Compare Optus SIM-only plans

What are Optus SIM-only plans?

Optus is one of a few providers to offer a wide range of phone plans either bundled with a device or as a SIM-only plan. Not only are Optus mobile plans available as SIM-only, but you’ll have a choice between prepaid and postpaid plans — one of only a few telcos to offer both options.

However, when most people think of SIM-only plans, they’re typically referring to postpaid SIM-only plans — and Optus refers to its range of postpaid plans as SIM-Only plans. You can visit our Optus SIM-only prepaid plans guide to compare Optus prepaid plans.

What’s included in Optus SIM-only postpaid plans?

Optus’s Choice SIM-only postpaid plans include three standard plan options and special promo plans may also be available from time to time. Optus’ postpaid plans include access to the telco’s 5G network where available, as well as 4G Plus network coverage.

While Optus SIM-only plans are to be bundled with your own mobile phone, if you do want to pick up a phone on a plan, the Optus mobile plans available as SIM-only, are the same postpaid plans you’ll choose from to bundle with your new phone.

All Optus SIM-only plans include unlimited standard talk and text in Australia, while all plans (except the cheapest plan) also include unlimited standard calls and text from Australia to selected countries.

Plans are available month-to-month with no lock-in contracts, so you can cancel or change your plan as you want without being charged early exit fees — although you may need to pay a final bill.

All of Optus’ postpaid plans also come with no excess data charges — or ‘unlimited’ data — in addition to a data allowance, which means you can keep using data if you go over your monthly data limit, but at a capped speed of 1.5Mbps. This speed is typically fast enough for general web browsing, emails, and even social media and music streaming, although isn’t suitable for high-definition video or big downloads.

Customers on Optus postpaid plans can also add on subscriptions to their plan with Optus SubHub subscription bundling, with discounts when you bundle multiple services.

Should you sign up to an Optus SIM-only plan?

While the Optus SIM-only range is rather small, these plans tend to be more expensive than other SIM-only providers. However, the question is, can you find a better deal elsewhere? While the answer may be yes, especially if you’re after a super-cheap plan, it’s not always so simple.

Optus often includes bonuses such as discounted Optus Sport, which could be enough extra value to make the price worth it — along with the savings you could make when bundling multiple subscription services on Optus SubHub.

The inclusion of unlimited extra data (albeit, limited to speeds of 1.5Mbps) makes the telco a good option for customers wanting to avoid excess usage fees. The inclusion of unlimited standard international talk and text on selected plans, as well as 5G network access, also make Optus worth considering if you’re after a comprehensive plan that’s 5G-ready.

Optus postpaid plans may be worth considering if:

• You have a 5G-capable phone and live in an area with Optus 5G coverage
• You want to avoid paying excess data charges
• You want a plan with international call and text extras already included
• You’re a fan of football and want cheaper access to Optus Sport

Overall, Optus has a series of fairly competitive plans in the SIM-only space – but if you’re after the most data for your money and want to minimise your monthly spend, you’ll probably want to compare plans from other SIM-only providers.

About our phone experts

Emma Bradstock: Senior Telco Specialist

As Canstar Blue’s Senior Telco Specialist, Emma Bradstock covers all things mobile phone and internet, which she’s focused on for over five years. Emma has over a decade of professional writing experience across print and digital media outlets and for digital agencies, and has turned her hand to multimedia content and social media management.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University. You can follow Emma on LinkedIn.

Josh Filosi: Data Insights Analyst

Josh Filosi is Canstar’s Data Insights Analyst, and helps develop and deliver the methodology for Canstar Blue’s Value Rankings and Awards for the telco industry. He holds a double-major in Economics and Behavioral Science, and enjoys interpreting complex data. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.