Comparison

Public Mobile vs PhoneBox Canada

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Public Mobile

This app offers a 5G wireless subscription service with self-service account management. Activate your service, manage plans, track usage, and earn rewards. Get 24/7 online support for all your mobile needs.

Highlights
  • 5G subscription phone service
  • eSIM activation
  • Self-service account management
  • Plan usage tracking
  • Rewards program
  • Refer-a-friend savings
  • 24/7 online support
Features
Read full description

Welcome to different. Public Mobile is a wireless subscription service that does mobility differently. Sign up for Canada's first 5G subscription phone service in a few simple steps. With the Public Mobile app, you're in control. Activate in minutes with eSIM along with an eSIM compatible device and choose from 5G speed plans and unlimited data on Canada's largest network. Manage your own account with easy, self-service features in the app. Just like your other subscription services set it and forget it. Download the Public Mobile app for free to get started. Subscribe with a few quick clicks in the app: • Select and activate your subscription • Save with a 90 day subscription • Purchase and activate your eSIM or SIM card • You can keep your phone number when you subscribe to Public Mobile. Manage your plan anywhere, anytime with My Account: • Manage your subscription • Track your plan usage • Purchase add-ons Earn points that save you money with our Rewards program: • Check rewards balance • Redeem your points • Refer-a-friend to share savings Skip the wait time with 24/7 online solutions: • Access virtual support at your fingertips • Find answers and ask questions Download the Public Mobile App now. Learn more at publicmobile.ca

About

PhoneBox Canada

Easily manage your mobile account 24/7. Check usage, pay bills, adjust your plan, and discover exclusive promotions and add-ons. Access important documents and receive timely notifications for a seamless experience.

Highlights
  • Check real-time usage
  • Secure bill payment
  • Manage and adjust plans
  • Discover new promotions
  • Activate add-ons
  • Access account documents
  • Receive notifications
Features
Read full description

Manage your account 24/7 with the PhoneBox Self-Serve App. Whether you want to pay your bill, manage your account, or discover the latest promotions, this app has everything you need. Key Features: - Check Your Usage: Stay up to date with your data, minutes, and text usage in real time. - Pay Your Bill: Securely pay your bills and view your payment history. - Manage Your Plan: Upgrade, downgrade, or adjust your plan whenever you need. - Find New Promotions: Unlock exclusive deals and special offers tailored just for you. - Activate Add-Ons: Instantly add more data or minutes as needed. - Access Important Documents: View your service agreements, critical information summaries, and more. - Receive Notifications: Get alerts for billing updates, usage, and exciting promotions. Why Choose PhoneBox? - Convenient account management anytime, anywhere. - No hidden fees – just transparent service. - Access the latest promotions and unlock the best deals. Who Is This App For? PhoneBox customers who want the flexibility to manage their mobile services and discover exclusive deals, all from the palm of their hand. Get Started Now! Download the PhoneBox Self-Serve App today and start managing your account effortlessly while unlocking great offers.

Screenshots

Public Mobile4 screens
PhoneBox Canada4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: PhoneBox Canada at free against Public Mobile's free with in-app purchases. PhoneBox Canada also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Public Mobile's advantage is review sentiment (45% vs 25%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Public Mobile versus PhoneBox Canada: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPublic MobilePhoneBox Canada
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (245 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews44.7% of reviews — better25.5% of reviews
Number of ratings245 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.115.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size74 MB93 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTELUS Communications Inc.Gophonebox

Customer experience

Public Mobile

All ratings242 ratings
Positive88.4%
Neutral2.5%
Negative9.1%
Written reviews340 reviews
Positive44.7%
Neutral6.8%
Negative48.5%

PhoneBox Canada

Written reviews51 reviews
Positive25.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative74.5%

User reviews

Public Mobile

From 245 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Surprisingly good service
  • 👍 Great app overall
  • 👍 Good value for money
  • 👍 Smooth and user-friendly
  • 👍 Awesome, nothing to complain about

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Just a fake app
  • 🔒 Never works properly
  • 🔒 Access to support is appalling
  • 🐛 Seriously garbage
  • 🔒 Deal with care

PhoneBox Canada

From App Store reviews

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy account management
  • 👍 User-friendly interface
  • 💡 Interesting new features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Login issues
  • 🐛 Account information not showing
  • 🐛 Repeated sign-in problems

Bugs and requests

Public Mobile

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Activation issues
  • Logging in problems
  • App crashes and freezes
  • Unreliable service
  • Billing and payment issues

Requested features

3 requests
  • Wifi calling
  • Support for iPad/tablets
  • Improve customer service access

PhoneBox Canada

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Login screen loops back to sign-in page
  • No success/error messages on login attempt

Requested features

2 requests
  • Remember login function
  • Improved error messages and hints

In-app purchases

None

Public Mobile

No in-app purchases

None

PhoneBox Canada

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Public Mobile free?
Public Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PhoneBox Canada free?
PhoneBox Canada is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Public Mobile or PhoneBox Canada have ads?
Neither Public Mobile nor PhoneBox Canada shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Public Mobile or PhoneBox Canada?
Public Mobile ships an update every 3 weeks, and PhoneBox Canada every 3 weeks. Most recently, Public Mobile was updated on October 30, 2026 and PhoneBox Canada on October 30, 2026.

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