Vodafone vs Optus Australia 2026: Coverage, Speeds, Pricing and Which Network Is Better
If you’re comparing Vodafone vs Optus in Australia in 2026, the gap between the two networks is smaller than ever thanks to new infrastructure upgrades and regional network sharing. But despite getting closer, there are still important differences in speed, coverage, pricing and real world performance.
This guide breaks down the real differences between Vodafone and Optus, including metro performance, roaming options, MVNO providers and which network gives better value depending on your needs.
Vodafone vs Optus Coverage in 2026
One of the biggest changes recently is the regional network sharing agreement between Vodafone (TPG Telecom) and Optus. This allows Vodafone customers to access more regional infrastructure, dramatically improving rural coverage compared to previous years.
In practical terms this means:
• Vodafone coverage is now much closer to Optus outside metro areas
• Many regional locations that previously had weak Vodafone signal are now usable
• Coverage gaps still exist in remote areas where Optus maintains a stronger standalone footprint
For metro areas, both networks perform well. Coverage differences are now far less noticeable for city users compared to just a few years ago.
That said, Optus still tends to have the edge for:
• Indoor signal strength
• Dense suburban building penetration
• Large venues and shopping centres
Network Speeds: Optus Still Leads in Metro Performance
Even with Vodafone improving coverage, Optus generally delivers faster average speeds in major cities. This is largely due to Optus’ ongoing investment into spectrum upgrades, tower density and backhaul capacity.
Because of this investment:
• Optus frequently ranks highly in independent speed testing
• Download speeds tend to be faster in busy metro environments
• Peak time congestion is often handled better
Vodafone speeds are still very usable for everyday tasks like streaming, gaming and video calls. But if you want maximum performance and consistency, Optus usually comes out ahead.
The trade off is cost. Plans on the Optus network typically come at a premium compared to Vodafone based providers.
Pricing and Value: Vodafone Is Often Cheaper
Vodafone’s biggest advantage remains price.
Many Vodafone powered plans offer:
• Lower monthly costs
• Large data allowances
• Competitive family plan pricing
For people who live mainly in metro areas and want good performance without paying Optus level pricing, Vodafone often delivers better value.
International Roaming: Vodafone Still Has an Edge
Vodafone has historically been known for strong roaming options, including affordable international data packs.
However in 2026, the reality is that many travellers now use:
• Travel eSIM providers
• Local SIM cards overseas
• Dedicated international data plans
Because of this shift, roaming advantages are less important than they once were. Even Optus users can simply install an eSIM when travelling and avoid high roaming charges altogether.
MVNO Providers on Optus and Vodafone Networks
One of the easiest ways to access either network at a lower price is through an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator).
Popular MVNOs Using the Optus Network
• amaysim
• Moose Mobile
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Dodo Mobile
These providers usually offer cheaper pricing but may have slightly lower network priority compared to direct Optus plans.
Popular MVNOs Using the Vodafone Network
• Kogan Mobile
• felix mobile
• TPG Mobile
• iiNet Mobile
• Lebara
Vodafone MVNOs are often some of the cheapest mobile options in Australia, especially for heavy data users.
Gaming, Latency and Real World Performance
For gaming and video calls:
• Both networks can deliver low latency in metro areas
• Optus may have more consistent ping under heavy load
• Vodafone performance has improved significantly with network upgrades
The difference is usually only noticeable for competitive gamers or users pushing large amounts of data simultaneously.
Final Verdict: Vodafone vs Optus in 2026
Choose Optus if:
• You want the fastest metro speeds
• Indoor coverage matters a lot
• You want top tier performance and reliability
Choose Vodafone if:
• You want a lower monthly price
• You mainly use your phone in metro areas
• You want strong value without sacrificing everyday performance
Thanks to the regional sharing deal, Vodafone is now a much stronger competitor than it was previously. But Optus still holds an advantage in speed consistency and building penetration, which explains why their plans are usually more expensive.
Need Help Choosing the Best Network?
At Churna, we compare plans across Optus, Vodafone and all major Australian providers to find the best value for your needs. We also look at your coverage area, data usage and performance requirements so you’re not paying more than you need to.
Most clients save around $755 per year on their telco bills while keeping the same or better service.
