Telstra vs Optus - 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.
Telstra 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 Telstra 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 | Telstra | Optus |
|---|---|---|
| About |
 |
 |
| 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. | 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 Telstra | Go to Optus | |
| Overall Rating |
3.9
Telstra has a overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. Telstra is a good broadband internet provider according to our users. |
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 | 89% of people who have written reviews on this site would recommend Telstra to their friends as a broadband internet provider. | 67% of people who have written reviews on this site would recommend Optus to their friends as a broadband internet provider. |
| 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. |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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. |
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 | No, Telstra uses a mix of Australian based and overseas call centres for technical support. | No, Optus uses a mix of Australian based and overseas call centres for technical support. |
| Call Centre Location | Telstra uses call centres based in Australia, Philippines and India. | Optus uses call centres based in Australia, India and Philippines. |
| Services Offered | Telstra offers a range of broadband and internet related services including internet plans. | Optus offers a range of broadband and internet related services including internet plans. |
| Cost of 25Mbps NBN Plan with unlimited data |
Telstra - Basic: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $85 per month. |
Optus - Basic: 25Mbps, unlimited data for $79 per month. |
| Cost of 50Mbps NBN Plan with unlimited data |
Telstra - Essential: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $95 per month. |
Optus - Everyday: 50Mbps, unlimited data for $95 per month. |
| Cost of wireless broadband plan |
Telstra - Basic 5G (5G): 25Mbps, unlimited data for $70 per month. |
Optus - Everyday Basic 4G (4G): 14Mbps, unlimited data for $59 per month. |
| Contact Details |
Telstra's phone number is: 13 22 00 and website is: telstra.com.au |
Optus's phone number is: 1300 300 693 and website is: optus.com.au |
| Read Reviews | Read reviews of Telstra. | Read reviews of Optus. |
| Go to Telstra | Go to Optus |
Telstra and Optus 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 |
Telstra and Optus NBN50 plans (50Mbps download speed)
|
|
Everyday
NBN - Fixed Line
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$95/mth | Go to site |
|
|
Essential
NBN - Fixed Line
50 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$95/mth | Go to site |
Telstra and Optus Ultrafast plans (>100Mbps download speed)
|
|
Premium
NBN - Fixed Line
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$99/mth
$89 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Fast 500
NBN - Fixed Line
500 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$99/mth
$79 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Fast 100
NBN - Fixed Line
100 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$99/mth
$79 for first 12 months |
Go to site |
|
|
Ultimate
NBN - Fixed Line
750 Mb/s
Unlimited data
|
$119/mth
$89 for first 6 months |
Go to site |
|
|
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 Telstra 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: Telstra and Optus have pretty similiar ratings overall.
- Recommended: Telstra is more highly recommended than Optus.
- Reliability: Telstra and Optus have pretty similar ratings for reliability.
- Customer Service: Telstra and Optus have pretty similar ratings for customer service.
- Value for Money: Telstra and Optus have pretty similar ratings in terms of value for money.
- Technical Support: Telstra and Optus have pretty similar ratings in terms of technical support.
How to decide between Telstra and Optus? - next steps
- Read reviews of Telstra and Optus to see what people think of these companies
- Visit the website of each company and do some of your own research - Telstra 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 Telstra vs Optus
Is Telstra better than Optus?
Both rate 3.9 out of 5 overall on Oz Broadband Reviews. Telstra has 9 reviews and Optus 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, Telstra or Optus?
Telstra's cheapest NBN50 plan is the Essential at $95/month ongoing. Optus's cheapest NBN50 plan is the Everyday at $95/month ongoing.
Which has better customer service, Telstra or Optus?
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, Telstra's call centre is based in Australia, the Philippines and India and Optus's is based in Australia, India and the Philippines.
What plans do Telstra and Optus offer?
Telstra offers 5 NBN plans and 3 wireless plans. Optus offers 5 NBN plans and 4 wireless plans. See the full plan tables above for prices, speeds and data limits.
Where are Telstra and Optus's call centres?
Telstra's customer support is based in Australia, the Philippines and India. 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 Telstra to Optus (or Optus to Telstra)?
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 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…
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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