Cheapest prepaid data SIM card
You'll find the cheapest prepaid data SIM card deals from low-cost carriers like US Mobile and Mint Mobile.
These low-cost carriers, also known as MVNOs, are powered by the same major networks but with prices starting as low as $10 a month you could save up to $600 a year.
At MoneySavingPro we like to make it as easy as possible to find your perfect prepaid data SIM card, so we've compared the deals available from all MVNOs for you below.
Cheapest prepaid data SIM card
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $6
This Tello SIM kit includes 1GB data for $6 for 1 month of wireless service. Tello internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello 1GB SIM card | 1GB | $6 |
Tello 2GB SIM card | 2GB | $10 |
Tello 5GB SIM card | 5GB | $15 |
Tello 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $20 |
Tello 8GB SIM card | 8GB | $25 |
Tello Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $29 |
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Best prepaid data SIM card for iPad
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15* FREE 10-Day Trial
This US Mobile SIM kit includes 4GB data for $15 for 1 month of wireless service. US Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks.
| Plan | Data | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mobile 2GB SIM card | 2GB | $10 | ||
US Mobile 4GB SIM card | 4GB | $15 | ||
US Mobile 6GB SIM card | 6GB | $20 | ||
US Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $26 | ||
* FREE 10-Day Trial | ||||
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Best prepaid data SIM card for 5G coverage
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes 10GB data for $20 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB SIM card | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | 15GB | $25 |
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Best prepaid data SIM card for unlimited data
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $29
This Tello SIM kit includes unlimited data for $29 for 1 month of wireless service. Tello internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello 1GB SIM card | 1GB | $6 |
Tello 2GB SIM card | 2GB | $10 |
Tello 5GB SIM card | 5GB | $15 |
Tello 10GB SIM card | 10GB | $20 |
Tello 8GB SIM card | 8GB | $25 |
Tello Unlimited SIM card | Unlimited | $29 |
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Best prepaid data SIM card for hotspots
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 20GB
- Price
- $40
This Red Pocket SIM kit includes 20GB data for $40 for 1 month of wireless service. Red Pocket internet plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 1GB SIM card | 1GB | $10 |
Red Pocket 5GB SIM card | 5GB | $25 |
Red Pocket 20GB SIM card | 20GB | $40 |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Cheapest prepaid data only SIM cards
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB plan | 2GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 10GB plan | 10GB | T-Mobile | $20/mo |
| Tello Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $29/mo |
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $6/mo |
Prepaid data SIM card benefits
- Lower price: MVNOs offer affordable plans when purchasing a SIM card with one of these low-cost carriers. With all the same options available, even the best GPS tracker SIM card deals, but at half the price of going direct to one of the big three.
- Same excellent coverage: You'll find a great selection of deals on an AT&T data SIM card, Verizon data SIM card, or T-Mobile data SIM card. Being powered by the main networks, you'll get access to the same good coverage.
- No annual contracts: With the best prepaid data SIM card deals they offer a monthly rolling contract, with no 24 or 12 months commitment or hidden fees.
- 4G LTE data speeds: Operating on the same US networks, you'll have access to the nationwide 4G LTE data speeds.
- 5G network: If your mobile device is compatible you can find deals on the best 5G SIM card with low-cost carriers, offering 5G at no extra cost on their data-only SIM cards.
- Unlimited plans: If you use a lot of data for browsing the internet, video streaming, listening to music or you're looking for the best hotspot SIM card for tethering, the good news is you can get unlimited hotspot data for half the price.
- Mobile devices: You'll find a range of the best iPad SIM card and the best Tablet SIM card deals to help you stay connected with a data-only SIM card for your device.
- High-speed hotspot data: Ideal for travelers, you can stay connected on your laptop, even if there's no WiFi using cellular networks.
Cheapest prepaid data SIM on T-Mobile
Compare: T-Mobile data SIM cards
Cheapest prepaid data SIM on Verizon
Compare: Verizon data SIM cards
Cheapest prepaid data SIM on AT&T
Compare: AT&T data SIM cards
What is a prepaid data SIM card?
A data only SIM card is a SIM card that doesn't come with any minutes or text messages. You only receive data.
Prepaid data SIM cards are absolutely perfect if you need an iPad SIM and you want to go online but there's no WiFi available.
Those who would use a data-only SIM card are mainly those who have a data-only device, like an iPad or a hotspot device. That way, they can access the internet in areas where WiFi is not accessible. For instance, say that WiFi is not accessible in a certain location but the 4G LTE or 5G wireless network is available.
Someone in need of internet access for business, school, etc. would then be able to secure mobile broadband internet via tablet or mobile hotspot and a bring your own phone plan. That way, the person can connect to the internet and check anything essential.
Data SIM card sizes
There are different sizes of SIM cards. What you need for a SIM card size is dependent on the device you own.
The iPad requires a nano SIM card. While older tablets may require either a micro SIM card or a standard SIM card.
Most SIM cards are 3-in-1 tri-cut, meaning that they're one size fits all. Simply cut the card to the size you need to fit the device.
How to switch to a prepaid data SIM plan
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. Not sure? Get a clearer picture with our data usage calculator.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your current account is paid up and in good standing. If you're bringing a mobile hotspot device with you, make sure it's unlocked to use on another carrier.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your new one is ready to go. You'll get a data only SIM card from your new provider. Follow their instructions to activate your new plan.
Prepaid data SIM card FAQs
Can I get a prepaid data SIM card?
Yes. You can get a cheap prepaid data SIM card which is ideal for tablets and iPads. Data only plans start at just $6 per month.
What is the best prepaid data SIM card?
The best prepaid data plan depends on how much data you need and your budget. Estimate how much data you really use so you're only paying for what you need.
What is the cheapest prepaid data SIM card?
The cheapest data SIM card starts at $5 per month. Low-cost carriers have a selection of data plans so you only need to pay for the data you use.
Recap
MVNOs like Ultra Mobile offer the cheapest prepaid data SIM card deals, while still giving you access to the same quality coverage.
With these prepaid data SIM cards, there's no long-term contract, so you have the freedom to amend your plan or cancel and change carriers at any time.
Depending on how much data you're looking for you could save hundreds of dollars on a data-only SIM card for your tablet or mobile device.
