If you’re looking for a mobile plan without long-term commitments or surprise fees, a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan might be the perfect fit. Whether you want to save money, control your spending, or just need a temporary option, prepaid plans offer the flexibility you need.
Here are Canada’s top and cheapest prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans, starting as low as $8/month, so you can stay connected without breaking the bank.
Cheapest Prepaid Plan in Canada
Fizz offers the chepaest prepaid plan at just $8 per month. However, this plan does not include any minutes or messages, you only pay for what you use (pay as you go). It’s a great option to minimize costs while keeping your phone number active. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Keep reading to explore other plans that might better suit your needs.
Cheapest Unlimited Prepaid Mobile Plan
Once again, Fizz provides the cheapest unlimited prepaid plan at just $18 per month or $14 in Manitoba. This plan includes unlimited calls and texts. Switching from nationwide coverage to a specific province may unlock additional savings. View Plans
Big Data Prepaid Mobile Plan Offer
PC Mobile offers bonus data on its unlimited prepaid plan for just $34 per month, providing 65GB of data at 5G speed along with unlimited talk time in Canada and the U.S., and unlimited international texting. You can also earn up to 10% of the value of every top-up in PC Optimum points and receive 20,000 PC Optimum points after two months of service. View Plans
Best prepaid plan with international calls included
The $29 prepaid plan from Public Mobile is an excellent choice for those who need cheap international communication. This plan offers unlimited international texting (SMS and picture messages) and includes 100 minutes of international calling to select countries, including China, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, this plan offers 20GB of data within Canada, the US, and Mexico, with 5G speeds up to 250 Mbps for download. It also includes unlimited calling to Canada, the US, and Mexico, making it an ideal option for people who have friends or family in these countries. With the lowest monthly price, this plan eliminates the high costs of international calls, helping you stay connected with loved ones.
Furthermore, you can earn points each month to unlock additional benefits, and you can easily activate your plan with their free eSIM for immediate service.
Best prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans in Canada
Koodo Mobile‘s $39 4G base prepaid plan is one of the best options available for those seeking cheap and reliable service on the Telus network. This plan includes unlimited calling to both Canada and the U.S., as well as unlimited international text and picture messaging. It also offers an impressive 65GB of data, provided you enable automatic top-up for added convenience.
Additionally, Koodo Mobile supports eSIM technology, which means your device can host more than one mobile number simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to separate personal and business lines or for frequent travelers looking to add a local number while keeping their primary number active.
With its combination of extensive features and competitive pricing, Koodo’s $39 plan is an excellent choice for users seeking a prepaid plan with robust coverage and modern conveniences.
Other great prepaid plan alternatives can be found below:
| Carrier | Plan | Data | Shop this plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koodo | $25 4G Base Plan | 3.5GB | View at Koodo |
| Chatr | Unlimited Talk & Text | 3.5GB | View at Chatr |
| PC Mobile | Unlimited CA + US | 25GB | View at PC Mobile |
| 7-Eleven SpeakOut | 30 Day Basic Plan | None | View Plan |
| Lucky Mobile | Unlimited Plan | 3.5GB | View at Lucky Mobile |
Top Prepaid Plans in Canada
Koodo Mobile | Prepaid 4G Base Plan | $25/month
Pros: Unlimited text and fast, reliable data
Cons: Limited nationwide calling
Koodo’s $29 Base Prepaid Plan is ideal for budget-conscious users seeking flexibility. Enjoy fast data speeds and auto-recharge discounts for seamless connectivity without a contract.
Chatr Mobile | Nationwide Talk, Text & 4G Data Plan | $25/month
Pros: Affordable, nationwide coverage
Cons: 4G speed limits, reduced data speeds if heavy usage
Chatr’s $25 plan provides unlimited talk and text across Canada with moderate data speeds – perfect for basic connectivity at an affordable rate.
PC Mobile | Unlimited Talk & Text & Data | $29/month
Pros: Unlimited Canada and US talk and text, PC Optimum points
Cons: No Data Rollover
Get unlimited talk and text with PC Mobile’s $29/month plan, along with PC Optimum rewards for added value. A budget-friendly choice for regular calling needs.
Lucky Mobile | Unlimited Canada-Wide | $25/month
Pros: Unlimited Canada talk and text, No Data Overage Charges, Bonus Data with Auto Top-Up
Cons: No Family Plans, Data Speed Limitations
Get unlimited Canada-wide talk and text with Lucky Mobile’s $25/month plan, including 3GB of data at 4G speeds, plus an extra 0.5GB bonus when you enable Auto Top-Up. A reliable, contract-free option for budget-conscious users with light data needs.
Best Pay-as-You-Go Plans
7-Eleven SpeakOut | Basic Plan | $10/month
Pros: Great for occasional users, nationwide coverage
Cons: Limited features
Perfect for light users, 7-Eleven SpeakOut’s $10 plan allowing you to keep your number active with a lower cost
Goo2Go | $15/30 days
Pros: Nationwide coverage, top-up at any Petro-Canada
Cons: Expensive per-usage rates
Goo2Go is an affordable choice for minimal usage, with coverage across Canada and a simple top-up process at Petro-Canada locations.
Methodology: How We Rate Cell Phone Plans
We consider multiple factors in our ratings:
- Price: The most affordable options that balance features rank higher.
- Coverage: Plans with extensive reach across Canada perform best.
- Value: Plans offering premium features without hidden charges rank higher.
- Plan Options: Flexibility and unique perks like rewards boost a plan’s score.
Our goal is to help Canadians find cell phone plans that fit their budget and lifestyle. Explore these options to get the best balance of coverage, price, and value.
Current Prepaid Cell Phone Plan offers in Canada
PC Mobile
PC Mobile, a subsidiary of Bell, offers a variety of prepaid mobile plans across Canada, known for reliable coverage. PC Mobile provides flexible 4G or 5G data options, unlimited calls within Canada and to the U.S., and unlimited texting within Canada and internationally. Additionally, each plan includes 10% back in PC Optimum points for every top-up, plus a bonus of 20,000 PC Optimum points after two months of service.| Plan | Talk/Text | Data | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Mobile - Prepaid $20 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk & Text Plan | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 1GBs | $20.00 | (Canada) |
| PC Mobile - Prepaid 1GB Data, Unlimited Talk & Text Plan | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 4GBs | $24.00 | (Canada) |
| PC Mobile - Prepaid 20GB Data, Unlimited Talk & Text Plan | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 25GBs | $29.00 | (Canada) |
Pros
- Flexible data options
- Excellent customer service
- Strong nationwide coverage
- PC Optimum™ points
- Unlimited Canada-wide, US & international text
Cons
- Pricier compared to other budget options
- Slower data speeds in rural areas
Koodo Mobile
Koodo Mobile, a subsidiary of Telus, offers reliable and flexible prepaid plans with no fixed-term contracts. Known for transparent pricing, Koodo delivers great value on the Telus network, making it ideal for budget-conscious users. A standout feature is the ability to add perks, allowing you to customize your plan based on your needs.| Plan | Talk/Text | Data | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koodo Mobile - $19 4G Base Plan - QC | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 0.5GBs | $19.00 | (Canada) |
| Koodo Mobile - $19 4G Base Plan | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 0.5GBs | $19.00 | (Canada) |
| Koodo Mobile - $22 4G Base Plan - QC | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 5GBs | $22.00 | (Canada) |
Pros
- Great value for data
- Strong network coverage
- No fixed-term contracts
- Simple and transparent pricing
- App-based account management
Cons
- Slower customer support response times
- Limited international roaming
- Higher costs for premium plans
Public Mobile
Public Mobile, operated by Telus, is an affordable, self-serve option that allows customers to customize plans based on their data, talk, and text needs. Entirely online, it’s ideal for users seeking basic services at a low cost. Additionally, Public Mobile frequently offers flash sales, and customers can earn Public Points with each plan.| Plan | Talk/Text | Data | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Mobile - 4G 250MB Monthly Mobile Plan - QC | 100 mins(Prepaid) | 0.25GBs | $15.00 | (Canada) |
| Public Mobile - 1GB 4G Monthly Mobile Plan | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 1GBs | $19.00 | (Canada) |
| Public Mobile - 4GB 4G Mobile Plan | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 4GBs | $24.00 | (Canada) |
Pros
- Budget-friendly options
- Customizable plans
- Operates on Telus’ network
- No credit checks required
- Online self-service
Cons
- No customer support hotline
- Slower data speeds in some areas
- Limited roaming options
Freedom Mobile
Freedom Mobile offers the most affordable plans in Canada, ideal for those who want to keep their number without needing unlimited talk and text. Each plan also includes calls to the U.S. and Mexico, along with access to a 5G network.
| Plan | Talk/Text | Data | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Mobile - 1GB 5G Unlimited Canada-U.S.-Mexico | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 1GBs | $19.00 | (Canada) |
| Freedom Mobile - 6GB 5G Unlimited Canada-U.S.-Mexico | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 6GBs | $29.00 | (Canada) |
| Freedom Mobile - 10GB 5G Unlimited Canada-U.S.-Mexico | Unlimited(Prepaid) | 10GBs | $34.00 | (Canada) |
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Unlimited data on some plans
- Good coverage in urban areas
- No contracts
- Various data options
Cons
- Limited coverage in rural areas
- Slower data speeds in non-urban areas
- Throttled speeds after data cap
Pros and Cons of Prepaid Plans
Pros
- No long-term contracts or commitments
- Flexibility to switch providers easily
- Great for budget-conscious users
- No credit checks required
- Pay for what you use, with no overage fees
Cons
- Limited features compared to postpaid plans
- Often less data and fewer perks
- Slower data speeds or throttling after cap is reached
Who is a Prepaid Plan Right For?
- Need flexibility to change or stop their plan at any time
- Are budget-conscious and want to avoid unexpected fees
- Use their phone occasionally or only need minimal data
- Have poor credit or don’t want a credit check
- Prefer to pay for services upfront and avoid monthly bills
Conclusion
FAQ
What is the difference between prepaid and postpaid plans?
Prepaid plans require you to pay upfront for your mobile usage. You only pay for the services you use and can top up as needed. Postpaid plans involve a monthly billing cycle where you pay after you’ve used the service, typically with a contract.
Can I use a prepaid plan with any phone?
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with the carrier’s network, you can use any phone with a prepaid plan. If your phone is locked, you’ll need to unlock it before switching to a prepaid plan with a different carrier.
Do prepaid plans include international roaming?
Most prepaid plans in Canada do not include international roaming by default. Some carriers offer roaming add-ons or packages, but they are often more expensive compared to postpaid plans. Be sure to check with your provider for specific roaming options.
What happens if I run out of data on a prepaid plan?
If you run out of data on a prepaid plan, you can usually purchase a data top-up or add-on. Some carriers may throttle your data speed after you reach your cap, while others will simply cut off data usage until you purchase more.
Are there any hidden fees with prepaid plans?
No, prepaid plans are known for transparency, as you pay upfront for what you use. There are no unexpected overage fees or hidden charges, making them a great option for budget-conscious users.
Can I keep my phone number with a prepaid plan?
Yes, most carriers allow you to port (transfer) your existing phone number when switching to a prepaid plan. You will need to provide your current phone number and account details from your previous carrier to initiate the transfer.
You left Lucky off your list.
I pay $25 with data.
Are you paid to leave lucky off your list?
Thank you for pointing that out. We initially didn’t include all carriers in the article, but as per your suggestion, we’ve added them now.