If you’ve been assuming Telstra automatically has the fastest 5G speeds in Australia, you’re in for a surprise. Recent testing reveals some unexpected winners that might change how you think about choosing your next mobile plan.
The Speed King Isn’t Who You’d Expect
Optus retains 5G Download Speed, with a score of 212.3Mbps, beating second-placed Telstra by 33Mbps according to the latest Opensignal report covering Q1 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive time Optus has claimed the crown for fastest 5G download speeds in Australia.
For everyday users, this means downloading a full HD movie in under two minutes on Optus’s network, compared to around 2.5 minutes on Telstra. While both speeds are impressively fast, that extra performance could make a real difference when you’re trying to quickly download large files or stream ultra-high-definition content.
What About Vodafone?
Vodafone takes a different approach to the 5G game. Vodafone ends with two sole and five shared wins, remaining strong for 5G Availability. What this means in practice is that Vodafone users connect to 5G more often than competitors, but the speeds they experience hover around 102.5Mbps – still fast, but roughly half of what Optus delivers.
Think of it this way: Vodafone gives you more consistent access to 5G technology, while Optus provides faster speeds when you do connect. Your choice depends on whether you value having 5G most of the time or getting maximum speed when it matters.
Coverage vs Speed: The Great Australian Trade-off
Here’s where things get interesting for real-world users. Telstra keeps both Coverage Experience and 5G Coverage Experience awards in a firm grip, winning both awards outright for the fourth consecutive time.
Telstra’s Strength: Going Where Others Can’t
If you’re planning a road trip across Australia or live outside major cities, Telstra’s network coverage becomes incredibly valuable. The company has invested heavily in reaching remote areas where competitors simply don’t have infrastructure. This means you might get slower 5G speeds than Optus in Sydney’s CBD, but you’ll actually have a signal when driving through regional Queensland.
The City vs Country Divide
Opensignal also includes scores for all three Australian national operators across seven major Australian cities, showing fierce competition in urban areas. In cities, the difference between carriers becomes less about coverage and more about performance optimization.
Real-World Performance: What You Actually Experience
Laboratory speeds and marketing promises are one thing, but what matters is what happens when you pull out your phone. Optus speeds triumphed with an average of 226.5Mbps across the three month monitoring period, followed by Telstra at 201.9Mbps in previous testing periods.
Upload Speeds Matter Too
Most people focus on download speeds, but upload performance affects video calls, social media posting, and cloud backups. The statistical tie between Optus and Vodafone continues, as both operators win 5G Upload Speed jointly with statistically tied scores of 13.5-13.7Mbps. Telstra is around 1Mbps behind the pair, with a score of 12.5Mbps.
For content creators and remote workers, this upload performance can significantly impact productivity. Uploading a 10-minute 4K video to YouTube would take roughly the same time on Optus and Vodafone, but slightly longer on Telstra.
5G Home Internet: A Game-Changer for Many Households
Beyond mobile phones, 5G technology is revolutionizing home internet access. 5G home internet is worth keeping in mind as an alternative to traditional NBN connections, especially for households experiencing slow speeds or frequent dropouts.
When 5G Home Internet Makes Sense
Consider 5G home internet if your NBN connection consistently underperforms, you rent and move frequently, or you can’t access fiber upgrades in your area. On Telstra’s 5G home internet sign up page, the telco reports download speeds between 50Mbps and 600Mbps, which often exceeds what many households get from budget NBN plans.
The Limitations to Consider
HFC and FTTP-type NBN plans are more likely to be consistent than 5G plans because of the use of high-speed fixed line tech. This provides lower latencies than what 5G could ever offer. If you’re a serious gamer or need ultra-reliable connections for work, traditional fiber connections still have advantages.
Regional Australia: The Infrastructure Reality
Vodafone has announced that it has more than doubled its mobile coverage in the country, after signing a regional network-sharing deal with Optus. This partnership significantly improves 5G access for regional users, though coverage gaps remain challenging across Australia’s vast landscape.
Future Improvements on the Horizon
According to the Australian Telecoms Market Report, Telstra and Optus have signed a contract with SpaceX to provide mobile satellite communications services via the Starlink satellite. These services should become available by the end of 2025, potentially solving connectivity issues in remote areas.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Choosing between Australia’s 5G providers shouldn’t be based on speed alone. Consider these factors:
Choose Optus if you primarily use your phone in major cities and want the fastest possible download speeds for streaming and large file downloads.
Choose Telstra if you travel frequently, live in regional areas, or need the most reliable coverage across Australia.
Choose Vodafone if you want consistent 5G availability and don’t need maximum speeds, particularly if you’re budget-conscious.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, nobody’s perfect and 5G in Australia still has a long way to go. The best network for you depends entirely on where you live, work, and travel. Check coverage maps for your specific locations, consider your actual usage patterns, and remember that all three major carriers now offer genuinely fast 5G speeds that exceed most people’s daily needs.
The race for 5G supremacy in Australia continues evolving, with each carrier focusing on different strengths. Whether speed, coverage, or availability matters most to you will determine which network serves you best in 2025.