Competition in the wireless broadband market is fierce. The big broadband providers like wireless broadband technology because they don't have to pay to deliver their services over the fibre networks, which belong to other companies. And for consumers, this increased competition means lower prices.
Canstar searches out the cheapest wireless broadband deals in New Zealand.
Why get wireless broadband?
Before comparing wireless broadband plans, you need to consider if wireless broadband is right for you. When it comes to speed, 4G wireless outpaces old ADSL connections and is on a par with VDSL, but it's nowhere as fast as Starlink's satellite service or fibre. And while 5G wireless is fast, it's currently limited to urban centres, where fibre connections are freely available.
Broadband speeds by type
Broadband | Download | Upload | Latency (ms) |
ADSL | 10 | 1 | 46 |
VDSL | 46 | 13 | 20 |
4G Wireless | 58 | 22 | 47 |
Starlink Satellite | 226 | 33 | 30 |
5G Wireless | 306 | 26 | n/a |
Fibre 300 | 314 | 108 | 8 |
Fibre Max | 881 | 496 | 6 |
Average speeds and latency for different types of broadband, according to the latest Measuring Broadband New Zealand Report. 5G according to the latest Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report.
But if fibre isn't an option for your home, and you want a cheaper alternative to Starlink then wireless broadband may be your best bet for bringing fast, reliable internet to your home. Wireless is also an option for those on a budget, as wireless plans can be significantly cheaper than fibre ones.
For example Skinny and 2degrees all offer an extra $10 discount on the cost of their wireless plans if you also have a mobile plan with them. This means that by bundling you can get unlimited data plans that start as low as $35:
Cheapest wireless broadband: what's on offer?
Below is an overview of the current wireless broadband deals from major providers, listed alphabetically, in New Zealand. Plans do not include any current offers. Modem delivery fees may apply:
Broadband Provider | Unlimited Broadband Deal |
2degrees | 4G 100GB: $50/m |
Contact | 4G Unlimited: $75/m |
Mercury | 4G 120GB: $69/m 300GB: $74/m 1000GB: $79/m Free modem on 12-month contract |
One NZ | 4G 300GB: $50/m |
Skinny | 4G 60GB: $45/m |
Slingshot | 4G 300GB: $55/m |
Spark | 4G 50GB: $50/m |
Starlink | Standard: $159/m |
(Prices correct as of 07/01/26)
To help Kiwi consumers choose the best broadband providers, Canstar surveys thousands of broadband customers and asks them to score their providers across categories including Value for Money, Network Performance and Customer Service. To read the results of our full research and to find out more about NZ's best wireless broadband providers, just click on the button below.
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