Compare Optus prepaid plans

Optus prepaid plans and recharges

While Optus is one of the biggest phone providers in Australia and is mostly known for postpaid plans and plans bundled with handsets, it also offers a range of prepaid phone plans.

Optus offers a selection of Optus Flex Plus prepaid plans which are available over a range of expiry periods: seven days, 28 days, 186 days and 365 days. All Optus prepaid mobile plans include access to the Optus 4G and 5G mobile networks, however have a data speed cap of either 150Mbps or 250Mbps, depending on the plan.

What’s included in Optus prepaid plans?

All Optus prepaid plans have unlimited standard national SMS and calls, while all 28-day and long-term recharges include an international call allowance. Plans also include up to 200GB of data rollover, provided you recharge before the expiry or have an active auto recharge.

Optus also includes a range of options to add on to your Optus prepaid plan, including Optus Sport, international roaming and international call packs. Keep in mind that Optus prepaid customers don’t have access to Optus SubHub, so if you want the subscription bundling service, you’ll need to go with an Optus postpaid plan instead.

Where can you buy an Optus prepaid SIM?

You can purchase an Optus prepaid SIM directly from Optus, either via the Optus website or at an Optus retail store, along with a range of authorised retailers including Australia Post, 7 Eleven, Woolworths, Coles, Big W, Kmart, Caltex, Shell and more.

How do you recharge Optus prepaid mobile plans?

Optus offers the option to set up auto recharge, however you can recharge your plan via the Optus app or the Optus website. You can also call ‘555’ from your prepaid mobile to purchase a recharge, or text the word MENU to ‘9999’ and follow the prompts.

Optus prepaid phones

If you’re after a new phone to pair with your prepaid plan, there are a range of devices available to buy outright from Optus. Most are priced at under $300 and are typically only basic smartphones and mostly Optus-branded devices. However, you might also be able to pick up cheaper phones from brands like Samsung and OPPO. Keep in mind that Optus prepaid mobile phones include an Optus prepaid SIM and may be locked to Optus.

How do Optus prepaid plans compare?

Optus has a decent suite of prepaid mobile plans, designed to suit a range of users. If you’re looking for a cheap prepaid plan with lots of value, you might find some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) may offer plans with more data and at cheaper prices. However, some of these cheaper plans might be on shorter expiry lengths, so you’ll need to keep your eye on the expiry period to make sure you’re getting the best plan for your needs.

Many of these plans from the small MVNOs are lacking when it comes to perks. That is where the big telcos do have an advantage and Optus is no exception. When you’re comparing prepaid phone plans, you’ll really need to consider what you’re looking for in a plan. Whether you’re after a super-cheap phone plan, lots of data or a no fuss long-term plan, it’s always best to take a look at what’s available and compare to see which telco has the right prepaid phone plan for you.

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.