Best Optus mobile plans (June 2023)

Optus logo
(Image credit: Optus)

Let’s first address the big issue clouding Optus – the Optus data breach. You might be feeling wary about signing up to (or keeping) an Optus mobile plan, and that’s completely understandable. We've detailed the Optus alternatives in a dedicated guide if you want to weigh up your options.

Now’s a crucial time for Optus, and the telco will be keen to hold onto its customers during this turbulent period. Whether you’re a current Optus customer or you’re looking to join, we’d suggest getting in touch with Optus’ customer support, as you might be able to win yourself a discounted plan – we’ve spoken to customers who have received a 15% discount on their plan for staying.

We’ll be laying out the best plans to suit different needs right here, so no matter what you need, we’ve got you covered. Click the links below to skip ahead to our plan recommendations:

Jump to:
• Best SIM-only option – AU$49p/m for Optus Small plan
• Best overall phone + plan combos – AU$107.29p/m for iPhone 14 | AU$101.02p/m for Samsung Galaxy S22
• Best cheap phone + plan combos – AU$78.94p/m for iPhone SE | AU$80.20p/m for Google Pixel 6a
• Best premium phone + plan combos – AU$121.87p/m for iPhone 14 Pro | AU$126.04p/m for Samsung S22 Ultra

Noteworthy Optus deals

We’re running through our picks for the best Optus phone plans below, but before we get to that, the telco has a few sweet deals you should know about:

Best Optus mobile plans: our picks

Best SIM-only option

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Optus Small plan

Optus Small plan | 30GB data | AU$49p/m

If you already have a phone, and you’re not keen on starting up a new phone contract, then a SIM-only plan is a great alternative. The Small plan from Optus still comes with all the perks of a contract, including 30GB of data, unlimited talk and text to standard numbers in Australia and 5G network access. When you hit your data cap, you can still browse without facing any excess data charges, your speed will just slow to 1.5Mbps instead. You can also cancel anytime without facing a fee.

Total minimum cost is AU$49

Best overall phone + plan combos

Best overall iPhone + plan combo: our pick

iPhone 14 (128GB)

iPhone 14 (128GB) | 30GB data | 24 months | AU$107.29p/m

We should note that Vodafone’s iPhone 14 plans are cheaper, but if you want to go with Optus, we’d recommend the AU$49 Small plan. It’ll set you up with 30GB of data, and access to Optus’ 5G network is included as standard. All told, you’ll pay AU$107.29 a month for this Apple flagship with Optus.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,574.96

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Best overall Android + plan combo: our pick

Samsung Galaxy S22 (128GB)

Samsung Galaxy S22 (128GB) | 30GB data | 24 months | AU$101.02p/m

The Samsung Galaxy S22 gives you lots of power at a reasonable price, and if you sign up with Optus, we think the AU$49 Small plan will suit most users. It comes with 30GB of data and 5G access, which is nice to have, particularly with a telco that’s continuing to roll out its 5G network. With phone repayments thrown in, your monthly bill will be AU$101.02. Keep in mind that Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S23 in February, so hold off if you want the latest.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,424.48

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Best cheap phone + plan combos

Best cheap iPhone + plan combo: our pick

iPhone SE 2022 (64GB)

iPhone SE 2022 (64GB) | 30GB data | 24 months | AU$78.94p/m

If you’re keen on Apple’s most affordable handset, we recommend pairing it with Optus’ cheapest plan, the AU$49 Small plan on a 24-month contract. It gets you 30GB of data each month, and if you keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi networks throughout the day, we think that’s enough data for most people. It’ll set you back AU$78.94 each billing.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$1,894.56

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Best cheap Android phone + plan combo: our pick

Google Pixel 6a (128GB)

Google Pixel 6a (128GB) | 30GB data | 24 months | AU$80.20p/m

The Google Pixel 6a is a good choice if you want an affordable phone with clever photo-taking abilities. The Pixel 6a will set you back AU$749, and if you want a cheap plan from Optus to go with it, we suggest pairing it with the AU$49 Small plan. That’ll get you 30GB of data each month, and on a 24-month contract, you’ll pay AU$80.20 each billing.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$1,924.80

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Best premium phone + plan combos

Best premium iPhone + plan combo: our pick

iPhone 14 Pro (128GB)

iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) | 30GB data | 24 months | AU$121.87p/m

The iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max are Apple’s most premium devices, and the one you choose will mostly come down to size and price. We’re going with the 14 Pro here, and pairing it with Optus’ AU$49 Small plan on a 24-month contract. That’ll set you up with 30GB of data, unlimited talk and text to standard numbers and access to an expanding 5G network.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,924.88

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Best premium Android + plan combo: our pick

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (128GB)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (128GB) | 30GB data | 24 months | AU$126.04p/m

Samsung is expected to release the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in February, so consider holding out if you want the best of the best. If you’re fine with the S22 Ultra, and you want it from Optus (hint: it’s cheaper at Vodafone) then we’d pair it with the provider’s AU$49 Small plan to set yourself up with 30GB of data a month.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$3,024.96

  • Looking for something cheaper, or have your own phone? Check out the best-value SIM-only plans
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.