The 5 best prepaid data plans for iPads in 2023

We compared the best prepaid iPad data plans on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks: Cut your bill by $600/yr.

1. Best free trial: US Mobile 30GB

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 30GB data
  • $350 in annual savings

FREE*

$50/mo
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

2. Best cheap iPad data plan: Tello 2GB

Tello logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 2GB data
  • $828 in annual savings

$6/mo

5 Read our Tello review

3. Best prepaid iPad data plan: Boost Mobile 5GB

Boost Mobile logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $750 in annual savings

$5/mo*

$15/mo
See at Boost Mobile

*$15 for 3 months service

4.5 Read our Boost Mobile review

4. Best data only plan: Mint Mobile 20GB

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 20GB data
  • $675 in annual savings

$12.50/mo*

$25/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*50% Off: $75 for 6 Mths

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

5. Best unlimited iPad data plan: Boost Infinite Unlimited

Boost Infinite logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $600 in annual savings

$25/mo*

See at Boost Infinite

* $25/mo Forever

4.5 Read our Boost Infinite review

6. Best BYOD plan for iPads: Tello 5GB

Tello logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $780 in annual savings

$10/mo

5 Read our Tello review

7. Best AT&T iPad data plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited

Boost Mobile logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $612.50 in annual savings

$12.50/mo*

$25/mo
See at Boost Mobile

*50% Off 1st Mth

4.5 Read our Boost Mobile review

8. Best T-Mobile iPad data plan: Mint Mobile 15GB

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 15GB data
  • $720 in annual savings

$10/mo*

$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

9. Best Verizon iPad data plan: US Mobile 2GB

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 2GB data
  • $780 in annual savings

$10/mo*

See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

10. Best 5G data plan: Tello Unlimited

Tello logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $600 in annual savings

$25/mo

5 Read our Tello review

Cheap prepaid iPad plans in December

Find the best prepaid data plans for iPad with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator like US Mobile or Red Pocket.

MVNOs are low-cost carriers that are powered by the main US networks, so you'll receive the same coverage, but at half the price. So your iPad data-only plan doesn't have to be another expensive monthly cost.

We've selected the best prepaid data plans for iPads below to help find the ideal plan for you.

The 5 Best Prepaid Data Plans for iPads

How to choose the best prepaid iPad 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.


The best prepaid T-Mobile iPad 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

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
T-Mobile T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
Tello T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $300/yr
Savings $50/mo $600/yr

Check out our review of the best prepaid T-Mobile iPad plans


The best prepaid AT&T iPad plan

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$12.50/mo*
*50% Off 1st Mth
See at Boost Mobile

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $612 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
AT&T AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
Boost Mobile AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $288/yr
Savings $50/mo $612/yr

Check out our review of the best prepaid AT&T iPad plans


The best prepaid Verizon iPad plan

US Mobile 30GB plan
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • 30GB data
$0/mo*
*30 Day FREE Trial
See at US Mobile

Verizon vs US Mobile comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $350 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
Verizon Verizon 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
US Mobile Verizon 4G & 5G 30GB $50/mo $550/yr
Savings $25/mo $350/yr

Check out our review of the best prepaid Verizon iPad plans


Compare the cheapest prepaid iPad data plans

Carrier Network Data Price
US Mobile 30GB data plan Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 30GB $0/mo $50/mo
Tello 2GB data plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 2GB $6/mo
Boost Mobile 5GB data plan AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 5GB $5/mo $15/mo
Mint Mobile 20GB data plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 20GB $12.50/mo $25/mo
Boost Infinite unlimited data plan AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $25/mo

Prepaid iPad data plans FAQs


Recap: What is the best prepaid iPad data plan?

Getting an iPad SIM card is simple with MVNOs. You choose your plan online, and your SIM card kit is sent directly to your door. You'll be up and running in a few days.

Some MVNOs offer a mobile hotspot allowance, so you can use your iPad as a separate hotspot device to tether to your laptop when there's no Wi-Fi available.

Operating on the main wireless networks, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, you'll get access to their 4G LTE data speeds and the fast 5G speeds where it's available.

Prepaid plan guides

MoneySavingPro methodology

MoneySavingPro is dedicated to analyzing and comparing hundreds of cell phone plans from over 30 carriers to help you find the best value plan based on your individual needs without sacrificing service coverage.

Contrary to what the big 3 wireless companies would like you to believe - one size certainly does not fit all. Our goal is to help you save money by providing affordable alternatives to the expensive unlimited plans from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

With over 15 years of experience working within the telecommunications industry, we believe that big wireless plans offer limited choice with pricing and fees that lack transparency, often resulting in ever-increasing phone bills and long phone contracts for many of their customers. This is why you won't find recommendations for any of the big 3 wireless companies on MoneySavingPro - even though this actually costs us money.

The carriers we do recommend have been researched and evaluated based on price, coverage, data limits, customer service, and additional features. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive view that balances cost and value, helping you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

We did consider these other alternatives: Cricket Wireless, Total by Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Tracfone, Metro by T-Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, and Consumer Cellular, but we discounted them because we still don't consider these to be good value for money.

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.