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 (monthly) | $30 / 32 GB | $26 / 7 GB (ongoing) |
| Data value | 32 GB for $30 | 7 GB for $26 (promo: 30 GB first month) |
| 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?
On raw data per dollar, Amaysim wins at the $30 mark. You get 32 GB per month — more than four times the 7 GB Boost offers on their standard ongoing plan at $26. Even accounting for Boost's promotional first-month deal (30 GB for $18), after that single month you're back to 7 GB at $26.
Boost does offer larger data plans at higher price points, and their annual plans can provide strong value if you buy 12 months upfront. But for the average monthly prepaid buyer, Amaysim delivers significantly more data for a similar price.
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 Switcheroo — it takes 2 minutes.
See today's best Amaysim and Boost plans side by side.
Compare Plans on Switcheroo →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?
For ongoing monthly value, Amaysim's $30 plan with 32 GB beats Boost's $26 plan with only 7 GB. Boost's first-month promo can look attractive, but the ongoing rate is less competitive on data volume.
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.