The Best Internet Providers in Ontario
Ontario is home to a range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) catering to diverse needs—whether you’re seeking super-fast fiber speeds, a budget-friendly plan, or a reliable connection for remote work and online education. In this article, we’ll break down ten of the top internet providers in Ontario: Diallog, Virgin Plus, Telus, Cannet, Rogers, Bell, Vmedia, Oxio, Teksavvy, and Acanac. For each provider, we will highlight their available plans, reasons to choose them, notable features, pros and cons, and a brief background.
1. Diallog Telecommunications
Plans
- Unlimited 50 Mbps – Approx. CAD 49.95/month
- Unlimited 150 Mbps – Approx. CAD 69.95/month
- Unlimited 300 Mbps – Approx. CAD 89.95/month
- Gigabit Plan – Approx. CAD 99.95/month
Why We Picked Diallog
Diallog strikes a good balance between affordability and reliability, making it an attractive option for many households. They often emphasize transparent billing and avoid restrictive contracts.
What We Like
- No-contract plans
- Unlimited data on all plans
- Transparent pricing
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Competitive prices | Limited availability in smaller towns |
| Responsive customer service | No current fiber offerings |
About Diallog
Diallog is a Canadian telecom company that focuses on bridging affordability and robust performance. Its goal is to simplify the internet selection process with straightforward, contract-free plans.
2. Virgin Plus
Plans
- Internet 25 – Approx. CAD 50/month
- Internet 50 – Approx. CAD 60/month
- Internet 100 – Approx. CAD 70/month
Why We Picked Virgin Plus
Virgin Plus (formerly Virgin Mobile) offers simplicity and affordability. Its plans provide solid speeds for typical home use, and the company’s close ties to Bell ensure decent coverage in urban areas.
What We Like
- Bundle options with mobile services
- Month-to-month contract flexibility
- Moderate speeds for everyday activities
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Attractive promotional deals | Limited higher-speed tiers |
| Reliable network coverage | Regional availability may vary |
About Virgin Plus
Virgin Plus is a subsidiary of Bell, targeting customers looking for more flexible, no-contract options. It’s known for affordable phone and internet bundles with straightforward pricing.
3. Telus
Plans
- PureFibre 150 – Approx. CAD 80/month
- PureFibre 500 – Approx. CAD 95/month
- PureFibre Gigabit – Approx. CAD 110/month
Why We Picked Telus
Telus is recognized for its PureFibre network, delivering some of the fastest residential internet speeds in Ontario. Their fiber technology enables symmetrical upload and download speeds for heavy data users or multiple devices.
What We Like
- Fiber-optic technology
- Symmetrical speeds for uploading and downloading
- 24/7 customer support
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Leading fiber infrastructure | Pricey compared to non-fiber plans |
| Consistently high reliability | Limited rural availability |
About Telus
Telus is a top Canadian telecom provider focusing on cutting-edge fiber networks. They have extensive experience delivering robust, high-speed internet solutions across the country, including Ontario’s major urban centers.
4. Cannet
Plans
- Unlimited 75 Mbps – Approx. CAD 39.95/month
- Unlimited 150 Mbps – Approx. CAD 49.95/month
- Unlimited 300 Mbps – Approx. CAD 59.95/month
Why We Picked Cannet
Cannet stands out for its budget-friendly unlimited plans. Users seeking cheap monthly rates with decent speeds for streaming and web browsing will find Cannet a strong option. They also do not lock customers into contracts.
What We Like
- Very affordable unlimited data plans
- No-contract flexibility
- Decent speeds for standard usage
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Extremely cost-effective | Service not available everywhere |
| Straightforward pricing | Support hours can be limited |
About Cannet
Cannet is an independent ISP focusing on delivering low-cost, unlimited plans. While not designed for ultra-high-speed users, it serves budget-conscious customers exceptionally well.
5. Rogers
Plans
- Ignite Internet 50 – Approx. CAD 69.99/month
- Ignite Internet 500 – Approx. CAD 99.99/month
- Ignite Internet Gigabit – Approx. CAD 119.99/month
Why We Picked Rogers
Rogers is a major telecommunications provider in Canada, featuring broad coverage, fast speeds, and reliable cable infrastructure. They consistently rank well in terms of network reliability and customer service.
What We Like
- Extensive availability across Ontario
- High-speed cable options
- Competitive bundle deals (internet, TV, phone)
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Wide coverage map | Higher price points |
| Generally stable speeds | Data caps on some tiers |
About Rogers
Rogers is one of the largest ISPs in Canada, leveraging cable and fiber infrastructure to deliver fast, reliable internet to millions of customers. They also offer a wide array of media and mobile services.
6. Bell
Plans
- Fibe 50 – Approx. CAD 79.95/month
- Fibe 500 – Approx. CAD 99.95/month
- Fibe Gigabit – Approx. CAD 119.95/month
Why We Picked Bell
Bell boasts one of the most advanced fiber-optic networks in Canada. Its Fibe service delivers very high speeds and stable connections, making it ideal for heavy streaming, gaming, or large households.
What We Like
- Ultra-fast fiber speeds
- Consistent performance
- Bundle deals for TV and home phone
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Top-tier fiber network | Expensive plans |
| Excellent reliability | Fiber availability varies by location |
About Bell
Bell is a telecom giant that leads in fiber deployment across Canada. Known for fast speeds and comprehensive media services, it’s a prime choice for those seeking premium connectivity.
7. Vmedia
Plans
- Basic 30 Mbps – Approx. CAD 39.95/month
- Unlimited 100 Mbps – Approx. CAD 59.95/month
- Unlimited 300 Mbps – Approx. CAD 79.95/month
Why We Picked Vmedia
Vmedia is appealing to households seeking straightforward, low-cost internet packages. Their no-contract model and frequent promotions make them a viable choice for budget shoppers.
What We Like
- Affordability
- Bundles with TV services
- No-contract flexibility
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Competitive pricing | Lacks ultra-fast fiber tiers |
| Frequent special offers | Customer support can be inconsistent |
About Vmedia
Vmedia is a smaller ISP focusing on affordable internet and TV bundles. It’s a popular option for cost-conscious users who don’t need extremely high speeds.
8. Oxio
Plans
- 50 Mbps – Approx. CAD 50/month
- 100 Mbps – Approx. CAD 65/month
- Unlimited 300 Mbps – Approx. CAD 85/month
Why We Picked Oxio
Oxio emphasizes transparent pricing and simpler, no-commitment options for consumers who dislike the complexity often associated with big telecoms.
What We Like
- No contracts
- Plain, predictable billing
- Respectable speeds for daily use
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| No hidden fees | Fewer top-speed plan options |
| Month-to-month flexibility | Availability not as extensive as bigger ISPs |
About Oxio
Oxio is a newer entrant in Ontario’s ISP market, focusing on hassle-free, transparent service. It’s particularly appealing to users frustrated by big-name telecoms’ complex packages.
9. Teksavvy
Plans
- DSL 25 Mbps – Approx. CAD 50/month
- Cable 150 Mbps – Approx. CAD 79.95/month
Why We Picked Teksavvy
Teksavvy is one of the largest independent ISPs in Canada and advocates for consumer interests. They’re known for transparent billing practices and fair pricing.
What We Like
- Consumer-friendly policies
- Strong presence in rural areas (DSL options)
- Responsive customer service
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Competitive rates | DSL speeds can lag behind fiber/cable |
| No hidden fees | Availability depends on local infrastructure |
About Teksavvy
Teksavvy is a strong alternative to larger ISPs, offering cable or DSL internet services in many parts of Ontario. They frequently lobby for fair internet legislation, benefiting consumers nationwide.
10. Acanac
Plans
- DSL 25 Mbps – Approx. CAD 39.95/month
- Cable 150 Mbps – Approx. CAD 69.95/month
Why We Picked Acanac
Acanac’s affordable, no-contract plans suit light-to-moderate internet users who prioritize basic connectivity and cost savings.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Unlimited data
- No long-term contract needed
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Attractive low-cost deals | Limited speed tiers |
| Flexible cancellation | Mixed customer service reviews |
About Acanac
Acanac focuses on cost-effective internet services with no contract obligations, offering simpler plans for households with basic connectivity needs.
Types of Internet Connections Available in Ontario
Ontario has a diverse internet landscape, offering different types of internet connections suited for various needs. The most common types include:
- Fiber Internet: The fastest and most reliable internet connection, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps and beyond.
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Uses phone lines for connectivity, offering decent speeds but may be slower in rural areas.
- Cable Internet: Uses coaxial cables, providing faster speeds than DSL but with possible congestion during peak hours.
- Fixed Wireless Internet: Useful in rural areas, where signals are transmitted from a base station to a receiver at the user’s home.
- Satellite Internet: Primarily for remote locations, satellite internet offers connectivity but at higher latency and costs.
How Much Speed Do You Need?
Choosing the right internet speed depends on your usage. Here’s a breakdown:
- 10-25 Mbps: Suitable for basic browsing, emails, and social media.
- 50-100 Mbps: Ideal for HD streaming, video calls, and small households.
- 200-500 Mbps: Best for online gaming, large downloads, and multiple users.
- 1 Gbps and above: Perfect for smart homes, heavy usage, and professional work-from-home needs.
Ontario’s Internet Connectivity Landscape
Ontario has a mix of urban and rural internet coverage. Cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga have access to high-speed fiber and cable networks, while rural areas may have limited options such as DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite.
How to Choose the Best Internet Provider
When selecting an internet provider, consider:
- Speed: Ensure it meets your household’s needs.
- Data Limits: Look for unlimited plans if you use high bandwidth.
- Reliability: Check customer reviews for uptime and consistency.
- Customer Support: Responsive support is essential for troubleshooting.
- Pricing: Compare costs with competitors to get the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the fastest internet provider in Ontario?
Bell and Rogers offer some of the fastest speeds, with fiber connections reaching up to 8 Gbps. - Which provider offers the best value?
Teksavvy and Vmedia provide excellent value with unlimited plans at lower costs. - What is the best internet option for rural Ontario?
Fixed wireless and satellite internet from providers like Xplornet are common options. - Are there no-contract internet plans?
Yes, providers like Diallog and Oxio offer flexible no-contract plans. - Which internet provider has the best customer service?
TekSavvy and Diallog are well-known for their excellent customer support. - Is fiber internet available everywhere in Ontario?
No, fiber is mainly available in urban centers but is expanding. - What is the cheapest internet plan in Ontario?
Vmedia and Acanac offer some of the most affordable plans. - How do I switch internet providers?
Simply sign up with a new provider, and they often assist with the transition. - Can I use my own modem?
Yes, many ISPs allow you to use your own compatible modem. - Are there unlimited data plans?
Yes, many providers now offer unlimited data plans at competitive rates.
