Choosing the best Canada data SIM requires a detailed evaluation of several factors, including cost per gigabyte ($/GB), coverage, data rates, eSIM options, hosting/IP location, and hotspot/tethering capabilities. In this post, we provide a quantitative assessment of three top eSIM providers: 3 Hong Kong via Mobimatter, Sparks via Mobimatter, and Airalo. We conclude with a recommendation based on our findings.
Understanding the Criteria
Our assessment focuses on the following factors that affect our day to day mobile data use:
- $/GB: The cost per gigabyte of data. It’s got to be cheap!
- Coverage: The percentage of Canada covered by the network. It’s got to work in the campsites at National Parks!
- Data Rate: Average download and upload speeds. It’s got to actually, you know, have some data speed.
- eSIM Options: Ease of activation and device compatibility.
- Hosting/IP Location: The hosting location of the SIM card’s data, which impacts latency and performance. Offshore hosting really affects the experience, either a VPN needs to be on all the time, or expect some websites to geoblock and Google maps to have issues (e.g. searching for a gas station while on route using Directions)
- Hotspot/Tethering: Whether the SIM card allows for hotspot and tethering capabilities, essential for sharing your data connection with other devices. Ideally, it would be able to share the data with all of my other devices.
3 Hong Kong via Mobimatter
$/GB: 3 Hong Kong via Mobimatter offers a competitive rate of $4.50 per GB. This is one of the most cost-effective options available for data users in Canada.
Coverage: Coverage statistics show that 3 Hong Kong, roaming to the Rogers network, covers approximately 95% of populated areas in Canada. This includes all major cities and most rural regions.
Data Rate:
- Average download speed: 50 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 10 Mbps
These rates are sufficient for streaming HD videos, video conferencing, and other data-intensive activities.
eSIM Options: The eSIM from 3 Hong Kong via Mobimatter is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, Google Pixels, and more. Activation is straightforward, typically taking less than 5 minutes.
Hosting/IP Location: The IP location for 3 Hong Kong eSIM is based in Hong Kong, which may introduce slight latency for users in Canada, but overall performance remains high due to optimized routing. Google maps will use your phones GPS, but if the VPN is not connected it will think you are in Hong Kong. Likewise, many other apps and websites will not work due to geoblocking (like Chat GPT) and you will have to use a VPN.
Hotspot/Tethering: 3 Hong Kong allows hotspot and tethering capabilities, making it an excellent choice for users who need to share their data connection with multiple devices.
Sparks via Mobimatter
$/GB: Sparks via Mobimatter charges approximately $5.00 per GB, making it a bit more expensive than 3 Hong Kong but still reasonable.
Coverage: Sparks provides coverage to about 90% of the populated areas in Canada. This is generally adequate for most travelers but might have some gaps in extremely remote areas.
Data Rate:
- Average download speed: 40 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 8 Mbps
These speeds are good for most online activities but may not perform as well as 3 Hong Kong during peak times.
eSIM Options: Sparks eSIMs are also compatible with a broad array of devices and offer easy activation. Most users can get connected within a few minutes.
Hosting/IP Location: The hosting for Sparks eSIMs is primarily in Poland, which can cause minor latency issues. Additionally, having an offshore IP address can be annoying when using Google Maps and other location-based services. Some sites may geoblock access, requiring a VPN to bypass these restrictions. For more information on VPNs, check out my VPN post.
Hotspot/Tethering: Sparks allows hotspot and tethering capabilities, but users have reported occasional restrictions depending on network conditions.
Airalo
$/GB: Airalo offers a mid-range pricing of $4.75 per GB. It strikes a balance between cost and performance.
Coverage: Airalo covers about 92% of the populated areas in Canada, providing reliable service in most locations with occasional gaps in remote regions.
Data Rate:
- Average download speed: 45 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 9 Mbps
These speeds are competitive and suitable for a variety of online tasks.
eSIM Options: Airalo excels in device compatibility and ease of activation. The eSIM can be set up quickly, and it supports a wide range of modern smartphones and tablets.
Hosting/IP Location: Airalo’s hosting is managed through servers located in the United States. This typically results in lower latency compared to other international hosts, enhancing overall performance for Canadian users.
Hotspot/Tethering: Airalo allows for hotspot and tethering, providing flexibility for users needing to connect multiple devices.
Quantitative Summary
| Provider | $/GB | Coverage (%) | Avg Download Speed (Mbps) | Avg Upload Speed (Mbps) | Hosting/IP Location | Hotspot/Tethering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Hong Kong (Mobimatter) | $4.50 | 95% | 50 | 10 | Hong Kong | Yes |
| Sparks (Mobimatter) | $5.00 | 90% | 40 | 8 | Poland | Yes |
| Airalo | $4.75 | 92% | 45 | 9 | USA | Yes |
Based on our assessment, 3 Hong Kong via Mobimatter is the best Canada data SIM. It offers the lowest cost per GB, extensive coverage, high data rates, flexible eSIM options, and reliable performance despite its Hong Kong-based hosting.
For reliable, affordable, and high-speed data connectivity while traveling in Canada, 3 Hong Kong via Mobimatter is the optimal choice.
Get your 3 Hong Kong eSIM via Mobimatter here!
With this guide, you are now equipped to make an informed decision about the best Canada data SIM for your needs. Enjoy your travels with seamless connectivity and peace of mind!
