Best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers
Getting the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers can be frustrating especially when there is a long list of them to choose from.
Most newcomers in Canada are not aware that most SIM cards in Canada are owned by the big three larger network providers who created sub-brands.
These three larger network providers established sub-brand mobile carriers to target different kinds of customers. Sub-brands often offer the most affordable price because usually, their target is different from their premium/corporate brand.
With this, choosing the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers depends on factors such as network coverage, data plans, cost, and additional features.
Below are the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers categorized based on the kind of customers they target.
Primary Nationwide carriers
These are the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers who are professionals or enterprises looking for the best and premium services out of their SIM cards.
You would have to pay more for this premium service. The primary brands all have slightly similar pricing.
They’re all considered good depending on who you ask, and the answers are mostly based on the deals they offer, their customer care services, and the trend of where you live in Canada.
If speedy, consistent, and reliable nationwide coverage is what you want, the primary brands below are the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers like you:
- Bell
Bell targets mostly everyday consumers and professionals because it offers small, medium, and large business plans for mobility and residential services.
Their pricing plans are considered “expensive” by most people, but they have the best network coverage, good signal, and the fastest internet.
According to the 2024 Mobile Network Experience Report by Opensignal, Bell is the best network provider among the big three when it comes to internet download speed.
- Coverage: Excellent nationwide internet and network coverage.
- Plans: Consists of prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as unlimited data options.
- Features: It offers international calling options.
- Rogers
Roger is good at getting customers with good offers and their offers are slightly cheaper with better plan rates when compared to Bell.
However, they have a bit of limited network coverage across Canada, compared to the other big three. This means they barely cover all the locations in Canada but each city they cover, it always has a strong internet network.
Based on the data from the 2024 Mobile Network Experience Report by Opensignal, Rogers has the best quality of experience among the big three, when it comes to Consistent Quality. This means Rogers’ network is good when using it for longer internet tasks such as video calling, internet gaming, uploading images and videos to social media, and streaming on-demand videos and live videos.
- Coverage: Not as nationwide covered as the other big three.
- Plans: Variety of plans from budget-friendly to premium unlimited data plans.
- Features: Good for roaming, and international plans.
- Telus
Telus is known for its strong network coverage in both urban and rural parts of Canada with incredible network availability.
When it comes to the internet, it does not do so well compared to the other big three, but it’s the best for the internet gaming experience, according to the 2024 Mobile Network Experience Report by Opensignal.
- Coverage: Nationwide coverage with strong rural reach.
- Plans: Flexible plans, including family and international options.
- Features: Great customer service, and network availability.
Sub Brands carrier
If you are price-sensitive, these sub-brands are the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers like you.
They are generally cheaper and usually used in targeting students and younger consumers. This is because students and young consumers are price sensitive, they will always try to get things for cheaper.
Sub-brand networks are generally cheaper than primary networks by $10 or $15 a month and if you can get onto their loyalty/promo plans you can even save up to $20 or $25 compared to the primary networks.
- Fido
This sim card uses Rogers’ network, providing strong coverage. The plans are very affordable, and it offers good data allowances.
Perks like Fido Roam for international users, and Spotify Premium makes it very common among international students in Canada.
Just like Rogers, Fido is also known for getting customers with amazing deals. Just ask your salesperson and they will offer you the best deal ever.
- Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is another sub-brand that uses Bell’s network to target young and student consumers with their advertising.
A good choice for newcomers in Canada who plan to get a new smartphone on contract. Virgin offers pocket-friendly offers when you are buying a sim card along with a new smartphone.
Since it’s using Bell’s network, it has pretty good network coverage in Canada.
If you like discounts on entertainment and shopping deals, alongside its competitive pricing and various data options, then this is the best SIM card in Canada for newcomers like you.
- Koodo
Koodo is a sub-brand that operates on Telus’ network, offering reliable coverage.
Koodo offers simple and affordable plans with no contracts, however, getting the best pricing offer depends on the add-ons you receive from the salesperson while purchasing the SIM card.
It is designed in a way that you can easily manage your account online and because of this, many complain about their customer service.
Their customer service is not as terrible as people complain because you can easily walk into any of their local stores near you for assistance.
Smaller networks
These are the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers who are looking for even cheaper plans and are ready to sacrifice reliable network coverage.
These smaller networks run in limited cities but where available they can cost up to $35 or even $40 less than the primary brands.
The network is not as strong and it’s almost nonexistent once you exit the city. The good news is that you will be switched to ‘Roaming’ when you are at a location where their network isn’t available. If you are living in major urban cities, then below are the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers like you.
- Freedom Mobile
Freedom Mobile is the most popular smaller network, and it offers amazingly cheaper plan rates and lots of data especially for data-heavy users. It has Attractive data packages, and Wi-Fi calling.
Over the years, this has been regarded by foreign students and professionals as the best SIM card in Canada for newcomers when it comes to saving money. But before you buy one, you must check Freedom coverage to know if they have good reception in your area.
If you stay mostly in the Toronto downtown area, the signal is very good, and you can even get a maximum signal on subways. Overall, it is best in urban areas, however, it’s expanding to more regions.
- Chatr
Chatr is another great smaller brand that has cheaper plans, but the network is not that good. Just like Freedom, to get most of Chatr, you need to check their coverage to know if they cover your area.
If you plan to use the subway and TTC bus service and stay within Toronto, then go for it. The signal and data speed in Toronto is ok.
Tips for Choosing a SIM Card
If you are planning to save money and already own a phone, it is advisable to choose from the sub-brand carrier or the smaller brands because you will get more affordable plans.
However, if you plan to purchase a new phone under a new contract, then choose from any of the primary nationwide carriers. But, you will need to improve your credit score in Canada first.
The primary nationwide brands offer better discounts on new phones than their sub-brand all year long. They do this because mobile plans are generally more expensive, so they can afford to offer lower upfront.
Below are the things to consider before choosing the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers:
- Choose based on your data, calling, and texting requirements.
- Ensure the network provider offers strong coverage in your area.
- Look at the cost, data limits, and any additional perks to get the most affordable plan.
- Consider Prepaid vs. Postpaid because Prepaid plans offer flexibility without long-term commitment.
- Many providers offer special deals for newcomers, ask them if there’s anyone available for you
- Always go with a government-issued ID.
Conclusion
Above are the best SIM cards in Canada for newcomers and we hope it helps you make the best choice.
It is worth noting that each network provider has its strengths and weaknesses, but the best choice depends on your specific needs, affordability, and location.
The big three offer the best overall coverage and reliability but expensive plans. While the rest provide competitive pricing and good features, but limited network coverage.
