Amaysim vs Boost Mobile Australia 2026: Full Comparison

Updated April 23, 2026 · 9 min read

Choosing between Amaysim and Boost Mobile is one of the most common dilemmas for Australians shopping for a prepaid plan in 2026. Both providers have strong reputations, but they serve very different priorities.

We're independent analysts who research Australian telcos daily. We may earn commission from providers listed here. Prices checked April 23, 2026, directly from provider websites.

Amaysim runs on the Optus network and focuses on maximum data value at competitive prices. Boost Mobile uses Telstra Wholesale infrastructure, prioritising coverage reach over raw data volume. If you're trying to decide between these two in 2026, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — network coverage, real pricing, data allowances, international calls, eSIM setup, and which type of user each provider suits best.

The short version? If you live in a metro area and want the most data for your money, Amaysim wins. If you travel regionally or rural frequently and need Telstra's wider coverage, Boost is worth the premium. Let's dig into the details.

Quick Comparison Table: Amaysim vs Boost Mobile at a Glance

The Network Difference — Why This Matters More Than Price

This is the single most important factor in your decision. Amaysim operates as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) on the Optus 4G and 5G infrastructure. Boost Mobile uses Telstra Wholesale, which gives you access to Telstra's geographic coverage but with some limitations.

Optus Network Coverage (Amaysim)

Optus covers approximately 98.5% of the Australian population. Their network strength lies in:

• Major cities: Excellent 4G and expanding 5G coverage across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide
• Urban corridors: Strong performance along the eastern seaboard and major highways
• Speed: Generally fast speeds in metro areas, though can experience congestion during peak hours in dense urban zones

If you spend most of your time in metropolitan areas or large regional centres like Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, or the Gold Coast, Amaysim's Optus connection will handle your daily usage without issues. For more detail on how Optus compares to other networks, see our guide on MVNO vs big telco in Australia.

Telstra Wholesale Coverage (Boost Mobile)

Telstra's network reaches 99.4% of the population — that extra 0.9% represents a lot of square kilometres in regional and remote Australia. Boost's advantages include:

• Regional reach: Better coverage in country NSW, rural Victoria, outback Queensland, Western Australia beyond Perth, and Tasmania's smaller towns
• Highway coverage: More consistent signal along regional highways and tourist routes
• Reliability: Fewer dead zones in semi-rural areas where Optus signal drops

However, there's a crucial caveat: Boost uses Telstra Wholesale, not Telstra's retail network. This means:

• You get the same geographic coverage footprint as Telstra customers
• During peak congestion (major events, rush hour in CBDs), Telstra's own customers may get priority
• Speeds are still excellent in most scenarios, but theoretically capped compared to direct Telstra plans

For most users, this distinction won't matter day-to-day. But if you're in a high-density area during peak times or rely on mobile data for critical work, it's worth noting. Learn more in our breakdown of whether Boost Mobile is good in Australia.

Coverage Map Reality Check

Before switching, check the coverage maps for your specific area:

• Amaysim/Optus: Visit the Optus coverage checker and enter your home address, work address, and any places you frequent
• Boost/Telstra: Use Telstra's coverage map (Boost uses the same infrastructure)

If both show good coverage at your key locations, you can make your decision based on price and data. If one shows weak or no signal where you need it, that provider is automatically disqualified — no amount of savings matters if you can't make calls.

Detailed Pricing Breakdown: Real Costs Over 12 Months

Let's move beyond marketing headlines and calculate what you'll actually pay over a year. This is where the difference becomes stark.

Amaysim Pricing (April 2026)

Amaysim's flagship plan is straightforward:

• 32 GB per month: $30/month, billed monthly
• Annual cost: $360 ($30 × 12 months)
• Cost per GB: $30/GB
• Contract: None, cancel anytime
• International calls: Included to select countries (more on this below)

Amaysim also offers long-expiry plans if you prefer less frequent recharges, but the monthly option gives you the best flexibility and value.

Boost Mobile Pricing (April 2026)

Boost Mobile recently ran a promotional deal that ended on April 20, 2026:

• Promo (ENDED): [price removed] for 125 GB on first recharge only
• Ongoing standard plan: $20.0 per 28 days for 30 GB
• Annual cost: $507 ($20.0 × 13 recharges per year)
• Cost per GB: $20.0/GB
• Contract: None, prepaid model
• International calls: Not included (add-ons available)

From May 5, 2026, Boost is increasing data allowances to 45 GB for the same $39 price, improving the value proposition to $39/GB — slightly better than Amaysim on pure data volume, but still $30 more expensive annually.

The Real Difference: $39 Per Year

Over 12 months, Amaysim costs $360 while Boost costs $507. That's a $30 difference — enough to cover several months of free service, buy a decent pair of headphones, or put toward a phone upgrade.

Is Boost worth the extra $39/28 days/year? Only if:

• You regularly travel to areas where Optus has no coverage but Telstra does
• You've experienced dropped calls or slow data on Optus in your area
• You prioritise network reliability over data volume

If you're mostly in metro areas and want maximum data for minimum cost, Amaysim is the clear winner. For a broader look at budget options, check our guide to the cheapest SIM-only plans in Australia.

International Calls and Inclusions: Hidden Value

This is often overlooked until you need it. If you have family, friends, or business contacts overseas, international call inclusions can save you significant money.

Amaysim International Calls

Most Amaysim plans include unlimited standard calls to selected international destinations. The list typically includes:

• United States and Canada
• United Kingdom and most of Europe
• China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, and many Asian countries
• New Zealand

These are standard calls to landlines and mobiles in those countries. If you make even 2-3 international calls per month, this benefit alone could be worth $10-20/month compared to paying casual rates.

Boost Mobile International Calls

Boost Mobile does not include international calls in their standard plans. Your options are:

• Boost Cap: Add a $39/28 days, $20, or $30 cap to your account for international calls and SMS (billed separately from your plan recharge)
• Casual rates: Pay per-call rates, which can range from $0.50 to $3+ per minute depending on the destination
• Third-party apps: Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, or similar over data (works fine if you have enough data)

If you regularly call overseas, factor in an extra $10-20/month for Boost to match Amaysim's included international calls. This narrows the price gap but doesn't eliminate it.

Other Inclusions Compared

Both providers support modern features like WiFi calling and 5G (if your device supports it). Neither offers data rollover, unlike some competitors like Belong or ALDI Mobile.

Pros and Cons: Side-by-Side

Amaysim Pros

• ✓ Cheaper ongoing pricing ($30/month vs $39/28 days)
• ✓ More data for the price (32 GB vs 30 GB, soon 45 GB)
• ✓ International calls included to many countries
• ✓ Simple, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• ✓ Easy eSIM activation via app
• ✓ Good customer service reputation
• ✓ Long-expiry plan options available

Amaysim Cons

• ✗ Optus coverage gaps in some regional/rural areas
• ✗ No data rollover or banking
• ✗ Potential congestion in dense urban areas during peak times
• ✗ 5G coverage still expanding compared to Telstra

Boost Mobile Pros

• ✓ Telstra Wholesale coverage (99.4% of population)
• ✓ Superior regional and rural reach
• ✓ Uncapped speeds (no artificial throttling)
• ✓ Reliable in areas where other networks fail
• ✓ eSIM support for quick activation
• ✓ Annual plans available for long-term savings
• ✓ Increasing data allowances (45 GB from May 5)

Boost Mobile Cons

• ✗ More expensive ($30/year more than Amaysim)
• ✗ No international calls included
• ✗ Lower data allowance on base plan (30 GB vs 32 GB)
• ✗ Telstra Wholesale may have lower priority during congestion
• ✗ Promotional deals are temporary (first recharge only)

Real User Scenarios: Which Are You?

Choose Amaysim If...

Sarah, 28, Sydney: Lives in Surry Hills, works in CBD, weekends in Bondi or Inner West. Mostly on WiFi at home and office. Uses data for social media, Spotify, and occasional YouTube. Calls mum in the UK weekly.

Verdict: Amaysim is perfect. Optus coverage is excellent in Sydney, 32 GB is plenty, and included UK calls save £15/month. Saves $30/year vs Boost.

Marcus, 35, Melbourne: Suburban life in Richmond, occasional trips to Geelong or Mornington Peninsula. Budget-conscious, wants maximum data for streaming and gaming.

Verdict: Amaysim wins on value. Optus handles metro Melbourne well, and the extra data headroom is useful for heavy usage.

Choose Boost Mobile If...

Jenny, 42, Regional NSW: Lives in Orange, commutes to Bathurst, weekend trips to Mudgee and Dubbo. Works in agriculture, needs reliable calls and data across multiple towns.

Verdict: Boost is worth the premium. Optus coverage is patchy in this region, and dropped calls cost more than $147/year in frustration and missed connections.

David, 51, FIFO Worker: Flies between Perth and remote mine sites in WA's Pilbara region. Needs coverage in extremely remote areas. Company pays phone bill.

Verdict: Boost (or direct Telstra) is the only viable option. Telstra's network is the only one that reaches many remote work sites.

Linda, 67, Semi-Rural Retiree: Lives on acreage outside Toowoomba, QLD. Drives to town weekly, travels to grandkids in Brisbane monthly. Wants reliability over cheap prices.

Verdict: Boost provides peace of mind. Telstra coverage means fewer "no service" moments at home.

eSIM Activation: Both Make It Easy

Both providers support eSIM, which means you can activate your plan instantly without waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive by post. Here's how it works:

Amaysim eSIM Process

1. Order your plan online or via the Amaysim app
2. Select eSIM delivery (instant) or physical SIM (2-3 days post)
3. Scan the QR code provided in-app or via email
4. Your plan activates within minutes
5. Port your existing number during checkout (takes 1-2 business days)

Boost Mobile eSIM Process

1. Purchase your plan on the Boost website
2. Choose eSIM activation
3. Receive QR code via email
4. Scan with your compatible device
5. Activation completes within 15 minutes
6. Number porting requested during purchase (1-2 business days)

Both processes are straightforward. Ensure your device is eSIM-compatible before ordering (most recent iPhones, Pixels, and flagship Android phones support it). For step-by-step guidance, see our article on how to switch providers and keep your number.

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