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

It’s the Mac vs. PC of the telco world: Prepaid or postpaid? Both have their pros and cons, but we think Optus’ prepaid offerings have their postpaid plans beat.

Optus Prepaid
Optus
Optus Epic Data/Value
Starting from$15/28-day recharge
  • pro
    From $15 (starter pack)
  • con
    Remembering to recharge
Optus Postpaid
Optus
Optus Choice Plans
Starting from$45/mo
  • pro
    From $39 p/mth
  • con
    Excess fees
Brodie Fogg
Sep 03, 2020
Icon Time To Read3 min read

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.

Inclusions and perks

Which comes out on top?

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.

Best for data

Optus Prepaid Epic Data
  • 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.

Best on a budget

Optus Prepaid Epic Value
  • 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.

Best for families

Optus SIM only postpaid
  • 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).

FAQ about Optus mobile

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about Optus prepaid and postpaid mobile.

Absolutely! As long as your phone is unlocked (e.g. if you purchased it outright), you’re good to go. If you’re not sure if your device is locked to another network, give your provider a call and they can check or unlock it for you - however, be aware that some networks charge an unlocking fee. To unlock it, you’ll need your device’s IMEI number, which can be found by dialling *#06#, your handset details and account information.

If you’re already an Optus customer, switching plans is as easy as logging into your account or calling customer service. Keep in mind, if you’re changing from another Optus prepaid plan prior to expiry, you may lose existing credit.

Switching providers altogether? Regardless of whether you’re opting for an Optus prepaid or postpaid plan, the process is the same.

  1. If you want to keep your existing number, ensure you don’t cancel your current provider before switching, or you may lose your number.
  2. Once you’ve chosen your new plan, purchase a SIM card instore or online.
  3. When signing up, there will be a field to enter your current number and carrier, allowing you to port (transfer) your number if desired.
  4. Activate your new SIM card, and your telco will do the rest for you. You should be able to use your existing service until the process is completed - this can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days.

Once you’ve got your new Optus prepaid plan, recharging is easy. If you prefer to set it and forget it, you can login to your account online or through the My Optus app and set up AutoRecharge, which will automatically top up your credit before you run out. Otherwise, you can recharge whenever you like through the app or online, by picking up a voucher instore or calling 555 from your phone.

Not 100% sold on Optus’ plans? Use our search tool below to find the right service for you.

Brodie Fogg
Written by
Brodie Fogg is the Australian editorial lead at Reviews.org. He has covered consumer tech, telecommunications, video games, streaming and entertainment for over five years at websites like WhistleOut and Finder and can be found sharing streaming recommendations at 7NEWS every month.

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