The 5G rollout keeps on keeping on, with the next-generation network technology now available across a wide range of mobile providers. This extends to prepaid providers too. While postpaid 5G plans are a little more common, it's still available on prepaid. You might not get in on every plan, so if you're after a prepaid plan with 5G, here's what you need to know.
Before we start, here's a quick look at some popular prepaid mobile plans with 5G and at least 20GB of data:
Optus prepaid plans with 5G
Every Optus prepaid plan has 5G connectivity, but some have speed caps. Most of Optus' prepaid recharges have uncapped speeds, which means you can download as fast as network conditions allow. You'll be limited to 250Mbps on its long-expiry plans, however.
Here are Optus' current prepaid recharges:
Telstra prepaid plans with 5G
Every Telstra prepaid mobile plan has 5G connectivity. Even though speeds are capped, your exact download speed depends on how much you're spending. Most Telstra prepaid plans have a speed cap of 150Mbps, but its $64 recharge has a 250Mbps cap.
Telstra also has a $74 prepaid recharge with uncapped speeds, which means you'll get download speeds as fast as network conditions allow. These should typically exceed 400Mbps, but on a good day, you could get close to 1Gbps.
Here are Telstra's 5G plans:
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#1
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Telstra
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
$54.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#3
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Telstra
$64.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#4
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Telstra
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#5
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Telstra
$200.00
Per 6 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
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#6
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Telstra
$349.00
Per 12 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
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Vodafone prepaid plans with 5G
All Vodafone prepaid mobile plans can connect to Vodafone's 5G network. No Vodafone prepaid plans have a speed cap.
Here's the complete range of Vodafone prepaid plans:
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#1
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Vodafone
$13.00
Per 7 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#2
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Vodafone
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#3
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Vodafone
$50.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#4
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Vodafone
$60.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#5
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Vodafone
$169.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#6
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Vodafone
$180.00
Per 185 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#7
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Vodafone
$350.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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Boost Mobile prepaid plans with 5G
Telstra's prepaid brand Boost Mobile has 5G on all of its plans. Download speeds are capped to 150Mbps on most recharges, but the $59 recharge has a 250Mbps speed cap. The $74 recharge is even faster, with uncapped speeds.
Boost Mobile is the only Telstra MVNO to have access to the full Telstra network.
Here are all of Boost's 5G plans:
amaysim prepaid plans with 5G
All amaysim prepaid plans now come with 5G, including long-expiry options. Most plans are limited to download speeds of 150Mbps, but some of its more more expensive 28-day recharges have a faster 200Mbps speed cap.
Here are all of amaysim's 5G plans
What about other prepaid plans with 5G?
There are a couple of other providers offering 5G on prepaid plans. These include Superloop, Exetel, ALDI Mobile, Everyday Mobile (previously Woolworths Mobile), TPG, iiNet, Lebara, felix mobile, and Lyca Mobile.
Here are the cheapest 5G-ready plans from each of these providers:
Like the prepaid plans we've looked at earlier, most of these plans are subject to speed caps. 100Mbps or 150Mbps is the most common speed cap, but some pricier plans have 250Mbps speed caps.
If you're just after a more affordable 5G plan than what's being offered by Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone, it could be worth checking out postpaid 5G plans. Once again, many of these plans are capped at either 100Mbps or 150Mbps.
Here's a look at the cheapest 5G postpaid plans available from smaller providers right now:
Once again, many of these plans are subject to speed caps.
Where can I get 5G?
WhistleOut's coverage checker tool can be used to inspect 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G in your area. All you need to do is punch in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G can make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
How fast is 5G?
5G speeds can vary quite a lot, but have the potential to reach over 1Gbps. In WhistleOut's 5G speed testing, we've found 5G speeds have typically ranged between 200Mbps and 600Mbps.
Many 5G prepaid plans have some sort of speed cap, however, limiting the maximum download speed you can reach. 100Mbps, 150Mbps, and 250Mbps are the common speed caps providers have implemented on their plans.
In some cases, more expensive 5G prepaid plans may have uncapped speeds, which allow you to achieve download speeds as fast as network conditions allow.
What phones have 5G?
Naturally, you can't connect to a 5G network unless you have a 5G compatible phone. Below is a small selection of phones that have 5G that you can buy on a plan.
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
- 6.77 inch display
- Android Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.1
- 5G Capable
Prepaid 5G plans FAQ
Are the cheapest 5G plans prepaid?
5G prepaid plans can be a great way to get a more affordable 5G SIM, but they're not always the cheapest option. amaysim has one of the cheapest prepaid 5G mobile plans right now, where you'll pay $30 for a 28-day recharge with 32GB. While that's not a bad deal, Moose Mobile has a 5G postpaid SIM-only plan where you'll get 40GB for $12.40 per month. After your first six months, this becomes a 27GB plan at $26.80 per month. That's less data, but also a smaller monthly bill.
Do smaller prepaid providers like amaysim have 5G?
Several small prepaid providers now offer 5G on select plans. These include amaysim, ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile, Exetel, Kogan, Superloop, Spacetalk, and Everyday Mobile.
Do you need a new SIM card for 5G?
If you're sticking with the same provider and are already on a prepaid plan, you won't need a new SIM card to get 5G. If you're moving from a postpaid plan to a prepaid plan on the same provider, you'll often need to order a new SIM card. If you're moving to a different provider to get 5G connectivity, your new provider will send you a new SIM card in the post.
Alex Choros
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