8 Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plans In Canada 2024

Are you tired of overpaying for your service or looking to cut ties with your current phone plan?

Whether you’re trying to budget and save money or visit Canada from outside the country, prepaid phone plans offer the perfect mix of flexibility and affordability. Plus, they’re incredibly quick and easy to set up.

Below, I’ll share some of the cheapest prepaid phone plans in Canada so you can reconnect with the ones that matter most.

Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plans: No Strings Attached

Let’s dive right in and take a look at some of Canada’s cheapest prepaid phone plans!

1. Koodoo

• Cheapest plan available: $15 for 250 MB 3G and 100 minutes
• Areas with the best service: TELUS
• View available plans: Koodoo prepaid plans

Koodoo is one of the top-rated cheap phone plans in Canada, as it runs on the TELUS network. This means that you’ll get reliable service no matter where you are in the country (great for backpackers).

While you won’t get access to TELUS’ 5G speeds, Koodoo customers can choose between 3G and 4G speeds for prepaid plans.

While the cheapest plan starts at $15 per month for a minimal 3G plan, the best prepaid value plan is $30 monthly and offers 1 GB of 4G data and unlimited texting and calling. Koodoo has a wide range of prepaid plans and also offers the latest phones with monthly payments.

If you’re looking for a combination of affordability, flexibility, and great customer service, Koodoo should be at the top of your list.

2. Chatr Wireless

• Cheapest plan available: $25 for 500 MB 3G and unlimited talk/text
• Network it runs on: Rogers
• View available plans: Chatr Wireless prepaid plans

Established in 2010, Chatr Mobile operates under the umbrella of Rogers Communications.

The brand is primarily known for its straightforward prepaid plans, with a focus on offering reliable talk, text, and data services without the need for long-term contracts or credit checks.

Since the MVNO operates on the Rogers network, you can expect consistent service in most provinces and territories.

If you’re looking for 4G speeds, Chatr offers plans ranging from $30/month for 500 MB to $75/month for 20 GB plans.

3. Freedom Mobile

• Cheapest plan available: $19/month for 250 MB of 4G and unlimited talk/text
• Network it runs on: Has its own network + partners with others
• View available plans: Freedom Mobile prepaid plans

Freedom Mobile is one of the few low-cost phone carriers that has its own towers, operating its own network in some of the more densely populated regions of Alberta, B.C., and Ontario. It partners with Bell, Rogers, and TELUS to provide service in other regions of the country.

This carrier is also one of the few to offer 5G prepaid plans (most only offer 3G and 4G data speeds).

In addition to monthly prepaid plans, Freedom Mobile also offers discounts for customers who want to pay annually. This is a great way to prevent service interruptions and put some extra cashback in your pocket at the same time.

4. Petro-Canada Mobility (Good2Go Mobile)

• Cheapest plan available: $35/month for 250 MB 4G, plus unlimited talk/text
• Network it runs on: Rogers
• View available plans: Good2Go Mobile prepaid plans

Petro-Canada is one of the largest gas stations in the country and is known for its high-quality fuel.

Aside from fuel and its long lineup of snacks and accessories, the company also offers prepaid phone plans through its Good2Go prepaid phone plans. The network operates under Rogers’ 4G network, which provides reliable service to 90% of Canada.

One of the best reasons to use this plan is that you can top your plan up by purchasing a phone card at one of the thousands of Petro-Canada gas stations around the country.

5. Virgin Mobile

• Cheapest plan available: $30/month for 500 MB 4G, plus unlimited talk/text
• Network it runs on: Bell
• View available plans: Virgin Mobile prepaid plans

Virgin Mobile is one of North America’s largest prepaid phone companies, with a strong presence in both Canada and the US.

In Canada, it runs on Bell’s 4G network. While the company offers pay-per-use (by the minute) plans for as low as $15 per month, this can really add up after making a few short phone calls.

Your best bet is to start with the $30 monthly plan that offers unlimited talk and text with a half-gig of 4G data.

6. PC Mobile

• Cheapest plan available: $20/month for no data, with unlimited talk/text
• Network it runs on: Bell
• View available plans: PC Mobile prepaid plans

PC Mobile is one of the best prepaid plans for backpackers travelling across the border. The carrier runs on Bell’s 4G network and offers unlimited talk and text on all of its plans.

However, here’s the standout feature – all of PC Mobile’s plans include unlimited talk and text in the US and internationally. This can really save you money on international messaging and call fees.

7. SpeakOut Wireless By 7-Eleven

• Cheapest plan available: $35/month for 2.75 GB 4G data, unlimited talk/text
• Network it runs on: Rogers
• View available plans: SpeakOut Wireless prepaid plans

SpeakOut Wireless runs on Rogers’ 4G network, so you can expect similar coverage to Chatr Mobile. Both of the prepaid phone companies offer similar rates on their plans.

If you’re looking for a more inclusive plan, SpeakOut Wireless offers a $45/month plan that includes unlimited text and calls with 7 GB of 4G data.

The nice thing about SpeakOut is that you can top up your plan at any 7-Eleven store in Canada.

8. Lucky Mobile

• Cheapest plan available: $25/month for 1 GB 4G, unlimited call/text
• Network it runs on: Bell
• View available plans: Lucky Mobile prepaid plans

Unlike many MVNOs, which simply “rent” from larger networks, Lucky Mobile is owned by Bell. While the cheapest plan starts at $25/month, you can get up to 30 GB of 4G data for $70/month.

Lucky Mobile supports most phones, and you can order a SIM card kit from its website. Alternatively, you can purchase a basic smartphone from the carrier.

How Do Prepaid Plans Work?

Prepaid phone plans operate with a pay-as-you-go model. Users pre-purchase a set amount of talk, text, and data credits in advance that they can use at their convenience.

Unlike traditional postpaid plans, where users receive a monthly bill for their services, prepaid customers can only use services to the extent of their purchased credits.

Once the credits are used, the service may be interrupted until additional credits are purchased. This can usually be done by calling the service provider and paying for more credits using your card or by purchasing a “phone card” from a local convenience store.

This upfront payment system eliminates the need for:

• Long-term contracts (many major carriers require one or two-year contracts)
• Credit checks
• Overusage charges

While some major carriers like TELUS and Rogers offer prepaid plans, more often than not, prepaid plans are offered by Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

Unlike major carriers, MVNOs don’t have their own cell phone towers. Instead, they “piggyback” off of larger carrier networks, renting the bandwidth out to prepaid phone plan customers.

Can I Bring My Own Device To A Prepaid Plan?

Often, prepaid phone plans allow customers to bring their own unlocked devices. However, this depends on whether or not the device is compatible with the MVNO. It’s always best to do your research ahead of time.

If not, most MVNOs offer affordable deals on smartphones. Unlike major carriers that offer phone financing, though, you’ll usually need to pay for the device upfront.

Reasons To Consider Prepaid Phone Plans

To wrap up, here are a few of the top benefits of signing up with a prepaid phone plan.

• No Contract: You can cancel your plan whenever you want if you’re travelling back home or want to switch carriers.
• No Credit Check: If you have bad credit or no credit, that won’t be a barrier to getting a reliable phone service plan.
• Great For Travellers: If you don’t plan on living in the country long-term, there’s no need to sign up for a contract.
• Anonymity: Prepaid phone plans may allow you to remain anonymous, especially if you top your plan up using cash and pay at convenience stores.

Drawbacks Of Prepaid Phone Plans

Of course, there are a few notable drawbacks to prepaid phone plans, which include:

• Can Be More Expensive In The Long Run: While calling and texting plans are very affordable, data can be more expensive in the long run compared to the unlimited plans offered by larger carriers (especially with today’s data-heavy apps).
• Service Interruptions: If you forget to top-up your plan, you could lose service unexpectedly.
• Not As Many Phone Choices: Most prepaid phone companies don’t offer a wide selection of new phones; usually just older, outdated Android models.
• Slower Data Speeds: Very few prepaid plans offer 5G data, instead relying on 3G and 4G networks.

Conclusion – What’s The Best Prepaid Plan In Canada?

Personally, I think that Lucky Mobile’s prepaid 4G plans are some of the best in the country. For just $25/month, you’ll be able to get 1 GB of 4G data and unlimited calling and texting.

Since the company is directly owned by Bell, you’ll also have access to better customer service compared to some of the smaller companies I mentioned on the list.

Lastly, Lucky Mobile makes bringing your device over very easy by purchasing a SIM kit.

Looking to cut ties completely? If so, check out my post on how to get a free phone number in Canada next! You can get a real Canadian phone number that operates on Wi-Fi by using one of the virtual phone apps on the list.