Anyone who has compared NZ broadband plans lately knows the puzzle: the biggest advertised speeds don’t always match the smallest monthly bills. Right now the cheapest unlimited plan on the main comparison roundups is Skinny’s 4G wireless service at NZ$55 a month, while standard unlimited fibre runs between NZ$80 and NZ$110 a month, according to Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site) — this guide sorts the real deals from the promotional fine print, with a special look at what $55–$70 buys and where seniors can save.

4 related posts

Cheapest unlimited plan: Skinny Wireless 4G at NZ$55/mo ·
Cheapest unlimited 5G: from NZ$60/mo ·
Cheapest unlimited fibre: Genesis Fibre Start at NZ$70/mo ·
Typical unlimited fibre: NZ$80–NZ$110/mo ·
Pulse Energy promo average: NZ$58.33/mo

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited is listed at NZ$55/month — the lowest unlimited price in Canstar’s wireless comparison (Canstar NZ).
  • Genesis Fibre Start holds unlimited fibre at NZ$70/month with a modem worth NZ$199 included (Genesis Energy NZ).
2What’s unclear
  • Whether headline wireless prices include a modem or lock you into a 12-month contract.
  • Exact renewal prices after promotional periods end.
3Timeline signal
  • Pulse Energy’s two-months-free offer brings its unlimited average to NZ$58.33/month (Pulse Energy).
  • Energy retailers are undercutting classic telco fibre pricing, and the gap is widening. (Pulse Energy)
4What’s next
  • Bundled power+broadband deals will likely keep pushing prices under NZ$65/month.
  • The safest move is to compare the 12-month total, not just the monthly sticker.

Eight facts, one pattern: the cheapest unlimited deals live in wireless plans and promotional fibre, not in standard retail fibre pricing.

Fact Verified value
Cheapest unlimited plan Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited at NZ$55/month (Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site))
Cheapest unlimited 4G (runner-up) 2degrees and Genesis Energy at NZ$60/month
Cheapest unlimited 5G 2degrees and Genesis Energy at NZ$60–NZ$65/month
Cheapest unlimited fibre advertised by a provider Genesis Fibre Start at NZ$70/month (Genesis Energy NZ (energy retailer))
Cheapest unlimited fibre on the standard list Skinny at NZ$88/month, or NZ$78/month with a Skinny mobile plan
Standard unlimited fibre range NZ$80–NZ$110/month (Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site))
Best promotional average Pulse Energy at NZ$58.33/month across its two-months-free offer (Pulse Energy (power retailer))
Contract catch Some free-modem unlimited wireless plans require a 12-month contract

What is the cheapest unlimited broadband?

In Canstar’s wireless broadband roundup (Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site)), the cheapest unlimited home internet plans cluster like this:

  • Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited — NZ$55/month
  • 2degrees 4G Unlimited — NZ$60/month; 5G Unlimited — NZ$65/month
  • Genesis Energy 4G and 5G Unlimited — NZ$60/month
  • One NZ, Spark, and Slingshot 4G Unlimited — NZ$65/month (Spark 5G: NZ$68/month)

Key factors that affect price

  • Connection type: 4G/5G wireless plans start lower than fibre, but speeds depend on location and network congestion.
  • Promotional pricing: free months and discounted start dates can make a plan look cheaper than its 12-month average.
  • Bundles: broadband attached to power or mobile plans often cuts the monthly bill.
The catch

The cheapest unlimited price in NZ right now is a 4G wireless plan, not a fibre connection. A light household can save NZ$25–NZ$55 a month against typical fibre pricing, while homes that need fast uploads for work or school will still need fibre at NZ$70–NZ$110 a month.

The implication: anyone who only needs everyday streaming, browsing, and video calls can treat NZ$55–NZ$65 as the real budget band for unlimited data in New Zealand.

Which broadband has the cheapest plans?

On the fibre side, Canstar’s cheapest-broadband roundup (Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site)) puts Skinny’s unlimited fibre at NZ$88/month, or NZ$78/month when bundled with a Skinny mobile plan. The provider that advertises the lowest unlimited fibre price directly is Genesis Energy, with Fibre Start at NZ$70/month (Genesis Energy NZ (energy retailer)).

Entry-level plans at a glance

  • Genesis Fibre Start — NZ$70/month, unlimited data, 100/20Mbps peak-time average speed
  • Pulse Energy unlimited broadband — NZ$65/month flat, or NZ$58.33 average across a two-months-free offer (Pulse Energy (power retailer))
  • One NZ Fibre Starter — listed at NZ$70/month by MoneyHub NZ (consumer money guide)

Promotional discounts and their expiry

  • Pulse Energy’s two-months-free offer runs for a defined window; after the free months, the standard tariff is NZ$70/month.
  • Genesis includes a free modem worth NZ$199 with Fibre Start, but charges NZ$15 for shipping unless you bring your own modem.
  • MoneyHub lists One NZ Fibre Starter at NZ$70/month — at the top of the budget bracket, without the same extras.

Broadband.co.nz (NZ connection comparison guide) notes that the smartest way to compare plans is to calculate the total cost over a 12-month period, not just the first month’s price (Broadband.co.nz).

What this means: the headline price changes weekly, but the 12-month total is the number that tells you which plan is genuinely cheap.

What is the best wifi provider in NZ?

“Best” depends on what a household needs: the lowest price, the fastest speeds, or the most reliable connection type. Canstar’s wireless comparison lists six providers with unlimited plans, while its fibre data shows standard unlimited fibre between NZ$80 and NZ$110 a month.

Top-rated ISPs by customer satisfaction

  • In price terms, Skinny and 2degrees sit at the top of the budget tier in Canstar’s wireless comparison.
  • One NZ, Spark, and Slingshot match the NZ$65/month 4G tier, giving buyers several choices at nearly the same price.
  • Genesis Energy and Pulse Energy add broadband onto household power bills, which some households find easier and cheaper to manage.

Providers with fastest speeds

  • Genesis Fibre Start advertises 100/20Mbps peak-time average speeds at NZ$70/month.
  • Standard unlimited fibre plans from mainstream providers run NZ$80–NZ$110/month for higher speed tiers.
  • 5G wireless from 2degrees and Genesis is priced from NZ$60–NZ$65/month but depends on local coverage.
Why this matters

A single-person household can pay as little as NZ$55/month for unlimited data; a family of heavy users faces NZ$80–NZ$110/month on fibre. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive unlimited plan in NZ is NZ$55 a month — about NZ$660 a year.

The trade-off: the best provider for a light user is the cheapest reliable wireless plan; for a busy household, it is the cheapest fibre plan that holds a stable connection during peak evening hours.

What is the cheapest unlimited broadband plan in New Zealand for seniors?

For seniors on fixed incomes, the cheapest unlimited option is usually a 4G wireless plan. Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited at NZ$55/month is the lowest advertised price, and 2degrees or Genesis Energy at NZ$60/month are close alternatives.

Senior-specific discounts

  • None of the main comparison roundups publishes a standard SuperGold Card discount list for broadband, so seniors should ask ISPs directly.
  • Energy bundles can act like a hidden discount: Genesis Energy and Pulse Energy sell broadband alongside household power.
  • Some unlimited wireless plans include a free modem on a 12-month contract, which reduces the upfront cost but locks the plan for a year.

Best 4G options without fibre installation

  • Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited — NZ$55/month
  • 2degrees 4G Unlimited — NZ$60/month
  • Genesis Energy 4G Unlimited — NZ$60/month
  • Pulse Energy unlimited broadband — NZ$65/month flat, or NZ$58.33 average with two months free

Because 4G wireless connects over the mobile network, there is no fibre installation or fixed-line appointment to manage — a practical detail for seniors who don’t want technicians in the house.

What to watch

Energy retailers are changing the math: a NZ$70/month unlimited fibre plan from Genesis or a NZ$58.33/month average from Pulse Energy can run NZ$10–NZ$40 a month below standard retail fibre pricing.

The takeaway: seniors get the clearest saving by picking a simple unlimited wireless plan in the NZ$55–NZ$65 band, or a bundled fibre plan around NZ$70/month if they want a more predictable connection.

Which network has the cheapest unlimited data?

In Canstar’s wireless comparison, the cheap end of the market belongs to the mobile networks:

Mobile broadband vs fixed wireless

  • Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited — NZ$55/month
  • 2degrees 4G Unlimited — NZ$60/month; 5G Unlimited — NZ$65/month
  • Genesis Energy 4G and 5G Unlimited — NZ$60/month
  • One NZ and Slingshot 4G Unlimited — NZ$65/month
  • Spark 4G Unlimited — NZ$65/month; 5G Unlimited — NZ$68/month

Prepaid, no-contract, and 5G notes

  • Unlimited 5G is priced close to 4G — from NZ$60–NZ$68/month — but coverage varies by suburb.
  • Some unlimited wireless plans sweeten the deal with a free modem, which in Canstar’s overview can bring a 12-month contract with it.
  • Broadband.co.nz’s comparison guide suggests filtering for unlimited plans and sorting by lowest price before checking the 12-month total.

The pattern: the networks that win the price war are the ones pushing unlimited data over 4G and 5G rather than charging a fibre premium.

Why this matters: for a single person or a couple, a NZ$55–NZ$65 unlimited 4G plan is the cheapest unlimited-data package available; a home full of heavy users should budget for fibre at NZ$70–NZ$88/month.

Cheapest unlimited broadband plans compared

Nine plans, one pattern: unlimited wireless under NZ$70 is the budget tier, while unlimited fibre with meaningful speed starts at NZ$70 and climbs toward NZ$110.

Provider Plan / connection Monthly price Notes
Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited NZ$55 Lowest unlimited price in Canstar’s wireless comparison (Canstar NZ)
2degrees 4G Unlimited / 5G Unlimited NZ$60 / NZ$65 5G speed depends on local coverage
Genesis Energy 4G Unlimited / 5G Unlimited NZ$60 Energy retailer; can bundle with power
One NZ 4G Unlimited / 5G Unlimited NZ$65 Mid-range wireless pricing
Spark 4G Unlimited / 5G Unlimited NZ$65 / NZ$68 Priced above the budget leaders
Slingshot 4G Unlimited NZ$65 Wireless option in the same tier
Genesis Fibre Start Entry fibre, 100/20Mbps avg NZ$70 Unlimited data, free modem worth NZ$199 (Genesis Energy NZ)
Pulse Energy Unlimited broadband NZ$65, or NZ$58.33 avg with two months free Promotional offer, then NZ$70/month (Pulse Energy)
Skinny Fibre Fibre 300Mbps NZ$88, or NZ$78 with Skinny mobile Cheapest standard unlimited fibre in Canstar’s roundup (Canstar NZ)

The takeaway: every plan in the table is unlimited, and the real differences are the connection type, the speed you can actually get at home, and whether the price survives the first year.

Unlimited wireless vs fibre: upsides and downsides

Upsides

  • Prices that fit a budget: unlimited 4G from NZ$55/month and unlimited 5G from NZ$60/month.
  • No fixed-line installation for wireless plans — a practical option for renters and seniors.
  • Energy bundles lower the bill: Genesis Fibre Start at NZ$70/month and Pulse Energy’s promo average of NZ$58.33/month.
  • Comparing a full 12-month total, including free months and later price rises, exposes the real deal.

Downsides

  • Wireless speeds depend on location, congestion, and 5G coverage.
  • Advertised unlimited plans may apply fair-use traffic management during peak times.
  • Promotional pricing shifts after the offer window — Pulse Energy’s plan moves from its promo average to NZ$70/month.
  • Standard unlimited fibre costs NZ$80–NZ$110/month, a big jump from the wireless tier.
  • Free-modem deals sometimes require a 12-month contract.

The trade-off: a household that mainly streams, browses, and video-calls can live happily on a NZ$55–NZ$65 unlimited wireless plan; a household running a home office, gaming, or large downloads should budget for fibre at NZ$70–NZ$88/month.

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited is advertised at NZ$55/month, the lowest unlimited price in Canstar’s wireless comparison (Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site)).
  • Unlimited 4G from 2degrees and Genesis Energy starts at NZ$60/month, with One NZ, Spark, and Slingshot at NZ$65/month.
  • Standard unlimited fibre in Canstar’s roundup costs NZ$80–NZ$110/month (Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site)).
  • Genesis Fibre Start costs NZ$70/month with unlimited data and a free modem worth NZ$199 (Genesis Energy NZ (energy retailer)).

What remains unclear

  • Whether the lowest wireless prices include a modem and whether a free-modem deal locks the plan in for 12 months.
  • Exact renewal prices after Pulse Energy’s two-months-free window ends.
  • Which providers publish senior-only discounts without requiring a power or mobile bundle.
  • How much 4G speed a specific suburb actually delivers during peak evening hours.
  • Whether unlimited plans apply traffic management that slows very heavy users after large monthly usage.

The pattern: the price side of NZ broadband is well documented; the fine print — contracts, post-promo prices, and real-world speeds — is where surprises live.

What the comparisons say

Canstar’s standard fibre list puts Skinny’s unlimited fibre at NZ$88/month, or NZ$78/month when bundled with an eligible Skinny mobile plan.

Canstar NZ (broadband comparison site)

The smartest way to compare plans is to calculate the total cost over a 12-month period, rather than judging by the first month’s price.

Broadband.co.nz (NZ connection comparison guide)

Genesis Fibre Start is advertised at NZ$70/month with unlimited data and a free high-tech modem worth NZ$199.

Genesis Energy NZ (energy retailer)

Pulse Energy’s unlimited broadband offer is priced at NZ$65/month, with two months free bringing the average to NZ$58.33/month across the promotion.

Pulse Energy (power retailer with broadband bundles)

The common thread: the cheapest unlimited plans in New Zealand are either wireless packages or fibre deals carrying a promotional discount, and the 12-month price is what separates a genuine bargain from a short-term teaser.

Summary

New Zealand’s cheapest unlimited broadband in 2025 is not a standard fibre plan from a big telco — it is a 4G wireless plan from Skinny at NZ$55/month, with 2degrees and Genesis Energy close behind at NZ$60/month. Light households can stay under NZ$65 and get genuinely unlimited data; heavier households should expect to pay NZ$70–NZ$110/month for the upload speed and reliability that fibre provides. For a New Zealand household on a tight budget, the decision is clear: choose a $55–$65 unlimited wireless plan and verify the 12-month total first, or step up to a $70–$88 fibre plan if the home depends on fast, consistent connections for work or school.

Related reading: Cheapest broadband plans · Cheapest wireless broadband NZ

Additional sources

glimp.co.nz, canstar.co.nz, canstar.co.nz, broadbandcompare.co.nz, broadband.co.nz

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is unlimited broadband really unlimited in NZ?

Most advertised unlimited plans do not set a fixed data cap, but providers can slow speeds during peak times or after very heavy usage under fair-use policies. Reading the contract terms before signing avoids surprises.

What is the cheapest broadband for light internet users?

Skinny Wireless 4G Unlimited at NZ$55/month is the lowest unlimited price in Canstar’s wireless roundup, with 2degrees and Genesis Energy at NZ$60/month close behind. (Canstar NZ (comparison site))

Can I get broadband without a phone line?

Yes. 4G and 5G wireless broadband from providers such as Skinny, 2degrees, Genesis Energy, One NZ, and Spark runs over the mobile network and does not need a landline or a fixed-line installation.

How do I compare broadband plans in NZ?

Filter for unlimited plans, sort by lowest price, then add up the total cost over 12 months — including free months, modem fees, and any price rises after the promotion ends. That 12-month total is the method Broadband.co.nz recommends. (Broadband.co.nz (NZ comparison guide))

Are there any government subsidies for internet in NZ?

No universal government internet subsidy appears in the retail comparisons reviewed here. Seniors should ask their ISP directly about SuperGold Card rates or energy-bundle discounts, which are not always listed in standard price tables.

How much does unlimited fibre cost in NZ?

Standard unlimited fibre plans run from NZ$80 to NZ$110/month in Canstar’s roundup. The cheapest unlimited fibre in this review is Genesis Fibre Start at NZ$70/month, followed by Skinny at NZ$88/month — or NZ$78/month when bundled with a Skinny mobile plan.

Is 5G home broadband cheaper than fibre?

In many areas, yes. Unlimited 5G from 2degrees and Genesis Energy starts at NZ$60–NZ$65/month, undercutting most fibre plans, but coverage depends on the suburb and speeds vary with congestion.

Related reading

  • Cheapest wireless broadband NZ — Canstar NZ’s full 4G/5G wireless comparison.
  • Cheapest broadband plans — Canstar NZ’s standard fibre and broadband roundup.