How do NBN 750 and NBN 1000 plans compare in real-world evening speeds?
Many Australians consider upgrading to faster NBN plans, often debating between NBN 750 and the gigabit NBN 1000 tiers. Although both offer high headline speeds, actual typical evening speeds (TES) during peak usage hours (7pm to 11pm) differ significantly from their nominal maximums.
On average, NBN 750 plans deliver around 730 Mbps during peak times, closely approaching the tier’s 750 Mbps maximum (about 97%). Meanwhile, NBN 1000 plans typically provide speeds of roughly 835 Mbps, or only about 83.5% of the nominal 1,000 Mbps, falling short by nearly 165 Mbps.
Is NBN 1000 worth the extra monthly expense?
NBN 1000 plans are roughly AU$9 more expensive per month than NBN 750 plans on average. When calculating value based on typical evening speeds relative to cost, NBN 1000 actually offers a marginally better cost-per-megabit rate — about 13.8 cents per Mbps compared to 14.5 cents for NBN 750. This means that although more costly, NBN 1000 plans tend to provide more speed per dollar spent during peak times.
However, not all NBN 750 plans are equal; some providers like Kogan Internet and Spintel offer plans with cost-per-megabit rates as low as 13 cents — comparable value to select NBN 1000 offerings.
How does NBN 500 fit into the picture?
While NBN 750 and 1000 get attention for their speed, NBN 500 remains considered the practical sweet spot for many households. Providers typically deliver nearly full 500 Mbps during peak times (around 99.9%), but the cost per Mbps is higher, approximately 19 cents, making it less cost-effective from a speed-per-dollar perspective.
Nevertheless, NBN 500 plans have lower monthly fees overall — averaging about AU$95, which is less than both NBN 750 and 1000 — making them attractive for budget-conscious users who do not need ultra-high speeds.
What factors should influence your choice beyond raw speed and price?
Deciding between NBN 750 and NBN 1000 isn't purely math. Most households won’t consistently use gigabit speeds, so paying for faster plans mainly reduces waiting time for large downloads or updates. For users who only occasionally need top-end speed, the minimal time saved may not justify the higher ongoing costs.
Additionally, average data usage is rising—currently about 574 GB monthly per household—meaning faster plans will become more relevant as users deal with larger downloads and more connected devices.
Ultimately, choosing the right plan depends on your household’s internet use patterns, devices, and budget priorities. If speed is a critical factor, NBN 1000 provides the best speed-per-dollar ratio during peak times. If cost savings and reliability close to advertised speeds are more important, NBN 750 or NBN 500 may suffice.
Takeaway: Should you upgrade to gigabit NBN or stick with NBN 750?
If your everyday internet use rarely saturates speeds beyond 700-750 Mbps, the incremental benefits of the gigabit NBN 1000 plan may not justify its higher cost, despite the slightly better cost-per-megabit figure. Those who frequently download large files or use bandwidth-intensive applications can benefit from the extra speed and might find the gigabit plans a better investment.
For most users, carefully examining typical evening speeds and cost per megabit, alongside household needs, points to NBN 750 as a balanced choice between cost and performance. NBN 500 remains a solid, lower-cost alternative but with a higher speed-to-cost ratio penalty. Evaluating your actual internet demands and considering these trade-offs will help you find the best value NBN plan for your home.