Compare Optus vs Telstra NBN plans

Optus vs Telstra NBN plans and prices

Optus and Telstra are known for their massive mobile market share, with both telcos running their own 4G and 5G networks. If you’re looking for fixed-line broadband, both Telstra and Optus offer a range of NBN plans across different speed tiers and all plans from both providers include unlimited data.

Telstra offers a selection of NBN plans on a range of speed tiers, starting at NBN 25 speeds and going up to NBN 1000 speeds. However, Telstra is fairly upfront about only offering some speeds with certain NBN connection types.

All of Telstra’s NBN plans include a Telstra modem free of charge, however you will need to return the modem or pay a non-return fee if you cancel your plan within the first 24 months. You’ll also get a home phone package included on your plan at no extra cost, however you can add on a home phone package if you need more than what is included with your NBN plan.

Optus offers its NBN plans differently to Telstra, with your choice between two NBN plan types. The Optus Plus Everyday NBN is a standard NBN plan, while the Optus Plus Family Entertainer NBN plan includes added entertainment and WiFi-boosting extras. The standard Everyday NBN plan is available on NBN 25 to NBN 1000 speeds, while the Family Entertainer plan is available on NBN 50 to NBN 1000 speeds.

You can choose to either BYO modem or bundle your Everyday NBN plan with an Optus modem, while the Family Entertainer plan is only available with the Optus modem. While you won’t pay anything upfront for your Optus modem when you stay connected for 36 months, however you will need to pay off the remaining modem cost if you cancel your plan within the 36 months. Optus also offers the option to add on a home phone service for an additional monthly cost.

Telstra vs Optus NBN cheapest plans

The cheapest Telstra NBN plan is with NBN 25 speeds and is around $90 per month — a rather more expensive price point than NBN 25 plans from other NBN providers. The cheapest NBN plan from Optus is the Everyday NBN plan type with NBN 25 speeds for around $75 per month, which is comparable to plans on this speed tier from other providers. Keep in mind that NBN plan prices can change and both Telstra and Optus may change plan prices accordingly.

Optus vs Telstra NBN speeds

Both Optus and Telstra offer NBN plans across most NBN speed tiers, skipping the slowest speed (NBN 12) and starting at NBN 25 speeds, while the fastest speed tier, NBN 1000, is available from both providers.

However, both providers list a typical evening speed to give you an idea of what sort of real-world performance you can expect during the busy evening peak times between 7pm and 11pm. You can check out our NBN typical evening speed guide to find out more about Optus and Telstra NBN speeds.

When it comes to general speed performance, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) measuring broadband reports, released quarterly, shows both providers regularly achieving the expected maximum attainable NBN speeds.

Optus NBN vs Telstra NBN bundles and extras

Telstra and Optus tend to throw in plenty of features to stand out from cheaper, no-frills NBN providers, which could make the more expensive prices worth it if you like extras with your NBN plan.

The Optus Family Entertainer plans offer more than just a standard NBN plan, with a bonus WiFi booster (which extends the WiFi range), Optus WiFi Secure (which adds a layer of security to your home network), and a standard Netflix subscription via Optus SubHub.

Optus also offers the option to bundle a range of subscription services (such as Netflix, BINGE and Brit Box) to your Optus NBN plan via Optus SubHub. While these subscriptions will cost you extra each month, you can pick up discounts on your subscriptions when you bundle multiple services. Eligible Optus customers are also able to sign up to Optus Sport for a discounted price.

Telstra offers a wide range of entertainment add ons for its NBN plans. You can add on subscription services such as BINGE and Disney+ or other entertainment add ons like Fetch. Telstra also offers Kayo and Spotify, along with gaming consoles from PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Telstra does sometimes offer free streaming subscriptions, however most add ons are an additional cost on top of your monthly plan fees. In addition to entertainment add ons, Telstra also offers the option to add on device security.

Eligible Telstra customers are also able to access the Telstra Plus rewards program where you earn points for every bill you pay. Telstra Plus rewards includes access to concert pre-sales, discounted sporting and movie tickets, along with the option to spend points in the Telstra rewards store on a range of items such as mobile phones, tablets, speakers and even gift cards.

What do customers think of Optus vs Telstra

If you want to know what other Aussies think about Optus NBN vs Telstra NBN, at Canstar Blue, we release our Most Satisfied Customer ratings for NBN providers each year.

In the 2024 ratings, Telstra was ranked in twelfth place, scoring four stars for overall satisfaction, however it scored three stars for both customer service and value for money. Optus came in fifteenth place, scoring three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and customer service.

Optus vs Telstra NBN: Which provider should you sign up to?

When comparing Optus vs Telstra NBN, these providers have a lot in common. In addition to offering standard NBN plans, both Telstra and Optus offer a range of bundling options and extras that set both providers apart from many of the cheaper providers on the market.

Both providers also offer the same selection of speed tiers, although Optus is cheaper than Telstra across all plans, with the biggest price difference being up to $21 for NBN 1000 speeds — which can work out to be around $250 price difference each year.

While Telstra can be a much more expensive provider than Optus — and is generally more expensive than many other popular NBN providers — Telstra does have its advantages over Optus. Telstra includes a basic home phone service on all plans at no extra cost, while Optus requires you to add on a home phone pack for an additional monthly cost.

Optus offers the option to either BYO modem or you can add on an Optus modem for free — provided you stay connected to your plan for 36 months (otherwise you’ll need to pay off the remainder of your modem cost). However Telstra — which does not offer the option to BYO modem — will only require you to stay connected for 24 months to pay off your modem, and you’ll simply need to return the modem if you cancel before then.

Ultimately, the choice between these two providers might come down to the cost or inclusions on offer. While Optus may be cheaper, Telstra offers a wider range of entertainment options to bundle with your plan — although you’ll still need to pay for these services. Before signing up to any plan, it’s worth comparing a wider range of NBN plans and providers to see what kind of value for money plan you can get to suit your needs.