Best eSIM plans in Australia

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Best value eSIM plans
Data-heavy eSIM plans

While the best eSIM plans in Australia are not supported by every handset, many of the best phones of 2026 no longer require physical SIM cards — they've simply embraced the added convenience and security of digital eSIM technology, allowing users to activate new plans or switch carriers directly from their phone's settings. In many cases, activation is as easy as scanning a QR code.

Of course, not all Aussie telcos are fully on board yet — Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer eSIM support, as do many other mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), though there are still some smaller providers that only use physical SIMs. This means you'll want to double-check if your preferred carrier supports eSIMs before you commit to a new phone or plan.

That said, eSIM support is steadily expanding, and it’s likely to boom with Australian telcos over the next couple of years. For those ready to say goodbye to physical SIM cards, we’ve compiled a list of the best eSIM plans in Australia for August 2026.

Best eSIM plans in Australia: value

Lyca Mobile Medium Plan | 360GB | AU$150 first year, then AU$240 ongoing | Vodafone 4G/5G Network

Lyca Mobile is offering a great deal for those willing to pay upfront for a whole year of service. The telco's Medium long-term plan gives you a total of 360GB, split into 30GB chunks that are renewed every 30 days for 12 renewals, at a reduced price of AU$150, down from AU$240 — that works out to just AU$12.50 per renewal, making it an awesome bargain. Once the introductory period ends, the price for your next 12 renewals returns to the regular rate. Be sure to choose ‘eSIM’ at checkout to receive your QR code via email instead of a physical SIM. This offer is valid until December 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$150 | Total cost per year: AU$150, then AU$240 ongoing

TPG (100GB Large Plan) | 100GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$22.50p/m (first 6 months, then AU$45p/m) | Vodafone 4G/5G network

This offer has been on the table for ages, but it's still an excellent deal. TPG is offering new customers a whopping 100GB of data per month for just AU$22.50p/m. Of course, there's a catch — that price is only for the first 6 months, after which the price goes up to AU$45p/m (or AU$40p/m if you bundle it with a TPG internet plan). If that price is too rich for your blood, you can just cancel and switch to another provider. Please note, this offer is only available to new connections. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$22.50 | Total cost per year: AU$405 for first year, AU$540 each year after that

Yomojo Pro Plan | 105GB data | AU$29.90 per 30-day renewal (first 6 renewals, then AU$34.90) | Optus 4G/5G Network

Looking for massive data at a bargain price? Yomojo's Pro Plan delivers incredible value. For the first six months, it's an absolute steal at only AU$29.90 per renewal, translating to a mere AU$0.28 per GB. Even after the introductory period, when the price adjusts to AU$34.90 every 30 days, it remains a fantastic deal, breaking down to just AU$0.33 per GB. Currently, this promotion runs until September 30, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$29.90 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$388.80

50GB SIM only plan | 50GB + 50GB bonus data (first 6 months) | AU$18 p/m for first 4 months, then AU$36 ongoing | Telstra 5G network

New customers who sign up for a Tangerine 5G SIM-only plan can save 50% on their monthly bill for the first 4 months, reducing the price of the 50GB plan from AU$36 p/m to just AU$18 p/m. Additionally, Tangerine is offering double data for the first 6 months of connection, bringing your monthly total to 100GB for your first half-year. This double data promotion is available until August 27, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$18 | Total cost for first year: AU$360

Best eSIM plans in Australia: data

Spintel $35 Mobile Plan | 100GB | No lock-in contract | AU$35p/m | Optus 5G Network

Simplicity is the name of the game here, with Spintel's $35 Mobile Plan giving you 100GB of monthly data. No bonus period, no jump in price or halving of data after a few months — just exactly what it says on the tin. For just AU$35 p/m, that amount of data works out to just AU$0.35 per GB. Just know that if you do hit your monthly data cap, each additional GB will set you back AU$12.

Total minimum cost is AU$35 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$420

Vodafone Medium Plan | 220GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$55p/m for first 12 months, then AU$68p/m ongoing | Vodafone 4G/5G network

Now is a great time to sign up to Vodafone thanks to a sweet discount for new customers during their first 12 months. The telco is offering its Medium Plan with a whopping 220GB of monthly data for only AU$55p/m for the first 12 months, after which the price goes up to AU$68p/m. If you don’t need that much data, the Small Plan offers 65GB a month and is discounted from AU$58p/m to AU$45p/m for the same first-year period. This offer is available August 31. 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$55 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$660

Max 5G Plan | 160GB | No lock-in contract | AU$60 per recharge (2nd recharge free) | Telstra 5G Network

Looking for a prepaid plan with plenty of data and a speed cap that’s faster than average? Superloop’s Max 5G Plan fits the bill, offering 160GB of data (just AU$0.37 per GB), speeds up to 250Mbps, and a massive 1000GB databank on a 30-day cycle. Need more convincing? Well, new customers will also get their 2nd recharge for free, which in this case means a rather substantial AU$60 saving.

Total minimum cost is AU$60 (1 month) | Total cost for first year (including free 2nd recharge): AU$660

How we pick the best eSIM plans in Australia

When selecting the best eSIM plans in Australia, the Tom's Guide team focuses on several key factors that we believe are important to most users.

Our initial step is to exclude carriers that do not currently support eSIM technology.

Value is a top priority — the ideal eSIM plans offer a sensible amount of data without being overly expensive. Given that the average Australian consumes about 12GB of data monthly, we consider this our minimum data allowance. We also examine premium eSIM plans that provide ample data, even if they come at a higher cost.

eSIM plans should always include unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers. This is a common feature even in affordable options, so we avoid any plan that limits these.

Network coverage is another crucial element. Australians can expect access to either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks, depending on their chosen provider. Telstra boasts the broadest 4G and 5G coverage, with Optus and Vodafone following closely.

Finally, while not the primary driver for our choices, we also consider additional perks such as bonus international minutes or data rollover.

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Stephen Lambrechts is the Managing Editor of Tom's Guide AU and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming for the last 15 years. Before Tom's Guide, he spent several years as a Senior Journalist at TechRadar, had a brief stint as Editor in Chief at Official Xbox Magazine Australia, and has written for such publications as APC, TechLife Australia, T3, FilmInk, AskMen, Daily Telegraph and IGN. He's an expert when it comes to smartphones, TVs, gaming and streaming. In his spare time, he enjoys watching obscure horror movies on physical media, keeping an eye on the latest retro sneaker releases and listening to vinyl. Occasionally, he also indulges in other non-hipster stuff, like hiking.