Lightning Broadband vs Vodafone - Which is the best NBN internet provider?
Vodafone is a global player, offering a broad range of services beyond just NBN, often appealing to customers who value bundled plans and recognisable branding. Lightning Broadband, on the other hand, is a smaller, more specialised Australian provider focusing purely on internet, with reviews often highlighting their personalised customer service and strong local support. Vodafone suits those wanting an all-in-one solution, while Lightning Broadband is often preferred by those seeking a dedicated, responsive internet experience.
Lightning Broadband and Vodafone are both reputable broadband internet providers in Australia.
Deciding which NBN or wireless internet company to sign up to is not an easy task. To make this process easier we have provided a side by side comparison of Lightning Broadband and Vodafone internet providers in the table below.
Disclaimer: All the data in the table is based on the opinions of people who have submitted reviews to this site over the last 24 months. We screen the reviews very thoroughly to ensure only accurate reviews get through. Please do your own research.
| Criteria | Lightning Broadband | Vodafone |
|---|---|---|
| About |
|
|
| Lightning Broadband runs its own fixed wireless and private fibre network across Melbourne, with plans up to 1000 Mbps for addresses inside the Lightning footprint. It sits alongside the nbn rather than reselling it, so customers in covered buildings get to bypass the FTTN/FTTB copper that would otherwise cap their speeds. Lightning is small and Melbourne specific but useful for residents of apartment blocks where its network is already wired in. | Vodafone is one of Australia's three major mobile networks and has been part of TPG Telecom since the 2020 merger. Alongside mobile it sells nbn and 5G home wireless broadband. | |
| Go to Lightning Broadband | Go to Vodafone | |
| Overall Rating | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Recommended | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Reliability | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Customer Service | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Value for Money | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Technical Support | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Australian based technical support | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Call Centre Location | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Services Offered | [Not enough reviews] | [Not enough reviews] |
| Cost of 25Mbps NBN Plan with unlimited data |
Lightning Broadband - Entry level: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $72 per month. Lightning Broadband - Entry Level: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $72 per month. Lightning Broadband - Entry Level: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $72 per month. |
Vodafone - Basic: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $74 per month. |
| Cost of 50Mbps NBN Plan with unlimited data |
Lightning Broadband - Everyday internet: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $85 per month. Lightning Broadband - Everyday Internet: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $85 per month. Lightning Broadband - Everyday Internet: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $85 per month. |
Vodafone - Essential: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $84 per month. |
| Cost of wireless broadband plan |
Vodafone - 5G Home Internet Basic (5G): 19Mbps, unlimited data for $60 per month. |
|
| Contact Details |
Lightning Broadband's phone number is: 1300 477 525 and website is: lightningbroadband.com.au |
Vodafone's phone number is: 1300 650 410 and website is: vodafone.com.au |
| Read Reviews | Read reviews of Lightning Broadband. | Read reviews of Vodafone. |
| Go to Lightning Broadband | Go to Vodafone |
Lightning Broadband and Vodafone NBN25 plans (25Mbps download speed)
|
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Entry Level
NBN - Private Fibre
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$72/mth
$45 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Entry level
NBN - Private Fibre
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$72/mth
$45 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Entry Level
NBN - Private Fibre
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$72/mth
$45 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Basic
NBN - Fixed Line
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$74/mth | Go to site |
|
|
Fibre Plans Entry Level
NBN - Private Fibre
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$79/mth | Go to site |
Lightning Broadband and Vodafone NBN50 plans (50Mbps download speed)
|
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Essential
NBN - Fixed Line
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$84/mth | Go to site |
|
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Everyday internet
NBN - Private Fibre
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$85/mth
$65 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Everyday Internet
NBN - Private Fibre
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$85/mth
$65 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Everyday Internet
NBN - Private Fibre
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$85/mth
$65 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Everyday Internet
NBN - Private Fibre
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$89/mth | Go to site |
Lightning Broadband and Vodafone Ultrafast plans (>100Mbps download speed)
|
|
Essential+
NBN - Fixed Line
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$89/mth
$69 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
|
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Home Fast+
NBN - Fixed Line
740 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$94/mth
$74 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Most Popular Plan
NBN - Private Fibre
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$95/mth
$69 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Most Popular Plan
NBN - Private Fibre
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$95/mth
$69 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
most popular plan
NBN - Private Fibre
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$95/mth
$69 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Entertainment Plus
NBN - Private Fibre
750 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$104/mth
$75 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
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Home Superfast
NBN - Fixed Line
850 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$104/mth
$84 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Entertainment Plus
NBN - Private Fibre
750 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$104/mth
$75 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Entertainment plus
NBN - Private Fibre
750 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$104/mth
$75 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
speed
NBN - Private Fibre
1000 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$109/mth
$85 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Speed
NBN - Private Fibre
1000 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$109/mth
$85 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Most Popular Plan
NBN - Private Fibre
100 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$109/mth | Go to site |
|
|
Speed
NBN - Private Fibre
1000 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$109/mth
$85 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Business Plus
NBN - Private Fibre
200 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$129/mth | Go to site |
|
|
Speed
NBN - Private Fibre
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$169/mth | Go to site |
Summary of Lightning Broadband and Vodafone comparison
Please note that summary below is based on reviews submitted to this website and represents the views of the people who wrote the reviews.
- Overall: Vodafone rates higher overall than Lightning Broadband does.
- Recommended: Vodafone is more highly recommended than Lightning Broadband.
- Reliability: Vodafone rates higher for reliability than Lightning Broadband does.
- Customer Service: Vodafone rates higher for customer service than Lightning Broadband does.
- Value for Money: Vodafone rates higher for value for money than Lightning Broadband does.
- Technical Support: Vodafone rates higher for technical support than Lightning Broadband does.
How to decide between Lightning Broadband and Vodafone? - next steps
- Read reviews of Lightning Broadband and Vodafone to see what people think of these companies
- Visit the website of each company and do some of your own research - Lightning Broadband and Vodafone
- Decide how fast your connection need to be and how much data you need then use our broadband plan finder to narrow down the list of plans and find the best plan that suits your budget
- Choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. Remember, that you can easily change plans but changing broadband internet providers is more difficult so it is really important that you choose a solid internet provider.
Frequently asked questions about Lightning Broadband vs Vodafone
Is Lightning Broadband better than Vodafone?
Both Lightning Broadband and Vodafone have fewer than 5 verified reviews on Oz Broadband Reviews, so we don't yet show aggregate ratings. Compare plans and prices in the tables above, or read the individual reviews on each company's page.
Which is cheaper for NBN50, Lightning Broadband or Vodafone?
Lightning Broadband's cheapest NBN50 plan is the Everyday Internet at $65/month intro for 6 months, then $85/month. Vodafone's cheapest NBN50 plan is the Essential at $84/month ongoing. Vodafone is cheaper on the ongoing price after any intro period ends.
What plans do Lightning Broadband and Vodafone offer?
Lightning Broadband offers 20 NBN plans. Vodafone offers 5 NBN plans and 3 wireless plans. See the full plan tables above for prices, speeds and data limits.
Where are Lightning Broadband and Vodafone's call centres?
Lightning Broadband's customer support is based in Melbourne. Vodafone's customer support is based in Australia, India and Egypt. Call centre location can affect support hours and accent comprehension if onshore support is important to you.
How do I switch from Lightning Broadband to Vodafone (or Vodafone to Lightning Broadband)?
Switching NBN providers in Australia is straightforward. The new provider handles the transfer once you sign up and provide your address. There's usually no contract overlap if your current plan is month-to-month, but check for early termination fees on contracted plans. Phone numbers can usually be ported, and the service typically continues uninterrupted on the same NBN line.
What customers say
About Vodafone
Had to buy multiple range extenders to make it usable. Wouldn’t recommend
My Vodafone 5G home internet plan has been able to support me with all my working from home needs over the pandemic, as well as all of my various…
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