Optus vs Vodafone: compared by price, coverage and perks

Christie Graham - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 31 March 2023

Contents

In this guide:

Optus vs Vodafone pricing
Optus vs Vodafone coverage
Optus vs Vodafone perks
Optus vs Vodafone MVNOs
Optus vs Vodafone FAQs

While Telstra is well-known for having the widest mobile coverage in Australia and benefits galore, how do you begin to compare the remaining two of the Big Three - Optus and Vodafone?

Are you tossing up between Optus and Vodafone for your next mobile plan? Believe it or not, these rival telcos are more similar than you might think. Keep reading to find out the key differences between Optus and Vodafone from pricing to coverage.

Optus vs Vodafone pricing

There's not much separating Optus and Vodafone in terms of pricing, but you should expect more data for less money with budget-friendly Vodafone plans. Here's how Optus and Vodafone's SIM-only plans compare:

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium SIM Only Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large SIM Only Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $55.00/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55.00/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $90.00/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90.00/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site

Optus vs Vodafone iPhone pricing

If you're after the latest iPhone 15 specifically, you can get one on either the Optus or Vodafone network in addition to Telstra.

Vodafone's plans start out on the slightly cheaper side while Optus offer more plan options - some with up to 360GB of data for those who need it. Here's how each telco's iPhone 15 plans compare across 128GB, 256GB and 512GB devices on both 24 and 36-month repayments:

24-month plans

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $84.78/mth Min. cost $1,137.72 Out of Stock	$84.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,137.72	Out of Stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $114.78/mth Min. cost $1,167.72 Out of Stock	$114.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,167.72	Out of Stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $115.78/mth Min. cost $1,168.72 Out of Stock	$115.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,168.72	Out of Stock
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $135.78/mth Min. cost $1,188.72 Out of Stock	$135.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,188.72	Out of Stock

36-month plans

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $69.52/mth Min. cost $1,137.72 Out of Stock	$69.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,137.72	Out of Stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $99.52/mth Min. cost $1,167.72 Out of Stock	$99.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,167.72	Out of Stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $100.52/mth Min. cost $1,168.72 Out of Stock	$100.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,168.72	Out of Stock
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $120.52/mth Min. cost $1,188.72 Out of Stock	$120.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,188.72	Out of Stock

24-month plans

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $93.12/mth Min. cost $1,337.88 Out of stock	$93.12/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,337.88	Out of stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $123.12/mth Min. cost $1,367.88 Out of stock	$123.12/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,367.88	Out of stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $124.12/mth Min. cost $1,368.88 Out of stock	$124.12/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,368.88	Out of stock
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $144.12/mth Min. cost $1,388.88 Out of stock	$144.12/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,388.88	Out of stock

36-month plans

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $75.08/mth Min. cost $1,337.88 Out of stock	$75.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,337.88	Out of stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $105.08/mth Min. cost $1,367.88 Out of stock	$105.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,367.88	Out of stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $106.08/mth Min. cost $1,368.88 Out of stock	$106.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,368.88	Out of stock
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $126.08/mth Min. cost $1,388.88 Out of stock	$126.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,388.88	Out of stock

24-month plans

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $113.94/mth Min. cost $1,837.56 Out of stock	$113.94/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,837.56	Out of stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $143.94/mth Min. cost $1,867.56 Out of stock	$143.94/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,867.56	Out of stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $144.94/mth Min. cost $1,868.56 Out of stock	$144.94/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,868.56	Out of stock
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $164.94/mth Min. cost $1,888.56 Out of stock	$164.94/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,888.56	Out of stock

36-month plans

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $88.96/mth Min. cost $1,837.56 Out of stock	$88.96/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,837.56	Out of stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $118.96/mth Min. cost $1,867.56 Out of stock	$118.96/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,867.56	Out of stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $119.96/mth Min. cost $1,868.56 Out of stock	$119.96/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,868.56	Out of stock
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $139.96/mth Min. cost $1,888.56 Out of stock	$139.96/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,888.56	Out of stock

For those craving the iPhone 15 Pro, both Optus and Vodafone offer the device on 24 and 36-month repayment plans for the 128G and 256GB devices. Here's how they compare:

128GB plans
256GB plans

24-month plans

36-month plans

24-month plans

36-month plans

Optus vs Vodafone Galaxy pricing

In addition to Telstra, Optus and Vodafone each offer plans for the Samsung Galaxy S23.

Much like with the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro plans, Vodafone tends to be more affordable and some plans even offer more data than Optus' similarly priced plans. However, you need to consider whether Vodafone's coverage is enough for you and if bonus deals are worth passing up. Here's how Optus and Vodafone's Galaxy S23 plans compare across their 128GB and 256GB devices on 36-month repayment plans.

24-month plans

36-month plans

Optus vs Vodafone coverage

So which telco has the best coverage? Currently, Optus' coverage extends across 98.5% of Australia and is constantly being updated, as is Optus' 5G rollout. At the time of writing, Optus' 5G coverage reaches 1.4 million households across Australia but it's worth noting Optus' 5G does not yet extend to the Northern Territory.

Vodafone coverage spans 96% of the Australian population but, much like Optus, is mainly concentrated around major cities. If you're looking for Vodafone 5G coverage in remote Australian communities, you're out of luck. Currently, its 5G reach is focused on one million customers in 1,000 suburbs in major capital cities.

Use our coverage map checker tool below to compare Optus and Vodafone's coverage and even see how Telstra's coverage stacks up:

Click to Activate Interactive Map

Coverage information is collected from carriers and other third party sources. This is approximate coverage only and does not include indoor coverage. Actual speed and performance depends on your location and device. Local conditions and things like natural and artificial physical features of an area all affect your reception. Coverage © Mosaik

Did you know?

Our WhistleOut coverage maps are currently the only interactive coverage maps that show 5G coverage in Australia. If you want to know where you'll be able to get 5G download speeds of up to 900Mbps (according to our testing), then the map above is the best - and only - way to do it online.

Optus vs Vodafone perks

While an Optus plan may cost you a little more upfront, think carefully if the telco can save you money elsewhere. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a cheap mobile phone plan, Vodafone still has its own list of perks to consider. Here's a breakdown of the kinds of bonuses on offer:

No excess charges

Customers with both Optus and Vodafone can rest assured they'll experience no excess data charges. Once you reach your total data allowance, you won't have to worry about bill shock as speeds will simply slow. These speeds will depend on what price plan you're on.

Streaming content

Optus postpaid customers get discounted access to its very own Optus Sport at $6.99 per month instead of $24.99 per month. If you're a prepaid customer, however, you'll pay $12 for a 28-day add-on instead of $24.99 per month.

International roaming

If you're looking to travel, Optus' international roaming add-on option is just $5 per day and includes 5GB.

Alternatively, Vodafone's famous international $5 roaming add-on is an excellent bonus if you're planning to head overseas. It means you can use your included data, make or receive calls or send SMS' in over 100 countries for an extra $5 per day.

Student benefits

Students, you haven't been forgotten. There are a number of telcos with student discounts on mobile plans, including both Optus and Vodafone.

Students with Optus save 10% on selected SIM-only plans with its Student Hub offering. Otherwise, if you're loyal to Vodafone, its exclusive student-only SIM-only deals offer 50% bonus data.

Other perks

Vodafone customers have the ability to bundle up to five plans to save 20% off their total monthly bill. This is a great mobile bundling option for families trying to consolidate multiple bills while saving some money. Plus its plans boast a 30-day happiness guarantee so if you're not loving the service, simply walk away with no strings attached.

The savings work on a sliding scale and are as follows:

One plan = 0% savings
Two bundled plans = 5% savings per month
Three bundled plans = 10% savings per month
Four bundled plans = 15% savings per month
Five bundled plans = 20% savings per month

Also when Vodafone mobile customers sign up for one of Vodafone's NBN plans, they'll also save $15 off their NBN bill per month.

Optus vs Vodafone MVNOs

MVNOs, or Mobile Virtual Network Operators, are any telcos besides Telstra, Optus and Vodafone that operate under one of these three networks. Optus and Vodafone each have their own list of MVNOS, you may not even realise you're smaller telco operates under one of these bigger phone network providers.

Optus MVNOs

If you like the Optus network but want to save some money, MVNOs are the way to go. Each has its own benefits, for example, customers on Coles Mobile enjoy a bonus Coles eGift card to save 10% off their largest shop every month for six months on month-to-month mobile plans. If you're unsure which MVNOs operate on the Optus network, we've outlined them below:

Optus network providers 2026

At the time of writing, WhistleOut monitors the plans of 11 MVNOs that use the Optus network. These providers are:

SpinTel
Swoop
Yomojo

Vodafone MVNOs

Vodafone is a great budget telco but its network offers a number of other providers offering the same service with either cheaper prices or other perks. These range from the international call benefits that come with a Lebara Mobile plan or the sustainable, carbon-neutral plans of felix mobile. Check out the list below to find out which MVNOs operate under Vodafone's mobile network:

Vodafone network providers 2026

WhistleOut monitors the plans of nine MVNOs on the Vodafone network. They are:

Optus vs Vodafone FAQs

Does Vodafone use the Optus network?

No, each of these telcos has its own network on which it operates.

Which is better Optus, Vodafone or Telstra?

Each provider has its own list of pros and cons. Telstra offers the widest network coverage Australia-wide and some great perks like its Telstra Plus program. Vodafone is a good budget-friendly telco with an affordable $5 roaming option. Optus is the Goldilocks telco with both good coverage and affordable plans. It really depends on what you're looking for in a mobile phone provider.

Can I change my Optus number to Vodafone?

Yes. Whenever you want to switch mobile phone providers you are legally allowed to keep your mobile number.

Christie Graham

Digital Content Editor

Christie Graham is a tech industry expert and former head copywriter for Harvey Norman's Computers and Tech category. She won a national Newscorp writing competition to review TV shows on Binge, and keeps busy juggling her many hobbies including baking, painting, archery, stargazing, tending to her chickens, training her Border Collie, expanding her Harry Potter replica collection, and making lists (much like this one).

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