AT&T and Verizon charge $35–$50/mo for tablet data.

Our editors independently rate every carrier on five criteria: value for money, coverage, customer experience, transparency, and range of choice. Affiliate relationships never influence our ratings. Read our full methodology →

My list of recommended data plans for September

• Tello offers the best data only plan for low data users
• Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan
• Total Wireless offers the best 100GB data only plan
• How to choose the best data plan
• Best T-Mobile data only plan
• Best Verizon data only plan
• Best AT&T data only plan
• Compare the cheapest data only plans
• Data only plans FAQS
• Recap: What is the best data only plan?
• How we choose the best providers and data plans

Tello offers the best data only plan for low data users

Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan

Visible unlimited data only plan for $25/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text with unlimited data
• Instant online activation

3.4

Read our Visible review

See at Visible

Visible offers a simple and affordable unlimited data plan on Verizon's network with no contracts or hidden fees.

For just $25/month, you get unlimited data with mobile hotspot access included, making it a great option for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other data-only devices. While hotspot speeds are capped at 5 Mbps, you still get reliable coverage on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network at a budget-friendly price.

Visible offers an unlimited data plan on Verizon's network for just $25/month, with no contracts or hidden fees. It includes mobile hotspot access, though speeds are capped at 5 Mbps.

With eSIM activation, you can get started instantly without waiting for a SIM card. While there are no multi-line discounts or premium high-speed data, it's one of the most affordable data options on Verizon's network. However, support is online-only, which may not suit everyone.

• Unlimited data for just $25/month: Get unlimited high-speed data on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network without contracts or hidden fees.
• Hotspot included: Use your data on other devices with mobile hotspot access, though speeds are capped at 5 Mbps.
• Instant eSIM activation: Sign up and start using your data plan in minutes, no need to wait for a physical SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best 100GB data only plan

Total Wireless 100GB data plan for $50/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text with 100GB data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Total Wireless review

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Total Wireless offers a 100GB data-only plan on Verizon's network for $60/month, making it a great choice for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other data-hungry devices.

With no contracts or hidden fees, you get reliable 5G & 4G LTE coverage at an affordable price.

Total Wireless provides a 100GB data-only plan on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network for $60/month, offering a reliable and high-capacity solution for mobile internet users.

This plan is perfect for tablets, mobile hotspots, and home internet backup, delivering 100GB of high-speed data. Unlike many prepaid options, it supports faster data speeds, making it ideal for streaming, remote work, and online gaming.

With no contracts or hidden fees, you can use the plan as needed without long-term commitments. However, there are no multi-line discounts or unlimited data options, and support is online-based, which may not suit all users.

• 100GB of high-speed data: Get a large data allowance for streaming, remote work, or gaming without worrying about running out quickly.
• Verizon's reliable 5G & 4G LTE network: Enjoy nationwide coverage with fast speeds for mobile hotspot devices, tablets, and laptops.
• No contracts or surprise fees: Pay $60/month with transparent pricing and no long-term commitments.

How to choose the best data plan

What network coverage do you prefer?

Low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile boasts the fastest 5G speeds, according to this Opensignal 5G experience report 2023. If there's a particular network you prefer, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best carrier coverage in your area.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely you won't use a lot of data for things like video streaming, and your usage will be much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning you can pay less if you use less data. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.

Is hotspot data included?

Most carriers allow mobile hotspot use but have a data cap on the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers offer specific mobile hotspot plans.

What's the monthly price?

While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, MVNOs offer the best prepaid data plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers include these in the price, whereas the major providers, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.

How many lines do you need?

With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer additional discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own device or buy a new one?

While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant device upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own device. This means you take back control and only change your device when it suits you.

Are there any promotions?

Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the fine print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year contracts. Many MVNOs offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.

What perks are included?

Most big wireless plans include "free" TV subscriptions; however, these usually turn into a paid subscription that is automatically added to your bill a few months down the line. A few low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, do offer plan options with free subscription services, but we generally recommend keeping these subscriptions separate so you don't end up paying for things you don't need.

How long is the contract?

Low-cost carriers have no contracts, offering more flexibility. However, some, like Mint Mobile, require you to sign up for a 3-month plan minimum, but their cheap data plans still offer better value for money than the big 3 wireless carriers.

Compare the best cheap data plans to ensure you find the best deal.

Best T-Mobile data only plan

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text
• Unlimited data

$25/mo

See at Tello

T-Mobile vs Tello comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Check out our review of the best T-Mobile data only plans

Best Verizon data only plan

Check out our review of the best Verizon data only plans

Best AT&T data only plan

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan

• AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk and text
• Unlimited data

$10/mo*

*$15 off 1st Month

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $615 per year

Check out our review of the best AT&T data only plans

Compare the cheapest data only plans

Data only plans FAQS

Recap: What is the best data only plan?

With Mobile Virtual Network Operators, you'll find a low price on a data-only plan without sacrificing features or coverage.

Data-only plans are a great way to stay connected to the internet using cellular service when there's no Wi-Fi available.

Operating on the main wireless networks, you'll get the same internet speed with 4G LTE data or 5G speeds, where it's available.

Data plan guides

• The Best Data Only Plans
• The Best Tablet Data Plans
• The Best iPad Data Plans
• The Best BYOD Plans
• The Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans
• The Best Data Only Plans on Verizon
• The Best Data Only Plans on AT&T
• The Best Data Only Plans on T-Mobile

How we choose the best providers and data plans

To select the best carriers and data plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

1. Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
3. Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
5. Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.

We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.