Are you looking to save on your phone bill? We’ve rounded up the cheapest SIM plans from a range of different carriers to help you find the best price. If you’re unsure about whether a SIM-only mobile plan is what you need, our quick guide to SIM-only mobile plans will get you up to speed.

Generally speaking, if you don’t want a new phone or a lock-in contract, a SIM plan is the way to go. It’s easy to get what you need without paying for excess features. Unlimited phone calls and text messages usually come standard, with data and international roaming the main points of difference. If you do want a phone, however, check out the current deals on phone plans, including discounted handsets.

We update this article monthly, so bookmark this page to keep up to date with the cheapest SIM plans. Prices update in real-time, meaning you get the latest deals available in Australia right now. You can also use a custom search to choose a plan that suits your exact needs.

All of the plans featured in this article include an expiry period of at least 28 days. You can purchase a SIM plan with a shorter recharge window, ideal for travellers who only need a bit of data while visiting Australia.

Want to save on your internet bill, too? Check out the cheapest NBN plans to save even more money. You can also compare the best Telstra SIM-only plans, Vodafone SIM-only plans, and Optus SIM-only plans.

Cheapest SIM plans

Postpaid

At the time of writing, Pivotel sells the cheapest postpaid SIM plan, priced at $11.45 per month for the first six months. That’s half its usual monthly price of $22.90, which you’ll pay once the discounted period ends. It comes with 25GB of data via Vodafone’s 4G network.

At its discounted $12 monthly price (down from $23), SpinTel’s 25GB plan costs only an extra 55 cents per month. This SIM plan from SpinTel connects to Optus’ 5G network, so the choice comes down to your network preference.

Moose Mobile (Vodafone 4G) and Swoop (Vodafone 5G) aren’t far behind, selling discounted postpaid SIM plans at $14 per month for the first six months. Afterwards, an ongoing plan with Moose costs $23 per month, while Swoop costs a couple of dollars more at $25 per month.

If you’re keen on a postpaid SIM plan on the Telstra network, Tangerine currently sells the cheapest option. It costs $30 each month, with 15GB of data included. Keep in mind that this Tangerine plan only uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G networks, so check the coverage map before locking anything in.

Prepaid

At the time of writing, OnePass Mobile is the cheapest prepaid SIM plan with a discounted $12.50 rate for the first six recharges. Normally $25 every 28 days, OnePass Mobile’s 22GB plan connects to the Optus 5G network, while bundling in a OnePass membership at no extra cost.

MVNOs on the Vodafone network round out the next cheapest prepaid SIM plans. Starting with Lyca Mobile, its 50GB plan costs $15 per recharge for the first six recharges (on a 28-day cycle. Once the discount ends, the price reverts to $30 per recharge. Also $15 are the 30GB plans from iiNet and TPG (Vodafone 5G), but both are billed monthly, netting you an extra few days.

On the Telstra network, the cheapest current prepaid SIM plan is $28 from Aldi on a 30-day renewal. It uses Telstra’s wholesale 5G and 4G networks, including 12GB of data per recharge.

Cheapest 5G SIM plans

5G coverage reaches more of Australia than ever, bringing with it faster download speeds. Phones compatible with 5G are also increasingly affordable, making it easier to access high-speed networks.

In some cases, 5G plans can cost more, but as you’ll see below, they can also be among the cheapest.

Postpaid

SpinTel’s discounted $12 plan mentioned earlier is currently the cheapest postpaid 5G SIM plan, followed by Swoop’s $14 monthly plan.

Outside of discounts, postpaid 5G plans start from $23 per month, so it’s a reasonably affordable tier.

Prepaid

Topping both the cheapest overall and 5G prepaid plans, OnePass Mobile features again with its 22GB plan, which costs $12.50 for the first six 28-day recharges. Lyca Mobile, on the Vodafone 5G network, is similarly cheap, priced at $15 per 28 days for the first six recharges, including a large 50GB allocation. Afterwards, it costs $30 every 28 days.

In a slight shakeup to the Telstra side of the market, both Aldi Mobile and Boost Mobile are the cheapest Telstra-based prepaid SIM plans with 5G access. Both cost a flat rate of $28; Aldi’s plan recharges every 30 days, while Boost has a 28-day recharge cycle. 12GB comes with each Aldi recharge, and Boost includes 8GB. However, Boost Mobile’s advantage is being the only MVNO with access to the full Telstra 5G network, reaching further than Aldi’s wholesale network access.

Depending on your data needs, you can generally pick up a 5G prepaid plan for $25 per recharge.

Cheapest 365-day SIM plans

If you know what you need over a longer period and want to save money in the process, a 365-day SIM plan might do the trick. Simply pay once per year, and get a bank of data to use with unlimited calls and texts. It’s a cost-effective way of paying your phone bill for basic internet users who aren’t big downloaders.

Not much separates the cheapest long-expiry SIM plans; Kogan’s $200 plan (on the Vodafone 4G network) currently costs $159, with a total bonus data allocation of 300GB for the first recharge. Future recharges come with 200GB, which is still more than most around the same price.

At $169 for the first recharge, OnePass Mobile is currently the cheapest 365-day plan on the Optus 5G network. It also comes with a hefty 400GB data allocation, which then drops back to 280GB after the first recharge.

Looking at long-expiry SIM plans on the Telstra network, it’s a toss-up between Aldi Mobile and Boost Mobile for the lowest price. Aldi’s 365-day plan starts at $289 for 300GB, connecting you to Telstra’s wholesale 4G and 5G networks. For access to the full Telstra network, Boost Mobile is your best bet, normally priced at $300. This plan includes 290GB for the first recharge, and 240GB for subsequent recharges.

What you need to know about SIM-only plans

It’s fairly easy to change your SIM plan provider. Even more so with the rise of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, letting you change plans almost instantly with a compatible device. Instead of requiring a physical card, eSIM stores network information directly in your phone.

Irrespective of which service provider you go with, the actual network used will be either Optus, Telstra or Vodafone. Many of the cheapest SIM plan providers are mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This refers to carriers that use the network infrastructure of another company.

See Also

06/11/2024Adam Turner How to use

What is eSIM? All you need to know about the growing phone tech

Boost Mobile is a popular MVNO that has full access to Telstra’s network, reaching 99.5% of Australians. Not every MVNO includes a network’s full coverage, so it’s worth checking a company’s website to ensure your area is serviced.

In terms of how much data you should choose, data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Australians generally pay for more than what they need. On average, Aussies use 10.2GB of phone data per month, so it’s likely you could get away with a smaller allowance that costs less.

It also depends on how much you stream and download content using your phone. If you mainly use home or office Wi-Fi and don’t stream much, stick with a cheaper plan.

Postpaid versus prepaid

There are a couple of slightly different SIM plan options to choose from. Postpaid refers to plans that operate on a monthly billing cycle, where you pay at the end of each cycle. Postpaid SIM plans generally don’t involve a lock-in contract, so you can freely swap if your needs change or a better deal comes along. If you hit your data cap for a month, your telco might limit speeds until the next cycle or charge extra costs, so check the fine print beforehand.

Prepaid, on the other hand, sees you pay at the start of each cycle for a fixed number of days. Most prepaid SIM plans have a 28-day expiry cycle instead of a full month. Shorter expiries are also available if you need a SIM while travelling, making it a flexible option. The upside is that if you go over your data limit, you won’t incur extra costs. A lot of prepaid plans don’t automatically recharge by default but you can set up auto-recharge manually, with some telcos offering discounts or bonuses if you do so.

Phone number portability

The SIM changeover process takes about 10 minutes of your time or even less if you choose an eSIM. You will receive instructions to visit a website, provide your details, prove your identity (online) and then insert your new SIM.

Note that you will have a choice to migrate your existing mobile number or choose a new one. About 15 minutes later, you should be up and running. However, the documentation will indicate it may take up to 24 hours and may be affected by working hours.

Best network coverage

Network coverage is one of the most important factors to consider when buying any phone plan. Low prices and all the data in the world don’t mean much if you can’t get a signal.

Telstra decided to no longer express its network as a percentage of the Australian population, after the rules governing how telcos present network coverage changed midway through 2026. As such, a percentage-versus-percentage comparison is a bit trickier, but Telstra still claims the biggest phone network coverage in Australia by way of square kilometres.

Network	Network size
Telstra	2.14 million square kilometres
Telstra wholesale	1.4 million square kilometres
Optus	1.2 million square kilometres
Vodafone	1.2 million square kilometres

More important than percentages and square kilometres is whether your location has coverage. The best way to check is via a telco’s network map:

• Telstra network map
• Optus network map
• Vodafone network map

If you’re not sure which telco to choose, try a plan for a month. Lock-in contracts are largely a thing of the past, so it’s easier than ever to try one provider and swap if it doesn’t work out.

GadgetGuy occasionally uses affiliate links and may receive a small commission from purchased products.

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