Best eSIM plans in Australia 2026: Get connected easily and enjoy your new plan in minutes

Best eSIM plans
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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 uses this tech.

Best eSIM plans in Australia: value

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

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

Like the deal above, 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

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. This promotion is available until January 31, 2026, so this is your last chance to secure this deal before it expires. T&Cs apply.

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

Tangerine (30GB 5G Mobile SIM) | 30GB | prepaid | AU$15p/m for first 4 months, then AU$30p/m | Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network
OUR PICK

Tangerine (30GB 5G Mobile SIM) | 30GB | prepaid | AU$15p/m for first 4 months, then AU$30p/m | Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network

Tangerine is offering new customers a half-price promotion for the first 4 months of connection. That means it'll only cost you AU$15p/m during that initial 4-month period. After that, the price will revert back to the usual price of AU$30p/m. This offer is valid until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$15 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$300

Essential 5G Plan35GB No lock-in contractAU$35p/m (free 2nd recharge for new customers) | Telstra 5G Network

Essential 5G Plan | 35GB | No lock-in contract | AU$35p/m (free 2nd recharge for new customers) | Telstra 5G Network

If you're looking for an affordable and reliable prepaid plan, Superloop's Essential 5G Plan is worth considering. It offers access to Telstra's 5G network, providing 35GB of data as standard — all for just AU$35 over 30 days with automatic recharges. And as an added bonus, new Superloop mobile customers (and existing Superloop broadband customers signing up for a mobile plan) get their 2nd recharge for free. Another major perk is the ability to roll over up to 500GB of unused data. Offer valid until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$35 (30 days) | Total cost for first year with free 2nd recharge: AU$385

Best eSIM plans in Australia: data

Vodafone Large SIM Only Plan400GB data No lock-in contractAU$59p/m for first 12 months, then AU$73p/m ongoing | Vodafone 4G/5G network

Vodafone Large SIM Only Plan | 400GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$59p/m for first 12 months, then AU$73p/m ongoing | Vodafone 4G/5G network

Vodafone might not have double data anymore, but its plans are still pretty generous. The Large SIM Only Plan gives you a huge 400GB of data each month and is a great deal at AU$59p/m for the first 12 months. If you don’t need that much data, the Medium SIM Only Plan offers 200GB a month and is discounted to AU$49p/m for the first year. This offer is available until March 2, 2026 (unless extended). T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$59 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$708

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

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.