Data-only SIM cards from low cost carriers use Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T towers

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 SIM cards for September

• Tello offers the best unlimited data only plan on T-Mobile
• Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan on Verizon
• Total Wireless offers the best 100GB data only plan
• How to choose the best data SIM card plan
• The cheapest data SIM on T-Mobile
• The cheapest data SIM on AT&T
• The cheapest data SIM on Verizon
• Data SIM cards for international travelers
• Compare the cheapest data only SIM plans
• Data only SIM card FAQs
• Recap: What is the best data only SIM?
• How I choose the best carriers and plans

Tello offers the best unlimited data only plan on T-Mobile

Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan on Verizon

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

If you're tired of overpaying for unlimited data, Visible offers an affordable data-only SIM card with unlimited data on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network. With no contracts, no hidden fees, and no surprises, it's a great option for those who need reliable data without extra costs.

For just $25/month, you get unlimited data with mobile hotspot access, making it a perfect fit for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other data-only devices. While hotspot speeds are capped at 5 Mbps, you still get nationwide Verizon coverage at a budget-friendly price.

With eSIM activation, you can set up your plan instantly or choose a physical data-only SIM card if needed. While there are no multi-line discounts or premium high-speed data, Visible remains one of the most affordable data-only options on Verizon's network. Support is online-only.

• Unlimited data for $25/month – Stay connected with no contracts or hidden fees.
• Hotspot included – Use your data on multiple devices, though speeds are capped at 5 Mbps.
• Instant activation – Choose eSIM for immediate setup or get 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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A Total Wireless data-only SIM card gives you 100GB of high-speed data on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network for just $60/month, making it perfect for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other data-driven devices.

With no contracts, no hidden fees, and straightforward pricing, you get fast, reliable internet without long-term commitments.

This high-capacity data plan supports seamless streaming, remote work, online gaming, and more, ensuring you stay connected wherever you go.

While this plan doesn't include unlimited data or multi-line discounts, it's an excellent choice for anyone needing a large data allowance on a flexible, prepaid plan.

• 100GB of high-speed data – Stream, game, and work with a generous data limit.
• Verizon coverage – Reliable 5G & 4G LTE speeds across the U.S..
• No contracts, no hidden fees – A flat $60/month with complete flexibility.

How to choose the best data SIM card plan

1. Network coverage: 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.
2. Data allowance: 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.
3. Hotspot data: 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.
4. 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.
5. Number of lines: With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy 4 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.
6. Bring your own device or buy new: 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.
7. Deals & 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.
8. Perks & add-ons: 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.
9. No contracts: 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 data SIM card plans to ensure you find the best deal.

The cheapest data SIM on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 17GB SIM card

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text
• 17GB data

$15/mo*

*25% Off for 3 Mths

See at Mint Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year

Check out our review of the best prepaid T-Mobile data SIM card

The cheapest data SIM on AT&T

Check out our review of the best prepaid AT&T data SIM card

The cheapest data SIM on Verizon

Check out our review of the best prepaid Verizon data SIM card

Comparing data only plans

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.
• Unlimited plans: If you use a lot of data for browsing the internet, video streaming, listening to music, or you're looking for a hotspot SIM card for tethering, the good news is you can get unlimited hotspot data for half the price.
• Tablets & iPads: You'll find a range of iPad data SIM cards and tablet data SIM cards to help you stay connected.
• Cellular devices: Whether you're looking for a cheap SIM card for alarm systems or a GPS tracker SIM card MVNOs offer the cheapest solution.
• High-speed hotspot data: Ideal for travelers, you can stay connected on your laptop, even if there's no WiFi using cellular networks.

Data SIM cards for international travelers

In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.

Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.

However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.

A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.

Compare the cheapest data only SIM plans

Data only SIM card FAQs

Recap: What is the best data only SIM?

MVNOs offer the best data only plans and can save you hundreds of dollars. With no contracts, you can change or cancel at any time.

Data SIM card guides

• The Best Data Only SIM Card
• The Best SIM Card for iPads
• The Best SIM Card for Alarm Systems
• The Best SIM Card for GPS Trackers
• The Best SIM Card for Tablets

How I choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and plans, I evaluated over 30 different carriers.

I rate carriers in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. I then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

1. Value for money: I 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: I look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. I use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
3. Customer experience: I 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: I assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. I 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: I 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.

I regularly update the content so that we're always recommending the latest and best value plans and do my best to ensure the information is accurate.