The best cheap data plans for tablets from $6

Finding the cheapest tablet data plans doesn't have to be hard work or overwhelming.

MVNOs, also known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators, offer affordable data-only SIM cards for your tablet. Powered by the cell towers of the big three, you'll receive the same coverage at half the price.

With their prepaid plans, you don't have to worry about additional charges at the end of the month, you only pay for what you need.

We've compared the cheapest tablet data plans from all MVNOs below to help you find the right deal for you.

Tello offers the best data only plan for low data users

Tello unlimited data only plan for $10/mo

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

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello provides affordable data-only plans with no contracts, no unnecessary features, and total flexibility-perfect for tablets, mobile hotspots, or secondary devices.

Choose only the data you need with Tello's custom-built plans, and enjoy fast 5G & 4G LTE coverage on T-Mobile's reliable network. All plans come with mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans offering up to 5GB, so you can share your connection when needed.

Switching is easy-activate instantly with eSIM, or request a physical SIM card for a traditional setup.

I also compared Metro by T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Metro requires in-store activation and has higher costs. Ultra Mobile is ideal for international calling but comes at a premium. Boost Mobile offers affordable pricing, though data-only options are more limited.

For fast, reliable data at a fraction of the cost, Tello is a smart choice.

• Custom data plans – Get exactly the amount of data you need, no extra talk or text required.
• T-Mobile's fast network – Reliable 5G & 4G LTE speeds at lower prices.
• Instant setup – eSIM activation in minutes, or get a physical SIM card delivered.

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 unlimited data on Verizon's network for just $25/month, with no contracts, no extra fees, and no long-term commitments.

This plan includes mobile hotspot access, making it a great option for mobile hotspots, tablets, and other data-only devices. While hotspot speeds are limited to 5-10 Mbps, you still get solid performance on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network.

eSIM activation allows for instant setup, so you can start using your plan immediately without waiting for a physical SIM card. While there are no multi-line discounts or priority data speeds, Visible is still one of the best-value unlimited data options on Verizon's network. Customer support is online-only.

• Unlimited data for just $25/month – Get high-speed data with no contracts or hidden costs.
• Hotspot included – Use your data on other devices, though speeds are capped at 5-10 Mbps.
• eSIM activation for quick setup – Sign up and activate your plan instantly without needing a 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

See at Total Wireless

Looking for a high-data plan without restrictions? Total Wireless offers 100GB of high-speed data for just $60/month, giving you access to Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network with no contracts or hidden fees.

Whether you're using a tablet, mobile hotspot, or as a backup home internet option, this plan ensures fast speeds for streaming, video conferencing, and gaming.

Unlike traditional carrier plans, you won't face long-term commitments or extra fees, but multi-line discounts and unlimited data options aren't available. Customer support is digital-first, making it best for users comfortable with managing their account online.

• 100GB of high-speed data – Large data allowance for seamless online access.
• Verizon network – Same coverage with fast speeds for mobile broadband.
• No commitments or surprise charges – Pay $60/month with transparent pricing.

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

The cheapest T-Mobile tablet 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 tablet plans

The cheapest Verizon tablet plan

Check out our review of the cheapest Verizon tablet plans

The cheapest AT&T tablet 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 cheapest AT&T tablet plans

Tablet data plans pros & cons

Pros

• No contracts: It's easy to switch if you find a better internet plan from another carrier.
• Flexible plans: Choose the amount of data that you want to pay for.
• Cheaper for all your wireless needs: Get a cheap cell phone plan, and mobile hotspot features all from one low-cost carrier.

Cons

• Limited availability: Not all MVNOs sell data-only SIM cards. Several do, so you can typically find what you need at a great price.
• Relies on a cellular signal: Mobile hotspots use your carrier's wireless network coverage. So if you're in an area with a spotty signal, your hotspot will be spotty too.

Compare the cheapest prepaid tablet data plans

Tablet data plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best cheap tablet plan?

Getting a tablet data-only plan doesn't have to mean another expensive monthly cost. With MVNOs, there's a range of plans to choose from, and depending on how much data you want, plans can start from as little as $10 a month.

It's easy to choose your plan online and have it sent straight to your door, so you can pop your new data-only SIM card into your tablet and be up and running in no time.

Operating on the same wireless networks means you'll receive access to their 4G LTE data and fast 5G speeds, where it's available, depending on the carrier you choose.

Cheap data plan guides

• The Cheapest Data Only Plans
• The Cheapest Data Plans for iPads
• Best Prepaid Data Plans for Tablets
• Best Prepaid Data Plans for iPad
• 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.