Canada’s Top 10 Internet Providers Compared: Prices, Contracts, Speeds, and How to Avoid Pitfalls

Getting internet set up is one of the first things you need to do to feel settled in Canada. But with so many options—Rogers, Bell, TELUS, TekSavvy, Oxio—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The ads all sound the same, the prices look similar, but the actual service can be very different.

In this guide, I’ve compared Canada’s major non-regional internet providers, from big telecoms to smaller independent ISPs. I’ll walk you through what matters: pricing, contracts, credit checks, user reviews, and more—so you can make the smartest choice for your home internet.

🔍 Quick Comparison Table

Provider	Connection Type	Price Level	Credit Check	Contract	Key Strength
TELUS	PureFibre (Fibre)	💰💰💰💰	⚠️ Usually	Optional	Best fibre in Western Canada
Rogers	Cable	💰💰💰	⚠️ Usually	Optional	Widest national coverage
Bell	Fibre / DSL	💰💰💰💰	⚠️ Usually	Optional	Strong fibre in the East
Shaw	Cable	💰💰	⚠️ Usually	Optional	Popular in Western Canada
TekSavvy	Cable / DSL	💰💰	❌	None	Transparent pricing
Carry	Cable / DSL	💰	❌	None	Low entry cost, newcomer-friendly
Start.ca	Cable / DSL	💰💰	❌	Optional	Good service in Ontario
Oxio	Cable	💰💰	❌	None	Friendly UI, equipment included, flat pricing
EBOX	Cable / DSL	💰💰	❌	None	Strong French support, popular in Quebec
VMedia	Cable / DSL	💰💰	❌	None	Good for budget users

📡 Not sure what Fibre, Cable, or DSL really mean? This chart breaks it down.

Connection Type	Advantages	Disadvantages	Best For
Fibre	Super fast, low latency	Limited coverage, higher cost	4K streaming, gaming, remote work
Cable	Widely available, stable speed	Slower uploads, may slow during peak hours	Typical households, streaming users
DSL	Low price, broad coverage	Slow speeds, older tech	Short-term housing, budget users, rural areas where it’s the only option

🥇 1. TELUS

📍 Headquarters: Vancouver
🌐 Connection Type: PureFibre (fibre optic)
🧾 Contract: Most plans require a 24-month term
📦 Pros: Stable speeds, strong fibre coverage in Western Canada — ideal for heavy users
✅ Best for: Long-term residents in BC or Alberta with good credit.

⚠️ Watch out: No credit history may require a deposit; eastern regions may still use outdated DSL lines

🥈 2. Rogers

📍 Headquarters: Toronto
🌐 Connection Type: Cable
🧾 Contract: Optional
📦 Pros: Wide national coverage, relatively stable service, and faster-than-average customer support (per CCTS reports)
✅ Best for: Users across Canada who prefer the reliability of a big-name provider.

⚠️ Watch out: May experience congestion in some cities; check data caps carefully

🥉 3. Bell

📍 Headquarters: Montreal
🌐 Connection Type: Fibe (fibre) / DSL
🧾 Contract: Optional
📦 Pros: Strong fibre coverage in Ontario and Quebec; great for bundling with TV or full-home services
✅ Best for: Families in ON/QC or anyone already using Bell TV services.

⚠️ Watch out: Contract structures can be complex, and prices often jump significantly after renewal

4. Shaw (now part of Rogers)

🌐 Connection Type: Cable
📦 Pros: Longstanding provider in BC and Alberta, with relatively affordable plans
✅ Best for: Budget-conscious users in BC/AB looking for short-term or transitional service.

⚠️ Watch out: New customers may only be eligible for Rogers Ignite packages; users without credit may need third-party assistance

5. TekSavvy

🌐 Connection Type: Cable / DSL (resells Rogers/Bell infrastructure)
🧾 Contract: None
📦 Pros: Transparent pricing, no contract required, no credit history needed
✅ Best for: Budget-conscious users, newcomers, or renters needing short-term service.

⚠️ Watch out: Installation may take longer, slower customer support, depends on Rogers/Bell lines

6. Carry Telecom

🌐 Connection Type: Cable / DSL
🧾 Contract: None
📦 Pros: Budget-friendly, no credit check required, ideal for short-term users or those with limited credit history
✅ Best for: Chinese-speaking users, those on a tight budget, or newcomers unfamiliar with English.

⚠️ Watch out: Some regions report inconsistent speeds

7. Start.ca

📍 Headquarters: London, Ontario
🌐 Connection Type: Cable / DSL
📦 Pros: Strong customer service reputation, clear and straightforward billing
✅ Best for: Ontario residents who value good support and transparency.

⚠️ Watch out: Mainly serves Ontario; limited or no coverage in other provinces

8. Oxio

🌐 Connection Type: Cable
📦 Pros: A modern, design-forward brand with a clean user interface and self-serve account tools
✅ Best for: Younger users who value transparency and a smooth digital experience.

⚠️ Watch out: Owned by Vidéotron; best pricing and service coverage in Quebec

9. EBOX

📍 Headquarters: Quebec
🌐 Connection Type: Cable / DSL
📦 Pros: French-friendly platform with fair and predictable pricing
✅ Best for: French-speaking users living in Quebec.

⚠️ Watch out: Mixed reviews on customer service; mainly serves Eastern Canada

10. VMedia

🌐 Connection Type: Cable / DSL
📦 Pros: Internet and TV bundle options at competitive pricing
✅ Best for: Budget-conscious families who want internet + TV in one package.

⚠️ Watch out: Focused mostly in Eastern Canada; users should check hardware compatibility themselves

❓ Common Questions: Internet in Canada

Q: I don’t have a Canadian credit history — what can I do?

A: You can go with providers that don’t require credit checks, such as TekSavvy, Oxio, or Carry. If you prefer a major brand, some telecom agents or service centres may assist with applications — in some cases, they can act as guarantors to help you get approved, although a deposit may still be required.

Q: How do I know which internet services are available at my address?

A: If you live in a condo or apartment, check with your property manager — some buildings have exclusive deals with Bell or Rogers. Otherwise, use tools like Planhub.ca or WhistleOut.ca to check availability by address.

Q: Do I need to reinstall internet after moving?

A: Most ISPs allow you to transfer service, but it needs to be scheduled in advance. If not, you may need to open a new account and pay activation fees.

Q: How can I avoid internet downtime during a move?

A: Activate the new service before cancelling the old one — that way, you won’t be stuck offline.

Q: Can I negotiate internet prices? When’s the best time?

A: Yes! Call and ask for a “price match” or “retention offer” — e.g., “Rogers is offering me $55. Can you match that, or I might switch?” Best times: Black Friday, Boxing Day, or 30 days before your contract ends.

📢 Hidden Rules & Things to Watch Out For

Promo prices expire quickly: Most promotional rates only last 12–24 months. Expect a jump of $20–$50/month afterward.
Modem rental traps: Some ISPs charge monthly fees for equipment. Independent providers often allow you to use your own.
Installation fees vary: TELUS offers free setup, while Bell DSL activation can cost up to $150.
Evening slowdowns on cable: Cable internet often slows during peak hours. Fibre is better for heavy users.
Data caps differ: Independent ISPs are more likely to offer unlimited data plans.
Customer service wait times: Rogers tends to be quicker; TekSavvy may take up to 48 hours via email.
Longer install times for independents: TekSavvy and Oxio may take 5–10 days to set up.
Exclusive building contracts: Some apartments have exclusive deals with one provider — check with your property manager before signing.
Misleading “fibre” marketing: Some providers label DSL as “Fibe” even if speeds are under 100 Mbps. Ask before you commit.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Which ISP Is Right for You?

💸 On a budget / No credit history → TekSavvy, Oxio, Carry
🏠 Have good credit and want contract discounts → TELUS, Bell, Rogers
⚡ Gaming / Remote work / HD streaming → TELUS PureFibre, Bell Fibe
🔄 Moving frequently / Short-term stay → Start.ca, EBOX, Oxio (no contract, cancel anytime)
📞 Customer service is a priority → Start.ca (strong phone support), Rogers (24/7 hotline)

📌 If you live in Quebec, in addition to Bell, EBOX, and Oxio, you may also want to consider Vidéotron — a major regional provider. We’ll cover it in a separate article.

📌 Some cities have strong local ISPs, like Urbanfibre in Vancouver or Beanfield in Toronto. They often offer faster speeds at lower prices, but availability is limited. Be sure to check local options before deciding.

Getting Started/Internet Services

TELUS