Best Prepaid SIM Card for Alarm Systems in 2024
The key to finding the most affordable prepaid alarm SIM card is all about leveraging the competitive rates offered by low-cost carriers. You'll get the same coverage for a fraction of the cost without the worry of hidden fees and price hikes. Here are the best value 5G internet providers to consider.
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Top plans list
- US Mobile 10GB SIM card: Best SIM card with free trial
- Tello 2GB SIM card: Best AT&T SIM card for alarm systems
- Boost Mobile 5GB SIM card: Best T-Mobile SIM card for alarm systems
- Mint Mobile 20GB SIM card: Best Verizon SIM card for alarm systems
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We've got you covered if you're looking for an Alarm SIM card for your smart security system.
Using a SIM card in your alarm system works in the same way as a mobile device, it helps it communicate and notify you while you're away from home.
As you'll have to pay monthly for your SIM card, this is where MVNOs can help. These low-cost carriers have cheaper plans but operate on the same major US networks.
We've compared the best low-cost carrier SIM cards for alarm systems below.
My list of recommended alarm SIM cards for April
Best SIM card with free trial
US Mobile 10GB SIM card
- Verizon & T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
US Mobile SIM cards provide budget-friendly SIMs that are powered by the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, accompanied by excellent customer support and customizable features.
You have the ability to create personalized SIM card plans that cater to your specific requirements, including unlimited talk and text, as well as international roaming capabilities. Additionally, they do not impose restrictive long-term contracts, granting you the flexibility to switch or modify your SIM card plan at any time. Check out our review about best free SIM cards.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- US Mobile offers a unique customer service approach with 24/7 support via phone or online chat.
- Test out their service with a free trial.
- Family plans offer significant savings on cell phone bills with multi-line discounts available.
- Their international coverage has drawbacks. Add-on packages for roaming can be costly, and international calling rates may be higher than other carriers.
- Streaming service perks are available with unlimited SIM card plans of at least three lines, with perks including Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more.
- Perks are available to new or existing US Mobile customers, and the subscription cost must be paid by the customer and verified every three months. The cost will be credited to the account via Autopay for up to a maximum of 12 months.
Best AT&T SIM card for alarm systems
Tello 2GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users. Check out our review about best value prepaid AT&T data SIM card.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Tello SIM cards are cost-effective for all budgets. You can customize your plan based on your usage and select the number of minutes, texts, and data that suits you.
- Check your monthly data usage before purchasing a SIM card, as opting for a set data plan could lead to even greater savings.
- Tello operates on T-Mobile's network, so you can enjoy all its exceptional advantages without breaking the bank.
- There are no discounts for multiple-line purchases, and each line will be billed at full price as an individual line, but it still saves hundreds of dollars due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Ordering your new Tello SIM card is as simple as a few clicks, and it will be delivered straight to you.
Best T-Mobile SIM card for alarm systems
Boost Mobile 5GB SIM card
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs that operate on both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
They come with various data allowances ranging from 2GB to unlimited, and if you require multiple SIM cards for your family members, there are discounted rates available that allow for even greater savings. Check out our review about best value prepaid T-Mobile data SIM card.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's SIM cards have unlimited talk and text included. They offer unlimited options with up to 30GB of high-speed data for those who use a lot of data.
- They provide a discount on additional lines to save money for families.
- Boost Mobile offers a diverse selection of phones, including the latest models from popular brands such as Apple and Samsung. With 0% financing options over 1-2 years.
- Their international features may not be as comprehensive.
- International roaming options are limited compared to other carriers. In comparison to other carriers, their international roaming options are limited, and making international calls requires an additional add-on.
Best Verizon SIM card for alarm systems
Mint Mobile 20GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs on the T-Mobile network, allowing customers to benefit from excellent service at a more affordable price. They offer various data packages, including an unlimited SIM card plan with up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text for all SIM cards.
Mint Mobile's clear communication highlights how customers can achieve greater savings by committing to longer-term plans. Check out our review about best value prepaid Verizon data SIM card.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all SIM cards
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all SIM cards with a 10GB hotspot data limit on the unlimited plan.
- To sign up for Mint Mobile, you need to commit to a minimum of 3 months upfront. After the initial three months, you can choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to upgrade to an expensive iPhone. But they also offer options for new smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.
- Download the Mint Mobile app to easily track your usage and manage multiple SIM card plans.
- One drawback is that international roaming and calls to countries outside of Canada and Mexico come at an additional cost.
What are the benefits of a prepaid data SIM card?
There's a range of benefits to choosing a cheap prepaid data SIM card from a low-cost carrier, you'll find the cheapest price with an MVNO.
- Lower price: MVNOs offer affordable plans when purchasing a SIM card with one of these low-cost carriers. With all the same options available but at half the price of going direct to one of the big three.
- Same excellent coverage: Being powered by the main networks, you'll get access to the same good coverage.
- No annual contracts: There are no 24 or 36 months commitments or hidden fees with prepaid data SIM cards.
- 4G LTE data speeds: You'll have access to the nationwide 4G LTE data speeds operating on the same wireless networks.
- 5G network: If your mobile device is compatible, you can find deals on 5G SIM cards with low-cost carriers, offering 5G at no extra cost on their data-only SIM cards.
The best alarm SIM card on T-Mobile
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- No talk and text
- 15GB data
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 15GB | $20/mo | $225/yr |
| Savings | $55/mo | $675/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best prepaid T-Mobile data SIM card
The best alarm SIM card on Verizon
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- No talk and text
- 6GB data
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $684 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 6GB | $18/mo | $216/yr |
| Savings | $57/mo | $684/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best prepaid Verizon data SIM card
The best alarm SIM card on AT&T
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $720 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| Savings | $60/mo | $720/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best prepaid AT&T data SIM card
Network coverage comparison
| 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 RootScore 2022 report
When it comes to 5G network coverage, T-Mobile scores the highest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.
Carrier customer service comparison
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| US Mobile TrustPilot score | 4.8 |
| Tello TrustPilot score | 4.4 |
| Red Pocket Mobile TrustPilot score | 4.4 |
| T-Mobile TrustPilot score | 1.5 |
| Verizon TrustPilot score | 1.3 |
| AT&T TrustPilot score | 1.2 |
What is an alarm SIM?
A SIM card, which stands for Subscriber Identity Module, is a small chip you insert into a device to connect it to a cellular network. Because a SIM card will work in a similar way for an alarm system as a mobile phone, utilize one in your security system to let it function as a communication device.
You can use a GSM SIM card, which is a part of the GSM network, to join a cellular network by sliding it into the SIM card slot on your alarm system. Given that the GSM SIM card runs on the GSM network, you'll have the choice between a 2G, 3G, and 4G network, where you'll pay a monthly fee to connect your alarm system and portable devices.
SIM card for alarm systems
If you need to connect your alarm system to a cellular network in the same way you would your mobile phone, you'll need to buy a SIM card and pay a monthly fee for this service.
Whether you opt for a prepaid SIM card or one with a plan, your alarm system will be able to function on your cellular network by using this technology. You'll need an alarm system SIM card to get the most out of your alarm kit, so think of these devices like mobile phones when creating a wireless home security system your family can depend on.
Once you activate your alarm system SIM card and insert it into your device, you'll have a security system connected to the internet.
Compare the cheapest prepaid alarm SIM cards
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $6/mo |
| Tello 5GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo |
| US Mobile 10GB SIM card | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $15/mo |
| Boost Mobile Unlimited SIM card | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/mo |
How to switch to a cheap alarm SIM
Switching to a cheaper carrier is simple.
- Pick a plan. Consider how many connected devices you have, and then choose the amount of data you need.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your current account is paid up and in good standing. If you're bringing a device, make sure it's unlocked for use on another carrier.
- Set up your new plan. You'll get a data only SIM card from your new provider. Follow their instructions to activate your new plan.
Alarm SIM card FAQs
Cheap carriers such as US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello offer great value prepaid data only SIM cards.
The cheapest data SIM card starts at $6 per month. Low-cost carriers have a selection of data plans so you only need to pay for the data you use.
Recap: What is the best alarm SIM card?
MVNOs offer cheap SIM card plans for your home alarm system, so having peace of mind that your home is safe doesn't have to be another expensive monthly cost.
You can use your wireless security 24/7 or just occasionally, but with plans starting as low as around $6 a month, there are affordable options for all.
Data SIM card guides
- Best Data Only SIM Card
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Hotspots
- Best Prepaid Data SIM Cards
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Alarm Systems
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for GPS Trackers
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Tablets
- Best Value Prepaid AT&T Data SIM Card
- Best Value Prepaid T-Mobile Data SIM Card
- Best Value Prepaid Verizon Data SIM Card
How we picked the best alarm SIM card
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value data-only plans available and ranked them based on various factors.
The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.
We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month or more frequently as necessary.
