Optus internet review

Our verdict: Optus offers a wide range of internet plans at average prices, but its fast speeds and entertainment packages could lure you in.

Pros

  • NBN plans come with the option of a 4G back-up modem which is handy in an outage.
  • Reliable NBN speed performance – Optus has historically ranked in the top 4 of the quarterly ACCC Broadband Performance report.
  • Discounts on streaming services with Optus SubHub.

Cons

  • Expensive 5G home wireless modem – total cost is $468, but is free if you stay connected for 36 months.
  • NBN modems are included for $0 but only if you stay connected for 36 months

Compare Optus internet plans

Name Product AUFBB-INT Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
Optus Plus Everyday Basic nbn®
NBN
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • Optus Ultra WiFi Gen 2 Modem with 4G backup, 4G speeds limited to 25/2Mbps. T&Cs apply
Unlimited Data
Data
Unlimited Data
25Mbps
nbnâ„¢25
Speed
25Mbps
nbnâ„¢25
$75
per month
$0 setup fees, $381 min. total cost
Price
$75 per month
$0 setup fees, $381 min. total cost
Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
NBN
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • Optus Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2 included for $0 if you stay connected for 36 mths. T&Cs apply
Unlimited Data
Data
Unlimited Data
50Mbps
nbnâ„¢50
Speed
50Mbps
nbnâ„¢50
$89
per month
$0 setup fees, $395 min. total cost
Price
$89 per month
$0 setup fees, $395 min. total cost
Optus Plus Everyday Fast nbn®
NBN
Month-to-month
Introductory offer: $89/mth for the first 6 months, normally $99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Month-to-month
  • Optus Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2 included for $0 if you stay connected for 36 mths. T&Cs apply
Unlimited Data
Data
Unlimited Data
100Mbps
nbnâ„¢100
Speed
100Mbps
nbnâ„¢100
$89
per month
$0 setup fees, $395 min. total cost
Price
$89 per month
$0 setup fees, $395 min. total cost
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Name Product AUFBB-INT Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
Home wireless
Optus network
Month-to-month
$89/mth for the first 6 months, normally $99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Month-to-month
  • $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 months. T&Cs apply
Unlimited Data
Data
Unlimited Data
210Mbps
Speed
210Mbps
$89
per month
$0 setup fees, $557 min. total cost
Price
$89 per month
$0 setup fees, $557 min. total cost
Optus Plus Everyday Basic 4G
Home wireless
Optus network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • $0 modem if you stay connected for 24 months. T&Cs apply
Unlimited Data
Data
Unlimited Data
4G
Speed
4G
$59
per month
$0 setup fees, $275 min. total cost
Price
$59 per month
$0 setup fees, $275 min. total cost
Optus Plus Everyday 5G
Home wireless
Optus network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 months. T&Cs apply
Unlimited Data
Data
Unlimited Data
45Mbps
Speed
45Mbps
$69
per month
$0 setup fees, $537 min. total cost
Price
$69 per month
$0 setup fees, $537 min. total cost
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
Home wireless
Optus network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 months. T&Cs apply
Unlimited Data
Data
Unlimited Data
87Mbps
Speed
87Mbps
$79
per month
$0 setup fees, $547 min. total cost
Price
$79 per month
$0 setup fees, $547 min. total cost
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Name Product AUFBB-INT Data allowance Price
Optus Choice Plus Data Plan 20GB
Mobile broadband
Optus network
Month-to-month
  • 5G/4G network
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO modem or purchase one from $434.88
20GB
Data
20GB
$20
per month
$0 setup fees, $20 min. total cost
Price
$20 per month
$0 setup fees, $20 min. total cost
Optus Prepaid Data Only 25GB $30 30 Days
Mobile broadband
Optus network
30 Days contract
  • 4G network
  • 30 Days expiry
  • BYO modem or purchase one from $39
25GB
Data
25GB
$30
per 30 days
$0 setup fees, $30 min. total cost
Price
$30 per 30 days
$0 setup fees, $30 min. total cost
Optus Prepaid Data Only 25GB $30 Recharge 30 Days
Mobile broadband
Optus network
30 Days contract
  • 4G network
  • 30 Days expiry
  • BYO modem or purchase one from $39
25GB
Data
25GB
$30
per 30 days
$0 setup fees, $30 min. total cost
Price
$30 per 30 days
$0 setup fees, $30 min. total cost
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Optus internet review

Optus' range of internet plans sit towards the more expensive side of things when it comes to price:

  • Optus' NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans are on the more expensive side compared to other plans on Finder, however, it does run 6-month promotions occasionally which makes it more affordable.
  • While Optus includes the modem for free on its NBN plans, keep in mind that if you don't stay connected for 36 months, you'll need to pay them back for it, which could be quite costly.
  • Optus boasts a range of 4G and 5G home internet plans which are averagely priced, though its speed guarantees on the 5G home internet plans are a nice touch to ensure you're always getting a certain minimum speed on your plan.

The higher pricing for NBN plans could be worth it given Optus ranks consistently towards the top of the ACCC's Broadband Performance Report by providing customers with reliable speeds.

Optus also offers a range of bonus entertainment features such as Optus SubHub, discounted Optus Sport and free subscription to Netflix depending on the plan you choose.

Things to watch out for:

  • If you choose to get the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi 6 Modem Gen 2 with one of its Everyday NBN plans, Optus will cover the cost of the modem unless you cancel your plan before 36 months are up. If you do, you'll need to pay $8.50 for each month remaining.
  • Family Entertainer plans also include an Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Booster Gen 2 with a modem. If you cancel your plan before 36 months are up you'll need to pay $14.50 for each month remaining in full for the combined modem and booster cost.
  • A 5G home wireless modem costs $468 but it's $0 if you stay connected for 36 months. You'll need to pay $13 for every remaining month in full if you leave.

A bit of background on Optus

Optus is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Australia, providing mobile, telephone, internet, entertainment and business network services.

  • It has more than 10 million customers
  • Its 4G plus network reaches 98.5% of the Australian population, with their 5G network progressively rolling out.
  • Although it suffered a data breach in September 2022, Optus has introduced new security measures for the added safety of its customers, such as multi-factor authentication.
Karli Connors's headshot

"I'm currently on the Optus Plus Everyday nbn plan, which is the ideal package for my household. I never have to worry about running out of data and receiving a massive bill. Plus the discounts you can receive on streaming services are a massive perk. Also, in my opinion, the price is totally reasonable for an unlimited service. Super happy with the service, wouldn't consider switching anytime soon. "

Karli Connors
Finder crew member

What do Australians think of Optus NBN?

  • 3.52/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — lower than the average of 3.93, and this was the lowest score in the category
  • 3.12/5 for Trust — lower than the average of 4.08, and this was the lowest score in the category
  • 3.58/5 for Customer Service — lower than the average of 3.93, and this was the lowest score in the category

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

Read a more detailed review on


speedometer icon

Performance

In September 2024, Optus came 3rd (out of 12 providers) in the ACCC Broadband Performance Report. Optus delivered maximum speeds 101.6% of the time during the busy hours of the day (7pm to 11pm).

As Optus achieves speeds exceeding 100%, this means it consistently delivers the advertised speeds on its plans even during peak hours of the day.

  • Good to know: The maximum speed is the fastest speed achievable for a particular NBN plan. For example, NBN 50 plans max out at 50Mbps.

Since the report's inception in 2021, Optus has consistently ranked in the top 4 providers.

  • Why this matters: The ACCC report measures speeds to help consumers see which NBN providers are providing reliable speeds in line with what they advertise.

customer service icon

Customer service

It's easy to get in touch with the Optus support team. You can contact them by:

  • Calling the customer service line (133 937) between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday or between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays
  • Speaking to someone at an Optus retail store
  • Start a live chat on the Optus website
  • Sending a message via "My Account" for 24/7 personal support via the My Optus app or online
  • Sending a message to the Optus Facebook or Twitter accounts

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman covers complaints data from phone and internet customers. In the 2023 Annual Report for the financial year ending June 2023, Optus:

  • Had 30.6% of all complaints, which was the second highest of all providers.
  • Saw a 29.5% increase in complaints compared to the previous year.
  • Keep in mind: While this might sound large, Optus is also touted as the second biggest telecommunications company in Australia, so it makes sense for them to have a larger number of complaints. The 2023 report also covered the period of the major data breach, which explains the increase in complaints.

bonus icon

Bonus features

Besides reliable internet speeds, Optus also offers a range of perks alongside its home internet plans.

Streaming bundles and discounts

SubHub is a service that allows you to bundle selected streaming subscriptions and save up to 10% on your total cost if you're an Optus customer.

Add 2 subscriptions to unlock a 5% discount on both or add 3 or more to unlock 10% off across all.

If you have an active home internet service with Optus, you can subscribe to Optus Sport for a discounted $9.99 a month. Optus Sport has exclusive access to the Premier League and other football competitions.

Without this discount, Optus Sport costs $24.99 a month or $229 a year.

4G backup modem

All Optus NBN plans come with the option to purchase an Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Modem.

If there's a problem with the NBN and your connection drops out, the modem will switch to Optus' 4G network.

This is meant to be a backup solution and speeds are capped to 25Mbps for downloads and 2Mbps for uploads. At these speeds, you can still have 1-2 people streaming in standard definition and browsing the internet and social media.

Wi-Fi Booster

Your coverage can be affected by distance from your modem as well as blackspots. Optus Ultra Wi-fi Booster Gen 2 helps to extend the coverage in your home by boosting the signal.

The booster is included with Optus Internet Family Entertainer plans at no charge, but is an optional add-on for other plans.

How does Optus compare?

As NBN 50 is the most common plan in Australia, here's how Optus stacks up against other major internet providers for its plan.

ProviderTypical evening speedPriceLearn more
Optus50Mbps$89/month
View plans
Telstra50Mbps$105/month
Read review
TPG50Mbps$79.99/month
View plans
AGL50Mbps$94/month
View plans
iiNet50Mbps$84.99/month
View plans
Aussie Broadband49Mbps$89/month
Read review
Belong50Mbps$85/month
View plans
Tangerine50Mbps$82.90/month
View plans

How to switch to Optus

You can easily sign up to Optus once you've decided on an internet plan that works best for you. Simply enter your address once you're on its website to make sure you can access the plan you've chosen.

This applies for both NBN and home wireless plans, as you'll need to be within Optus' coverage area for its home internet plans.

phone

What if I'm moving house?
If you're already an Optus NBN or 4G or 5G home internet customer, you can book a relocation. Optus will ensure that your old service will end on the agreed-upon date and get your new service up and running. It aims to process new connections within 2 business days. There shouldn't be any fees associated with moving your internet service. The only fee that might apply is a new development charge of $300 for NBN if your property is classified as a new development and has never had a service connected.

If you're using mobile broadband, you won't need to make any physical changes to your service, but you will need to let Optus know your new address for emergency service purposes. There are no installation fees for mobile broadband.

Let your old provider know as soon as possible that you're leaving so you meet any notice periods. The last thing you want is to be stung by cancellation fees or end up paying for 2 services at the same time.

You can see our guide for how to switch broadband providers for more information.


Frequently asked questions

Compare other products from Optus

Mark Neilsen's headshot
Written by

Utilities writer

Mark Neilsen is a writer at Finder, specialising in streaming, broadband and mobile. He looks for deals on all those services and keeps you abreast of any changes to see what's worth it for you. He has over 20 years' experience in print and digital media and while at Finder, Mark’s expertise has been featured in Yahoo Finance, The New Daily, Ad News, Tech Guide and news.com.au. In his time at Finder he has done over 300 articles on streaming, mobile and broadband. In his time away from Finder he is trying to get through the watchlists of the 11 streaming services he is currently subscribed to. See full bio

Mark's expertise
Mark has written 53 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Entertainment streaming
  • Sports streaming
  • Broadband
  • Mobile

More guides on Finder

  • Optus speed test

    Are you getting slow speeds with Optus? Test your Optus NBN, ADSL or 4G plan to see if your connection is up to scratch.

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8 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    MartinAugust 14, 2023

    Hi I am looking to transfer from current NBN 50 provider to an equivalent service but I require email hosting for 4 -10 addresses. Which provider offers this?

    Default Gravatar
    GregApril 13, 2018

    Can someone reply regarding connection to the NBN.

      Default Gravatar
      JoelApril 13, 2018

      Hi Greg,

      Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.

      You need to check first if NBN is available in your area. You can type your address from our NBN Tracker Map. If your area is NBN ready, you may compare NBN plans using our comparison table and our search filter to help narrow down your options.

      Once you have chosen a particular plan, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    JulieDecember 14, 2016

    Is Telstra the only service to provide landlines in Burradoo nsw? We are having a terrible time trying to install nbn because the telephone line is very old and needs to be replaced. 2 months and still waiting!

      AvatarFinder
      MayDecember 14, 2016Finder

      Hi Julie,

      Thanks for your question.

      I suggest that you enter your address on the panel found on the NBN tracker on our website to check any broadband service providers in Burradoo.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    JuliaAugust 2, 2016

    Hello I would like a pre paid mobile internet service unlimited usage just like the one I have had loyal to you for nearly 8 or more years. Now my daughter tells me you are taking this away from us long running loyal customers. We did not cancel our agreement. And I have an appointment with the Brisbane Ombudsman later this week. As I’m. Pretty sure you can not just opt out of our agreement. I could not so almost certain you legally should be unable to as well. I would appreciate your feedback on this matter. As I’ve been advised to approach you first. As I am doing so and logging and date stamping. I hope to hear from you asap.
    Kind regards.

      Default Gravatar
      BrodieAugust 3, 2016

      Hi Julia,

      You’ve reached finder.com.au, not Optus. I would recommend contacting Optus customer support on 1300 555 002 or using the Live Chat system on the Optus website.

      Thanks,
      Brodie

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