Understanding Single-Line & Multi-Line Phone Plans

Whether you’re shopping for a new phone plan for yourself or your family, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a single-line plan or a multi-line (family) plan.

But what’s the difference? And which one will save you more money?

This guide will break down how single-line and multi-line plans work, their benefits, and which one is best for you.

What is a Single-Line Phone Plan?

• Best for: Individuals who only need one phone line
• Billing: One monthly bill for one phone number
• Who Uses It? Students, professionals, and solo users

A single-line plan is exactly what it sounds like i.e. you pay for one phone number on one plan. These plans typically include:

• Data allowance (e.g., 20GB/month, unlimited data)
• Talk & text (unlimited in Canada, with add-ons for international)
• Optional phone financing (if you’re buying a new device)

Key Benefits of a Single-Line Plan:

• Simple billing i.e. one person, one bill
• Freedom to switch carriers anytime
• No need to share data or minutes

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Things to Consider:

• Can be more expensive per line than multi-line plans
• No shared benefits means your data and perks are only for you

What is a Multi-Line (Family) Phone Plan?

• Best for: Families, couples, or groups with multiple lines
• Billing: One monthly bill for multiple users on the same plan
• Who Uses It? Families, roommates, small businesses

A multi-line plan (also called a family plan) allows multiple people to share one account, usually at a discounted rate. Each person gets their own phone number, but all lines are managed under one bill.

Key Benefits of a Multi-Line Plan:

• Lower cost per line so you save money by bundling multiple users
• Shared data as some carriers allow a shared data pool for flexibility
• Easier management with one bill for the whole family

Things to Consider:

• If one person uses too much data, others may have less
• Account holder is responsible for paying the full bill

Single-Line vs. Multi-Line Plans: Quick Comparison

When Should You Choose a Single-Line Plan?

• If you don’t want to share data with anyone
• If you frequently switch carriers and want flexibility
• If you’re the only one in your household who needs a plan

When Should You Choose a Multi-Line Plan?

• If you have multiple family members on the same carrier
• If you want to save money by bundling multiple lines
• If you want an easy, single-bill setup for a household or business

Pro Tip: Some Carriers Offer Hybrid Options

Some Canadian carriers offer multi-line discounts without shared data, meaning each person gets their own data allowance at a lower cost compared to a single-line plan. If you don’t want to share data but still want savings, look for these options!

Looking for the best single-line or multi-line plan in Canada? Compare all available options with Fliq today and find the perfect plan on your terms!