An AT&T hotspot plan can help you stay connected to the internet while you're away from home. But it doesn't have to be expensive.
Powered by the same network as the big three, MVNOs offer data only plans with the same nationwide coverage at half the cost.
With a hotspot plan from these low-cost carriers you can access your emails or the internet on your pocket sized mobile device wherever you are.
We've selected some of the best hotspot plans from AT&T MVNOs below.
| Cheapest AT&T hotspot | Red Pocket |
| Prepaid AT&T hotspot | Red Pocket |
| AT&T 5G hotspot | Red Pocket |
Best cheap AT&T hotspot 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 hotspot 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 hotspot 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 mobile hotspot plans in 2022
Cheapest AT&T hotspot prices
| 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 hotspot 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 hotspot 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 hotspot 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 hotspot plans FAQs
Does AT&T have hotspot plans?
Yes, AT&T has certain plans that allow you to use your data on your cell phone plan as a hotspot allowance. The cheapest deals can be found with an AT&T MVNO like Red Pocket Mobile.
Can you get unlimited data hotspot plans with AT&T?
Yes, there are options for unlimited hotspots, however unlimited doesn't mean unlimited. Most plans will reduce your speed once a set data limit is reached.
Recap
You'll find affordable hotspot plans with low-cost carriers like Red Pocket Mobile. Although the selection is small, you can save yourself up to $600 a year compared to a plan with one of the big three.
There's plenty of data range available from 1GB up to unlimited data and it's easy to bring your own device.
Low-cost carriers offer flexible and customizable plans and with no contract, there's no commitment. So if you're not happy you can amend your plan or cancel without the worry of early termination fees.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Red Pocket | Cheapest AT&T hotspot | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket | Prepaid AT&T hotspot | 0 | 0 | 5GB | $25/mo |
| Red Pocket | AT&T 5G hotspot | 0 | 0 | 20GB | $40/mo |
