Contracts aren’t for everyone. Here are Canada’s top prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans, giving you flexibility and savings. Options start as low as $2/month.
Cheapest Prepaid Mobile Plan
Freedom Mobile offers the cheapest prepaid plan at only $5 per month, providing 100MB of data at 5G speed, 120 minutes of talk time, and unlimited texting to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Auto-recharge discounts and voicemail are also included. View Plans
Cheapest Unlimited Prepaid Mobile Plan
Fizz offers the most affordable unlimited prepaid plan at just $14 per month. This plan includes unlimited minutes and texts. If you switch the coverage from nationwide to a specific province, you may receive an additional discount. View Plans
Extra Data Prepaid Mobile Plan Offer
PC Mobile offers bonus data on its unlimited prepaid plan for just $29 per month, providing 25GB 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 and pay-as-you-go plans in Canada
| Carrier | Plan | Data | Shop this plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koodo | $15 Prepaid Base Plan | 500MB | View at Koodo |
| Chatr | Unlimited Talk & Text | None | View at Chatr |
| PC Mobile | Unlimited CA + US + 1GB | 1GB | View at PC Mobile |
| 7-Eleven SpeakOut | 30 Day Basic Plan | None | View Plan |
Top Prepaid Plans in Canada
Koodo Mobile | Prepaid 4G Base Plan | $34/month
Pros: Unlimited text and fast, reliable dataCons: Limited nationwide callingKoodo’s $34 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.View PlanChatr Mobile | Nationwide Talk, Text & 4G Data Plan | $29/month
Pros: Affordable, nationwide coverageCons: 3G speed limits, reduced data speeds if heavy usageChatr’s $29 plan provides unlimited talk and text across Canada with moderate data speeds – perfect for basic connectivity at an affordable rate.View PlanPC Mobile | Unlimited Talk & Text & Data | $24/month
Pros: Nationwide talk and text, PC Optimum pointsCons: Limited data allowanceGet unlimited talk and text with PC Mobile’s $24/month plan, along with PC Optimum rewards for added value. A budget-friendly choice for regular calling needs.View PlanBest Pay-as-You-Go Plans
7-Eleven SpeakOut | Basic Plan | $10/month
Pros: Great for occasional users, nationwide coverageCons: Limited featuresPerfect for light users, 7-Eleven SpeakOut’s $10 plan allowing you to keep your number active with a lower costView PlanGoo2Go (formerly Petro-Canada Mobile) | $25/120 days
Pros: Nationwide coverage, top-up at any Petro-CanadaCons: Expensive per-usage ratesGoo2Go is an affordable choice for minimal usage, with coverage across Canada and a simple top-up process at Petro-Canada locations.View PlanMethodology: 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.
Current Prepaid Cell Phone Plan offers in Canada
Choosing the best prepaid cell phone plan in Canada can be tricky with so many options available. To help you decide, here’s a detailed breakdown of plans from some of the top providers, including pros, cons, and customer reviews.
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.
PC Mobile – Prepaid $20 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk & Text Plan
1GB top-up bonus
- Contract: 1 month
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
1 GB
Data
$20
PC Mobile – Prepaid 1GB Data, Unlimited Talk & Text Plan
3GB auto top-up bonus
- Contract: 1 month
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
4 GB
Data
$24
PC Mobile – Prepaid 20GB Data, Unlimited Talk & Text Plan
5GB auto top-up bonus
- Contract: 1 month
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
25 GB
Data
$29
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.
Koodo Mobile – $15 4G Base Plan
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
100 mins
Minutes
500 MB
Data
$15
Koodo Mobile – $25 4G Base Plan
1GB bonus data if automatic Top-Up
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
1.5 GB
Data
$25
Koodo Mobile – $29 4G Base Plan
Bonus 5GB if automatic top-up
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
15 GB
Data
$29
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.
Public Mobile – 4G 250MB Monthly Mobile Plan – QC
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
100 mins
Minutes
250 MB
Data
$15
Public Mobile – 1GB 4G Monthly Mobile Plan
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
1 GB
Data
$19
Public Mobile – 6GB 4G Monthly Mobile Plan
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
6 GB
Data
$23
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.
Freedom Mobile – 100MB 5G Unlimited Canada-U.S.-Mexico
$5 Digital Discount
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
120 mins
Minutes
100 MB
Data
$5
$10
Freedom Mobile – 3GB 5G Unlimited Canada-U.S.-Mexico
$5 Digital Discount
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
120 mins
Minutes
Unlimited
Data
*Unlimited data usage beyond 3GB at reduced speeds (upto 256kps)
$20
$25
Freedom Mobile – 10GB 5G Unlimited Canada-U.S.-Mexico
$5 Digital Discount and $5/mo. credit for 18 mo;
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Data
*Unlimited data usage beyond 10GB at reduced speeds (upto 256kps)
$29
$39Pros
- 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?
Prepaid plans suit users who want control over their mobile expenses. These plans are perfect for individuals who:
- 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
Prepaid plans in Canada offer flexibility and affordability for users who prefer no long-term commitments. With providers like Fido, Virgin Plus, Koodo, Public Mobile, and Freedom Mobile, you can find plans tailored to your data and talk needs. Compare each provider’s offerings and pick the one that aligns with your requirements.
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.
Who are prepaid plans best suited for?
Prepaid plans are ideal for users who prefer flexibility, don’t want long-term contracts, or need to control their mobile spending. They are especially useful for people who don’t use a lot of data, have poor credit, or want to avoid overage fees.
4G LTE speeds of up to 150 Mbps
Unlimited Canada-wide calling & texting
Unlimited international texting