What's the purpose of a 13-inch laptop? Portability. And if that's what you're here for, then you'll be happy to know that the best 13-inch laptops we've tested are compact powerhouses made for workers, students, gamers and creatives on the move.

At Tom's Guide, we're huge fans of this form factor. These are the machines my team and I take with us during press trips abroad, after all. A 13-inch laptop is that sweet spot between the easy handling of a tablet and a versatile machine for getting stuff done, allowing you to slip it into your backpack, take it out and work (or play) from virtually anywhere you go.

We’ve tested the best 13-inch laptops to help you find the right choice for different needs and budgets. The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is our top overall pick, but there are strong alternatives here, too, including the Dell XPS 13 (2026) for Windows users, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 for compact power and the Framework Laptop 13 for buyers who want upgradeability.

If you want a laptop that is genuinely easy to carry without feeling the weight, a 13-inch model remains one of the best places to start.

The best 13-inch laptops you can buy today

The best 13-inch laptop overall

Who is the MacBook Air for?

The MacBook Air M5 is the quintessential 13-inch laptop. Thin and lightweight, powerful enough to breeze through everyday tasks and more demanding ones like 4K video editing and even some light gaming, and boasting long-lasting battery life at over 15 hours. It's the laptop that fits most people's needs for its price.

Why is it the best overall 13-inch laptop?

As with its M4 predecessor, the MacBook Air M5 carries on everything we loved about Apple's modern Air lineup. That means a portable 12 x 8.5 x 0.4-inch size and a light 2.7 pounds, stunning 13.6-inch (2560 x 1664) Liquid Retina Display, and this time, even longer battery life at 15 hours and 37 minutes. Oh, and in a lovely array of stylish colors. Throw in its improved performance, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and upgraded 512GB base storage, and this 13-inch laptop has it all (it's just too bad about the $200 price hike after Apple raised prices across MacBooks).

What do we like about the MacBook Air?

👍 Improved performance with M5: Apple's laptops just keep getting stronger, and the latest M5 chip still dominates in our benchmarks across thr board, even compared to its competition. From web surfing to video editing, and even gaming, this laptop powers through.

👍 Strong(er) battery life: MacBooks are among the longest-lasting laptops around, and the MacBook Air M5 continues this legacy with 15 hours and 37 minutes of battery life. That's more than enough to get through two workdays without reaching for a charger.

👍 Extra perks: While it's more of a nominal upgrade, the MacBook Air M5 still comes with welcome features, including Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and a larger 512GB base storage.

What don’t we like about the MacBook Air?

👎 Price bump: Despite its improvements, the MacBook Air M5 is now $100 more than its predecessor, which stings. So, an extra $100 for most of the same features.

👎 Not a major upgrade: If you already own an M4 MacBook Air, you won't see a major difference with the M5 model. This is purely under-the-hood improvements.

Apple MacBook Air M5: Bottom line

Apple still delivers the best 13-inch laptop you can grab today, as the MacBook Air M5 ticks all the right boxes in being a stellar machine for most people. Even if its welcome upgrades are smaller in scale, it's a laptop that's hard to beat.

• Read our full MacBook Air 13-inch M5 review

The best budget 13-inch laptop

Who is the MacBook Neo for?

Apple has another 13-inch laptop up its sleeve, and the MacBook Neo is conquering the budget laptop market with its premium (and fun) design that's perfect for workers and students on the move. Plus, you can expect solid performance for its $699 price, and $599 if you're a student.

Why is it the best budget 13-inch laptop?

Yes, it was an even better budget pick before Apple's official price hikes, but the MacBook Neo is still a steal. At $699, the MacBook Neo (nearly) gives you all the perks of the pricier MacBook Air, including its sturdy aluminum finish and portable size and weight. In fact, it's slightly smaller at 11.7 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches, and the fun splashes of color just make it even more appealing. If you can forgive the lack of a backlit keyboard, you'll find yourself with a reliable machine for work, studies and plenty of entertainment.

What do we like about the MacBook Neo?

👍 Portability as its finest: Being just 0.5 inches thin and weighing 2.7 pounds, the MacBook Neo follows its Air sibling's winning formula but at a much more affordable cost. No cheap-feeling plastic chassis for this budget machine, just a sleek, premium design with lively colors to choose from!

👍 Performance that works: You'd think an iPhone's A18 Pro chip wouldn't be nearly as powerful enough in a laptop, but that isn't the case with the MacBook Neo. From juggling multiple tasks to even some casual, less demanding gaming, this laptop can handle most people's workloads.

👍 Strong battery life: Impressively, the MacBook Neo lasts 13 hours and 28 minutes, which shows it has more than enough stamina to last a full workday, and then some.

What don’t we like about the MacBook Neo?

👎 Pay extra for Touch ID: Want to quickly log in with your fingerprint? You'll have to pay $100 more for the Neo with Touch ID, but at least you'll also get a larger 512GB for storage.

👎 Budget cuts: Don't expect any backlit keyboard or Thunderbolt ports on this machine, which is a shame even if it's made to be a budget option.

Apple MacBook Neo: Bottom line

The MacBook Neo is an affordable force to be reckoned with, packing solid performance in a compact, 13-inch laptop that looks and feels good to use. It's not perfect, but at its current $699 starting price ($599 for students), you'll be hard-pressed to find a machine of this size boasting plenty of value.

• Read our full MacBook Neo review

The best 13-inch Windows laptop

Who is the Dell XPS 13 for?

Dell's exceptional XPS line of laptops is now more affordable thanks to the Dell XPS 13 (2026), and it's quite easily earned the title of the best budget Windows laptop you can get right now. For anyone after a 13-inch laptop that delivers a quality, lightweight build, fast performance and a sharp 2.5K touch display for a wallet-friendly price, this is the laptop I recommend.

Why is it the best 13-inch Windows laptop?

The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is the best Windows ultraportable if you want a laptop that feels as premium as it looks. At just 2.2 pounds, it’s easy to carry around anywhere, and in our testing, the compact footprint and featherweight build made a real difference during long commutes and packed days on the move. Plus, battery life is another strong suit, delivering 14 hours and 29 minutes in our tests. Along with its Intel Wildcat Lake CPU for strong everyday performance (even with just 8GB of RAM) and its vibrant 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) touchscreen, this covers all bases for its low price.

What do we like about the Dell XPS 13?

👍 Smooth, reliable everyday performance: With an Intel Core 5 320 "Wildcat Lake" CPU, we found the XPS 13 easily handled multitasking, office work and even light creative workloads without issue. Plus, it goes up to 32GB of RAM for better performance

👍 Battery to last all day (and then some): In our tests, the XPS 13 lasted 14 hours and 29 minutes of continuous web browsing. That's enough for even those long, meeting-filled days.

👍 Premium build and display for less: Between its lightweight, compact aluminum chassis and sharp 2.5K touchscreen, the XPS 13 feels and looks like a true premium device for both work and media, but for a wallet-friendly price!

What don’t we like about the Dell XPS 13?

👎 So-so webcam quality: Not a huge surprise when it comes to budget laptops, but the Dell XPS 13's 1080p webcam won't do you justice in video calls. Its image quality is blurry, and you'll look washed out.

👎 Two ports are all you get: The XPS 13 offers only two USB-C ports and lacks a headphone jack, so be prepared to rely on adapters.

Dell XPS 13 (2026): Bottom line

For $699, the Dell XPS 13 (2026) offers one feature-rich package that's hard to ignore. If you want a travel-friendly 13-inch Windows laptop that nails the essentials, like premium build, true portability, strong everyday performance and all-day battery, the XPS 13 is our top pick.

• Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2026) review

The best 13-inch 2-in-1 laptop

Who is the Asus ROG Flow Z13 for?

The ROG Flow Z13 is a perfect two-in-one for those who need plenty of horsepower like a gaming laptop, but without the battery life hit of a gaming laptop. On top of that, if you have prosumer workloads, this will work great for you, too. It's a gaming and workflow beast that's pricey, but anyone would be happy traveling around with this.

Why is it the best 13-inch 2-in-1 laptop?

Put simply, it comes down to just what this system is capable of. There are plenty of good 2-in-1s that are more for the casual productivity crowd. But nothing has come across my desk quite like this beast and its ability to match even the RTX 4070 laptop GPU for gaming, even though there's no dedicated GPU in here whatsoever. Plus, for even more power with a Death Stranding-type touch, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition we've tested is worth checking out.

What do we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

👍 A super-powered beast: AMD's Ryzen AI Max 395+ is an APU monster of a chip that is able to handle AAA gaming at close to 100 FPS maximum settings, crush GPU-intensive workloads, and outperform every single other 2-in-1 at any task.

👍 Stamina assured: Now, when I mentioned its gaming performance, I can understand some people may be worried — given most gaming laptops struggle to last 90 minutes. However in our testing, we were able to get comfortably over two hours, and in general day-to-day, I was able to hit 8 hours with a varied workload. This powerhouse has serious stamina.

What don’t we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

👎 Ray tracing is not too great: While the GPU is fantastic at gaming, make sure you keep ray tracing turned off. Like a lot of AMD GPUs, RT is not its strong suit and it can hamper performance.

👎 Expensive: And of course, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for this power — from $2,099 specifically. That's rather expensive for a 2-in-1!

Asus ROG Flow Z13: Bottom line

With powerful gaming laptop performance is a sleek, compact design, a gorgeous MiniLED display and decent battery life, this is a 13-inch 2-in-1 that feels like it achieves almost impossible levels of performance.

• Read our full Asus ROG Flow Z13 review

The best lightweight 13-inch laptop

Who is the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ for?

The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ immediately takes the crown as the lightest 13-inch laptop we've tested, weighing just 1.9 pounds. That spec alone is impressive. Hands-on, the ultra-light chassis makes tossing it in a backpack or carrying it one-handed feel almost effortless. It's the kind of laptop you forget is in your bag, making it a great pick for on-the-go professionals, students and anyone after reliable ultraportable performance

Why is it the best lightweight 13-inch?

Despite being so light, the Prestige 13 AI+ doesn't sacrifice build quality. Its solid metal frame gives the laptop a reassuring sturdiness in hand, eliminating the flex and creaks that sometimes plague other featherweight designs. That, and MSI equips this model with a bright, color-rich OLED panel that’s a joy to use for everything from spreadsheets to streaming. Throw in the Intel Core Ultra 7 155 processor for smooth performance (even playing games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p at 40 frames per second!), and the Prestige 13 AI+ does wonders.

What do we like about the MSI Prestige 13 AI+?

👍 Featherweight (yet sturdy) design: Being the lightest laptop we've tested, this is just about as portable as it gets. If you prioritize true portability, the Prestige 13 AI+ is unmatched at 1.9 pounds — lighter than any other 13-inch laptop we've tested — yet still offers a sturdy, premium-looking metal frame.

👍 Colorful OLED display: With its 13.3-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1600) OLED screen, this panel delivers vivid colors and superb contrast, making it excellent for creative work and is easy on the eyes even after long sessions. Take that, MacBooks!

👍 Strong ultraportable performance: This isn't the strongest 13-inch laptop around, but the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 inside feels quick in real-world use, easily handling productivity apps and moderate creative workloads like photo editing. You're also getting enough for a bit of downtime gaming, as in our tests, Cyberpunk 2077 ran at roughly 40 frames per second at 1080p on medium settings.

What don’t we like about the MSI Prestige 13 AI+?

👎 Battery life could be longer: While battery life is reasonable at around 11 hours, the Prestige 13 AI+ doesn’t outlast top rivals like the MacBook Air or XPS 13 on a single charge. Still, this will get you through a workday without needing to be plugged in for the majority of the time.

👎 Not the best price-to-performance ratio: It’s more expensive than some similarly equipped competitors, making price-to-performance a weaker point for budget-minded shoppers.

MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (2026): Bottom line

The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ is a strong choice for those who value absolute portability and a top-tier screen and chassis, even if it means accepting shorter battery life and a higher price. It's lightweight power at its finest.

• Read our full MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (2026) review

The best 13-inch laptop for upgradeability

Who is the Framework Laptop 13 for?

The Framework Laptop 13 is our top pick for those with a DIY frame of mind — the modular construction may be a little pricey, but it's totally worth it for being able to upgrade this frame with new stuff as it's released. If you're after more of a premium 13-inch option with a brighter 13-inch display and better battery life, it's worth considering the Framework Laptop 13 Pro. Just watch out for the price.

Why is it the best 13-inch laptop for upgradeability?

In many ways, the Framework Laptop is the anti-MacBook — a modular 13-inch laptop that gives you the chance to repair, customize and upgrade at your own leisure. No longer are you confined to what it comes with. Now, you have a screwdriver and you can get to work.

What do we like about the Framework Laptop 13?

👍 Unparalleled upgradeability: The DIY-friendly design may be a little thicker and heavier than other laptops on this list. But those enlarged dimensions give you an innovative Expansion Card system to add what you want. Whatever you want, be it an Ethernet port or microSD card reader, just add them in here. Or take it apart with the included screwdriver to add more to the mainboard.

👍 Great keyboard: One thing I'm really happy to see come to this 13-incher is a fantastic keyboard — packing even backlighting and 1.5mm of key travel for a tactile feel to each press.

👍 Decent performance: The model we tested with the Intel core i7-1370P CPU and 32GB of RAM gave us some strong performance across the board, including over 11,000 in our Geekbench multi-core tests. It's worth noting that Framework now offers this system with either Intel Core Ultra or 7th Gen AMD, which are going to be even faster!

What don’t we like about the Framework Laptop 13?

👎 Loud fans under load: The modularity is great, but heat dissipation seems to be affected, as the fans kick into overdrive to keep this thing cool under heavier loads.

Framework Laptop 13: Bottom line

In many ways, the Framework Laptop 13 is a breakthrough in laptop design — a fully modular system that gives you endless levels of customization beyond anything you see from the competition. I wouldn't judge you if you'd rather just have a fully built laptop to last you a good long while, but if you're a tinkerer, the choice is obvious.

• Read our full Framework Laptop 13 review

Performance benchmarks

Don't let their size fool you. 13-inch laptops can be portable powerhouses, and we've done the testing to prove it. With Apple's latest M-series chipsets, Intel's Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake CPUs, and AMD's amazing processors, you can get a lot out of these machines for productivity and gaming.

All of the 13-inch laptops we recommend for this guide offer plenty of performance for multitasking and speedy day-to-day performance, while those at a higher price, like the MacBook Air M5 and Asus ROG Flow Z13, will deliver ample performance for playing the latest games and even video editing.

Using Geekbench to measure the single-core and multi-core performance of each laptop (the higher the number, the better), here's how they compare:

Best 13-inch Laptops Performance Results

Slide through to see Geekbench single-core and
multi-core benchmarks

< Prev

Geekbench 6 (single-core)

Next >

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

4168

Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)

3535

Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)

2684

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)

2896

MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)

2727

Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)

2362

01,5003,0004,5006,000

Geekbench 6 (single-core) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	4168
Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)	3535
Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)	2684
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)	2896
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)	2727
Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)	2362

Apple MacBook Air (M5)

17276

Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)

8920

Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)

7952

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)

17876

MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)

10190

Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)

11317

05,00010,00015,00020,000

Geekbench 6 (multi-core) Data

Product	Value
Apple MacBook Air (M5)	17276
Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)	8920
Dell XPS 13 2026 (Intel Core 5 320)	7952
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390)	17876
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 7 355)	10190
Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core i7-1370P)	11317

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Battery benchmarks

13-inch laptops are all about portability, but that wouldn't mean anything if these machines didn't come with decent battery life. The good news is you'll find many of the best laptops for battery life right here, coming close to an amazing 20 hours! You can compare the battery life we tested below.

Take note that battery life may vary depending on what you use a laptop for, but this will give you a good idea of how long each laptop on this list will last.

Best 13-inch Laptops Battery Life Results

In our battery test, we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

Battery life (hh:mm:ss)

MacBook Air M5

15:30:00

Dell XPS 13 (2026)

14:29:00

MacBook Neo

13:28:00

MSI Prestige 13 AI+

11:30:00

Framework Laptop 13

10:17:00

Asus ROG Flow Z13

08:36:00

05101520

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
MacBook Air M5	15.5
Dell XPS 13 (2026)	14.483333333333333
MacBook Neo	13.466666666666667
MSI Prestige 13 AI+	11.5
Framework Laptop 13	10.283333333333333
Asus ROG Flow Z13	8.6

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Also tested

Best 13-inch Laptops: Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the best 13-inch laptop for you

When it comes to portability, all the 13-inch laptops we recommend have you covered. But beyond that, it's worth thinking about the performance and type of system that works for you.

• What kind of power do you need? If you only need something basic for surfing the web, consider the MacBook Neo or a cheap Windows laptop. If you want something that feels speedy and can handle more than basic browsing and typing, consider starting specs such as a Core 5 CPU, 8GB to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Most of the laptops on this list are at least this powerful, since they're the best 13-inch laptops we've reviewed.
• Do you want to play PC games? Most mainstream laptops feature integrated graphics, which may be able to run simple, well-optimized games like Minecraft and Fortnite, but can't handle graphically demanding games or heavy visual work. For that, you'll want a laptop with a discrete graphics card or the latest Apple, AMD or Intel chips with integrated graphics, like the Apple M5 or AMD Ryzen AI Max.
• Do you want Windows, Mac or Chrome? Windows is the most common operating system, while macOS is more ideal for folks already tied into Apple's ecosystem. ChromeOS is a lightweight operating system built to allow for cheap, fast systems, though it has become a bit more robust over the years with support for full Android apps.

Whichever system you decide on, you may also want to consider investing in the best mouse and best keyboard for your needs so you can have some more ergonomic options for getting work done on your new laptop.

How we test the best 13-inch laptops

Our path to finding the best 13-inch laptops for you is littered with test results. To help us better compare and recommend the best machines for you, we run every laptop we review through a rigorous suite of benchmarks and real-world tests to gauge how it will perform during everyday use.

We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter. For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include Geekbench 6 (CPU performance), as well as various 3DMark tests to measure graphics capabilities. We also run a file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is, plus a video editing test to see how good it is at crunching video, and a custom battery test that has the machine browse the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

We know many people also love to play games on their laptops, so we test the gaming horsepower of every laptop we review by putting it through the Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm graphical benchmark. This is an ideal test for us to use on 13-inch laptops because almost none of them have discrete graphics cards, which means they have a hard time running more modern or graphically demanding games. Civilization VI is also one of the few relatively modern games with a graphical benchmark that runs on both Windows and macOS, meaning we can easily compare the performance of MacBooks against that of Windows machines.

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Over five years traveling with so many gadgets have taught me one thing — you need a great, reliable power bank.

Luckily, my need to keep a litany of smartphones, headphones, cameras, tablets and laptops topped up in the most remote of locations means I'm a bit of an expert in portable chargers. And I'm going to use this real-world experience to point you towards the best ones you can buy for your needs.

Whether you need a good all-rounder in the CUKTECH 30 to stash in your backpack and keep everything topped up for your college studies, something ultra portable and pocketable like the (aptly named) Pocket Rocket, or a beefy Anker PowerHouse for those long trips away from electricity, I've got you covered.

Because whatever experience you've faced, I've been there — turning on low-power mode at music festivals or desperately rationing battery life on long-haul flights. That’s exactly why having a reliable power bank has become a game-changer.

With that in mind, I’ve ranked the best portable chargers based on what I’d personally buy.

The best portable chargers you can buy today

The best portable charger overall

The CUKTECH 30 is that perfect middle ground between a portable power bank and a mini power station. It's got a massive 40,000 mAh of capacity, which is more than enough for charging literally all your devices many times over on long-haul flights. And despite its huge capacity, this is airline-approved, making it easy to travel with.

It comes with four wired ports and one wireless charging pad, with the primary USB-C port offering up to 140W of juice when required. That goes both for powering up devices and the power bank itself, meaning you can go from 0-100% in two and a half hours — not bad if you only remember to power up your power bank last-minute.

While the size is definitely not pocketable at all, for those long weekends away from the power outlets, this is seriously impressive at $149. You'll probably even have enough power left to share with whoever else you're travelling with.

The best budget portable charger

For the moments when I just need something small that doesn't take up too much backpack space on a day trip, Ugreen's $49 Nexode power bank comes in clutch. The 12,000 mAh capacity with 100W power delivery is stellar for breathing life into my DJI Osmo 3 or iPhone at video-heavy press events. Plus, the smiley face display is so cute!

The 100W output means your phone and tablet, and maybe even your laptop, at full speed, while refilling the power bank can be done at a swift 65W. You can charge up to two devices at a time - one with USB-C, and the other with USB-A. Just be warned that using both chargers at once will limit them to a sluggish 10W output.

While it's a little heavy for its size, the Nexode is certainly small enough to fit easily in a bag, and the display (when it's not showing a face illustration) shows the percentage left in the power bank, so you'll know when it's time to refuel your emergency tank.

The best power bank for travel

Any of these power banks would be a great device to have in your pocket when away from home, but we like the Statik SmartCharge Pro in particular for this purpose.

This power bank offers up to 60W USB-C charging via its built-in cable or the open USB-C port, plus 15W wireless charging with its magnetic pad. You can keep an eye on how much of the SmartCharge Pro's power you're using with its LED indicator, but with a 15,000 mAh capacity, it's going to be able to fill your phone around three times over, or give even your laptop a life-saving top-up.

You fill the SmartCharge Pro up again with its built-in US-style plug. With EU, UK and Australian adaptors included, you can take it to all kinds of places and still get an easy refill. There's also pass-through charging offered, so you can use it as an adaptor as well as a portable charging option, making it the perfect travelling companion.

The most pocketable portable charger

My eyes couldn't believe what they saw when this came in the mail — a 10,000 mAh portable charger that's barely bigger than an AirPods Pro 2 case! The INIU Pocket Rocket has been a lifesaver on those trips where you don't take a backpack (think concerts with tight security or weddings) and you need emergency power to keep that phone topped up.

With a 45W maximum output, you can quickly top up your phone, or make a decent dent in a tablet or laptop's charge in just a few minutes. Conveniently, the lanyard is, in fact, a USB-C cable, meaning this is a completely self-contained package that's ready to go whenever you need it.

The best big-capacity MagSafe charger

Commonly, MagSafe chargers can get bogged down by overheating — passive cooling just doesn't do it. Sharge's IceMag 2 fixed this for my weekend trip to sunny Portugal by being the first portable charger of its kind that is actively cooled (with some cool gamer-esque RGB to boot). That means you're getting a stable 15W wireless charge or 30W wired with no interruptions, and a beefy 10,000 mAh cell.

Smartly, Sharge has put a kickstand on the back of the IceMag 2, so you can prop up your phone as it powers up. Perfect if you want to take a break at the same time as your phone to catch up on your socials or bookmarked videos.

This isn't just a single-device charger, though. You can hook up another device via a USB-C cable at the same time as wirelessly charging your iPhone, Google Pixel, or other magnetically-chargable device. And if you want to top the IceMag up while still using MagSafe charging, you can utilize its passthrough mode to power both its own battery and your phone's at the same time.

The best power station for camping

As a regular festival-goer, I need plenty of power for devices — not just for me but for my friends, too. Well, in a situation like that, the Anker Powerhouse 521 really comes into its own. Surprisingly small for the huge capacity, with plenty of plug outputs to connect all your devices and charge them quickly! Plus, that light bar on the front is huge for those pitch-black moments at campsites.

This could also make for a handy backup battery if you live somewhere prone to blackouts, with Anker promising over 15 hours of Wi-Fi router operation, or almost two hours of running a heated blanket. Add on the optional solar charger, and you could stay off-grid for a surprisingly long time if you ever needed to.

How to choose the best portable charger

Figuring out the right charger capacity:

I always start by checking that big number followed by “mAh” — it’s the quickest way to tell if a power bank’s going to keep up with me. Personally, I won’t go below 10,000mAh if I’m charging my phone more than once a day or powering up multiple devices. For every extra gadget I bring along, I tack on another 5,000mAh just to be safe. But if I’m just trying to avoid a dead phone on a night out, I’m fine with something under 5,000mAh — as long as I remember to top it up regularly.

Picking the right ports:

I tend to hold onto tech longer than I should, so if I didn’t care about speed, I’d just grab whatever charger fits and call it a day. But I do care — a lot. That’s why I always look for chargers with PD (Power Delivery) support. The ones I trust the most charge my gear way faster and use USB-C, which is a win since it means fewer cables to carry. One charger for my phone and my laptop? Yes, please.

Making sure it’s useful:

You never really know what’s going to need juice — maybe it’s my phone today, maybe it’s my earbuds tomorrow. That’s why I look for power banks with some versatility. USB-C is a must, but I also keep an eye out for extras like extra USB-A ports or even wireless charging pads. The more it can do, the more I can rely on it.

Don’t overlook charging speed:

Battery size matters, but speed matters more when I’m short on time. A big battery that charges slowly is just frustrating. That’s why I always check for charging speeds — and if it doesn’t offer at least 30W, I usually pass. Faster charging means I’m not stuck waiting for my devices to come back to life when I need them the most.

The best PC game controllers give you the premium benefits of console gaming right on your laptop, desktop and more, from comfortable ergonomics to tight precision in multiple genres of games. But the glory of these pads is that there's no one true dedicated controller for PC. You can take your pick, and I'm here to point you towards the right ones.

To test PC gamepads, we use Hardware Tester’s Gamepad Tester app to ensure there are no inherent issues with a controller’s sticks or buttons. We also test a variety of games on these controllers, from competitive FPS and fighting games to RPGs. Rest assured, we’ve put every gamepad through its paces.

The best PC controller or gaming we recommend to most is the Valve Steam Controller, with its extremely responsive TMR thumbsticks, seamless setup and pro-level customization. But it won't suit every launcher, budget or play style. We’ve tested the leading options across a range of genres to find the best PC game controllers for every kind of player, from affordable everyday gamepads to premium, modular and competitive-ready picks.

The best PC game controllers you can buy today

The best PC game controller overall

Valve's latest attempt at a gamepad is a resounding success, and the Steam Controller is now the best PC controller I recommend to most. I mean, pro-level features made for PC gaming at a competitive price? That's hard to pass up.

Performance-wise, Valve sticks the landing with the controllers' 35+ hours of battery life, and don't expect any hint of stick drift or lag during fast-paced shooters and strategy games alike, thanks to the TMR thumbsticks. No matter the game, expect precise, responsive feedback with every button press, and the haptic touchpads under the thumbsticks aren't just a gimmick; they're hugely satisfying for point-and-click titles and plenty of game-specific controls.

Where the Steam Controller truly stands out is in its customization options. Its software-first approach means you can remap nearly every input, save personalized profiles and enjoy seamless Steam integration. Unlike hardware-modular rivals that tie customization to physical parts swaps, the Steam Controller’s flexibility is just a menu away.

The trade-offs: it doesn’t support non-Steam PC launchers or consoles, and the face buttons could feel clickier for gamers who value tactile feedback. Still, if you want a versatile, comfortable controller with deep customization and day-long battery life, the Steam Controller is a strong choice for the money.

• Read our full Valve Steam Controller review

The best budget PC game controller

Considering how the Turtle Beach Rematch Core for Xbox costs less than the average weekly grocery haul, it’s hard to fault it. If you're just looking for something cheap and cheerful that still manages to nail the qualities of a good PC controller, the Rematch Core is hard to beat at just under $30.

While it’s a wired-only gamepad that doesn’t feature Hall Effect sticks or triggers, it still stuns with its performance. Responsive analog triggers and sticks make quick work of most FPS and RPGs, and user-friendly companion software makes customization very easy.

If you love a good controller with powerful rumble, you’ll love the Rematch Core. It’s also extremely comfortable to hold, and all the buttons feel great to press. If you want a good-looking gamepad that doesn’t break the bank, I really can’t recommend the Rematch Core enough.

Of course, the branding suggests it's purely an Xbox controller, but it also works on PC, and makes for a fine, budget addition to any gamer setup.

• Read our full Turtle Beach Rematch Core for Xbox review

The best premium PC game controller

You can forget the Xbox Elite 2 now that the Asus ROG Raikiri II has hit the scene. This is the ultimate gamepad for both Xbox and PC, and while it will cost you a pretty penny, this pro-level champ is not only well worth the investment, but it also beats the price of other premium controllers of its kind. That's already a huge win.

With its TMR thumbsticks and triggers for pinpoint input accuracy and a satisfyingly weighty, ergonomic shape built for marathon sessions, the Raikiri II is a controller designed with demanding gamers in mind. And it delivers on all premium fronts, with its 1,000Hz polling rate for sharp responsiveness and battery life that lasts 50 hours. That's a lot of hours gaming without needing to be plugged in.

You won't be left wanting for customization, either. Asus's companion software (Asus Gear Link via a browser) makes it easy to remap buttons, tweak sensitivity, and set up profiles for different genres or players, all within a snappy, easy-to-use interface.

The one real catch is the cheap-feeling charging dock. Hardly a dealbreaker, but note that it's quite plasticky and doesn't feel too sturdy (despite the price of this controller), and it's prone to getting easily knocked over. What you get here is a gamepad that prioritizes premium materials and user-focused features over modular gimmicks. If you value long-term comfort, deep customization, and true precision, it justifies its place at the top end of the market.

• Read our full Asus ROG Raikiri II review

The best PC game controller for value

For just $79, the GameSir G7 Pro does wonders as a "pro" game controller. Not only does it boast TMR thumbsticks and Hall Effect triggers for highly responsive (and customizable) movement and hugely satisfying performance, but it's also extremely comfortable to hold — even for those long gaming sessions.

If you're an Xbox user, you'll already feel at home using the G7 Pro. As with the far more expensive Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, GameSir's wallet-friendly gamepad comes with wrap-around rubberized grips and has the size and weight that feels substantial in hand. And with the magnetic thumbsticks and triggers, it actually does one better than the Elite.

This, along with the clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, makes this an exceptional controller for its price. It also comes with tri-mode connectivity options to use with more than just a PC. However, know that if you're switching to an Xbox, you'll have to go with a wired connection. We wish it had another set of back buttons to rival its "pro" competition, but really, it's hard to beat the GameSir G7 Pro at this price.

• Read our full GameSir G7 Pro review

The best wired PC game controller

The wired Xbox-oriented GameSir Kaleid improves on its predecessor, the T4 Kaleid, with a sleeker design, a longer included cable and support for Xbox Series X/S. It's been one of our favourite PC controllers for a while, and if you don't mind lag-free gameplay via a wired connection, then the Kaleid is for you.

GameSir has rolled over the T4’s best features into the new model, namely its Hall Effect sensors. These magnetic sensors allow you to customize the sensitivity of both the joysticks and triggers using the GameSir Nexus app, giving you fine control over the behavior of both.

The Kaleid also features microswitch buttons (although a slightly cheaper membrane button version is available, called the Kaleid Flux), which should stand up to the test of time, even under heavy use. And no advanced controller would be complete without rear paddles, which the Kaleid duly sports. Better yet, all of this comes for just $49, making the Kaleid a fantastic choice for Xbox and/or PC users on a budget.

The Kaleid is wired-only, so you’ll need to be plugged directly into your PC or console. It’s also super lightweight, which might not be to your preference. Sure, if you want wire-free gameplay, then look elsewhere. But that doesn't do much to spoil this fantastic controller.

• Read our full GameSir Kaleid review

The best pro PC game controller

Finally, a PS5 gamepad with TMR thumbsticks. The Razer Raiju V3 Pro takes the DualSense and gives it a "pro" makeover, boosting its capabilities to make it the esports-level gamepad to beat for both PS5 and PC gamers. Plus, it's just wicked to look at and hold.

This is a premium controller, through and through, with the aforementioned magnetic TMR thumbsticks to eliminate stick drift and offer pinpoint precision, extremely satisfying mouse-like clicky face buttons that mimic a mouse click, hall effect triggers with adjustable sensitivity and removable back buttons. Plus, on PC, you can expect a 2,000Hz polling rate, and plenty of customization via the Razer Synapse app on Windows (or via the iOS/Android app).

While it takes many of the perks of the DualSense, the Raiju V3 Pro does not feature any haptic feedback or adaptive triggers. This is by design, though, as it's made for competitive gameplay to make sure every trigger activated isn't hindered by vibrations or the like. This one's for the pros, and while pricey, it is well worth the investment.

• Read our full Razer Raiju V3 Pro review

The best modular PC controller

Is having 11 interchangeable components and plenty of customization, so you can play your way on a well-built controller, important? Let me point you towards the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, a beautifully designed modular controller with premium Hall Effect triggers and plenty of battery life.

Simply unscrew the face of this gamepad and swap out to a layout that works for the games you want. As in, a six-button fightpad module with Kailh microswitches, a reversible D-pad and thumbstick left module, a swappable button and thumbstick right module, swappable thumbsticks and a pair of octagonal stick gates. Single-player epics, fighting games, RPGs, FPS — you name it.

Along with its intuitive companion software for remapping inputs on the fly and a comfy, ergonomic feel with chunky grips (and the rounded, contoured shape of the PS5 DualSense), there's a lot the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded gets right.

But not everything. When it comes down to it, this is a lot of controller layouts in one, so expect a premium price tag at over $200 (but I've seen it for around $160 during a sale). It's a shame there aren't any adaptive triggers of haptic feedback, especially as a PC controller that's made for PlayStation, but that doesn't take away from the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded being a worthy, modular beast.

• Read our full Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG review

Also tested

Best PC Game Controller: Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the best PC game controller for you

When it comes to picking the best PC game controller for you, a lot of factors come into play.

One of the biggest factors you'll want to consider is the price. Controllers like the Asus ROG Raikiri II and SteelSeries Aeon Pro are much more expensive than a standard gamepad, like the Xbox Wireless Controller or the budget-friendly Turtle Beach Rematch Core, as well as third-party controllers from companies like GameSir. Even the Steam Controller, a pro-level gamepad, is competitively priced compared to those! The higher the price, the more pro-level features and longevity (less chance of stick drift) you'll get.

Speaking of, if stick drift has been a problem for you in the past, then you’re going to want a controller with Hall Effect or, even better, TMR thumbsticks like the GameSir Kaleid for the former or the Steam Controller for the latter. Connectivity is another big concern, especially if you prefer a wireless controller. While Bluetooth may be more convenient, it introduces a bit more lag than using a controller that comes with a 2.4 GHz USB dongle. However, if lag is something you’re really worried about, then going wired will always be your best bet.

Fortunately, there are loads of different controllers on this list for every kind of PC gamer and every type of budget. We’re also constantly reviewing new models and trying out different kinds of controllers to build out this list further, so stay tuned.

How we test the best PC game controllers

When it comes to testing the best PC game controllers, we take a two-step approach.

First, we play with them ourselves and put them through the paces in a variety of games across genres. This helps us determine how each controller will stand up over time and if a particular controller is likely to experience stick drift or other problems down the road. We also test each controller's connection options and see how well it performs with a wired or wireless connection, or a USB dongle if one is available.

From here, we then use Hardware Tester’s Gamepad Tester to check for errors with the joysticks and buttons. If a controller manufacturer has their own customization software, we load it onto one of the best gaming PCs and see how intuitive it is to use for button remapping and other types of customization, like changing the dead zones on a controller’s joysticks. If there isn’t any customization software available, we use programs like reWASD to try and do it ourselves.

For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom’s Guide.

The best wireless earbuds in Australia make it easy to enjoy your favourite music, movies and podcasts whether you’re on the go or relaxing at home. With so many Aussies opting for in‑ears over bulky over‑ear headphones, it’s worth knowing which pairs actually deliver — especially with so many models fighting for attention.

While Apple's AirPods are synonymous with the category, and many iPhone users will naturally gravitate towards them, it's worth pointing out that there are plenty of great-sounding alternative options to choose from. Some of the premium models here are loaded with functional audio tech and make the top of our best noise-cancelling earbuds list.

Many of our favourite wireless buds can shut out a lot of background noise, but we’ve also highlighted mid‑range and budget picks that offer far more than their price suggests. You can now get a great‑sounding pair with genuinely strong noise cancellation for under AU$100, so stretching your dollar doesn’t mean giving up the features you want.

If you’re ready to ditch the cables or keen to try proper active noise cancelling, it’s worth diving into our roundup of the best wireless earbuds for Australians — there’s a pair in there that’ll suit your needs as well as your budget.

Earbuds jargon buster

When we review earbuds and the best headphones here at Tom's Guide, there's a chance you might spot some terms and words that you don't understand. To break it down and make it easier to digest, here's what some of the most common ones mean:

ANC
"Active Noise Cancelling" is what ANC stands for. This one you'll see appear quite frequently whenever we talk about earbuds, given that it's quality is very important to a recommendation we make. It uses audio magic and some very clever algorithms to quiet the outside world, and make your commute more manageable.

How does it work? It uses a combination of the music you're listening to and inaudible white noise to counteract the noise of the outside world. It uses the microphones inside the earbuds to read the noise, and then dynamically shifts certain sounds to make it go away. Sometimes this can change the sound of your music, so we'll report when the ANC is either too weak, or too invasive.

EQ
This stands for "equalisation", and it allows you to dial in how your headphones sound. You'll generally find it as a series of sliders that represent different parts of the music, so that you can increase the bass, the mids, or the treble in your favourite tunes. Some manufacturers give you preset EQ options, which save you from getting lost in sliders or graphs. These are almost always found in apps for earbuds.

Frequencies
These are the different sounds that make up your music. You'll generally read them divided into three simple sections — the lows, the mids, and the highs. The lows are the bass frequencies. Think bass guitars, and kick drums. You want them to be impactful and low. The mids are the main parts of your music, like vocals, guitars, and synths. Because they're so important, you want them to be thick and wide. Finally, the highs are cymbals and other higher sounds. These should be crisp, and clear.

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Best wireless earbuds overall

The Sony WF-1000XM6 represents a major leap forward for the series, delivering top-tier audio fidelity, personalised EQ, improved comfort and impressive battery longevity. Its noise-cancelling capabilities are standout, effectively neutralising even the most chaotic environments.

Sound quality can best be described as balanced and crisp, though users can fully customise the sound to their liking thanks to a 10-band EQ in the Sony Sound Connect app.

In terms of longevity, you'll get 8 hours of playback from the buds with ANC on, which is extended to 24 hours with the included changing case. And if you do find the XM6 buds running low on juice, a quick 5-minute charge will get you an hour of listening time, which is handy in a pinch.

While the charging case is oddly shaped and larger than we'd like, making them less pocketable as a result, the trade-off is well worth it for the XM6's peerless sound isolation and control.

At AU$499, the Sony WF-1000XM6 isn't the cheapest pair of buds around, but for the price you get top-tier audio quality, excellent noise cancellation, impressive battery life and superior comfort for long listening sessions.

Sound

They may seem on the expensive side, but the upgrades in sound performance make them totally worth it. Sony is known for a warmer sound profile on their headphones, and these are a total joy to listen to.

They are only made better by using the personalised EQ settings on the earbuds, and there’s seriously no genre that these buds can’t cope with.

Your favourite songs will sound a lot more detailed, and it’s really awesome to get a studio sound from earbuds instead of having to rely on studio headphones to do the job.

Comfort

These earbuds are superbly comfortable, and you get a bunch of different eartip options in the box to get the best seal and best security. You can do a fit test to make sure everything fits.

I can wear these buds for hours at a time — they’re seriously comfortable, and they’re lightweight so they never weigh me down.

ANC

ANC differs depending on personal experience with these buds. My own experience was amazing, and I couldn’t fault them at all. They made a long travel day on a plane, train, and bus, completely silent.

However, another one of my colleagues who tried them out was still able to hear the sounds of traffic moving around. I think it’s all about the eartip fit, so this is an extremely important process to complete.

Make sure you use the Optimal Earbud Tips in the Sound Connect App to get the best fit, and ensure your ANC is working properly.

App

The Sound Connect app is one of the most user-friendly I’ve tried. Once you get the hang of things and organise the app to suit the settings you need to use the most, it’s incredibly handy and makes using the earbuds so much better.

The app is where you do all the earbud fit tests and personalised EQ tests to make the overall experience with the buds so much better.

Battery life

The battery life of the WF-1000XM6 earbuds is 8 hours with ANC and 24 hours with the charging case. This is pretty standard and matches up with Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 and the Sony WF-1000XM5.

• Read the full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

Best earbuds for Samsung phones

Samsung's Buds 4 Pro really holds its own in the sound department, even giving heavy hitters like Sony and Bose a run for their money. While they might miss out on a tiny bit of refinement, they actually pack a punchier, more dynamic bass that stays crisp.

Plus, Samsung ditched the old "blade" look from the Buds 3 Pro for a much smoother, ergonomic shape. Between the new design and the pile of ear tips in the box, they’re super comfy for long listening sessions.

When it comes to blocking out the world, the noise cancelling on the Buds 4 Pro is top-tier — though you will hear a faint hiss if you're sitting in total silence without music, and higher pitched sounds will still get through.

Controlling everything is a breeze too — if you’re on a recent Samsung phone, it’s baked right into your settings, and adjusting things is refreshingly straightforward.

As for battery life, you'll get a solid 7 hours of ANC playtime, which is slightly behind Sony, but the charging case will extend that to 30 hours, which is excellent.

Sound

The Buds 4 Pro offers excellent performance across the entire frequency range, and while the XM6 earbuds may have a slight advantage in overall fidelity and balance, the Buds 4 Pro actually outperforms Sony's buds in dynamic bass reproduction — all without sacrificing clarity or kick.

Comfort

Samsung has wisely ditched the blade design of the Buds 3 Pro in favour of a more ergonomic and compact approach that feels snug and smooth in the ear.

With numerous ear tips included in the box, it should be quite easy to find the perfect fit for most ears, resulting in buds that are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

ANC

Noise cancelling is also impressive on the Buds 4 Pro, easily matching Sony's XM6 and Apple's AirPods Pro 3.

Despite being earbuds, the ANC effect is similar to a decent pair of over-ear cans, where external noise is sucked out in an instant, leaving you in a vacuum of near-silence with the exception of some higher pitched sounds — for example, while your desk fan will be silenced, you'll still hear yourself typing.

One minor detail to note is that engaging the ANC introduces a faint hiss when no music is actively playing.

App

If you own a recent Samsung smartphone, you'll find the Buds 4 Pro's settings integrated directly into your phone's settings.

For all other Android users, however, the Samsung Wearable app is required to adjust transparency and ANC levels, earbud controls, voice controls, gestures and a fairly robust EQ with six presets and the ability to fully customise the sound to your liking.

It's not quite as in-depth as the apps for Sony or Bose buds, but it's a lot more straightforward — everything is clearly laid out and you won't have to go digging around in menus to switch on 360 audio, use the Find My Earbuds feature or do an earbud fit test.

Battery life

Battery life is also quite good at 7 hours with ANC on for the buds themselves. While that doesn't match the 8 hours of listening time offered by Sony's XM6 buds, the Buds 4 Pro makes for it with its charging case, providing up to 30 hours of total juice — that's 6 more hours than Sony's buds.

• Read the full Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review

Best wireless earbuds for iPhones

The AirPods Pro 2 were excellent, but quickly aged out compared to the competition. Now, the AirPods Pro 3 have arrived to conquer all and lay waste to Sony and Bose. They get so, so close to being the best pair of earbuds around, but there are still some spots that need a touch of work.

Still, these are the very best earbuds that Apple has ever made. They've got some key updates over the previous model, for one. There's the extended battery life of 8 hours, improved sound quality, and superior noise canceling to keep the noise of your commute at bay.

Those upgrades have materialised in a pair of buds that stun in sound and and make sure that your office is a whole lot more tolerable when you're getting on with your day.

They lose out to the Sony and Bose due to a lack of Codec support for Android devices, but there really is nothing better if you're an iPhone user.

Sound

The AirPods Pro 3 improve on the old model in the sound department. They've still got Apple's more neutral sound signature built in, but they manage to find more detail and extra bass depth over the old pair.

They've got a very solid soundstage as well. They're on par with the Sony buds, and better than the Bose alternatives — although there are still options out there that sound better.

Spatial Audio for movies with an Apple TV is still a great way to watch your content, and just as easy to connect up. It works well for music as well, especially when you listen to your music on Apple Music.

Comfort

The buds have been shrunk down this time around, and as a result, they have a very comfortable fit. The silicone ear tips have been infused with foam for a softer and more comfortable finish, and they mould better to the inside of your ear.

That means you can wear them for extended periods of time. The sweat and water resistance means you won't have to worry about wearing them when you go to work out, either — IP57.

ANC

The ANC of the AirPods Pro 3 has received a big look with their third generation. The result is ANC that comes closer to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2, but doesn't quite beat out Bose's buds.

Still, it's very good and blocks out all the major noises of your commute or your busy office. It's on par with the Sony WF-1000XM5 — both are excellent noise-canceling options.

Transparency mode is very good as well, and boosts the battery life by another couple of hours. Nice.

App

There isn't an 'app' per se with the AirPods Pro 3, but you can easily control their settings from the iPhone settings menu. There, you'll find all their features along with options to update the firmware and change the sound.

Android users are left out in the cold here — you have very little you can control, thanks to a lack of any kind of application.

Battery life

The battery life has been much improved in the AirPods Pro 3. It's now around the same, if not more than, their closest rivals. You get 8 hours of ANC on time, two hours more than the old version. That's around the same as Sony — and more than Bose.

If you switch over to the transparency mode, you get 10 hours of battery life, more than pretty much anything else at their price point. That also means you can use the new Live Translation feature for longer.

• Read the full AirPods Pro 3 review

Best wireless earbuds for fitness

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fitness expert — but I sure am an earbuds expert. As earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are great. They've got excellent ANC from the AirPods Pro 2, and there's some great sound for a solid audio experience.

Given that I'm not a fitness expert, I did speak to someone who is, so that we can get a picture of why they're on the list. From my review, our fitness expert Nick said:

"I genuinely believe that the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are outstanding sports headphones and would be top of my list for people who need an earhook to keep their buds in place during runs and other workouts."

It's thanks to those secure-fit hooks, that keep the earbuds in place no matter how much you run or move around. The heart rate monitor is a nice extra, but we were slightly disappointed with its accuracy.

For all kinds of exercise, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are an excellent earbuds option for everyone.

Sound

While not high-fidelity, there's a rhythmic energy to the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 that's infectious. They've got some great bass presense, as you might expect, but they're also good in the upper register too.

They fall down slightly in the mid-range, with a dip in the upper mid-range. That can take the edge off guitars and other instruments, although R&B listeners aren't going to notice too much.

There's head-tracked Apple Spatial Audio as well for Apple Music listeners, and it works well. It does a number on your battery though, so bare that in mind.

Comfort

Thanks to their excellent earhook, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 aren't going anywhere when you do your exercise. It can be a challenge to get them in place, but they're very stable when in place.

The buds themselves are comfortable for long periods of wear as well, thanks to the silicon eartip options that you get in the box. The fit finder in the app is good as well, so that you can dial them in perfectly.

ANC

The ANC on board is very similar to that which you'll find in the AirPods Pro 2. That means that they're not quite up to speed with the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds or the Sony WH-1000XM5, but they still manage to block plenty of noise.

The transparency modes work well enough, although I found that voices occasionally became fuzzy or tricky to hear depending on the surrounding noise. A shame, but not a deal breaker.

App

On Apple devices, the Beats are integrated into your settings menu. It works well, with all the options at your fingertips. Android users have to use the Beats app, which is fine, although we did find some heart rate monitor weirdness on Android devices.

Both methods let you control the ANC, and dial in the EQ settings. They're simple, but they work well enough. Android users might find the occasional crash, however.

Battery life

The battery life of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is exemplary. They feature 10 hours of battery life in the buds themselves, which beats out pretty much all of the other options on this list.

That's perfect for long-distance runners and cyclists, or gym goers that want something that will take them to the gym, last their exercise, and then take them home again. We found those battery life claims ran true in our review. Pop them in the charging case for 45 hours of staying power.

• Read the full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review

Best wireless earbuds for noise canceling

The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds were my favorite release of 2024, and the gen 2 are now my favorite of 2026. They've improved on pretty much everything over the first model, with the only exception being the unchanged battery life — but it's that world-silencing ANC that really takes them over the edge.

They remain the very best way to listen to music without disruption when you're traveling. That busy train carriage? Silenced. The office? Quietened completely. With that signature orchestral swell, you're in your own world, free to listen to your tunes.

Sound is much better this time around, although you'll still want to adjust the EQ in the Bose app. And you'll be listening comfortably for their entire 6-hour battery life thanks to their incredibly comfortable fit.

I gave them 4.5 stars when I reviewed them, thanks to that all-conquering ANC and solid sound quality. They lose out in the battery department to the XM5, opting instead for out-and-out ANC performance — and there's nothing better to block noise.

Sound

The bassy sound of prior Bose earbuds is still here, but it's been refined slightly this time around. There's more detail retrieval and the soundstage has been extended, but the bass weighting is still very much present.

I've found that dipping into the Bose apps' EQ is a must with any of the brand's headphones. From there, I adjust the bass down slightly and the highs up a few notches to increase the detail and reduce any muddiness. They sound great out of the box, but these improvements make them sound even better.

There's also Immersive Audio, Bose's spatial audio setting. Some like it's ability to make music sound much larger, but I find it thins out important frequencies. It also tanks the battery by 2 hours, making them last an even shorter time.

Comfort

Yeah, they're still some of the most comfortable buds you can buy. I've been able to wear them for hours and hours at a time without the need to adjust the fit or take them out for a break — they're a lovely thing to have in your ears.

It's all down to the fitting options. There are loads of different silicon tips, and the fit is further improved by the rubber fins you can attach to the edge. They're secure as well, so they won't fall out should you get headbanging or dancing.

ANC

The ANC is the best around — there's nothing that comes close. That's high praise given how good the previous model was at keeping out unwanted sounds, but Bose has somehow made it even better. It's a bit like magic.

You can choose different levels for the noise canceling, but I prefer to leave it on the top level. That way, I don't have to worry about any noise making its way through at all, and I can enjoy my music to the max.

App

Bose's app is one of the better options around. It's very well laid out, and everything is clearly labelled so that you don't get confused. It even shows you what's playing, although I'm not entirely sure how useful that feature is.

It's where you'll find all of the EQ options, noise control, and different sound modes. I particularly like how the app knows what color your buds are — and even lets you name them.

Battery life

Battery life remains a weak point in the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2's armor. We've still only got 6 hours' worth of life here, which pales in comparison to some of the competition.

The WF-1000XM5 last for 8 hours, a whole 2 hours more than the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. You can't even turn the ANC off to boost the battery life — 6 hours is all you're going to get.

• Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra gen 2 review

Best cheap wireless earbuds

If you’re not familiar with the brand CMF, you’re about to have your world turned upside down. CMF is Nothing’s budget offshoot (yes, Nothing, as in the phone manufacturer), and is really changing the game with its top-notch audio gear.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are no different. These are our favourite cheap earbuds for a reason. For just AU$99, you get premium, Dirac-tuned audio, AirPods Pro 3-beating ANC, and Sony WF-1000XM5-beating battery life. The Buds Pro 2 are so stuffed full of features that we’re not sure where to start.

By far the most impressive, though, is the sound. The rich, bassy sound signature had us grooving in the testing lab. Opteo, the premium EQ by Swedish sound calibration software brand Dirac, is a must-have feature that breathed life into every song.

Sound

Although the ANC and app connectivity is fantastic, where the CMF Buds Pro 2 really excel is sound quality. With the Dirac Opteo EQ activated, every genre sounded dynamic, lively, and faithful, with a balanced low-end and melodic treble. The mid-range is handled deftly in every genre, from hard rock to folk to pop.

If you’re not familiar with Dirac Opteo, it’s a custom equalizer setting. Opteo tricks your brain into perceiving more width and height in your music, so songs sound like they’re coming from all around your head rather than just from your earholes.

Opteo is truly the standout feature in the Buds Pro 2, and the reason why these earbuds would impress everyone from casual music enjoyers to genuine audiophiles. If you get these earbuds, you need to activate Opteo immediately. You won’t be disappointed.

Comfort

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are nice and ergonomic, so they will be able to fit all ear sizes. The buds come with large, medium, and small ear tips, and I found that the ‘small’ fit my ears perfectly.

While not quite as comfortable as the AirPods Pro 2, they are comfier than the AirPods Pro 3 for other small-eared folk.

ANC

You may not expect a pair of AU$99 to have mind-blowing noise cancellation, but the ANC on the CMF Buds Pro 2 is genuinely as good as the AirPods Pro 3. I have a pair of the AirPods Pro 3 in my desk drawer, and I compare every pair of earbuds to Apple’s flagship.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 noise cancellation is literally identical. I compared them side-by-side, and there was genuinely no difference. If you need some cheap earbuds that’ll block out the world around you, then look no further than the Buds Pro 2.

App

As CMF is Nothing’s budget offshoot, the Buds Pro 2 use the NothingX companion app. This app is fantastic, with an easily navigable home screen and a plethora of genuinely helpful options.

In the NothingX app, you access a whole collection of premium-feeling features. You can do an ear fit test, customise spatial audio, adjust the touch controls, and change EQ settings. Of course, the app is where you toggle the Dirac Opteo EQ. If you ask me, Dirac Opteo is the best aspect of the CMF Buds Pro 2, so you should 100% activate this.

Battery life

Considering these earbuds are under AU$100, the battery life is mighty impressive. With 43 hours in the case and 11 hours in the buds, the CMF Buds Pro 2 last longer than AirPods Pro 3, the EarFun Air Pro 4+, and have a whopping 20 hours over our best overall earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5.

• Read the full CMF Buds Pro 2 review

Best mid-range wireless earbuds

If you're looking for a pair of buds that land in that sweet spot between budget and premium, Sony's WF-C710N deliver just that. Priced at AU$189.95 (but regularly spotted at around the AU$150 mark), these mid-range buds punch well above their weight, offering Bose-level noise-cancellation at roughly half the cost.

If you want buds that strike the perfect balance bass response and clear vocals, the WF-C710N have you covered — our reviewer experienced great sound across all genres, and the ability to easily customise EQ settings to your liking in Sony's Sound Connect app.

They also look fantastic, thanks to some incredibly stylish colourways — we're particularly partial to the transparent Ice Blue option we reviewed.

Sound

The Sony WF‑C710Ns sound genuinely impressive. Their internal hardware is largely unchanged from the previous model, with the same 5mm drivers delivering punchy bass and clean, well-defined vocals. Sony’s trademarked Digital Sound Enhancement Engine is onboard too, helping restore detail and keep tracks as close to the original recording as possible.

Our reviewer put the earbuds through their paces across a mix of genres — rock, indie, dance, pop and more. Every track our reviewer played through the WF‑C710Ns came through beautifully, noting well-balanced lows, mids and highs, as well as and vocals that stayed crisp and clear throughout.

Bass response in particular is impressive, and you can apply a Bass Boost mode if you want to really feel that low-end in your jaw and temples.

Comfort

Apart from looking and sounding great, Sony's WF-C710N are also extremely comfortable. The buds sit extremely snugly in our reviewer’s ears and are very light, each weighing only 5.2 grams. Our reviewer even said she sometimes forgot she was wearing them.

After wearing them for eight hours straight, she had no problem describing the WF‑C710N as some of the most comfortable earbuds she’s tested, on a par with Bose's QuietComfort buds.

ANC

In our Sony WF‑C700N review, we called them noise‑cancelling leaders at a bargain price, and the WF‑C710N buds match or even improve on that. Their active noise cancellation is genuinely impressive, blocking out most indoor and outdoor sounds. Sony has added a wind‑noise reduction design, so your music stays clearer.

You can switch to ambient mode to stay aware of your surroundings — useful for workouts or runs — and the Sound Connect app lets you personalise ambient sound across 20 levels. There’s also a transparency mode for quick conversations without removing the buds.

App

The WF‑CF710N buds make excellent use of Sony’s Sound Connect app, letting you customise the sound to suit your tastes. You can adjust ANC levels, update firmware, remap touch controls and fine‑tune the EQ (or choose from eight presets such as Bass Boost or Vocal). Our reviewer found the app very easy to use thanks to its intuitive layout.

Battery life

While the WF‑C710N fall short of the battery life afforded by the even-cheaper CMF Buds Pro 2, the buds still provide a respectable 8 hours of battery life and a total of 30 hours with the included charging case. Of course, those willing to switch off ANC can extend that listening time to 12 hours on the buds and 33.5 hours with the case.

• Read the full Sony WF‑C710N review

Also tested

Not every single pair of earbuds that we test can land on the best list — otherwise you'd be just as clueless as if you were to land on an Amazon search page with hundreds of entries. These are the honorable mentions in our quest to find great wireless earbuds.

How we test the best wireless earbuds

Before we make a recommendation about any pair of wireless earbuds, we want to make sure that we've put them through their paces. It helps us find out how good they'll be when you find them in your hands, and makes sure that we can pen our informative, buying advice-packed reviews.

It's all work — no fun. Listening to our favourite music for hours on end to test the sound, taking the headphones out and about on day trips to test their long-term comfort and ANC algorithm... Such a grind! In all seriousness, we put a lot of effort into making sure that you'll be happy with a purchase you make after reading our buying guides and reviews.

Here are the key factors in our testing and how we evaluate each pair of earbuds that falls across our desks.

Comfort

Earbuds are going to be jammed directly into your ear-holes, so one of the most important things that we test is how comfortable they are over long periods of time, and how difficult it is to dial in the fit. How many bud bits do you get in the box, and are they easy to fit on the buds? Are they loose? Are there extra fitting options like earhooks?

To find out, we put the buds through their paces. We try out a range of the tips that come with the buds so that we can find the perfect fit that makes the ANC excellent and sound good. After all, if they don't make a good seal on the inside of your ear, you're not going to get the best out of your buds. We report on our findings, telling you how easy it was to get the perfect fit, and how comfy they are when dialled in.

Then we test their long-term comfort. That means wearing them for hours during a work day, so that we can see how they feel when they're worn for hours on end. If they start impacting certain pressure points in the ear, we'll notice, and it'll go into our review. We're looking for earbuds that can't be felt during wear, so that you forget you're wearing them.

Sound quality

This is my favourite thing to test. Hours and hours of awesome tunes played into my ears while I work, and I don't have to make excuses to my boss about why I need to be doing it? Excellent news. When we test the audio quality of a pair of buds, we play the Tom's Guide testing playlist on Qobuz so that we can get a good picture of how they sound with some top-quality hi-res tracks to put them through their paces.

We listen at first in a quieter environment so that we can get an idea of how they sound in a vacuum without the ANC to cause potential problems. We compare the earbuds to the sound profiles of those in the best list above, and then we write down our findings for the full review.

Then, we take the headphones out with the ANC to see if it changes the sound. It might all sound like we're having fun, but there is a point to it all. It gives us a clear picture of the buds' performance in an everyday use case, so that we can see how they'll serve you if you decide you'd like to buy a pair.

ANC

Pretty much every pair of earbuds that you can buy today comes with some form of ANC (unless you buy some of the very cheapest ones at the very end of a lengthy Amazon search, you lunatic), and we want to make sure that it performs well in a variety of use cases.

How do we do it? By taking the earbuds with us wherever we go. That could mean on all our daily commutes, to see if they perform well on the train, or out for hikes so we can see how well they handle normal atmospheric noise. Maybe we're going on a flight — then we can test how well they handle loud engines and crying children.

Once we've thoroughly tested how much noise they block, we also test the transparency modes when we go to buy our tickets or a bag of candies from the grocery store. We look out for how clear the voice of our conversation partner is, and whether they're audible through any other noise. We're also looking out for the quality of the audio that's being pumped in. Is it too loud? Again, we note down our findings for the review.

Finally, we want to make sure that the ANC doesn't change the sound of the music too much. After all, you want your music to sound great, and if the ANC changes things too much, it can create annoying sonic issues.

Call quality

Given that your earbuds are often going to pull double duty as a form of hands-free calling system, we want to ensure that they're going to be good at it. We make a whole bunch of calls to check things out.

We're looking out for a couple of different things. First of all, we want to make sure that we can hear our call partner well, and that they're coming through clearly. We listen out for clarity, and judge whether we can hear them properly throughout the duration of the call, and whether their voice sounds natural.

Then we ask our call partners how we sound. Can they hear us properly, or do the noises of our environment make it hard to hear what we're saying? We note down our findings, and then we report back on them in our review to give you an idea of how they'll perform if you want to take (or make) a call.

Battery life

We know that manufacturers sometimes have a habit of overestimating their battery life figures. To make sure that you're getting the best information possible, we spend the time to test the battery life claims and whether they ring true. We listen to the buds for hours on end, and count how many hours we used them before they needed to go back into their case. We do this with ANC turned on and with the volume at a comfortable level.

For charging cases and very long-lasting buds, we extrapolate battery data in a different way. We measure how long we've used them, and then compare that with how much life we've got left. This gives us a good picture of how the battery is going to last in the long run, and whether you'll get those rated claims.

If you reside in an apartment or a newly built home in a metro city, you may be connected to an Opticomm internet plan.

While most new Australian homes and apartments use fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections, not all are serviced by the National Broadband Network (NBN). Instead, select properties are serviced by privately owned fibre networks, which require you to sign up for NBN alternatives to connect to the internet.

There are several private fibre network providers in Australia, with one of the largest being Opticomm, which operates its own fibre-optic network. Opticomm’s network can deliver theoretical speeds of up to 1,000Mbps, matching the current fastest speed offered by the NBN.

Opticomm is predominantly found in newly built homes and apartment buildings with networking infrastructure installed during construction, rather than rolled out as part of the NBN.

Opticomm offers the same speed tiers for the most part as the NBN. As per Opticomm's wholesale pricing report last year, the private fibre provider introduced three new tiers — 500/50Mbps, 750/50Mbps and 1000/100Mbps — which are similar to the NBN's recent additions. So far, only one provider that we monitor, Superloop, has introduced Fibre 500 and Fibre 750 offerings.

That said, there are some limitations to what tier you can purchase based on your location, preferred provider and modem. A notable point of difference here is that not all ISPs provide Opticomm plans – we've included a list of those that do in the FAQs below.

We've rounded up some of the best Opticomm fibre internet plans, each categorised into different speed tiers.

Best Opticomm fibre internet plans

Best Opticomm Fibre 50 plans

Best Opticomm Fibre 100 Plans

Best Opticomm Fibre 250 plans

Best Opticomm Fibre 500 plans

Best Opticomm Fibre 750 plans

Best Opticomm Fibre 1000 plans

Opticomm FAQs

Apartment tenants, rejoice! If you live in a building or complex that's connected to the Opticomm network, you probably understand the struggle of finding an ISP that services private fibre properties. Fret not — I've researched and analysed the best Opticomm plans from top-rated private fibre providers.

If you're unfamiliar with the Opticomm fibre network, let me break it down for you. As of December 2025, more than 10 million properties can access the National Broadband Network (NBN) to connect to the internet. The remaining homes and businesses connect via NBN alternatives, such as 5G internet, or, in some cases, a completely separate private fibre network. That's where Opticomm comes into play.

Opticomm is one of the larger private fibre networks, supplying its fibre optic infrastructure to most Australian metropolitan areas. Building developers can select to install the network in place of the NBN, with Opticomm fibre often found in newer homes and apartment complexes. At the same time, Opticomm isn't available as an alternative to the NBN for existing residences. Opticomm doesn't sell plans directly to consumers, but that's where the best Opticomm providers step in, with over 50 partnering with the network to supply internet services.

I've compiled a list of the best Opticomm deals available now, ranging from 25Mbps to 1,000Mbps plans. Each offering below has been handpicked for Opticomm properties, so if you don't have an Opticomm connection, you won't be able to take advantage of these great deals. If you're after NBN equivalent plans, you can check out our guide to the best NBN deals for more information.

Maximising your savings on your Opticomm internet plan has never been easier. Right now, there are plenty of great Opticomm deals that don't sacrifice service or fast speeds. Already know your preferred speed tier? You can jump to it using the navigation bar.

Best Opticomm 25 plan

Best for 1-2 person households with light browsing and email checking

Best Opticomm 50 plan

Great for up to 4-person households, HD streaming and video calls

Best Opticomm 100 plan

Perfect choice for larger families and homes with multiple devices

Best Opticomm 250 plan

Best option for gamers, streamers and doing almost anything online

Best Opticomm 500 plans

Great for families with multiple devices, gaming, 4K streaming and more

Best Opticomm 750 plans

A step up from 500Mbps, a perfect median for high-speed fibre homes with multiple users, smart devices, 4K streaming and gaming

Best Opticomm 1000 plan

Fastest speeds theoretically available on the Opticomm fibre network

FAQs

If you reside in an apartment complex or a newly built home in a metro city — i.e. Sydney or Melbourne — you've likely heard of Opticomm. While most recently constructed Australian residences and apartments use fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections, some are not part of the National Broadband Network (NBN). Instead, they are connected to the internet via privately owned fibre networks, such as Opticomm.

Opticomm is a private fibre provider that maintains its own network of fibre optic infrastructure across most major Australian cities. Rather than selling plans directly, Opticomm partners with established Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to deliver services. Delivering speeds of up to 1,000Mbps, Opticomm plans are generally sold at the same speed tiers (and therefore often match the same theoretical maximums) as those offered on the NBN. Opticomm internet has a minor caveat, though: not all NBN ISPs provide connections to Opticomm properties.

According to its website, 52 providers service residential Opticomm properties, so there’s a fair variety to choose from. Many providers sell Opticomm plans under the name ‘Fibre’. However, this terminology isn’t synonymous or universal – just because an internet provider offers fibre plans, that doesn’t mean they’re available on the Opticomm network. Obviously, the best Opticomm plans are going to hail from the best Opticomm service provider; however, what’s considered "best" in your opinion may differ greatly from someone else's definition.

At Tom's Guide, we base our "best" provider on three main factors — download speeds, pricing and, of course, customer service. Using these key criteria, we've selected our current top picks below, including some bigger, well-known internet providers, alongside some top smaller telcos with rave reviews from customers.

Best Opticomm service providers

1. Superloop

Right now, Superloop is the best Opticomm provider overall, taking the gold medal out of our top three picks. We think Superloop is a suitable ISP for most Opticomm users as it offers a range of speed tiers with attractive introductory rates. Superloop's ongoing rates have recently gone up; however, in the grand scheme, the telco remains one of the most inexpensive Opticomm providers out there, beating out bigger names like iiNet, Origin and of course, Telstra.

We've reviewed Superloop’s Opticomm plans previously – where we scored it an excellent 5/5 – and regularly recommend the great internet deals that come from this smaller telco. Superloop has been found to deliver on its promised advertised speeds, reaching over 100.0% in all hours of the day in the quarterly ACCC reports. When it comes to Opticomm plans, Superloop is no different.

Superloop promises to reach maximum speeds across all Opticomm plans, with the one exception of its Fibre 1000 plan, for which it advertises maximums of 860Mbps during the busy evening hours – the same as the equivalent NBN 1000 plan. This writer currently has a Superloop Opticomm connection, and so far, I’ve been very pleased with the service, setup and maximum speeds reached on the Fibre 100/20 plan. I provided my own modem, but if you don’t have one (or want to upgrade to something newer), you can opt for an Eero 6+ router or Gigabit Wi-Fi mesh modem for AU$170 upfront alongside your plan.

All Superloop fibre plans come with the same benefits as their NBN counterparts, with no lock-in contracts, unlimited data and attractive introductory discounts for the first six months. (We also saw Superloop offer an impressive 12-month discount on some of its plans during Black Friday 2024; however, that doesn't mean this rare discount will happen again.) There are also no extra costs for activation or cancellation.

2. Aussie Broadband

Second place Opticomm provider goes to none other than Aussie Broadband, a well-known name in the Australian internet landscape. Aussie gets this second-best mention as it doesn't currently offer any introductory discounts on its Opticomm plans. However, Aussie would be our top pick in terms of plan variation, as it is one of the only providers to offer Opticomm 12 and a unique Opticomm 75 plan for those who can't choose between 50Mbps and 100Mbps speeds.

Aussie Broadband is renowned for its great customer service, fast speeds, and being a top ISP for gamers. Aussie's Opticomm plans are just as extensive as its NBN plans, ranging from 12Mbps to a massive 875Mbps for the ultrafast tier, matching its top speed claim on its equivalent NBN 1000 plan.

Due to that strong reputation, Aussie Broadband's plans do come at a slight premium. There are no introductory offers on Aussie's Opticomm plans at the time of publishing. However, Aussie Broadband does offer the occasional discount, with plans often slicing AU$10 off the first six months. You can also bundle a phone line with PAYG calls from AU$0, or unlimited local calls from AU$10p/m, or one of its range of mobile plans which start from AU$25p/m for 20GB data.

If you require a modem alongside your Opticomm plan, you can purchase either an Eero 6+ for AU$180 or Eero Pro 6E for AU$280. You can also bring your own modem, however, you’ll need to confirm whether it is compatible by contacting Aussie Broadband and confirming your model details before ordering your plan.

3. Origin

Origin is a top-rated Opticomm provider here at Tom's Guide, but this recommendation does come with some caveats worth considering. Like Aussie Broadband, Origin uses the Opticomm naming scheme, dubbing plans above 100Mbps as "Faster Opticomm".

Origin Opticomm plans range from 25Mbps to its 811Mbps ultrafast plan. Comparatively, Origin's pricing is where the telco falls flat, as it is much more expensive than most competitors, including Aussie Broadband, which is already rather pricey.

However, Origin remains an attractive option, as not only can you score discounts if you bundle your energy services, but customers can also score bonus perks that aren't always reserved for fibre addresses.

After signing up online, new customers will receive a 12-month subscription to Paramount Plus (typically AU$131.88p/y) and 5,000 Woolworths Everyday Rewards points (which retails at AU$25 value). Origin customers will also receive a 30-day money back guarantee if they're not satisfied with the service.

Origin's Opticomm plans come with no lock-in contract, unlimited data, and a AU$0 modem if you stay connected for 24 months. You can also add a home phone line to your service.

Do note, though, Origin does charge a one-off AU$5 fee for setting up Opticomm connections, and rarely has introductory rates, so you may want to shop around for a cheaper option.

Opticomm Provider FAQs

The best NBN plans in Australia offer affordable, reliable ways for Aussies to connect online. That said, finding the best internet plan can be tricky, as you'll need to consider key factors such as your monthly budget, your current provider (especially customer service), and, most importantly, your chosen speed tier.

Here at Tom's Guide, we value transparency in our guides to finding home internet deals. Every month, we conduct a deep dive into the best NBN deals, providers and more, so you can get the most out of your hard-earned cash without compromising on stellar service or hyperfast speeds.

From NBN 500 plans to the mega NBN 2000, we've tracked down all the best deals on these turbocharged tiers and listed them below. We've compared top plans from telcos nationwide, including the big three (Optus, TPG, and Telstra), as well as smaller, privately owned telcos.

ISPs often offer a standard six-month discount for new customers, and sometimes (yet very rarely) they may offer a 12-month discount. Since the wholesale pricing changes came into effect last month, NBN plans have increased across the board. However, plans remain competitively priced, thanks to some incredible introductory discounts.

Some of the best deals we've included below feature Dodo's tidy AU$32 outlay across high-speed NBN plans, Kogan's long-running 12-month discounts and Aussie Broadband's spring deals. For those who want seriously fast speeds, Mate's NBN 2000 plan is now the cheapest and fastest on offer, with 1.8Gbps for just AU$141p/m (for 6 months, then AU$166p/m).

In this comprehensive guide, we've split the best deals by NBN speed so you can easily search for your preferred speed tier. Follow the quick links to jump ahead, or learn more about choosing an NBN plan in our FAQ section.

Best NBN 50 deals

Perfect for up to 4 users, HD streaming and seamless video calls

Best NBN 100 deals

Great choice for larger families and households with high usage

Best NBN 250 deals

Perfect for gamers, streamers, and doing almost anything online

Best NBN 500 deals

Great for families with multiple devices, gaming, 4K streaming and more

Best NBN 750 deals

A step up from 500Mbps, a perfect median for high-speed homes with multiple users, smart devices, 4K streaming and gaming.

Best NBN 1000 deals

Now the second-fastest NBN speed available, but only for customers with FTTP and HFC connections.

Best NBN 2000 deals

It’s the fastest NBN speed available, but only for customers with FTTP and HFC connections.

NBN FAQ

The test should take no longer than a minute, and once you’ve got your results, compare them to your plan’s advertised download and upload speeds. Don’t worry if it’s not an exact match, but you will want your plan to be close to reaching, or exceeding its reported speeds.

Some external factors such as your NBN connection type can affect the result. For example, if you have a fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) connection, your homes’ distance from the node could play a part in poorer results, particularly if your address is more than 400 metres away from it. Your distance from your home’s modem can also be a factor – you’ll want it to be close to get the best result.

If you find that your plan’s NBN speed isn’t up to scratch, your first port of call should be your NBN provider. Get in touch with your provider’s customer service team to raise your concerns, and if they’re unable to help, consider switching to a different service provider.

Looking for the best NBN deal for your household this September? Let me introduce myself! I'm Lucy, Tom's Guide's resident NBN expert, and I'm here to help. Every month, I analyse top-rated NBN plans from over 30 internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain my updated recommendations below.

Thanks to some excellent introductory offers and extended discounts, the current best NBN internet plans in September offer great value and high speeds. NBN speed tiers range from 'basic I' (25Mbps) to 'hyperfast' (2,000Mbps). To find the perfect plan, it helps to know your NBN connection type — like FTTP, FTTN, FTTC, or HFC.

Ultimately, your choice of plan hinges on the speed you need. For instance, a simple NBN 50 plan might be enough for two people, but a large family with multiple devices might require at least 500Mbps during peak hours.

But enough waffling on — scroll to check out my recommendations for different speed tiers, best value and more this month.

The best NBN plans in Australia right now

Below you'll find a roundup of my picks for the best NBN plans in Australia right now. I've made selections covering all speed tiers, specific uses and budgets, to help you find the NBN plan best suited to your household.

Which is the best NBN provider?

Best NBN plans: major telcos

When searching for NBN plans, you may be inclined to automatically look at the three major telcos of Telstra, Optus and TPG. But most of the time, these three are usually among the most expensive options. However, if you do sign with any of the major three telcos, you are likely to get a reliable and high-performing service, and this is backed up by reporting data from the ACCC.

What's more, Telstra and Optus often throw in additional perks for free. Such benefits include modems with 4G data backup, allowing you to stay connected if your fixed line NBN connection suffers an outage, as well as free trials to various streaming services.

If you’re looking for an NBN plan from Telstra, Optus or TPG these are our plan recommendations:

Best Telstra NBN plan for most people

Best Optus NBN plan for most people

Best TPG NBN plan for most people

• Want to see other NBN plans? You can use our NBN plan finder to compare a huge range of Australian NBN plans

How we choose

How I judge the best NBN plans

To select my picks for the best NBN plans, I consider and weigh the following key aspects of fixed-line NBN plans:

Speed: Each speed tier indicates the maximum speed available; for example, an NBN 50 plan can reach download speeds of 50Mbps. However, not every provider can reach the maximum speed available during the busiest evening hours, which fall between 7–11pm. NBN providers are required to report their typical evening speeds, so I first look for plans that advertise the maximum speeds during these busier hours. For the Ultrafast NBN 1000 and Hyperfast NBN 2000 plans, no provider currently advertises the theoretical maximums offered on these high-speed tiers. The fastest speed I've seen advertised so far is Flip's 900Mbps.

Price: Price is perhaps the most important factor in my decision-making. I initially look for the cheapest plans across each speed tier, and then if I don't think the download speed is worth it, i.e. it's too slow, I'll then look to the next cheapest to see how it compares. The majority of NBN providers offer 6-month introductory discounts on their plans, and these prices can sometimes be deceptive. This is why I give you information relating to the yearly cost you can expect to pay once that introductory discount expires.

Data allowance: The majority of fixed-line NBN plans offer unlimited data, so in all but exceptional cases, I only recommend plans with an unlimited data allowance.

Performance: The ACCC monitors the performance of some of the top NBN providers in Australia, so I always take this data into account when making my recommendations. If the ACCC doesn’t monitor a particular internet provider, I also look at the feedback provided by real users on sites such as Whirlpool.

Perks: I consider perks as nice to have, but they carry less weight compared to other factors in my decision-making. Some examples of perks include Australian-based customer support, or the ability to include a home phone service. Other perks can enhance the performance of your service, such as the ability to bump your plan’s regular speed up to the next available tier on five days of your choosing – a feature offered by Superloop.

NBN FAQ