Optus Speed Test

The best way to see your real-world Optus internet speeds is to run a straightforward connection speed test yourself. After all, checking that you’re getting the correct download speeds you’re paying for is crucial since these affect everything from streaming TV to sending social media messages. Discover how to run an Optus internet speed test here and check for any Optus outages or dead zones.

How to Run a Speed Test for Optus

There are multiple methods you can use to test your internet speed. For one, Optus offers a built-in internet speed test in its My Optus app, which is available for all iOS and Android devices. Although running an internet speed test is convenient on a mobile device, it’ll be limited by the maximum speed of your phone or tablet.

To gauge your real internet connection speed, you should instead run the NBN speed test above, powered by Speedtest from Ookla. To get the best results, use a laptop or desktop computer connected to your modem via an ethernet cable. This guarantees more accurate speed test results.

Here’s how you use the speed test above:

• Click the big round GO button.
• Wait for the progress bar to move all the way to the left, then back to the right.
• Note down the readings for the download speed and the upload speed.
• If the results seem low, click on the server name to change it, then click “AGAIN”.

When you run your Optus speed test Ookla, make sure nothing else is using the internet connection. If multiple devices are using the internet, switch them off except for the one you are performing the test with. Stop any downloads or streams, too, as this will give you a clearer idea of your home internet speeds.

How to Interpret Internet Speed Test Results

Our NBN speed test Optus gives you real-time figures for both your download and upload speeds, alongside results for the Ping and Jitter. The numbers are measured in Mbps (megabits per second), the standard way of measuring connection speed (you can divide the amount by eight to get a rough idea of how many megabytes per second that translates to). 

For most people, it’s the download speeds that matter. This figure determines the speed of everything from streaming videos to downloading online games and files. Upload speeds, on the other hand, matter less. They are almost always lower than download speeds because many internet service providers reduce upload speeds to compensate for higher download frequency.

If you share videos online or enjoy live-streaming online games, upload speeds will matter more. On top of this, business internet will need greater upload speeds to handle tasks like file sharing and excessive emailing.

Your Optus NBN speed test may report slower or faster speeds than you were expecting. This can depend on various factors, including your broadband provider, the time of day, and your location. Optus is known for providing accurately advertised download speeds, so Optus customers are typically more satisfied with their speeds than others.

How Fast is the Optus NBN Speed?

Optus uses the NBN 50 speed tier for its base NBN plans, which indicates download speeds of 50Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps. However, typical evening speeds are often reduced due to the sheer volume of people using the internet at the same time. If you’re on the basic Optus NBN plans, expect download speeds of around 45Mbps in the evenings.

You can use the number in the different NBN speed tiers to gauge what kind of download speeds to expect. For instance, the NBN 100 speed tier connects at 100Mbps down and 40Mbps up, with an average download speed of 100Mbps during the evening peak.

If you’re after faster plans, Optus offers some of the quickest speeds in the country on certain plans. The Home Superfast and Home Ultrafast plans are available in selected locations and offer average speeds of 215Mbps and 250Mbps respectively. However, a speed test may report this as higher or lower, depending on the time of day.

Below, you’ll find a list of the various NBN connection speed tiers that Optus currently offers. Keep in mind that actual speeds may differ slightly from those advertised. However, Optus is one of the most consistent and reliable internet service providers in Australia.

NBN Speed	Description
NBN 50	Standard plus evening speed provides a download speed of 50Mbps and an upload speed of 18Mbps. Great for multiple devices using the internet at once.
NBN 100	Premium evening speed provides a download speed of 100Mbps and an upload speed of up to 36Mbps. A great choice that can suit multiple needs for home or business use.
NBN 240	Provides all the benefits of lower speed packs plus a significant increase in typical download speeds that are ideal for concurrent 4K and 8K streaming, serious online gaming, downloading large files, and business collaboration tools
NBN 600	Home Superfast with improved upload speeds that are ideal for concurrent 4K and 8K streaming, competitive online gaming, downloading or uploading large files, and business collaboration tools – all at the best speeds.

Fastest Optus NBN Plans

If you’re after fast WiFi that won’t make you worry about doing an NBN speed test, there are plenty of Optus plans you can choose from. There are NBN internet plans, 4G plans, and 5G packages – all of which come with unlimited data and a high-tech modem.

Each package operates as a month-to-month plan and provides you with reliable broadband and a wealth of extras you can select. They’re all affordable, too, which means you won’t have to break the bank to get good internet.

Optus 5G Home Internet

The fifth generation of WiFi networks is here, and speeds are faster than ever! With Optus 5G home internet, you can stream videos in crystal-clear 8K definition and benefit from uncapped download speeds. This means your home internet will be incredibly fast and ultra-reliable.

Choose from three different 5G home internet plans, each with a $0 startup fee and an extra month of broadband for free. The Optus Plus Everyday 5G offers download speeds of up to 50Mbps, while the Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G offers up to 100Mbps in speeds.

A compatible modem and a subscription to Optus Sport are included in every 5G home internet plan, but you can also bundle other services into your package. The Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G is great value for money for families who want to stream using multiple devices, as you’ll get fast download speeds and your Netflix account paid for.

How to Improve Your Internet Speed

There are several ways you can improve your internet speed. If you’re unhappy with your Optus NBN home internet connection, or you find your streams are lagging too often, perform an internet speed test to confirm your suspicions.

If you don’t like what you find, here are a few things you can do to improve your internet connection and download speeds.

Avoid Peak Evening Hours

When running an Optus internet speed test, you should avoid the typical peak evening hours (7-11 pm). Otherwise, your WiFi network and internet provider’s speed could be compromised due to congestion – that is, a large number of people using the broadband at the same time.

Ensure No Other Devices are Connected

Regardless of whether you’re doing a speed test at home or in your place of work, you need to make sure you’re the only one connected to the internet. Online activities like streaming, software updates, and using social media all contribute to inaccuracies in the results of your Optus internet speed test.

Connect Using a Wired (Ethernet) Connection 

Connecting to the internet with an ethernet cable will get you the most accurate internet speed test results if you’re using a computer or laptop. Your broadband provider will usually include an ethernet cable with your modem, so hook that up to your laptop before running the speed test. You should be as close to your modem or router as possible since internet speeds drop as you move away.

Not Satisfied With Your Speed? A Different Broadband Could Help

Although the typical Optus speed is extremely reliable, it can have limitations. For instance, you might not be in the right location to properly take advantage of high-speed 5G internet. In this case, you may want a cheaper NBN or ADSL plan. Alternatively, you may just want a provider that can live up to its promise of whirlwind speeds.

Compare broadband providers to find the best deals and plans that are most suited to you. If you’re not satisfied with Optus speeds, and you have the speed test results to back it up, then you may feel more at home with a different provider, such as Dodo Broadband or iPrimus.

Find a list of the best alternative plans below. If you find one you like the look of and want to make the switch today, contact Optus to begin the process.

Optus Speed Test FAQs

Find out what people are asking about Optus and internet speed tests below. While performing a speed test is straightforward, you may still have some questions.