The cheapest data-only plans start at $6/mo on major network towers

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The best data plans in September 2026

• 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 value data only plan
• The cheapest T-Mobile data plan
• The cheapest Verizon data plan
• The cheapest AT&T data plan
• Compare the cheapest prepaid data only plans
• Data only plans FAQs
• Recap: What is the cheapest 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 an affordable unlimited data plan on Verizon's network, providing reliable coverage with no contracts or extra fees.

For $25/month, you get unlimited data with mobile hotspot access, making it a great option for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other devices. Hotspot speeds are capped at 5-10 Mbps, but the overall data plan still delivers solid performance on Verizon's nationwide 5G & 4G LTE network.

With eSIM activation, you can set up your plan instantly, skipping the wait for a physical SIM card. While there are no family discounts or priority data options, Visible remains one of the most cost-effective unlimited data choices on Verizon's network. Support is available online only.

• Unlimited data for $25/month – Get reliable Verizon network coverage at an affordable price.
• Mobile hotspot included – Use your data on other devices, though hotspot speeds are limited to 5-10 Mbps.
• Quick and easy activation – Instant eSIM setup lets you start using your plan in minutes.

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 delivers a high-capacity data-only plan with 100GB of high-speed data for $60/month, giving you fast and reliable mobile internet on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network.

Designed for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other data-heavy devices, this plan ensures smooth streaming, video calls, and work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Unlike many prepaid options, this plan offers higher speeds and a generous data cap, but it doesn't include multi-line discounts or unlimited data. Support is available online only, making it ideal for independent users who prefer managing their plan digitally.

• 100GB of high-speed data – Perfect for remote work, online gaming, or high-definition streaming.
• Verizon's coverage – Strong 5G & 4G LTE service for mobile broadband users.
• No contracts, no hidden fees – Flat $60/month pricing with total plan flexibility.

How to choose the best value data only 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 cheap 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 prepaid data plans to ensure you find the best deal.

The cheapest T-Mobile data 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 cheapest T-Mobile data only plans

The cheapest Verizon data plan

Check out our review of the cheapest Verizon data only plans

The cheapest AT&T data 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 cheapest AT&T data only plans

Compare the cheapest prepaid data only plans

Data only plans FAQs

Recap: What is the cheapest data only plan?

Looking for internet access on the go? MVNOs offer a wide selection of data-only plans at a fraction of the cost of going direct to Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.

Operating on the same networks as the big three, you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability. With carriers like US Mobile and Red Pocket, you'll find data-only plans starting at under $10 monthly.

You could opt for a set data plan rather than an unlimited one to save money. After all, unlimited never really means unlimited, and on average, we only tend to use around 3 to 5GB of data per month.

Cheap data plan guides

• The Best Cheap Data Only Plans
• The Best Cheap Data Plans for iPads
• The Best Prepaid Data Plans for Tablets
• The Best Prepaid Data Plans for iPad
• The Best Prepaid Hotspot Plans

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.