Top Prepaid Plans at a Glance
Use this table to see the main choices side by side. It shows price, data, calling and texting scope, and the network partner behind each brand.
| Provider | Plan | Price | Data | Talk and Text | Network | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatr | Unlimited CA US + 80GB | $45 per month | 80GB at 4G speed | Unlimited in Canada and the United States | Rogers | Cross border calling and heavy data use |
| Virgin Plus | Unlimited + 60GB | $45 per month | 60GB at 4G speed | Unlimited Canada wide | Bell | Everyday Canadian use with roomy data |
| Koodo Mobile | $47 Prepaid Base Plan | $47 per 30 days | 50GB up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited Canada wide | Telus | Reliable performance and larger data pool |
| PC Mobile | Unlimited Talk and Text | $24 per month | 4GB | Unlimited Canada wide | Bell | Budget calling and light data |
| 7 Eleven SpeakOut | 365 Day Top Up | $25 per year | No included data | Pay per use | Rogers | Emergency and very light use |
| Good2Go | $25 Top Up | $25 per 120 days | No included data | Pay per use | Nationwide | Backup number with long validity |
Chatr Unlimited CA US + 80GB
Price: $45 per month
Data: 80GB at 4G speed
Talk and Text: Unlimited in Canada and the United States
Network: Rogers
This plan is built for people who cross the border often or stay in touch with family and clients in the United States. Calling and texting work in both countries without extra steps. The 80GB data bucket is large enough for daily streaming, maps, social video, and music on the go. For households with regular trips to US cities, weekend shopping across the border, or seasonal travel, it removes the usual stress of juggling roaming add ons. The value is straightforward. You get a generous data pool at a fair price, and you do not have to keep switching features on and off when plans change.
Strengths
- Cross border calling and texting included with no guesswork
- Large data amount that comfortably handles streaming and navigation
- Runs on a national network with wide reach
Things to consider
- Focused on 4G speed. For most tasks this is more than enough, but very large file transfers are faster on premium 5G tiers
- International use beyond Canada and the United States requires separate options
Virgin Plus Unlimited + 60GB
Price: $45 per month
Data: 60GB at 4G speed
Talk and Text: Unlimited Canada wide
Network: Bell
Virgin Plus offers a friendly balance of price and data for Canadians who stay inside the country. Sixty gigabytes is enough for music streaming on transit, social media, light video, and navigation on weekend drives. Unlimited nationwide calling removes the need to track minutes. Coverage on Bell’s network makes this a dependable pick for commuters and families who want a predictable monthly cost without giving up performance. It suits students, professionals, and anyone who wants a plan that quietly does its job every month.
Strengths
- Healthy data pool for daily browsing and streaming
- Unlimited calling across provinces without long distance charges
- Broad national footprint that covers cities and major routes
Things to consider
- United States calling and texting are not included on this plan
- Speed tier is 4G. If you need top end 5G bursts, compare device specific options
Koodo Mobile $47 Prepaid Base Plan
Price: $47 per 30 days
Data: 50GB up to 100 Mbps
Talk and Text: Unlimited Canada wide
Network: Telus
Koodo’s prepaid base plan is for users who depend on their phones for work and study. The 50GB high speed allowance supports video calls, cloud files, hotspot use in a pinch, and consistent social media. The Telus network is known for steady performance in many Canadian markets, which is why commuters and remote workers lean toward this option. If you are tired of running out of data on smaller plans, moving to this tier brings welcome breathing room. It is a solid all rounder for people who want prepaid flexibility and postpaid level comfort in day to day use.
Strengths
- Large data pool with clear speed guidance up to 100 Mbps
- Unlimited nationwide calling for predictable monthly costs
- Strong reputation for reliability across many regions
Things to consider
- Priced higher than light use plans. If you do not use much data, look at PC Mobile
- Speed tier focuses on 4G. Peak 5G is not the goal here
PC Mobile Unlimited Talk and Text
Price: $24 per month
Data: 4GB
Talk and Text: Unlimited Canada wide
Network: Bell
If your phone is a calling and texting tool first and a data device second, this plan stretches every dollar. You get unlimited nationwide calling and messaging, plus enough data for maps, messaging apps, email, and light browsing. It is a comfortable fit for seniors who value simplicity, students watching their budget, and anyone who wants to keep costs low without giving up reliable service. Bring your own device to keep things even more affordable.
Strengths
- Very low monthly price for unlimited calling and texting
- Four gigabytes covers essential app use without worry
- Runs on a national network with broad availability
Things to consider
- Heavy streaming or hotspot use will need more data
- Device selection is better if you bring your own phone
7 Eleven SpeakOut 365 Day Top Up
Price: $25 per 365 days
Data: No included data
Talk and Text: Pay per use
Network: Rogers
SpeakOut is a long validity option that keeps a number active for a full year on a small top up. It is ideal for a glove compartment phone, a backup number, or a device for a family member who barely uses a mobile phone but still wants to be reachable. You pay for what you use and you do not have to think about monthly renewals. If you value peace of mind more than constant connectivity, this is a smart, low cost path.
Strengths
- Very long expiry on a small upfront cost
- Perfect for emergencies and minimal usage
- Nationwide coverage on a major network
Things to consider
- Per minute and per text rates are not built for heavy use
- No included data on the base top up
Good2Go $25 Top Up
Price: $25 per 120 days
Data: No included data
Talk and Text: Pay per use
Network: Nationwide
Good2Go focuses on long validity with simple top ups. It suits backup lines, seasonal use, and anyone who wants a number that stays active for months at a time without a monthly cycle. If you have an older unlocked phone, this is an easy way to keep it active for occasional calls. The loyalty angle at partner retailers is a small extra that some users enjoy.
Strengths
- Low maintenance with long validity periods
- Convenient top ups online or at retail
- Works well as a secondary number or emergency phone
Things to consider
- No included data. If you expect regular browsing or streaming, choose a monthly data plan
- Per use costs add up if your routine changes to daily calling
Prepaid Plan Comparison Table
This table lines up the main features so you can weigh price, data, and calling scope quickly.
| Provider | Plan | Monthly Price or Top Up | Data | Talk and Text | Speed Tier | Network | Notable Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatr | Unlimited CA US + 80GB | $45 per month | 80GB | Unlimited in Canada and the United States | 4G | Rogers | Cross border calling and texting included |
| Virgin Plus | Unlimited + 60GB | $45 per month | 60GB | Unlimited Canada wide | 4G | Bell | Large data at a friendly price |
| Koodo Mobile | $47 Prepaid Base Plan | $47 per 30 days | 50GB up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited Canada wide | 4G up to 100 Mbps | Telus | Reliable performance for busy users |
| PC Mobile | Unlimited Talk and Text | $24 per month | 4GB | Unlimited Canada wide | 4G LTE | Bell | Low monthly cost for callers and texters |
| 7 Eleven SpeakOut | 365 Day Top Up | $25 per 365 days | No data | Pay per use | N A | Rogers | Ultra long validity for minimal use |
| Good2Go | $25 Top Up | $25 per 120 days | No data | Pay per use | N A | Nationwide | Convenient top ups and long validity |
How to Choose a Prepaid Plan in Canada
Start with coverage where you live and work
Think about the places your phone spends most of its time. Home, office or school, and your daily commute. If a network has a reputation for weak indoor signal in your building, that is more important than any peak speed number on a brochure. Ask friends and coworkers which networks work well in your area. Because these prepaid brands ride on the national networks, your real world experience will follow the same pattern as the main carriers.
Pick a data size that matches your habits
Open your phone’s data settings and look at the last month of usage. Add a comfortable buffer for unexpected spikes and travel. If you stream video on data or run a hotspot for a laptop, start with the larger pools from Chatr, Virgin Plus, or Koodo. If you mostly use Wi Fi, a smaller plan like PC Mobile will feel just right. For a backup number that rarely places calls, the long validity options from SpeakOut and Good2Go keep costs low all year.
Decide on your calling scope
If you call the United States often, a plan that includes US calling and texting saves time and money. If your life takes place inside Canada, unlimited nationwide calling is the simpler and cheaper route. Read the talk and text details closely. Some plans specify Canada wide, others include both countries. Knowing this ahead of time prevents add on surprises later.
Check speed notes and fair use policies
Many prepaid plans use a 4G speed tier with a clear ceiling. For maps, social apps, email, and streaming, this is more than enough. After your high speed data is used, some plans reduce speed for the rest of the cycle so you stay connected for light tasks. Scan the plan page for the speed wording so you know what to expect. If top end burst speed matters for your work, compare specific device and plan combinations.
Hotspot, tethering, and add ons
Hotspot is allowed on many prepaid plans, but it consumes data quickly. If you plan to share your connection often, choose a larger data option. Add ons are useful when a busy month sneaks up on you. Extra data, international calling, and travel packages can fill temporary gaps without changing your base plan.
Bring your own phone and keep it unlocked
Bringing your own device keeps costs predictable. Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports the LTE and 5G bands used by your chosen network. Most recent smartphones are compatible. Turn on Wi Fi calling if it is available. It improves call quality inside buildings with thick walls and in basements with weak signal.
Who Each Plan Fits Best
Students
Students need unlimited nationwide calling for group projects and part time work, along with enough data for lectures, research, and campus life. Virgin Plus 60GB and Koodo 50GB both feel roomy without breaking the budget. If you want to spend less and your data needs are light, PC Mobile is an easy winner.
Families
Families benefit from unlimited calling and texting and a healthy data allowance that keeps navigation and streaming working on road trips. Chatr is especially helpful for families who travel to the United States or call there often. For Canadian only use, Virgin Plus and Koodo are comfortable long term picks that simplify monthly planning.
Hybrid and remote workers
If your day includes video meetings, cloud files, and occasional hotspot use, choose a larger data plan on a network with a strong reputation in your area. Koodo on the Telus network and Virgin Plus on the Bell network are reliable options for this routine. Turn on Wi Fi calling and keep a small data add on available for crunch weeks.
Seniors and light users
Seniors and light users want reliability and a bill that does not change without reason. PC Mobile at $24 per month covers unlimited calling and texting with enough data for essentials. If you only need a phone for emergencies or seasonal use, SpeakOut and Good2Go offer long validity that keeps your number active at a very low yearly cost.
Travelers and snowbirds
If you cross the border regularly, picking Chatr with Canada and United States calling and texting removes friction from every trip. For travel beyond North America, consider adding a travel eSIM for local data while keeping your Canadian number active for calls and security codes. Prepaid makes it easy to scale up before travel and scale down when you return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my number when switching to prepaid
Yes. Start the transfer with the new provider while your old service is still active. You will receive a message to confirm the move. Approve it, insert the new SIM or eSIM, and test a call and a text.
Do prepaid plans slow down after I use my high speed data
Many plans reduce speed after the high speed allowance so you can stay connected for basic tasks. If you want to avoid slowdowns, choose a larger data plan or keep a small data add on ready for busy months.
Do these plans include 5G
Most highlighted options focus on 4G or 4G LTE to keep prices friendly. Some brands and devices may allow higher speeds in certain areas. Check your device and plan details during activation.
Can I use hotspot on prepaid
Many prepaid plans allow hotspot and tethering, and usage counts toward your data limit. If you plan to share your connection often, pick a larger data pool to keep a safe cushion.
Are taxes included in the listed prices
Prices shown typically exclude taxes. You will see the full amount at checkout. If you purchase a SIM or a device, there may be a small one time charge.
Will my phone work on these plans
Most unlocked phones will work. Confirm support for the network bands used by your chosen provider. Turn on features like VoLTE and Wi Fi calling if your device supports them.
Is prepaid a good choice for a child’s first phone
Yes. It sets a firm spending limit and encourages healthy habits. Start with unlimited talk and text and a modest data amount, then adjust after a month or two based on real usage.
Final Recommendations
Pick Chatr Unlimited CA US + 80GB if you want a simple cross border life and a large data pool for daily use. Choose Virgin Plus Unlimited + 60GB if you stay within Canada and want a roomy plan that feels easy month after month. Select Koodo $47 Prepaid Base Plan if you are a heavier data user who values steady performance and unlimited nationwide calling. Pick PC Mobile Unlimited Talk and Text if you want to keep the bill as low as possible and still have enough data for everyday essentials. For backup numbers and very light use, 7 Eleven SpeakOut and Good2Go keep your number active for months at a time with minimal cost.
Before you activate, take a moment to confirm coverage around your home and work, check the data amount suits your routine, and review any speed details listed on the plan page. With those checks done, prepaid provides a calm and predictable way to stay connected in Canada without paying for features you do not need.
