The best SIM Card for Alarm Systems in 2025

We've got you covered if you're looking for an Alarm SIM card for your smart security system.

Using a SIM card in your alarm system works in the same way as a mobile device, it helps it communicate and notify you while you're away from home.

As you'll have to pay monthly for your SIM card, this is where MVNOs can help. These low-cost carriers have cheaper plans but operate on the same major US networks.

We've compared the best low-cost carrier SIM cards for alarm systems below.

Tello offers the best unlimited data only plan on T-Mobile

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 offers affordable, data-only SIM cards, giving you full control over your plan without unnecessary extras.

With customizable data options, you can choose exactly how much data you need, whether for light browsing, remote work, or streaming.

Every plan includes mobile hotspot with the unlimited plan capped at 5GB, and while multi-line discounts aren't available, Tello's pricing keeps additional lines affordable.

Switching is quick and easy-activate your plan instantly with eSIM, or have a SIM card shipped to your door.

I also looked into Boost Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Ultra Mobile. Metro requires in-store activation and charges higher prices. Ultra Mobile has strong international calling perks, but its data plans are more expensive. Boost Mobile offers good pricing, though data-only plan options are more limited.

For budget-friendly, flexible data plans with no surprises, Tello is a top pick.

• Build-your-own plan – Choose the right amount of talk, text, and data for your needs and avoid overpaying for unnecessary extras.
• Affordable, reliable service – Stay connected with high-speed data on T-Mobile's trusted 5G & 4G LTE network.
• Effortless activation – Order online and set up your service in minutes.

Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan on Verizon

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

If you're tired of overpaying for unlimited data, Visible offers an affordable data-only SIM card with unlimited data on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network. With no contracts, no hidden fees, and no surprises, it's a great option for those who need reliable data without extra costs.

For just $25/month, you get unlimited data with mobile hotspot access, making it a perfect fit for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other data-only devices. While hotspot speeds are capped at 5 Mbps, you still get nationwide Verizon coverage at a budget-friendly price.

With eSIM activation, you can set up your plan instantly or choose a physical data-only SIM card if needed. While there are no multi-line discounts or premium high-speed data, Visible remains one of the most affordable data-only options on Verizon's network. Support is online-only.

• Unlimited data for $25/month – Stay connected with no contracts or hidden fees.
• Hotspot included – Use your data on multiple devices, though speeds are capped at 5 Mbps.
• Instant activation – Choose eSIM for immediate setup or get a physical 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

A Total Wireless data-only SIM card gives you 100GB of high-speed data on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network for just $60/month, making it perfect for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other data-driven devices.

With no contracts, no hidden fees, and straightforward pricing, you get fast, reliable internet without long-term commitments.

This high-capacity data plan supports seamless streaming, remote work, online gaming, and more, ensuring you stay connected wherever you go.

While this plan doesn't include unlimited data or multi-line discounts, it's an excellent choice for anyone needing a large data allowance on a flexible, prepaid plan.

• 100GB of high-speed data – Stream, game, and work with a generous data limit.
• Verizon coverage – Reliable 5G & 4G LTE speeds across the U.S..
• No contracts, no hidden fees – A flat $60/month with complete flexibility.

What are the benefits of a prepaid data SIM card?

There's a range of benefits to choosing a cheap prepaid data SIM card from a low-cost carrier, you'll find the cheapest price with an MVNO.

• Lower price: MVNOs offer affordable plans when purchasing a SIM card with one of these low-cost carriers. With all the same options available but at half the price of going direct to one of the big three.
• Same excellent coverage: Being powered by the main networks, you'll get access to the same good coverage.
• No annual contracts: There are no 24 or 36 months commitments or hidden fees with prepaid data SIM cards.
• 4G LTE data speeds: You'll have access to the nationwide 4G LTE data speeds operating on the same wireless networks.
• 5G network: If your mobile device is compatible, you can find deals on 5G SIM cards with low-cost carriers, offering 5G at no extra cost on their data-only SIM cards.

The best alarm SIM card on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text
• 15GB data

$20/mo*

*$60 for 3 Months

See at Mint Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year

Check out our review of the best prepaid T-Mobile data SIM card

The best alarm SIM card on Verizon

Check out our review of the best prepaid Verizon data SIM card

The best alarm SIM card on AT&T

Check out our review of the best prepaid AT&T data SIM card

Network coverage comparison

Source: RootMetrics RootScore 2022 report

When it comes to 5G network coverage, T-Mobile scores the highest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.

Carrier customer service comparison

What is an alarm SIM?

A SIM card, which stands for Subscriber Identity Module, is a small chip you insert into a device to connect it to a cellular network. Because a SIM card will work in a similar way for an alarm system as a mobile phone, utilize one in your security system to let it function as a communication device.

You can use a GSM SIM card, which is a part of the GSM network, to join a cellular network by sliding it into the SIM card slot on your alarm system. Given that the GSM SIM card runs on the GSM network, you'll have the choice between a 2G, 3G, and 4G network, where you'll pay a monthly fee to connect your alarm system and portable devices.

SIM card for alarm systems

If you need to connect your alarm system to a cellular network in the same way you would your mobile phone, you'll need to buy a SIM card and pay a monthly fee for this service.

Whether you opt for a prepaid SIM card or one with a plan, your alarm system will be able to function on your cellular network by using this technology. You'll need an alarm system SIM card to get the most out of your alarm kit, so think of these devices like mobile phones when creating a wireless home security system your family can depend on.

Once you activate your alarm system SIM card and insert it into your device, you'll have a security system connected to the internet.

Compare the cheapest prepaid alarm SIM cards

How to switch to a cheap alarm SIM

Switching to a cheaper carrier is simple.

1. Pick a plan. Consider how many connected devices you have, and then choose the amount of data you need.
2. Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your current account is paid up and in good standing. If you're bringing a device, make sure it's unlocked for use on another carrier.
3. Set up your new plan. You'll get a data only SIM card from your new provider. Follow their instructions to activate your new plan.

Alarm SIM card FAQs

Recap: What is the best alarm SIM card?

MVNOs offer cheap SIM card plans for your home alarm system, so having peace of mind that your home is safe doesn't have to be another expensive monthly cost.

You can use your wireless security 24/7 or just occasionally, but with plans starting as low as around $6 a month, there are affordable options for all.

Data SIM card guides

• Best Data Only SIM Card
• Best Prepaid SIM Card for Hotspots
• Best Prepaid SIM Card for iPads
• Best Prepaid SIM Card for Alarm Systems
• Best Prepaid SIM Card for GPS Trackers
• Best Prepaid SIM Card for Tablets

How we picked the best alarm SIM card

MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value data-only plans available and ranked them based on various factors.

The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.

We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month or more frequently as necessary.