Exetel vs Optus - Which is the best NBN internet provider?
Optus is a major telco offering a full suite of services, often praised by customers for reliable connections and easy setup, though price increases and customer service issues are recurring complaints. Exetel, on the other hand, is a more focused NBN provider known for its competitive pricing and straightforward plans. While Optus suits those wanting a comprehensive package, Exetel often appeals to users prioritising value and a no-frills internet experience.
NBN plans from $80.00/mth · Partner
Exetel and Optus are both reputable broadband internet providers in Australia.
Deciding which NBN or wireless internet company to sign up to is not an easy task. To make this process easier we have provided a side by side comparison of Exetel and Optus internet providers in the table below.
Disclaimer: All the data in the table is based on the opinions of people who have submitted reviews to this site over the last 24 months. We screen the reviews very thoroughly to ensure only accurate reviews get through. Please do your own research.
| Criteria | Exetel | Optus |
|---|---|---|
| About |
 Partner |
 |
| Exetel launched its first broadband service in 2004 and built a name as a low-cost, no-frills ISP. Since 2021 it has been owned by ASX-listed Superloop, which runs the network behind it, while Exetel continues as its own value-focused brand. | Optus is Australia's second-largest telco, owned by Singapore's Singtel. It sells nbn and 5G home internet, often bundled with mobile and entertainment, all backed by its own nationwide mobile network. | |
| Go to Exetel | Go to Optus | |
| Overall Rating | [Not enough reviews] |
3.9
Optus has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. Optus is a good broadband internet provider according to our users. |
| Recommended | [Not enough reviews] | 67% of people who have written reviews on this site would recommend Optus to their friends as a broadband internet provider. |
| Reliability | [Not enough reviews] |
4.1 Optus's reliability is rated as very good by our users. Optus has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 for reliability. |
| Customer Service | [Not enough reviews] |
3.8 Optus's customer service is rated as good by our users. Optus has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 for customer service. |
| Value for Money | [Not enough reviews] |
3.8 Optus is rated as good for value for money by our users. Optus has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 for value for money. |
| Technical Support | [Not enough reviews] |
3.7 Optus's technical support is rated as good by our users. Optus has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 for technical support. |
| Australian based technical support | [Not enough reviews] | No, Optus uses a mix of Australian based and overseas call centres for technical support. |
| Call Centre Location | [Not enough reviews] | Optus uses call centres based in Australia, India and Philippines. |
| Services Offered | [Not enough reviews] | Optus offers a range of broadband and internet related services including internet plans. |
| Cost of 25Mbps NBN Plan with unlimited data |
Optus - Basic: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $79 per month. |
|
| Cost of 50Mbps NBN Plan with unlimited data | ||
| Cost of wireless broadband plan |
Optus - Everyday Basic 4G (4G): 14Mbps, unlimited data for $39 per month. |
|
| Contact Details |
Exetel's phone number is: 13 39 38 and website is: exetel.com.au |
Optus's phone number is: 1300 300 693 and website is: optus.com.au |
| Read Reviews | Read reviews of Exetel. | Read reviews of Optus. |
| Go to Exetel | Go to Optus |
Exetel and Optus NBN25 plans (25Mbps download speed)
|
Basic
NBN - Fixed Line
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$79/mth | Go to site |
Exetel and Optus NBN50 plans (50Mbps download speed)
Exetel and Optus Ultrafast plans (>100Mbps download speed)
|
|
Fast 500
NBN - Fixed Line
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$79/mth | Go to site |
|
|
Fast 100
NBN - Fixed Line
100 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$79/mth | Go to site |
|
One Plan
NBN - Fixed Line
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$80/mth | Go to site |
|
|
Ultrafast
NBN - Fixed Line
820 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$109/mth | Go to site |
Summary of Exetel and Optus comparison
Please note that summary below is based on reviews submitted to this website and represents the views of the people who wrote the reviews.
- Overall: Exetel rates higher overall than Optus does.
- Recommended: Exetel is more highly recommended than Optus.
- Reliability: Optus rates higher for reliability than Exetel does.
- Customer Service: Exetel rates higher for customer service than Optus does.
- Value for Money: Exetel and Optus have pretty similar ratings in terms of value for money.
- Technical Support: Exetel rates higher for technical support than Optus does.
How to decide between Exetel and Optus? - next steps
- Read reviews of Exetel and Optus to see what people think of these companies
- Visit the website of each company and do some of your own research - Exetel and Optus
- Decide how fast your connection need to be and how much data you need then use our broadband plan finder to narrow down the list of plans and find the best plan that suits your budget
- Choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. Remember, that you can easily change plans but changing broadband internet providers is more difficult so it is really important that you choose a solid internet provider.
Frequently asked questions about Exetel vs Optus
Is Exetel better than Optus?
Optus has 9 verified reviews on Oz Broadband Reviews and an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5. Exetel has fewer than 5 reviews so we don't yet show an aggregate rating. Read the individual reviews above to form your own view.
Which has better customer service, Exetel or Optus?
Exetel scores 4.8 out of 5 on customer service vs Optus's 3.8, based on verified reviews on Oz Broadband Reviews. If onshore support matters, Exetel's call centre is based in Australia and Sri Lanka and Optus's is based in Australia, India and the Philippines.
What plans do Exetel and Optus offer?
Exetel offers 1 NBN plan. Optus offers 4 wireless plans and 4 NBN plans. See the full plan tables above for prices, speeds and data limits.
Where are Exetel and Optus's call centres?
Exetel's customer support is based in Australia and Sri Lanka. Optus's customer support is based in Australia, India and the Philippines. Call centre location can affect support hours and accent comprehension if onshore support is important to you.
How do I switch from Exetel to Optus (or Optus to Exetel)?
Switching NBN providers in Australia is straightforward. The new provider handles the transfer once you sign up and provide your address. There's usually no contract overlap if your current plan is month-to-month, but check for early termination fees on contracted plans. Phone numbers can usually be ported, and the service typically continues uninterrupted on the same NBN line.
What customers say
About Exetel
I switched from Optus to Exetel’s One Plan 500/50 and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The entire setup process took less than two hours…
Problem on fibre to premise installation, nbn had to drill blockage or something. Internet speed is slower than previous connection.
About Optus
Reliable enough, but had plenty of issues with technical support throughout the years. Also never told if theres a better price on a current plan, happy…
Optus is a well oiled machine, they have reliable communication, setting up was easy, though there has been a price increase while having it, it is reliable.
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