10 cheap hotspot plans: Starting at $6

We compared the cheapest hotspot plans on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks: Cut your bill by $600/yr.

1. Best cheap data plan with free trial: US Mobile Unlimited

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $400 in annual savings

FREE*

$50/mo
See at US Mobile

* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

2. Best cheap data plan: Tello 2GB

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

$10/mo

5 Read our Tello review

3. Best prepaid 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 eSIM data 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 Service

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

5. Best unlimited data only 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. Tello 5GB

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

$15/mo

5 Read our Tello review

7. 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 First Month

4.5 Read our Boost Mobile review

8. 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 Service

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

9. 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

* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

10. Tello Unlimited

Tello logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $552 in annual savings

$29/mo

5 Read our Tello review

Cheapest mobile hotspot plans in December

Are you looking for the cheapest data plan for a mobile hotspot? At MoneySavingPro, our priority is to save you money, that's why we love Mobile Virtual Network Operators.

Also known as MVNOs, these low-cost carriers offer data plans starting under $10 per month and are powered by the main US networks, so you don't have to give up coverage that you love.

Data-only plans are great for peace of mind when you're traveling, so you know you'll always have access to the internet and below are some of the best deals to help you find the right plan for you.

10 Cheap Hotspot Plans

How to choose the best value hotspot 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 cheapest T-Mobile hotspot plan

Tello unlimited data plan
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • No talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$29/mo
See at Tello

T-Mobile vs Tello comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $552 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 $29/mo $348/yr
Savings $46/mo $552/yr

Check out our review of the cheapest T-Mobile hotspot plans


The cheapest Verizon hotspot plan

US Mobile unlimited data plan
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$0/mo*
* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
See at US Mobile

Verizon vs US Mobile comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $400 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 Unlimited $50/mo $500/yr
Savings $25/mo $400/yr

Check out our review of the cheapest Verizon hotspot plans


The cheapest AT&T hotspot 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 First Month
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 cheapest AT&T hotspot plans


Compare the cheapest prepaid hotspot plans

Carrier Network Data Price
US Mobile unlimited data plan Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $0/mo $50/mo
Tello 2GB data plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 2GB $10/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

Cheap hotspot plans FAQs


Recap: What is the best cheap hotspot plan?

Finding the best prepaid hotspot plan doesn't have to be overwhelming. With MVNOs, there's a variety of plans to suit all needs and budgets.

Customize your plan or go for unlimited data, with MVNOs, you have plenty of options to choose from.