When you're looking for a new NBN plan, it's understandable that you may look to Optus as it's one of the most recognised names in Australia – and is the third-largest NBN provider in Australia, right behind Telstra and TPG. While it's certainly true that there are cheaper providers than Optus, we still think it's a good choice for your home internet 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 is generally 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. We're well aware of the reputation Optus has in Australia too, and while it did suffer a major network outage across its mobile network in 2023, we still consider it a telco that can be recommended.
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 (valued at AU$18.99p/m), a Wi-Fi booster and McAfee security protection.
Optus’ NBN 25 plan is the only outlier. While it does now come with the company's second-generation Ultra WiFi modem, you can't bundle it with the aforementioned Netflix subscription.
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:
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. In fact, the six month introductory prices now listed in this guide are all AU$10 more than they were in June, when Optus was hosting an EOFY sale.
Best Optus NBN plans
Optus NBN 100 plan
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The best option for most people
Optus NBN 25 plan
The cheapest NBN plan from Optus, but one we can’t recommend
Optus NBN 50 plan
A popular choice, with one huge caveat
Optus NBN 250 plan
Lightning-quick broadband for a high-demand household
Optus NBN 1000 plan
The fastest internet there is, if it’s available in your area
Optus NBN FAQ
What is the cheapest Optus NBN plan?
The cheapest NBN plan that Optus offers is an NBN 25 plan, which will set you back AU$75 a month. For a time, Optus didn't include a modem with this plan, but now offers its second-generation Ultra WiFi Modem. This includes 4G backup in case your fixed-line connection suffers an outage, and support for Wi-Fi 6, which can help to deliver a wider, stronger network coverage in your home.
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 2023, Optus NBN and mobile customers are now charged AU$9.99 per month for a subscription, while non-Optus users will need to pay AU$24.99 per month to access Optus Sport. Despite the cost, the service is particularly good for die-hard 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.
