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Are you looking for the cheapest tablet SIM card? MVNOs provide data-only SIM cards that could save you up to $600 a year.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are low-cost carriers that are powered by the same cell phone towers as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T, but the plans are half the price.
Whether you're looking for an iPad SIM card or the cheapest tablet SIM card, we've compiled the best deals from all MVNOs to help you find the perfect fit for you.
Best data SIM cards for tablets

Cheapest tablet data SIM card

Tello: Cheapest tablet data SIM card
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
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
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
This Tello SIM kit includes 1GB data for $6 for 1 month of wireless service. Tello internet plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
Tello SIM card: $6/mo
Tello SIM card: $10/mo
Tello SIM card: $15/mo
Tello SIM card: $20/mo
Tello SIM card: $25/mo
Tello SIM card: $29/mo

US Mobile: Best prepaid SIM card for tablets
Verizon & T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* 100 Days FREE Trial
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
No international calling
Phone selection
This US Mobile SIM kit includes 4GB data for $15 for 1 month of wireless service. US Mobile internet plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
US Mobile SIM card: $10/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $15/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $20/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $26/mo

Mint Mobile: Best tablets SIM card for 5G
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* Only $60 for 3 Months
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes 10GB data for $20 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile internet plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
Mint Mobile SIM card: $15/mo
Mint Mobile SIM card: $20/mo
Mint Mobile SIM card: $25/mo

Tello: Best tablets SIM card for unlimited data
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
Cheapest data SIM cards for tablets
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$6/mo |
|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 2GB |
$10/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | 5GB |
$15/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 10GB |
$20/mo |
|
T-Mobile | Unltd |
$29/mo |
Tablet 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 tablet SIM card on T-Mobile
Compare: T-Mobile data SIM cards
Cheapest tablet SIM card on Verizon
0 mins
0 texts
6GB
4G/5G data
$20 /mo
Compare: Verizon data SIM cards
Cheapest tablet SIM card on AT&T
0 mins
0 texts
5GB
4G/5G data
$25 /mo
Compare: AT&T data SIM cards
What is a tablet 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 that 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 device plan. That way, the person can connect to the internet and check anything essential.
Tablet 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 tricut, 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 cheap tablet data 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.
Tablet SIM card FAQs
Can I get a SIM card for my tablet?
Yes. You can get a cheap prepaid data SIM card which is ideal for tablets and iPads. Data plans start at just $5 per month.
What is the best tablet SIM card?
The best tablet 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 data SIM card for tablets?
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
You could save hundreds of dollars a year with a low-cost carrier like Ultra Mobile or Mint Mobile.
The best cheapest tablet SIM card will be different for everyone, but with MVNOs there's something for everyone's needs and budget.
Most MVNOs offer a mobile hotspot allowance so you can use your tablet to tether to your laptop if you're away from home without Wi-Fi.