Best Internet Providers in Vancouver
Finding the best internet provider in Vancouver can be challenging with so many options available. To help you decide, we’ve reviewed some of the top providers, including Telus, Novus, Oxio, VMedia, TekSavvy, and Virgin Plus. Below, we cover their plans, pricing, services offered, equipment fees, pros and cons, and customer reviews to give you a full picture of what each provider offers.
1. Telus
Details about the provider: Telus is a leading telecommunications company in Canada, offering fiber optic internet with fast speeds and reliable service. Known for its wide coverage and great customer support, Telus has been a long-time favorite among Vancouver residents.
Plans and Pricing:
- PureFibre 150: 150 Mbps download and upload speed for $85/month.
- PureFibre 300: 300 Mbps download and upload speed for $95/month.
- PureFibre Gigabit Internet: 1,000 Mbps download and upload speed for $120/month.
Services Offered:
Telus offers high-speed fiber optic internet, along with TV, home phone, and home security services.
Modem, Router, and Installation Fees:
- Modem: Included with all plans.
- Router: Included in the bundle.
- Installation: Free for new customers.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely fast fiber optic speeds. Reliable service and low latency. Excellent customer service. | Pricing can be higher than other providers. Fiber network not available everywhere. |
Google Reviews:
Telus has an average rating of 4.2/5 stars on Google, with customers praising their fiber speeds and customer service.
2. Novus
Details about the provider: Novus offers high-speed fiber internet in specific areas of Vancouver, primarily targeting apartment buildings and high-density locations. They are known for offering ultra-fast internet at competitive prices.
Plans and Pricing:
- Novus 300 Mbps: $53.95/month.
- Novus 600 Mbps: $63.95/month.
- Novus Gigabit Internet: 1,000 Mbps for $73.95/month.
Services Offered:
High-speed fiber internet, TV, and phone services.
Modem, Router, and Installation Fees:
- Modem: Included.
- Router: Available for an additional $9.95/month or customers can use their own.
- Installation: Free installation for new customers.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive pricing. High-speed fiber connections. Local customer service team. | Limited availability (only in certain parts of Vancouver). Smaller service area compared to larger providers. |
Google Reviews:
Novus has a 4.4/5 rating, with customers praising their speed, reliability, and local customer service.
3. Oxio
Details about the provider: Oxio is an independent internet provider offering simple, contract-free internet plans at affordable rates. They lease infrastructure from larger providers, offering high-speed internet to Vancouver residents.
Plans and Pricing:
- 100 Mbps: $49/month.
- 300 Mbps: $59/month.
- 500 Mbps: $69/month.
Services Offered:
Oxio provides high-speed internet without additional TV or phone bundles. Their main selling point is simplicity and affordability.
Modem, Router, and Installation Fees:
- Modem: Free rental with plans.
- Router: Included.
- Installation: $60 setup fee, waived for promotional offers.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable, transparent pricing. No contracts. Free modem and router rental. | No bundle options for TV or phone. Installation fees can apply. |
Google Reviews:
Oxio holds a 4.5/5 star rating, with customers highlighting their straightforward pricing and no-contract offers.
4. VMedia
Details about the provider: VMedia offers affordable internet, TV, and phone services across Canada. They are known for offering low-cost options for budget-conscious customers in Vancouver.
Plans and Pricing:
- Internet 75: 75 Mbps for $44.95/month.
- Internet 150: 150 Mbps for $54.95/month.
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $64.95/month.
Services Offered:
VMedia offers internet, TV, and phone services.
Modem, Router, and Installation Fees:
- Modem: Included in some plans, or available for purchase at $99.95.
- Router: $5/month or customer-owned.
- Installation: $49.95.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing. Bundles for TV, phone, and home security. | Speeds can vary depending on the location. Customer support can be slow at times. |
Google Reviews:
VMedia has a rating of 3.9/5 on Google, with mixed reviews about internet speeds but positive feedback about their pricing.
5. TekSavvy
Details about the provider: TekSavvy is an independent provider that offers flexible internet options at competitive prices. They lease lines from larger telecom companies, making their services available in most of Vancouver.
Plans and Pricing:
- DSL 50: 50 Mbps for $54.95/month.
- Cable 75: 75 Mbps for $54.95/month.
- Cable 150: 150 Mbps for $64.95/month.
Services Offered:
TekSavvy provides internet, home phone, and TV services.
Modem, Router, and Installation Fees:
- Modem: Rental for $10/month or available for purchase at $150.
- Router: Available for purchase or rental at $8/month.
- Installation: $49.95.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive pricing for internet plans. No long-term contracts. | Customer support can be slow. Speeds depend on the leased network. |
Google Reviews:
TekSavvy has an average rating of 4.0/5 stars, with customers praising the flexible pricing and lack of contracts, but some mention inconsistent speeds.
6. Virgin Plus
Details about the provider: Virgin Plus offers affordable and flexible internet plans in Vancouver, with a focus on customer experience. Their plans are suitable for light to medium internet users.
Plans and Pricing:
- Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $60/month.
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $70/month.
Services Offered:
Virgin Plus offers internet, mobile, and TV services.
Modem, Router, and Installation Fees:
- Modem: Included.
- Router: Included.
- Installation: Free for new customers.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable service with competitive pricing. Good customer support. | Limited high-speed options compared to competitors. Fewer plan options for heavy users. |
Google Reviews:
Virgin Plus has a 4.1/5 rating, with customers appreciating their customer service and reliable connections.
Average Internet Speed in Vancouver
The average internet speed in Vancouver varies depending on your location and the provider you choose. On average, most residents have access to speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on whether you are using DSL, cable, or fiber optic services. Fiber optic internet tends to offer the fastest speeds, especially in high-density urban areas like downtown Vancouver, where speeds can easily reach 1 Gbps or higher.
How Much Internet Speed You Need in Vancouver
The amount of internet speed you need depends on your household’s usage. For general browsing, streaming, and video calls, speeds of around 50 to 100 Mbps are usually sufficient. However, if you have a large household with multiple devices, stream in 4K, or play online games, you may want to consider speeds of 300 Mbps or higher to ensure a smooth experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the best internet provider in Vancouver depends on your specific needs. Telus and Novus offer top-notch speeds with fiber-optic connections, while Oxio and TekSavvy provide affordable, no-contract options. VMedia and Virgin Plus offer solid pricing and bundles for those looking for additional services like TV and home phone. Be sure to compare prices, services, and customer reviews to find the right fit for your home.
