Compare Mobile Plans (September 2025)
Compare Monthly, Prepay and Unlimited Data Mobile Plans, including offers from Spark, OneNZ, Zeronet, 2degrees, Skinny, Warehouse Mobile and more
Updated 17 September 2025
Our guide reviews:
Our overall recommendations:
- Best Prepaid Plans - we compare plans for low users (up to 3GBs of data per month) and for medium users (4GB to 8GB of data per month) and present what we consider are the 3 best value offerings for each of these categories.
- Best Unlimited Mobile Data Plans – Our research suggests that for users that need above 8GB per month, unlimited plans provide better value than limited data plans with allowances above 8GBs per month. We highlight what we consider are the three best plans in this category as well.
- Our guide on SIM-Only Plans provides further detail and presents all the plans we evaluated, as well as the top three choices per category we highlight on this comparison.
Our overall recommendations:
- Best prepaid cell phone plan for low users (up to 4GB)- Skinny 3GB Rollover Data
- Best phone plan for medium users (up to 8GB) - Warehouse Mobile $35 Combo 6GB Rollover Data
- Best unlimited data plan - Mighty mobile Fast plan (10Mbps)
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Our Trusted Mobile Network - Zeronet Mobile - The Game-Changer in Unlimited Data
Why Zeronet is Different from Every Other Provider:
The Zeronet Advantage:
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Best Prepaid Plans
Most prepay phone customers use between 1GB to 3GB of data per month, according to various media stories and industry data. We have shortlisted prepay packs that meet those data needs while minimising costs.
We only present our top three choices here. If you want to see the detail of all the plans we compared and the methodology we used for our comparison, please read our guide on SIM-Only Plans.
We only present our top three choices here. If you want to see the detail of all the plans we compared and the methodology we used for our comparison, please read our guide on SIM-Only Plans.
Best plans for low data users (up to 4GB per month)
Best plans for medium data users (up to 8GB per month)
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Worth Considering: Kiwi Mobile
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Best Unlimited Mobile Data Plans
Our research suggests that for users that need above 8GB per month, plans with unlimited data provide better value than limited data plans with high allowances per month. In this section we present what we consider are the three best unlimited data plans available in New Zealand.
We only present our top three choices here. If you want to see the detail of all the plans we compared and the methodology we used for our comparison, please read our guide on SIM-Only Plans.
We only present our top three choices here. If you want to see the detail of all the plans we compared and the methodology we used for our comparison, please read our guide on SIM-Only Plans.
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Our Trusted Mobile Network - Zeronet Mobile - The Game-Changer in Unlimited Data
Why Zeronet is Different from Every Other Provider:
The Zeronet Advantage:
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Must-Know Prepay Facts
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Rollover and Carryover allowances are only valid if you renew your pack when it expiresYou may have 2GB owed and countless minutes, but if you don't renew your pack when it expires, you will lose all your balances. This means you can't get a plan, save balances and use them afterwards. There is no exception to these terms.
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Casual rates can be very expensiveIf and when you use up all of your pack's allowances, you can either buy a new pack, stop using your phone, or pay 'casual' rates. These rates can be very expensive and generally offer poor value for money for any extended use. Sample rates from the networks include:
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Prepay credit expires if it's not used - and you can lose your phone number2degrees, Spark and One NZ credit all expires after 365 days, without exception.
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Complain about your network using the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR)
Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) deals with complaints from consumers about any product or service provided by their telecommunications company. As the customer of a New Zealand network, you have the right to make a complaint. It's a free and independent service, but you will need to follow their process to progress a complaint.
Before you complain, you'll need to raise the issue with your network directly via their complaints form or customer service team
The process of complaining with TDR is outlined here. Their helpful FAQs outline what you can expect, and case studies about recent complaints about telecommunication companies in general. The process is impartial, and once a decision is made, Your network will (usually) abide by the ruling should it be in the wrong.
Before you complain, you'll need to raise the issue with your network directly via their complaints form or customer service team
- Once you have done this, you must wait for a response.
- The network will respond, but if you are unable to agree with their response and your complaint becomes deadlocked, after six weeks has passed you can raise a complaint with the TDR.
The process of complaining with TDR is outlined here. Their helpful FAQs outline what you can expect, and case studies about recent complaints about telecommunication companies in general. The process is impartial, and once a decision is made, Your network will (usually) abide by the ruling should it be in the wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current phone number when switching providers?
Yes - every provider allows number porting. When you sign up with your new provider, request to keep your number - it takes 1-2 working days to transfer. Don't cancel your old plan until the transfer is complete, or you'll lose the number.
Why are some "unlimited" plans so much cheaper than others?
Most "unlimited" plans throttle your speed after 40-50GB to unusable levels (1 Mbps). Truly unlimited plans, like Zeronet and Mighty Mobile, maintain your chosen speed throughout the month. You're comparing different products - throttled vs genuinely unlimited.
What's the catch with very cheap annual plans?
You pay the entire year upfront (non-refundable), but the plan's benefits are locked in. Monthly plans cost 10-15% more but offer the flexibility to switch at any time should your needs change.
My phone is locked to Spark/2degrees/One NZ. What now?
Dial *#06# to get your IMEI number. If you're out of contract, unlocking is free - contact your provider. If still in contract, it's typically $30. Phones bought overseas or from Trade Me should specify if they're unlocked.
Which network has the best coverage?
All three networks (Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ) cover over 95% of populated areas with 4G. Rural coverage varies - One NZ is traditionally stronger in rural areas, while Spark is better in cities. Check coverage maps for your specific addresses before making a switch.
What happens if I go over my data limit?
Depends on the plan. Most prepay plans simply stop working until you top up. "Endless" plans slow you down. Plans like Kiwi Mobile let you continue at full speed but charge more. True unlimited plans have no limits to exceed.
​What is the situation about Kogan not allowing SMS replies?
Kogan blocks two-way SMS with short codes (like 3333). This breaks appointment confirmations, banking verification, and parking apps. Fine for basic use, problematic if you rely on these services.
