Optus vs. Telstra NBN: Plans compared

While there’s a serious conversation to be had about the red-hot rivalry between Optus and Telstra in the mobile space, things aren’t as complicated when it comes to broadband (for now, at least).

With that said, there are a few key data points we can compare that paint a picture of what it’s like being a customer on either network. Telstra still has the upper hand when it comes to speed, with better typical evening download speeds according to ACCC's broadband speed test program. With that said, Optus typically wins out over Telstra when it comes to stability. While the ACCC reports that Telstra customers experience better speeds but more outages on average, its reports also show that Optus outperforms Telstra in terms of latency and web page loading time.

The rise of home wireless broadband plans has also reignited the fierce rivalry between Australia’s telcos as more and more users choose to rely on 4G mobile speeds for their home internet connection. And with the 5G network slowly creeping its way into major Australian cities, the broadband battle is starting to heat up again. Before we kick things off, here's a quick glimpse at the most popular NBN plans from Telstra and Optus.

Optus and Telstra offer unlimited data on all their fixed-line NBN plans. 

There are a few important differences to note, however.

Telstra's NBN plans are genuinely contract-free. If you leave within your first two years, you'll just need to return your modem to avoid paying a non-return fee of $200.

Optus' NBN plans are technically contract-free, but have a big catch. If you leave within your first 24 months, you'll need to pay out the prorated value of your modem. 

There are also differences when it comes to speeds on offer.

Optus offers NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 500, and NBN 1000 plans. 

Here's how much each will set you back.

Telstra offers NBN plans for those same speed tiers, plus an NBN 750 plan for those who want faster speeds but don't quite need to go gigabit. 

Check out the prices for each speed tier below.

If you're simply looking for the cheapest unlimited data plans from these two providers, here's what you'll get.

Compared to just about every other NBN provider in Australia, Telstra's cheapest plan is incredibly poor value, offering NBN 25 speeds for $93 per month.

Optus isn't much better at $79. 

For comparison, here's a snapshot of the cheapest NBN 25 plans in our database.

When it comes to Telstra vs. Optus, you might as well go the country mile if you’re already paying a premium. But as we mentioned up top, there’s not a massive difference in quality when it comes to an NBN connection so don’t feel beholden to the biggest telcos just because of their top-tier mobile offerings.

The NBN rollout has lured an army of smaller broadband providers out of the woodwork and they’re just as viable as Telstra and Optus, at a much lower price.

We recommend Tangerine for a flexible and affordable NBN 50 plan with unlimited data. For the cheapest of the cheap, you can’t go past SpinTel's unlimited basic speed plan. And if you want premium speed with a friendly price tag, don’t look past MATE.

Sick of researching? These are the most cheap NBN 50 plans this week according to WhistleOut's comparison engine.

Both Telstra and Optus boast more perks than many other NBN providers, even if the list of additional inclusions here isn't quite as long as it used to be. For example, Optus NBN plans include a WiFi Booster, which could be helpful for larger homes. Optus customers taking up an selected NBN plans will also score a $20 credit that can be used on any streaming service available via SubHub, which includes Netflix as well as other mainstays like Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus.

Even if you don't take the provider up on that offer, you can still save money using SubHub. Bundling two eligible subscriptions using it will save you 5% on the cost, while adding a third will increase that discount to 10%. The more you use SubHub, the more you stand to save on bills.

Telstra doesn't have an equivalent to SubHub, but signing up for one of its NBN or internet plans usually comes with a few extras. The biggest of these is the ability to earn Telstra Plus points. Every dollar spent with the provider contributed to a points balance which can be used to purchase various from the store.

In addition, Telstra is now selling both the Fetch TV Mini 4K and Fetch TV Mighty 4K. You don't have to be a Telstra internet customer to sign up for Fetch TV, but the provider offer any sort of bundles for either device. Signing up for a Fetch TV Mini 4K through Telstra costs as little as $8.25 per month over 24 months. You can also pay $16.50 over 12 months or $198 outright. Fancy the Fetch TV Mighty 4K instead? You're looking at $16.50 per month for 24 months, $33 per month for 12 months or $196 outright.

Telstra also offers Xbox All Access, a bundle option that gets you an Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X console, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (valued at $15.95 per month). The Xbox Series S bundle costs an additional $33 per month (or $792 over 24 months), and the Xbox Series X bundle costs an additional $46 per month (or $1,104 over 24 months).

Based on the latest ACCC report, Telstra has a slight edge over Optus in terms of both peak hour download and upload speeds. On the other hand, Telstra did rack up more outages (lasting more than 30 seconds) than Optus.

To see how the two compare, check out the table below.

If the NBN still isn’t available (or isn't reliable) in your area, home wireless broadband is a solid alternative. Optus  offer 5G home wireless plans in selected areas for as little as $69 with unlimited data.

Optus' cheapest 5G home internet plan has speeds capped to 100Mbps, but it also has an uncapped option for a little extra each month. Just note that if you leave within your first 36 months, you'll need to pay out a prorated modem fee. This is equivalent to $16 for each month left in your three-year term.

Along with its NBN plans, Telstra has a 5G home internet plan with a 1TB allowance. While that isn't quite unlimited, it will be more than enough for more. Telstra offers uncapped 5G home speeds, with its guidance suggesting speeds between 50Mbps and 600Mbps.

Telstra's 5G home internet plan is completely contract-free. If you're unhappy, you can leave at any time. You simply need to send back your modem to avoid paying a non-return fee.