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 uses this tech.

Best eSIM plans in Australia: value

Exetel Plus One Plan | 130GB + 130GB bonus data (first 6 recharges) | AU$40 per 30-day renewal

Exetel’s Plus One prepaid eSIM is offering an unusually generous deal, doubling its already strong 130GB-for-AU$40 recharge to 260GB for your first six recharges and delivering data at just AU$0.15 per GB — the cheapest rate around. Even after the intro period, the cost stays low, and no long‑expiry plan comes close to matching the sheer volume on offer. Offer available until February 3, 2026.

Total minimum cost is AU$40 (30 days) | Total cost for first year: AU$480

Yomojo Pro Plan | 105GB data | AU$29.90 per 30-day renewal (first 6 renewals, then AU$34.90)

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 + 30GB bonus data | prepaid | AU$15p/m for first 4 months, then AU$30p/m

Tangerine is offering new customers a half-price promotion for the first 4 months of connection, along with a double data bonus for the first 6 months. That means 30GB standard data + 30GB bonus data, and 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 expires February 3, 2026. T&Cs apply.

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

Best eSIM plans in Australia: data

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.