NBN Speeds Explained

Understanding NBN speeds: How NBN plans work

When you’re signing up for an NBN plan, you’ll notice that there are different speeds available and at different prices. Plans may also be named according to their speed tier, for example, ‘Home Standard’ or ‘Home Fast’.

Think of it this way: the faster the speed — and therefore, the ‘better’ the plan’s performance — the more expensive the plan will be. NBN providers typically offer multiple plans at different speeds, but understanding how speeds work and how to find the right plan can be confusing.

What are the NBN speed tiers?

NBN Co sells access to its network by speed. NBN providers package the plans you can buy in ‘speed tiers’, and each tier comes with maximum potential download speed and maximum potential upload speed. 

There are eight different NBN speed tiers to choose from. However, access to the speed tiers depends on your home’s fixed NBN connection type (excluding fixed wireless and satellite NBN). Fixed line connections include Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fibre to the Building (FTTB) and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC).

Each of these speeds also suits different household and usage needs. While the most basic speed may work for smaller households with light internet usage needs, the fastest speed tiers are designed for large households with high-demand usage. 

NBN 12 (Home Basic I)

The NBN 12 speed tier – also called Home Basic I speed – is the entry-level NBN speed tier available to households across all fixed-line technology types. With download speeds of up to 12Mbps and up to 1Mbps upload speed, typical evening speeds are usually around 11Mbps-12Mbps.

This speed tier is suitable for smaller households with only basic internet needs, such as web browsing and checking emails. NBN Co suggests it’s capable of basic online gaming, making phone calls and Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) video streaming. It also suggests a 10GB file will take around three hours or more to download, while you can upload a 1GB file within three hours.

NBN 25 (Home Basic II)

NBN 25 — also known as the Home Basic II speed tier — is available on all wired NBN connection types and is one of the most widely-available speeds offered by a range of providers. Many NBN providers start offering NBN plans at NBN 25 speeds, often skipping the slower NBN 12 speed tier. This speed tier is capable of reaching maximum download speeds of 25Mbps, and maximum upload speeds of either 5Mbps or 10Mbps (depending on the provider). Typical evening speeds are usually around 24Mbps-25Mbps.

Smaller households with lighter internet needs may find this speed tier fast enough for their needs, with NBN Co suggesting it’s suitable for streaming video in HD or 4K on one device, basic online gaming and making video calls. A 10GB file download will take around 65 minutes on NBN 25, and uploading a 1GB file will take around 34 minutes.

NBN 50 (Home Standard)

The NBN 50 speed tier, also known as the Home Standard speed tier, is the most popular NBN speed and is available to all fibre NBN connection types. It’s capable of reaching maximum download speeds of up to 50Mbps and maximum upload speeds up to 20Mbps. Typical evening download speeds are usually around 49Mbps-50Mbps, however speed performance is dependent on your NBN connection type and provider.

NBN 50 tends to suit a wide range of households, including smaller to medium sized households with more demanding internet needs. This speed tier should be capable of one or two simultaneous 4K video streams, online gaming and more reliable video calls than the slower speeds. NBN Co states it can download a 10GB file within 28 to 65 minutes and upload a 1GB file within nine to 34 minutes, depending on your connection type.

NBN 100 (Home Fast I)

Also known as the Home Fast I speed tier, NBN 100 is the fastest speed tier available to some homes with FTTN, FTTB and FTTC connection types, and is only offered to homes with these connections. It offers maximum download speeds up to 100Mbps, while upload speeds are typically up to 20Mbps, although some providers may offer up to 40Mbps upload speeds (depending on your technology type). Typical evening download speeds tend to be around 97Mbps-100Mbps.

NBN Co recommends these plans are fast enough for consistent online and cloud gaming, and consistent video calls when others in your home are online, along with supporting one to four devices streaming in 4K simultaneously. A 10GB file can be downloaded within 15 to 65 minutes and a 1GB file uploaded within nine to 34 minutes, depending on your technology type.

NBN 500 (Home Fast II)

NBN 500, also known at the Home Fast II speed tier, was introduced in 2025 as a way of increasing NBN 100 speeds for customers with an FTTP or HFC NBN connection — but without the extra cost. If you have one of these connection types, you won’t pay more for your plan compared to NBN 100 plans. This speed tier has maximum potential download speeds up to 500Mbps and upload speeds up to 50Mbps. Typical evening speeds may be somewhere around 480Mbps-500Mbps.

The Home Fast II speed tier offers a smooth 4K streaming experience for 10 or so devices simultaneously, plus reliable and smooth online and cloud gaming and video calls. NBN Co suggests a 10GB file will download within three minutes, while uploading a 1GB file should take around four minutes.

NBN 750 (Home Superfast)

As part of the NBN speed upgrades in 2025, the Home Superfast speed tier changed from NBN 250 up to NBN 750. While most providers that sell this speed tier will offer the faster speed, some providers may still offer NBN 250. 

The NBN 750 plan is only available to FTTP and HFC connection types and is capable of reaching up to 750Mbps download speeds and up to 50Mbps upload speeds. Typical evening speeds for this speed tier will differ greatly between providers, so you might see download speeds from 640Mbps-750Mbps.

NBN Co recommends this speed tier for smooth 4K streaming on 10 or more devices, plus smooth cloud-based and online gaming and video calls, even with others online. A 10GB file can be downloaded within two minutes, while uploading a 1GB file should take up to four minutes.

NBN 1000 (Home Ultrafast)

The NBN 1000 plan — also referred to as 1000Mbps NBN, 1Gbps NBN or Home Ultrafast — is only available to FTTP and HFC connection types. It has maximum download speeds of up to 1000Mbps and upload speeds of 100Mbps. However, typical evening speeds will vary greatly between providers and you could see anywhere from 700Mbps-1000Mbps download speeds.

This speed tier offers some of the fastest and most reliable NBN speeds available. NBN Co says NBN 1000 offers reliable and smooth 4K streaming on 10 or more devices, excellent online and cloud-based gaming experience and seamless video calls. A 10GB file should download in under two minutes, while a 1GB file will upload within two minutes.

NBN 2000 (Home Hyperfast)

The fastest NBN speed tier available and introduced as part of the 2025 speed tier upgrades, NBN 2000 — also known as 2Gbps NBN or Home Hyperfast — is available for FTTP and HFC connection types only. You’ll get up to 2000Mbps maximum download speeds; however, upload speeds will differ between connection types, with up to 200Mbps for FTTP connections and up to 100Mbps for HFC connections. Typical evening download speeds will vary between providers, but you might find speeds anywhere from 1700Mbps-2000Mbps.

Much like the NBN 1000 speed tier, you can expect the best-of-the-best speed experience that NBN can offer. This tier is suitable for ultra-reliable online and cloud-based gaming and video calls, along with smooth 4K video streaming on 10 or more devices. NBN Co suggests that a 10GB file will download within one minute, while a 1GB file will upload within one to two minutes, depending on your connection type.

What’s the difference between download and upload speeds?

NBN plans list a couple of different speeds — download speeds and upload speeds. While both are key parts of your NBN experience, they have different uses and, depending on how you use the internet, one speed type may be more important than the other.

NBN download speed

Download speeds measure how fast you can receive data from the internet, such as browsing social media, streaming videos, checking emails, gaming, downloading files and updates, etc. 

For most of us, download speed will be the most important speed to consider as it encompasses many of those popular activities. 

NBN upload speed

Upload speeds refer to how fast you can send data out to the internet, such as uploading pictures and videos to social media, making video calls, or uploading documents to the cloud (like iCloud, Google Drive, etc.).

If you work from home, you might find a good upload speed is essential for joining video meetings and uploading files.

Typical evening speeds explained

In addition to the maximum potential download and upload speeds, NBN providers are required to list a plan’s typical evening speed (also referred to as an average NBN speed). This indicates the speeds you can expect from your plan during the busy evening peak between 7pm and 11pm, when more people are online and there’s more network congestion.

For some plans, the typical evening speed may be the same as the maximum potential speed available on that speed tier. However, and especially for the faster speed tiers, you might find the typical evening speed is lower — and this differs between providers. This doesn’t mean you won’t ever get those maximum potential speeds, just that you might experience them during less busy times. 

What NBN speed do I need? 

Apart from your home’s NBN connection type, your household’s usage needs will also determine which speed is right for you. 

It’s recommended that larger households that use the internet for high-intensity activities — and with an FTTP or HFC connection — would need NBN 500 speeds or faster. Medium to larger households with other connection types may find an NBN 100 or NBN 50 plan best suits their needs.

Smaller households with one to two people, especially with less demanding usage needs such as general web browsing and checking emails, would find the slower speeds may better suit their needs. If you want to make video calls and enjoy some video streaming, an NBN 25 plan might be a better option than NBN 12.

How to choose the right NBN speed plan

Understanding your household’s internet needs will help you choose the right internet speed. Once you know which NBN speed tier you need — provided you have the right NBN connection type to support your chosen speed — you’ll want to compare plans and providers. 

Comparing NBN plans and providers can also help you set a budget. Unfortunately, if you want a faster NBN speed, you’ll be paying much more than the slower speed tiers, so your budget should really consider your speed needs.

What can slow your NBN speed?

Your home’s NBN connection type can have the biggest impact on your NBN speed. It affects not only which speed tier plan you can access, but also the maximum potential speeds available on your plan. 

For example, NBN Co states customers with an FTTP, FTTC or HFC connection type should be able to reach the maximum 50Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds of an NBN 50 plan. However those on an FTTN or FTTB connection may see maximum download speeds around 25Mbps-50Mbps and upload speeds around 5Mbps-20Mbps. Additionally the NBN 2000 speed tier will have 200Mbps upload speeds for homes with FTTP, while 100Mbps upload speeds are available for homes with HFC.

Additional things, like network congestion (especially during the busy evening peak), your household’s internet usage, or if you have an old modem, can impact the speeds you’re experiencing. If you’re concerned that you’re not getting the expected NBN speeds you pay for, perform internet speed tests regularly and at different hours to check. Reach out to your provider, upgrade your modem (if needed), or simply switch speed tiers or providers if you’re unhappy with your current service. 

What is a good NBN speed?

A good NBN speed is one that will deliver a smooth performance for your household’s usage. While the fastest NBN plans will technically offer the ‘best’ speeds (after all, who doesn’t want fast internet?), not all households will be able to access these speeds and these fast speed plans can also be more expensive. 

Striking the balance between your budget and a smooth internet performance will ultimately be the best option for you.  

How do I find out what NBN speed tier I’m on?

Performing an internet speed test can give you an indication of what speed tier you’re on — provided that your plan is performing as it should. Logging in to your internet account, either on your provider’s website or app (if available) could also list the details of your plan.

Alternatively, some providers may list your speed tier on your internet bill. If you still can’t find this information, compare your plan name to what is available on your provider’s website, or reach out to your telco’s customer support. 

How can I access the faster NBN speed tiers?

For homes not currently connected to an FTTP or HFC NBN connection, you might be eligible for a free NBN fibre upgrade. However, it is only available to some FTTN and FTTC customers and you will need to initiate the free upgrade yourself by signing up to a fast-speed NBN plan with a participating provider. If you do upgrade your NBN connection to FTTP through this program, you can enjoy access to much faster NBN speeds.

Can I change my NBN speed tier?

Yes! Most NBN plans are offered month-to-month, meaning that you won’t need to pay any contract or early termination fees if you choose to cancel or switch plans. If you’re sticking with the same provider, changing NBN speeds should be an easy process. However, you’ll need to go through the process of switching NBN plans if you want to change speeds with another provider. 

Keep in mind that if you have a modem with your NBN plan, there might be conditions on paying off your modem or returning it if you switch providers. If you switch to a faster plan and your current modem is five or so years old, you may need a new modem to access the faster speeds when upgrading your NBN plan.