If you’re renting a place or studying in Australia, getting decent internet is a big deal. You want it fast, you want it cheap, and you don’t want a contract tying you down for a year. Sounds simple, right? But then you start looking at plans… and boom—confusion hits.
There are too many options. Too many prices. Too many terms. Some charge for modems, others sneak in fees later. But don’t worry. We’ve dug through the mess and pulled together the best internet plans for students and renters, all in one place.
Let’s dive in and help you find the right deal—one that suits your life, your budget, and your study (or streaming) needs.
Why Students and Renters Need Different Internet Plans
Fast Speeds Matter for Students
Let’s face it. Slow internet can wreck your day. If you’re watching lectures online, submitting assignments, or researching late at night, your Wi-Fi needs to keep up. No one wants buffering during a live class or frozen screens while uploading that big file.
Renters Need Flexible Deals
Renters move a lot. One day you’re in a shared flat, next month you’re living alone in a studio. That’s why long contracts are a pain. You want something you can cancel or switch without paying a hefty fee. Flexibility is key.
What Makes a Good Internet Plan?
Before we compare internet plans and see who’s offering what, here are a few things you should keep an eye on:
- No Long Contracts
You should be free to switch providers when you want. Month-to-month plans are your friend. - Unlimited Data
Binge-watch, game, Zoom, repeat. If you do all that, capped data won’t cut it. Look for unlimited options. - Decent Speed
NBN 50 is the sweet spot. It’s fast enough for study, video calls, and streaming, even with a few people using it. - Affordable Price
Don’t pay more than you need. Some of the best internet plans are priced between $55 to $80 per month, with no hidden fees.
Best Internet Providers for Students and Renters in Australia
We looked at price, speed, flexibility, and ease of setup. Here are some solid picks:
Tangerine – Affordable and Simple
Why it works:
Tangerine is known for keeping things simple. No contract, easy signup, and a 14-day trial if you change your mind.
Top Plan:
- NBN 50 Standard
- $64.90/month
- Unlimited data
- 50Mbps in the evenings
- No setup fee
Why it’s good:
- Lower cost to start
- Month-to-month flexibility
- Reliable speed
Aussie Broadband – Great Speeds and Support
Why it works:
This one’s perfect for people who want fast internet and real support from an Aussie-based team.
Top Plan:
- NBN 50 Everyday
- $79/month
- Unlimited data
- 50Mbps during peak hours
- No lock-in
Why it’s good:
- Fast and steady
- Friendly customer service
- Good for gamers and streamers
Dodo – Bundle Your Bills
Why it works:
Dodo lets you combine internet with electricity and gas, which can save you some cash if you like keeping things simple.
Top Plan:
- NBN 25
- $60/month
- Unlimited data
- Evening speed: 25Mbps
- No contract
Why it’s good:
- Save more when bundling
- Simple setup
- Budget-friendly
Spintel – Budget-Friendly Choice
Why it works:
Spintel often shows up as one of the cheapest on comparison sites. No lock-in and fast speeds.
Top Plan:
- NBN 50 Unlimited
- $54/month (first 6 months)
- $64.95/month after that
- Unlimited data
- 50Mbps average speed
Why it’s good:
- Great starter price
- No contracts
- Quick installation
TPG – Reliable and Well-Known
Why it works:
TPG has been around for years and is one of Australia’s top providers. It offers solid service with wide coverage.
Top Plan:
- NBN 50 Unlimited
- $74.99/month
- Unlimited data
- 50Mbps peak speed
- No contract
Why it’s good:
- Easy to set up
- Bring your own modem to save more
- Trustworthy network
How to Compare Internet Plans Without the Stress
Trying to compare internet plans shouldn’t make your head spin. Here’s a step-by-step approach that keeps things easy:
- Check What’s Available Where You Live
Not every provider covers every address. Always start by checking your location. - Decide on a Budget
Think about how much you can spend monthly. Students usually stick between $55 and $80. - Choose the Right Speed
- NBN 25: Great for one person
- NBN 50: Best for two or three people
- NBN 100: If you’re into gaming or live with many people
- Look at Extra Costs
Setup fees, modem charges, and contract terms matter. Some deals look cheap until you read the fine print. - Read Reviews
Check what others are saying. Speed, service, and support can vary a lot between providers.
Quick Tips for Students and Renters
- Planning to Move? Go for no-contract plans.
- Living with Others? Pick faster plans and share the bill.
- Using Zoom for Class? Choose providers with consistent speeds during peak hours.
- Want to Save More? Use your own modem if possible. It cuts your startup cost.
Final Thoughts: Who Has the Best Internet Plans?
Here’s a quick look at the top picks:
| Provider | Best For | Plan Name | Monthly Cost |
| Tangerine | Budget users | NBN 50 | $64.90 |
| Aussie Broadband | Fast + Support | NBN 50 | $79.00 |
| Dodo | Bundled deals | NBN 25 | $60.00 |
| Spintel | Cheapest intro plan | NBN 50 | $54.00 |
| TPG | Reliability | NBN 50 | $74.99 |
There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. What’s best for you depends on your budget, how many people you live with, and what you use the internet for. But one thing is always true: it pays to compare internet plans before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What speed is good for students?
NBN 50 works well. It’s fast enough for online classes, group calls, streaming, and browsing all at once. - Q: Can I get internet with no contract?
Absolutely. Many providers like Spintel, Tangerine, and Aussie Broadband offer month-to-month options. - Q: Will I need someone to come install the internet?
Usually no. If your home is already NBN-ready, you can just plug in your modem and wait for activation. - Q: Are there internet deals just for students?
While some don’t label them as student plans, providers like Tangerine and Spintel offer cheap options that are perfect for student budgets.