Your guide to choosing a phone plan in Canada

From 5G+ to financing to family plans, how do you figure out the right phone plan for you? 

It’s not just about saving money; it’s about choosing the best fit for your lifestyle. With seemingly endless options available in Canada, the right plan can mean better connectivity, more perks, and a smoother experience. 

You don’t have to struggle to connect the dots on what can feel like an overwhelming amount of information. Instead, you can just connect your phone—and save money along the way.  

What do you actually need? 

Before signing a contract, take stock of your habits. This will help prevent you from overpaying for services you won’t use. Do you need minutes for international calls to contact relatives overseas?  Do you travel out of Canada?   

Another factor to consider is how often you use your data and for what. Are you a heavy streamer or someone who mainly uses Wi-Fi? Check your phone’s settings or with your cell carrier to determine what you’ll need. 

Here’s how much data common online activities use.  

Low data usage: Activities like music streaming (40–150 MB/hour) and web browsing (60–100 MB/hour).  

Medium data usage: Includes social media (200–840 MB/hour) and video calls (500 MB–1.35 GB/hour). Online gaming typically uses 40–300 MB/hour, but downloading or updating games can consume much more.  

High data usage: Primarily video streaming. Standard-quality streams on platforms like Netflix or YouTube can use 1 GB/hour, while 4K streams can exceed 10 GB/hour. 

Note: These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on app settings, video quality, and network conditions.  

Need a new phone? 

While it's common to keep your existing device when changing service providers, many companies offer the option to upgrade to a new phone when you switch. You'll have a few options that will affect how your bill looks each month.  

Buy outright  

If you’re someone who values long-term savings, complete ownership and the ability to resell your phone once you’re done with it, buying outright is the way to go—especially if you intend to use the same model for multiple years.  

By paying the full cost of the phone upfront, you save money over time because there are no additional financing fees. You can save even more by purchasing last year’s model at a discounted price. 

Rent the phone  

Want to upgrade to the latest model regularly without draining your wallet? Phone rentals work just like car leases—you pay a monthly fee to use the device and return it at the end of the term.  

Finance your device 

You also have the option to pay for your phone monthly rather than up front. There is often no down payment (or a smaller one)—instead, the entire device price is divided into your monthly bills over time. Unlike renting a phone, you'll own the device at the end of your term. 

For those who can’t shell out a lump sum when upgrading their device but want to own the phone at the end of the financing period, this is a good option. 

Which connection is right for you? 

4G and 4G LTE 

Great for calls, texts, and basic browsing, but if you try to stream videos or play online games, 4G can quickly slow down. Best for light users or as a backup when newer networks aren’t available, it may buffer when doing data-intensive activities like downloading large files. 

5G 

Much faster than 4G, perfect for streaming HD movies, making smooth video calls, and playing online games with minimal lag. Ideal for most everyday internet use, like work, school or fun.  

5G+ 

The fastest and most reliable option. 5G+ handles downloads in seconds, ultra-HD streaming with no buffering, and seamless connections even in crowded places like stadiums or airports. It’s the top choice for heavy data users and anyone who needs the best performance everywhere. 

Satellite 

For areas where traditional networks can’t reach, some providers now offer satellite cellular connectivity. This helps you stay connected in remote or rural locations, making texting possible almost anywhere in Canada. 

Pro tip: Always check coverage maps to ensure your plan works where you live and travel.  

Take advantage of extra savings 

There are a few ways to save on your bill. If your household has multiple cellphones, consider a data-sharing family plan, or if you’re a senior, look into discounts for ages 65+. You can also save by bundling services like mobile, internet and TV to get a better deal on all three.  

Did you know CAA Members save on Rogers plans? You can save $25 per month or more on mobile, 10 per cent or more on internet and TV, plus save an additional $10 per month when you bundle your mobile with internet and TV!