AT&T prepaid data only plans
Knowing you have a WiFi connection even when you're away from home can bring peace of mind, and the best bit is that data only plans on the AT&T network don't have to be expensive.
At MoneySavingPro we've got a great solution with MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). Some of these low-cost carriers have been around for years but they're now growing in popularity and with good reason.
These low-cost carriers are powered by the AT&T network, so you'll receive the same coverage but with half-price plans. You could save up to $600 per year with one of these alternative carriers.
We've selected some of the best data only plans for you below.
| Cheap AT&T data plan | Red Pocket |
| Prepaid AT&T data plan | Red Pocket |
| AT&T 5G data plan | Red Pocket |
Cheapest AT&T data plans
Best cheap AT&T data only plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10/mo
This Red Pocket data only plan includes 1GB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket internet plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Best prepaid AT&T data only plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $25/mo
This Red Pocket data only plan includes 5GB data for only $25 per month. Red Pocket internet plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Best AT&T 5G data only plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 20GB
- Price
- $40/mo
This Red Pocket data only plan includes 20GB data for only $40 per month. Red Pocket internet plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Cheapest AT&T data only plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile 1GB data only - 12 mths plan | 1GB | AT&T | $8** $100 for 1 year service |
| Boost Mobile 5GB data only plan | 5GB | AT&T | $5** 66% Off for 3 Months |
| Boost Mobile 15GB data only - 12 mths plan | 15GB | AT&T | $20** $240 for 1 year service |
| PureTalk 10GB data only plan | 10GB | AT&T | $30 |
| Red Pocket 20GB data only plan | 20GB | AT&T | $40 |
AT&T data only plan benefits
- Nationwide coverage: Smaller cell phone carriers operate on the exact same networks as the big three carriers. Many already offer 5G network coverage where it's available at no extra cost.
- High-speed data: Get hotspot services on the same networks the big providers use. You'll get the same lightning-fast hotspot speeds you're used to, ideal for streaming video and playing games.
- Much lower prices: MVNOs have lower overhead costs because most of them operate solely online. That means you pay less for your mobile internet plan.
- No contracts: Low-cost carriers don't make you sign contracts. Switch carriers any time you find a better deal on a mobile hotspot plan.
- Bring your own device: No need to buy an expensive hotspot from the carrier. Bring your own device to save even more money.
- Customize your plan: Choose the data only plan that fits your needs. Get anywhere from 1 GB of data per month all the way up to unlimited.
- Great customer support: Customer service ratings are consistently higher with MVNOs.
AT&T network coverage
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
Comparing AT&T data only plans
In addition to price, the right mobile hotspot data plan for you depends on several factors:
- Coverage - Mobile coverage used to be a big deal. Now, all of the major mobile networks boast very similar coverage areas. When you're shopping for a data only plan you'll want to look at the 5G and 4G LTE coverage in the locations you'll be using your device.
- Speed - You'll want fast internet if you're powering compatible devices like your laptop and tablet. The good news is that most carriers deliver a 4G LTE connection to enabled devices. This means that if your hotspot device or smartphone is capable of handling LTE speeds then you will have a high-speed connection. Even better, many low-cost carriers give you 5G hotspot speeds where it's available at no extra charge.
- Data Allowance - Your mobile hotspot usage will inform your decision as to what data allowance you need to buy. Packages are available in various sizes to meet all data usage needs. Of course the smaller the data bucket the less you'll pay. It's easy to add more data if you run out.
Switch to a cheap AT&T data only plan
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your needs.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPad to an Android tablet, and vice versa.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has been ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account.
AT&T data plans FAQs
Does AT&T have a data only plan?
Yes, you can get data only plans on the AT&T network. A low-cost carrier such as Red Pocket Mobile, can offer plans at half the price while operating on the nationwide network.
What is the best AT&T data plan?
The best value plan is based on personal needs, however, a data plan from an AT&T MVNO such as Red Pocket can provide a low-cost option.
Recap
Choosing a data only plan from an AT&T MVNO can save you hundreds on your monthly bill.
Not all MVNOs offer data only plans, however, there are still plenty of plans that can provide you with what you need at an affordable price.
