Vodafone vs Spark: Which Unlimited Max Speed Data Plan Is Best?

Change is afoot at Vodafone, which recently unveiled plans to become One NZ early next year. Ahead of the name change, Vodafone has also launched a new pay monthly mobile offering in the form of its One plan. This plan notably comes loaded with unlimited maximum speed data, along with hotspotting at no extra cost, making it an attractive option for heavy data users who spend a lot of time on the go.

Meanwhile, Spark has also recently revamped its pay monthly offerings, introducing an Endless plan which, likewise, comes with unlimited maximum speed data. So, how do the Vodafone and Spark plans compare? We’ve pitted the One plan against Spark’s Endless plan equivalent to find out, running through the finer details of each.

In the following guide we’ll take a look at how these two plans stack up across key areas, from data, to talk and text, and, of course, cost. We’ll also cover other important features to keep in mind, including group plan offers, hotspotting, extra perks, 5G and international talk and text.

One plan vs Endless plan: Unlimited maximum speed data

As advised above, the following is an overview of the new Vodafone and Spark unlimited maximum speed data pay monthly mobile offerings. To start with, we’ve run through each plan’s key features: data, talk and text, and cost per billing period.

Beyond this, it is also important to weigh up the additional value that can be derived from other plan offerings. In the next section, we’ll delve further into the details of each plan, comparing the respective features worth keeping an eye out for.

One plan

As covered above, Vodafone’s One plan is a pay monthly plan, with it available on an open-term (no fixed contract) basis. The following table outlines how it ticks all of the boxes when it comes to unlimited data, talk and text.

Endless plan

Like Vodafone’s One plan, Spark’s Endless plan is also a pay monthly, open-term plan aimed at heavy data users. It also delivers customers the full unlimited experience, pairing unlimited data with unlimited talk and text.

→Related article: MyRepublic Unlimited Data Phone Plan: Is It A Good Value?

One plan vs Endless plan: Delving into the details

When shopping for a new mobile plan it is, of course, worthwhile weighing up all of the finer details. From the type and amount of data on offer, to group plan benefits and extra perks, this will allow you to pinpoint where value is to be found and help to separate one plan from the other.

Below we’ll explore in further detail what’s respectively on offer from the One plan and the Endless plan.

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Data

Data inclusions are obviously a key feature of many mobile plans, keeping you connected while on the go. With this in mind, chances are that if you’re looking at either the One plan or Endless plan data is going to be a top priority.

As covered above, the headline feature of both of these plans is that they come with unlimited maximum speed data. This means you’ll be able to stream, access social media and generally browse to your heart’s content without the threat of maxing out your data allowance.

Just keep in mind that a fair use policy applies for both plans (this is also relevant for talk and text – see the Vodafone and/or Spark websites for further details).

Talk and text

You can also talk and text as often as you like with both the One plan and the Endless plan. Both of these plans come with unlimited talk and texts for both New Zealand and Australian numbers (keep in mind that some numbers may not apply).

If you do have any questions with regard to the numbers covered, it will be worthwhile getting in touch with either Vodafone or Spark directly.

Group plans

Group plans, consisting of a primary plan (which customers initially sign up for) and companion plans, can be a good way for family and friends to band together and save. Both the One plan and Endless plan have group options.

• One plan – customers can add up to three companion plans at a cost of $35 per month per plan. All users will receive unlimited maximum speed data, along with unlimited talk and texts.

• Endless plan – Team Up allows customers to add up to three or more companion plans: you plus one (save 20%), you plus two (save 30%), or you plus three (save 35%). Unlike other providers, Team Up lets each user select from one of four plans, with the option for everyone to choose different plans that best suit their needs.

Hotspot

Hotspotting is a convenient way of turning your smartphone into a mobile router, allowing you to share your data wirelessly with other devices. This could come in handy while you’re out and about, or even as a substitute or back-up for a home broadband connection.

Both the One plan and Endless plan come with unlimited hotspot for both the primary and companion plans.

Extra perks

Sometimes plans may come with extra perks on top of the plan itself, allowing customers to tap into additional value. It may not be the driving factor behind your purchase, however, could well be a deciding feature separating one plan from the other.

• One plan – includes Vodafone Rewards, which Vodafone describes as providing customers “exclusive offers and experiences”, including various prizes, discounts, vouchers, tickets and other benefits.

• Endless plan – the primary and select companion plans come with a free Spotify Premium subscription. A Spark Sport subscription is provided free for six months for new customers (three months if upgrading).

5G

Mobile network operators have been busy rolling out 5G infrastructure around the country in recent times, paving the way for faster mobile internet. Of course, you’ll need a compatible 5G smartphone to access 5G services.

• One plan – 5G is included with all Vodafone mobile plans at no extra cost for a limited time. Vodafone’s 5G coverage map can be found here.

• Endless plan – 5G is also included with all Spark plans at no extra cost for a limited time. Spark’s 5G coverage map can be found here.

International talk and text

If you are frequently calling and texting international numbers, it will be worthwhile checking whether plans and add-ons will cover this. If a plan or an add-on does not provide coverage, you should confirm what rates will apply.

• One plan – comes with 250 minutes and 50 texts to standard numbers for 20 international destinations.

• Endless plan – Spark’s international talk and text add-on comes with 200 minutes and 100 texts for 20 destinations at a cost of $10 per month.

One plan vs Endless plan: Which to choose?

Both of these plans offer unlimited maximum speed data, along with unlimited talk and texts, and are both open-term, meaning you can cancel at any time. Vodafone’s One plan costs $80 per month and Spark’s Endless plan $100 per month.

However, beyond the monthly cost, keep in mind that the Endless plan also comes with a Spotify Premium subscription (valued at $14.99 per month) and an introductory Spark Sport subscription (valued at $19.99 per month).

Meanwhile, if you do use your mobile to call and text international numbers, the One plan’s international talk and text inclusion could be an attractive extra (just make sure to confirm your destination country is covered).

Given the similarity between the two plans, it could well be a case of plan extras swaying your decision one way or the other. With this in mind, beyond unlimited data, it will be worthwhile weighing up the full scope of each plan’s offerings in determining what is best for you.

*Further information on pricing can be found at individual retailer websites. This should be used as a starter guide and not considered an actual quote.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar author Martin Kovacs. Martin is a freelance writer with experience covering the business, consumer technology and utilities sectors. Martin has written about a wide range of topics across both print and digital publications, including the manner in which industry continues to adapt and evolve amid the rollout of new technologies.