Compare Optus vs Telstra NBN plans

Optus vs Telstra NBN plans and prices

Optus and Telstra are known for their massive mobile market share, with both telcos running their own 4G and 5G networks. If you’re looking for fixed-line broadband, both Telstra and Optus offer a range of NBN plans across different speed tiers and all plans from both providers include unlimited data.

Telstra offers a selection of NBN plans on a range of speed tiers, starting at NBN 25 speeds and going up to NBN 1000 speeds. However, Telstra is fairly upfront about only offering some speeds with certain NBN connection types.

All of Telstra’s NBN plans include a Telstra modem free of charge, however you will need to return the modem or pay a non-return fee if you cancel your plan within the first 24 months. You’ll also get a home phone package at no extra cost, and you can add call packs if you need more than what is included with your NBN plan.

Optus follows a similar plan structure, with a series of plans on speed tiers ranging from NBN 25 through to NBN 1000. The exception is the super-fast NBN 250 speed tier, which as of July 2025 is no longer offered by the telco.

Optus customers can also choose to either BYO modem or bundle in a high-speed Optus device. While you won’t pay anything upfront for your Optus modem when you stay connected for 24 months, you will need to pay off the remaining modem cost if you cancel your plan sooner. Optus also offers the option to add a home phone service for an additional monthly cost.

Telstra vs Optus NBN cheapest plans

The cheapest Telstra and Optus NBN plans are their respective NBN 25 options, but Optus currently offers a lower price. Keep in mind that NBN plan prices can change and both Telstra and Optus may change plan prices accordingly.

Optus vs Telstra NBN speeds

Both Optus and Telstra offer NBN plans across most NBN speed tiers, skipping the slowest speed (NBN 12) and starting at NBN 25 speeds. The fastest current speed tier, NBN 1000, is also available from both providers.

Each telco lists a typical evening speed to give you an idea of what sort of real-world performance you can expect during peak times between 7pm and 11pm. You can check out our NBN typical evening speed guide to find out more about Optus and Telstra NBN speeds.

When it comes to general speed performance, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) measuring broadband reports, released quarterly, shows both providers regularly achieving the expected maximum attainable NBN speeds.

Optus NBN vs Telstra NBN bundles and extras

Telstra and Optus tend to throw in plenty of features to stand out from cheaper, no-frills NBN providers, which could make the more expensive prices worth it if you like extras with your NBN plan.

Optus offers the option to bundle a range of subscription services (such as Netflix, BINGE and Brit Box) with your Optus NBN plan via Optus SubHub. While these subscriptions will cost you extra each month, you can pick up discounts on your subscriptions when you bundle multiple services.

Telstra offers a wide range of entertainment add-ons for its NBN plans. You can add on subscription services such as BINGE, Disney+, Kayo and Fetch, along with gaming consoles from PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Telstra sometimes offers free streaming subscriptions, however most add-ons are an additional cost on top of your monthly plan fees. In addition to entertainment, Telstra also offers the option to add on device security.

Eligible Telstra customers are also able to access the Telstra Plus rewards program where you earn points for every bill you pay. Telstra Plus rewards includes access to concert pre-sales, discounted sporting and movie tickets, along with the option to spend points in the Telstra rewards store on a range of items such as mobile phones, tablets, speakers and even gift cards.

What do customers think of Optus vs Telstra

If you want to know what other Aussies think about Optus NBN vs Telstra NBN, at Canstar Blue, we release our Most Satisfied Customer ratings for NBN providers each year.

In the 2024 ratings, Telstra was ranked in 13th place, scoring four stars for overall satisfaction, however it scored three stars for value for money. Optus came in 17th place, scoring three stars for overall satisfaction, but four stars for speed and reliability.

Optus vs Telstra NBN: Which provider should you sign up to?

When comparing Optus vs Telstra NBN, these providers have a lot in common. In addition to offering standard NBN plans, both Telstra and Optus offer a range of bundling options and extras that set both providers apart from many of the cheaper providers on the market.

Both providers also offer the same selection of speed tiers, although Optus is cheaper than Telstra across all plans, with the biggest price difference being up to $10 for NBN 1000 speeds — which can work out to be around $120 price difference each year.

While Telstra can be a much more expensive provider than Optus — and is generally more expensive than many other popular NBN providers — it does have its advantages over Optus. Telstra includes a basic home phone service on all plans at no extra cost, while Optus requires you to add on a home phone pack for an additional monthly charge.

Optus offers the option to either BYO modem or add on an Optus modem for free — provided you stay connected to your plan for 24 months. Telstra also requires you to stay connected for 24 months to pay off your included modem, with customers asked to return the device if they cancel early.

Ultimately, the choice between these two providers might come down to the cost or inclusions on offer. While Optus may be cheaper, Telstra offers a wider range of entertainment options to bundle with your plan — although you’ll still need to pay for these services. Before signing up to any plan, it’s worth comparing a wider range of NBN plans and providers.

About our internet experts

Emma Bradstock: Senior Telco Specialist

As Canstar Blue’s Senior Telco Specialist, Emma Bradstock covers all things mobile phone and internet, which she’s focused on for over five years. Emma has over a decade of professional writing experience across print and digital media outlets and for digital agencies, and has turned her hand to multimedia content and social media management.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University. You can follow Emma on LinkedIn.

Josh Filosi: Data Insights Analyst

Josh Filosi is Canstar’s Data Insights Analyst, and helps develop and deliver the methodology for Canstar Blue’s Value Rankings and Awards for the telco industry. He holds a double-major in Economics and Behavioral Science, and enjoys interpreting complex data. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.