If you’ve ever shopped for a mobile plan in New Zealand, you’ve likely seen the word “unlimited” floating around—but each provider defines it differently. Skinny calls its high-data offers “Endless” plans, and for good reason: they come with a full-speed cap before speeds drop off.

4 related posts

Skinny Endless plan starting price: $36 per 4 weeks · Full-speed data cap on cheapest Endless plan: 8GB · Highest Endless plan full-speed data: 30GB · Hotspotting allowed: Yes · Number of Endless data plans: 3

Quick snapshot

1Skinny Endless Plans
2Data Caps Explained
  • Endless plans are not truly unlimited – they have a full-speed cap (Skinny NZ)
  • Once the cap is exceeded, speeds are reduced to a maximum of 1.2 Mbps (Skinny NZ)
  • No overage charges – you never pay extra for going over the cap (Skinny NZ)
3Comparison with Rivals
4Who Should Choose Skinny?
  • Light to moderate mobile data users
  • People who want prepaid flexibility and no lock‑in contracts
  • Budget-conscious users
  • Anyone who needs hotspotting included
Key facts about Skinny’s Endless plans
Attribute Value
Provider Skinny NZ
Plan Name Endless Plans ($36, $50, $70) per 4 weeks
Price per 4 weeks $36 (8GB), $50 (18GB), $70 (30GB)
Full-speed data cap 8GB, 18GB, 30GB
Unlimited calls/texts Yes
Hotspotting Yes (Skinny NZ)
5G availability Limited (depends on plan & device) – Canstar notes 5G readiness

The pattern in these plans is consistent: Skinny offers a lower entry price but a smaller full-speed data bucket than most postpaid competitors.

Does Skinny have unlimited data?

What is Skinny’s Endless plan?

  • Skinny’s Endless plans are four-weekly prepaid plans that include a full-speed data allowance, then reduced speeds for the rest of the period (Skinny NZ – official plans page).
  • Three tiers: $36 (8GB full-speed), $50 (18GB full-speed), $70 (30GB full-speed) (Canstar Skinny review).
  • All include unlimited NZ minutes and texts (Skinny NZ).

How does Skinny define unlimited?

  • Skinny avoids the word “unlimited” and uses “Endless” to signal that after the full-speed cap, speeds slow to a maximum of 1.2 Mbps (Skinny NZ).
  • Unlike some carriers, Skinny does not charge overage fees – you simply get slower data.
Bottom line: Skinny’s Endless plans are capped at a full-speed allowance, then throttled. They’re not “unlimited” in the pure sense, but they also won’t surprise you with extra bills. Light users get exactly what they pay for.

Which mobile plan is best for unlimited data?

Top Skinny Endless plans for data users

  • $36 plan: 8GB full-speed data, best for casual browsing and messaging.
  • $50 plan: 18GB full-speed data, a sweet spot for moderate streamers.
  • $70 plan: 30GB full-speed data, suitable for heavy users who still want a prepaid model (Canstar Skinny review).

Comparing Skinny with other NZ mobile providers (Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees)

  • Skinny is prepaid only, with no contracts. Spark and Vodafone offer postpaid “unlimited” plans that start around $79–$89 per month but come with similar throttling after a full-speed cap (typically 100–120GB).
  • Skinny’s maximum full-speed data is 30GB, lower than rivals, but its $70 price is significantly cheaper than Spark’s $89 or Vodafone’s $79 (Canstar endless data comparison).
  • Data rollover is not available on Endless plans, unlike some of Skinny’s own non-Endless plans that include rollover minutes and data (Canstar non-Endless plan details).
The trade-off

Skinny gives you a lower up‑front cost but also a lower full-speed data ceiling. For NZ users who stream a couple of hours a day, 30GB might be tight; for light users, 8GB is enough and saves $34 every 4 weeks compared to a competitor’s postpaid plan.

Three Endless plans, one clear trade‑off: pay less for less full‑speed data, or pay more for more data before throttle.

Feature $36 plan $50 plan $70 plan
Price (per 4 weeks) $36 $50 $70
Full-speed data 8GB 18GB 30GB
Throttled speed after cap Max 1.2 Mbps Max 1.2 Mbps Max 1.2 Mbps
Hotspotting Included Included Included
NZ calls & texts Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
5G ready On compatible devices On compatible devices On compatible devices

The pattern: each tier costs roughly $14–$20 more for an extra 10–12GB of full‑speed data. If you consistently use less than 8GB, the $36 plan is the best value. Users who need more than 20GB will want the $70 plan, but should also check whether a rival’s postpaid plan might offer a better per‑gigabyte cost.

Bottom line: The implication: Skinny’s pricing rewards users who accurately estimate their monthly data needs.

Is the Skinny Mobile Plan good?

Pros of Skinny mobile plans

  • Low cost – starting at $36 per 4 weeks for an Endless plan with unlimited calls/texts and hotspotting.
  • No contract – prepaid flexibility with no credit check.
  • Unlimited NZ minutes and texts to NZ and Australian mobile numbers (Skinny NZ).
  • Hotspotting included – you can share your data with other devices.
  • Skinny won the Canstar award for prepaid mobile (citation needed from Canstar).

Cons of Skinny mobile plans

  • Data caps on Endless plans – after the full-speed allowance, you’re throttled to 1.2 Mbps.
  • No 5G on all plans – 5G is available only on compatible devices and specific plans (Canstar – 5G readiness note).
  • Limited customer support – Skinny is a digital‑first provider with no physical stores.

User reviews and ratings

“I’m currently on a 8GB capped $40 endless data plan with Skinny. It runs on endless reduced speeds after using up 8GB of max speeds.”

Reddit user in r/newzealand

Many Reddit users report that the reduced speed (1.2 Mbps) is usable for messaging and web browsing but not for video streaming. The general sentiment is that Skinny offers good value for light users but heavy data users find the throttle too restrictive.

Why this matters

For a prepaid user in New Zealand, the decision isn’t just about price—it’s about whether you can live with a 1.2 Mbps throttle for the rest of the month. That speed is enough for WhatsApp and Spotify, but not for YouTube or Netflix in HD.

Confirmed facts

  • Skinny Endless plans have a full-speed data cap (Skinny NZ).
  • Hotspotting is allowed (Skinny NZ).
  • Throttle speed is exactly 1.2 Mbps after the cap (Skinny NZ).
  • Unlimited NZ calls and texts – including to Australian mobile numbers (Skinny NZ).
  • No overage charges – you never pay extra for going over the cap.

What’s unclear

  • The specific Mbps of reduced speed when it isn’t officially stated – Skinny confirms 1.2 Mbps, but some user reports suggest variability.
  • The full 5G rollout status for all plans – Canstar says plans are “5G ready” but Skinny’s site doesn’t guarantee 5G on every Endless plan (Canstar).
Bottom line: The catch: Skinny is excellent for budget-conscious light users, but heavy streamers should factor in the throttle before committing.

How much does 5G unlimited data cost?

5G plans available from Skinny

Skinny does not currently offer a dedicated 5G plan. 5G is available on some compatible devices when connected to the Spark network, but it is not marketed as a separate 5G plan. The Endless plans work over both 4G and 5G where available (Canstar).

Average cost of 5G unlimited plans in New Zealand

  • Spark Unlimited 5G: $89/month for 120GB full-speed then throttle.
  • Vodafone Unlimited 5G: $79/month for 100GB full-speed then throttle.
  • 2degrees Unlimited 5G: $79/month for 100GB full-speed then throttle.
  • Skinny’s $70 Endless plan gives 30GB full-speed at a lower price, but with a lower cap.

“Skinny does award winning prepay mobile and broadband at great prices across NZ.”

Skinny NZ – official site

The pattern: even on 5G, “unlimited” in NZ still means a hard data threshold before speed reduction.

Is an unlimited data plan worth it?

Who should consider unlimited data?

  • Heavy streamers who watch Netflix or YouTube for more than 2–3 hours daily on mobile will benefit from a postpaid unlimited plan with a large full-speed cap (100GB+) – but even those plans come with throttle.
  • Frequent tetherers who use their phone as a hotspot for laptops will need a high full-speed cap to avoid being slowed to 1.2 Mbps.

When a capped plan makes more sense

  • According to the New Zealand Commerce Commission, the average mobile data usage per user is around 10–15GB per month. A Skinny $36 Endless plan (8GB) may be too small, but the $50 (18GB) or $70 (30GB) fits most users comfortably.
  • The cost difference between Skinny’s $70 Endless and Spark’s $89 Unlimited is $19 per month – but you get 30GB full-speed instead of 120GB. If you rarely exceed 30GB, the Skinny plan saves you $228 per year.

For light to moderate users, a capped plan is almost always better value than paying for a high‑cap “unlimited” plan that gives you more data than you need.

The catch

“Unlimited” in New Zealand always means “full‑speed limit then reduced speeds.” Skinny is more honest about this by calling it “Endless.” The real question is whether you can live with 1.2 Mbps for the last week of the month. If you can, you save money. If not, you may need to pay more for a plan with a bigger full‑speed cap.

The implication for NZ prepaid users: know your monthly data habit, then pick the Endless tier that matches it – or pay more for a plan that you’ll never fully use.

Related reading: iPhone 16 Pro Max NZ: Price, Availability & Carriers 2025 · West Auckland Internet Outage: Chorus Map & Vandalism Facts

Additional sources

canstar.co.nz, glimp.co.nz, moneyhub.co.nz, churnewzealand.com

For a broader look at how Skinny’s Endless plans stack up against other New Zealand unlimited data plans, check out our comparison of the major carriers.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get unlimited data on Skinny’s prepaid plans?

Skinny’s Endless plans provide a fixed full-speed data allowance (8–30GB) per 4 weeks, after which speeds slow to 1.2 Mbps. They are not truly unlimited, but you never pay overage fees.

What is the difference between Endless and Unlimited?

Skinny uses “Endless” to describe plans that have a full-speed cap then throttled speeds. Other providers use “Unlimited” but also impose a similar cap – the difference is usually the size of the full-speed allowance and the price.

Does Skinny charge for excess data?

No. Once you exceed your full-speed allowance, your speeds are reduced, but you are not charged extra.

How do I top up my Skinny plan?

You can top up through the Skinny app, website, or at retail partners. Plans renew automatically every 4 weeks unless you cancel.

Is Skinny good for streaming?

At full speed, yes. After the cap, 1.2 Mbps is enough for music streaming and standard‑definition video, but not for HD streaming on Netflix or YouTube.

Does Skinny have a family plan?

No, Skinny does not offer shared family plans. Each line has its own separate plan.

Can I keep my number when switching to Skinny?

Yes, you can port your existing New Zealand mobile number to Skinny. You will need your current provider’s account details.

For a light to moderate mobile user in New Zealand, Skinny’s Endless plans offer genuine savings without the shock of unexpected bills. The trade‑off is a lower full‑speed data ceiling – but if 8–30GB a month covers your needs, you’ll pay less than you would for a postpaid “unlimited” plan from Spark or Vodafone. Heavy streamers and constant tetherers, on the other hand, should look elsewhere or be ready to work within a 1.2 Mbps throttle. The choice for NZ prepaid users comes down to this: accurately estimate your monthly data use, then pick the Endless tier that matches it.