Optus SIM-Only Postpaid vs Prepaid: Which is better value?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got a brand-spankin’ new device you don’t want to be tied up in a contract, or you’re happy with your current device for the time being and simply want a better deal. Either way, you’re in the right place.

Optus has a range of SIM only and prepaid products to suit all budgets and needs, from long-expiry, data-lite prepaid plans to postpaid services that offer all the usual perks of a contract, without the actual contract.

Regardless of what plan you pick, you’ll be getting unlimited standard calls and texts within Australia. Where these plans differ is their expiry, data inclusions and sharing, and international talk and text.

If you’re keen to keep your monthly bill as low as possible, prepaid can’t be beat. Optus’ prepaid selection is split into two types of plans - Epic Data and Epic Value, the major difference between the two being included data and expiry.

• Generous data (up to 55GB) with up to 200GB rollover
• 28-day expiry (5 and 10-day expiry for smaller recharges)
• Unlimited standard international calls to 15 select destinations
• Extras credit for international calls, roaming and selected premium SMS services

If you’re all about FaceTiming, watching Netflix or mobile gaming, the Epic Data plan is the one for you, with data packs ranging from 35 to 55GB. Whatever data you don’t use that month will be rolled over to the next, as long as you recharge before the 28-day expiry. You can also keep in touch with family and friends in 15 selected destinations with unlimited standard international calls.

• Less data (up to 15GB) with up to 50GB rollover
• Lengthy 42-day expiry (21 and 28-day expiry for smaller recharges)
• Great value 365-day plan available for less frequent users

If you’re a little less glued to your device and a little keener to make what you have last, the Epic Value plan offers just that - epic value. You’ll still get some decent data (2, 10 or 15GB), but you’ll have a generous 42 days in which to use it all. Plus, like the Epic Data plan, whatever you don’t use will automatically roll over to the next month. Better yet, choose the 365-day plan and you’ll get 100GB data to use within a whole year.

• 10, 60, 100, 120 or 500GB in included data
• Data sharing across eligible plans on your account
• Included subscription to Optus Sport

Prefer to pay your bill after the fact? While we reckon Optus’ prepaid plans come out on top, their postpaid options shouldn’t be completely written-off. For families (or perhaps a group of budget-savvy mates), data sharing is an awesome feature and a great way to avoid the dreaded bill shock. Each plan also comes with an Optus Sport subscription, allowing you to stream EPL and UEFA games straight to your device without any additional cost (though data charges will still apply).