Boost Mobile review

Our verdict: Boost Mobile offers excellent value and access to full coverage of the Telstra network without the premium price tag.

2.9 ★★★★★ (79 reviews) Write a review

Pros

  • Access to full coverage of the Telstra 4G and 5G network
  • Extra features include data rollover

Cons

  • Month-to-month plans come with a 28-day expiry meaning you’ll pay 13 bills in the year instead of 12

Compare Boost Mobile plans

Name Product AUFMP-SIM Data Price Apply Price
Boost $26 SIM
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
Boost $26 SIM
Prepaid
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
7GB
$26
per 28 day recharge
Go to site
View details
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
7GB
Data
$26
per 28 days expiry
Boost $39 SIM
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
50GB/recharge for the first 3 recharges, then 25GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 10.3.25
Boost $39 SIM
Prepaid
50GB/recharge for the first 3 recharges, then 25GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 10.3.25
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
50GB
$39
per 28 day recharge
Go to site
View details
50GB/recharge for the first 3 recharges, then 25GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 10.3.25
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
50 GB
Data
$39
per 28 days expiry
Boost $49 SIM
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
65GB for $17 for the first recharge, then 65GB for $49 for the next 2 recharges. Reverts to 35GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 30.12.24
Boost $49 SIM
Prepaid
65GB for $17 for the first recharge, then 65GB for $49 for the next 2 recharges. Reverts to 35GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 30.12.24
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
65GB
$49
per 28 day recharge
Go to site
View details
65GB for $17 for the first recharge, then 65GB for $49 for the next 2 recharges. Reverts to 35GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 30.12.24
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
65 GB
Data
$49
per 28 days expiry
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Finder Awards badge

Congratulations, Boost Mobile!

Boost Mobile received the highly commended award for 'Mobile Phone and Broadband Innovation' in the 2023 Innovation Awards.

Full list of 2023 winners

Boost Mobile review: Our verdict

Boost's biggest selling point is no doubt its full access to the Telstra network without the big T's prices.

The way we see it, its plans are great for all ages – whether you're 18, 40 or older – for a few reasons:

  • You get multiple price points and data values for both casual and heavy mobile Internet users
  • Free delivery across the country when you buy the Boost SIM online
  • Regular promotions to keep your eyes peeled on, majority of which offer bonus data


Boost's positives outweigh its negatives, but you should still keep in mind that:

  • Most of its bonus data offers only last for the first 3 recharges then drops back to its original plan inclusions
Dougal Warby's headshot

"As someone who wanted to stay on the Telstra network but at a fraction of the Telstra cost, Boost was a great choice. I've been purchasing their 12 month SIMs at a discounted rate (working out to be $20.80 per month) and have no intent to change."

Publisher

What do Australians think of Boost Mobile mobile provider?

  • 4.35/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — higher than the average of 4.15
  • 4.84/5 for Trust — higher than the average of 4.43
  • 4.08/5 for Customer Service — higher than the average of 4.01

Based on Boost Mobile mobile provider scores in Finder's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Read a more detailed review on


money icon

Value for money

These are rock solid for the budget-conscious as prices start as low as $26 for 7GB. You also have the option to go up to $74 per recharge for 90GB, which is still great value.
Boost's $300 for 265GB is one of the best-priced long expiry plans on the Telstra network.

Boost also offers 1 short-term plan with 5GB for $13 that lasts for 1 week.

While this isn't very useful for most people, it's a good option for travellers to Australia who want access to the country's largest mobile network for a short period of time.

Things to watch out for:

  • Bonus data on Boost's plans will drop from your fourth recharge onwards. However, you are free to switch providers whenever you want as there's no lock-in contract.
  • Boost's long-expiry plans are great on paper but if you don't use too much data on a day-to-day basis, there are cheaper options to consider.

coverage icon

Coverage

If coverage is important to you, Boost will suit you just fine. That's because:
  • It has full access to Telstra's 4G and 5G networks. It's the biggest network in the country and reaches 99.5% of Australians for 4G.
  • Boost is only 1 of 2 providers that gets the full Telstra coverage. The other is JB Hi-Fi.
  • If you're someone who lives in a regional part of Australia or enjoys hiking and camping, you'll find Telstra's wide coverage handy.

Does Boost Mobile have 5G?

Boost Mobile does have 5G access to the Telstra network, but most of its plans come with speed caps if you're connected to the 5G network. The majority of its plans are capped at 150Mbps, which is still a pretty fast speed so it shouldn't affect you too much.

customer service icon

Customer service

Boost has a few different ways for you to get in touch all 7 days of the week. You'll be able to:

  • Reach out to its call centre between 8am and 8pm AEST.
  • Ask a question in its customer forum.
  • Speak to an agent via online chat on its website or Facebook page between 7am and 11pm AEST (recommended for quicker responses).
  • Access a user-friendly app that lets you recharge, check your balance and get customer service help, all in 1 place.
  • Keep in mind: There are no physical stores to the likes of Telstra and Optus in case you prefer in-person chats.

bonus icon

Bonus features

While Boost's plans don't come with all the bells and whistles that you'd expect from Telstra and Optus, it does offer a few stand-out features.

🔄 Data rollover

This is great for people who would like a data bank for future use. However, keep in mind that the data you save up with Boost is only available within your next recharge.

🌏 International calls inclusions

Make unlimited international calls to 20 countries and get 300 free minutes to 30 selected destinations plus 300 texts to any country. All 28-day plans except the $26 offer include these. This is a good option for people with families abroad.

✈️ International roaming

Heading overseas? Boost offers international roaming for 42 countries including Canada, Chine, India, UK and USA.

You can choose between 3, 7 and 14-day roaming packs starting from 1GB for $20 over 3 days.

While not the best value around, it at least gives you the option to purchase roaming if you head overseas. This option was unavailable prior to November 2022.

Ready to sign up to Boost Mobile?

Once you've decided which Boost Mobile plan you like, you'll simply have to fill out a few details. From there Boost Mobile will take care of the rest. SIM delivery is free via standard postage, but can take up to 10 business days to arrive at your door.

phone icon

What if I want to keep my current phone number?
Easy. As long as your current mobile number is registered under your name, Boost can port it across to your new service within a couple of days.

It might be trickier if your current number is under someone else's name, such as a parent or partner. Check our guide on how to transfer ownership of your mobile number.


Mariam Gabaji's headshot
Written by

Editor I Tech and utilities expert

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio

Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 305 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Energy
  • Mobile
  • Broadband
  • Consumer tech

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6 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    TerryNovember 23, 2023

    yes. Can I buy a12 month plan with little data and the cost ?

      AvatarFinder
      MariamNovember 24, 2023Finder

      Hi Terry. The cheapest 12-month plan from Boost Mobile will cost you $230 for 170GB. That works out to be approximately $20 a month for roughly 14GB of data each month. From the second year, you will get 1760GB for $230. Hope this helps.

    Default Gravatar
    WendyMarch 9, 2023

    How do I recharge on boost

    Default Gravatar
    DanAugust 3, 2017

    I need more info on what card I want.

      AvatarFinder
      RenchAugust 4, 2017Finder

      Hi Dan,

      Thanks for your inquiry. Please note that we are not affiliated with Boost Mobile or any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.

      If you are referring to Boost Mobile SIM-only plans, you are on the correct page. You may select ‘View details’ on the side of your preferred plan to see more info or you may visit Boost mobile official site, where you can purchase the plan.

      Please feel free to explore various mobile plans. Use our search filters to narrow down your options and compare plans that will suit your needs.

      Cheers,
      Rench

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