Boost mobile plans: price, data, best-value options and more compared

Boost Mobile launched in Australia in 2000 and has built a strong reputation as a reliable prepaid mobile provider. While it’s not one of the Big Three, it stands out for offering full access to the Telstra mobile network – the largest in the country – including 5G. Boost was acquired by Telstra in late 2024, so it now essentially functions as the company’s budget-oriented subsidiary.

Boost offers a range of prepaid mobile plans with expiry periods of 7, 28 or 365 days. All plans include a specific amount of data, unlimited national calls and texts and come with no-lock in contracts, giving customers flexibility without a long-term commitment.

One of the best advantages of a Boost mobile plan is that it’s one of only a few telcos that offer full access to Telstra’s 4G and 5G network. Most other MNVOs (mobile virtual network operators) – the smaller carriers who resell access to one of the bigger telcos’ networks – on the Telstra network only have wholesale access, which typically comes with slightly reduced coverage. This should make Boost more appealing for people in rural or remote areas, or anyone who wants Telstra-level coverage without paying Telstra prices.

Boost also offers international roaming packs that include data, calls and texts in 42 countries. There are three options to choose from, each with different expiry periods and inclusions, making it easy to stay connected while overseas. And data rollover is also available, so customers can bank unused data as long as they recharge before their plan expires.

Boost’s mobile plans can be bought directly from the provider as well as through major retailers like eBay, where discounts are often available.

With generous data inclusions, no lock-in contracts and full access to Australia’s largest mobile network, Boost is a popular choice for prepaid users who want reliable coverage without the high price tag.

Boost mobile plans comparison

In terms of mobile plans, Boost offers a wide range of prepaid options, including a 7-day expiry plan, multiple 28-day expiry plans and two 12-month expiry plans.

Here are the key details and regular prices (without a deal) for Boost’s prepaid plans:

• 7 day plan - $13 for 5GB
• 28 day plan - $26 for 7GB
• 28 day plan - $39 for 25GB
• 28 day plan - $49 for 35GB
• 28 day plan - $59 for 45GB
• 28 day plan - $74 for 90GB
• 365 day plan - $300 for 240GB
• 365 day plan - $365 for 365GB

What is Boost’s mobile coverage

Boost is one of only a few MNVOs with access to Telstra’s full mobile network, which covers 99.6% of the population. For those who need wide-reaching coverage, particularly in regional and remote areas, Telstra’s network is the top choice. With Boost, you get that same expansive reach without paying the premium price for a plan from Telstra itself.

To find out if your key areas are covered by Telstra’s network, you can check Boost’s mobile coverage map.

Are Boost mobile plans good value?

Boost’s mobile plans are generally pretty good value, especially the plans with large data allowances, because the price you pay per GB ends up very competitive compared to other Telstra providers.

Out of the eight plans offered by Boost, we have chosen two that we recommend, and one that we suggest you steer clear of if you are looking for the best-value phone plan.

Recommended plans:

Boost $39 Prepaid SIM | $39 | 95GB (for first month, then 25GBp/m) | 28 day expiry
Boost’s $39 Prepaid SIM usually only comes with 25GB per 28 days, but for the first month, new customers can now get 95GB. This means that for that first month, each GB costs a decent $0.41. From the second recharge, this plan only gives you 25GB, so the value isn’t as good but we like that you can rollover any leftover data from that first month and continue to use it after the allowance is reduced. However once you’ve used all the included data, it’s probably best to find a better value plan if you want more than 25GB.

Boost 365GB 12 Month Expiry Plan | $330 (for first 365 days, then $365) | 380 GB (for first 365, then $365GB) | 365-day expiry
If you can afford to pay upfront for a 365 day plan and you don’t need a crazy amount of data, this plan is very good value for the Telstra network. Currently discounted down to $330 for the first year, this plan also comes with a bonus 15GB, equalling a total of 380GB for the first year. This is the equivalent of $27.50 per month for 31.66GB of data per month, which is a very decent price for a plan that runs on the full Telstra network and provides access to 5G. The only caveats are that data speeds are capped at 150Mbps so you won’t be able to enjoy full 5G speeds, and after the first year, the price of this plan goes up to 365 for only 365GB of data.

Plans to avoid:

Boost $26 Prepaid SIM | $18 (for the first month, then $26) | 30GB (for the first 28 days, then 7GB) | 28 day expiry
This Boost plan doesn’t offer great value, costing $18 for the first 28 days, and then $26 thereafter for only 30GB for the first 28 days and 7GB from then on. For the first 28 days, this plan is decent value, but after this time, it’s definitely not worth signing up for if you need more than 7GB of data.

What is Boost's best mobile plan?

Everyone has different needs when it comes to mobile plans, so it’s often hard to choose the ‘best’ plan. However, to pick one Boost plan to recommend above all the others, we have assessed all of the providers’ plans and chosen one that we believe offers the best value and would suit the most people’s needs.

Our choice for Boost’s best mobile plan is its 365GB SIM Plan with 365 day expiry. For the first 365 days, this plan is discounted down to $330 for 380GB of data, which means that per month, you’re paying the equivalent of $27.50 for 31.66GB of data. . While just over 30GB per month isn’t a massive amount of data, it should be enough for most people and it offers pretty decent value, especially given that you get access to Telstra’s full network and 5G access.

Does Boost support international roaming?

Boost’s prepaid plans don’t include international roaming by default, but you can purchase one of three dedicated roaming packs for use in 42 select countries. Each pack comes with a set amount of data, call minutes, and texts, along with a specific expiry period. Here’s what each roaming pack includes:

• Boost International Roaming Small - $20 for 1GB, 15 call minutes and 15 texts and 3 day expiry
• Boost International Roaming Medium - $30 for 3GB, 30 call minutes and 30 texts and 7 day expiry
• Boost International Roaming Large - $40 for 5GB, 60 call minutes and 60 texts and 14 day expiry.

Does Boost sell phones or other devices?

Yes, Boost sells a range of refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy handsets, as well as refurbished iPads for outright purchase. A small selection of those refurbished phones can also be bundled with a 365-day SIM. Although, unlike some of the bigger providers, such as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, Boost does not provide the option to pay off devices in monthly instalments.

Should I sign up with Boost?

Here’s a breakdown on who we think would benefit from a Boost mobile plan and who should probably look elsewhere.

Reasons to sign up

You want access to the full Telstra network: If you are someone who needs the extra reach the Telstra network offers, but wants to avoid paying the premium for a plan directly from Telstra, a Boost plan is a great alternative.

You want a 28-day expiry plan and data rollover: Not all providers allow data rollover, but Boost supports unlimited data rollover on its 28-day plans if you recharge before the plan expires. This means that you can save any leftover data to use at a later date.

Reasons not to sign up

You want a postpaid plan: Boost only offers prepaid plans, so if you prefer postpaid billing or want to combine a handset with a plan, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

Boost mobile plans FAQs