Best eSIM plans in Australia 2026: Get connected easily and enjoy your new plan in minutes
Let's get digital, not physical
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 April 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 May 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Total minimum cost is AU$150 | Total cost per year: AU$150, then AU$240 ongoing
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
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 May 31, 2026, so there's not much of time left 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
50GB SIM only plan | 50GB | AU$26 p/m for first 3 months, then AU$36 ongoing | Telstra 5G network
New customers who sign up for a Tangerine 5G SIM-only plan can save on their monthly bill for the first 3 months, reducing the price of the 50GB plan from AU$36 p/m to just AU$26 p/m. This promotion is available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.
Total minimum cost is AU$26 | Total cost for first year: AU$402
Best eSIM plans in Australia: data
Plus One eSIM Plan | 130GB | No lock-in contract | AU$40 p/m
No discounts on this Exetel plan, but it still provides exceptional value, nonetheless. For just AU$40 p/m, you'll get a massive 130GB of monthly data, which works out to AU$0.30 per GB. Just know that this plan is eSIM only and has a speed cap of 150Mbps.
Total minimum cost is AU$40 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$480
Now is a great time to sign up to Vodafone thanks to a half-price promotion for new customers. That means you can get the Large SIM Only Plan with a whopping 400GB of monthly data for only AU$36.50p/m for the first 6 months. If you don’t need that much data, the Medium SIM Only Plan offers 200GB a month and is discounted to AU$31.50p/m for the same half-year period. This offer is available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.
Total minimum cost is AU$36.50 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$657
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.







