Choosing between Freedom Mobile, Public Mobile, and Fizz Mobile can be surprisingly difficult, but ultimately, Public Mobile is the best option. All three carriers focus on affordability, large data buckets, and flexible bring-your-own-device plans, but they take very different approaches to network coverage, pricing, and included features.
Whether you're looking for the strongest nationwide coverage, the cheapest 5G plan, or the largest amount of data for your money, each carrier has a distinct advantage. Though when looking at each carrier broadly, Public Mobile edges out its competition.
Freedom Mobile, Public Mobile, and Fizz Mobile each have their own pros and cons. Some prioritize network reach, others focus on aggressive pricing, and a few offer unique perks that can save you money over time. Throughout this comparison, we'll break down how each carrier performs in real-world use, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses that matter most for Canadian smartphone users.
I've tested all three carriers firsthand across Southern Ontario throughout 2026, including Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, and surrounding regions. Below is a clear breakdown of how they stack up in the current market.
Freedom Mobile vs. Public Mobile vs. Fizz Mobile: Quick comparison
| Carrier | Parent company | Network | Best for | Shop plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Mobile | Quebecor Inc. | 5G+ | Massive data plans and travel perks | View Plan |
| Public Mobile | Telus | 5G | Nationwide coverage and overall value | View Plan |
| Fizz Mobile | Quebecor Inc. | 5G | Affordable pricing and plan flexibility | View Plan |
Plans and pricing
At a glance, Freedom Mobile, Public Mobile, and Fizz Mobile all compete aggressively on price. Unlike the Big Three and many of their flanker brands, these carriers focus heavily on offering larger data pools at lower monthly costs, making them particularly attractive for Canadians who bring their own device and want to avoid expensive contracts.
The biggest difference comes down to what you get for your money:
- Freedom Mobile offers some of the largest data allowances currently available in Canada
- Public Mobile combines competitive pricing with Canada-U.S.-Mexico roaming and access to Telus' nationwide network
- Fizz Mobile takes a more customizable approach, allowing customers to add or remove features to lower monthly costs
Freedom Mobile plans and pricing
Freedom Mobile has become one of the most budget-friendly carriers in Canada for high-data plans. One of the most balanced plans comes with 25GB of 5G data, Canada-U.S. usage, international calling, and hotspot access. Freedom offers additional plans with more data and even Mexico talk and text coverage.
Pros:
- Massive data allotments
- Canada-U.S.-Mexico usage included
- Price Freeze Promise
- Strong value for heavy users
Cons:
- Coverage is weaker in rural regions
- Performance varies outside major cities
During testing, Freedom consistently delivered the most data for your dollar. Testing its 150GB Total Freedom plan, the roaming in the United States and Mexico adds considerable value for frequent travellers, and the carrier's Price Freeze Promise provides additional long-term predictability.
|
Freedom Mobile
Prepaid By The Year 40GB + Nationwide Talk & Text plan
$159.00
Per 1 Year Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
Freedom Mobile
$35 5G+ Unlimited 25GB CA-US plan
$35.00/mth
(after Digital Discount)
+ $45 Upfront
|
Public Mobile plans and pricing
Public Mobile takes a different approach by leveraging Telus' network to provide premium coverage at significantly lower prices. Plans routinely include large 5G data buckets alongside Canada-U.S.-Mexico calling, texting, and roaming. The carrier offers an aggressively priced $35 plan with 25GB of 5G data.
Pros:
- Excellent pricing
- Canada-U.S.-Mexico roaming included
- Strong nationwide coverage
- No activation fees on most promotions
Cons:
- No family plan discounts
- Online-only support
In my testing, Public Mobile consistently felt like the closest thing to a premium carrier experience without paying premium carrier pricing. The 150GB Canada-U.S.-Mexico plan stands out as one of the strongest overall values available today.
|
Public Mobile
$35 Unlimited Canada-US Talk + Text + 40GB
$35.00
+ $15 Upfront
|
Fizz Mobile plans and pricing
Fizz Mobile remains one of the cheapest ways to access 5G service in Canada. The carrier's customizable plans allow customers to remove features they don't need, reducing monthly costs even further.
Pros:
- Lowest entry pricing
- Customizable plans
- My Rewards loyalty program
- No activation fees
Cons:
- Limited coverage footprint
- No family plan savings
During testing, Fizz delivered impressive value, particularly on its 40GB and 100GB plans. The ability to fine-tune your plan and earn rewards through My Rewards helps it stand apart from traditional prepaid competitors.
|
Fizz
Unlimited Minutes & Text Messaging + 80GB Data
$32.00/mth
+ $5 Upfront
|
Compare network coverage and reliability across Canada
Coverage remains one of the biggest differences between these three carriers. While all support 5G service, the networks behind each carrier vary significantly in reach and consistency.
Freedom Mobile coverage
Freedom Mobile's coverage has expanded dramatically over the past several years, but its strongest performance remains concentrated in larger urban centres.
Throughout testing in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, and Kitchener, Freedom delivered reliable connectivity and fast 5G speeds. However, once travelling between cities or into more rural areas, coverage became noticeably less consistent. While partner networks help maintain service, the experience isn't always as seamless as Canada's larger national networks.
For urban users, Freedom performs well. For rural Canadians, you can find stronger options available.
Public Mobile coverage
Public Mobile operates on TELUS' network, giving it access to one of the most extensive wireless footprints in Canada.
My testing across Southern Ontario, Ottawa, and Newfoundland consistently produced strong results. Calls remained stable, data sessions rarely dropped, and indoor reception performed particularly well inside shopping centres, transit hubs, and office buildings.
For Canadians prioritizing dependable nationwide coverage, Public Mobile clearly holds the advantage.
Fizz Mobile coverage
Fizz Mobile's coverage story is more complicated. The carrier operates primarily on Videotron infrastructure while supplementing service through partner networks.
Coverage is strongest in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, where Fizz actively markets its services. During testing throughout Toronto and Southern Ontario, performance remained strong. Outside supported coverage areas, however, users rely more heavily on roaming agreements, which can create a less consistent experience.
For users living within Fizz's supported footprint, coverage is generally reliable. Outside those regions, alternatives offer greater peace of mind.
Customer service
Customer support varies considerably between these carriers. Freedom Mobile maintains physical retail locations alongside traditional phone support, giving customers multiple ways to resolve issues. During testing, Freedom Mobile's support quality was generally helpful, though wait times could be lengthy.
Public Mobile is entirely online. There are no stores and no phone support lines. While account management is simple through the app and website, more complex issues can take longer to resolve through digital channels.
Fizz Mobile also embraces an online-first model. Support is handled through chat, help articles, and community forums. The experience works well for straightforward issues, but can feel slower when dealing with more technical concerns.
Overall, Freedom Mobile provides the most traditional customer support experience, while Public Mobile and Fizz prioritize lower costs through self-service tools.
Exclusive benefits and perks
Price and coverage only tell part of the story. Each carrier also includes unique benefits for you to consider.
Freedom Mobile perks
Freedom Mobile offers one of the strongest feature sets among budget-focused carriers. Customers receive Canada-U.S.-Mexico usage, unlimited international texting, international calling to more than 120 destinations, and Roam Beyond benefits on eligible plans. Combined with the carrier's Price Freeze Promise, Freedom delivers substantial value beyond its data allotment.
Public Mobile perks
Public Mobile focuses more on practical savings than flashy extras. The carrier's standout benefit is its Canada-U.S.-Mexico roaming inclusion on many plans. Customers can also participate in the Public Points rewards program, earning credits that can be redeemed toward future bills and add-ons.
Fizz Mobile perks
Fizz differentiates itself through flexibility. The My Rewards program allows customers to earn rewards through referrals, account activity, and monthly payments. The carrier also supports data gifting and data rollover, giving users more control over how they manage unused data.
Which carrier offers the best overall value?
Each carrier excels in a different category. Freedom Mobile is the best choice for Canadians who need huge amounts of data and travel regularly between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Fizz Mobile is ideal for budget-focused users living within its coverage footprint who want flexible plans and some of the cheapest 5G pricing available.
Public Mobile strikes the strongest overall balance. It combines nationwide TELUS coverage, competitive pricing, large data pools, North American roaming, and reliable performance into a package that appeals to the broadest range of Canadians.
Freedom Mobile vs. Public Mobile vs. Fizz Mobile: Which is best?
Although all three carriers offer compelling value, Public Mobile emerges as the strongest overall option for most Canadians.
After testing each carrier extensively, Public Mobile consistently delivered the most complete experience. Its access to the TELUS network provides stronger nationwide coverage than Freedom Mobile and Fizz Mobile, while still maintaining aggressive pricing and large data allowances. The inclusion of Canada-U.S.-Mexico roaming further strengthens the value proposition.
Freedom Mobile remains an excellent choice for heavy data users and frequent travellers, while Fizz Mobile is a compelling option for Canadians who prioritize affordability and plan flexibility. However, when balancing coverage, reliability, pricing, and overall value, Public Mobile offers the most well-rounded package of the three.
FAQs
Does Public Mobile have better coverage than Freedom Mobile?
Yes, Public Mobile operates on the Telus network, which offers one of the largest and most reliable coverage footprints in Canada.
Which carrier has the best 5G coverage in Canada?
For overall 5G availability and rural reach, carriers that operate on the Bell and Telus shared network currently provide the strongest national coverage. This includes carriers such as Koodo, Virgin Plus, TELUS, Bell, and Public Mobile.
Is Fizz Mobile available outside Quebec?
Fizz originally launched in Quebec but has since expanded service to parts of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Customers living within Fizz's subscription zones can sign up directly and access the carrier's plans and services.
Which carrier is best for rural Canada?
Public Mobile, Koodo, Telus, Virgin Plus, and Bell all benefit from access to a network that reaches more than 99% of Canadians and covers many rural communities, highways, cottag regions, and smaller towns.
Steve Vegvari
Staff Writer
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