Optus vs Telstra: Which is Better?

NBN plans that don’t take too many dollars from your wallet and offer top quality are difficult to find, but two of the best competing internet connection providers and mobile network services can be the key to getting one. Optus and Telstra are the two significant telecommunication and broadband providers that may suit your internet speed and mobile coverage needs. 

Their services reach most of the Australian population, but which broadband provider is best and is there any way to decide between them? We looked at each NBN provider in plenty of detail to see if either one is better and to make your decision easier.

Optus Plans

We collected all the key information about Optus’ mobile broadband and internet plan options. They’ve got a substantial selection of NBN internet plans waiting for you, plus some top mobile phone plan options that function on the Optus network. 

Home Internet Optus Plus Everyday Plan

What’s great about this home internet connection is the chance to get plenty of perks and even opt for one of four high-speed options that run on the national broadband network. 

You’ll be able to stream HD videos, complete fast downloads effortlessly, take part in video calls and even have fun playing games online with their slowest option – the 50Mbps plan, which offers an impressive 18Mbps upload speed. While this plan works well for homes with three or four people, you might want more for your money.

If you’re keen to compare internet plans from Optus and opt for a different one, you’ll notice they have 100Mbps, 240Mbps and 600Mbps speeds available for Optus users. The 100Mbps plan is just what you’re going to need for streaming videos that are 4K quality – and you’ll see the clear quality with this option when you watch top entertainment.

You’ll also have the internet capacity to download significant files to your device or even upload data with minimal effort, as it offers an 18Mbps upload speed.

Now, when you look at the 240Mbps speed for the Everyday plan, there are additional perks to look forward to. You can stream not only 4K but 8K quality videos from entertainment services and complete downloads and uploads at incredibly high speeds – the upload speed for this plan is 22Mbps. 

If you enjoy online gaming, this is the plan for you, as it’s specifically for internet users who need online gamer plans. It’s also specifically for households of five-plus people.

Finally, Optus has the remarkable Home Ultrafast or 600Mbps plan for households with many internet users. This connection takes streaming to the next level and gives multiple internet users access to 8K video streaming perks. 

We noted that the upload speed is an incredible 40Mbps, which is great news if you want to upload videos to YouTube or social media accounts at very high speeds.

Home Internet Optus Plus Family Entertainer Plan

There are a few significant differences between the Everyday NBN and the Family Entertainer NBN plans. For one, you can add a Netflix subscription to the Family plan. With this bundle, you’ve got entertainment streaming advantages, so stream to your heart’s content and get the best quality pictures on your screen. 

What’s also included are WiFi security options from McAfee to protect you from cyber threats. And let’s not forget about the ultra WiFi booster included in this plan. Clear signals throughout your home are easy to get with this handy perk.It’s worth noting that the speeds for each plan offer the same perks as the Everyday plan. So the only real differences are those we’ve mentioned here – the Netflix subscription, security option and WiFi booster.

Mobile Plans from Optus

But what about Optus’ mobile plans? These options won’t disappoint you either, as there’s something for everyone. If you just need a few gigabytes to get small amounts of data, the Small Optus Choice plan will give you what you need. You can get 30GB of data plus 5G network coverage access for a low cost if your device is compatible and you’re in a 5G-covered area.

Go with the Medium Optus Choice plan, and you’ll notice the jump from 30GB in the Small plan to 100GB in this one. It’ll give you 5G network access on one of Australia’s mobile networks that reach most of the country without additional costs. 

Entertainment packages, unlimited standard international talk and text perks, and a range of handy data benefits are accessible with the Medium plan, such as an endless data allowance (for which you won’t pay extra) and the option to share data.

You’ll get all these advantages plus more data with the Large Optus Choice plan. The only real difference here is that you’ll have 120GB more to play with than the Medium plan, which is great if you want to use their streaming video entertainment services like Optus Sport.

For extra data with your mobile plan, you can select the Extra Large Optus Choice plan. It offers 360GB plus all the perks of the Large plan. 5G network coverage with compatible devices and endless data are both available with this plan. 

Telstra Plans

We’ve also gathered all the details you need about Telstra’s plans, from their status as one of the top NBN internet service providers to their quality as a mobile provider. The following plans might appeal to you if you’re looking for a mobile network or are interested in comparing them to Optus or switching internet providers. 

Telstra Basic NBN Plan

What’s on offer with Telstra’s Basic NBN plan is unlimited data, remarkable cyber security perks to ensure your network is always free from cyber threats, a brand new smart modem from Telstra, a phone line, plus an internet optimiser. 

You’ll see that these perks feature in every NBN plan Telstra offers and top entertainment services inclusions such as BINGE, Kayo and Apple TV+. But if you choose the Basic plan, the download speed you’ll receive is 25Mbps, and the upload speed is 4Mbps.

Telstra Essential NBN Plan

We looked at Telstra’s Essential plan and found it’s competitively positioned among the quality internet service provider companies. Its users get a 50Mbps download and a 17Mbps upload speed. It’s a win-win when you consider these speeds alongside the bundle inclusions, such as Apple TV+ and Spotify Premium. You can use the service to your advantage and watch your favourite entertainment services. 

The great thing about this and all of Telstra’s plans is that there are no connection fees or lock-in contract expectations for its users.

Telstra Premium NBN Plan

One of Telstra’s speediest NBN plans is its Premium plan, which you’ll see has a download speed of 100Mbps and an upload speed of 17Mbps. Users can easily browse and research information on the internet with this connection, plus stream 4K videos to their devices. Between six and nine people within your household can use this connection, which is ideal for social media use. 

Telstra Ultimate NBN Plan

There’s also the Telstra Ultimate NBN plan, which offers users an incredible 250Mbps download speed and 22Mbps upload speed. It’s the plan for you if you want to stream BINGE, Kayo and Spotify, are a keen online gamer, or need to use multiple devices to upload and download large files.

Mobile Plans from Telstra Network

Like Optus, Telstra offers users mobile phone plans with significant perks. Their SIM plans run on Australia’s largest 5G network, but how much data you get depends on your chosen plan. 

You’ll see that the 40GB mobile plan from Telstra will give you 40GB of data. For this plan, you’ll receive no excess data charges, and there are no lock-in contracts. But what’s also ideal is adding international roaming day passes to get an extra 1GB of data to talk and text overseas. Occasionally, you can even make free calls to New Zealand via Telstra home phones or pre- and post-paid mobiles.

When you compare the Essential plan to the Basic plan, there’s a difference in data. You’ll get 180GB with this one. If you’re keen to get this plan, you’ll see that you won’t be obligated to sign a lock-in contract or receive any excess data charges (just like the Basic plan). International day pass perks also apply, and you can add bundles such as family member phone additions or take advantage of data bundling.

Telstra’s Premium plan is available if you need a lot of data. You’ll get 300GB of data to use however you wish. The other bundles you’ll notice include device security as an internet consumer, four months’ worth of Spotify premium, two months of BINGE and three months of Apple TV+. These special offers apply to all plans and will cost extra. For example, BINGE is available, and Spotify is, too.

Optus vs Telstra: Essential Features

Great features can make a big difference to your experience as an internet user, but which features do Optus and Telstra offer? We analysed the key ones you should consider when selecting between these providers.

Telstra vs Optus for Businesses

Telstra and Optus are some of the top NBN service providers offering businesses mobile and internet services. Optus offers businesses SIM-only plans, mobiles with plans, home office internet connections that run on the NBN network, and 5G for sole traders. 

Their Business Choice mobile plan allows sole traders and larger businesses to choose from 30, 100, 220 or 360GB. Plus, they’ll receive unlimited standard text and talk perks in Australia and international text and talk advantages, which are unlimited for up to 35 destinations.

Now, for its 5G internet connection for businesses, you’ll get the advantages of a satisfaction guarantee and high average download speeds of 240Mbps if you choose their Internet Entertainer Superfast option. Optus provides phone lines and systems as part of their internet and NBN services.

Telstra’s plans for businesses are also comprehensive. You’ve got business mobile SIM plans that provide 40GB, 180GB or 300GB. With these plans, you can use international roaming day passes to make calls overseas and get unlimited SMS features to send to international numbers.

5G internet connections for businesses are on offer from Telstra as well. Their plan provides users with an average download speed of 348Mbps and an upload speed of 44Mbps, ideal for uploading large documents and internet browsing. Telstra will even give you an internet modem with this service, 1000GB of data each month, high-quality cyber security and a no lock-in contract advantage.

Telstra vs Optus for Mobile Networks

When comparing mobile plan options, you’ll notice that Telstra and Optus provide users with 5G networks. Telstra network explains that to use the 5G capabilities, you’ll need a device and data plan compatible with 5G. 

You’ll also need to be in an area with 5G coverage, which you can check by looking at their 5G coverage map. What’s more, Telstra provides 5G phones and plans specifically for this network, so head to the Telstra website for more information.

Optus matches Telstra’s 5G capabilities and services. 5G coverage is available with the network Optus is rolling out, which offers incredibly fast download capabilities and works with 5G-ready devices, which they also provide. Since you must be in a location that supports 5G coverage to get 5G from Optus, you can check their coverage map to determine if your device will receive it.

Optus vs Telstra: Customer Service

When you look at Optus and Telstra’s customer service, they both deliver great quality. The My Optus app, the easiest way to send Optus a message for support, has received a 4.5-star rating on the Apple Store, while My Telstra received 4.1 stars from 184,000 ratings. But what also shows their top customer service is the many ways to contact them.

Need to get in touch with Optus? Instant messaging services for support are available, and you can use them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But if you want to talk to a representative in their sales department, you can call or visit them in-store, which you can find using their store locator. You’ll get through to their customer service department on 133 937 from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm Saturday.

With Telstra, it’s also easy to contact their representatives. You can message them, speak with them via the My Telstra app, locate your nearest Telstra store or call them on 13 22 00. Although some recent reviews suggest that the app aesthetics may require more “dynamicism”, it is good quality on the whole. You can use it to pay bills and reach their team, available from 8 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday AEST.

Contact Methods	How to Access	Hours
Telstra – phone, instant message, MyTelstra, in store	Contact number 13 22 00, via Telstra website, MyTelstra app, local store	8 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday AEST
Optus – phone, instant message, MyOptus, in store	Contact number 133 937, via Optus website, MyOptus app, local store	9 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm Saturday

Which Broadband Has the Best Internet Speed?

Optus and Telstra provide their users with 5G coverage, so they have incredibly high internet speeds. If you check both providers’ NBN speeds, you’ll notice that Telstra offers an Ultrafast Speed plan that has a 700Mbps download speed perfect for six to nine people in a household. It’s ideal for 8K video streaming, social media, and multiple devices and uploading large files. 

Optus has a similar plan offering great perks too. Its Family Entertainer NBN plan lets you choose a download speed of 600Mbps, giving you 8K streaming options and faster downloads. It’s the optimum plan for larger households with multiple internet users. However, according to some cases and ratings, some users claim they experience “syncing issues” with Optus Sport, which can vary depending on your connection type.

Verdict: Optus vs Telstra – Which is Better?

It’s fair to say that Optus and Telstra offer similar services that are top quality in the telecommunications industry – specifically their NBN and mobile networks. Both provide incredibly fast speeds that may suit you if you want a new internet plan. Optus and Telstra serve much of Australia’s population and provide reliable internet connections.

Since each provider offers some services that differ only slightly when compared to the other, it’s worth looking at them in more detail to check which is the best deal for you. For more information, go to Telstra and Optus’ websites and find out which has the best internet plan for your household.

FAQs About Optus vs Telstra

From mobile coverage FAQs and questions about the best mobile coverage to NBN provider features and typical evening speeds, we answer the key questions you need to help you compare plans and choose between Optus and Telstra.