Compare Amaysim vs Optus mobile phone plans

About Amaysim vs Optus

Whether you’re about to finish your current phone contract, or just looking for a bit of extra value, you might find that a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) could offer better value for money than some of the major telcos. One such provider is Amaysim – it’s one of the more popular MVNOs in Australia and operates on the Optus 4G and 5G network, and was acquired by Optus in 2021.

Optus is the second largest telco in the country, with its network covering 98.5% of the population. It offers plans across SIM-only prepaid and postpaid, along with plans bundled with a new phone and some enticing entertainment extras. If you’re after a new device or a postpaid SIM-only plan, Optus will be your stand out in this comparison.

Amaysim has won several of Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction awards for its straightforward SIM-only plans at reasonable price points. Previously, Amaysim had offered postpaid phone plans but shifted its focus to only prepaid plans some time ago. Amaysim also offers unlimited data banking on every plan, storing your unused data for when you need it later.

Both telcos have vastly different offerings, even when comparing prepaid plans. While Amaysim manages to pack in some generous data for your money, Optus has more options, plus a range of the latest phones from the biggest manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, which can be bundled with a plan.

Amaysim vs Optus: Plans and prices compared

When comparing these two telcos, it’s a bit hard to do a direct comparison unless you’re looking at prepaid plans. However, if your preference is a postpaid plan, you still shouldn’t totally discount Amaysim’s prepaid plans. Prepaid phone plans aren’t quite what they used to be, and often you’ll find prepaid plans come with just as much included value as postpaid counterparts.

To give a better picture of the included value for money, let’s take a look at how both telco’s prepaid plans compare.

Amaysim phone plans

While Amaysim previously offered a selection of postpaid phone plans, it now only offers SIM-only prepaid deals. These run on a seven-day, 28-day, 182-day or 365-day expiry period, with 5G network access included on all 28-day plans and unlimited data banking available on all plans. All plans are offered as no lock-in contracts with access to automatic recharging, so you won’t need to worry about remembering to top up your credit. You can buy a SIM card online, or pick one up from a range of retailers including Coles, Woolworths and Australia Post.

All plans include unlimited standard national calls and SMS, while the top three 28-day plans include unlimited standard international calls to either 28 select countries or 42 select countries, depending on the plan.

Amaysim also offers a selection of phones, including iPhones, Samsung and Google phones that are available to buy outright, although you will be locked into Amaysim’s network and won’t be able to change providers.

Optus phone plans

Optus is a full-service provider, offering a range of postpaid and prepaid plans, including plans bundled with a new smartphone. While many of these plans tend to be more expensive than what is on offer from smaller providers, Optus does include several entertainment extras, such as Optus SubHub subscription bundling and Optus Sport, which covers many of the big European Football competitions. If you’re looking for a new phone, you’ll find the latest models from manufacturers including Apple, Samsung and Google.

When it comes to SIM-only postpaid plans, you can choose between a small selection of month-to-month plans. These plans are also able to be bundled with a new phone, with the option to buy outright or to pay it off on a 12, 24 or 36-month device payment period. All Optus postpaid plans include unlimited standard national talk and text in Australia, a monthly full-speed data allowance, and additional ‘endless’ data capped at speeds of 1.5Mbps. International call inclusions are available on select plans.

Optus’ prepaid plans provide the best comparison to Amaysim’s phone plans. The seven ‘Flex Plus’ prepaid plans offer a range of data inclusions and unlimited standard national SMS and calls. All 28-day and long-term recharges include an international call and text allowance and the short-term plan only includes international text credit, all to select countries. Every plan also includes up to 200GB of data rollover, provided you recharge before the expiry or have an active auto recharge. All plans include access to Optus’ 5G network, but capped download speeds of 250mbps apply on some plans.

Amaysim vs Optus: Which is better?

When you’re looking for a new plan, it’s important to think about what your needs really are. Considering all your priorities — whether it’s a new phone, lots of data or international calls — will help you with your phone plan comparison.

As for Optus and Amaysim, the value between these two telcos could come down to whether you’d prefer prepaid or postpaid. If you’re looking for a new phone on a contract or a SIM-only postpaid plan, Optus is your choice between these two; however there are many other telcos also offering postpaid deals and plans bundled with a new device, so it’s worth comparing to see which provider has the right plan for you. However, for prepaid, Amaysim might offer a bit more value for money.

If you’d prefer a prepaid plan, or you’re not really fussed on choosing prepaid or postpaid, both telcos have their pros and cons.

Choose Amaysim if:

• You want a straightforward prepaid plan
• You want high data allowances at cheaper prices compared to Optus

Choose Optus if:

• You want to bundle a new phone with your plan
• You want access to entertainment extras and subscription bundling

About our phone experts

Jasmine Tait: Content Assistant

Jasmine Tait is a Content Assistant within Canstar Blue’s editorial team. Jasmine graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in Communications. Jasmine has previously edited for a variety of publications including ScratchThat magazine and Seaglass Literary. When Jasmine isn’t working, you can usually find her reading or spending time with her friends and family.

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.