Virgin Plus vs Koodo vs Fido

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Which wireless provider is the best for you? Virgin Mobile, Koodo or Fido? Here is a breakdown of each one to help you decide. All three providers have their pros and cons, but one may be a better fit for you than the others. Keep reading to find out more!

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If you are considering Koodo vs. Virgin Plus when you switch your mobile phone plan, it may seem like a confusing choice. However, learning more about each provider might help you make the best choice for your BYO phone plan.Once you pick the right plan for you, you also want to consider which carrier has the best service in your area. This should be a big factor in your decision.If you are trying to decide between Virgin Plus and Fido for your BYO phone plan, it may seem like there is a lot of confusing information. However, choosing a plan is simple once we break it down for you. The important thing to remember is you want to choose a plan that has the best cell service in your area.

The Plans

Fido and Virgin Plus no longer offer prepaid plans, and neither of them provides new customers access to the 5G network. When comparing their postpaid plans, they have almost the same prices and benefits, except for the 100-minute basic plan and the 3GB basic plan, where Fido offers a cheaper price. On the other hand, Fido provides more options for long-term prepaid plans, catering to those seeking additional savings.
Virgin Plus – 250MB data, talk & text

$19

100 mins

Minutes

250 MB

Data

Fido – 250MB Basic Plan – BYOP

$15

100 mins

Minutes

250 MB

Data

Koodo vs. Virgin Plus: the plans

Koodo Mobile and Virgin Plus offer similar plans, but Koodo provides a cheaper option for their lowest-cost postpaid plans, with the same benefits such as unlimited talk and messaging within Canada and unlimited international SMS.Neither provider offers 5G plans anymore, so those seeking 5G coverage should consider other options. Additionally, Virgin Plus has discontinued its prepaid plans.
Virgin Plus – 250MB data, talk & text

$19

100 mins

Minutes

250 MB

Data

Koodo Mobile – $15 4G Base Plan

$15

100 mins

Minutes

500 MB

Data

Virgin Plus and Koodo’s Larger Plans

Koodo provides a larger data allowance of 500MB with their starter plan, whereas Virgin Plus only offers 250MB. This plan is not recommended for those intending to stream music or videos; it is advisable to limit updates and downloads to when connected to WiFi.

If your usage involves music streaming and occasional downloads, a 15GB plan, available from Koodo Mobile, would be suitable. However, Virgin Mobile does not currently offer plans with this amount of data.

For users consistently engaged in internet activities, video streaming, and frequent downloads, a minimum of 40GB is recommended. Both plans are offered at the same price. Moreover, by adding a few extra dollars, you can potentially double your data. Additionally, it’s worth noting that in both companies, postpaid plans provide more data at a lower cost compared to prepaid plans.

$

Minutes

Data

Koodo Mobile – 60GB Unlimited Talk & Text Perk Mobile Plan

$39

$44

Unlimited

Minutes

60 GB

Data

Opting for a Smaller Plan

If you don’t intend to extensively use the internet on your phone, opting for a smaller plan might be suitable. Even basic phone operations such as web app notifications and GPS require some data.Essentially, Koodo includes 500MB of data, and Virgin Plus includes 250MB in their cheapest plans, but these plans do not come with unlimited calls. For those seeking 4G with unlimited calls and some data, Koodo offers a cheaper and more valuable plan that includes 3GB of data at a lower price compared to Virgin Plus.
Koodo Mobile – 3GB Starter 3G Mobile Plan

$35

Unlimited

Minutes

3 GB

Data

Virgin Plus – 3GB data, talk & text

$39

Unlimited

Minutes

3 GB

Data

Virgin and Fido’s Bigger Plans

If you frequently browse the internet on your phone without heavy music or video streaming, the 3GB starter plan might be a suitable option. Virgin Mobile has a slightly higher price for their plan but offers more data. If you are a heavy data user, the 40GB plan should be what you’re looking for. Both providers offer the same price and data, but Fido requires you to enable auto top-up.

Regardless of whether you’re an occasional or frequent internet user, both Virgin Mobile and Fido provide larger data plans at cost-effective rates.

$

Minutes

Data

Fido – 60GB, Talk & Text – BYOP
$10.00 Automatic Payments Discount; Includes unlimited CAN-U.S. calling.

$34

$44

Unlimited

Minutes

60 GB

Data

Smaller Plans

Compact plans cater to individuals with modest internet usage on their mobile phones. Despite limited usage, having a small data plan remains essential, as your phone continuously consumes data for background operations, app notifications, and GPS functionality.

The most budget-friendly plans offered by both companies are slightly different; Fido offers a cheaper postpaid plan with the same data. If you are in search of an unlimited calling and messaging plan without data, both providers offer it at the same price.

Virgin Plus – 250MB data, talk & text

$19

100 mins

Minutes

250 MB

Data

Fido – 250MB Basic Plan – BYOP

$15

100 mins

Minutes

250 MB

Data

How Do You Choose the Best Plan?

Choosing the best plan involves considering both pricing and coverage aspects. If affordability and generous data allowances are a priority, exploring Virgin Plus plans is recommended. However, for those emphasizing network coverage, it’s crucial to understand the mobile networks each company utilizes— Virgin Plus on Bell Mobility, Koodo on Telus, and Fido Mobile on Rogers. Referring to the Canadian Cellular Towers Map for Bell, Telus, and Rogers can optimize signal strength based on tower proximity.

Once the right plan size is determined, evaluating service coverage is essential. Virgin Plus (Bell) and Koodo (Telus) operate on different networks. Check coverage maps for both networks and gather insights from friends and family. If one carrier offers superior coverage in your area, it may be the optimal choice. However, if both carriers have excellent coverage, the decision can be based on the best plan for your needs.

Crucially, Fido, Koodo, and Virgin all provide Bring Your Own (BYO) phone plans on a monthly basis without long-term contracts, offering the flexibility to switch providers if dissatisfied. Be mindful of potential activation fees when considering a switch. Ultimately, your decision should align with your budget, data needs, and the network coverage that best fits your specific locations of use.

Picture of Vikas (Vik) Palan

Vikas (Vik) Palan

Vikas Palan is an editor at Stackup.ca, specializing in technology, telecommunications, and personal finance content. He ensures each article is well-researched, accurate, and optimized for readers and search engines, helping Stackup.ca become a trusted information source for Canadians.
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