As fast as it arrived, the summer is almost over, and the back-to-school season is here. To help prepare students, teachers, and everyone in between, we've compiled a guide to help you find the best carrier phone plans and best back-to-school deals, including some hot new cell phone plans.
We’ve got excellent student promos from Rogers, Bell, and Freedom Mobile. We've also got seriously low prices on the iPhone 16, as well as a phenomenal deal
Check them out for yourself. Scroll down to find all of the best back-to-school cell phone deals for 2025.
How we picked the best back-to-school deals
-
Price & value
We ensured you’re getting the most bang for your buck without sacrificing on the essentials to keep you connected. -
High-speed data
We looked at whether the amount of guaranteed “premium” data was reasonable for the plan price, and flagged if you’re being overcharged for data you likely don’t need. -
Coverage & network reliability
We evaluated each carrier’s nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage to predict your service quality, no matter where you find yourself on (or off) campus. -
Plan extras and perks
We factored in perks like free Netflix, a hefty hotspot, or anything else that will make dorm life more bearable.
You can read more about our detailed methodology below.
2025's best back-to-school deals in Canada
| Carrier | Deal | Shop this plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
100GB for $70/month | See at Rogers | |
|
45GB for $40/month | See at Fido | |
 |
100GB for $55/month | See at Bell | |
|
|
Apple's iPhone 16 for $5/mo | See at Bell |
Best back-to-school
plans
Rogers | 100GB for $70/month
Why we like it:
- 5G coverage on the country's most reliable nationwide network
- 250Mbps data speeds
- Unlimited Canada-wide talk and text
Rogers's back-to-school deal in Canada offers students plenty of 5G data to help with productivity and their workflow.
Rogers' 60GB plan is available for $60/month if Autopay is applied to the account. This low-priced plan is available to all with a valid student ID and provides users with super-fast 5G, reliable coverage, and unlimited Canada-wide talk and text.
Fido | 40GB for $45/month
Why we like it:
- Cheap coverage on the nationwide Rogers network
- $10 auto-pay discount
- Ability to save $80 activation fee by signing up online
Get a cheap, practical phone plan with this student deal from Fido.
Fido is an MVNO operating on the nationwide Rogers network. Right now, the carrier is offering a student deal that provides 40GB of 4G LTE data for $45, if auto-pay is enabled. It's not as fast as the premium 5G deal from Rogers. However, it's more than enough for typical phone users just looking to get through their upcoming semester.
Bell | 100GB for $55/month
Why we like it:
- Unlimited Canada-wide talk and text
- Ability to save on a new smartphone through SmartPay (over 24 months)
Get a whopping 100GB on a $55/month student plan this season by signing up with Bell.
Bell is offering a pretty attractive 100GB phone plan for $55/mo. With this data bucket, students with a valid ID will have enough 5G data to stream some lo-fi tunes while studying, access the cloud, and have enough left over to watch Netflix at the end of the day.
Best iPhone back
to school deal
Bell | iPhone 16 | $5/month
Why we like it:
- Large, 6.1" display
- Access to Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
Bell allows you to grab the latest iPhone for the lowest price in Canada.
The iPhone 17 may arrive shortly after classes start, but that just means the iPhone 16 is more affordable than ever. This deal from Bell allows you to grab the device for cheap and score a premium data plan in the process.
Best Android back
to school deal
Rogers | Samsung Galaxy S25 | $0 (on an Ultimate plan)
Why we like it:
- Latest flagship from Samsung
- 6.2-inch display for productivity
- Galaxy AI-powered features
Samsung's Galaxy S25 is the latest flagship from the company. It supports Galaxy AI innovations and has a great camera array on the back.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 is not a device to overlook if you're an Android user. This year's flagship supports the robust Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, improving productivity. It also sports an all-day battery life for users. With a 24-month financing term at $0 when signing up for Rogers' Ultimate plan, this is a great option for students who also need a higher data allotment this year.
Best Amazon
back-to-school deals
Up to 14% off Apple iPad (11th-Gen)
Apple's 11th-gen iPad comes with a gorgeous 11-inch Liquid Retina display, perfect for writing quick notes in class, assisting in graphic design or photo editing. The new A16 chipset assists with performance and productivity, with storage of 128GB for apps and content.
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Up to 21% off Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Sometimes, the best way to study is to lock in and listen to some lo-fi tunes. And one of the best wireless earbuds on the market is Apple's AirPods Pro 2. With ANC and adaptive audio, these earbuds can get you through your next study session.
How WhistleOut rates back-to-school cell phone deals
WhistleOut evaluates phone deals and phone plans based on the following criteria:
- Price & value: Not all cheap plans are “bad,” and not all expensive plans are worth it. We look at everything a plan includes and compare it to other plans from the same carrier and similar plans from competitors in the market to determine whether the value is consistent with the price.
- High-speed data: Also called “premium” data, this is how much data you get at full 4G/5G speeds before they can or will slow down. The more guaranteed high-speed data the plan includes, the better experience you’ll generally have—but there’s also usually a limit to how much you actually need. We ensure that you’re not overpaying for data that will go unused.
- Coverage & network reliability: The breadth of each carrier’s 4G LTE and 5G networks determines your reception and service. Particularly in 5G, some carriers offer far more robust coverage than others, which affects how their phone plans perform in different parts of the country.
- Plan extras and perks: In addition to the basics—talk, text, and data—some plans throw in freebies like hotspot allowances, cloud storage, entertainment subscriptions, or service discounts.
Our mobile experts leveraged proprietary data and real-world customer feedback to evaluate the best back-to-school cell phone deals. We considered plan-specific elements, including perks, premium data allowances, and mobile hotspot allocations. After performing hands-on testing and extensive research, including customer feedback, we picked the deals we feel meet the needs of most students.
Visit our guide to choosing a phone plan to evaluate a cell phone carrier or plan and find the one that best meets your specific needs.
Kevin Kearney
Kevin is an experienced journalist and writer whose musings on tech, education, and culture have appeared in Stereogum, InsideHook, The Millions, and elsewhere. As Deputy Editor for WhistleOut, he offers unique expertise on the inner workings of the mobile industry, and has a particular passion for emerging efficiencies within smartphone apps. When he’s not researching the telecom market, he enjoys reading, running, and playing music.
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