How To Compare Energy Plans And Switch Today

Big Savings with Cheap Energy Plans: Affordable Options for Your Power Bill

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Prefer to speak to someone? Call our Australian team now on 1300 786 045

*CheapBills does not compare energy plans from all brands in the market. We partner with preferred providers and compare your energy with a selection of their products.

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Why Compare Energy Plans?

With energy prices changing every year, it’s important to stay in control of your bill. Following huge increases in 2022, it has been announced that there will be another big price rise in July 2023, with a direct impact on the cost of living for Australians. The forecasts show that residents in Victoria, NSW, ACT, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania will all feel the pinch.

If you are struggling with high power bills but don’t have the time to compare energy prices, it’s time to compare with CheapBills. We understand the frustration of skyrocketing household expenses, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget amid the cost of living crisis. We can recommend affordable plans, including fixed rates, for peace of mind in the face of volatile prices.

By staying with the same energy provider, you could unknowingly be shelling out hundreds of extra dollars every year that you could be spending on more important things. CheapBills can help you compare energy plans and unlock hidden savings in minutes, with the expert knowledge to find the right plan for your needs. 

Fight Back Against Soaring Costs: Control Your Bills

There’s never been a more important time to compare energy plans to lock in a good rate before the price rise in July 2023. At CheapBills, we’re committed to helping you break free from costly energy plans. 

Call CheapBills today and unlock a world of affordable energy plans that will help keep your money where it belongs – back in your pocket. Don’t let expensive bills get you down – start saving today and enjoy the benefits of cheap energy connections from some of Australia’s best retailers.

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How Do I Compare Energy Plans With CheapBills?

When you call CheapBills, we’ll compare energy providers from our carefully selected panel of suppliers to help you find a plan to suit your needs. We will look for the best energy deals including special offers, promotions, discounts and cheap energy plans, to recommend a plan that will save money for your home or small business.

And the best part about comparing your energy plan with us? We’re a 100% free comparison tool. That’s right, it doesn’t cost you a penny to compare your bills with us. So with nothing to lose and plenty of potential savings, why not give us a call?

How Can CheapBills Save Me Money?

We’ve helped over 200,000 Australian homeowners find cheap energy connections and save on their utility bills. Our mission is to make the process simple and hassle-free for you.

We are Australian-owned and operated, so when you talk to our team, you’ll get the benefit of local knowledge from our offices in Melbourne. All you need to do is take a look at our 4.5-star reviews on Trustpilot to see how we’ve helped our happy customers make some huge savings.

We make it faster and simpler to compare the best energy deals from some of Australia’s leading suppliers so you know you’re getting great value on your household bills.

  • Unbiased Energy Experts: With our extensive knowledge of the Australian energy market, we offer unbiased guidance on the latest rates, bundles, and exclusive offers from our panel of energy providers.
  • Top Australian Energy Providers: We have carefully selected our energy providers to bring you a diverse range of plans with affordable options that meet your needs.
  • Huge Savings: We’re committed to helping you find cheap energy plans without the hassle. You can trust us to find cost-saving energy plans to maximise your savings without compromising on quality.

Impartial Energy Recommendations 

Rest assured that our only goal is to find you a plan that is great value for your unique needs. We’ll perform a thorough energy comparison to recommend a plan from our preferred suppliers that suit your home or business.

These are some of the important factors we will consider.

  • Off-peak tariffs for cheap energy connections outside of peak times
  • Solar feed-in tariffs
  • Electricity, gas, NBN and Pay TV bundles
  • Variable rate vs fixed rate plans
  • Lock-in vs no lock-in contracts
  • Special offers and discounts for cheap energy plans
  • Rewards programs that suit your lifestyle
  • Customer service and self-service billing options

If your energy usage is high, we will look for cheap energy plans with off-peak rates that will help you save. For low-energy users, we can help you save more by looking at the discounts available for usage and supply charges. It’s all about what will save you the most in your unique circumstances.

Our Leading Energy Providers

We compare energy plans from some of the best energy providers in Australia, including EnergyAustralia, ActewAGL, Covau, Tango Energy, Blue NRG and Energy Locals.

Compare energy plans in just three simple steps.

  1. Enter your address at the top of this page
  2. Provide some details about your energy needs
  3. Leave your contact information and we will get back to you with the results of our energy provider comparison so you can start saving money.

Compare And Save On All Your Utility Bills

We can help you save on more than just cheap energy plans. Talk to our team about finding a better deal for your internet, Pay TV, insurance and finance. We will compare plans from our trusted partners including Optus, TPG, Foxtel, Tangerine, More TelecomAussie Broadband and AFG.

Stop overspending and start saving money on your bills today with cheap energy connections. Call CheapBills at 1300 786 045 and let us find a great value plan for your budget.

How Do I Switch Energy Providers?

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Answer some simple questions about your current provider and we’ll get back to you with some alternative plans to suit the needs of your home or small business.

Compare Energy Plans In Your State And Start Saving

We’re here to help homeowners across Australia find affordable plans and save money. If you live in a region with a deregulated market, then you can use our 100% free energy comparison service to find cheap energy connections. If you live in a regulated market, then you should contact your local provider to connect your power. Click on your state to find out about the options available in your area.

Don’t settle for high bills. If you live in one of these states, compare energy plans today to make some huge savings on your monthly bills. Simply call us on 1300 786 045 or click the button to enter your details online.

Compare energy prices VICTORIA

Victoria’s households and small businesses enjoy some of the most competitive energy rates in the country. With a smorgasbord of retailers competing in the market to provide you with the best power rates, there are some great deals out there, if you know where to find them. 

If you haven’t compared your plan in the last 12 months, then you are probably paying the rate set by the Victorian Default Offer (VDO). The VDO is the maximum price retailers can charge, set by the Victorian government as part of an initiative to provide affordable energy to everyone. You can read more about the VDO here.

Compare Victoria energy plans with CheapBills to find the best energy providers Melbourne and regional VIC from our panel of preferred suppliers. 

Compare energy plans SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

South Australian residents can compare power bills to find the best rates available in their area. Although the number of providers available is slightly less than in other states, there are still large savings to be made by shopping around. 

The electricity price in South Australia is determined by the Default Market Offer (DMO). This is the maximum price you will be charged if you do not look for a better deal. You can read about how the DMO affects how much you pay for power in South Australia here.

South Australia is forecast to be one of the hardest-hit states when the AER raises the DMO in July 2023. Act now to lock in cheap energy plans and protect your home from future price hikes.

Compare energy plans NEW SOUTH WALES:

The market in New South Wales is extremely competitive, and residents can compare prices from a range of retailers to meet their needs. You should take advantage of the competition and do an energy price comparison every 12 months to make sure you are with the best energy providers Sydney or regional NSW. 

If you haven’t compared your bill recently, then you will probably be paying the price set by the Default Market Offer (DMO). In New South Wales, the DMO is the maximum price retailers can charge for electricity, as determined by the government. You can read more about DMO here

The AER has announced that the DMO will be increased in July 2023, leading to higher bills for New South Wales residents. Don’t wait until it’s too late – lock in cheap energy connections by calling CheapBills today.

Compare energy plans QUEENSLAND:

Residents and small businesses in Queensland have the opportunity to compare power bills from many of Australia’s leading retailers. By comparing rates, discounts and offers available, residents and small businesses can make significant savings on their power bills. 

If you do not compare your plan regularly and choose a market offer, the price you pay will be determined by the Default Market Offer (DMO). The DMO price is set by the government and is the maximum that retailers are allowed to charge. You can find out more about the DMO here.

Get Expert Help To Save On Your Energy Bill

Have a recent bill handy and give us a call to compare energy plans that suit your lifestyle and budget.

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Switch to Renewable Energy in your State

If you are interested in powering your home with renewable energy, we can arrange for GreenPower to be added to your plan. GreenPower is a government initiative that is promoting Australia’s clean future by supporting clean energy generators. You can choose to add between 10 to 100% GreenPower to your bill and the equivalent amount of power will be added to the grid from renewable sources. We can help you switch energy providers in no time and increase your energy efficiency at the same time.

FAQs About Compare Energy

Here are some common questions for customers wanting to switch energy providers and save on bills with our energy price comparison service.

 
CheapBills is an online comparison company with a passion for saving you money on those big bills. We compare energy bills from our panel of suppliers to find you cheap energy plans, free of charge.

Use these links to compare energy company options in your state:

In one easy phone call we can compare energy plans, internet - including NBN and 5G, Pay TV, health insurance and finance.

We will look for affordable options to suit your needs from our panel of providers including, EnergyAustralia, ActewAGL, Covau, Tango Energy, Blue NRG, Energy Locals, Optus, TPG, Foxtel, Tangerine, More Telecom, Aussie Broadband and AFG.
Energy bills in Australia have skyrocketed in recent years, with record highs in 2022 as a result of supply disruptions from COVID-19 and the sanctions placed on Russian exports. This has driven the cost of wholesale power up, with retailers forced to pass on the increase to their customers.

In addition, you should look for any changes in your consumption habits that might be contributing to your high bill. Make sure you are using as much power as possible during off-peak periods, turning off lights and appliances when not in use and, if you have solar panels, use power during the day when your generation is at its peak.
We make it easy for you to switch energy providers because we do all the work for you. We compare energy plans from leading suppliers to find you the best power rates, with no interruption to your services.

Simply call 1300 786 045 or enter your details online and one of our friendly team will guide you through the process to compare, switch and save.
On average, it takes 3 business days to switch providers, from the date you sign up to your new plan. However, you should give at least 5 business days’ notice to make sure your connection can be completed on time.

If you are on a fixed-term contract and want to avoid exit fees, it can take a little longer. Depending on where you are in your billing cycle, it can take up to three months to switch retailers once you decide on your new provider.

It is possible to arrange a same-day connection if required, however. there is usually a fee of up to $400. If you need an urgent connection, call us immediately on 1300 786 045.
To get started and compare energy plans today, simply complete the online form or call 1300 786 045 and one of our friendly team will guide you through the process. They’ll start by discussing your needs and comparing your current bill with our panel of leading competitors to see if you have the best energy rates. If you make the decision to switch providers, we’ll take care of all the arrangements for you, so all you need to do is sit back and save.

To save money on Australian energy compare with CheapBills today!
CheapBills is an Australian owned and run company that has helped over 200,000 families save money on their utility bills. We have been established as an online comparison website since 2013 and our mother company, Integral Resource Group, has been servicing Australian companies since 2011.

We are based in Flinders Street, Melbourne, putting us in a great position to compare energy providers Melbourne and throughout Australia. With our local knowledge, you can trust us to find the best energy providers Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or wherever you live.

Any private information you share with us is only shared with your chosen providers. We have a 4.5-star rating based on customer reviews and can help you save your hard-earned money!
No you won’t need to change your poles or pipes - CheapBills help you change your retailer or provider. All poles, wiring, meters, meter readers and any power outages are looked after by a distributor, which are determined by your address and not controlled by retailers, so you don’t have to worry about any service interruptions either.
There isn’t a right or wrong time to switch providers, however rising prices, moving house or expiring contracts can be a good reason to start looking into your energy retailer. It’s always worth comparing your bills to see where you can save your money.

The Australian energy compare process can be very time-consuming - with so many retailers available it can be hard to find the right plan for your home. Don’t let that put you off - CheapBills will do all the hard work for you and find the best energy prices when you compare power bills with us. All it takes is one easy phone call!.
Once you decide you’d like to compare the energy prices and switch providers you should contact your current retailer to see if you are going to incur any charges, fees or fines, this usually only happens if you’re on a contract. If you’re on a contract we recommend waiting until the term period is up to make your switch, to avoid fees.

You can contact CheapBills at any time for help with Australian energy compare questions and queries. We will find you the best energy prices from our retailers and advise you on the right time to make the switch.
If you have had your energy bills compared, and decided to switch but then change your mind it’s okay, your new provider will give you a ten-day ‘cooling-off’ period, which means you have ten days to change your mind and go back to your old supplier.

There is no financial risk involved with energy compare Australia - you can change your mind right up until the 10th day of your cooling-off period.

Smart meters record customer usage and demand in real time and are remotely read in 30 minute intervals. Smart Meters can be linked to in-home devices so that you can make informed decisions about your energy consumption.


If you live in Victoria, you should by now have a smart meter as they are compulsory across the state and the roll-out is coming to an end. When we help you compare energy providers in Victoria, we will compare the energy plans suited to your smart meter to find the best energy prices for your home.
Because Smart meters record your power usage throughout the day, you can benefit from off-peak rates, so make sure you compare power rates from a suitable plan. Off-peak rates can be substantially lower than on-peak rates, so your Smart Meter will let you see when you use the most power, so you can switch your usage habits to make use of the cheaper rates. This might include running your washing machine and dishwasher overnight or setting a timer on your cooling system.

The National Electricity Market (NEM) has three types of meters for residential and small business customers: Basic, Interval and Smart. The different types of meters are governed by AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) as outlined in Chapter 7 of the NER (National Electricity Rules).

  • Basic meter: The majority of residential and small business energy consumers in Australia have their power use measured by Basic Accumulation meters that have limited functionality. This results in them having limited information from which to make informed decisions about their energy usage and costs.
    There are two types of Basic meters - accumulation meters that measure only the total amount of power consumed over a period and are manually read by a meter reader, or Time of Use (ToU) meters that record total usage within set periods. These can be aligned to a Time of Use tariff to enable you to pay lower rates for your off-peak energy usage.
  • Interval Time of Use (ToU) meter: These meters record how much power is used every 30 minutes. This means you can have different rates for usage at different times of the day, depending on the tariff you sign up to with your energy retailer. Some of the benefits of interval meters include more detailed information on your energy use and the opportunity for pricing plans that provide incentives to reduce your demand for electricity power during peak times. You can make some significant savings by choosing a plan with discounts for off-peak energy usage.


  • Smart Meters, also known as Advanced Meters (AMI): These metres track consumption in real time so you can stay in control of your energy usage. You also need a market meter if you have solar panels to record how much energy you feed back into the grid.

    If you’re not sure which type of meter you have, you can take a look at your bill or give CheapBills a call to find the best energy rates to use with your meter.

You can practice these 5 free and easy strategies to lower your energy costs.

Cooling and heating:

The single biggest source of energy consumption in Australian homes is cooling and heating, so it’s the best place to start to make some significant energy savings.

Make sure you set your thermostat to the recommended temperature - every degree you vary from these ranges increases your energy consumption by 5% to 10%.

  • Set your air-conditioning thermostats between 25°C and 27°C during the summer.
  • Set your heating thermostats between 18°C and 20°C during the winter.
  • Keep interior doors closed, and only heat or cool the rooms you are using.

Energy Providers Compare Tip:The best power rates for a large cooling or heating system could be a controlled load tariff. Talk to a CheapBIlls expert to find energy Australia plans with the best energy prices to save you money.

Window watch:

Your windows could be letting up to 40% of your home’s heat escape and having a huge negative impact on your energy efficiency in the process. Use your curtains and blinds to reduce heat loss and lessen the strain on your heating and cooling systems.

  • In the winter, while your heater is on, open your curtains to let the sun in and close them before it becomes dark to trap the heat during the cold evenings and nights.
  • In the summer, close your curtains during the hottest part of the day to protect your home from the hot sun and open your curtains and windows at night.
Use appliances wisely:

Home appliances can make up to 30% of your energy bill. To be more energy efficient try:

  • Air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer.
  • Shorten the pool filter's runtime to the manual's recommended safe level.
  • Cover pots with lids while cooking and use just enough water in the kettle and cooking vessels.
  • When not in use, turn off extra refrigerators and freezers and consider getting rid of them.
Turn it off at the wall:

Any device plugged into the wall is using power, often referred to as “zombie” or “vampire” power because it is sucking up your home’s energy without actually powering a device. Even when your phone is not connected, your mobile phone charger is still using energy. When you're not using an appliance, make sure you turn it off at the wall. This is a simple approach to energy savings, but it makes a big difference over time.

The Laundry:

You should try to only use the dryer or washing machine at full capacity, wash your items in cold water and use a spin cycle before drying. Whenever you can hang your clothes outside to dry, instead of using a dryer.

If you have to use the dryer, never put damp and dripping clothes in and clean the lint filter regularly so that your dryer can work at its maximum efficiency.

Compare Energy Company Tip: When you choose energy providers compare their off-peak rates and try to run your laundry during your retailer's off-peak times to save money.

There are two primary categories of energy plans offered by retailers in Australia:

Energy Compare Prices: Standing offers

Every retailer is legally obliged to have a standing offer available to customers, often called the “Basic” or “standard” plan. When you compare energy company rates for a standing offer they are usually equivalent to the government’s regulated price cap and more expensive than a market offer. If you are on a standing offer, your retailer is only permitted to change the rate once every six months.

  • In Victoria, standing offers are based on the state government’s Victorian Default Offer (VDO). Read more about it here: Energy Compare Prices - VDO.
  • In New South Wales, South-East Queensland, South Australia, ACT and Tasmania, standing offers are based on the Default Market Offer. Read more about it here: Energy Compare Prices - DMO.
Energy Compare Prices: Market offers

A market offer is a plan that includes discounts, special offers and promotions from the retailer. The terms of the offer usually last between 6 and 12 months, at which point you will automatically be transferred to your provider's standing offer.

Market offers can include a range of benefits, including:

  • A discount on usage rates
  • A discount on the daily supply charge
  • Incentives for paying on time
  • Rewards points
  • Discounts from partner companies
  • Bundle options for gas, internet and home entertainment
  • Fixed or variable rates
  • No lock-in contracts

When you look at different retailers’ energy bills compare each of these factors to find the cheapest option for you for the duration of your contract.

CheapBills is a 100% free energy comparison tool that can compare energy prices in your area. We can help you find the best energy providers Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and throughout Australia in every deregulated energy market.

In one easy phone call, we can recommend a plan from one of our preferred providers to help you save money when you compare energy bills.

There are also online government resources available for comparing energy prices that can help you find a low rate for energy in your area. Click here to find out more: Energy Compare Australia.

When you compare power rates you may also be interested in finding a plan that reduces your carbon footprint. Your retailer uses power from the national grid to power your home. The grid is made up of energy from both coal-fired power plants and renewable energy sources, so a retailer can't choose where your energy comes from.

However, many retailers are making huge improvements in their environmental impact by offering carbon-neutral or GreenPower plans.

  • Carbon-neutral plans - your retailer will purchase carbon credits to offset the amount of carbon used to power your home.
  • GreenPower plans - your retailer will buy an amount of energy from renewable energy sources that is equivalent to the amount you use in your home.

Talk to a CheapBills expert to find out more about renewable and green energy options from our panel of preferred suppliers, or read more here.

Given the competitive nature of the Australian energy market, energy providers will go the extra mile to provide exceptional service to earn customers' trust and loyalty.

Energy Compare Australia Tip:The best way to find out more about a provider's customer service and reliability is to look for existing customer reviews on Google, Facebook or Trustpilot to read firsthand accounts of customers’ experiences with the company.

When you compare energy bills with CheapBills, you can rest assured that we only partner with suppliers with exceptional service track records.

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Are You Moving?

We help Australians with more than energy plans. We help people compare internet plans, find better deals on Pay TV and help them switch providers when moving home.

We can take the hassle out of moving for you and your family. Let us make it easier for you! Call us now.

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Find and Compare Broadband and Phone Plans
CheapBills will find you the best deal from our preferred providers and save you money at the same time!

Whether it’s for working from home, streaming shows and movies, gaming or simply browsing social media, a reliable and fast internet connection has become essential in Australian homes.

There are a number of broadband packages on the market so choosing the right one can be tricky and time-consuming. CheapBills is here to save the day by providing you with a quality comparison service. So don’t settle for high prices and slow speeds, start saving today!

When you compare internet providers in Australia, there are a few important things you need to consider, such as how many people will be using the internet at once, will you be streaming shows or downloading large files, which types of internet are available in your area, the contract length and most importantly, your budget.

The answer to these questions will help you find the cheapest internet in Australia that will meet your needs. Every package offers a different connection type, speed and data limit, so the best deal can be tricky.

Call CheapBills and we will recommend the best high-speed internet plans from our preferred suppliers to perfectly match your needs, and at a great price!

FAQs About Broadband

We will consider the following factors.

Speed.
Fast speeds cost more money, so the best advice we can give is to only pay for what you need. Read this guide below to help you decide which broadband speed tier is best for you: Your Guide To High-Speed Internet

Data.
Most plans include an unlimited data allowance, however, if you are a particularly light internet user, you could save money with a capped data plan. Use the list below to help calculate how much data you need in your home.

  • Streaming services for movies and shows – approx 1GB per hour (up to 7 GB per hour for 4K)
  • Music streaming services – approx 140 MB per hour
  • Working from home – up to 20 GB per file download
  • Social Media – approx 180 MB per hour
  • Voice and Video calls – approx 36 MB per hour

5G vs NBN.5G is a great high-speed alternative to the NBN and is being rolled out to more and more locations every day. Read our comparison of the NBN and 5G to decide which is best for you:

NBN connection typeThe connection type you can choose depends on where you live. The NBN is now available in most parts of Australia, however, the type of NBN available depends on where you live. Your home will be connected by high-speed fibre optic broadband, existing copper wires, HFC or satellite. Find out more here: What Are The Different NBN Connection Types

Bundles.Finding and comparing broadband and home phone deals can unlock some great prices and inclusions, such as free phone lines, unlimited calls and discounted international calls. You can also find mobile phone deals and electricity and gas bundles to get the best from your retailer.

We have carefully selected a panel of Australia’s leading retailers to find you a great quality service at an affordable price. We will compare plans from the following internet providers.

  • Optus
With over 10.5 million customers, Optus is one of Australia’s leading phone and internet providers. They offer a wide range of NBN, Optus 5G, mobile plans and entertainment options, so you’re sure to find the perfect plan or bundle for your home, business or enterprise. Their My Optus app 24/7 customer support model means you’ll always get help when you need it.

  • TPG
TPG is Australia’s second biggest broadband supplier with over 2 million customers. They offer flexible NBN plans, 5G home internet options and small business solutions to get you connected. Their unique FTTB bundle is the perfect solution for renters and apartment owners. Their world-class fibre and next-generation networks mean you’ll have access to high-speed internet at all times of the day.

  • Tangerine
Tangerine is 100% Australian-owned, with their head office in South Melbourne and operations in Geelong and Mudgee. Using a vast and reliable fibre network across Australia and South-East Asia, they deliver high-speed NBN plans at an affordable price. They also provide SIM-only mobile plans, MESH modem networks and business-grade Ethernet solutions, making them perfect for residential and business solutions alike!

  • More Telecom
More have an impressive and affordable range of residential and business offerings, including exclusive discounts for Commonwealth Bank customers who receive a 30% discount for the first 12 months of their NBN plan and then 10% ongoing when they use a CBA credit or debit card. Every More plan comes with unlimited data, a free standard connection and a no lock-in contract.

  • Aussie Broadband
The team at Aussie, Australia’s 5th largest NBN provider, are known for first-class customer service, state-of-the-art technology and expansive network coverage. They operate and own their own national network with direct connections to all of NBN’s infrastructure plus its own extensive fibre network, meaning you can rely on consistently high speeds even during the busiest times.

  • Foxtel
Foxtel gives you access to a wide range of sports, documentaries, news, music, movies, entertainment and kids channels. You can also stream on-demand content through Kayo, Foxtel Now and Netflix to watch your favourite content anywhere at any time. With a variety of channel packs and bundles to choose from, including affordable, high-speed NBN plans, you are sure to find the perfect home entertainment solution with Foxtel.
Finding the right speed for your internet plan is a combination of your internet needs and your budget. High speed plans are more expensive, and often unnecessary, so don’t get caught out paying for a fast internet connection that you don’t need.

Use the lists below as a guide to internet speed.

Guide to internet speed by activity

When you do a 5G and NBN comparison, you will see the typical evening speeds are 225Mbps and 50Mbps respectively. However, you might be surprised to find out how little speed you actually need for some of the most common activities.

  • 0 – 5 Mbps.
  • Perfect for browsing the internet, listening to music, social media, emails and phone calls.
  • 5 – 40 Mbps.
  • Perfect for streaming SD content on Netflix or other tv shows and movie streaming platforms, video calls, one-player online games.
  • 40 – 100 Mbps.
  • Perfect for streaming HD content, downloading large files, multiplayer online games.
  • 100 – 500 Mbps.
  • Perfect for streaming multiscreen, UHD content, fast file downloads, enhanced multiplayer online games.
  • 500 – 1,000 Mbps.
  • Perfect for streaming multiscreen 4K video content, fast file downloads, enhanced multiplayer online games, including AR and VR, multi-tasking.

Guide to internet speed by household size

If you live in a large household, or run a small business, you might have noticed that when more people log on, your internet experience suffers. While the type of activity each user is partaking in is a major factor, the list below gives you a guide to the internet speed required to meet your household’s needs.

  • 1 user – 0 – 5 Mbps
  • 1 – 2 users – 5 – 40 Mbps
  • 3 – 4 users – 40 – 100 Mbps
  • 3 – 6 users – 100 – 500 Mbps
  • 6 – 9 users – 500 – 1,000 Mbps
If you want to check your new broadband speed, or if you are experiencing internet issues, running an internet speed test is easy.

Simply scroll to the Find Out Your Network Speed section of our internet page and click the Run Speed Test button.

In a few seconds you will have the results showing your download speed and upload speed.

Download speed

Download speed is the speed at which information is received from the internet. For example, the amount of time an image takes to load on a webpage is determined by the download speed.

Upload speed

Upload speed is the speed at which information travels from your devices to the internet. For example, the amount of time it takes to upload an image to social media is determined by the upload speed.

If your speed is slower than expected, test again at a different time of day and different day of the week. Factors such as network congestion or lag could be causing a temporary slow down. If you receive consistently slow speeds, contact your retailer to report the issue.
It can be very tricky to accurately calculate how much data you will need to use. The below list gives an estimate of the amount of data used per hour for some of the most common internet uses and can be used to give you a guide of how much data your home or small business uses:

  • Streaming services for movies and shows – approx 1GB per hour (up to 7 GB per hour for 4K)
  • Music streaming services – approx 120 MB per hour
  • Working from home – up to 20 GB per file download
  • Social Media – approx 180 MB per hour
  • Voice and Video calls – approx 36 MB per hour
Most internet providers have an online portal or app that you can use to see how much data you have used for your current billing cycle. It’s important to note that the balance can be time delayed, so if you’re close to your limit, proceed with caution.

If you don’t know how to track your data, contact your internet provider for advice.
Signing up to a contract can offer you discounts on modems and ensure the cheapest NBN plan. The downside is that these contracts don’t offer you much flexibility. You should consider if your internet needs are likely to change, if you plan to move house or if your financial situation might change before signing up to any contracts. You should also carefully read the information your provider gives you about exit fees so you understand the risks involved in committing to a contract.

A CheapBills expert can help you identify your unique needs for the NBN, compare broadband plans and find the best contract or month-to-month plan to save you money.
There are several reasons that your home internet could be running slower than usual, even if your plan is promising high maximum speeds. Some of the most common reasons for internet slowdowns are:

  • Network congestion: during peak times, the capability of the network to keep up with demand can cause internet speeds to slow down. This has been an increasingly noticeable problem as more and more people are working from home and putting large demands on the network during office hours.
  • Exceeded data limit: some internet providers offer cost-effective internet plans by having a cap on the amount of data you can use. If you have exceeded your cap for the month, then your internet speed will be limited until the next billing cycle. Take a look at the plan you are currently on to see if this applies to you. If you are regularly exceeding your data limit, it might be time to consider a new internet plan.
  • Too much strain on your plan: some cheap internet plans have a limit on how many users can be connected at one time and how much data can be downloaded simultaneously. If you are at the limit of your plan’s capacity, you may experience slower speeds.
If these issues aren’t relevant to your slow speeds, try contacting your internet provider to see if there are any maintenance issues with their network. You can run a speed test on your internet here and read our Ultimate Guide to Internet speed here.
It can be highly frustrating when you’re trying to work or watch your favourite movie and the internet keeps dropping out. The most likely reasons for your internet to drop out are:

  • Power outage: your modem needs to be connected to a stable power supply to provide your internet. If there is a blackout or brownout in your area you will lose access to the internet until the power is back up and running. Read more about power outages here
  • Network outage: occasionally the network may suffer an outage because of extreme weather or an unforeseen technical issue. There may also be planned outages for maintenance, although these usually happen during the night and for very brief periods.
  • Unpaid bill: if you have fallen behind on your payments, your provider might cut off internet access until the amount owing is paid.
  • Technical fault: the wires, utility box or modem in your home are all susceptible to faults, and even a minor fault in any of them will cause you to lose internet access. Most internet providers have troubleshooting guides on their website or in the instruction manual of your modem. Alternatively, give your provider a call and they will walk you through the most common fixes, or arrange for a technician to visit your property.
NBN stands for the National Broadband Network – it is a specific type of high-speed broadband that is being rolled out across Australia. The NBN is powered by copper wires, cable broadband and optical fibres to deliver speeds faster than ADSL and 4G/5G connections, with speeds of up to 1000Mbps. The purpose of the NBN is to make high-speed internet activities viable for Australians, such as online gaming or even remote medical procedures and surgeries and put the Australian internet on par with the best in the world.
Broadband is a wide term used to describe many different types of internet connections. The types of broadband available are:

  • ADSL broadband: An Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) internet connection uses your telephone line for the internet connection.
  • ADSL/2+ broadband: An Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line 2+ (ADSL2+) internet connection is the upgraded, faster version of ADSL. ADSL/2+ can reach speeds of 12Mbps, compared to 8Mbps for ADSL.
  • Naked DSL broadband: As with ADSL and ADSL/2+, Naked DSL uses your telephone line, but removes the ability to make or receive calls. This can save you money if you don’t use your home phone anymore.
  • Fibre-optic cable broadband: Provides a faster internet connection than the ADSL copper lines by using glass and/or plastic cables instead.
  • Mobile broadband: Uses transmitters and receivers used by the mobile phone network to provide wireless, fast internet via a mobile phone or portable modem such as 3G, 4G or 5G.
  • Cable internet: Uses a combination of fibre and coaxial cables to connect you to the internet and Pay TV services. Cable internet isn’t available everywhere in Australia. Call us to find out if it is an option for your home. 
  • NBN (National Broadband Network):The NBN is replacing copper wires and cable broadband with optical fibre and other technologies to deliver more reliable, faster internet. You can read all about the different types of NBN here
Choosing the right type of broadband for your home or small business will depend on the connection type available in your area, as well as your speed requirement, data usage habits and budget.