Starlink vs NBN vs 4G/5G vs fixed wireless
There's no single "best" internet — it depends on your address. Here's how the options stack up, and how we help you pick and install the right one.
It depends on your address. NBN/FTTx is usually the cheapest and fastest option where it's available; Starlink wins for rural, acreage, sheds or poor/no-NBN areas; and 4G/5G fixed wireless suits renters, RVs and quick setups. Birch Tech checks what's actually available at your address for free and recommends honestly — then installs it. Call 1300 287 256.
How we make money: Birch Tech is a licensed installer. We also help you choose and connect internet plans and recommend home-tech products (such as security cameras and smart-home devices) — and where we refer you to a provider or retailer, we may receive a referral fee or commission, at no extra cost to you. We work with a limited panel of partners, so this is not a whole-of-market comparison and we don't cover every provider or product. Any recommendation we make may be influenced by these arrangements, not solely by price or suitability, so we always recommend confirming current prices and terms directly with the provider or retailer before you buy.
Starlink and SpaceX are trademarks of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Birch Tech is an independent installer and referrer and is not affiliated with, authorised by, sponsored by, or endorsed by SpaceX or Starlink. We install and configure Starlink hardware; we are not an authorised Starlink reseller.
| Connection | Typical speed | Latency | Data | Upfront cost | Monthly cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink (satellite) Self-install; pro mount optional | ~100–300 Mbps (ACCC avg ~226) | ~25–60 ms | Unlimited (Residential) | ~$0 rented · ~$549 to buy | ~$90–$165 | Rural, regional & poor-NBN areas; fast backup link |
| NBN / FTTx (fixed-line) Via existing line; no antenna | ~25–1000 Mbps (by tier) | ~5–30 ms (lowest) | Unlimited (most plans) | $0 standard install | ~$45–$100 | Most metro/suburban homes & business — best value & stability |
| 4G / 5G home internet Self-install; signal-dependent | 5G ~100–300 · 4G ~20–25 Mbps | 5G ~15–20 ms · 4G ~40–50 | Mostly unlimited (Telstra 1 TB) | ~$0 (modem included) | ~$30–$99 | Renters & strong-5G metro homes; quick, movable setup |
| NBN Fixed Wireless NBN-installed roof antenna | ~75–280 Mbps (by tier) | ~20–45 ms | Unlimited (most plans) | $0 (NBN installs antenna) | ~$55–$115 | Regional homes with line-of-sight to an NBN tower |
Indicative AU ranges as of June 2026 — speeds vary by location, congestion and connection type; prices, plans and fees are set by each provider and change frequently. Always confirm the current offer with the provider. Sources: ACCC Measuring Broadband Australia (final report, 2026), nbnco.com.au, starlink.com/au, WhistleOut & Finder (AU).
Not sure which is right for your address? We'll check coverage and give you a straight answer — then install it.
What's best for your situation?
Rural & acreage
Starlink is usually the winner where NBN is poor or absent.
New build / shed / farm
Starlink for instant connectivity; we pre-wire for NBN where it's coming.
Apartment / unit
NBN via MDF jumpering is typically fastest and cheapest.
Business
NBN/fibre with a Starlink or 4G/5G failover so you never drop offline.
Caravan / RV / boat
Starlink Roam or 4G/5G for connectivity on the move.
Renting / short-term
4G/5G fixed wireless — quick to set up, nothing to install long-term.
Providers we can help you connect with
A selection of providers — not every provider on the market. We'll help match you to the best fit for your address, and disclose any referral arrangement.
Value NBN plans Superloop Fast NBN with app management Aussie Broadband Award-winning local support Tangerine Budget-friendly NBN Starlink Satellite for anywhere "Value pick" is a paid partner we may earn a referral fee from, at no extra cost to you — see how we make money below.
Comparison — FAQs
Do you compare every provider?
No. We compare a panel of providers we have commercial arrangements with, plus the connection types available at your address. It's not a whole-of-market comparison. We'll always tell you if a connection we don't broker is genuinely your best option.
Does it cost me anything to use Birch Tech as a broker?
No — our recommendation is free. If you sign up to a provider through us we may earn a referral fee or commission from that provider, at no extra cost to you.
Will commission affect what you recommend?
We recommend the best connection for your address and needs first. Where multiple good options exist, our commercial arrangements may influence which partner we suggest — so we disclose them up-front and you can always confirm prices directly with the provider.
Is Starlink better than NBN?
Only sometimes. If you have solid NBN/FTTx it's usually cheaper and faster. Starlink wins where NBN is poor, absent, or you need to connect rural property, sheds or farms. Your address decides it.
Find My Best Connection
Speak to a friendly Birch Tech expert. We provide free quotes with no hard sell — call us or send a message and we'll get back to you fast.