Freedom Mobile vs Public Mobile: Which Carrier Offers the Best Value in 2025?
As Canadians continue to look for affordable mobile phone plans that do not compromise on features, two carriers stand out among the crowd: Freedom Mobile and Public Mobile. Both are considered budget-friendly alternatives to the Big Three (Rogers, Bell, and Telus) and target cost-conscious users who want solid value for their money.
But when it comes to choosing between Freedom Mobile and Public Mobile, how do they compare in terms of coverage, plan pricing, features, speed, and overall customer satisfaction? In this comprehensive comparison, we dive deep into both mobile providers to help you make an informed decision.
About Freedom Mobile
Freedom Mobile, owned by Quebecor since its acquisition from Shaw, has long been recognized as a disruptor in the Canadian wireless space. Known for its aggressive pricing and data-heavy plans, Freedom continues to evolve its offerings under its new leadership with improved 5G access and national coverage via partner networks.
About Public Mobile
Public Mobile, a subsidiary of Telus, operates as a digital-first carrier. It offers low-cost plans and operates entirely online without retail stores or customer service by phone. In 2023, Public Mobile shifted to a hybrid prepaid-postpaid model called “subscription billing,” making its plans more competitive and flexible.
Plan Comparison: Freedom Mobile vs Public Mobile
| Plan | Freedom Mobile | Public Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Plan | $19/month – 1 GB, Unlimited Canada-wide Talk & Text | $19/month – 1 GB (3G), Unlimited Canada-wide Talk & Text |
| Mid-Tier Plan | $34/month – 20 GB, 5G access, Unlimited Talk & Text | $34/month – 25 GB (4G), Unlimited Talk & Text |
| High-Data Plan | $45/month – 50 GB 5G, Unlimited Talk & Text | $50/month – 60 GB (5G), Unlimited Canada & US Talk & Text |
| Network Access | Freedom Network + Nationwide Roaming on Rogers/Telus | Telus Network (nationwide 4G/5G access) |
Coverage and Reliability
Freedom Mobile’s coverage has historically been limited, especially outside major urban centers. However, since being acquired by Quebecor, Freedom now offers broader 5G and nationwide roaming access through partnerships with Telus and Rogers. Despite this improvement, some rural or northern areas may still experience weak signal quality.
Public Mobile, using the full Telus network, has excellent coverage across Canada. It benefits from Telus’s infrastructure, including 5G expansion in most major cities and reliable LTE in suburban and rural regions. In terms of consistency and reliability, Public Mobile has the upper hand.
Speed and Network Technology
Freedom Mobile now offers 5G speeds in major cities, but speeds may drop significantly on its partner networks. Users often report inconsistent data performance when moving between Freedom zones and nationwide roaming zones.
Public Mobile recently introduced full 5G speed plans with its higher-tier options. Since it uses Telus’s infrastructure, its speeds are more consistent and competitive, especially in urban areas. For users who prioritize reliable data speeds, Public Mobile holds an advantage.
Features and Add-ons
Freedom Mobile offers various perks like unlimited talk to 100+ international destinations (on select plans), eSIM support, and generous roaming options within Canada and the U.S.
Public Mobile emphasizes flexibility and DIY features. Its app allows full plan customization, add-on purchases, and community-based support. Customers can choose add-ons such as U.S. roaming, international calling minutes, and additional data as needed.
Customer Service Experience
Freedom Mobile offers traditional customer support channels such as in-store assistance, live chat, and phone support. This is beneficial for users who prefer speaking with a representative or visiting a store for issues.
Public Mobile operates a self-serve model. Customer service is done entirely through its community forum and chatbot. While this keeps costs low, it may be frustrating for users who want real-time or live support.
Pros and Cons
| Freedom Mobile | Public Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Affordable 5G plans – In-store and phone support – Good value for high-data users – Free international calling on some plans |
– Excellent nationwide coverage – Access to Telus’s 5G/LTE network – Flexible add-ons and plan customization – Competitive pricing for 4G and 5G data |
| Cons | – Inconsistent coverage in rural areas – Speed drops on partner networks – Limited flexibility in prepaid plans |
– No live or phone support – Community-based support may be slow – Requires tech-savvy users for full experience |
Who Should Choose Freedom Mobile?
Freedom Mobile is ideal for users living in large cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary who want access to generous 5G data at a lower price. It also suits individuals who prefer in-store or live agent customer service.
Its premium plans are among the most affordable in Canada, especially if you want international calling or travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada. Just ensure that you live within their strong coverage zones for optimal service.
Who Should Choose Public Mobile?
Public Mobile is the better choice for users who need consistent and broad nationwide coverage. It is also great for tech-savvy users who are comfortable managing their plans digitally and prefer to avoid retail visits or calling support agents.
Public Mobile’s new 5G plans make it a strong contender for customers who want premium speeds without paying flagship carrier prices. Its flexibility, ease of switching, and prepaid style options make it perfect for students, newcomers, and budget-conscious families.
Final Verdict: Freedom Mobile or Public Mobile?
Both carriers provide excellent value in different ways. If you prioritize low-cost data and in-person support in urban areas, Freedom Mobile is a solid choice. If you prefer better national coverage, digital-first features, and reliable speeds, Public Mobile comes out on top.
The right carrier ultimately depends on your location, usage habits, and comfort level with managing your mobile plan online. Consider your needs carefully before making the switch.
