Optus NBN plans compared: best option for every need

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(Image credit: Optus)

Optus is the third-largest NBN provider in Australia, right behind Telstra and TPG. It’s a good choice for your internet provider because it’s historically performed well in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) broadband reporting, often achieving some of the highest average download speeds among the telcos monitored.

While its performance and reliability are great across the board, our Optus NBN review argued that its NBN 50 plans and NBN 100 plans are too expensive, as competitors such as TPG, Exetel and Superloop can offer a similar service for a cheaper monthly price.

A notable feature of Optus’ NBN plans is that most come in two variations: the 'Everyday' or 'Family Entertainer'. The 'Everyday' options are Optus’ standard plans and come with a modem with 4G backup. For AU$20 extra each month, you can choose to upgrade to a 'Family Entertainer' plan, which comes with a standard Netflix subscription, a Wi-Fi booster and McAfee security protection.

Optus’ NBN 25 plan is the only outlier, as it's the only one that comes with Optus' first-generation Ultra WiFi modem. While this does give you 4G backup, it doesn't support Wi-Fi 6, which can provide wider, stronger coverage in your home. There’s also no 'Family Entertainer' plan available on the NBN 25 tier, either.

You do get nice perks with Optus NBN plans, but they come at a steeper price than your average internet connection. Learn more about each speed using the links below:

Jump to:
• <a href="#optus-nbn-50-plan" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-50-plan"">Optus NBN 50 plan – AU$75p/m (first 6m, then AU$85p/m)
• <a href="#optus-nbn-25-plan" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-25-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-50-plan"">Optus NBN 25 plan – AU$70p/m (no discount)
• <a href="#optus-nbn-100-plan" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-100-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-25-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-50-plan"">Optus NBN 100 plan – AU$75p/m (first 6m, then AU$99p/m ongoing)
• <a href="#optus-nbn-250-plan" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-250-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-100-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-25-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-50-plan"">Optus NBN 250 plan – AU$85p/m (first 6m, then AU$119p/m ongoing)
• <a href="#optus-nbn-1000-plan" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-1000-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-250-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-100-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-25-plan"" data-link-merchant="#optus-nbn-50-plan"">Optus NBN 1000 plan – AU$109p/m (first 6m, then AU$149p/m ongoing)

Noteworthy Optus NBN deals

We often see regular price fluctuations across Optus' NBN plans, as the telco may choose to hold a sale at random times throughout the year. However, at the time of writing in Februrary 2024, Optus’ high-speed NBN plans are currently available with some decent monthly discounts.

Here’s what’s available when you sign up to an Optus NBN plan:

Best Optus NBN plans

Optus NBN 50 plan

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The best option for most people

OptusNBN 100Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$75p/m

<a href="https://optus.sjv.io/c/338476/1378182/16505?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.optus.com.au%2Fbroadband-nbn%2Fhome-broadband%2Fplans%2Fshop" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"" target="_blank">Optus | NBN 100 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$75p/m (for 6 months, then AU$99 ongoing)

We've chosen Optus' NBN 100 plan as being the best option for most people. Not only does it advertise the maximum download speeds during the busy hours of 7pm to 11pm (and an upload speed that's 1Mbps faster than the Telstra equivalent) but its introductory cost is currently the same as the slower 50Mbps plan. 

This is likely due to the rise in wholesale cost of the slower speed tiers, which, while likely annoying for some customers, it does make a faster 100Mbps more enticing. 

As mentioned earlier, you can get Optus' 100Mbps plan either as an 'Everyday' or as a 'Family Entertainer' plan. For an extra AU$20p/m (both on top of the introductory cost and regular cost) you can get a standard Netflix subscription, a Wi-Fi booster and extras to keep all your devices secure online, included. Stick with Optus over 36 months and you won’t have to pay for the modem either (AU$306). Do note that we've seen the cost of the included Optus modem increase from AU$252 to AU$306, without any obvious changes. 

Total minimum cost (Everyday): AU$381 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$1,044

Total minimum cost (Family Entertainer): AU$617 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$1,284

• See more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/best/best-nbn-100-plans" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Best NBN 100 plans

Optus NBN 25 plan

The cheapest NBN plan from Optus, but one we can’t recommend

OptusNBN 25Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$70p/m

<a href="https://optus.sjv.io/c/338476/1378182/16505?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.optus.com.au%2Fbroadband-nbn%2Fhome-broadband%2Fplans%2Fshop%23byomodem" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Optus | NBN 25 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$70p/m

Optus hasn't always offered an NBN 25 plan, but launched one in 2023. At the time it was only available to those who had their own modem, but now Optus is providing its first-generation Ultra WiFi Modem as part of the package. This modem include 4G backup should anything happen to your main connection. Unlike Optus’ other NBN plans, it’s only available as an 'Everyday' plan – no entertainment extras included here. Ultimately, we can’t give this plan a strong recommendation, as cheaper options are out there with similar speed, such as <a href="https://www.flipconnect.com.au/cheap-nbn-plans?utm_source=techradar&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=nbn23&utm_term=value_25?subtag=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="flipconnect.com.au"" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Flip’s NBN 25 plan. 

Total minimum cost: AU$70 | Total cost for first year: AU$840

• See more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/best/best-nbn-25-plans" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="flipconnect.com.au"" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Best NBN 25 plans

Optus NBN 50 plan

A popular choice, with one huge caveat

OptusNBN 50Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$75p/m

<a href="https://optus.sjv.io/c/338476/1378182/16505?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.optus.com.au%2Fbroadband-nbn%2Fhome-broadband%2Fplans%2Fshop" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Optus | NBN 50 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$75p/m (for 6 months, then AU$85p/m)

The 50Mbps NBN 50 tier is popular in Australia, as it offered a good balance between enough speed for 4K streaming and other online tasks, and value. Now that prices have changed across the board, that's now not so much the case. 

Optus' NBN 50 plan is currently subject to a good saving, with the AU$75 intro cost being an attractive one, and its regular AU$85 p/m, is only AU$5 more than the average, which considering it's one of the major telcos in Australia, we don't think is too bad. Of course, right now you can also get Optus' 100Mbps plan for the same six month introductory cost, so ultimately that one would be our pick. 

All in all, this will still be a good plan to sign up for, you just need to be aware of the modem cost if you decided you wanted to leave the service within 36 months of joining. Unlike most other telcos that simply ask for you to return the modem to them, Optus will instead charge you AU$8.50 for each unused month within the first 36 months. We're not sure why this is, but it's something that's stipulated in its terms and conditions. 

If you know you won't leave, this won't be an issue, but it's something to certainly be aware of so as to avoid any nasty bill shocks.

If you fancy the Family Entertainer version of this plan, then you'll need to pay AU$85p/m for the first 6 months, then AU$105 – AU$3 more than if you were to get the Everyday plan and add on your own Netflix subscription.

Total minimum cost (Everyday): AU$381 (includes modem) |First year cost: AU$960 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,020

Total minimum cost (Family Entertainer): AU$617 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$1,140 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,260

• See more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/best/best-nbn-50-plans" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Best NBN 50 plans

Optus NBN 250 plan

Lightning-quick broadband for a high-demand household

OptusNBN 250Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$85p/m

<a href="https://optus.sjv.io/c/338476/1378182/16505?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.optus.com.au%2Fbroadband-nbn%2Fhome-broadband%2Fplans%2Fshop" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Optus | NBN 250 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$85p/m (first 6 months, then AU$119p/m)

Optus has cut the cost of its NBN 250 plan by a huge AU$34 a month for your first six months, so you’ll save AU$204 over your first half-year. You can feel confident going with Optus – the plan comes with typical download speeds of 240Mbps, which is above average for the tier. You can choose between the 'Everyday' and 'Family Entertainer' options to tweak the plan to your needs, with the latter available for an extra AU$20 a month. While the plan comes with no lock-in contract, you will need to pay out the cost of your modem if you leave before a 36-month term. Only available to fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) and select hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) households.

Total minimum cost (Everyday): AU$391 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$1,224 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,428

Total minimum cost (Family Entertainer): AU$627 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$1,464 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,668

• See more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/best/best-nbn-250-plans" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Best NBN 250 plans

Optus NBN 1000 plan

The fastest internet there is, if it’s available in your area

OptusNBN 1000Unlimited dataNo lock-in contractAU$109p/m

<a href="https://optus.sjv.io/c/338476/1378182/16505?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.optus.com.au%2Fbroadband-nbn%2Fhome-broadband%2Fplans%2Fshop" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Optus | NBN 1000 | Unlimited data | No lock-in contract | AU$109p/m (first 6 months, then AU$149p/m)

Optus’ NBN 1000 plan comes at a premium, but luckily you can get an incredible discount of AU$40p/m for your first six months on the service. 

You’ll initially pay AU$109 a month for your first six months on this plan, before it bumps up to the standard pricing of AU$149. Typical evening speeds now clock in at 600Mbps, which is a nice gain from its previous figure of 400Mbps. 

The 'Everyday' and 'Family Entertainer' options let you tweak the plan to suit your needs, with the latter giving you a standard Netflix subscription, a Wi-Fi booster and McAfee security for an extra AU$20 a month. Whichever you choose, keep in mind you’ll need to pay out the cost of your modem if you leave before a 36-month term. Available to FTTP and HFC connections.

Total minimum cost (Everyday): AU$415 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$1,548 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,788

Total minimum cost (Family Entertainer): AU$651 (includes modem) | Total cost for first year: AU$1,788 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$2,028

• See more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/best/best-nbn-1000-plans" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="optus.com.au"">Best NBN 1000 plans

Optus NBN FAQ

What is the cheapest Optus NBN plan?

The cheapest NBN plan that Optus offers is a freshly launched NBN 25 plan, which will set you back AU$69 a month. Despite being the most affordable option from the telco, we can’t recommend it because Optus has stripped out all the perks it offers in other plans, such as its modem with 4G backup. When you also consider that this plan is more expensive than the average monthly cost of others in this tier, it’s clear to see it’s not worth your money.

Does Optus provide NBN?

Optus has a good variety of options when it comes to getting your internet. An NBN connection is the most popular, and it’s proven to be a reliable service, given its consistently good performance in the ACCC’s broadband reporting.

But there are also 4G and 5G home internet options on the table, and Optus offers some of the best wireless broadband in Australia. These could be a better option for you if the NBN cabling in your area isn’t up to scratch. If you want a portable internet option, Optus offers mobile broadband plans too.

How do I contact Optus NBN?

Optus offers help online, through its app or over the phone. Its online messaging service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while its phone hours vary depending on what you need help with. To see a full list of numbers and support services, head to the Optus website.

Can I get Optus Sport?

We’ve got some bad news for football fans, Optus is no longer offering Optus Sport for free. As of August 2022, Optus NBN and mobile customers are now charged AU$6.99 per month for a subscription, while non-Optus users will need to pay AU$24.99 per month to access Optus Sport. The service is particularly good for football fans because it has the rights to Australia’s coverage of the Premier League, the Euros and the FIFA Women’s World Cup live and on-demand.

How to check if Optus NBN is down

If you’re experiencing an outage with your Optus NBN, you’ll first want to figure out if it’s just you, or if it’s down for everyone. Optus has a service status page you can check as your first port of call, though you’ll need to use your phone, or another device with its own connection to visit the page. If Optus’ own website is down, we’d recommend checking the independent site Down Detector. For further help, we have a dedicated guide to NBN outages.

Jasmine Gearie
Ecommerce Editor

Jasmine Gearie is an Ecommerce Editor at TechRadar Australia, with a primary focus on helping readers cut through the jargon to find the best mobile and internet plans for their needs. She crunches the numbers to maintain dedicated guides to the latest phones, NBN and broadband plans of all types, and covers the important telco industry news. She also hunts down tech deals on laptops, phones, gaming consoles and more, so readers know where to buy the products they want for the cheapest prices.