Koodo vs Public Mobile (2025)

Public Mobile and Koodo are both part of the TELUS family, which means they share the same strong network, but they cater to very different types of users.

Public Mobile is entirely online, prepaid, and community-driven. Koodo, on the other hand, sits one tier up as a postpaid carrier with phone financing, physical stores, and new 5G perks that make it feel closer to a full-service provider.

Both have come a long way in 2025, especially with Koodo bringing back 5G plans and Public Mobile upgrading its speeds. But depending on your budget and how hands-on you want to be, one might suit you better than the other.

Coverage and Network

Koodo

Koodo operates on TELUS’s nationwide network, one of the best in Canada for both coverage and reliability.

In July 2025, Koodo reintroduced 5G access after a two-year hiatus, offering speeds up to 500 Mbps with the optional 5G Speed Boost perk.

Coverage is excellent from coast to coast, with especially strong performance in rural regions and western provinces — areas where TELUS consistently outperforms Rogers and Bell.

Public Mobile

Public Mobile also runs on TELUS’s network and provides 5G speeds up to 250 Mbps. Its coverage footprint is identical to Koodo’s, meaning you’ll get the same great performance nationwide.

While you can’t manually boost speeds like you can with Koodo, Public’s 5G access is already fast enough for everyday use and it’s included on all plans at no extra cost.

Winner: Tie — Both share the same excellent TELUS network. Koodo’s optional speed boost is nice, but Public’s base 5G speeds are more than enough for most users.

Pricing and Plans

Both Koodo and Public Mobile sit in the mid-range of Canada’s mobile market, offering affordable plans without Big Three pricing.

Koodo

Koodo’s plans are postpaid and come with flexible perks. Pricing starts at $40/month for 10 GB, but the real value lies in its 60 GB plan for $50/month, a small price jump for a massive data boost.

You also have the option to add North America roaming packages or other perks, depending on your needs.

Public Mobile

Public Mobile takes a simpler, prepaid approach. You manage everything online with no credit checks, and plans are cheaper across the board:

Public’s 60 GB plan offers incredible value, especially since it includes cross-border data for travel in the U.S. and Mexico, something Koodo doesn’t bundle by default.

Winner: Public Mobile — Cheaper plans and North American data give it the edge for pure value.

Mobile plans comparison
Plan Type Monthly Data Network Price Link
Public Mobile Prepaid
Plan Type
3GB
Monthly Data
4G
Network
$25
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT,QC
Public Mobile Prepaid
Plan Type
8GB
Monthly Data
4G
Network
$30
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT,QC
Public Mobile Prepaid
Plan Type
15GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$35
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT,QC
Public Mobile Prepaid
Plan Type
30GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$40
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT,QC
Koodo Mobile Postpaid
Plan Type
10GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$40
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT
Koodo Mobile Postpaid
Plan Type
10GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$40
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT
Koodo Mobile Postpaid
Plan Type
40GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$45
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT
Koodo Mobile Postpaid
Plan Type
40GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$45
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: QC
Public Mobile Prepaid
Plan Type
60GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$45
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT,QC
Koodo Mobile Postpaid
Plan Type
60GB
Monthly Data
5G
Network
$50
Monthly Price
Check Now
Availability: AB,BC,MB,NB,NL,NT,NS,NU,ON,PE,SK,YT

Perks and Features

Koodo

Koodo’s Perk System is one of the standout features in the mid-tier space. Every plan includes one free perk, and you can add more for a small monthly fee.

Available perks include:

  • Data Rollover – Keep unused data for the next month.

  • Bonus 10 GB Data – For heavier users.

  • Unlimited Long Distance Pack – Great for frequent callers.

  • Premium Voicemail – Enhanced voicemail features.

  • 5G Speed Boost – Unlock speeds up to 500 Mbps.

You also get options like device financing, trade-ins, and in-store service at TELUS and Koodo locations.

Public Mobile

Public Mobile’s perks focus on community and simplicity:

  • 5G Access – Included on all plans (up to 250 Mbps).

  • Roaming Coverage – Use data in the U.S. and Mexico on select plans.

  • Community Rewards – Earn credits for referrals and forum participation.

  • Flexible Prepaid Plans – No contracts, change anytime.

  • App-Based Management – Manage everything through the Public Mobile app.

Winner: Tie — Koodo’s perks are customizable and functional, while Public’s rewards system adds long-term value. It comes down to personal preference.

Customer Service

Koodo

Koodo offers support through TELUS stores, online chat, and phone lines. The experience is solid, not perfect, but the ability to walk into a store when you need help gives it an advantage for hands-on users.

Public Mobile

Public Mobile runs fully online. Its support system combines live chat, AI help, and a large community forum where users often get answers faster than typical call centres.

Winner: Tie — Koodo wins for in-person help, Public for fast online support. Neither is flawless, but both are dependable.

User Experience

Koodo

Koodo’s app and website are easy to navigate, with clear billing and data management. The perks system is well-designed and adds a layer of control you don’t often see with other carriers.

Public Mobile

Public’s app is lightweight, intuitive, and ideal for users who prefer full control from their phone. Managing plans, add-ons, and rewards feels effortless.

Winner: Public Mobile — It’s simpler, faster, and more user-friendly overall.

Pros & Cons

Koodo Mobile
  • 5G access with optional Speed Boost up to 500 Mbps
  • Customizable perks (data rollover, bonus data, speed boost)
  • Option for in-store support and phone financing
  • Slightly higher monthly prices
  • Perks can be confusing for casual users
Public Mobile
  • Strong nationwide coverage on TELUS network
  • 5G on all plans (up to 250 Mbps)
  • North American data on top-tier plans
  • No physical stores or in-person help
  • Prepaid system might not suit everyone

Final Verdict

Both are great, but unless you really need phone financing or perks, Public Mobile’s simplicity and pricing make it the easier long-term pick.

Koodo and Public Mobile deliver the same high-quality TELUS network, but they’re built for different types of customers.

If you want a traditional postpaid carrier with optional in-store support, flexible perks, and phone financing, Koodo is a great choice. It’s reliable, customizable, and now offers full 5G again.

If you want simplicity, low prices, and North American data, Public Mobile is hard to beat. It’s cheaper, faster to manage, and offers consistent performance nationwide.

Overall Winner: Public Mobile — Better value for the price, with 5G and U.S./Mexico coverage included on affordable plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Koodo’s plans are usually $5 more expensive for the same data. Public Mobile’s 60 GB plan at $45/month is cheaper and includes U.S./Mexico data.

Yes. Koodo brought back 5G in July 2025, with speeds up to 500 Mbps if you activate the Speed Boost perk.

No. Public Mobile is fully online, with support handled through chat and its community forum.

Koodo offers full phone financing. Public Mobile is SIM-only.

Public Mobile wins for pricing and simplicity. Koodo is better if you prefer perks, in-store help, or device financing.

About The Author

Tomas Novosad

Tomas Novosad

Founder/Editor-in-Chief

Tomas, the founder and editor-in-chief of NetSpeed Canada, moved to Vancouver, BC over 10 years ago and was shocked by the high cost of home internet plans. As a problem solver, he researched alternatives and discovered that Canada has many lesser-known internet providers beyond the Big 3. This led to the creation of NetSpeed Canada, a platform where Canadians can enter their address and view all available internet plans.

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