12 Smart Questions to Compare NBN Plans and Save Money in 2025

Still rocking the same NBN plan you signed up for years ago? You’re not alone. Two out of five Aussies haven’t switched their internet plan in the past three years. That’s a lot of people potentially overpaying for their connection without even knowing it.

Here’s the thing: your internet needs have probably changed since you first signed up. The average Aussie household now connects 22 devices to the internet, and that number keeps climbing. Between streaming, gaming, working from home, and everything else we do online these days, what worked a few years back might not cut it anymore.

NBN providers offer everything from Basic (NBN 12) right up to Ultrafast (NBN 1000), each designed for different types of users. Plus, the tech that actually connects your home, whether that’s Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Node (FTTN), or one of the other six NBN technology types makes a huge difference to what you’ll actually get.

We’ve put together 12 essential questions that’ll help you figure out if you’re getting the best deal. No marketing fluff, no confusing jargon, just the straight facts you need to find an NBN plan that actually suits your household. Ready to stop overpaying and start getting what you need?

What are your actual internet usage habits?

Here’s the thing about NBN plans, most of us have no clue what we actually use our internet for. Some households are paying for lightning-fast speeds they’ll never need, while others are stuck buffering through their favourite shows because they’re on a plan that’s way too slow.

Understanding your internet usage

Ever noticed your internet gets sluggish around dinnertime? That’s because evening hours between 7pm and 11pm are peak usage times when everyone’s online at once. Your connection has to compete with every other household in your area who’s also trying to stream, game, or video call their mates.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Netflix chews through up to 7GB per hour for 4K content and 3GB per hour for HD streaming. YouTube’s pretty similar, 3.5GB hourly for HD and a whopping 7GB for 4K quality. That adds up fast, doesn’t it?

But streaming’s not the only data hog in your house. Think about all the stuff happening in the background:

• Cloud storage constantly syncing your files
• Apps and software updating automatically
• Video calls for work or catching up with family
• Social media (especially those endless video feeds)
• Gaming downloads and updates

How usage affects your NBN plan

Your daily online habits basically dictate what NBN speed you need. If you’re just checking emails and browsing the news, an entry-level plan will do the trick. But if you’ve got multiple people streaming, gaming, and working from home all at the same time? You’re going to need something with more grunt.

Here’s where it gets tricky. Say you’ve got a 50Mbps plan and two people online at once, in theory, you’d each get 25Mbps. In reality? It doesn’t work that way]. If someone’s streaming 4K content, they’re hogging most of the bandwidth, leaving everyone else struggling to even load a webpage.

Remember those 22 devices we mentioned earlier? Yeah, they’re all fighting for a piece of your connection, even when you’re not actively using them.

Tools to track your data consumption

Want to know what you’re actually using? Your modem probably has built-in tracking, though you might need to dig around in the settings to find it.

For something more user-friendly, try these:

• NetWorx: Breaks down your usage into daily, weekly, and monthly reports
• GlassWire: Shows real-time usage and lets you set alerts

Most providers also have online portals where you can check your data consumption, though they’re usually a few hours behind.

Once you know what you’re actually using, you can pick an NBN plan that fits like a glove, not too much, not too little, just right.

How many people and devices share your connection?

Got a busy household? The number of people and gadgets fighting for your internet connection can make or break your online experience. And trust us, it’s probably more crowded than you think.

When everyone wants a piece of the pie

Your internet doesn’t work like electricity, it’s not like each person gets their own dedicated chunk. Instead, your bandwidth gets divided up between everything that’s connected. So when your housemate decides to download the latest game while you’re trying to stream Netflix, things can get pretty frustrating pretty quickly.

Here’s what we mean: on a 50Mbps plan, three people would theoretically get around 16.67Mbps each. But that’s not how it actually works in the real world. If someone’s hogging the connection for a massive download, everyone else gets the leftovers. Sound familiar?

With data usage going through the roof lately, heaps of households are discovering their current plans just aren’t cutting it anymore.

What’s actually using your bandwidth?

Different activities chew through bandwidth at very different rates:

• Streaming video: Netflix needs 3Mbps for standard quality, 5Mbps for HD, and a whopping 25Mbps for 4K 
• Video calls: Zoom requires 2Mbps both ways
• Gaming: Usually sits around 3-6Mbps
• Security cameras: Each one uses 0.75-2Mbps

Remember those 22 devices we mentioned earlier? Every smart TV, phone, tablet, laptop, and even your smart fridge is competing for bandwidth. That adds up fast.

Matching your plan to your household

So what speed do you actually need? Here’s the breakdown:

NBN 25: Perfect for smaller households (1-2 people) with a few devices. You can stream in standard definition or watch one HD show without much else happening.

NBN 50: The sweet spot for small families (2-4 people). Handles HD streaming while everyone else browses social media and checks emails.

NBN 100: Built for larger households 4-6 people) where multiple people want to stream 4K or there’s always something downloading.

One more thing: if someone in your house is always hogging the connection, consider getting a router with Quality of Service (QoS) features. It lets you set limits so one person or device can’t monopolise everything.

What NBN speed tier do you really need?

Most Aussies are paying for internet speeds they’ll never actually use. Sounds familiar? The trick is figuring out what your household genuinely needs, not what sounds impressive on paper.

The NBN Speed Breakdown

NBN offers six main speed tiers, and each one serves different types of users:

• NBN 12 (Basic I): 12Mbps download/1Mbps upload – Perfect for basic browsing, emails, and social media 
• NBN 25 (Basic II): 25Mbps download/5-10Mbps upload – Works well for couples or small households streaming HD on one device
• NBN 50 (Standard): 50Mbps download/20Mbps upload – The sweet spot for most families with 2-4 people juggling multiple HD streams
• NBN 100 (Fast): 100Mbps download/20-40Mbps upload – Built for bigger households (5+ people) with heavy internet habits
• NBN 250 (Superfast): 250Mbps download/25Mbps upload – For tech-heavy homes that demand serious speed
• NBN 1000 (Ultrafast): Up to 1000Mbps download/50Mbps upload – Extreme users and small businesses only 

Keep in mind, not every speed tier is available everywhere—it depends on your NBN technology type.

What Speed Actually Suits Your Life?

We’ve all been there, paying for more than we need because faster sounds better. But here’s what really matters for different activities:

• Just browsing and checking emails? NBN 12 or 25 will do the job just fine 
• Single HD stream plus general internet use? NBN 50 handles this easily
• 4K streaming enthusiast? You’ll want NBN 50 minimum, but NBN 100 is better if multiple people are streaming 4K 
• Gaming household? NBN 100 or higher keeps everyone happy during online sessions
• Working from home with video calls? NBN 100 ensures smooth video meetings and file sharing

The more people using your connection at once, the higher speed tier you’ll need to keep everyone satisfied.

Don’t Get Fooled Into Overpaying

At MATE, we see people wasting money on unnecessary speed all the time. Here’s how to avoid that trap:

Think about your evening usage between 7pm-11pm when everyone’s online and the network gets busy. That’s when your connection really gets tested. Run a few speed tests to see if you’re actually getting what you’re paying for.Just remember, your internal network makes a big difference to the speed you are actually getting.

Worth checking your plan annually too, your needs change, and so do the deals available 

Do you need unlimited data or a capped plan?

Have you ever hit your data cap halfway through the month and suddenly felt like you’re browsing the internet through treacle? We hear you! The choice between unlimited and capped data plans can make or break your online experience.

Unlimited vs limited data plans

Most NBN providers these days push unlimited plans as the standard option. Makes sense, really, unlimited plans only cost AUD 7.64 to AUD 15.29 more per month than capped plans. That’s less than a couple of coffees for peace of mind.

Capped plans might look cheaper upfront, but here’s the kicker: when you go over your limit, most providers don’t charge you extra. Instead, they throttle your speed down to 128Kbps. That’s basically dial-up territory. Good luck streaming anything at that speed!

How to estimate your monthly data usage

Not sure how much data you actually chew through? Here are the typical consumption rates for common activities:

• 4K streaming: 8GB per hour
• HD streaming: 2GB per hour
• SD streaming: 0.5GB per hour
• Music streaming: 0.055GB per hour
• Social media: 0.09GB per hour
• Video calling (HD): 2GB per hour
• Web browsing: 0.185GB per hour

Your provider’s app or online portal usually shows your past usage, though it might be a few hours behind. There are also handy data calculators online where you can plug in your daily habits for a precise estimate.

Quick example: Someone who streams 2 hours of HD content and makes 1 hour of HD video calls daily would burn through about 6GB daily or 180GB monthly. 

Best value NBN plans for data

If you’re going unlimited, MATE keeps it simple: fast, no-contract nbn with clear pricing, and on eligible plans you can save $30 per month for your first 6 months, then roll to our everyday rate with no surprises. If you want great value without the runaround, MATE’s unlimited nbn plans are an easy win.

For anyone working from home, running a household with multiple users, or just wanting to stream without constantly checking data usage, unlimited plans aren’t a luxury, they’re practically essential. No bill shock, no speed throttling, just consistent internet when you need it.

Are you on the right NBN technology type?

Here’s something that might surprise you: loads of Aussies have no clue what type of NBN connection they’ve actually got. Yet this tech difference can make or break your internet experience, no matter how much you’re paying each month.

Types of NBN connections (FTTP, FTTN, HFC, etc.)

The NBN rolled out using what they call a Multi-Technology Mix, basically seven different ways to get internet to your home:

• Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): The gold standard. Pure fibre optic cable runs directly to your house, delivering speeds up to 1000Mbps. If you’ve got this, you’ve struck the jackpot.
• Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Fibre goes to a cabinet down the street, then old copper wires handle the rest. This setup might not hit NBN 100 speeds consistently.
• Fibre to the Building (FTTB): Common in apartment blocks, fibre reaches the building’s comms room, then existing wiring takes over.
• Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Fibre gets closer to your place (usually a pit outside), with copper doing the final stretch.
• Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): Uses the old cable TV network with coaxial cables for that last connection.
• Fixed Wireless: Big transmission towers beam internet to an antenna on your roof.
• Sky Muster Satellite: Satellite connection for remote areas where other options aren’t available.

How technology affects speed and reliability

Your connection type makes a massive difference to what you’ll actually get. According to ACCC data, FTTP connections are the most reliable with fewer dropouts than other types. Meanwhile, FTTN connections made up 48% of services with daily outages despite being only 34% of all fixed-line services.

Weather plays havoc with some connections too. Heavy rain can really mess with FTTN, FTTC, and Fixed Wireless performance.

Checking your NBN connection type

Want to know what you’ve got? Here’s how:

1. Head to the official NBN address checker and punch in your address
2. Or have a look at the NBN gear in your home to work it out

Not happy with what you’ve got? Check if you are eligible for nbn’s Fibre Upgrade program. Selected homes and businesses serviced by the nbn network via Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) can now upgrade to FTTP with an eligible plan. You can learn more about this program here: 

When you’re comparing plans, make sure they actually work with your connection type. Not every speed tier is available on every technology.

Is your current provider delivering advertised speeds?

Here’s something that might surprise you: what your NBN provider advertises and what you actually get at home can be two very different things. Ever noticed your connection crawling during prime time? You’re probably not imagining it.

How to test your NBN speed

Want to find out what you’re really getting? Here’s how to get accurate results:

1. Head to reliable testing sites like speedtest.net or your provider’s dedicated speed test page.
2. For the most accurate reading, plug your device directly into your router with an ethernet cable.
3. Close everything else running in the background and make sure no one else is hogging the connection.
4. Test multiple times, especially between 7-11pm when everyone’s online.

Your results will show three key numbers: download speed (how fast you get data), upload speed (how fast you send it), and ping (how responsive your connection is). These tell you whether you’re actually getting what you’re paying for.

Evening speed vs advertised speed

The ACCC makes providers advertise their “typical evening speed” during the busiest period between 7pm and 11pm. That’s when the network’s under the most pressure.

They’ve got four standard labels for broadband plans:

• Basic Evening Speed: Less than 15 Mbps
• Standard Evening Speed: At least 15 Mbps
• Standard Plus Evening Speed: At least 30 Mbps
• Premium Evening Speed: At least 60 Mbps 

Reality check: that “NBN 100” plan might actually deliver a typical evening speed of only 85 Mbps. The evening speed is what actually matters for your day-to-day experience.

What to do if speeds are too slow

Getting sluggish speeds consistently? It might not be your providers issue.

Run multiple speed tests first to confirm there’s actually a problem. Your home network makes the biggest difference to the speeds you actually get on each device. You can learn more about improving your home networks speeds here https://www.letsbemates.com.au/mate/future-proof-home-network-nbn-upgrade/ and how wired vs wi-fi connections affect your speed here https://www.letsbemates.com.au/mate/ethernet-vs-wifi-2025-wired-still-matters/

Are you paying for features you don’t use?

Ever taken a proper look at your NBN bill and wondered what half the charges are for? You’re probably not alone. Plenty of NBN plans come loaded with extras that sound great when you’re signing up but end up being dead weight on your monthly bill.

Bundled services: TV, phone, etc.

NBN providers love packing entertainment packages, landline services, and other add-ons into their plans. These bundles can tack on an extra $10-30 to your monthly bill, but here’s the kicker, most people barely touch these extras. With Netflix, Disney+, and everyone using their mobiles these days, things like Foxtel packages or home phone lines have become pretty redundant for most Aussie households.

Common extras you might not need:

• Landline services when everyone just uses their mobile anyway
• Entertainment packages full of channels you never watch
• Cloud storage when you’re already using Google Drive or OneDrive
• Security software that does the same job as what you’ve already got

Hidden costs in NBN plans

The monthly fee is just the start. There are plenty of sneaky charges that can bump up what you’re really paying:

Stripping down to essentials

Time for a bit of housekeeping. Track what you actually use over a month. Are you watching those premium channels? Using that cloud storage? Making calls on the landline?

Focus on what you actually need, solid internet at the right speed with enough data for your household. If you’re not using the extras, ditch them. The best value NBN plans are often the no-frills ones that just get the job done without all the bells and whistles you’ll never touch.

Is your plan flexible or locked into a contract?

Getting locked into the wrong NBN contract can cost you big time. The good news? Most Aussie providers like MATE have ditched the lock-in approach, giving you way more freedom than you might think.

Contract vs no-contract NBN plans

Here’s something that might surprise you: 3 out of 46 providers actually require fixed-term commitments these days. That means the vast majority of NBN plans let you come and go as you please.

No-contract plans give you month-to-month flexibility without any long-term strings attached. Contract plans usually lock you in for 12 or 24 months. The monthly costs? Often pretty similar between both options. The real difference shows up in setup fees and hardware, contract plans tend to throw in free modems or waive connection charges.

Pros and cons of each

No-contract advantages:

• Cancel or switch whenever you want
• Perfect if you’re renting or planning to move
• Test drive a provider before you commit

No-contract disadvantages:

• You might pay more upfront for modems and setup
• Fewer special deals and promotional offers

Contract advantages:

• Often comes with better rates and promos
• Your price stays locked in for the contract period
• Usually includes free or cheap modems and setup

Contract disadvantages:

• Early exit fees if you need to leave
• Stuck if you’re unhappy or need to relocate

How to switch without penalties

First things first, check if you’re actually under contract. Leaving early usually means copping cancellation fees. But if you’re on a no-contract plan, you can switch whenever a better deal pops up.

When you’re ready to make the switch:

1. Pick your new provider first
2. Let them handle the technical switchover
3. Don’t cancel your current service until the new one’s up and running

We reckon no-contract plans give most people the flexibility they need without paying extra for it.

How responsive is your provider’s customer support?

We’ve all been there. Your internet cuts out right before an important video call, or your speeds suddenly drop to a crawl. You call your provider and… nothing. You’re stuck listening to hold music for what feels like hours, only to get transferred three times and still no solution.

Customer support might not be the flashiest feature when you’re comparing NBN plans, but it’s the difference between a quick fix and days of frustration when things go wrong.

Why good support actually matters

Let’s be honest, NBN connections aren’t perfect. Dropouts happen, speeds can suddenly tank, and sometimes your connection just decides to have a bad day. When that happens, you need someone who actually knows what they’re talking about and can sort it out quickly.

The best providers offer multiple ways to reach them (phone, email, live chat) with decent hours and actual humans who can help. At MATE, we don’t have chatbots that send you in circles or overseas call centres where you have to repeat your problem five times.

Test before you commit

Want to know how good a provider’s support really is? Here’s what we’d do:

• Check out Product Review for real customer experiences
• Call their support line during busy times (evenings work well)
• Time how long it takes to reach a real person
• Ask a technical question to see if they know their stuff
• Find out what guarantees they offer when things go wrong

Takes a bit of effort upfront, but it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for.

Who’s actually good at this stuff

Look for providers who put their service guarantees in writing and offer compensation when outages drag on. If they’re confident enough in their support to back it up financially, that’s usually a good sign.

At the end of the day, you want a provider who’ll pick up the phone when you need them most.

Have you reviewed your plan in the last 12 months?

Let’s be honest, most of us set up our NBN plan and then forget about it. We’re all guilty of it. Shockingly, two out of five Australians haven’t changed their internet plan in the past three years. That’s a pretty expensive mistake to make.

Why regular reviews save money

Aussies spend an average of $129.96 monthly on NBN services. At the same time, prices jumped by 3.6-15% in 2024-25 while the actual service stayed pretty much the same. Its a good time to check you are on the best plan with nbn speed upgrades coming in September 2025 bringing much higher speeds to eligible plans for FTTP and HFC customers.

How to stay on top of your plan

Set a reminder in your phone for every six months. When that reminder pops up, don’t just look at the flashy ads. Focus on what you actually need.

The good news? Switching is pretty straightforward. It usually takes just 24-48 hours on business days, so you won’t be stuck without the internet while everything gets sorted.

At MATE, we’re all about keeping things simple and fair. No lock-in contracts, no sneaky price hikes after six months, and no confusing add-ons you don’t need. Just reliable NBN that won’t break the bank, backed by real Aussie support when you need a hand.

Quick Reference: Your NBN Plan Checklist

Right, let’s break it all down into one handy table. This is your cheat sheet for checking whether your current plan is actually working for you or if it’s time to make a switch.

The Bottom Line

Look, choosing the right NBN plan isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of homework. We’ve just walked through 12 questions that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. That’s money that could be going towards things you actually want, not overpaying for internet you don’t need.

Your usage habits are everything. Whether you’re doom-scrolling TikTok or running Zoom calls all day, matching your plan to what you actually do online is the first step to stopping the money drain. Same goes for how many people are fighting over your connection—what works for a couple might leave a family of five ready to throw their devices out the window.

Customer support might seem boring until your internet dies during an important video call. Test how responsive providers are before you sign up, it’ll save you a world of frustration later.

Don’t be one of those people paying the loyalty tax because switching seems too hard. With no-contract plans, you can jump ship whenever you find something better. Your wallet will thank you for it.

Time to put these questions to work and find an NBN plan that actually suits your household, not your provider’s bottom line.

FAQs

Q1. How often should I review my NBN plan? It’s recommended to review your NBN plan every 6-12 months. Regular reviews can help you avoid overpaying and ensure your plan still meets your needs as prices and offerings change frequently.

Q2. What factors should I consider besides price when choosing an NBN plan? While price is important, also consider factors like connection reliability, customer support quality, actual speeds delivered during peak hours, and whether the plan includes features you’ll actually use.

Q4. How does my NBN connection type affect my plan options? Your NBN connection type (e.g. FTTP, FTTN, HFC) can impact the maximum speeds available to you. Check your specific connection type before comparing plans to ensure you don’t pay for unattainable speeds.

Q5. What should I do if I’m not getting the speeds I’m paying for? If you’re consistently not receiving the advertised speeds, especially during peak hours (7-11pm), contact your provider. They’re obligated to check your speeds and may offer remedies like moving you to a lower-cost plan or improving your connection at no extra charge.