NBN vs 5G Home Internet 2025: Real Speed Tests & Who Should Switch in January
The gap between NBN and 5G Home Internet has narrowed sharply heading into 2025. With new network upgrades and updated speed tiers from major providers, households across Australia are reconsidering whether to stay on NBN or move to a 5G home broadband plan. Real-world testing across cities and regional areas shows that performance depends heavily on location, congestion and the specific plan tier.
For many households, January is a key decision point as updated NBN wholesale pricing and 5G plan refreshes roll out. Understanding real speed differences — not just advertised speeds — can help determine whether switching is worthwhile.
2025 Real-World Speed Tests: NBN vs 5G
Speed tests conducted across metro and regional zones show noticeable patterns. While individual experiences vary, these general results reflect what many households report:
- NBN 50 Mbps plans: Typically reach 45–52 Mbps during peak hours.
- NBN 100 Mbps plans: Often achieve 80–95 Mbps depending on provider and technology (FTTP, HFC, FTTC).
- 5G Home Internet (standard tier): Frequently delivers 50–120 Mbps, with peak variability depending on tower congestion.
- 5G Home Internet (premium tier): In strong-signal suburbs, 150–300 Mbps is common, though results vary significantly by location.
In areas with congested 5G towers, NBN remains more consistent. In areas with strong 5G capacity, 5G can outperform NBN 100 at certain times of day.
Reliability: Which Is More Stable?
Reliability remains a key deciding factor for many households. Test results across 2024–2025 show:
- NBN (FTTP/HFC): Highest stability for remote work, streaming and gaming.
- NBN FTTN/FTTC: Performance varies more with household wiring quality.
- 5G Home: Very strong in metro areas with upgraded towers; more variable in dense apartments or weaker-signal suburbs.
Households that rely on stable upload speeds — online meetings, cloud backups, remote work — may still find NBN preferable, especially FTTP connections.
Cost Comparison: 2025 Pricing Trends
Providers have adjusted plans for January 2025. General pricing ranges include:
- NBN 50: $70–$85 per month
- NBN 100: $85–$105 per month
- 5G Home (standard): $65–$85 per month
- 5G Home (premium): $80–$100 per month
Because many carriers offer promotional discounts for the first 6–12 months, 5G Home Internet can be significantly cheaper upfront. However, ongoing rates vary.
Who Should Consider Switching to 5G in January?
5G Home Internet may suit households that:
- Live within strong-signal 5G coverage zones
- Have fewer than 3–4 heavy simultaneous users
- Are seeking lower upfront costs
- Do not rely on high upload speeds for work
- Want a no-contract, portable broadband option
It is also appealing for renters who prefer flexibility and no-installation setups.
Who Should Stay on NBN in 2025?
NBN may remain the better choice if you:
- Work from home and need reliable video conferencing
- Have multiple 4K streaming devices
- Rely on consistent upload speeds
- Live in areas with weaker 5G reception
- Can upgrade to FTTP under government fibre expansion
Households already achieving stable performance on NBN 100 or higher may not see benefits from switching.
How to Decide: A Simple 2025 Checklist
Before renewing or switching in January, check:
- Your actual nightly peak speeds
- Your household’s combined streaming + gaming load
- 5G coverage at your exact address (not just postcode)
- Any new NBN upgrade eligibility (FTTP upgrade paths)
- Plan discounts expiring in the next 3 months
For many households, the best option in 2025 is a balanced approach: stay on NBN for stability or switch to 5G for lower costs and flexible terms.
Disclaimer: Real-world speeds vary by provider, coverage, congestion and device capability. This article provides general information only. Always check current plan details with your provider.
