Optus Broadband Review: Everything You Need to Know


Summary

Our Verdict

Optus Broadband


Optus Broadband offers a wide selection of Internet plans and keeps you connected with top entertainment packages and fast speeds.

 
Overall 89%
Plans
Extras
Value

Optus is a leading telecommunications wireless carrier providing its customers with the best telecom industry’s home internet plans. Having provided optimum NBN plans, mobile phone service plans, home phone services, mobile broadband, and Optus SIM services for over 40 years, Optus is highly popular in Australia.

Solving home internet service requirements and offering fast internet speeds, the company caters to a wide range of requirements and customer budgets. In this Optus review, we look at all the critical facts about Optus and its services, from information about Optus 5G perks to the maximum and typical speed you can receive from Optus broadband.

What’s In this Review

What Optus Plans are Available?

When you choose from the many Optus plans available, you will notice that this key player in the telecom industry offers multiple options. Optus offers the most popular broadband plans, including NBN home internet, 5G home internet, and 4G home internet, satisfying home internet users for various reasons.

Netflix included on select Optus nbn® plans!See Offers

NBN Home Internet Plan

The NBN home internet service Optus offers includes a WiFi 6 modem, which provides faster speeds up to 150% more than the Optus Ultra WiFi (depending on obstructions to signals). But it also offers more. It includes a 4G backup that users can use to connect to the internet even before the Optus team fully activates their service. 

You can also receive a standard Netflix subscription with their price plan and the full benefits of unlimited data.

5G Home Internet Plan

With Optus Broadband’s 5G home internet services, you can set up a Netflix subscription bundled in the price plan and an uncapped broadband speed. Their 5G home internet is ideal for high-definition streaming on the everyday plan, but you can also benefit from the everyday fast option to receive 4K video streaming benefits. 

Other benefits of the 5G home internet plan include that it’s ideal for cloud storage and collaboration and allows several devices to connect to the network to receive these cloud storage options. These perks lend themselves well to uploading videos to the cloud or streaming videos on multiple devices.

Optus users can select from three 5G home internet plans, including the Plus Everyday, the Plus Everyday Fast, and the Plus Entertainer Superfast for a monthly subscription fee.

4G Home Internet Plan

The 4G home internet plan comes with several advantages – not only can you benefit from a good download speed, depending on the coverage you receive, but you also have a guarantee under Optus’ coverage commitment. With this commitment, you can cancel your subscription if you experience poor coverage when Optus verifies that the issue you notice is related to coverage. 

With the 4G home internet plan, you can choose a month-to-month Everyday Basic 4G plan that includes a modem. Visit Optus to learn more about this plan.

Mobile Broadband Plan

Connecting to the internet with a mobile device is another option with Optus. As part of their service, you’ll discover a range of data plans, such as their 20GB month-to-month plan. 

Other perks include data-sharing advantages that allow you to share data from multiple mobile devices and plenty of data benefits, such as endless data. Like the sim-only plan, Optus’ endless data benefit allows you to slow your data speed when you reach the limit. Check Optus’ website for additional facts on this mobile broadband plan.

Optus Plans

Plan
Inclusions
Price
Optus Plus Everyday Ultrafast nbn®
  • $109/mth for first 6 mths
  • Offer Ends: 27/03/24
  • Ultra WiFi 6 modem incl.
  • Optus Plus Everyday Ultrafast nbn®
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 600™ Fixed Line
  • $0 Startup Fee
  • 600/40Mbps Typical busy period speeds (7pm -11pm)
  • $109/mth
$109/mth
for first 6 mths, normally $149/mth
Min Cost - $415 incl. $306 modem cost and Introductory Offer if you stay connected for 1mth only. $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 mths.

Optus Plus Everyday Superfast nbn®
  • $85/mth for first 6 mths
  • Offer Ends: 27/03/24
  • Ultra WiFi 6 modem incl.
  • Optus Plus Everyday Superfast nbn®
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 240™ Fixed Line
  • $0 Startup Fee
  • 240/22Mbps Typical busy period speeds (7pm -11pm)
  • $85/mth
$85/mth
for first 6 mths, normally $119/mth
Min Cost - $405 incl. $306 modem cost and Introductory Offer if you stay connected for 1mth only. $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 mths.

Optus Plus Everyday Fast nbn®
  • $75/mth for first 6 mths
  • Offer Ends: 27/03/24
  • Ultra WiFi 6 modem incl.
  • Optus Plus Everyday Fast nbn®
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 100™ Fixed Line
  • $0 Startup Fee
  • 100/18Mbps Typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • $75/mth
$75/mth
for first 6 mths, normally $99/mth
Min Cost - $395 incl. $306 modem cost and Introductory Offer if you stay connected for 1mth only. $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 mths.

Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • $75/mth for first 6 mths
  • Offer Ends: 27/03/24
  • Ultra WiFi 6 modem incl.
  • Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • $0 Startup Fee
  • 50/18Mbps typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • $75/mth
$75/mth
for first 6 mths, normally $85/mth
Min Cost - $391 incl. $306 modem cost and $85 (1mth of plan fee) if you stay connected for 1mth only. $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 mths.

What are the Features of Optus?

Optus Broadband offers plenty of features that each work well for home internet users who require reliable, fast internet plans. From portable modem service options to Optus 5G Maz, you can select from exceptional features that offer incredible value for money.

Portable Compatible Modem Options

One of the most popular reasons to choose Optus as your telecommunications provider is its prepaid phone plan options and portable modem services. Although the Vodafone network and Telstra offer cheaper plans, it’s worth noting that Optus provides phone internet access including USB modems. 

When you request a portable, compatible modem from Optus, you can choose from their Optus WiFi modem light + and their Optus portable modem +50GB. While the WiFi modem light offers 15GB of data, the portable modem offers 50GB and the option to connect with 30 devices.

Optus 5G Max

Perhaps one of the most recent features available from an Optus store is the Optus 5G max option. This feature makes our Optus review as it offers an even faster connection and network experience, ensuring users can stream movies, transfer data from different devices simultaneously and receive fast loading times.

With an internet plan like the 5G max from Optus, you can receive 4GB per second speeds, which is ideal for online gaming and 8K video streamers.

Mobile Phone Plans

But, if you are looking for a mobile phone plan that offers exceptional value for money, Optus has the optimum feature. The telecommunications service provider also offers plan options that enable users to join a 5G network on an Optus choice data plan, which does not add extra fees to your monthly bill.

What’s ideal about Optus is that when you subscribe to their mobile services, you can use their endless data feature to continue to use data at maximum speeds. This option is convenient for users who have reached their shared data allowance.

What Are Optus Broadband’s Best Features?

  • Portable modems with 50GB of data
  • Optus 5G Max with even faster connections
  • Mobile broadband with endless data features

Optus Internet Speed

One of the standout features of Optus is its internet speed. You’ll find that although its internet speeds vary, and it caters to users whose requirements are solvable with slower speeds, it also offers lightning-fast connections.

Users will notice that the 5G home internet plan’s typical evening speed is one of the competitive typical evening speeds, although you may sometimes notice slower speeds with this particular plan during peak or a busy period.

Optus’ 5G, NBN and 4G home broadband connection are unique internet plans, each offering a range of plan speeds and uncapped speeds Visit Optus to discover more about their internet speed and plans.

Optus Customer Service: How to Contact Optus

Optus offers incomparable customer service, particularly if you need answers about your account, technical issues, the billing cycle, or sales problems. Contacting Optus is simple – you can speak with the customer care team by reaching out to them with an instant message, using the My Optus app, online chat, or visiting their support page. 

Using My Optus

My Optus is more than just a support tool; it helps you manage your Optus account, monitor the amount of data you have used, and track the connection speed.

If you use My Optus to request customer support and need to retain the instant message history on the My Optus app, remember to log in with your account details.

But there are other ways to talk to the Optus team, including calling them or visiting the Optus store in your local area to discuss your entertainment or streaming, 5G, broadband and NBN or account management issues.

Instant Messaging Customer Service

With Optus’ excellent customer service, users can quickly receive support from a representative using the messaging tool on their accounts. Log in with your account details and send your message to use it. The tool will redirect you to an expert representative if your query is complex or you need further support.

Live Chat Service

One of the other customer care options you will notice is Optus’ live chat service. This feature differs from the instant messaging customer service tool in that you must wait online before speaking to a representative. 

However, remember that Optus suggests the best way to contact a representative is via the My Optus app, although users can still receive support by selecting the chat icon and initiating a dialogue.

Which Optus Extras Are Available?

Optus users can look forward to several handy extras that enhance the user experience, from speed tests and Wi-Fi secure features to the Optus SubHub. Here’s more information on these add-ons and extras.

Optus SubHub

The Optus SubHub feature allows you to manage several subscriptions to entertainment providers such as Optus Sport, BINGE, Prime and Netflix. The service is easy to use and requires you to sign up and make a single payment each month for your subscriptions. One of the biggest perks of Optus SubHub is the chance to make savings.

For instance, if you register and bundle two subscriptions, you can save 5%; if you bundle three or more subscriptions, you can save 10%.

Optus Wi-Fi Features for Security

Optus users can benefit from their Optus Wi-Fi secure feature, which ensures the devices you connect to NBN services are not vulnerable to malware. The feature incorporates extra visibility over your internet connection and actions via McAfee Global Threat Intelligence. 

With this Optus Wi-Fi secure feature, the devices through which you stream videos, take part in internet gaming, and download content from the internet remain protected.

Optus Speed Test Feature

The Optus platform provides users with an Optus speed test feature, which enables them to check the speed of their network. This feature is a huge plus for you as an Optus user. It works well with the Optus coverage commitment, particularly because Optus encourages its users to check their online connection speed.

Optus speed tests are available via their My Optus application, which you can download through Google Play and the Apple Online Application Store. 

This feature is easy to use, helping you to determine the most up-to-date download and upload speeds in megabits per second. If you prioritise excellent download speeds for streaming movies, watching videos or online gaming, you can check the download megabits per second figures to learn if the speed is sufficient.

Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Boosters

Under specific NBN plans that Optus provides, you can receive the Optus Ultra WiFi booster. This technology type is compatible with other generation two modems and boosters and works when you connect it to your home internet modem. It increases the WiFi coverage to other devices in your home, which is ideal if they are not in range.

Optus Living Network

With the Optus Living Network, users can receive complete visibility of their home Wi-Fi connection. It will show you how well the network is carrying out your requests and performing on your device. 

The living network features a real-time connection status and interactive map. These features show the planned outages on the network and the status of your nearby tower. You can also reach out to the customer support representatives via this application if you require any live support.

Optus logo

Netflix included on Family Entertainer nbn® plans.

Plus get next gen WiFi 6 modem with 4G backup, unlimited data, a WiFi Booster and a Netflix Standard subscription (RRP $16.99), all included in the one plan. T&Cs apply.

How Does Optus Compare to Other Providers?

As stated, the Vodafone network offers cheaper prepaid phone plan options than Optus, but it’s worth knowing how it compares to other providers to help you make an informed decision. This part of this Optus review focuses on similarities and differences between Optus and other telecommunications providers.

NBN Broadband Plans

Plan
Inclusions
Price
Crikey - nbn™ 25/10
  • 1 mth money back guarantee
  • Save $20 for 5 mths. Offer ends 30/06/24
  • Use promo code: SAVE20
  • No setup/plan change fees
  • Crikey - nbn™ 25/10
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 25™ Fixed Line
  • 25Mbps/10mbps typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • Award-winning Aussie support
  • $45/mth
$45/mth
for first 5 mths, then $65/mth thereafter
Min Cost - $45 over 1 mth

Everyday NBN
  • Satisfaction Guarantee: Return modem within 21 days for a full refund
  • Everyday NBN
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Typical evening speed of 47Mbps
  • Optional modem for $99 w/ free delivery
  • $79.80/mth
$79.80/mth
Min Cost - $79.80 over 1 mth

NBN50 Unlimited - Month to Month
  • $15/mth off for 6 mths. Ends 26/03/24
  • NBN50 Unlimited - Month to Month
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Get $20 off Dodo modem
  • Up to $10/mth off when bundled with energy
  • $65/mth
$65/mth
for the first 6 mths, then $80/mth thereafter
Min Cost - $65 for the 6 mths (incl. $79 modem cost)

Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • $75/mth for first 6 mths
  • Offer Ends: 27/03/24
  • Ultra WiFi 6 modem incl.
  • Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • $0 Startup Fee
  • 50/18Mbps typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • $75/mth
$75/mth
for first 6 mths, normally $85/mth
Min Cost - $391 incl. $306 modem cost and $85 (1mth of plan fee) if you stay connected for 1mth only. $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 mths.

Standard Plus
  • Free Wi-Fi 6 modem if you stay connected for 12 mths. T&Cs apply
  • Standard Plus
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Typical evening speed of 50Mbps downstream and 17mbps upstream
  • No set up fees
  • $80/mth
$80/mth
Min Cost - Total Minimum Cost is $200 ($80/mth plan fee + $120 modem cost = $200)

Optus VS Vodafone

Here’s how Optus compares to Vodafone regarding its 4G, 5G and NBN connection features and network availability.

Vodafone and Optus Review: Main Features

Vodafone offers users similar services to Optus, including 4G, 5G and NBN connection features. Their 4G home internet connection offers a good maximum download speed and their 5G home internet connection offers unlimited data, as does Optus, so these features are very similar.

Two of Vodafone’s NBN home internet plans offer users 4G backup, which Optus also offers its users. 

Regarding network availability, Optus offers a more optimal performance than the Vodafone network. It is available 99.4% of the time compared with the Vodafone network’s 99.3%. These figures show that Optus is slightly ahead of Vodafone regarding network reach.

Optus provides exceptional download speeds. It beats Vodafone in its download experience, which is something to consider if you need to choose between Optus and Vodafone.

Optus VS Telstra

These are the main similarities and differences between Optus and Telstra regarding network availability, price, 5G, and NBN connection features.

Telstra and Optus Review: Main Features

Telstra offers users a 5G home internet service, which will depend on your distance from the mobile tower. It also offers entertainment packages as part of the 5G add-on services, including Apple TV and BINGE, similar to Optus’ Netflix and Optus Sport add-on streaming services.

With four NBN connection services, Telstra exceeds Optus’ range of NBN options. Optus provides users with everyday and family entertainer options with various download speeds. 

Telstra may be one of the leading telecommunication companies in Australia, but it ranks second to Optus for network availability. While Telstra is available 99.2% of the time, Optus is available 99.4% of the time. It exceeds Telstra by a small margin but offers other advantages, such as the price.

Optus NBN users pay practically the same price for the Plus Family Entertainer package compared to Telstra’s customers for the premium equivalent. However, Optus provides many more features for a marginally lower price, including unlimited data and WiFi secure features.

Optus VS TPG

Here’s how Optus 4G, 5G, and key features like network availability compare with TPG’s main benefits.

TPG and Optus Review: Main Features

The most significant difference between Optus and TPG is the availability. While Optus is available 99.4% of the time, TPG has 96% network availability. But there are many other differences between Optus and TPG.

TPG’s 5G home internet plans provide users with various download speeds, so you can select the option that suits your requirements.

With TPG, internet users can choose from seven unique NBN connection plans offering unlimited data. These options are considerably more than Optus’ two NBN connection plans, and their most premium offer is slightly than Optus’ Plus Family Entertainer package.

Optus Broadband Summary: Is it Right for You?

Knowing if Optus is right for you will depend on your specific needs. Suppose you are looking for a telecommunications provider that offers 5G home internet for streaming music, viewing sports, watching movies, and sharing data. In that case, Optus has many of the features you require.

If you’re looking for an NBN plan, cheaper options compared with other wireless internet providers, you might want to stay connected using Optus.

Since Optus also provides an excellent data-dollar value, offering plenty of features like its NBN service and Wi-Fi 6 modem access, Optus is the best option for many budgets, particularly when you compare plans with its competitors.

What are Some Disadvantages of Optus?

However, if you live in a rural area where Optus offers poor coverage, you may find Optus is not the best option. Optus explains that their maximum speeds can slow down due to obstacles between your device and the Wi-Fi tower. You do, however, have the chance to use their Optus coverage commitment to determine whether their services meet your requirements.

With their home internet plans, it’s also possible that if too many connected devices use the same bandwidth, users can experience slower download and upload speeds. Therefore, if you need to use Wi-Fi for streaming entertainment services, you may face internet speed challenges that affect your viewing experience.

Another disadvantage is that Optus’ SubHub feature is unavailable if you want to access it using Optus prepaid mobile services. Creating an additional account on the same account you register with Optus SubHub is also impossible. However, it is available to all other Optus users and account holders. 

Having more than three Wi-Fi boosters registered on your Optus account is also impossible, so if you require extra Wi-Fi-enhancing technology types, you won’t be able to add these to your account.

Why Select Optus as Your Broadband Provider

Optus offers comprehensive features, plans, and extras to enhance your broadband connection and offer fast internet services. Optus can cater to your requirements if you’re looking for mobile plan options for broadband, 4G, 5G, or NBN connection services. Optus is budget-friendly, and although its maximum speeds can fluctuate, it’s a top choice with the right plan options.

Optus logo

Netflix included on Family Entertainer nbn® plans.

Plus get next gen WiFi 6 modem with 4G backup, unlimited data, a WiFi Booster and a Netflix Standard subscription (RRP $16.99), all included in the one plan. T&Cs apply.

What People Are Asking About Optus

So what are people asking about Optus? The main questions relate to Optus’ great add-on features and whether busy periods can affect the speed of Optus’ 5G connection. They also want to know more about its great range of home internet options that provide a good deal for money.

If you’re searching for specific answers to some essential questions about Optus, read on for this Optus review’s FAQs.

What Are Optus’ Main Entertainment Features?

Optus’ main add-on features include entertainment services, such as Paramount+, Amazon Prime, BINGE, Hayu, Netflix, Optus Sport and Netflix. Each of these entertainment features offers unique streaming services for different types of entertainment and shows, such as football and reality TV.

Can Busy Periods Affect the Speed of Optus’ 5G Connection?

Yes, busy periods can affect the speed of Optus’ 5G connection. With the Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G connection, if you use the 5G connection between 7 pm and 11 pm, the connection can run more slowly. So it’s important to consider this when selecting Optus as your internet provider.

Does Optus Provide a Good Deal for Money?

Optus provides its users with an excellent value for its services. It is slightly more competitively priced than Telstra, giving Optus the lead over this telecommunications company. However, other competitors, such as TPG, provide cheaper NBN connection services than Optus.

How good is Optus’ customer service?

Optus’ customer service is good quality. You can use the My Optus app to manage your account, offering streamlined customer support at all hours of the week. Their My Optus app is accessible on iOS and Android.