Optus and Telstra are two of the heavyweights of Australian internet, dominating the telco industry and enjoying a nationwide reputation for mobile, internet and home phone services. As far as NBN goes, these two providers both offer some great packages, including phones and entertainment bundles, but there’s a lot to compare between them to make sure you’re getting the right deal.
Today, we’ll be going through Optus and Telstra NBN plans by speed tier, and comparing the pros and cons of each provider to help you find the best deal.
Optus and Telstra broadband: In summary
You’ll find that Optus is the cheapest provider for every plan it offers against a Telstra alternative, although the two providers offer identical typical evening speeds. The difference in service isn’t too massive between these providers, and as an example, $85 per month with Optus will get you an unlimited NBN 50 plan – with Telstra, $85 gets you unlimited data on the slower NBN 25 speed tier.
Jump to:
- Optus and Telstra NBN at a glance
- Telstra NBN 25 plans
- Optus and Telstra NBN 50 plans
- Optus and Telstra NBN 100 plans
- What NBN plan is right for me?
Optus and Telstra NBN at a glance
Update 6/8/21: Optus’ Internet Gamer plans are currently unavailable. However, customers can still sign up for a standard Optus NBN plan, and add Game Path for $10 per month.
Optus and Telstra are known for their massive mobile market share, and each offer their own 4G and 5G networks. If you’re looking for fixed-line broadband, Telstra and Optus also serve up some great NBN plans across the NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 speed tiers.
Both providers have big names to live up to and throw in plenty of features to stand out from cheaper, no-frills NBN resellers. Telstra offers the option of bundled-in Telstra TV on all NBN plans along with other entertainment add ons. Similarly, Optus offers access to entertainment service and the option to bundle these.
At the time of writing, all Telstra NBN plans come with a free three months of standard BINGE access or new and returning customers. Telstra also offers customers the option to bundle in specialised Foxtel packages on any NBN plan, including Movies and Sports channels, and you’re also able to add Kayo Sports streaming. If you’re a gamer, Telstra’s Xbox All Access packages feature an included Xbox console, as well as unlimited data.
Optus also offers Optus Sport at no extra charge on all NBN plans, where you can stream classic matches and live sport, with a focus on national and international football. Customers on Optus’ Internet Gamer plans also get the Optus Game Path add-on for free for three months ($10 per month thereafter). This can be added to any plan. Optus’ Internet Family Entertainer plans come with a WiFi booster, which extends WiFi range, and Optus WiFi Secure, which adds a layer of security to your home network, in addition to an included standard Netflix subscription via Optus SubHub.
Telstra Standard NBN 25 plans
Unlike Optus, Telstra offers Standard Speed NBN 25 plans as an entry-level NBN option. Telstra’s NBN 25 offers start at $85 per month for unlimited data and operate on a month-to-month contract.
Telstra’s deal includes a modem ($0 if you stay connected for 24 months), and for online purchases, Telstra’s $99 connection fee is currently waived.
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra NBN 25 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Optus and Telstra NBN 50 plans
Here’s where the one-on-one comparisons really come out. As far as price goes, the cheapest Standard Plus NBN 50 plan between Optus and Telstra is an Optus plan – Internet Everyday – and goes for $85 per month. Optus list typical evening speeds of 50Mbps, while Telstra was the first to offer 50Mbps typical evening speed. If you stay connected to Optus for 36 months, you’ll pay no modem fees – otherwise, the modem costs $252.
Optus’ plans all come with bundled in as pay as you go (PAYG) home phone plans. You have the option of spending $10 outright and getting a phone with unlimited standard calls across Australia. Optus customers have the choice between the Internet Everyday plan, the Internet Gamer plan (which comes with an ASUS gaming modem), and the Internet Family Entertainer plan, which comes with a WiFi Booster for $105 per month.
The cheapest Telstra NBN 50 plan is the Unlimited NBN 50 plan at $100 monthly, including a $216 modem (with the price waived if you stay with Telstra for 24 months) and a $99 connection fee, currently waived if you connect online. Look out for other promo offers from Telstra, such as waiving the first month’s charges.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Telstra and Optus NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Optus and Telstra NBN 100 plans
These are the plans you should be looking into if you’re an internet enthusiast. Again, Optus provides the cheapest premium NBN pricing when compared to Telstra, with plans starting at $99 per month for NBN 100/20 speeds. Optus projects typical evening speeds of 100Mbps at this speed tier, and will again waive the cost of its $252 modem if you stay connected for 36 months. Again, the option is there for gamers to also take advantage of a specialised modem and static IP on the Optus Internet Gamer 100 plan. Optus’ Internet Family Entertainment Fast plan is also available with an included WiFi booster at $119 per month.
Telstra’s NBN 100 offerings start at $110 per month, with a typical evening speed of up to 100Mbps. Again with Telstra, you can have the $216 modem fee waived if you stay connected for 24 months, along with the $99 connection fee waived if you connect online. You may also save on your first month’s fees by connecting online, depending on any promotional offers available at sign-up.
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Telstra and Optus NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
What NBN speed is right for me?
Unsure which speed is right for you? Let’s break down what the difference is between each NBN speed tier and the plans that include them. When you’re comparing NBN plans, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting all the perks and bundled-in extras that you need (including entertainment packages or phones), but also make sure you’re getting the right speed.
NBN 12 Basic Evening Standard
NBN 12, otherwise known as the Basic Evening Speed, is the slowest NBN speed tier available, and is ideal for people that don’t put a lot of thought into their NBN plans. If you don’t do much on your internet, or if you’re someone who really only browses, uses social media or streams the occasional Netflix, this should be right for you. But keep in mind, Optus and Telstra do not offer this internet speed tier.
NBN 25 Standard Evening Speed
NBN 25, or the Standard Evening Speed, is the most common ‘entry level’ plan speed offered across Australia. Most NBN providers offer this speed as their slowest speed tier, and it’s ideal for single-user homes wanting a fast connection for streaming, gaming, browsing or social media. But if you’re working from home, need a family-proof plan, or doing lots of video calling, you’ll probably need something faster. It’s important to note that Optus does not offer this internet speed tier.
NBN 50 Standard Plus Evening Speed
NBN 50, or the Standard Plus Evening Speed, is the super-fast mid tier of NBN speed tiers. If you do tonnes of gaming, or rely on a fast internet connection for your business, take a look at NBN 50 plans. This should also be a great speed if you like 4K or high definition streaming, or have multiple household members online at once.
NBN 100 Premium Evening Speed
NBN 100, or the Premium Evening Speed, is the ultimate speed of commonly available NBN plans. This is the most expensive kind of NBN, and it’s great for super-fast online gaming and streaming. It could also be a great way to stay speed-hassle free online.
We’ve done an awesome deep-dive into all of these speeds and what they’re great for here.
Other NBN Plans to consider
If you’re interested in other NBN plans, check out some other providers and plans below. The table below contains affiliate links.
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $79.99) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$79.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $85) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$85.00 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $99.99) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$89.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
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