Optus vs Telstra - Which is the best NBN internet provider?
Telstra is often seen as the premium choice, with customers consistently praising its reliability, particularly in rural areas, and improved customer service, though it comes at a higher price. Optus, on the other hand, offers competitive plans and an easy setup process, but reviews frequently mention concerns about price increases and inconsistent customer support. Ultimately, Telstra suits those prioritising stability and service, while Optus appeals to those looking for good value with straightforward connectivity.
Optus and Telstra 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 Optus and Telstra 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 | Optus | Telstra |
|---|---|---|
| About |
 |
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| 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. | Telstra is Australia's largest telco and broadband provider, with the widest fixed and mobile network reach in the country. It charges a premium over smaller providers but offers extensive coverage and extras like Telstra TV. The old BigPond brand has long since been retired. | |
| Go to Optus | Go to Telstra | |
| Overall Rating |
3.9
Optus has a overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. Optus is a good broadband internet provider according to our users. |
3.9
Telstra has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. Telstra is a good broadband internet provider according to our users. |
| Recommended | 67% of people who have written reviews on this site would recommend Optus to their friends as a broadband internet provider. | 89% of people who have written reviews on this site would recommend Telstra to their friends as a broadband internet provider. |
| Reliability |
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. |
4.2 Telstra's reliability is rated as very good by our users. Telstra has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 for reliability. |
| Customer Service |
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. |
4 Telstra's customer service is rated as very good by our users. Telstra has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 for customer service. |
| Value for Money |
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. |
3.6 Telstra is rated as good for value for money by our users. Telstra has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 for value for money. |
| Technical Support |
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. |
3.9 Telstra's technical support is rated as good by our users. Telstra has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 for technical support. |
| Australian based technical support | No, Optus uses a mix of Australian based and overseas call centres for technical support. | No, Telstra uses a mix of Australian based and overseas call centres for technical support. |
| Call Centre Location | Optus uses call centres based in Australia, India and Philippines. | Telstra uses call centres based in Australia, Philippines and India. |
| Services Offered | Optus offers a range of broadband and internet related services including internet plans. | Telstra 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. |
Telstra - Basic: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $85 per month. |
| Cost of 50Mbps NBN Plan with unlimited data |
Optus - Everyday: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $95 per month. |
Telstra - Essential: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $95 per month. |
| Cost of wireless broadband plan |
Optus - Everyday Basic 4G (4G): 14Mbps, unlimited data for $59 per month. |
Telstra - Basic 5G (5G): 25Mbps, unlimited data for $70 per month. |
| Contact Details |
Optus's phone number is: 1300 300 693 and website is: optus.com.au |
Telstra's phone number is: 13 22 00 and website is: telstra.com.au |
| Read Reviews | Read reviews of Optus. | Read reviews of Telstra. |
| Go to Optus | Go to Telstra |
Optus and Telstra NBN25 plans (25Mbps download speed)
|
Basic
NBN - Fixed Line
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$79/mth | Go to site |
|
Basic
NBN - Fixed Line
25 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$85/mth | Go to site |
Optus and Telstra NBN50 plans (50Mbps download speed)
|
|
Everyday
NBN - Fixed Line
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$95/mth | Go to site |
|
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Essential
NBN - Fixed Line
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$95/mth | Go to site |
Optus and Telstra Ultrafast plans (>100Mbps download speed)
|
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Premium
NBN - Fixed Line
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$99/mth
$89 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
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Fast 500
NBN - Fixed Line
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$99/mth
$79 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
|
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Fast 100
NBN - Fixed Line
100 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$99/mth
$79 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
|
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Ultimate
NBN - Fixed Line
750 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$119/mth
$89 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
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Ultrafast
NBN - Fixed Line
815 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$129/mth
$99 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Ultrafast
NBN - Fixed Line
820 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$129/mth
$109 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
Summary of Optus and Telstra 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: Optus and Telstra have pretty similiar ratings overall.
- Recommended: Telstra is more highly recommended than Optus.
- Reliability: Optus and Telstra have pretty similar ratings for reliability.
- Customer Service: Optus and Telstra have pretty similar ratings for customer service.
- Value for Money: Optus and Telstra have pretty similar ratings in terms of value for money.
- Technical Support: Optus and Telstra have pretty similar ratings in terms of technical support.
How to decide between Optus and Telstra? - next steps
- Read reviews of Optus and Telstra to see what people think of these companies
- Visit the website of each company and do some of your own research - Optus and Telstra
- 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 Optus vs Telstra
Is Optus better than Telstra?
Both rate 3.9 out of 5 overall on Oz Broadband Reviews. Optus has 9 reviews and Telstra has 9. On recommend-to-a-friend, 89% of Telstra reviewers said they'd recommend the provider, vs 67% for Optus. Read the full reviews above to form your own view.
Which is cheaper for NBN50, Optus or Telstra?
Optus's cheapest NBN50 plan is the Everyday at $95/month ongoing. Telstra's cheapest NBN50 plan is the Essential at $95/month ongoing.
Which has better customer service, Optus or Telstra?
Telstra scores 4.0 out of 5 on customer service vs Optus's 3.8, based on verified reviews on Oz Broadband Reviews. If onshore support matters, Optus's call centre is based in Australia, India and the Philippines and Telstra's is based in Australia, the Philippines and India.
What plans do Optus and Telstra offer?
Optus offers 5 NBN plans and 4 wireless plans. Telstra offers 5 NBN plans and 3 wireless plans. See the full plan tables above for prices, speeds and data limits.
Where are Optus and Telstra's call centres?
Optus's customer support is based in Australia, India and the Philippines. Telstra's customer support is based in Australia, the Philippines and India. Call centre location can affect support hours and accent comprehension if onshore support is important to you.
How do I switch from Optus to Telstra (or Telstra to Optus)?
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 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.
About Telstra
I have used a few cheaper services but, this one cost more but is reliable
Customer service is good since they are easy to contact Connection is reliable especially during thunderstorms Value for money is average since it is…
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