Finding the best Optus network mobile plans
Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 85 mobile plans on the Optus network from 17 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 5 top picks based on price, data and expert analysis. Not every mobile plan will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
85 mobile plans on the Optus network analysed
180+ hours of research
Best value Optus network mobile plan
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per month
$15/mth for the first 6 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 29.11.24
Pros & cons:
- Both the discounted and ongoing price is great for how much data you get in return. The plan stacks up well against our $1 per GB.
- $50 international call credit included in the plan.
- You can easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- Price reverts to $29 a month after 6 months.
- You’ll be charged $10 per 1GB if you exceed data limits.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $264
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that run on the Optus network and cost $35 a month or less. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to several factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Best Optus network mobile plan under $40
Dodo $33 Online Exclusive
Calls & Text
data
per month
$16.50/mth for the first 3 months, then $33/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Order by 30.11.24
Pros & cons:
- You'll save $49.50 over 3 months with Dodo's latest discount. The ongoing price still stacks up well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
- The plan includes unlimited data banking, so your unused data never has to go to waste.
- There are no excess data charges. Using your data allowance will slow download speeds to 256Kbps until the next recharge.
- $300 worth of international call credit included.
- Price reverts to $33 a month after 3 months.
- Although advertised as a postpaid plan, you'll still need to pay the plan fees upfront. This is becoming far more common, making the concept of a postpaid plan a bit dated.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $346.5
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that run on the Optus network and cost $40 a month or less. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Best Optus network mobile plan under $50
Southern Phone Large
Pros & cons:
- You’re essentially paying $0.43 per GB. This stacks up very well against our $1 per GB benchmark.
- Easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- $50 international call credit included.
- Southern Phone’s mobile plans are certified carbon neutral.
- 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps, though this should still be fast enough for most online activities.
- You’ll be charged $10 per 1GB if you exceed data limits.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $408
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that run on the Optus network and cost $50 a month or less. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Best mobile plan directly from Optus
Optus Flex Plus $35
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
Black Friday: $12 1st 28 days, ends 4.12.24 + 55GB on 1st 3 recharges, activate by 7.3.25 + Unlimited data weekends with AutoRecharge, ends 16.3.25. T&Cs apply
Pros & cons:
- You’ll get up to 55GB on the first 3 recharges. This can be handy given you can roll over unused data up to 200GB.
- Get discounted Optus Sport for $12 a month instead of $24.99.
- Set up AutoRecharge and get 5GB bonus on every recharge.
- The plan comes with 400 minutes of standard international calls to 20 selected destinations.
- The data allowance reverts to 20GB after the first 3 recharges.
- 4G and 5G speeds are capped at 150Mbps, though is still fast enough for streaming, gaming and general browsing.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $397
Why we chose it
We analysed all Optus mobile plans that cost under $70 a month. The best plan in this category was then determined based on our value score.
Best 365-day plan on the Optus network
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$150 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge after. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 3.12.24
Pros & cons:
- You’re essentially paying $12.50 for just over 16GB of data. This is a great bargain from Catch.
- You can track data usage using Catch’s handy mobile app.
- The price of the plan reverts to $200 after 365 days.
- There are no additional plan features such as international call inclusions or data banking.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $150
Why we chose it
We looked at mobile plans from Finder partners that run on the Optus network with a 365-day expiry period and cost under $200. We ranked them based on our value score and chose the top performing plan.
Which mobile providers run on the Optus network?
Optus MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are small providers that use the Optus 4G and/or 5G network to sell you mobile plans.
We’ve provided a full list of Optus MVNOs in the table below, along with highlighted features from each provider.
Keep in mind that not all plans from a provider will include every feature listed.
Provider | Prepaid or postpaid | Features |
---|---|---|
AGL | Postpaid (4G/5G) | Discounts available when you bundle with AGL’s energy plans |
amaysim | Prepaid (4G/5G) | Won Finder’s 2024 Customer Satisfaction Award. Offers unlimited data banking, international call inclusions, roaming packs and bundling discounts with internet |
Aussie Broadband | Postpaid (4G/5G) | International call credit on most plans plus no excess data charges. Download speeds drop to 1.5Mbps after using your data allowance. |
Bendigo | Postpaid (4G/5G) | Basic plans with local calls, texts and data inclusions. The large plan comes with international call credit |
Catch Connect | Prepaid (4G) | Good for budget-conscious Aussies who care about local calls, texts and data only. Has a handy mobile app to manage your plan. It was highly commended in the 'Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile Plan' category in Finder’s 2024 Product Awards |
Circles.Life | Postpaid (4G) | 30-day satisfaction guarantee, data rollover available on most plans, and the option to add-on roaming packs and international calls. |
Coles Mobile | Prepaid (4G) | International call inclusions, data rollover, Australia-based support |
Dodo | Postpaid (4G/5G) | No excess data charges. Your speeds will simply slow to 256Kbps if you hit your data limit. Offers international call credit and data banking up to 500GB or unlimited depending on the plan |
E.Tel | Postpaid (4G) | 100% Australian-owned. Includes international call minutes and all the basics like local calls, texts and data |
Flip | Postpaid (4G) | Australian-owned, 14-day satisfaction guarantee and includes international call minutes |
iPrimus | Postpaid (4G) | Offers a mobile and internet bundling discount and international call credit |
Moose Mobile | Postpaid (4G/5G) | Aussie-based support, 200GB data banking on most plans and international call credit on its highest data plan |
Southern Phone | Postpaid (4G/5G) | Offers international call credit, carbon neutral mobile plans, parental controls, and the option to turn |
SpinTel | Postpaid (4G) | Won Best SIM Only Mobile Provider - Value in Finder’s 2024 Product Awards |
Swoop | Postpaid (4G/5G) | Offers data banking and international call credit depending on the plan |
Yomojo | Prepaid (4G) | Offer affordable plans including family bundles |
Spriggy | Prepaid (4G/5G) | Offers plans specially designed with kids in mind. Safety features for parents include the option to sync your phone's contact list so you can see who your kid or teen is calling, and being able to turn their data on and off using Spriggy’s mobile app. |
How do you find the best mobile plan on the Optus network?
There are 3 key factors to consider when you're choosing a plan from either Optus itself or one of the smaller providers that use its network.
1. Price: Ask yourself how much you're willing to pay for your phone plan. Seek out sign up deals that are quite common in the telco space.
2. Data: Figure out how much data you use or need by either checking your phone, bill from your mobile provider or its app, or by using our data usage calculator. Oftentimes we pay for data we don't use. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the average Aussie only uses 12.8GB of data per month.
3. Inclusions: You'll want to choose a plan that best fits your feature requirements, whether it's the option of data rollover, international calls, an app to manage your plan or having roaming available for when you travel overseas. Or keep it simple and opt for a basic plan with calls, texts and data.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for? We’ve got a lot more plans and deals for you to compare based on your budget and other requirements.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max plans – so you can do premium on a budget
Grab the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max on a plan from Optus, Vodafone, or Telstra.
-
Samsung S24 Ultra plans
Buy the S24 Ultra on a plan from Optus, Telstra or Vodafone.
-
iPhone 15 plans in Australia
Apple's iPhone 15 lineup is officially on sale and you get any of the models on a plan from the major telcos.
-
Best mobile plans for November 2024
Our experts have crunched the numbers to help you find the best mobile phone plan in Australia.
-
Compare unlimited mobile data plans
While you can get unlimited data with your mobile phone, there are a few restrictions to be aware of.
-
Cheap mobile plans in Australia
Score up to 60GB for just $20 a month on a cheap mobile plan.
-
Best mobile plans for international calls from Australia
Calling overseas can be costly if you don't have the right plan. Here's how to pick out the best plans to meet your international calling needs.
-
Best mobile plans for students
From budget-conscious to international students, these mobile plans offer something for every type of student.
-
Best mobile plans for seniors
We’ve narrowed down the options to help you find the best no-nonsense mobile plan for your needs.
-
Top 10 mobile phone providers in Australia (get the inside scoop)
There are just 3 mobile networks in Australia but over 50 phone companies to choose from. The choice can be overwhelming so we’ve made it easier by rounding up the 10 mobile service providers on Finder instead.
Ask a question