The best mobile hotspot plans in 2025

You don't always have access to Wi-Fi when you need it.

There are times you may need to log on for work, send a few emails, or access something online while out and about. A mobile hotspot plan makes doing so a breeze.

With a simple pocket-sized device and an affordable mobile data plan, you can hop on the internet on your computer, tablet, or any other connectable device no matter where you are.

Tello offers the best data only plan for low data users

Tello 5GB data plan

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text with 5GB data
• Instant online activation

5

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With Tello data-only plans there are no hidden charges or lengthy contracts, accommodating everyone from occasional to heavy data users.

Powered by T-Mobile's network, this service delivers unbeatable benefits without breaking the bank. You can build your own data-only plan based on your usage, allowing you to save money by choosing exactly how much data you need.

Since it's fully online-based, you can conveniently order your SIM card from home. These low-cost data-only plans are perfect for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspot devices.

• Customizable data plans – Build your own data-only plan based on your usage, so you only pay for the exact amount of data you need.
• Affordable T-Mobile network access – Get reliable high-speed data at a lower cost, powered by T-Mobile's nationwide 5G & 4G LTE network.
• Easy online setup – Order your SIM card from home and activate it hassle-free, making it perfect for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.

Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan

Visible unlimited data plan

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

3.4

Read our Visible review

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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

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

4

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See at Total Wireless

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 for hotspots

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.

The best T-Mobile hotspot 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 hotspot plans

The best AT&T hotspot plan

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan

• AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
• Unlimited talk and text
• Unlimited data

$25/mo

See at Boost Mobile

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

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

Check out our review of the best AT&T hotspot plans

The best Verizon hotspot plan

Check out our review of the best Verizon hotspot plans

Compare the cheapest hotspot data plans

Mobile hotspot vs. tethering

There are two types of mobile hotspot plans available through smaller carriers.

Mobile hotspot

• Requires a separate portable device that provides internet to things like your laptop or tablet.
• It's handy if you need to power multiple connected devices at a time.
• It has its own data allotment, so you don't have to worry about using up your phone plan.

Tethering

• Most modern smartphones have a feature that lets you share your phone data with other devices.
• You need a cell phone plan that specifically allows you to share your data.
• It can be a drain on battery life.
• There's typically a data cap on how much of your phone plan you can use as a hotspot.

Mobile hotspot plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best hotspot plan?

The takeaway from all of this information is that MVNOs are changing the mobile data landscape. You have more options than ever for cheap hotspot plans that meet your needs.

The most convenient way to handle all of your data needs is to consolidate everything into one package.

Rather than purchasing separately, consider building your own data only plan with service for your hotspot device.

Data plan guides

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