Methodology
NetSpeed Canada has no affiliations with any mobile provider. We independently compare plans using advanced data aggregation and our own database, focusing on what actually matters to users — price, data, coverage, and overall value.
Our recommendations are based on a mix of technical specs (like speed, data limits, and network access) and real-world insights from forums, reviews, and customer feedback. We look for plans that deliver consistent performance and fair pricing, not just flashy promos.
That said, every situation is unique. Before signing up, it’s always smart to double-check coverage in your area, especially if you live in a smaller community or travel frequently.
How Canada–US Phone Plans Work
Canada–U.S. phone plans are designed to let you call, text, and use data seamlessly in both countries under one account.
Instead of paying extra for daily roaming passes, these plans treat Canada and the U.S. as one region, meaning you can use your phone on either side of the border just like you do at home. Data, minutes, and texts all come from the same monthly bucket, so you’ll never get surprise fees.
Carriers like Freedom, TELUS, and Videotron now include built-in cross-border coverage on select plans. For frequent travellers, this setup is way more convenient than juggling SIM cards or toggling roaming on and off.
If you only visit the U.S. occasionally, options like Fizz make it even simpler. You can easily add U.S. coverage in-app for as little as $1 per month and turn it off when you’re back in Canada.
Canada–US Roaming vs Canada–US Plans
There’s a big difference between roaming and having a true Canada–U.S. phone plan.
With roaming, your carrier charges you a daily fee (usually between $10–$15 per day) to use your Canadian plan in the U.S. for talk, text, and data. It works fine for a short trip, but costs can add up fast if you stay longer than a few days.
Canada–U.S. plans, on the other hand, include U.S. usage by default. You can use your plan in both countries without paying extra. It’s already part of your monthly price.
For anyone who crosses the border regularly, that can save hundreds of dollars per year.
If you travel frequently, it’s almost always smarter to get a plan that covers both countries natively instead of relying on daily roaming passes or pay-per-use data.
Tips for Using Your Phone in the US
Before you travel, double-check that roaming is enabled in your phone’s settings, even if you have a Canada–US plan.
This ensures your device connects automatically to partner networks once you cross the border.
When you arrive in the US, your phone will usually connect to T-Mobile or AT&T if you’re on TELUS, Koodo, or Freedom. Speeds are typically solid in most urban areas, though rural coverage can vary.
If you travel infrequently or just want backup data, consider grabbing an eSIM from Airalo, Nomad, or Jetpack.
These prepaid eSIMs let you add short-term US data without changing your primary plan.
Final Words
Cross-border travel doesn’t have to mean juggling SIM cards or paying roaming fees. In 2026, there are real options that keep you connected on both sides of the border for a fair price.
Our top pick is Fizz’s 35 GB Canada–U.S. plan for $36/month, which includes 5G access and full Canada–U.S. coverage with no roaming fees. For Quebec residents, the same plan is available with a $4/month U.S. add-on, and still undercuts most traditional carriers by a wide margin.
Whether you choose Freedom for affordability, Fizz for flexibility, TELUS for unlimited data, or Videotron for strong regional coverage, the best Canada–US phone plan is the one that fits how you travel.
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