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5G Home Internet vs NBN: Which is Faster & Cheaper in 2025?
5G 홈인터넷 vs NBN, 2025 속도·가격 대결 — 실사용자 기준으로 깔끔 비교
TL;DR Summary
- Cheapest bills: 5G home internet intro deals start from $39.99/mth for 6 months (then ~$59.99). NBN 50/100 promos often start ~$60–$80 then jump. (Examples in Sources)
- Fastest peak speeds: On eligible FTTP/HFC, new NBN tiers now reach 500–2000 Mbps typical/wholesale; 5G varies by coverage and congestion.
- Consistency & latency: Fixed-line NBN (esp. FTTP/HFC) is generally steadier and lower-latency at busy hours than wireless.
- Availability: 5G is address-based (great if you’re near strong towers). High NBN tiers need FTTP/HFC; FTTN speeds vary.
- Easy rule: If you want the lowest short-term bill and are happy to churn, try 5G. If you want consistent speeds for work/gaming, pick NBN (FTTP/HFC if possible).
Concept Overview — why this matters in Australia
Most households sit between two realistic options in 2025: a cheap 5G promo with unlimited data, or a mainstream NBN tier (50/100) on fixed line. 5G wins on headline price in many suburbs, but NBN (especially FTTP/HFC) tends to be more consistent during the 7–11pm peak. Your best choice depends on address, dwelling type, and how sensitive you are to peak-time slowdowns.
Comparison Table — 5G Home Internet vs NBN (Nov 2025)
| Feature | 5G Home Internet | NBN (fixed line) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical speeds (busy hours) | Common tiers around ~50–100 Mbps; some premium 5G plans advertise higher (200+ Mbps) where coverage is strong. | NBN50 ≈ 48–50 Mbps; NBN100 ≈ 95–100 Mbps; higher tiers now include NBN 500/750/1000/2000 on FTTP/HFC with strong evening performance. |
| Latency for work/gaming | Good to fair; can spike with congestion or weak indoor signal. | Generally lower and steadier, best on FTTP/HFC; FTTN trails other types. |
| Cheapest intro pricing | From ~$39.99/mth (6 mths) then ~$59.99+; $0 modem, no lock-in common. | NBN 50/100 promos often ~$60–$80 for 4–12 mths, then ~$80–$100+ ongoing. |
| Reliability & peak congestion | Cell congestion and building materials affect speed; placement of modem matters. | Fixed line less affected by congestion; ACCC reports show close-to-plan speeds in peak for many providers. |
| Installation | Self-install 5G modem; quick swap. | Already connected homes are simple; tech visits for upgrades/FTTP conversions where eligible. |
| Public IPv4 / CGNAT | Often behind CGNAT by default; port forwarding may be limited (check provider). | Many providers offer public IP or static options (fees may apply). |
| Best for | Lowest short-term cost, renters, simple streaming/zoom households. | Work-from-home, gaming, larger households; when you want predictable performance. |
Notes: “Typical evening speed” is the Australian 7–11pm metric providers must describe; actual speeds depend on address, technology and congestion.
Who Each Option is Best For
- Pick 5G Home Internet if you prioritise the cheapest bill, are in strong 5G coverage, and don’t mind occasional peak slowdowns.
- Pick NBN (FTTP/HFC) if you need stable latency and consistent speeds for work calls, gaming, or multiple 4K streams.
- On FTTN: test NBN first; if speeds disappoint and 5G signal is strong, trial a no-lock-in 5G plan.
Decision Guide — choose in 5 steps
- Check your address for both options (NBN tech type; 5G coverage). If you have FTTP/HFC, NBN has the performance edge.
- Compare total 12-month cost: intro price + months at the revert rate. Don’t judge on headline month 1 only.
- Look at typical evening speeds on the plan page (not just “up to”). For NBN50/100 expect ~50/100; for 5G, 50–100+ varies by provider/tower.
- Trial, then decide: choose no-lock-in. If 5G is stable at your place, keep it; if not, switch to NBN (or vice versa).
- Put a calendar reminder two weeks before the promo ends to re-negotiate or churn.
Cost / Fees / Practical Considerations
- $0 modem offers are common; return fees apply if you cancel.
- Intro pricing (e.g., $39.99 for 6 months) reverts to a higher monthly fee.
- Modem placement matters: put it near a window for best signal.
- NBN 50/100 promos are frequent; ongoing price can hit $80–$100+.
- Higher tiers (500/750/1000/2000) require FTTP or HFC. Speeds depend on plan/provider.
- Some providers include 4G backup modems; handy for outages.
Quick Picks (what I’d test first)
FAQ
Is 5G home internet cheaper than NBN in Australia 2025?
Often yes on intro deals (e.g., ~$39.99 for 6 months), but after the promo many 5G plans cost about the same as NBN 50/100. Compare 12-month totals.
Which is faster: 5G or NBN?
At the top end, NBN on FTTP/HFC now offers 500–2000 Mbps plans. 5G can be very fast in strong coverage, but performance varies with signal and tower load.
What gives lower latency for gaming and Zoom?
Usually NBN fixed line (especially FTTP/HFC). 5G latency is fine for many uses but can spike with congestion.
Will 5G work in apartments?
Yes if coverage is strong, but concrete/metal can reduce speeds. Try a window-side placement or an external antenna (if supported).
Do 5G plans have data caps?
Most mainstream offers are unlimited in 2025. Always check fair-use policies and any speed shaping.
Can I keep my home phone?
Some 5G/NBN providers offer VoIP. If a landline matters, confirm VoIP options and number porting first.
How do I know my NBN technology type?
Use your address on any NBN provider page to see FTTP, HFC, FTTN, etc. It affects what speeds you can buy.
Sources / Official References
- TPG — 5G Home Broadband offer ($39.99 for 6 months; then $59.99): tpg.com.au/5g-home-broadband
- Vodafone — 5G Home Internet plan pages (typical evening speed tiers): vodafone.com.au/home-internet/4g-5g-plans
- WhistleOut — 5G home internet explained & speed tiers (2025): whistleout.com.au
- ACCC — Measuring Broadband Australia, performance & evening speeds (Sep 2025): accc.gov.au
- ACCC — Latest performance report (Sep 2025, FTTN trails others): accc.gov.au
- NBN Co — higher speed tiers (FTTP/HFC eligibility; multi-gigabit roadmap): nbnco.com.au
- Finder/Tech media — current plan comparisons & typical speeds (2025): finder.com.au / Tom’s Guide
Non-financial advice disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not financial or contractual advice. Always confirm coverage, typical evening speeds, plan terms and modem fees at checkout before you switch.