optus prepaid business plans

Optus mobile plans

Our verdict: Optus has excellent coverage and some of the fastest 5G mobile speeds in the country. However, its plans are priced at a premium, which might not suit all budgets.

In this guide

Optus mobile review: Our verdict

Value for money, customer service, bonus features.

Mobile phone providers

• No excess data charges on postpaid plans
• 5G network is increasingly available across Australia
• One of the better priced roaming add-ons around ($5 for 5GB per day on postpaid plans)
• Plan prices are slightly higher than average

Compare Optus mobile plans

• Samsung S24

Optus is Australia's second-largest network, covering 98.5% of the Australian population (Telstra covers 99.5% and Vodafone covers 96%). Optus may not have Telstra's extensive coverage, but it should be more than enough for most people.

While Optus doesn't offer the cheapest entry-level plans , it does have options that come with generous data inclusions and the ability to pay off new phones over 12, 24 and 36 months on postpaid plans.

Plus, its range of perks, including access to its 5G network and access to Optus Sport (for an additional cost on postpaid plans), might justify the premium price for some.

Optus may be the right choice for you in the following situations:

• You prefer generous data limits up to 500GB a month , with no excess-data charges on postpaid plans
• You plan to use international roaming for the occasional short overseas trip
• You want the security of being with a first-party, established network
• You are interested in connecting to a 5G network

However, it's worth keeping a couple of things in mind:

• Optus shares its 3G/4G network with a large number of MVNOs , meaning you can get the same coverage for cheaper
• Access to its 5G network will vary depending on your location

What do Australians think of Optus mobile provider?

• 3.67/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — lower than the average of 4.15, and this was the lowest score in the category
• 3.69/5 for Trust — lower than the average of 4.43, and this was the lowest score in the category
• 3.54/5 for Customer Service — lower than the average of 4.01, and this was the lowest score in the category

Based on Optus mobile provider scores in Finder's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Awards .

Read a more detailed review on

• Phone plans

Optus Flex plans are pretty simple: $1 a day for 4G or $2 a day for 5G, billed daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annually or annually so you can control how and when you use it. Prepaid Flex includes 1GB a day (which can roll over up to 200GB) and unlimited calls and texts.

These Flex plans are okay since they hit the benchmark of $1 per GB , but aren't anything too special.

If you need more data, Optus's Epic plans come as 28- or 365-day recharges.

Its longer expiry 365-day plans offer about 10GB–25GB a month and are great value if you're willing to commit to the plan for a full year .

• Good to know: The ACCC says the average person actually uses less than 15GB of data a month so Optus's 365-day plans could be within your sweet spot. Plus, if you have the cash up-front, that's a huge saving over time compared to getting one of its regular 28-day prepaid plans.

Things get more reasonable with Optus's 180GB for $62 plans and higher, with data getting cheaper the more you're willing to spend on your plan.

• Keep in mind: Optus's postpaid plans are often a few dollars more expensive than other similar plans and offer more data than most people actually need in a month.
• Keep in mind: Phone contracts end up being more expensive in the long run compared to buying outright, but pre-order offers and other sales throughout the year might get you a good deal so watch out for those.

Optus has the second-largest network in Australia, narrowly behind Telstra and covering a decent amount more than Vodafone.

• Its 3G and 4G network covers 98.5% of the Australian population (compared to Telstra's 99.5% and Vodafone's 96%)
• Optus's outdoor 5G mobile coverage is available in selected metro areas, mostly on the east coast, with more areas coming soon
• 4G coverage is available in metropolitan, regional and most rural areas. Those in more remote areas should check Optus's coverage maps to ensure they're within its scope

You can reach Optus's support team all week through various points of contact.

• Phone support is available 8am–8pm 7 days a week
• Live messaging in the app is available 24/7
• You can also go into an Optus store any day of the week to ask questions and get assistance

⚽️ Optus Sport

Optus Sport is the exclusive broadcaster for the English Premier League in Australia. Access is discounted at $6.99 for Optus customers on all postpaid plans.

Non-Optus customers can watch for $24.99 a month.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Data sharing

You can share data between Optus plans under the same account. This can be handy for families looking to bundle all their plans under one account.

🏋️ OS Fitness

Optus Sport Fitness is also included with your Optus Sport subscription and will give you access to a variety of video workouts you can follow from home.

🔄 Data rollover

With Optus, you can roll over up to 200GB on most prepaid plans.

🌏 International roaming

Postpaid plans: For $5 a day, in "Zone 1 countries", you get unlimited calls as well as 5GB to use per day. Alternatively, you can pay $35 for 35GB over 7 days. The add-on expires once inclusions are used up.

Prepaid plans: For $5 per day, you can get 1GB of data, 100 texts and up to 100 minutes to use in Zone 1 destinations. Other options include 7GB for $35 over 7 days or 10GB for $20 over 14 days.

Which rivals are giving Optus a run for its money?

Optus has some serious rivals, especially considering it shares its network with so many smaller providers.

For more coverage:

Telstra is Australia's largest network with the best coverage. Just remember that you'll pay more for that improved service .

For cheaper 5G:

SpinTel operates on the full Optus network, with a couple of 5G plans that cost less than Optus's .

For cheap and big data:

Circles.Life has mobile plans at ridiculously low prices on the Optus 4G network. Its $45 plan includes 100GB of data, which is far better value than Optus's $49 for 30GB plan.

Ready to sign up to Optus?

If you're after a prepaid or postpaid plan, just click the "Go to site" button in our comparison tables, which will take you straight to Optus where you can purchase the plan directly.

Can I keep my current phone number? Absolutely. If your number is in your name, just notify Optus you want to transfer it when you sign up. All you have to do is fill out a form.

If your number isn't currently in your name (perhaps under that of a parent or partner), let Optus know and they'll give you an extra form for you and the owner to fill out.

You can also check out our guide on how to transfer ownership of your mobile number for more information.

Compare other products from Optus

• Optus internet plans

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Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney. See full bio

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How does data sharing work for Optus' mobile plans? We've got the full explanation.

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Optus Mobile

4,949 reviews

• Pre-Paid Sim Only
• Post-Paid Sim Only
• Post-Paid with Phone

Latest Shorts

Don’t use optus mobile, poor plans and service, optus no good, worst..worst..worst, optus the rip-offs, optus is a joke of a company.

Hi there, we're sorry to hear about the experience you've had with us, this is certainly not the level of service we strive to provide. We've passed this on as feedback for further review and future i ... Read more

AVOID Optus

Hi Amir, I'm sorry to hear of the experience you've had with us. We'd be happy to take a look and provide further assistance to sort this out for you. Could you please send get in touch with our socia ... Read more

Hi Phoebe, it's disappointing that this has been your experience with us. It's not what we want for you at all and we'd be happy to assist with any issues you're having if you send us a message → external link   - Aron

Loyalty ain't mean nothing to optus

Hi Emily, we appreciate your feedback on our current offers available to you as an existing customer. We've tagged this to be sent through to the relevant teams for review. We'd be happy to further as ... Read more

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear about your mobile coverage issue you have been facing recently. I appreciate you bringing this to our attention. ... Read more

Amazing Deal and Customer Service

Optus Eastland a NO from me

Hi Will - I'm disappointed to hear about your recent experience with one of our 'yes' Optus Retail stores. This is certainly not the level of service we strive to provide. We will undoubtedly need to ... Read more

Optus plans and need to be vigilant

Hey Charles. It's not great to hear about the troubles you have had with us and your plan as of recent times. We can understand the hassles caused. ... Read more

Paying for service incapable of rendering

Hi Llewellyn, to use your watch (manage calls on your watch) without your mobile phone is the number share feature. Just to confirm you have activated this feature on your service → external link   . ... Read more

I feel ripped off

We realise that a price increase is not ideal, no matter the cost. We can review your account to see if there are any options that will better suit your need. ... Read more

CRAP SERVICE AT Optus SHOP, PERTH

Hi there, I'm disappointed to hear about your recent experience with one of our 'yes' Optus Retail stores. This is certainly not the level of service we strive to provide. We will undoubtedly need to ... Read more

Totally useless Optus app

Hi Simon, Sorry to hear you're experiencing these issues with the My Optus app. So we can investigate this matter and assist you further, please reach out to our 24/7 Social Media Team → external link   . ... Read more

Ridiculous price increases and poor customer service

Hey Amy, we're sorry to hear about your experience with us, and we're sorry to leave you feeling this way. ... Read more

Avoid Optus at all cost, they treat you like you are a half-wit

Service horrible

Hi Alexandre, Sorry to hear your discount hasn't been applied to your NBN service. ... Read more

Questions & Answers

when are you fixing the internet in the varsity lakes area, money is tight in my family and we cant leave our contract but the internet is bad. It straight up doesnt work. please optus do your job and make internet that atleast works decently

Hey Riley, sorry to hear that this is your experience with our Network in your area.

Please reach out to our 24/7 Social Media team → external link   with your Product Review username and more details so that we can assist you further. Dez

Sorry Riley but I only have Optus sport regard Alain

Is the ASUS AX3000 Dual-Band Gigabit Router compatible with optus and nbn?

Hey Riley, thanks for reaching out. Your BYO modem must be compatible and in working order. You are responsible for configuring your modem.

• BYO modem must be compatible with the nbn and should be l ... Read more

If I don't have a copy of my Optus account home internet how do I get my account number as Optus can't fix my internet without account number

Hi Lois, if you have access to your online Optus My Account or Optus app then you can get the account number there. Alternatively, you can provide your broadband username or landline (home phone) numb ... Read more

Contact info for Optus Mobile

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Home » Mobile

Telstra vs Optus Mobile: 5G, plans, coverage and value

We pit Australia’s two largest mobile network operators against each other.

• Telstra vs Optus: Quick verdict
• Telstra vs Optus: Which has the best coverage

Does Telstra or Optus have cheaper plans?

Telstra vs optus: which has the highest data mobile plan, telstra vs optus: which has the best customer service, telstra vs optus: phone plans.

• Telstra vs Optus: International roaming

Telstra vs Optus: Prepaid plans

Telstra vs optus faqs.

In the broadband arena, Telstra and Optus aren’t all that different. On the other hand, there’s a huge difference in value when it comes to the mobile and phone plans available from Australia's two biggest providers. BYO customers have a large suite of options from both providers but for our money, Optus offers better value when buying either a SIM-only plan or a new phone on a plan.

As for coverage, it’s a no-brainer. Telstra is the undefeated coverage champion in Australia and shows no signs of slowing down with the rollout of 5G. That said, Optus has been hot on Telstra’s heels over the years and can offer better value on a data-per-dollar basis.

Telstra and Optus are like the Godzilla and King Kong of Australian telcos. They've clashed plenty of times over the years, but it's easy to wonder if the two have more in common than they do apart.

If you're struggling to choose between Telstra and Optus, we can't blame you. However, we can offer some advice. Let's start with the pros and cons plus a round-up of the postpaid plans from each of the two providers, side-by-side:

Telstra vs Optus: Which has the best coverage?

There’s no question about it, Telstra is and always has been the leading Australian telco for mobile network coverage.

With 99.5% of the Australian population by Telstra’s 4G network and a dedication to delivering coverage in some of the most remote parts of Australia with its Blue Tick initiative , Telstra has always been the most reliable in terms of coverage. That’s why so many people in rural areas have been happy to pay the premium.

To be completely fair, Optus network still covers a whopping 98.5% of the Australian population. That doesn’t sound like much of a difference but when we’re talking about over 25 million Australians, it’s quite a large difference.

To get a sense of how the coverage of Telstra compares to that of its biggest rival, use the provider dropdown in the mobile coverage map below to compare the two.

Telstra vs Optus: 5G coverage

While the earliest and messiest days of the 5G network rollout are likely behind us, Telstra's first mover advantage remains more or less intact. A quick glance at the 5G coverage map below shows that Telstra has superior 5G coverage in most major cities and many regional areas. Telstra's 5G network now covers over 85% of the Australian population.

Optus has a decent 5G footprint too, now covering over 1.4 million homes. But if you use the dropdown in the map below to switch between the two providers, you'll see that Telstra has a significantly higher density of coverage in metropolitan areas.

Telstra vs Optus: MVNO coverage

When it comes to the MVNOs, Telstra and Optus do differ when it comes to much of their network they're willing to share.

Telstra customers have access to the carrier's entire network footprint, which covers 99.5% of the Australian population. Meanwhile, Telstra MVNOs like ALDI mobile use the Telstra Wholesale Network.

This skimmed-down version of Telstra's network reaches just 98.8% of the Australian population. That might not sound like a huge difference, but if you're in a rural area it can count for a lot. The one exception here is Boost Mobile , which does have access to the full Telstra network.

For a comparison of how Telstra's MVNO partners compare to its own in-house plans, check out the widget below.

In contrast, MVNOs on the Optus network have access to the exact same coverage footprint as Optus' own customers. This is great for consumers as it means they can look for the best deal without having to worry.

Check out the widget below for a round-up showing how Optus compares to Optus MVNOs using the same infrastructure when it comes to SIM-only and prepaid plans with at least 20GB of data.

Telstra vs Optus vs Vodafone coverage

Want to know how Vodafone stacks up against the big guns in terms of coverage? Visit our dedicated Telstra vs Optus vs Vodafone coverage guide for the full lowdown.

When it comes to these titanic telcos, working with a limited budget can be tough.

Cheap isn’t exactly the word you associate with either provider. For the sake of this match-up, let’s take a look at the cheapest SIM-only plans offered by both providers and what they include. It's worth noting that Telstra moved to an upfront payment system for its BYO SIM plans in 2021. Most of the inclusions remain the same, with a few small upgrades, but all Telstra SIM-only plans are now charged at the start of the month, rather than the end of your billing period.

The cheapest Optus SIM plan currently available will get you 30GB of data, unlimited standard calls and text. If you're using a compatible handset, you'll also get 5G everywhere that the Optus network offers it.

The cheapest Telstra SIM plan will get you 50GB of data, unlimited standard calls and text. It has 5G connectivity, but limited to speeds of 250Mbps. On paper, Telstra's next-generation network is capable of speeds as many as four times that figure. However, if you'll have to live within those limits if you want to take advantage of the biggest 5G network on a budget.

That said, the cheapest SIM-only plans are rarely the best value from any mobile provider. That’s just as true here as anywhere else. Both Telstra and Optus offer much better value SIM-only plans if you’re happy to pay even a fraction more.

Likewise,  there's even better value to be had (though only SpinTel , Southern Phone and Aussie Broadband offer 5G plans) if you're happy to go with a lesser-known provider on the Telstra or Optus network.

Telstra vs Vodafone mobile match-up

We pit Australia’s biggest mobile network (Telstra) against its third biggest (Vodafone).

Optus offers up to 360GB per month on its most expensive phone plan. It's a very pricey plan, but it does come with unlimited standard international calls and text to 35 selected destinations, and discounted access to Optus Sport subscription . You'll pay $6.99 per month instead of the $24.99 per month you're billed if you're not an Optus customer. 

Like Telstra, Optus no longer has excess data charges, switching to a more manageable endless data solution where your speeds are capped at 1.5Mbps when you exceed your monthly allowance. So even if you do go over your data with either provider, you won't get any unnecessary bill shock .

Telstra currently offers 180GB mobile data on its most expensive plan. It costs you a pretty penny but it also gets you unlimited standard calls and text plus a bagful of bonuses like free streaming subscriptions.

Of course, pricing, data and perks aren't the only considerations when tossing up between mobile providers. You also want to know any issues you may have will be sorted out quickly and easily, so customer service is an important factor to think about.

Australian telcos don't have the best reputation for customer service and satisfaction, and Telstra and Optus are actually two of the worst offenders. According to user-generated reviews website Product Review, Telstra has a meagre 1.4-star rating, while Optus has an even lower 1.3-star rating.

Based on those numbers alone, Telstra  just  comes out on top, but neither provider gets a full tick of approval from us for customer service.

It is of course remembering that user reviews aren't always the best way to judge a telco - most people aren't going to go out of the way to rave to write an online review unless they've had a particularly bad experience.

Telstra and Optus both offer the option to pay your phone off over 12, 24, or 36 months. 

Of course, the longer you contract for, the cheaper your monthly handset repayments will be. You'll end up paying roughly the same for your handset across all options but longer contracts and lower monthly payments will work for some, whereas others would rather pay more per month if it means shortening the contract period.

For this comparison, we've selected the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G 128GB 24-month contract.

With this particular plan and handset combination, Optus offers the lower starting price on a plan with 30GB per month, but a little extra will get you 20GB per month with Telstra. 

When it comes to overall value for other handsets, like the latest iPhone , Optus often pops up in our monthly picks for the best mobile phone plans in Australia.

It's also worth noting that you're only contracted to pay off the handset repayments. The plans themselves are technically month-to-month, so if you cancel there aren't any exorbitant cancellation fees, you just need to pay off the handset. That's why the total minimum cost for each plan seems so low, you're only obligated to pay for one month of service and the full cost of the handset.

For a better sense of how these plans compare to the rest of the market, let's take a look at some more popular Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB handset combinations from every other provider that offers that the device.

Optus vs Vodafone mobile match-up

We pit Australia’s second biggest mobile network (Optus) against its third biggest (Vodafone).

Telstra vs Optus: International roaming plans compared

Optus prepaid Flex Plus plan pricing

Optus' prepaid Flex Plus plans start at $12 per week and go up to $320 per year. The idea here is that you can better scale and match the cost of your mobile data to your needs.

The big difference between Telstra and Optus prepaid plans is the way that international calls are handled.

Consumers who opt for a Flex Plus prepaid plan with 28-day expiry with international calls get unlimited calls to 20 countries. If you're keen to call a destination that isn't on that list or go with a prepaid plan that doesn't include international calls, then Optus sells a $5 add-on that gets you up to 300 minutes standard international talk to 50 selected destinations.

Telstra prepaid starter kit pricing

Telstra currently offers a wide range of prepaid plans, which go from as cheap as $12 to as much as $320.

New Telstra customers get to choose between seven different starter kits. Each of these plans comes with a boatload of bonus data up-front. However, that allowance will start to shrink following your third recharge. Check out the widget below for a no-nonsense breakdown of Telstra prepaid plans.

Returning existing Telstra customers have just as many options to choose from when it comes to prepaid recharge plans. There's a slight difference between the price you'll be paying for a starter kit versus the cost of recharging each month, as well as the inclusions that either gets you. In any case, check out the widget below for the full round-up of Telstra prepaid recharge plans .

Telstra prepaid recharge pricing

The one difference between these two categories of Telstra prepaid plans, aside from the amount of data included, is the number of international calls you get. For a full breakdown of how international inclusions vary across the Telstra prepaid plan range, check out the table below.

Telstra prepaid long expiry pricing

For those seeking a low-cost and long expiry option, there's the Telstra Prepaid Mobile Casual plan. This corner of the roster might not be enough for data hungry Aussies looking to make the most of the latest iPhone. Still, it might be a good option for younger (or older) consumers looking to rely on a feature phone like the Nokia 225 4G.

Hopping on board the bandwagon here will cost you a budget-friendly $35. The plan you get for that thrifty sum includes got six-month expiry but only 350MB of data, 80 minutes of talk, and 100 texts. That's not much to work with, but there are a few different options when it comes to topping up your data allowance as you go along.

As with the rest of the Telstra prepaid roster, the international inclusions for the prepaid casual plan change depending on how much you want to pay when it comes time to recharge. Check out the table below for a breakdown of the international inclusions for each of the plans listed in the widget above.

Telstra vs Optus: who has the best prepaid plans?

Like Telstra, Optus' best-value prepaid plans also tend to be reserved for new and online-only customers. Still, the widget below should give you a better idea of how the two providers compare when it comes to prepaid plans offering at least 30GB of data per month.

All that considered though, Telstra and Optus are rarely the best options when it comes to prepaid plans. There are plenty of cheaper providers that use the Optus and Telstra networks to power their own prepaid mobile services.

If you like the idea of saving some cash while keeping the same level of coverage, MVNOs are an option well worth considering. Here are the most popular prepaid plans on the Telstra and Optus networks this week that aren't available from either big provider.

• Telstra eSIM vs Optus eSIM: What’s the difference?

Is Telstra better than Optus?

While Telstra has Optus beat when it comes to coverage, the different in network speeds isn't huge. If you care more about how much data you have to play with each month than how fast you get it, then there's a case to be made that Optus offers better value.

Is Telstra faster than Optus?

The speed of your mobile internet relies on a multitude of factors, including coverage, whether or not your plan includes 5G access, and even the make and model of your phone. Under controlled conditions, however, our friends at WhistleOut found that, when it comes to 5G speeds, Telstra tends to outperform Optus. That said, both regularly reach speeds in excess of 200Mbps, which should be more than enough for most users.

Who is the best mobile provider in Australia?

While we'd rate Telstra above Optus when it comes to network coverage and speed, it's hard to overlook the fact that you are paying a premium for those Telstra-specific perks.

Just because one provider has a bigger and better network doesn't necessarily make them the best mobile provider for every consumer out there. Depending on your circumstances or needs, the cost-savings afforded by Optus or another provider might make for a much better fit than the high price that Telstra's mobile plans command. As always, it's best to do your research before you decide.

Is Telstra more popular than Optus?

While popularity is a vague metric, Telstra does command a larger share of the Australian market than Optus does. That number might not reflect how Aussies feel about either telco, but it does suggest that Telstra is the more choice among consumers. 

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Optus mobile plan prices are increasing for new customers, so are they worth it?

Thankfully, there are some benefits

The latest in a spate of Australian pricing shake ups, Optus has quietly restructured its postpaid mobile plans for new customers this week, increasing the price of its two most affordable options and dropping one plan entirely.

Previously priced at AU$49p/m, the entry-level Optus Small Choice Plus Plan has increased to AU$52p/m, while the Optus Medium Choice Plus Plan has gone from AU$59p/m to AU$62p/m.

Thankfully, the price hikes do bring a fair amount of additional value to the table —both plans have received a significant increase in monthly data, with the former going from 30GB to 50GB, and the latter jumping from 100GB to 180GB.

And, in an effort to streamline its postpaid offering, Optus has scrapped its 220GB AU$69p/m plan, with its former XL plan taking its place as the new Optus Large Choice Plus Plan . The plan still comes with 360GB of monthly data, however it has actually seen its price drop from AU$89p/m to AU$82p/m.

Additionally, Optus is also offering a Promo Plan that comes with 500GB of monthly data and is priced at AU$69p/m for the first 12 months, after which the price will go up to AU$89p/m.

Are the updated plans still worth it?

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that price hikes suck. That said, we must commend Optus for doing right by its customers in this particular instance.

For starters, the price increase on both the Small and Medium plans is relatively minor at only AU$3 more per month. When you consider the massive increase in data that both plans have received, that's definitely what we'd describe as good value.

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Previously, the AU$49p/m Optus Small Choice Plus Plan offered 30GB of monthly data, working out to around AU$1.63 per GB. However, now that the the updated Small plan includes 50GB of monthly data, the cost per GB works out to AU$0.96.

The value is even stronger on the Medium plan, which previously offered 100GB of data at AU$59p/m, or AU$0.59 per GB. Although the plan has risen to AU$62p/m, the increase to 180GB of monthly data means the price per GB is now only AU$0.34. 

And while it's most certainly a shame that Optus has dropped its AU$69p/m plan, the new Large plan works out to be excellent value thanks to the inclusion of one particular perk: customers on the Optus Large Choice Plus Plan will now get AU$20 of SubHub credit per month.  

In other words, customers who subscribe to streaming services like Netflix or Binge through SubHub will get AU$20 off their monthly streaming bill, which seems like a pretty great incentive if you ask us.

More from Tom's Guide

• SIM-only mobile plans compared
• Best Telstra network mobile plans
• Cheap mobile plans compared

Stephen Lambrechts is the Managing Editor of Tom's Guide AU and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming for the last 15 years. Before Tom's Guide, he spent several years as a Senior Journalist at TechRadar, had a brief stint as Editor in Chief at Official Xbox Magazine Australia, and has written for such publications as APC, TechLife Australia, T3, FilmInk, AskMen, Daily Telegraph and IGN. He's an expert when it comes to smartphones, TVs, gaming and streaming. In his spare time, he enjoys watching obscure horror movies on physical media, keeping an eye on the latest retro sneaker releases and listening to vinyl. Occasionally, he also indulges in other non-hipster stuff, like hiking.

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Best Optus mobile plans (September 2024)

We give our independent recommendations on the best phone plans across the network

A member of Australia's 'Big Three' next to Telstra and Vodafone, Optus is the second-largest telco in the country, striking a pleasant balance between coverage, cost and data. Although, with the September 2022 Optus data breach and the nationwide network outage in November 2023, Optus has seen a surge of complaints, with people understandably sceptical about whether they should switch to (or stay with) Optus.

Optus isn't the only telco with problems, though. In the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s (TIO) latest report covering Q1 2024, the proportion of complaints against Optus decreased from 30.7% to 22.8%, with Vodafone, Telstra, TPG and Tangerine all seeing significant increases. One of the biggest benefits of going with Optus is that it (generally) has strong network coverage across the country, and Optus is even partnering with SpaceX to bring coverage to Australia’s mobile black spots, though SMS compatibility will launch later this year , with voice and data not becoming available until late 2025.

It's worth mentioning that Optus has recently increased plan prices , with the Optus Small Choice Plus plan, which was previously AU$49p/m, is now AU$52p/m, while the Medium Choice Plus plan has increased from AU$59p/m to AU$62p/m.

Luckily, that slight price increase comes with massive data increases, jumping from 30GB to 50GB and 100GB to 180GB respectively. If you’re considering signing up or continuing your time with Optus by upgrading your phone, we've got you covered no matter what you need, with the best Optus Mobile plans for all different phones, plans and prices laid out on this page. Click the links below to skip ahead to our specific plan recommendations, or see what’s available from Telstra and Vodafone:

• Best Telstra mobile plans • Best Vodafone mobile plans in Australia

Jump to: •  Best SIM-only plan – AU$52p/m Optus Small Choice Plus plan •  Best overall phone plans – AU$114.43p/m for iPhone 15 | AU$101.95p/m for Samsung Galaxy S24 •  Best cheap phone plans – AU$106.12p/m for iPhone 14 | AU$66.49p/m for Samsung Galaxy A55 •  Best premium phone plans – AU$129.04p/m for iPhone 15 Pro | AU$135.28p/m for Galaxy S24 Ultra

Noteworthy Optus deals

We'll get to the best Optus plan's in a second. First, here are some awesome deals for Optus as part of their EOFY mobile deals .

• Save $200 on the Galaxy S24 Series + a free Galaxy Watch 6 (44mm) when you stay on an eligible SIM & Watch plan for 24 or 36 months.
• 50% off (save AU$899) Google Pixel 8 Pro when you pay it off over 24 or 36 months and remain on an eligible SIM plan.
• Get Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm) for $99 when you buy any iPhone 15 over 24 or 36 months and remain on an eligible SIM & Watch plan.
• Save $350 on the Samsung Galaxy A55 when you pay it off over 24 or 36 months and remain on an eligible SIM plan.
• Snag the Google Pixel 8a for only AU$425 when you pay it off over 24 or 36 months and add an eligible SIM plan.
• Pay only AU$1p/m on the Motorola moto g54 5G when you pay it off over 36 months and remain on an eligible SIM plan.

Best Optus mobile plans: our picks

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Best SIM-only plan

Optus Small Choice Plus | 50GB Data | AU$52p/m

Already happy with your phone or looking to avoid lock-in phone contracts? There's no need to upgrade! You can grab yourself a tasty new SIM-only plan and continue as you were, just with a cheaper plan – or one that provides more value. Optus doesn't offer the cheapest SIM-only plans, but you do get a moderate amount of value out of them. For a touch over AU$50 per month you get 50GB of Data as well as the standard unlimited calls and texts. If you don't mind paying a little more for a lot more data, you can grab the Optus Large Choice Plus plan for just AU$69p/m for the first 12 months before it reverts to AU$89p/m.

Total minimum cost is AU$52

Best overall phone plans

Best overall iPhone + plan combo: our pick

iPhone 15 (128GB) | 50GB Data | 24 Months | AU$114.43p/m

Taking on the dynamic island of the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 is a truly wonderful phone. If you don't need the extra size or power of the iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone 15 Pro, respectively, you'll be more than satisfied with this handset. In our iPhone 15 review we said its "versatile screen technology is paired with new materials, lovely contoured edges [and] a powerful A16 Bionic CPU" and of course – a USB-C port. Pairing it with Optus’ AU$52 Small plan gets you 50GB of data every month, unlimited calls and texts and access to Optus' huge range of coverage.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,746.32

Best overall Android + plan combo: our pick

Samsung Galaxy S24 (256GB) | 50GB Data | 24 Months | AU$101.95p/m

We've made it clear that Vodafone reigns supreme as the place to be for the best Samsung Galaxy S24 plans , but there’s no denying that Optus has greater 4G and 5G coverage compared to Vodafone and – thanks to the time-limited EOFY sales – you can save AU$200 on any S24 phone and claim a free Samsung Galaxy Watch6 when you sign up for a 24 or 36 month plan. Optus’ AU$52 Small plan comes with 50GB of data, and if you choose this plan for your phone you’ll pay just over AU$100 a month.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,446.8

Best cheap phone plans

Best cheap iPhone + plan combo: our pick

iPhone SE 2022 (64GB)  |  30GB data  |  24 months  |  AU$81.94p/m

If you’re keen on Apple’s most affordable handset, we recommend pairing it with Optus’ cheapest plan, the  AU$52 Small plan  on a 24-month contract. It gets you 30GB of data each month, and if you keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi networks throughout the day, we think that’s enough data for most people. It’ll set you back AU$78.94 each billing.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$1,894.56

Best cheap Android phone + plan combo: our pick

Samsung Galaxy A55 | 50GB Data | 24 Months | AU$66.49p/m

While you can snag the Google Pixel 8a for just a few dollars more each month, we rate the Samsung Galaxy A55 as the best best cheap phone you can buy. It offers a beautiful 6.6-inch display, captures detailed photos at this price range and has an exceptionally stylish metal and glass design. Most people will find the Optus AU$52 Small plan sufficient, as it comes with 50GB of data a month. Act now and you can save AU$350 off RRP with a 36-month contract. 

Total cost over 24 months is AU$1,595.76

Best premium phone plans

Best premium iPhone + plan combo: our pick

iPhone 15 Pro (128GB) | 50GB Data | 24 Months | AU$129.04p/m

The iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max are Apple’s most premium devices, and the one you choose will mostly come down to size and price, but we'll stick with the ‘regular’ Pro for now. Sitting atop our list of the best phones with an incredible titanium design, an all-powerful A17 Pro chip, USB-C connectivity and a wonderful action button, it's a truly awesome handset. Pairing it with Optus’ AU$49 Small plan gets you 50GB of data every month and keeps your payments as low as they can be on a 24-month contract. While it's always possible with the iPhone 16 coming later this year , we haven’t seen any big discounts on the iPhone 15 Pro at Optus yet.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$3,096.96

Best premium Android + plan combo: our pick

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) | 50GB Data | 24 Months | AU$135.28p/m

Optus and Vodafone are both offering the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for AU$140.62 a month, but you might be swayed over to Optus if you want wider 4G and 5G coverage. Plus, you get the same AU$200 saving and a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 thrown in with the Ultra, as you do with the regular S24. To get this deal you will need to remain on an Optus Watch Plan for either 24 or 36 months, but we rate this phone and watch combo very highly, so this shouldn’t prove to be a problem. 

Total cost over 24 months is AU$3,246.72

• Looking for something cheaper, or have your own phone? Check out the best-value SIM-only plans

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A Digital Content Writer for the Australian TechRadar team, Max covers all things tech and lifestyle and is keen on using tech to make life easier. A 2023 journalism graduate, Max has written across sports, entertainment and business for brands like Zero Digital Media and Valnet.Inc, but found his love for tech in his time at GadgetUser. At home when covering everything from the latest deal and coupon code to the most recent streaming service output, phone or smartwatch, Max excels at using his research, experience and writing ability give you more time to use your tech, not waste time finding it. 

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