Cheapest NBN plans in Australia: Speedy internet from $39/month

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.

Contents

• Cheapest overall NBN plans
• NBN 12 plans
• NBN 25 plans
• NBN 50 plans
• NBN 100 and NBN 500 plans
• NBN 250 plans
• NBN 1000 plans
• NBN 2000 plans
• What you need to know
• Which NBN plan?

Cheapest overall NBN Plans

SpinTel currently sells the cheapest NBN home internet plan in Australia, with a discounted rate of $39 per month for the first six months on its NBN 25 plan. Compared to the telco’s standard pricing, that’s an overall discount of $155.70.

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 12 plans

Aimed at people who only need the internet for browsing online and checking emails, an NBN 12 plan isn’t blazingly fast but saves money.

TPG currently sells the cheapest NBN 12 plan at $54.99 per month for the first six months. Its subsequent full price of $74.99 costs more than many NBN 25 plans, however.

For the most part, you’d be better off scrolling down and looking at faster speeds available for the same price or less. Not many telcos sell NBN 12 plans these days, so there’s little competition for lower prices.

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 mentioned above, SpinTel’s NBN 25 plan is the cheapest, priced at $39 per month for the first six months. Once the discounted period ends, the plan costs $64.95 per month ongoing.

You can also get a $40 monthly NBN 25 plan from Dodo for the first six months, a deep discount on its regular $71.99 monthly price. Flip sells a cheap plan worth considering; its regular monthly price of $59.90 is one of the cheapest non-discounted plans, providing long-term savings.

After the glow of discounts ends, the cheapest NBN 25 plans cost between $65 and $70 per month, so it’s a relatively cost-effective speed tier.

NBN 50 plans

Traditionally 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 time of writing, Origin sells the cheapest NBN 50 plan, at $51.50 per month. It’s an interesting one, with Origin using Superloop’s wholesale broadband network, while going direct with Superloop is also cost-effective, with its discounted $65 monthly plan.

However, Origin is quite expensive once the six-month discount ends. Its full price is $103 per month, which can be discounted to $93 per month ongoing by bundling your internet and energy plans together.

Most full-priced NBN 50 plans can be found for around $85 per month, though, so it’s worth shopping around. Other discounted highlights in this tier include Dodo ($54/month) and Tangerine ($59.90/month).

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:

Origin sells the current cheapest NBN 100 plan, with a discounted monthly rate of $53.50 for the first six months, down from $107 per month. Like the NBN 50 tier, Origin’s full price is more expensive than many of its competitors.

Amaysim has the next cheapest offer, at $60 per month for the first six months. It’s one of several telcos selling NBN 100 plans for $65 or less per month for the first six months, alongside Dodo, Tangerine, TPG, and iiNet.

Once the discounts end, NBN 100 plans start from around $90 per month. Flip is a rare exception, selling its plan at a flat rate of $83.90 per month.

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.

Origin tops the list again, joined by Amaysim, Dodo, Tangerine, iiNet, TPG, and Belong for $65 or less per month for the first six months. 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 the 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.

Origin has the current cheapest NBN 750 deal, charging $64.50 per month for the first six months. Just make sure you assess your options before the monthly price reverts to $129 once the discount ends.

Elsewhere, Dodo has a $68 deal, followed by iiNet ($69.99). Without factoring in discounts, expect to pay between $100 and $110 per month for most NBN 750 plans.

NBN 1000 plans

NBN 1000 plans now 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.

For now, the cheapest NBN 1000 plan comes from Origin, which costs $69.50 per month for the first six months ($139 afterwards). Elsewhere, Dodo, iiNet, and Belong cost $80 or less per month during the discounted period, so there are a few options to choose from.

Aside from SpinTel and a few others, like Southern Phone and Amaysim, 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.

Superloop currently has the cheapest NBN 2000 plan at $145 per month. That price lasts for six months before increasing to $165 per month.

With not as much competition as other speed tiers, some NBN 2000 plans are as expensive as $189 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 retailers’ 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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New Meta Ray-Ban specs support even more prescriptions

AI wearables are one of the biggest things to come from Meta in recent years. I’ve tried the recent Ray-Bans and the sporty Oakleys, both of which are impressive examples of the technology. Thanks to a new release of Ray-Ban Optics Styles, the smart specs might be more viable for more people, especially prescription wearers.

You can already get Meta’s glasses with prescription lenses, but the latest designs are made with prescriptions in mind from the outset. Available in two styles of frames, ‘Blayzer Optics’ and ‘Scriber Optics’, the new Ray-Ban Optics Styles glasses are said to be Meta’s “most comfortable” to date, courtesy of a slimmer and more customisable fit.

Both designs look slightly different to suit individual preferences. Blayzer is a more rectangular design with sharper edges, while the Scriber frame has a softer and rounder look.

Blayzer design. Image: Meta.

You don’t need a prescription to wear them, either. According to Meta, the glasses’ hinge design, swappable nose pads, and adjustable tips are meant to be more comfortable for all-day wearing.

In Australia, the new Ray-Ban Meta Optics Styles start at $709, and are available to buy on 15 April from various glasses retailers. Available colours include Matte Black, Transparent Black, Transparent Dark Olive, Transparent Matte Ice Grey, and Transparent Stone Beige. There’s also a new Dark Brown charging case.

Existing Meta Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses are also getting new frames and lens combinations to choose from. Oakley Meta Vanguards will soon come with the option of Prizm Dark Golf lenses, which are meant to improve visibility while playing golf. The Vanguards will also get Prizm Transitions lenses that adapt to different lighting conditions.

To cap things off, Meta confirmed that its smart glasses’ live translation feature will support more languages in the coming months, including Mandarin and Japanese.

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Nintendo changes price of Switch 2 games to make digital cheaper

In a notable change to its usual strategy, Nintendo has announced that the price of Switch 2 games will differ depending on whether you buy them physically or digitally.

Starting with the upcoming Yoshi and the Mysterious Book in May, Switch 2 games published by Nintendo will be cheaper to buy on its digital eShop storefront than buying a physical cartridge of a game.

According to a support page on Nintendo Australia’s website, the change “simply reflects the different costs associated with producing and distributing each format”. It also brings Australia in line with other regions that already have different prices across digital and physical formats.

See Also

14/04/2025Chris Button Gaming

Why Nintendo Switch 2 games cost nearly $120

As seen on the Australian My Nintendo Store, the cartridge version of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book carries a retail price of $109.95. Meanwhile, the digital version costs $94.95 on Nintendo’s eShop.

Nintendo’s revised pricing strategy mainly benefits existing gamers’ buying habits. A 2025 report from Australia’s peak games industry body shows that people already spend more on digital games than at traditional retail.

Based on this report, which is based on 2024 sales data, Australians spent $416.4 million on digital full-game software compared to $262.5 million on full games at brick-and-mortar retailers. If anything, Nintendo’s price change will make Switch 2 games more affordable for the majority of people who already buy games digitally.

See Also

15/07/2025Chris Button Gaming

Aussie gamers spent more on subscriptions than physical games

Nintendo also makes more money from purchases on its digital storefront. As explained by games industry consultant Jon Cartwright last year, manufacturing cartridges is expensive, even more so than discs. Once you factor in retailers, Nintendo’s margins on selling physical games are much narrower than a digital distribution model.

This new pricing model also provides some parity between digital purchases and retailer discounts. For example, Donkey Kong Bananza was priced at $109.95 across both physical and digital formats, but many retailers discounted the game at launch to $99.

It’s a discount that digital buyers typically miss out on. But once May rolls around, digital Switch 2 games might be more tempting.

The post Nintendo changes price of Switch 2 games to make digital cheaper appeared first on GadgetGuy.

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Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto: What it is, how to get it in your car

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are increasingly popular technologies that make connecting phones and cars easy. But many vehicles still rely on annoying wired connections, and many adapters tend to support either CarPlay or Android Auto, but not both. With the latest AAWireless wireless adapter, both problems are now a thing of the past.

Considered one of the best Android Auto adapter brands, AAWireless now has a device that supports both Android and Apple phones: the AAWireless TWO+.

But before we get into that, let’s explain what CarPlay and Android Auto actually do. There’s a reason more people demand these technologies when buying a car.

For those with older cars using wired technology, a wireless adapter is exactly what you need to ensure convenient and safe access to your phone while on the road.

AAWireless Two+ Android Auto & Apple Carplay 2-in-1 Adapter — Wireless Connection via Bluetooth & WiFi — Suitable for iOS 10+ & Android 11+ — Multifunctional Button — Made in Europe

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What are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

CarPlay and Android Auto bring the smarts of your phone to your car. They’re built-in technologies that enable quick and easy connectivity between a vehicle’s infotainment system and a handset. This means safe and convenient access to your phone’s apps, including maps, music, and calls.

As their names suggest, CarPlay is for Apple devices, while Android Auto works with Android devices. Both technologies provide similar functionality in natively pairing a phone with a car.

So helpful is this level of connectivity, that a growing number of people not only regularly use CarPlay or Android Auto with compatible cars, but the technology is increasingly viewed as a must-have when buying a new vehicle.

Before CarPlay and Android Auto entered the scene, in-car connectivity relied on carmakers implementing their own methods. Many of which weren’t reliable or were painfully complex to set up.

Wired vs wireless: what’s the difference?

Both Android Auto and CarPlay have been around for more than a decade now. Especially in those early days, most cars with the technology only supported wired connectivity.

While plugging in a cable works fine, it adds another layer of friction. You first need to find a compatible cable, check whether it’s long enough, and find a way for it to fit without cluttering up the car.

Plus, each time you enter or exit a vehicle, you need to remember to attach or remove a cable from your phone. It’s an annoying process to repeat when there’s a much more convenient method available.

Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, on the other hand, are much quicker and handier. You can leave your phone in your pocket, get rid of unsightly cables, and connect to the car’s infotainment system automatically without even thinking about it.

Some more modern, often pricier, cars support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto natively. But, unless you’re already considering an upgrade, it’s unlikely that you’ll get a new car just to enjoy better phone connectivity.

Fortunately, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support can be added to existing cars via a simple adapter. It’s much cheaper than buying a new car!

Which cars need an adapter?

Most cars sold in Australia before 2020 don’t include wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Many of them have CarPlay or Android Auto, but the majority rely on a wired connection.

Even many of the latest cars have either limited or no support for wireless phone connection. One of Australia’s most affordable cars, the MG3, only supports wired CarPlay and Android Auto.

Some of the country’s best-selling cars don’t support wireless connectivity, either. Among them are the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-5, the latter of which only includes wireless CarPlay and Android Auto if you upgrade from the base model.

Then you have cars that support one technology wirelessly, but not the other. For example, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid has wireless CarPlay, but only wired Android Auto support.

It’s frustratingly tricky to find a reasonably priced car that includes all the technologies you want. At least an affordable adapter means you can get the car you want without worrying about its wireless support.

How does a wireless adapter work?

To get wireless CarPlay and Android Auto up and running in your car, you have two main options. One is to install an aftermarket system, which can be a costly exercise. The other is to simply install a wireless adapter into your car’s existing USB port.

With the right adapter, like the recently released AAWireless TWO+, it’s as simple as plugging it in and connecting your phone. No tech expertise is needed, nor any fiddly, long-winded setup process.

Once connected, the adapter talks to your car’s infotainment system and your phone. Without any cables to worry about, you can keep your phone in your pocket and just use the infotainment system as you normally would, albeit with convenient access to your phone’s apps, music, and podcasts.

It doesn’t matter if you have a different type of phone from your family and friends, either. The AAWireless TWO+ supports both CarPlay and Android Auto, converting any car’s wired system into a completely wireless solution.

If multiple people share the same car, or you want to hand over DJ duties, pressing the adapter’s button quickly swaps between different phones. Once paired, phones connect to the adapter automatically, so you don’t even need to think about it.

If you only need wireless Android Auto connectivity, then the AAWireless TWO is a great alternative. It functions pretty much the same as the TWO+ model, only it’s specific to Android devices and can be bought slightly cheaper.

AAWireless Two – Android Auto Wireless Adapter – Convert Factory Wired Android Auto to Wireless – Multifunctional Button – Easy Plug and Play Setup – Seamlessly Connect Via Bluetooth – Made in Europe

Buy on Amazon

Why choose an AAWireless adapter?

Based in Europe, AAWireless is one of the original producers of high-quality wireless CarPlay and Android Auto adapters. The brand was the first to bring these adapters to the mass market, crowdfunding more than a million dollars, and establishing a strong demand for the technology.

Hundreds of thousands of users around the world trust AAWireless adapters for their quality and reliability, especially for solving an issue faced by many motorists: a lack of in-car wireless phone connectivity.

Many cheap imitators have popped up since, but none do the job as well as an AAWireless adapter.

In Australia, AAWireless adapters are sold through Amazon. For more information, visit the AAWireless website.

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

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DJI RS5 review: Smarter tracking and more power for solo creators

8.8

Buy on Amazon

Over a few short years, DJI has refined the Ronin RS gimbal series into what is arguably the best camera stabiliser ecosystem available for independent videographers and content creators. With each generation, the RS line has become smoother, smarter and more capable, and the RS5 continues the trend.

I tested the DJI RS5 Combo, which bundles the gimbal with the RS Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module and the Electronic Briefcase Handle, pairing it with the new Canon EOS C50. Having previously used the DJI RS4 and RS2, I had a clear baseline for evaluating what’s actually new and how much it matters day to day.

Table of contents

• What’s new on the DJI RS5?
• DJI RS5 specifications and price
• Setting up the DJI RS5: familiar, with a few smart additions
• DJI RS5 Tracking Module: how well does it work?
• The Electronic Briefcase Handle: what does it actually add?
• DJI RS5 shooting performance
• DJI RS5 battery life: all-day and then some
• DJI RS5 ecosystem and connectivity
• DJI RS5 vs RS4: should you upgrade?
• Who is the DJI RS5 for?

DJI RS 5, Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera Canon/Sony/Panasonic/Nikon/Fujifilm, Fine-Tuning Knobs, 2nd-Gen Automated Axis Locks, Quick-Open Tripod, New Z-Axis Indicator

Buy on Amazon

What’s new on the DJI RS5?

The RS5 is a 3-axis gimbal stabiliser with a 3kg payload capacity, matching the RS4. Standout features of the RS5 include:

• 5th-generation RS stabilisation algorithm with 50% increased peak motor torque
• RS Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module – magnetic attachment, tracks people, vehicles, pets and objects up to 10 metres (Combo kit)
• Electronic Briefcase Handle for one-handed overhead and low-angle joystick control (Combo kit)
• Fine-tuning knobs with Teflon coating on all axes for smoother, more precise balancing
• Full charge in approximately 1 hour using a 65W PD charger (up from 2.5 hours for the RS4)
• About 14 hours of standby runtime with the included BG33 grip; up to 30 hours with the optional BG70
• On-Screen Z-Axis Indicator – real-time visual feedback on vertical bounce to improve walk-and-talk footage
• Expanded Bluetooth camera control now includes Panasonic and Fujifilm alongside Sony, Canon, and Nikon
• 3rd-generation Native Vertical Shooting for portrait content
• Auto axis locks, dual-layered quick-release plates, and full Ronin ecosystem compatibility

DJI RS5 specifications and price

For my tests, I used Canon’s latest EOS C50 hybrid camera, which is a great size for the RS5. Unfortunately, it lacks compatibility with DJI for things like remote shutter, etc. Images: Valens Quinn.

Payload	Up to 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs)
Gimbal weight	Approx. 1,193 g (incl. upper/lower QR plates)
Grip weight (BG33)	Approx. 274 g
Tripod weight	Approx. 149 g
Battery	LiPo 4S, 2,150 mAh, 33.29 Wh
Standby time	Approx. 14 hours (BG33) | Up to 30 hours (BG70)
Charging time	Approx. 1 hour (65W PD charger)
Stabilisation	5th-Gen RS Algorithm, 50% peak torque increase vs RS4
Max rotation speed	Pan / Tilt / Roll: 360°/s
Mechanical range	Pan: 360° continuous | Roll: −95° to +240° | Tilt: −112° to +214°
Axis lock	Auto
Vertical shooting	Supported (3rd Gen)
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
Accessory ports	RSA/NATO port, 1/4″-20 mount, Cold shoe, USB-C camera control, USB-C multifunctional
Operating temperature	−20° to 45°C
Dimensions (folded)	247.4 × 115.7 × 258.7 mm
Dimensions (unfolded)	223.2 × 192.2 × 418.8 mm
Tracking module weight	Approx. 19 g | Tracking range: 0.5–10 m
Briefcase handle weight	Approx. 230 g
Price (RRP)	$839 (Standard) | $999 (Combo)
Official website	DJI Australia
Warranty	12 months manufacturer warranty (consumer use)

Setting up the DJI RS5: familiar, with a few smart additions

If you’ve used the RS4, the RS5 will feel immediately familiar. The balancing process follows the same logic, the controls are in the same places, and the second-generation automated axis locks, which let you lock or unlock each axis independently while adjusting balance, are carried forward and still excellent. Many of the processes refined across previous RS generations are inherited here, which is a strength rather than a criticism.

The most notable change in day-to-day handling is the new fine-tuning knobs with Teflon coating across all three axes. Rebalancing for a different lens, or nudging the tilt axis after mounting a new camera, is noticeably smoother and more precise. For anyone who shoots with multiple lenses or frequently swaps cameras, this is a welcome practical improvement.

Each axis arm can auto-lock (right), making it easy to secure the gimbal, and the Teflon arm adjusters (left) make it much easier for fine control during re-balancing. Images: Valens Quinn.

The on-screen Z-zxis indicator is a subtle but useful addition. It gives real-time visual feedback on how much vertical bounce is occurring, effectively coaching you to adjust your gait while walking with the gimbal. I didn’t notice the updated stabilisation algorithm doing anything dramatically different, but that’s rather the point; the footage just came out steadier. If you find yourself running with the gimbal, this is where you’d likely notice it more.

One unexpected issue I encountered was with extreme low-angle shots: specifically, holding the gimbal with the handle pointing downward to get the camera close to the ground. I ran into this problem when filming a robot vacuum cleaner, where I wanted to get the camera down close to the unit. This repeatedly triggered a balance warning and eventually put the system into sleep mode. My Canon C50 setup is well within the RS5’s 3kg payload limit, and the RS5 supposedly delivers more torque than its predecessor, so this was a surprise. It may be a settings issue or simply a limitation of the gimbal’s intended operating envelope at extreme angles. The solution wasn’t immediately obvious, but worth considering if extreme low-angle work is part of your regular shooting style.

DJI RS5 Tracking Module: how well does it work?

The RS Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module is the headline addition of the Combo kit, and it works well for solo shooters. It attaches magnetically to the front of the gimbal, weighs just 19 grams, and lets you select a subject directly on the RS5’s touchscreen. Once locked, the gimbal follows that subject within a 10-metre range and automatically reacquires them if they step out of frame.

Images: Valens Quinn.

In practice, the tracking held up well. Standing about five metres from the camera, the module picked up my face and body automatically without me needing to draw a box. It stayed locked on as I walked briskly towards the camera from the left and continued tracking as I moved all the way across to the right, not always facing directly towards the lens. Movement was smooth, comparable to a competent camera operator, though not perfectly uniform. You can also draw a shape around any object you want to track, and the module will auto-identify faces and other subjects, which gives you flexibility beyond just people. It’s not perfect; however, we can expect a few tweaks via software updates along the way.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the tracker’s screen uses a wide-angle lens, so you’ll also get the best match with wider-angle lenses on your camera. Otherwise, the tracker’s framing may not resemble, say, an 80mm lens, but you can just zoom this in a bit or change your distance to get the tracking to match up, and then return to your desired focal length and go from there.

Two details worth calling out: there’s a red/green LED ring on the module so you know at a glance whether tracking is engaged, and hand gestures can be used to start and stop tracking and, on compatible cameras, trigger recording. Being able to walk in front of the camera, raise a hand, and have both tracking and recording start without touching anything can really help on solo shoots.

There are settings (left) for fine-tuning the tracking framing, speed, etc, and a red or green indicator lights up when tracking is active or inactive, and you can enable it with an open palm gesture. Images: Valens Quinn.

You also have control over framing: the RS5 can maintain whatever composition you’ve set, keeping your subject at the same position in frame, or you can switch to auto-centre if you’d rather the subject always be centred. That flexibility is useful depending on the shot.

One important caveat: the module requires more than 20 lux of ambient light to function, which means it won’t track effectively in dim environments. It’s primarily a daylight or well-lit indoor tool. DJI keeps the design modular, so if you don’t need tracking on a given shoot, you simply leave the module off. It doesn’t change the physical profile of the gimbal when absent.

The RS5 can either be used with or without (as shown) the Intelligent Tracking Module. You can easily clip it on, and there are no cables to connect. Image: Valens Quinn.

The Electronic Briefcase Handle: what does it actually add?

Also included in the Combo, the Electronic Briefcase Handle is worth calling out separately. It attaches via the RSA port and adds a second grip with a joystick and dedicated buttons, built for situations where you need to hold the gimbal away from your body for overhead or angled shots. Think low-angle footage at arm’s reach, or holding the rig up high without having to strain to reach the main controls.

The RSA connection also means the handle communicates electronically with the gimbal rather than just acting as a physical extension, so the controls are responsive and integrated.

The Electronic Briefcase Handle is a welcome addition, both to give you leverage for creative camera angles, and the ability to operate the gimbal when the main controls are hard to reach. Images: Valens Quinn.

DJI RS5 shooting performance

Using the RS5 with the Canon EOS C50, the gimbal delivered smooth, responsive footage across Pan Tilt Follow and FPV modes. Walk-and-talk shots, push-ins and tilt moves all handled well. The improved torque made the system feel confident, and I didn’t notice any strain at my shooting weight. The balance indicator, which provides a real-time visual read of how stable the gimbal is, remains a useful feature that helps you improve technique rather than just trusting the system to compensate.

The balance indicator (right) shows red to indicate that you are bobbing up and down too much. Image: Valens Quinn.

DJI RS5 battery life: all-day and then some

Battery life is a clear step forward. With the included BG33 grip, the RS5 is rated for approximately 14 hours of standby. Across full shooting days, I had no battery concerns. The one-hour fast charge is a notable improvement; being able to top up the gimbal during a lunch break rather than waiting 2.5 hours as with the RS4 changes how you plan a shoot day.

For extended shoots or events, the optional BG70 High-Capacity Battery Grip extends runtime to up to 30 hours.

DJI RS5 ecosystem and connectivity

The RS5 connects to DJI’s professional ecosystem in the same way as the RS4, with support for Focus Pro Motors and LiDAR, RSA communication ports for accessories, and DJI SDR Transmission for live monitoring and remote control. The expanded Bluetooth support for Panasonic and Fujifilm cameras is a welcome addition for shooters in those ecosystems, and the open RS SDK allows third-party developers to build custom functions on top of the platform.

A frustration for Canon cinema camera users is the compatibility situation. The Canon EOS C50 is not on DJI’s compatibility list for Bluetooth or USB-C control. Features like wireless shutter triggering and USB-C record start/stop that work seamlessly with Sony cameras simply aren’t available. DJI’s compatibility list favours Canon’s hybrid stills/video range (the R series) over their cinema-dedicated C series. Whether this is Canon’s issue to fix or DJI’s is unclear, but the practical reality for C50, C70, and C80 shooters is that they’re missing some of the RS5’s more useful connected features. So if you plan to shoot with one of these cameras, it’s worth thinking about before you take the plunge.

Accessory ports include RSA/NATO communication ports, 1/4″-20 mounting holes, cold shoe, USB-C camera control, and a multifunctional USB-C port, the same comprehensive ecosystem that made the RS4 a strong professional option.

DJI RS5 vs RS4: should you upgrade?

If you’re already on the RS4, this is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary update. The shooting experience is very similar, the controls are in the same places, and the overall performance difference is noticeable in specs but subtle in practice. The main reasons to consider upgrading are the Intelligent Tracking Module for solo shooting, the improved battery and charging, and the fine-tuning knobs if you’ve found balancing fiddly in the past, but I didn’t struggle with this on the RS4.

And there’s a rugged case to carry everything in, too. Image: Valens Quinn.

If you’re coming from an RS2 or earlier, the RS5 is a far more significant leap in algorithm quality, build refinement, feature set and ecosystem integration, and would be a clear recommendation.

It’s also worth noting that at the time of writing (March 2026), there is no announced RS5 Pro. Given DJI’s habit of releasing Pro variants, one is likely in the pipeline, but for those who need higher payload now, the RS4 Pro remains the current option at $1,299.

Who is the DJI RS5 for?

For videographers and content creators working with smaller mirrorless cameras, the DJI RS5 is the strongest version of DJI’s mainstream gimbal yet. The tracking module is a real step up for solo operators, the battery life is considerably better, and the fine-tuning knobs make the whole balancing process less of a chore. All the things that were good about the RS4 are still here.

Image: Valens Quinn.

The RS5 gets even more functional and capable while keeping all the good things that have been refined over the model generations. For anyone buying into the ecosystem for the first time, or stepping up from an older model, it’s a confident recommendation.

One last note on the Combo kit: at $160 more than the Standard, the addition of the tracking module, briefcase handle, and carry case is good value if tracking and creative shot control matter to your workflow. If you’re a straightforward tripod-and-gimbal operator, the Standard at $839 is the right call.

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DJI RS5

Building on the excellent RS4, the new DJI RS5 features optional intelligent tracking, more torque, easier balancing and more.

Performance

8.5

Features

9.5

Ease of use

9

Value for money

8.4

Design

8.5

Positives

5th-gen stabilisation delivers smooth, torquey, confident results

Intelligent Tracking Module is a game-changer for solo shooters

New fine-tuning knobs make balancing faster and less fiddly than ever

Z-axis indicator helps you actively improve your shooting technique

Negatives

Evolutionary rather than revolutionary - RS4 owners may not feel urgency to upgrade

Low-angle extreme positions can trigger unexpected balance warnings

Canon cinema cameras (C50, C70, C80) lack Bluetooth and USB-C compatibility

8.8

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