How much are you paying for your cell phone plan?
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably fielding your options and trying to find a better deal. The good news is that phone plans are very competitive, and service providers are constantly trying to offer better prices and features, such as increased data speeds, unlimited nationwide calling, and more.
Below, I’ve compiled some of the cheapest phone plans in Canada, so you can cut your bill and save money. You may even be able to bring your own compatible device!
Save Money With These Affordable Phone Plans
Whether you’re looking for unlimited nationwide talk and text, more monthly data, or simply want to reduce your monthly bill, these Canadian carriers offer reliable service for a fair price. I’ve included the latest price I could find for the plan, but keep in mind that this is subject to change.
1. Fido $39 Data, Talk And Text Plan With 20GB
- Latest Price: $39 per month
- Learn More: www.fido.ca
Fido operates on the world-class Rogers network, which means that you’ll receive great coverage in most areas of the country. Fido’s affordable $39 plan includeds unlimited talk, text, and 20 GB of high-speed data.
You can bring your own compatible device or finance a new device from Fido, and plans are available with two-year or monthly contracts, so you won’t be locked-in forever.
2. SimplyConnect Smartphone Plan
- Latest Price: $25 to $50 per month
- Learn More: www.simplyconnect.ca
If you’re looking for a simple no-frills phone plan that allows you to customize your plan for your needs, you can’t go wrong with one of SimplyConnect’s smartphone plans. The cheapest monthly plan costs just $25 per month and includes unlimited text messages and phone calls.
Data plans begin at $30 per month for 1 GB of high-speed data and go up to $50 per month for 7 GB of data. You can also bring your own device to the plan, as long as it’s compatible.
3. TELUS Essential 25 5G Plan
- Latest Price: $65 per month
- Learn More: www.telus.com
TELUS is Canada’s largest carrier and its towers cover 99% of the country, making it a solid choice whether you live in a major city or in a more remote region.
The carrier offers a number of unlimited data plans with blazing-fast 5G data. However, the most affordable plan is its Essential 25 5G plan, which includes 25 GB of high-speed data per month as well as unlimited messaging and unlimited calling.
The only disadvantage of this plan is that it doesn’t feature shareable data, which means you can’t use your mobile hotspot.
4. Bell Promo 50 Plan
- Latest Price: $65 per month
- Learn More: www.bell.ca
Bell Mobility’s Promo 50 Plan comes at the same price as the Telus Essential 25 plan, but includes twice the 5G data for the same price, as well as unlimited nationwide talk/text. Bell is another major carrier that covers 99% of the country, so service quality will never be an issue.
If you surpass your 50 GB data plan, though, Bell imposes a $20 per GB monthly fee (up to 8 GB), which is quite pricey. To qualify for this plan, you must bring your own phone.
5. Freedom Mobile Canada-US 40 GB
- Latest Price: $50 per month
- Learn More: shop.freedommobile.ca
Freedom Mobile partners with Bell, Rogers, and TELUS to provide reliable coverage across the country. This plan offers excellent coverage in both Canada and the US, making it a great choice for Canadian “snowbirds” and weekend travellers.
This plan includes 40 GB of 4G data and unlimited text messages and calling in both countries.
6. Koodo Mobile BYOD Unlimited Talk And Text Plan
- Latest Price: $35 per month
- Learn More: www.koodomobile.com
Koodo Mobile offers excellent deals to customers who want to bring their own device to the network.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans with unlimited talk and text start at $35 per month, and you’ll only pay for the data that you use. Koodo also offers 4G data plans starting at $39 per month, depending on how much data you need.
7. Lucky Mobile Unlimited Talk And Text Plan With 1 GB Data
- Latest Price: $30
- Learn More: www.luckymobile.ca
Lucky Mobile operates on Bell’s nationwide network and offers unlimited Canada-wide talk and text plans starting at just $30 per month. This plan includes 1 GB of 4G data, when you register for the automatic top up feature, or 500 MB of data without the automatic top up.
Lucky Mobile also doesn’t perform a credit check when you sign-up, which is great for those who are still building their credit score.
8. Public Mobile Unlimited 20 GB Plan
- Latest Price: $39
- Learn More: www.publicmobile.ca
Public Mobile runs on the TELUS network, and offers unlimited plans starting at just $39 per month. This plan includes unlimited talk and text as well as 20 GB of 4G data. It also includes unlimited international texting and picture messaging.
What sets Public Mobile apart is its subscription-based phone plan that allows users to cancel or modify their plan at any time.
Major Phone Plans Vs Cheap Cell Phone Plans
You may have already tried working with major wireless carriers such as Rogers wireless network, the Telus network, or Bell. These are the industry giants, similar to Canada’s “big-five” banks. They’re well known, offer the latest cell phones, and have fast, reliable service.
Unfortunately, this often comes at a cost. Major carriers tend to be more expensive than some of the lesser-known cheap cell phone plans. This is due, in part, to the bigger companies’ massive advertising budgets.
The real question is – are major phone plans better than their cheaper competitors?
In my experience, cheaper cell phone plans are often just as good as their major competitors. In many cases, these smaller networks “piggyback” off of the larger network towers, offering comparable 4G/5G speeds and coverage.
These companies are known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). They purchase data at a wholesale rate from the major carriers and then re-sell it back to you. For example, Fido operates on the Rogers cell phone network, which is one of the most powerful in the country.
Data Prioritization
The main downside of these MVNOs is data prioritization.
When the network becomes congested from an overload of users, the towers prioritize their main customers first, MVNO customers second, and prepaid phone plans third.
For example, if you’re a Fido customer (which operates on the Rogers) network, your data may be slower than Rogers’ customers.
Secondly, smaller phone networks often have tighter data caps. For example, an “unlimited data plan” may only offer 20 GB of 5G data before slowing to 4G speeds, while the major carriers may offer truly unlimited data usage at 5G speeds.
Overall, the average phone user shouldn’t notice much of a difference, though.
Periodically, calls may drop or your data may slow down randomly. If you’re primarily using your phone on a wifi network at your home or office, though, this won’t be a major problem.
However, if you’re an on-the-go business professional who needs high-speed data throughout the day, then you may want to go with one of the larger phone carriers.
Picking The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans: What To Look For
Here are a few key points to look for while searching for the cheapest smartphone plan.
Plan Coverage
Figure out which major network the smaller network operates off of, and then research the larger network’s coverage area.
Most networks offer good coverage near major cities, but service can be fickle in more remote regions of the country. Make sure that the area that you primarily live and work in receives adequate coverage.
Unlimited Data Plan (Data Usage Restrictions)
How much data does the phone plan offer? Is it a 4G plan or a 5G plan?
One of the main problems I’ve encountered with smaller, more affordable phone plans is that data gets throttled after a certain point.
For example, your plan may only include 10 or 20 GB of 4G or 5G data usage before experiencing reduced speeds or your plan is subjected to data overage fees. In this case, you may have to pay extra for bonus data.
If you plan on being connected to a wifi network most of the time, then this isn’t a major issue. However, if you’re a rideshare driver or somebody who’s frequently away from home, then this could become problematic.
Bring Your Own Device
Does the network let you bring your own phone? If so, this is a major bonus, as it will prevent you from having to purchase a new phone. It’s also a good idea to check if the phone company offers any deals on trade-ins for new customers, as this could allow you to get a brand-new smartphone for a far lower price.
What’s The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plan In Canada?
My first pick would be the Bell Promo 50 Plan, which includes 50 GB of 5G data and unlimited text/talk for just $65 per month (which is an incredible value).
If you’re looking for something even more affordable, my second go-to choice would be Public Mobile’s Unlimited 20 GB plan which starts at just $39 per month for 20 GB of 4G data and unlimited talk/text.
Looking for more ways to save? Check out my list of the best coupon apps in Canada next!
