Boost vs Felix vs ALDI vs Amaysim MVNO Mobile Plans in Australia 2026: Coverage, Data, and Cost Compared

Switching from a big-three telco to an Australian MVNO can drop a monthly bill 30 to 60 percent for a comparable amount of data. But not all MVNOs are equal, and the four biggest names (Boost Mobile, Felix Mobile, ALDI Mobile, Amaysim) run on different networks, target different customers, and carry different fine print. Here is how the four actually compare in Australia in 2026, with the caveat that plan pricing shifts every 3 to 6 months and current headline offers should be verified on each provider's site.

The verdict

For an Australian mobile customer in 2026, Boost Mobile is the only MVNO with full Telstra retail coverage including all regional and remote towers, at a premium price of A$25 to A$45 monthly for typical data-heavy plans. Felix Mobile is the best for streamers and heavy data users on a flat A$30 monthly unlimited-data plan capped at approximately 20 Mbps on the Vodafone network. ALDI Mobile delivers the best cost-per-gigabyte on Telstra Wholesale at A$15 to A$25 monthly, but with reduced regional coverage versus Boost. Amaysim wins on annual bulk data pricing at A$180 to A$220 for 240GB across 365 days on the Optus Wholesale network. The right choice depends on where you live (regional needs Boost), what you do (streaming favours Felix), and how you buy (annual bulk favours Amaysim). All four save materially versus retail carrier equivalents.

Felix Mobile is a ShopBack Australia cashback partner. Earn cashback on new Felix Mobile activations via ShopBack Australia Takes 2 minutes to sign up. No promo codes needed.

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Where the differences come from

Four levers explain why these four MVNOs are not interchangeable, in order of impact.

Lever 1: Underlying network and coverage scope. Boost Mobile is the only Australian MVNO with a wholesale agreement covering the full Telstra retail 4G and 5G network including regional and remote towers where Optus and Vodafone do not reach. This is a material distinction for customers in remote South Australia, Northern Territory, WA outback, western Queensland, and rural Tasmania. ALDI Mobile, Belong, and Woolworths Mobile use Telstra Wholesale, which excludes some regional and remote towers included in Telstra retail; the coverage difference is meaningful outside metro Australia. Felix Mobile uses the Vodafone network with metro coverage strong and regional coverage materially thinner than Telstra. Amaysim uses Optus Wholesale, delivering middle-tier coverage: better than Vodafone but not as extensive as full Telstra.

Lever 2: Data allowance mechanics and pricing tier. MVNOs typically offer 30 to 100 percent more data at each price tier than the equivalent retail carrier plan. A A$25 ALDI Mobile 30-day plan often includes 20 to 30 GB where a A$25 Telstra retail plan might offer 10 to 15 GB. Felix's unique flat-rate unlimited-data-at-capped-speed model targets streamers who need volume without absolute speed. Amaysim's 365-day prepaid model rewards the customer who pays annually and uses steadily across 12 months. Boost's pricing is closest to retail-carrier levels among the four, reflecting the Telstra-retail coverage premium.

Lever 3: Prepaid versus monthly-subscription billing. ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Amaysim all offer both 30-day recharge and 365-day annual prepaid options. Annual prepaid delivers 20 to 40 percent effective monthly savings versus 30-day recharge on the same data. Felix runs monthly subscription only; there is no annual prepaid tier. For a heavy user who knows they will use consistently across 12 months, Amaysim or ALDI Mobile 365-day plans typically deliver the lowest per-month rate. For a user with variable usage or wanting flexibility to switch, monthly-subscription plans win.

Lever 4: 5G access and speed policies. All four MVNOs now offer 5G access as standard on most current plans (5G rollout at MVNO tier is largely complete as of 2026). Felix caps at approximately 20 Mbps download regardless of underlying 5G capacity, which limits Felix to standard-HD streaming rather than 4K. Boost, ALDI, and Amaysim deliver full-speed 5G access identical to their underlying network. During evening peak congestion, some MVNO customers can see 10 to 20 percent slower speeds than retail carriers on the same network; the effect is largely metro-CBD-specific and does not affect coverage.

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The numbers, plan by plan

Plan	Data	Term	Monthly cost or annual (AUD, Jul 2026)	Effective A$/GB
Boost 30-day 15GB	15GB	28 days	25	1.67
Boost 30-day 30GB	30GB	28 days	35	1.17
Boost 30-day 65GB	65GB	28 days	45	0.69
Boost 365-day 240GB	240GB	365 days	300 (25/month effective)	1.25
Felix Mobile monthly	Unlimited (capped 20 Mbps)	30 days	30	Effectively unlimited
ALDI Mobile 30-day 10GB	10GB	30 days	15	1.50
ALDI Mobile 30-day 30GB	30GB	30 days	25	0.83
ALDI Mobile 30-day 45GB	45GB	30 days	30	0.67
ALDI Mobile 365-day 200GB	200GB	365 days	190 (16/month effective)	0.95
Amaysim 30-day 15GB	15GB	28 days	15	1.00
Amaysim 30-day 40GB	40GB	28 days	25	0.63
Amaysim 30-day 60GB	60GB	28 days	32	0.53
Amaysim 365-day 240GB	240GB	365 days	200 (17/month effective)	0.83
Reference: Telstra retail 30-day 40GB	40GB	30 days	55	1.38
Reference: Optus 30-day 40GB	40GB	30 days	45	1.13
Reference: Vodafone 30-day 40GB	40GB	30 days	45	1.13

Plan pricing verified 2026-07-28 on boost.com.au, felixmobile.com.au, aldimobile.com.au, and amaysim.com.au. Effective A$/GB calculated on maximum plan data allowance; excludes bonus data on new-customer promotions. Pricing subject to frequent change; verify current headline offers on the providers' sites. Reference retail-carrier pricing is indicative of standard 30-day plan rates before any active promo.

The readout: on straight cost per gigabyte, Amaysim 30-day and 365-day plans lead across most usage tiers. Amaysim wins on volume; ALDI Mobile 30-day at 45GB tier is close. Felix wins if data is genuinely unlimited demand at capped speed. Boost wins if regional coverage is the deciding factor.

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How to use this

User profile	Recommended MVNO	Why
Metro Sydney or Melbourne heavy data user (30 to 60 GB monthly)	Amaysim 30-day 40GB or 60GB	Best cost per gigabyte among the four; Optus metro coverage matches use pattern
Remote South Australia, Northern Territory, WA outback resident	Boost Mobile	Only MVNO with full Telstra retail regional coverage; Vodafone and Optus MVNO coverage may not reach
Streamer or heavy video user (100+ GB monthly demand)	Felix Mobile	Unlimited data at 20 Mbps supports Full HD streaming without data anxiety; A$30 flat is predictable
Traveller across metro Australia (business, sales, delivery)	Boost Mobile or Amaysim 365-day	Coverage-first: Boost. Cost-first: Amaysim. Skip Felix due to lower Vodafone regional coverage
Second phone or kids' phone (10 to 20 GB monthly)	ALDI Mobile 30-day 10GB or 30GB	Cheapest entry-tier pricing; Telstra Wholesale metro coverage is sufficient for typical kids' use
Elderly or infrequent user	ALDI Mobile 30-day 10GB	Simplest recharge mechanic; low commitment; Telstra Wholesale coverage typically sufficient
Annual prepaid buyer who commits to 12 months	Amaysim 365-day 240GB or ALDI Mobile 365-day 200GB	Annual bulk pricing saves 25 to 40 percent versus 30-day billing
Regional Queensland or Northern NSW user	Boost Mobile	Telstra retail coverage; ALDI and Amaysim regional may be thinner
Cost-first Perth or Adelaide user	Amaysim	Optus 5G established in both cities; cheapest cost per gigabyte
Family of four moving multiple lines	Amaysim 365-day multiple lines	Bulk annual purchase saves; Amaysim supports up to 5 lines per account
Business user needing predictable billing	Boost Mobile or ALDI Mobile 365-day	Fixed billing; Boost supports higher-priority customer support routing
Cashback prioritising shopper	Felix Mobile via ShopBack Australia	Only ShopBack partner among the four as of late July 2026
Traveller wanting international roaming	Big three (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) instead	None of the four MVNOs include roaming; retail carriers include it
Speed-critical user (large downloads, gaming)	Boost Mobile or ALDI Mobile	Felix speed cap unacceptable for gaming or fast downloads

The single biggest mistake Australian mobile buyers make on MVNO selection is assuming all MVNOs on Telstra deliver the same coverage as Telstra retail. Boost Mobile does; ALDI Mobile, Belong, and Woolworths Mobile do not. If regional coverage matters, this distinction is worth A$10 to A$20 per month.

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What this means in practice

In practice, a Melbourne-based content creator using approximately 90 GB of mobile data monthly for streaming, video calls, and hotspot tethering should target Felix Mobile at A$30 flat monthly. The 20 Mbps speed cap supports 1080p streaming, video calls, browsing, and mapping without issue. Cashback via ShopBack Australia on Felix Mobile at the current published rate adds a percentage back on the first-month or annual signup. Total cost across 12 months: A$360 monthly billing plus cashback offset. Equivalent Optus retail 40GB monthly plan runs A$540 across 12 months; Felix saves approximately A$180 per year.

A second example: a Brisbane family of four moving from a big-three carrier to Amaysim 365-day 240GB plans (one per family member). Each line runs A$200 annually (A$17 monthly effective) for 240 GB across 365 days. Four lines total A$800 per year. Equivalent big-three retail family plans (4 lines at 40 to 60 GB per month) typically run A$150 to A$220 per month total, or A$1,800 to A$2,640 per year. Amaysim saves the family A$1,000 to A$1,800 per year. Trade-off is Optus Wholesale coverage (still strong in Brisbane metro); no material coverage compromise for city-based family use.

A third example: a Northern Territory-based worker in a remote camp with variable coverage. Boost Mobile is the only viable MVNO given full Telstra retail regional coverage. Boost 30-day 65GB at A$45 monthly delivers coverage matching Telstra retail at 30 to 40 percent below Telstra's equivalent retail plan. Total 12-month cost: A$540 versus a Telstra Upfront equivalent typically A$780 to A$900. Boost saves A$240 to A$360 per year with no coverage compromise.

ShopBack Australia partners with Felix Mobile among the four MVNOs discussed here for cashback on new customer activations; check the current published rate on the merchant page. Boost Mobile, ALDI Mobile, and Amaysim are not consistent ShopBack partners as of late July 2026. For adjacent retail-carrier plans, Optus and Vodafone are ShopBack partners.

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When this does NOT apply

• You need international roaming included. Retail carriers (Telstra Upfront, Optus Choice Plus, Vodafone Ultra+) include roaming; MVNOs do not. Eight to 12 international trips per year makes retail carrier value proposition compelling.
• Frequent international calling. Add-on packs at MVNOs work for occasional use; heavy international calling favours a retail plan with included minutes.
• Physical retail support requirement. MVNOs are online-first. If you need face-to-face customer support for account issues, Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone retail stores are the answer.
• Corporate or enterprise contracts. MVNOs generally do not offer enterprise support, dedicated account management, or multi-line business billing at scale.
• Emergency call priority. All four MVNOs offer standard emergency services (000). Emergency call priority routing on the retail carrier can be marginally faster in edge cases.
• Bundling with home internet or Foxtel. Retail carriers bundle mobile with NBN, streaming, and TV; MVNOs do not.
• Locked-in device financing. MVNOs generally do not offer 24 or 36-month device financing at the same terms as retail carriers. If you need a A$1,800 iPhone at a low monthly, retail is often the path.
• Business receipt requirements. Some MVNOs offer limited tax-invoice functionality versus retail carriers' more mature billing infrastructure.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Boost Mobile use the full Telstra network in Australia in 2026?

Yes. Boost Mobile is the only Australian MVNO with a wholesale agreement covering the full Telstra retail 4G and 5G network. This includes regional and remote Australia where Telstra's tower footprint extends beyond Optus or Vodafone. Other MVNOs on Telstra Wholesale (ALDI Mobile, Belong, Woolworths Mobile) receive a reduced-coverage version that excludes some regional towers.

Is Felix Mobile unlimited data actually unlimited in Australia?

Yes on volume, no on speed. Felix Mobile's A$30 monthly plan includes unlimited data with no data cap, but downloads are shaped to approximately 20 Mbps download. At 20 Mbps you can stream HD, video call, browse, and use maps; you cannot download large files quickly or run bandwidth-intensive gaming. Felix runs on the Vodafone network with 5G access.

Which MVNO has the best coverage for regional Australian users in 2026?

Boost Mobile by a clear margin, because Boost is the only MVNO on the full Telstra retail network. ALDI Mobile on Telstra Wholesale covers most metro and larger regional Australia but excludes some rural towers. Felix on Vodafone covers metro and major regional centres. Amaysim on Optus Wholesale has middle-tier regional coverage.

How do MVNOs compare to the big three Australian telcos on cost and coverage?

MVNOs run on the wholesale networks of the big three at 30 to 60 percent below retail-carrier monthly cost. Trade-offs: most MVNOs on Telstra Wholesale have reduced regional coverage versus Telstra retail; Boost is the exception. MVNO customer service is typically online-first. Data allowances at MVNOs are frequently more generous than retail equivalent.

Does Amaysim offer 5G on its Australian MVNO plans in 2026?

Yes on most 30-day plans from A$15 onward and on selected 365-day plans, running on the Optus 5G network. 5G speeds depend on Optus coverage in your area. Boost Mobile and Felix also offer 5G on standard plans; ALDI Mobile added 5G in 2024.

Which MVNO is best for international calling and roaming from Australia in 2026?

None of the four offer free international calling or included roaming on standard plans. All four provide add-on international calling packs (A$5 to A$20 per month) and roaming daily-pass options (A$5 to A$10 per day). For heavy international users, retail carrier plans typically deliver better value.

Can I keep my mobile number when switching to an MVNO in Australia?

Yes. Number portability works the same as porting between big-three carriers. Boost, Felix, ALDI Mobile, and Amaysim handle porting during sign-up at no additional charge. Process takes 2 to 24 hours during business hours. Do not cancel your existing plan before porting.

Do MVNOs like Felix Mobile or Boost Mobile provide the same 4G and 5G speeds as the big three?

Same radio access, but MVNOs are sometimes subject to speed-management during peak congestion that big-three retail customers are not. Most metro users see speeds indistinguishable from retail. Felix is intentionally capped at 20 Mbps regardless of network. During peak congestion, MVNO customers can see 10 to 20 percent slower speeds in worst cases.

Are MVNOs like Felix Mobile or Boost Mobile as good as the big three Australian telcos?

For metro-based data users, MVNOs deliver equivalent or better cost-per-gigabyte with the same underlying network. For regional and remote users, only Boost Mobile matches Telstra retail coverage. For heavy international users or enterprise customers, retail carriers still hold advantages. MVNOs are meaningfully cheaper for the mainstream metro customer.

Can I earn cashback on MVNO mobile plans through ShopBack Australia?

Felix Mobile is a ShopBack Australia cashback partner at shopback.com.au/felix-mobile; check the current published rate. Boost Mobile, ALDI Mobile, and Amaysim are not consistent ShopBack partners as of late July 2026. Adjacent retail-carrier plans (Optus, Vodafone) are ShopBack partners with cashback on new activations.

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Key takeaways

• Boost Mobile is the only Australian MVNO with full Telstra retail 4G and 5G coverage in 2026
• Felix Mobile offers unlimited data at 20 Mbps capped speed on Vodafone for A$30 monthly flat
• ALDI Mobile on Telstra Wholesale delivers best cost per gigabyte in the A$15 to A$25 monthly tier
• Amaysim on Optus Wholesale wins on annual prepaid at A$180 to A$220 for 240GB across 365 days
• MVNOs save 30 to 60 percent versus equivalent retail-carrier plans on data-heavy usage
• Regional and remote Australian coverage: Boost is materially better than ALDI, Felix, or Amaysim
• None of the four include international roaming or free international calling on standard plans
• Number portability works standard across all four MVNOs at no additional charge
• 5G access is now standard across all four MVNOs on most plans as of mid-2026
• Felix Mobile is a ShopBack Australia cashback partner; the other three are not consistent as of late July 2026

Comparing MVNO mobile plans? Earn cashback on new Felix Mobile activations via ShopBack Australia Takes 2 minutes to sign up. No promo codes needed.

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Disclaimer

The views and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author.

Mobile plan pricing, network coverage details, data allowances, and cashback rates are subject to change. Please verify current pricing and coverage directly with Boost Mobile, Felix Mobile, ALDI Mobile, and Amaysim before switching plans.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice.