The 5 Best Cheap Internet Plans in Canada

It’s not hard to find a cheap internet plan in Canada, but many affordable options include costs beyond the monthly bill, like slow downloads, frequent interruptions, and unbearable lag. That doesn’t mean there aren’t reliable cheap internet plans in Canada. It just means you need to know how to sort through the muck. Luckily, we’re here to help.

We’ve been writing about the telecom world since 2008 and have learned to tell the difference between a great deal and a frustrating boondoggle. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best cheap internet plans in Canada, with recommendations for major metropolitan areas and some tips on how to get the most from your new plan.

Cheap internet
in Montreal

Virgin Plus | Unlimited Internet 100 | $40/month

Cons:

• Cost varies by location

This Virgin Plus plan is one of the best internet deals in Canada. For just $40/month, you’ll get a plan that’s both fast and cheap, with 100Mbps downloads, 10Mbps uploads, and unlimited data. That’s twice as fast as the CRTC’s definition of “good internet speed,” which means you’ll be able to connect multiple devices simultaneously, stream from Netflix and Spotify, and use videoconferencing apps like Zoom without fear of your Wi-Fi suddenly cutting out.

Virgin Plus’ internet plans are all month-to-month, meaning you can leave if you find a better deal elsewhere. It also means they don’t spring mid-contract price hikes like some of their competitors. If all that wasn’t enticing enough, this plan also includes a free modem rental. That’s a lot of perks for a plan this cheap.

Cheap internet
in Vancouver

oxio | DSL 50 | $40.95/month

Cons:

• Deposit required for modem

Among the other plans in this guide, this may seem expensive, but we think it’s worth it. We named oxio one of the best internet service providers in Canada because of their affordable cable plans, reliable customer service, and no-nonsense approach to pricing. This plan is proof of that: for $57/month, you’ll score 100Mbps downloads, 10Mbps uploads, unlimited data, and a free Eero 6 Wi-Fi router.

Cheap internet
in Edmonton

VMedia | DSL 50 | $40.95/month

Cons:

• Deposit required for modem

This plan may have slower download speeds than the others mentioned here, but its 50Mbps downloads and 10Mbps uploads still meet the CRTC’s definition of a “good internet speed.” We agree with that determination: this plan is still fast enough to browse and stream across multiple devices without fear of slowdowns or dropped service. In the process, you’ll also score 24/7 technical support and free installation, though you’ll need to either BYO modem or rent one from VMedia.

Even if you’re in the rural area a few hours north of Edmonton, this plan is still a solid option thanks to its DSL connection, which can reach further than most comparable fibre and cable plans.

Cheap internet
in Calgary

TekSavvy | Cable 100 Unlimited | $45.95/month

Cons:

• Activation fee

There are cheaper internet plans in Calgary, but most of them have such slow upload speeds that you’ll wish you’d invested more in your monthly payment. This TekSavvy plan, meanwhile, offers reliable high-speed service at an affordable rate. You get 100Mbps downloads, 10Mbps uploads, and unlimited data for $45.95/month. That’s more than enough for an internet-friendly family or a couple of Netflix addicts.

Unfortunately, there is a $49.95 upfront activation fee. TekSavvy will also provide you a free modem for your first six months of service, but they’ll charge $8/month after that. We recommend you bring your own modem to avoid that uptick in your monthly bill.

Cheap internet
in Ontario

Telcan | Cable 75 Internet | $46/month

Cons:

• Speeds vary by location

We were impressed with Telcan in our review of the ISP, noting that the upstart’s cable and DSL plans and responsive customer service offer a much needed alternative to Bell and Rogers. This plan is among Telcan’s best options, providing cable internet with 75Mbps downloads, 30Mbps uploads, and unlimited data for $46/month.

Like oxio, Telcan believes in straightforward pricing: That $46/month will remain that way for as long as you stay with Telcan. The only additional cost is $10 to cover the delivery of your modem if you decide to rent one.

How WhistleOut picks the best internet plans

WhistleOut evaluates internet 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 both to other plans from the same provider, as well as similar plans from competitors in the market, to determine whether the value is consistent with the price.
• Speeds & data: Faster upload and download speeds usually mean a better user experience, but not every household needs the fastest plan available. Additionally, the more guaranteed high-speed data the plan includes, the better the plan—but there’s also usually a limit to how much you actually need, and we ensure that you’re not overpaying for services or data that will go unused.
• Coverage & network reliability: The breadth of an ISP’s network determines your reception and service. We value ISPs with large coverage maps who can provide quality internet to more Canadians.
• Plan extras and perks: In addition to the basics—speeds and data—some plans throw in freebies like modems, installation, entertainment subscriptions, or service discounts.

Our internet experts leveraged proprietary data and real-world customer feedback to evaluate the best cheap internet plans in Canada, analyzing their coverage, cost, and plan options. We considered plan-specific elements, including perks, premium data allowances, and upload/download speeds. After performing extensive research, including customer feedback, we compared the services to others on the market to ensure they're the best, rather than just the cheapest, plans available.

Looking for more options for your next internet plan? Be sure to check out our guides to the best internet service providers and the best internet plans in Canada.