Amaysim vs Boost Mobile Australia 2026: Which Prepaid Plan Wins?
Two of Australia's most popular MVNOs — Amaysim and Boost Mobile — sit at very different price points and run on different networks. If you're considering either one in 2026, here's the straight comparison so you can make the call in five minutes.
Side-by-Side: Amaysim vs Boost Mobile
| Category | Amaysim | Boost Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Optus 4G/5G | Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G |
| Entry plan | $30/mo / 32 GB | $17 first recharge (then $49/28d) / 125 GB |
| Data value | 32 GB for $30/mo on Optus | 125 GB for $17 first recharge (30 GB ongoing, 45 GB from May 5) |
| International calls | Included on most plans | Not standard |
| eSIM support | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage winner | Metro + urban strong | Regional & rural (Telstra reach) |
| Annual plans | Yes (long-expiry) | Yes (strong annual deals) |
| No-contract | Yes | Yes |
The Network Difference — It Matters More Than You Think
Amaysim runs on Optus. Boost runs on Telstra Wholesale. That one fact shapes almost everything else about which provider is right for you.
Optus covers roughly 98.5% of the Australian population and is excellent in cities, suburbs, and major highways. If you're based in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide and rarely venture into deep rural areas, Amaysim's Optus backbone will serve you well.
Telstra's network covers 99.4% of the population and extends further into regional and remote Australia — think country NSW, outback Queensland, or coastal areas far from major towns. If you travel frequently outside metro corridors, Boost's Telstra access is a meaningful advantage. The catch: "Telstra Wholesale" means Boost does not get 100% the same priority as Telstra's own customers during peak congestion.
Price and Data: Who's Cheaper?
Amaysim currently offers 32 GB on the Optus network for $30/month — no lock-in, no contract. Boost has a SALE at $17 for 125 GB on your first recharge (then $49/28 days for 30 GB ongoing, rising to 45 GB from 5 May — sale ends 20 April). Boost's intro deal is exceptional value for the first recharge.
On ongoing pricing, Amaysim at $30/month for 32 GB is significantly cheaper than Boost's $49/28 days for 30 GB (rising to 45 GB from May 5). For the average user on Wi-Fi at home and work, 32 GB is more than sufficient — making Amaysim the better ongoing value. If you need Telstra's wider coverage or prefer uncapped speeds, Boost justifies the premium.
International Calls
This is a clear Amaysim advantage. Most Amaysim plans include calls to a set list of international destinations — useful if you regularly call family overseas. Boost doesn't include international calls as standard; you'd need to add credit or a calling add-on, which increases the effective monthly cost.
Who Should Choose Amaysim?
- You live or work mainly in a metro or major regional city
- You want maximum data for your monthly spend
- You make regular international calls
- You want eSIM activation with a fast, app-based setup
Who Should Choose Boost Mobile?
- You frequently travel in regional or rural Australia
- You want the widest possible coverage without paying full Telstra prices
- You're comfortable with less data and prioritise reliability over volume
- You want a long-expiry annual plan with Telstra-level reach
Our verdict: For most Australians in 2026, Amaysim offers better data value on a solid network. Pick Boost if regional coverage is non-negotiable. Not sure which network covers your area? Compare on Switch Save — it takes 2 minutes.
See today's best Amaysim and Boost plans side by side.
Compare Plans on Switch Save →Quick answers
Is Amaysim on the Optus network?
Yes. Amaysim is an MVNO that uses Optus's 4G and 5G infrastructure across Australia.
Is Boost Mobile the same as Telstra?
Not exactly. Boost Mobile uses Telstra's wholesale network, which gives you the same geographic coverage but may have different priority during peak congestion compared to Telstra's own plans.
Which is cheaper — Amaysim or Boost?
Amaysim is cheaper ongoing at $30/month for 32 GB versus Boost's $49/28 days for 35–45 GB. Amaysim wins on price-per-GB; Boost wins on Telstra network coverage.
Do both Amaysim and Boost support eSIM?
Yes, both providers support eSIM activation, so you can get started without waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive.
Can I keep my existing number if I switch?
Yes. Both Amaysim and Boost support number porting, so you can keep your current Australian mobile number when you switch.