Best Internet in Montreal: Bell, Vidéotron, Fizz & EBOX
Montreal has one of Canada’s most competitive internet markets. Bell and Vidéotron compete fiercely for customers, and several strong resellers offer the same networks at lower prices. Whether you live in a Plateau walk-up, a Griffintown condo, or a West Island suburb, your best provider depends on which infrastructure reaches your address, your budget, and whether upload speed matters for your work. This guide walks through every major option and helps you figure out what to check first.
Who Is the Best Internet Provider in Montreal?
For the fastest speeds and best uploads: Check Bell Pure Fibre first. Where available, Bell offers speeds up to 8 Gbps download and 8 Gbps upload in select Montreal-area addresses, although upload speeds vary by fibre tier. If you work from home or need strong upload performance, Bell fibre is hard to beat.
For the best value on fibre: EBOX uses Bell’s fibre network at lower prices, with strong upload speeds on fibre plans and symmetrical service on some tiers. Its 1 Gbps fibre plan may be 1 Gbps download / 750 Mbps upload rather than fully symmetrical, so check the exact speed at your address. EBOX is owned by Bell but operates as a separate brand. Recommended by Protégez-Vous.
For Quebec-local service and bundles: Vidéotron Helix is the homegrown option with excellent French support and strong mobile bundle discounts. Most areas run on cable (limited uploads), but their 2.5 GIGA plan offers symmetric fibre in select FTTH areas.
Best budget options: Fizz (Vidéotron’s digital brand, from around $40/month) and oxio (price-lock guarantee, included equipment) both use the Vidéotron cable network at lower prices with no contracts.
Always check availability at your exact address. In older Montreal buildings, your wiring may limit which providers and speeds you can actually get.
Top Picks for Montreal
- Symmetrical speeds up to 8 Gbps (select areas)
- True fibre to the home
- Ranked fastest in Canada by Ookla
- Bell fibre at lower prices than Bell direct in many cases
- No contract, recommended by Protégez-Vous
- Strong fibre uploads; some tiers are symmetrical, while 1 Gbps may be 1 Gbps down / 750 Mbps up
- Plans from ~$68/mo (100 Mbps) to ~$90/mo (2.5 Gbps)
- Strong French support, mobile bundle discounts
- 2.5 GIGA symmetric in select FTTH areas
- Plans from ~$40/mo, no contract
- 100% digital, self-install, referral bonuses
- Uses Vidéotron cable network
- Price never increases for existing customers
- Included modem/router equipment, no contract
- Strong customer reviews
Find the Best ISP for Your Montreal Neighbourhood
Montreal’s distinct neighbourhoods can have very different internet options, especially in older buildings. Select your area below for a starting recommendation, then always confirm at your exact address.
Montreal Internet Providers at a Glance
This table shows which provider to check first depending on what matters most. Pricing is approximate and varies by address and promotion.
| Best For | Check First | Why It May Fit | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest speeds / uploads | Bell Pure Fibre | Symmetrical fibre up to 8 Gbps, low latency, broad Montreal coverage | Typically requires 2-year term; higher cost than resellers; customer service reviews are mixed |
| Best value on fibre | EBOX | Bell fibre network at lower prices, no contract, recommended by Protégez-Vous | 1 Gbps fibre may be 1 Gbps down / 750 Mbps up rather than fully symmetrical; equipment terms can vary by promo/package; fibre not at every address |
| Quebec-local / bundles | Vidéotron Helix | Strong French support, mobile bundle discounts, Helix smart home ecosystem, and high-speed tiers where available | Cable upload is lower than fibre; 2 GIGA may advertise up to 200 Mbps upload where available; 2.5G symmetric only in select FTTH areas |
| Budget (students) | Fizz | Plans from ~$40/mo, 100% digital, no contract, referral bonuses, uses Vidéotron cable network | No phone support; cable upload limits; some reviews note speed inconsistency |
| Budget (price lock) | oxio | Price never increases for existing customers, included modem/router equipment, no contract, strong reviews | Uses Vidéotron cable at most Montreal addresses (limited uploads); digital-only support |
| Budget (advocacy) | TekSavvy | 24/7 phone sales and technical support, 25+ years, consumer advocacy at the CRTC, no contracts | Pricing varies by address and is not always the cheapest in Quebec; cable uses the local wholesale network, while fibre is only in select areas/buildings |
Best Provider by Home Type
Detached House or Townhouse
Check Bell Pure Fibre first for the fastest plans and strongest upload performance. If Bell fibre is not at your address, Vidéotron cable is the main alternative. For lower prices on cable, look at Fizz or oxio; for lower-priced fibre, check EBOX where available.
Condo or Apartment
Some older Montreal buildings (especially in the Plateau and Mile End) may have limited wiring. Ask your building manager which providers are connected. In newer condos (Griffintown, Verdun, Ile-des-Soeurs), Bell fibre is often pre-wired. See our guide to apartment internet in Canada.
Older Building (Pre-1980)
Many classic Montreal walk-ups have older copper or coaxial wiring. Vidéotron cable usually works. Bell may be limited to DSL in some older buildings even if the neighbourhood has fibre. Check both providers at your exact address.
Student or Short-Term Renter
Fizz is extremely popular with students, especially near universities in CDN, the Plateau, and Mile End. No contract means you can cancel when your lease ends. oxio is another strong no-contract option. See our guide to sharing internet with roommates.
Work From Home
If you do video calls, upload large files, or use VPN regularly, prioritize upload speed. Bell fibre and EBOX fibre usually offer much stronger uploads than cable, with symmetrical speeds on some tiers. Vidéotron cable uploads are lower than fibre, although the highest cable tiers may advertise higher uploads where available. Learn more about fibre vs cable differences.
Montreal Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Bell Pure Fibre
Canada’s largest fibre-to-the-home network
Bell Pure Fibre delivers true fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) internet across much of Montreal. Bell has invested heavily in Montreal’s fibre infrastructure, reaching over 1.1 million locations in the city. The 8 Gbps plan offers up to 8 Gbps download and 8 Gbps upload in parts of Montreal, Laval, and the Greater Montreal Area. Bell has also promoted recent Ookla Speedtest awards for its fixed network.
Bell Pure Fibre can offer much stronger upload speeds than cable or DSL, and some higher fibre tiers are fully symmetrical. Other fibre tiers may still have lower upload than download, so check the exact upload speed before ordering. Bell typically offers better pricing on 2-year terms. Some addresses, especially in older buildings, may still be limited to DSL. If you want Bell’s fibre at a lower price, check EBOX, which uses the same network.
Pros
- Very strong uploads on fibre, with symmetrical speeds on some tiers
- Low latency, great for gaming and video calls
- Broad Montreal coverage
- Unlimited data on fibre plans
Considerations
- Higher cost than resellers
- 2-year term for best rates
- Some addresses still on DSL
- Customer service reviews are mixed
tron
Vidéotron Helix
Quebec’s homegrown provider (Quebecor)
Vidéotron is Quebec’s regional telecom giant, owned by Quebecor. Most Vidéotron service in Montreal runs on a hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) cable network, which delivers strong download speeds but lower upload speeds than fibre. Many cable plans have much lower upload than download, while the 2 GIGA tier may advertise upload speeds up to 200 Mbps where available. In select newer areas with fibre-to-the-home infrastructure, Vidéotron offers its 2.5 GIGA plan with symmetrical 2.5 Gbps speeds.
As of May 2026, Vidéotron’s current lineup and promotional prices vary by address, bundle, and technology. Their public pages show high-speed Helix options including GIGA, 2 GIGA, and the symmetrical 2.5 GIGA plan in select 100% fibre areas. Pricing can change with promotions, so confirm the regular price, discount length, and exact upload speed before ordering. Vidéotron excels at bundling with mobile plans and offers strong French-language support.
For Vidéotron’s cable network at a lower price, check Fizz (their digital brand) or oxio.
Pros
- Near-universal Quebec coverage
- Excellent French-language support
- Strong mobile bundle discounts
- Helix smart home ecosystem
- 2.5G symmetric in FTTH areas
Considerations
- Cable upload is lower than fibre and varies by tier
- More expensive than Fizz or oxio for same cable speeds
- 2.5G symmetric only in select FTTH areas
- Some “price for life” claims have been disputed
Fizz
Vidéotron’s digital budget brand
Fizz is Vidéotron’s budget brand, launched in 2018. Everything is 100% digital: order online, self-install, manage via app. Fizz uses the Vidéotron cable network, so you get identical infrastructure at lower prices. Plans start around $40/month for basic service, with 100 Mbps around $45/month. No contracts, no surprises.
Fizz is extremely popular with students and young professionals across Montreal, especially in the Plateau, Mile End, CDN, and near universities. Unique perks include referral bonuses and a gamified rewards system. The main trade-off: there is no phone support. Everything is handled through chat, community forums, and tickets. Upload speeds are limited by the cable infrastructure (typically up to 50 Mbps).
Pros
- Among the lowest prices in Montreal
- No contract, cancel any time
- Referral bonuses and rewards
- Hugely popular with students
Considerations
- No phone support at all
- Cable upload speeds limited
- Some reviews note speed inconsistency
- No TV or home phone bundles
EBOX
Bell fibre at lower prices (owned by Bell)
EBOX (formerly Electronic Box) is now owned by Bell but operates as a separate brand offering Bell’s fibre network at lower prices than Bell direct in many cases. Founded in Montreal in 1997, EBOX has been recommended by Protégez-Vous magazine for years. Its fibre plans can be a strong value for upload speed, but do not describe every tier as symmetrical: the 500 Mbps fibre plan is commonly symmetrical, while the 1 Gbps fibre plan may be 1 Gbps download / 750 Mbps upload depending on the current offer and address.
There are no contracts, and fibre plans often start around the low-$50s depending on the current promotion and address. Equipment terms can vary by package or promo, so check whether the modem/router is included, rented, or built into the advertised price. The main trade-off: installation relies on Bell technicians, which some users report can take longer to schedule. EBOX fibre is currently strongest in Quebec, with more limited Ontario coverage.
Pros
- Bell fibre at lower prices
- Strong upload speeds on fibre plans
- Recommended by Protégez-Vous
- No contract, free installation
Considerations
- Installation uses Bell technicians (can be slow)
- Equipment terms can vary by promo/package
- Some customer service complaints
- Fibre not at every address
oxio
Cable reseller with price-lock guarantee (Cogeco-owned)
oxio was founded in Quebec City and has built a strong following across the province. In Montreal, oxio primarily uses the Vidéotron cable network (they also offer Bell fibre at some addresses). Their key selling point: the price you sign up at is the price you pay for as long as you keep the plan. oxio was acquired by Cogeco in 2023.
Plans include modem/router equipment, unlimited data, and no contract. Depending on the setup, oxio customers may receive equipment such as an eero 6 or an oxio WiFi Pod. Support is entirely digital (chat and email). Since oxio primarily uses cable infrastructure in Quebec, upload speeds are limited compared to fibre. oxio consistently receives strong customer ratings on review sites.
Pros
- Price never increases
- Included modem/router equipment
- Among the highest-rated providers
- No contract, cancel any time
Considerations
- Chat/email support only
- Cable upload speeds limited
- Bell fibre option not available everywhere
Savvy
TekSavvy
Canada’s consumer advocate ISP
TekSavvy is an Ontario-based independent ISP with over 25 years of history and a strong reputation for consumer advocacy at the CRTC. In Montreal, availability is address-specific and can include cable service over the local wholesale network, plus fibre in select buildings or areas. TekSavvy lists no contracts and 24/7 phone sales and technical support for its core internet service.
One important note: TekSavvy is not always the cheapest option in Quebec once you compare address-specific pricing against Fizz, oxio, EBOX, and Vidéotron promotions. TekSavvy is best suited for people who value their advocacy work, want phone support, or have access to TekSavvy fibre service in their building.
Pros
- 24/7 phone support
- Over 25 years in business
- Consumer advocacy at CRTC
- No contracts
Considerations
- Not always the cheapest Quebec option
- Cable upload speeds limited
- Fizz and oxio are often cheaper for similar speeds
Montreal Neighbourhood and Area Guide
Availability can change from one building to the next, especially in Montreal’s older housing stock. These are starting suggestions.
Downtown / Griffintown / Old Montreal
High-density area with strong Bell fibre and Vidéotron cable coverage. Many new Griffintown condos are pre-wired for Bell fibre. EBOX fibre is often available at the same addresses. Budget options like oxio and Fizz work well here.
Plateau-Mont-Royal / Mile End / Mile Ex
Older walk-up apartments dominate this area. Some buildings may only have one provider’s wiring. Fizz is hugely popular here with students and young professionals. Check Bell fibre availability carefully in older buildings as some may still be limited to DSL.
Rosemont / La Petite-Patrie / Villeray
Mix of older and newer housing. Vidéotron cable is well established. Bell fibre is available in many areas but check your specific address. Fizz and oxio are popular budget choices throughout these neighbourhoods.
NDG / Westmount / Cote-des-Neiges
Good Bell fibre coverage in NDG and Westmount. CDN is popular with students near universities, making Fizz and no-contract options natural fits. Vidéotron cable is available throughout.
West Island (Dorval, Pointe-Claire, DDO)
Strong suburban coverage from both Bell fibre and Vidéotron cable. Good area for all providers. EBOX fibre is often available at Bell-served addresses.
Verdun / Ile-des-Soeurs / Le Sud-Ouest
Bell fibre coverage is strong, especially in newer developments. Fizz is popular in Verdun. Ile-des-Soeurs condos often have multiple fibre options. Check your building.
East End (Hochelaga, Anjou, Saint-Leonard)
Vidéotron cable is dominant in the east end. Bell fibre is expanding but coverage varies. Budget resellers work well wherever Vidéotron cable reaches.
Laval / Longueuil / South Shore / Brossard
Both Bell fibre and Vidéotron cable cover most off-island communities. Bell’s 8 Gbps is available in parts of Laval. Newer Brossard developments often have strong fibre coverage. Fizz and EBOX are good budget alternatives.
How Much Speed Do You Actually Need?
Montreal’s competitive market means good speeds are affordable. Here is a practical guide. For more detail, read our full guide to choosing the right internet speed.
| Speed Tier | Works Well For | Approximate Cost in Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| 25-60 Mbps | 1-2 people, email, browsing, light streaming | $30-50/mo |
| 100-200 Mbps | 2-4 people, HD streaming, video calls, light gaming | $45-68/mo |
| 400-500 Mbps | 3-5 people, 4K streaming, work from home, gaming | $60-80/mo |
| 1 Gbps+ | 5+ people, multiple WFH setups, content creation | $65-100/mo |
Upload speed matters for remote work. If you do video calls, upload large files, or use VPN, prioritize upload speed. Bell fibre and EBOX fibre usually offer much stronger uploads than cable, with symmetrical speeds on some tiers. Vidéotron, Fizz, and oxio on cable have lower uploads than fibre, and the exact upload speed depends on the plan and address. Learn more about fibre vs cable differences.
Slow internet is not always a speed problem. Check your WiFi setup before upgrading. Router placement, old hardware, and walls in older Montreal buildings can cause slowdowns. See our guides on why your internet might be slow and mesh WiFi vs extenders vs routers. You can also run a speed test to check actual performance.
Before You Switch: A Quick Checklist
- Check exact address availability (coverage maps are estimates, especially in older buildings)
- Confirm the regular monthly price after any promotional period ends. If price is the main issue, read our guide to lowering your internet bill in Canada
- Check for contract terms and early cancellation fees, and read our guide to switching internet providers without losing service before cancelling your old plan
- Ask whether the modem and router are included, rented, or extra
- Run a speed test over Ethernet on your current connection
- Check if the problem is your WiFi, not your plan. A mesh WiFi system might help
- If you are in a condo or apartment, ask building management which providers are wired in
- Use our internet cost calculator to compare total costs over 12 or 24 months
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best internet provider in Montreal?
For the fastest speeds and best uploads, Bell Pure Fibre is the top choice where available. For the best value on fibre, EBOX offers Bell’s network at lower prices. For a Quebec-local provider with mobile bundles, Vidéotron Helix is strong. For budget service with no contracts, Fizz and oxio are both excellent choices on the Vidéotron cable network.
Is Bell or Vidéotron better in Montreal?
It depends on your address and priorities. Bell Pure Fibre typically offers stronger upload speeds and lower latency than cable, with fully symmetrical speeds on some tiers. Vidéotron is often better for value, Helix TV bundles, and local Quebec support. Vidéotron’s 2.5 GIGA plan also has symmetrical speeds, but only in select fibre-to-the-home areas. For most cable-served addresses, Vidéotron uploads are lower than fibre and vary by plan.
What is the cheapest internet in Montreal?
Fizz often has some of the lowest advertised prices, with basic plans starting around $40/month. oxio starts slightly higher in many cases but guarantees the price never increases for existing customers. EBOX fibre can be a strong value where available. Vidéotron’s entry pricing depends on the address, bundle, and promotion. Exact pricing changes often, so compare the regular monthly price, not just the first promo price.
Is fibre internet available in Montreal?
Yes. Bell Pure Fibre covers much of Montreal with true fibre-to-the-home. EBOX offers the same Bell fibre at lower prices. Vidéotron is deploying fibre-to-the-home in select areas for its 2.5 GIGA plan. Fibre availability depends on your exact address and building wiring, so check with each provider directly.
How much internet speed do I need?
For one person doing basic browsing and streaming, 50-100 Mbps is usually enough. A household of 3-4 people streaming, gaming, and working from home typically does well with 200-500 Mbps. Speeds above 500 Mbps are mainly useful for large households or content creators. Read our full speed guide.
Why is my internet slow in my Montreal apartment?
Many older Montreal buildings have outdated wiring that limits speed even on a fast plan. Your router’s location, thick walls, and the number of connected devices also matter. Try testing with a wired Ethernet connection first. If the wired speed is fine, the issue is your WiFi setup. See our guide on why your internet might be slow.
What should renters check first?
Ask your building manager which providers are wired into the building. In older Montreal walk-ups, you may have fewer options. A no-contract plan from Fizz, oxio, or EBOX lets you cancel without penalty when your lease ends. Read our guide to apartment internet in Canada.
Wrapping Up
Montreal has some of Canada’s most competitive internet pricing thanks to fierce Bell vs Vidéotron competition and a strong reseller market. Your best choice depends on your situation.
For the fastest speeds and best uploads, start with Bell Pure Fibre. For Bell’s fibre at a lower price, check EBOX. For a Quebec-local provider with mobile bundles, Vidéotron Helix is hard to beat. For budget service with no contracts, Fizz and oxio are both strong choices.
No matter which provider looks best, always check availability at your exact address before committing. In older Montreal buildings especially, the wiring in your building may matter as much as the provider you choose. And if your internet feels slow, the problem might be your WiFi setup rather than your plan.
Last updated May 2026. Provider information checked against bell.ca, videotron.com, fizz.ca, ebox.ca, oxio.ca, and teksavvy.com. Prices and plans change frequently and vary by address. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.
