You don't always have access to Wi-Fi when you need it.
There are times you may need to log on for work, send a few emails, or access something online while out and about. A mobile hotspot plan makes doing so a breeze.
With a simple pocket-sized device and an affordable mobile data plan you can hop on the internet on your computer, tablet, or any other connectable device no matter where you are.
Mobile Hotspot Data Plan Comparison Chart
| Carrier | Nationwide Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 4GB | $15 |
| US Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 5GB | $20 |
| Red Pocket Mobile | AT&T 4G LTE | 5GB | $25 |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | 5GB | $20 |
Best Sprint Hotspot Data Plan: Tello
Pros
- Flexible plans up to 10 GB of high-speed data
- Free texting with all plans
- Change your plan any time
- Unlimited 2G data
- Monthly plans or pay-as-you-go
Cons
- Only CDMA or global phones compatible
- No unlimited data plan
Best Value Hotspot Data Plan: Tello 4GB
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
Best Cheap Hotspot Data Plan: Tello 1GB
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
Sprint National 4G LTE Coverage Without Sprint Prices
Sprint vs Tello Price Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save \$540 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unlimited* | \$60/mo | \$720/yr | |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 4GB | \$15/mo | \$180/yr | |
| *Don't wast money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | \$45/mo | \$540/yr | ||
Best T-Mobile Hotspot Data Plan: US Mobile
Pros
- 99% of phones are compatible
- Super flexible, customizable plans
- Unlimited data plan option
- Three data speed choices
- Dashboard that allows you to see the whole family's mobile usage
Cons
- Larger data plans are a bit pricey
- Hotspot usage costs extra
Best Value Hotspot Data Plan: US Mobile 5GB
| Network | T-Mobile & Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
Best Cheap Hotspot Data Plan: US Mobile 1.5GB
| Network | T-Mobile & Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
T-Mobile National 4G LTE Coverage Without T-Mobile Prices
T-Mobile vs US Mobile Price Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save \$600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unlimited* | \$70/mo | \$840/yr | |
| US Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 5GB | \$20/mo | \$240/yr | |
| *Don't wast money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | \$50/mo | \$600/yr | ||
Best AT&T Hotspot Data Plan: Red Pocket Mobile
Pros
- Unlimited talk and text with most plans
- Unlimited 2G data
- Family plan option
- Annual plans available at a discount
Cons
- Less data in CDMA plans at the same price as GSM
- No international roaming
Best Value Hotspot Data Plan: Red Pocket Mobile 5GB
| Network | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verzion, Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 70 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 14 days |
Best Cheap Hotspot Data Plan: Red Pocket Mobile 1GB
| Network | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verzion, Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 70 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 14 days |
AT&T National 4G LTE Coverage Without AT&T Prices
AT&T vs Red Pocket Mobile Price Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save \$600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G LTE | Unlimited* | \$75/mo | \$900/yr | |
| Red Pocket Mobile | AT&T 4G LTE | 5GB | \$25/mo | \$300/yr | |
| *Don't wast money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | \$50/mo | \$600/yr | ||
Best Verizon Hotspot Data Plan: US Mobile
Pros
- 99% of phones are compatible
- Super flexible, customizable plans
- Unlimited data plan option
- Three data speed choices
- Dashboard that allows you to see the whole family's mobile usage
Cons
- Larger data plans are a bit pricey
- Hotspot usage costs extra
Best Value Hotspot Data Plan: US Mobile 5GB
| Network | T-Mobile & Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
Best Cheap Hotspot Data Plan: US Mobile 1.5GB
| Network | T-Mobile & Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
Verizon National 4G LTE Coverage Without Verizon Prices
Verizon vs US Mobile Price Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save \$720 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G LTE | Unlimited* | \$80/mo | \$960/yr | |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | 5GB | \$20/mo | \$240/yr | |
| *Don't wast money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | \$60/mo | \$720/yr | ||
Best Overall Hotspot Data Plan: Tello
Best Value Hotspot Data Plan: Tello 4GB
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
MVNOs Offer Big Coverage at Small Prices
One way to get a great deal is to go with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), also known as alternative carriers. These companies sell service on the big four networks at better prices.
Other benefits of going with a MVNO include:
- No contracts.
- Custom packages - pay only for what you need.
- Solid customer service support.
- Bring-your-own-device prepaid mobile hotspot options.
Key Considerations for Mobile Hotspot Plans
In addition to price, the right mobile hotspot data plan for you depends on several factors:
1. 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 for your internet capable devices, you'll want to look at the LTE coverage in the locations where you spend the most time. If you travel and need mobile data usage during those times check those zip codes as well.
2. Speed
You're probably wondering just how fast your data only plan will be. The good news is that most carriers deliver a 4G LTE high-speed internet 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. Of course as with your smartphone, your speeds will depend upon signal strength.
The caveat (sorry, sometimes there is one!) - read the fine print. Particularly with unlimited mobile hotspot plans, if you exceed your data allowance you may be throttled to 3G. As with any mobile monthly plan, whether for your cell phone or another device, know exactly what you're getting before you buy.
3. 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, from 500 MB to unlimited. Of course the smaller the data bucket the less you'll pay, and you can always add more data if necessary.
Best Unlimited Mobile Hotspot Data Plan: Tello
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
Mobile Hotspot vs. Tethering Your Phone
It's easy to confuse the two functions, but there is a difference:
Mobile Hotspot
- Connects to a cellular network to provide internet access to Wi-Fi compatible devices.
- Can be a separate device with its own SIM card or activated through a smartphone.
- Provides internet to multiple devices - phones, tablets, computers, etc.
- Includes its own separate data allowance.
Tethering
- Connects one computer or other devices to the internet via a USB cable to your smartphone.
- Does not support multiple connections.
- May count against your cell phone data allowance.
Note that whether you're tethering your phone or using it as a hotspot, the battery will drain more quickly than usual so be sure to bring a charger along.
Recap
The takeaway from all of this information is that MVNOs are changing the mobile data landscape. You have more options than ever for cheap plans that meet your needs.
If you prefer to consolidate all of your data needs into one package rather than purchasing separately, consider building your own cell phone plan.
Tablets can also act as a mobile hotspot, and activating them is similar to their cell phone counterpart. To get started, take a look at some of these tablet data plans.
