Lucky Mobile vs Public Mobile vs chatr: Plans, Pricing & Networks (October 2026)
Looking for an affordable prepaid phone plan in Canada? Lucky Mobile, Public Mobile, and Chatr are three popular budget carriers. Below is a comparison of plan pricing, network access, SIM costs, and a few “best pick” recommendations. We also link you directly to each carrier’s official plan page so you can confirm eligibility and promotions.
Already on one of these carriers and just need to add funds? Top up in minutes on Telco Rewards and earn cashback: Lucky Mobile top-ups, Public Mobile top-ups, and Chatr top-ups.
Last updated: • Plan availability and promotions can change quickly.
Best options at a glance
Public Mobile is the only one of the three currently listing 5G plans, including Canada–US–Mexico options with large data allowances.
Lucky Mobile and chatr both offer simple 4G prepaid tiers with extra data on eligible Automatic Top-Up or Auto-Pay plans. Current high-data offers reach 30 GB for $35.
Public Mobile starts at $22 for 1 GB. Lucky Mobile’s $22 plan includes 500 MB with Automatic Top-Up and is talk-and-text only without it. Chatr’s lowest currently displayed monthly data plan is $25 for 5 GB with Auto-Pay. All three include unlimited Canada-wide talk and text on these tiers.
Quick comparison
| Provider | Network / Parent | 5G? | SIM cost (typical) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Mobile | Bell network (prepaid brand) | No (plans listed as 4G tiers) | $10 physical SIM; $0 eSIM on compatible devices | Simple prepaid, bonus data with Automatic Top-Up |
| Public Mobile | TELUS (subscription-style prepaid) | Yes (many plans) | $0 eSIM; physical SIM availability and pricing can vary | 5G + cross-border bundles |
| Chatr | Rogers (prepaid brand) | No (commonly listed as 4G speed tiers) | Physical SIM available online or from retailers; confirm current cost | Urban coverage + promotions (Auto-Pay bonus) |
Featured plan picks
These six reference picks reflect the official plan pages on October 16, 2026. Your best deal may depend on province, eligibility and promotion timing.
Important notes
- chatr prices and plan availability can differ by province and promotion; the listed offers are for new activations.
- Lucky Mobile’s current plan list shows Automatic Top-Up bonus data and labels the displayed offers for new customers. Starting March 1, 2027, devices and services that rely on Canada’s 3G/HSPA network will no longer be supported; customers with older phones should check compatibility.
- Public Mobile currently lists Canada-wide and Canada–US–Mexico bundles. The former Back-to-School labels and the expired $20 price for the 1 GB plan have been removed.
- Chatr also lists a $159 annual plan with 40 GB for the entire year—not 40 GB per month—plus unlimited Canada-wide calling and unlimited Canada, U.S. and international texting. It is listed for new activations.
Pros and cons (quick read)
Lucky Mobile
- Pros: Simple 4G prepaid tiers, Automatic Top-Up bonus data, a $10 physical SIM and free eSIM activation on compatible devices.
- Cons: No 5G plans listed; the currently displayed plan offers are for new activations.
Quick top-up link: Lucky Mobile top-ups.
Public Mobile
- Pros: Multiple 5G plans, strong value on larger data buckets, and Canada–US–Mexico bundles.
- Cons: More self-serve and online-first. Double-check support options if you want in-person assistance.
Quick top-up link: Public Mobile top-ups.
Chatr
- Pros: Competitive 4G promotional pricing, Auto-Pay bonus data and nationwide service on the Rogers network.
- Cons: Plans can vary by province; confirm the final price, data allowance and Auto-Pay bonus before activating.
Quick top-up link: Chatr top-ups.
FAQ: Lucky vs Public vs Chatr
Which one has the cheapest plan?
Based on the official plan pages on October 16, 2026, Lucky Mobile and Public Mobile both start at $22. Lucky includes 500 MB only with Automatic Top-Up, while Public Mobile includes 1 GB. Chatr’s lowest currently displayed monthly data plan is $25 for 5 GB with Auto-Pay. Confirm availability and eligibility before activating.
Do any of these offer 5G?
Public Mobile lists multiple 5G plans on its plan page. Lucky Mobile and Chatr are typically listed with 4G/3G-style speed tiers rather than 5G plans.
Are these prepaid plans “no contract”?
Yes—these are marketed as prepaid or subscription-style options, typically without long-term contracts. Plan terms still apply, so review each carrier’s service terms before activating.