NBN Speed Tiers Explained
Updated March 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing the right NBN speed tier is one of the most important decisions when picking a broadband plan. Pay for too much speed and you waste money each month. Choose too little and you end up with buffering, dropped video calls, and frustration.
This guide breaks down every available NBN speed tier, explains what each one is suited for, and gives you typical monthly price ranges across Australian providers.
The Six NBN Speed Tiers
NBN Co offers six residential speed tiers. The first number is the download speed and the second is the upload speed.
| Tier | Speed | Suited For | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBN 12 (Basic I) | 12/1 Mbps | 1 person, light browsing and email | $55 to $65/month |
| NBN 25 (Basic II) | 25/5 Mbps | 1 to 2 people, SD streaming and light use | $55 to $70/month |
| NBN 50 (Standard) | 50/20 Mbps | 2 to 3 people, HD streaming, video calls | $65 to $80/month |
| NBN 100 (Fast) | 100/20 Mbps | 3 to 4 people, working from home, 4K streaming | $80 to $95/month |
| NBN 250 (Superfast) | 250/25 Mbps | Heavy users, large file uploads, multiple 4K streams | $100 to $120/month |
| NBN 1000 (Ultrafast) | 1000/50 Mbps | Power users (requires FTTP connection) | $120 to $160/month |
What Is "Typical Evening Speed"?
You will often see providers advertise a "typical evening speed" (TES) alongside the maximum tier speed. This is the speed most customers on that plan actually experience between 7pm and 11pm, when the network is busiest.
The ACCC requires providers to publish TES figures so customers can set realistic expectations. For example, an NBN 50 plan might advertise a typical evening speed of 43 to 47 Mbps rather than the full 50 Mbps.
How to Choose the Right Tier
The right tier depends on two things: how many people are using the connection at the same time, and what they are doing.
For a single person who mainly browses the web and watches occasional SD video, NBN 25 is typically sufficient. A household of two to three people streaming HD video and working from home will generally find NBN 50 or NBN 100 more suitable. Households with four or more heavy users, or anyone who regularly uploads large files, should consider NBN 100 or higher.
Keep in mind that not all speed tiers are available on all NBN technology types. The 250 Mbps and 1000 Mbps tiers require a FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) connection. If your address is on FTTN or Fixed Wireless, your maximum available tier may be lower.
Understanding CVC Congestion
CVC (Connectivity Virtual Circuit) is the bandwidth that your internet provider purchases from NBN Co to connect its customers. When a provider does not purchase enough CVC capacity for the number of customers it has, speeds can slow down during peak hours.
This is one reason why two providers can sell the same NBN 50 plan but deliver different real-world speeds. Comparing typical evening speeds between providers can help you identify which ones invest in adequate CVC capacity.
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General information only. Prices shown are approximate ranges and may vary by provider. Always confirm current pricing with the provider before signing up.