Optus launches new prepaid mobile plans. Are they worth it?
Optus's new range of Optus Flex Plus prepaid plans boasts 6 new options for mobile users.
Optus is simplifying its prepaid mobile plans by giving fewer options to choose from. Previously, its roster had 11 prepaid mobile plans.
The new Optus Flex Plus range offers 7-day, 28-day and long-expiry plans with access to Optus's 4G and 5G networks across the board.
There's also speed caps in place - 150-250Mbps depending on the plan. However, this should be more than enough for most online activities.
Here's a look at what's on offer:
| Price | Data | Expiry | Speed cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| $12 | 5GB | 7 days | 150Mbps |
| $35 | 40GB | 28 days | 150Mbps |
| $45 | 60GB | 28 days | 150Mbps |
| $55 | 80GB | 28 days | 250Mbps |
| $160 | 120GB | 186 days | 150Mbps |
| $320 | 260GB | 365 days | 150Mbps |
So, are the new Optus Flex Plus prepaid plans any good?
Optus's 28-day expiry plans stack up well against our $1 per GB benchmark. The others are a bit lacking for how much they cost.
If you decide to go with Optus directly, you'll end up paying a bit more than if you were to sign up with a smaller provider that uses its network.
For example, amaysim is a solid alternative if you're looking to save some money on your mobile plan. And that's without even considering any ongoing discounts.
- Its 7-day plans costs $10 for 10GB.
- You can get 80GB for $40 per 28 days.
- Or, you can pay $50 per 28 days and get a massive 120GB in return.
Based on the plan you choose, you can get unlimited international calls to 28 or 42 countries. Optus, on the other hand, offers between 400-1200 minutes to 20 selected countries but only on its 28-day expiry plans.
The only caveat is your speeds are capped at 100-150Mbps depending on the plan though, but this is still good enough for most users.
You also don't get 5G on amaysim's 7-day expiry plan, lower GB 28-day expiry plans or long expiry plans.
- Good to know. amaysim won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Prepaid Mobile Provider (Value). You can check out our other award winners for alternatives.
It's a similar situation when it comes to Optus's long-expiry plans - you'll get more bang for buck with another provider that uses its network.
- amaysim offers 150GB for $150 per 6 months.
- Catch Connect offers 200GB for $150 over 365 days for new customers.
- Coles Mobile, which was highly commended for its long-expiry prepaid plan in the 2023 Finder Awards, offers 120GB for $150 over 365 days.
The bottom line is, if you want big brand energy and 5G network access, then Optus's 28-day expiry plans are still good value.
But for both short and long-term expiry prepaid mobile plans, you're better off elsewhere.
Want to switch mobile plans but want more options before committing? Check out our roundup of the best plans this month.
