5G vs NBN: which is the better internet option?

Deciding on your internet plan? There are two major options available to you in Australia: NBN and 5G home internet. So, which is the better choice?

We’ll help you examine the differences between NBN and 5G internet, including speeds, costs, technology types and availability. Once you’ve got an idea of which works best for you, you’ll be able to compare internet plans like a pro.

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s government-owned internet infrastructure. It’s been rolled out across the country, and it continues to receive upgrades to improve certain older, slower connection types on the network.

The NBN is a significant upgrade on the copper-based ADSL technology that previously serviced most Aussie households. In its current form, the NBN is made up of a mix of technologies including fibre-optic cable, copper lines, wireless and satellite.

5G simply means the fifth generation of mobile communications technology. It’s accessed by connecting to cellular networks owned by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone (TPG Telecom) through 5G-enabled devices.

A 5G connection can be much faster than 4G, as it has a theoretical peak speed of 20Gbps compared to 4G’s maximum speed of only 1Gbps. However, you’re highly unlikely to reach 20Gbps download speeds with 5G due to external factors such as network congestion and distance from the tower to your device.

Unlike the NBN, 5G is not available everywhere and it tends to be clustered in Australia’s capital cities and major regional centres. You’ll need to check with your provider to see if your address is eligible.

The NBN has been rolled out across most of Australia, while 5G coverage is mostly available in the capital cities and some large regional centres. But 5G’s footprint is continuing to grow, and Telstra says its 5G network now covers 80% of the population (as at January 2026).

It’s worth noting that 5G speeds are less reliable and more prone to fluctuation than NBN. For this reason, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone may limit how many 5G home internet services they sell per area to avoid interruption and ensure fast performance for every customer.

The vast majority of Australians have access to a fixed line NBN connection, but wireless and satellite options are also available to Aussies in more rural and remote areas.

There are seven different types of NBN connection, five of which are fixed line. Each fixed line NBN connection uses different combinations of copper, fibre optic and coaxial cabling (which is cable that is used for TV services such as Foxtel).

By comparison, 5G connects us to the internet through mobile towers, in the same way that we connect to the internet on our phones.

NBN

There are multiple speed tiers on the NBN, with basic speeds starting at 25Mbps. The range of plans available are typically known as NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 500, NBN 750, NBN 1000 and NBN 2000. The numbers indicate the maximum download speeds you can theoretically achieve.

The best NBN plan for you depends on your internet needs. For example, if you’re a one-person household with light interest use, an NBN 25 plan should be enough. But if you’re living in a home with multiple people who like to use a lot of internet, you’ll likely need a faster internet connection such as NBN 100.

But the fastest NBN plans – such as NBN 500 and NBN 1000 – aren’t available to everyone. Only people with fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) connections can access these speeds.

If you’re not sure what connection type you have, head to NBN Co and check your address to find out.

5G home internet

5G speeds are difficult to quantify because they depend on a variety of factors including coverage, congestion and interference.

Theoretically, 5G can be as fast as 20Gbps, but this isn’t realistic in the short term given current infrastructure. However as the network improves, so will the speed that customers receive on 5G.

Speed can come with some caveats on 5G home internet plans too. Many providers will let you choose between capped and uncapped 5G internet. On a capped plan, your speeds will be limited to a maximum such as 50Mbps or 100Mbps (known as the speed cap). In this way, capped 5G home internet plans are similar to their NBN equivalents.

Uncapped plans have no speed limits, though they can only go as fast as network conditions allow, which can fluctuate widely. According to WhistleOut, uncapped 5G home internet speeds can reach up to 1Gbps but the more realistic speeds sit around 250Mbps.

It’s tricky to compare the prices of NBN and 5G home internet plans across the board, so instead we’ve taken Telstra, Optus and TPG’s plans to compare their costs and speed.

Telstra

Optus

TPG

Information in tables correct as at 8 January, 2026.

Whether it’s the NBN or 5G, you’ll first have to make sure that your address is eligible for the type of internet you want. You’ll be able to enter your address on any telco’s website to find out if it’s available to you.

NBN

The NBN has been available across most of Australia for quite a while now, so chances are you’re already connected. If this is the case, you may already have an NBN compatible modem, but if not your internet provider may supply one for you, or you can buy your own. Once you have a modem, you’ll be given instructions from your provider on how to connect to the NBN.

5G home internet

When you sign up to a 5G home internet plan, you’ll be given a 5G compatible modem from your provider. All you have to do is plug in your modem where you find the strongest signal and it will connect wirelessly to the 5G network closest to you.

The most important aspect to consider is whether you can get 5G coverage at your location. In addition, if you’re someone who requires reliable speed for your internet usage, you may be safer on an NBN plan where speeds fluctuate less and speed tiers are clearer.

However, if you’re keen on high speeds and a network that will continue to improve over time, 5G might be worth investigating.

All things considered, the battle between NBN and 5G is one that doesn’t need a winner. Both technologies can co-exist, with users choosing which better suits their situation and needs. Unfortunately, that may take a bit of experimentation for some households.

In terms of whether 5G will replace NBN completely, Vodafone’s CEO was quick to encourage the co-existence of 5G and the NBN, despite investing in 5G infrastructure which means that for now, even the telcos don’t see 5G replacing NBN as a whole.