# Public Mobile vs PhoneBox Canada

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.

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

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Public Mobile | PhoneBox Canada |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (253 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/public-mobile/id1645306824/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **253** | — |
| Positive reviews | **44.7% of reviews** | 25.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 74 MB | 93 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TELUS Communications Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1351428851) | [Gophonebox](https://appshunter.io/developer/1449674475) |

## What reviewers say

### Public Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/public-mobile/id1645306824)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- Wifi calling
- Support for iPad/tablets
- Improve customer service access


### PhoneBox Canada

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonebox-canada/id6503991715)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- Remember login function
- Improved error messages and hints


## Frequently asked 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 November 3, 2026 and PhoneBox Canada on October 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*