By
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor
Last updated

Contents
NBN providers that offer a free modem:
Provider Modem Commitment Early exit fee
Tangerine NetComm CF40 N/A N/A
iPrimus Kaon DG2144 18 months Prorata
TPG Arcadyan HWG2025 24 months $200 or return
Superloop eero 7 24 months Prorata
iiNet Arcadyan HWG2025 24 months $200 or return
Vodafone Arcadyan HWG2025 24 months Prorata
Optus Optus Ultra WiFi 2 24 months Prorata
Telstra Telstra Smart Modem 4 24 months $200 or return

If you're looking for a new NBN plan, you may also be looking for a new modem. While you may not need a new modem if you're switching NBN plans, upgrading to a newer model can result in a better experience.

With that in mind, many NBN providers effectively offer free modems when you sign up for one of their plans. There's some fine print to be mindful of, however. While these modems can be free, they typically require you to stay with your chosen provider for a set amount of time. Two years is pretty common, for example. If you leave before that time frame is up, you'll typically need to pay a prorated hardware fee.

In this guide, we've looked at NBN providers that offer free modems, and we've ordered them by the length of commitment you need to make the modem actually free.

Before we start, here are the cheapest NBN 50 plans from these providers: 

#1
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN 50/20
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month.
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
#2
Superloop
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Extra-value nbn50/20
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
#3
TPG
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply.
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
#4
iiNet
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Liimitless
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
#5
Optus
Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Everyday nbn®
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Introductory Offer - $87/mth for 12 mths, then $97/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $393. Terms apply.
$87/mth
Min. cost $87
Link not supplied
#6
iPrimus
iPrimus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Standard Plus Plan
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
$90/mth
Min. cost $90
Link not supplied
#7
Vodafone
Vodafone
All Fixed Line nbn®
Essential+ nbn®
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply.
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied

Tangerine NBN plans with a free modem


Customers signing up to a Tangerine plan can currently add the NetComm CF40 WiFi 6 router for free. There aren't any repayments if you leave early; it's a free router. The catch is that is the NetComm CF40 is a very basic model - in our testing, we found the WiFi coverage offered was weak, so you'll want to get at least one extender for whole home WiFI. 

Here are Tangerine's NBN plans:

#1
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value NBN 25/10
  • nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $47.90/month for first 6 months, then $72.90/month
$47.90/mth
Min. cost $47.90
#2
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN 50/20
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month.
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
#3
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Speedy Max NBN 500/50
  • nbn® 500/42.5 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $67.90/mth for first 6 months, then $92.90/mth.
$67.90/mth
Min. cost $67.90
#4
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Speedy NBN 100/20
  • nbn® 100/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $67.90/mth for first 6 months, then $92.90/mth.
$67.90/mth
Min. cost $67.90
#5
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Speedy Plus NBN 100/40
  • nbn® 100/34 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $73.90/month for first 6 months, then $98.90/month.
$73.90/mth
Min. cost $73.90
#6
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Ultraspeedy NBN 1000/100
  • nbn® 860/85 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $89.90/month for first 6 months, then $114.90/month.
$89.90/mth
Min. cost $89.90

iPrimus NBN plans with a free modem


iPrimus will throw in a Kaon DG2144 WiFi 6 modem with new NBN plans. The modem is free if you stay connected for 18 months. Otherwise, you'll pay a hardware fee equivalent to $10 multiplied by the number of months left in your term.

Here are iPrimus' NBN plans:

#1
iPrimus
iPrimus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Standard Plus Plan
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
$90/mth
Min. cost $90
Link not supplied
#2
iPrimus
iPrimus
FTTP, HFC
Premium Plus Plan
  • nbn® 500/47 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
$100/mth
Min. cost $100
Link not supplied
#3
iPrimus
iPrimus
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Premium Plan
  • nbn® 100/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
$100/mth
Min. cost $100
Link not supplied
#4
iPrimus
iPrimus
FTTP, HFC
Home Superfast Plan
  • nbn® 740/49 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
$107/mth
Min. cost $107
Link not supplied
#5
iPrimus
iPrimus
FTTP, HFC
Home Ultrafast Plan
  • nbn® 840/94 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
$122/mth
Min. cost $122
Link not supplied

TPG NBN plans with a free modem


TPG NBN customers can add an Arcadyan HWG2025 WiFi 7 modem (branded as the TPG Wi-Fi Max) when signing up for a plan. This attracts a $10 delivery fee, but doesn't require any other upfront payment. You'll need to stay connected for 24 months to get the modem at no cost, or you'll have to pay a $200 fee if you don't return the modem when you TPG.

Here are TPG's NBN plans:

TPG
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn25 Unlimited Plan
  • nbn® 25/8 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: $59.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. T&Cs apply.
$59.99/mth
Min. cost $59.99
Link not supplied

Superloop NBN plans with a free modem


Superloop currently offers new customers a free Amazon eero 7 router with NBN 750 plans and up. The catch is you'll need to stay with Superloop for 24 months. If you leave early, you'll pay $9 for each month left in your term. While you won't pay anything upfront for the eero 7 itself, you'll pay $25 in shipping.

Customers who opt for an NBN 2000 plan with Superloop will be offered a free eero Pro 7 instead. The early exit repayment on this is a little more expensive, and $13 per month for each month left in the two-year term. 

Here are Superloop's NBN plans with a free modem:

#1
Superloop
Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Megaspeed nbn750/50
  • nbn® 750/45 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $25/mth off for 6 mths! $79/mth for 6 mths, then $104/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save
$79/mth
+ $170 Upfront
Min. cost $249
#2
Superloop
Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Lightspeed nbn1000/100
  • nbn® 860/85 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $25/mth off for 6 mths! $89/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save
$89/mth
+ $170 Upfront
Min. cost $259
#3
Superloop
Superloop
HFC
Hyperspeed nbn2000/100
  • nbn® 1700/85 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 mths! $148/mth for 6 mths, then $168/mth + Bundle & Save
$148/mth
+ $170 Upfront
Min. cost $318
#4
Superloop
Superloop
FTTP
Hyperspeed nbn2000/200
  • nbn® 1700/170 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 mths! $148/mth for 6 mths, then $168/mth + Bundle & Save
$148/mth
+ $170 Upfront
Min. cost $318

iiNet NBN plans with a free modem


iiNet NBN customers can add its Arcadyan HWG2025 WiFi 7 modem (branded as the iiNet Wi-Fi Max) when signing up for a plan. This attracts a $10 delivery fee, but doesn't require any other upfront payment. You'll need to stay connected for 24 months to get the modem for free. Otherwise, you'll pay a $200 fee if you don't return the modem when you leave iiNet.

Here are iiNet's NBN plans:

#1
iiNet
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn25 Liimitless
  • nbn® 25/8 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $59.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6
$59.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
#2
iiNet
iiNet
FTTP, HFC
nbn500 Liimitless
  • nbn® 500/42 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths - $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE25FOR6
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
#3
iiNet
iiNet
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
nbn Home Fast Liimitless
  • nbn® 99/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths - $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE25FOR6
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
#4
iiNet
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Liimitless
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
#5
iiNet
iiNet
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Superfast Liimitless
  • nbn® 740/42 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths - $74.99/mth for first 6 months, then $104.99/mth. Use code SAVE30FOR6
$74.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $84.99
Link not supplied
#6
iiNet
iiNet
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless
  • nbn® 850/85 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths - $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $114.99/mth. Use code SAVE30FOR6
$84.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $94.99
Link not supplied

Vodafone NBN plans with a free modem


When signing up for a Vodafone NBN plan, you'll get its new Super Wi-Fi Modem (also known as the Arcadyan HWG2025) and a bundled mesh WiFi extender for $0 upfront. To get these for free, you'll need to stay with Vodafone for 24 months. If you leave before that time is up, you'll pay a hardware fee of $14 for each month left in your two-year term. The mesh extender attracts a separate fee of $6 for each month left in your two-year term.  

Here are Vodafone's NBN plans:

#1
Vodafone
Vodafone
FTTP, HFC
Home Fast+ nbn®
  • nbn® 500/42 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 6 mths, then reverts to $99/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone
$78/mth
Min. cost $78
Link not supplied
#2
Vodafone
Vodafone
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Home Fast nbn®
  • nbn® 98/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 6 mths, then reverts to $99/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone
$78/mth
Min. cost $78
Link not supplied
#3
Vodafone
Vodafone
FTTP, HFC
Home Superfast nbn®
  • nbn® 740/42 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $21/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $104/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone
$83/mth
Min. cost $83
Link not supplied
#4
Vodafone
Vodafone
All Fixed Line nbn®
Essential nbn®
  • nbn® 25/8 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply.
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
#5
Vodafone
Vodafone
FTTP, HFC
Home Ultrafast nbn®
  • nbn® 850/85 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $21/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone
$93/mth
Min. cost $93
Link not supplied
#6
Vodafone
Vodafone
All Fixed Line nbn®
Essential+ nbn®
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply.
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied

Optus NBN plans with a free modem


All Optus NBN plans can be bundled with its second-generation Ultra WiFi modem with 4G backup and WiFi 6.

To get your modem for free, you need to stay connected to Optus for two years. If you leave within your first 24 months, you'll need to pay out a prorated hardware fee. This is equivalent to $12.75 per month left in your two-year term.

Here are Optus' NBN plans:

#1
Optus
Optus
FTTP, HFC
Optus nbn® Promo Plus Plan
  • nbn® 500/43 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Promo plan: $69/mth for 6mths, then $109/mth or as notified. Until 12/11/26. New services only. Minimum cost $375. Terms apply.
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
#2
Optus
Optus
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Optus nbn® Promo Plan
  • nbn® 100/18 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Promo plan: $69/mth for 6mths, then $109/mth or as notified. Until 12/11/26. New services only. Minimum cost $375. Terms apply.
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
#3
Optus
Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Basic nbn®
  • nbn® 25/8 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Introductory Offer - $73/mth for 12 mths, then $83/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $379. Terms apply.
$73/mth
Min. cost $73
Link not supplied
#4
Optus
Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Everyday nbn®
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Introductory Offer - $87/mth for 12 mths, then $97/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $393. Terms apply.
$87/mth
Min. cost $87
Link not supplied
#5
Optus
Optus
FTTP, HFC
Optus Fast nbn®
  • nbn® 500/43 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Introductory Offer - $89/mth for 12 mths, then $99/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $395. Terms apply.
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
#6
Optus
Optus
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Optus Fast nbn®
  • nbn® 100/18 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Introductory Offer - $89/mth for 12 mths, then $99/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $395. Terms apply.
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
#7
Optus
Optus
FTTP, HFC
Optus Ultrafast nbn®
  • nbn® 820/85 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Introductory Offer - $119/mth for 12 mths, then $129/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $425. Terms apply.
$119/mth
Min. cost $119
Link not supplied

Telstra NBN plans with a free modem


Telstra's "Upfront" NBN plans come with the telco's Smart Modem 4, with WiFi 7 and 5G backup. The modem doesn't cost anything upfront, but you'll need to return it if you leave within your first 24 months. If you fail to do so, Telstra will slug you with a $200 non-return fee.

Telstra also has "Internet Only" NBN plans that are a bit cheaper, but don't include a modem. 

Here are Telstra's NBN plans that come with a modem:

#1
Telstra
Telstra
All Fixed Line nbn®
Upfront Internet Plan Basic
  • nbn® 25/4 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Get 50% off all internet plans for 4 months. Offer ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply.
$97/mth
Min. cost $48.50
#2
Telstra
Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
  • nbn® 500/40 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Get 50% off all internet plans for 4 months. Offer ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply.
$113/mth
Min. cost $56.50
#3
Telstra
Telstra
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
  • nbn® 100/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Get 50% off all internet plans for 4 months. Offer ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply.
$113/mth
Min. cost $56.50
#4
Telstra
Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Upfront Internet Plan Ultimate
  • nbn® 750/40 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Get 50% off all internet plans for 4 months. Offer ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply.
$129/mth
Min. cost $64.50
#5
Telstra
Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast
  • nbn® 815/80 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Get 50% off all internet plans for 4 months. Offer ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply.
$139/mth
Min. cost $69.50
Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1
amaysim
amaysim
All Fixed Line nbn®
Editor's Pick
NBN50
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Black Friday Offer + $10 Standard Intro offer), then $85/mth. Ends 30.11
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
#2
Dodo
Dodo
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.
$57.99/mth
Min. cost $57.99
#3
Superloop
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Extra-value nbn50/20
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
#4
Belong
Belong
All Fixed Line nbn®
NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $22 off for 12 months - $69/mth for first 12 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 30.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
#5
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN 50/20
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month.
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
#6
TPG
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply.
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
#7
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value nbn - Unlimited
  • nbn® 47/18 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
#8
Flip
Flip
All Fixed Line nbn®
Unlimited Family nbn50
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply.
$68/mth
Min. cost $68
#9
Kogan Internet
Kogan Internet
All Fixed Line nbn®
Silver Unlimited
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
#10
iiNet
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Liimitless
  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

Read full bio


Compare internet plans from the following providers...

Latest Internet Deals
30% off Starlink satellite in select areas, from $52.50/mth! Price reflected at checkout - hurry ends 30 Nov!
Get the Tangerine nbn500 Speedy Max plan for only $67.90/mth!
WhistleOut Special Offer - SpinTel nbn25 just $41/mth for the first 6mths
MASSIVE SAVINGS with Dodo nbn! nbn500 for $62.99/mth for 6mths!!
Family Max nbn500/50 for just $74/mth for first 6mths for new residential customers
NEW Exetel's One plan 500/40 $80/mth. No gimmicks, just award-winning nbn.