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Security system SIM cards don't need voice or text

Alarm system SIM cards on reliable major network towers — from $6/mo, no contract

Our Methodology
15+
Years researching wireless
30+
Carriers tested
Monthly
Pricing verified
50K+
People helped to switch

I'm Rob Webber. I've spent 15 years inside the wireless industry — first running comparison sites in the UK (where phone plans cost a third of what Americans pay), then doing the same here. Here's exactly how I pick the recommendations on this page:

  1. Network coverage first. Every plan runs on AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon's network. If coverage is mediocre, the price doesn't matter.
  2. Verified pricing, not advertised pricing. I check what you'll actually pay on month 1, month 6, and after any promotional period ends.
  3. Contract reality. "iPhone on Us" deals lock you in for 36 months at premium plan rates. I factor in total commitment cost, not the headline monthly number.
  4. No hidden favorites. MoneySavingPro earns a commission if you click through and sign up. This doesn't change which plans I recommend — plans with no affiliate relationship are included on merit. How we make money
  5. Freshness. Carrier pricing changes constantly. This page is reviewed monthly. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Mint Mobile logo
T-Mobile coverage
Unlimited
$30/mo
*50% Off for 3 Mths
Tello logo
T-Mobile coverage
Unlimited
$25/mo
US Mobile logo
Verizon coverage
Unlimited
$25/mo

Our editors independently rate every carrier on five criteria: value for money, coverage, customer experience, transparency, and range of choice. Affiliate relationships never influence our ratings. Read our full methodology →

Quick Summary

Alarm systems need reliable signal, not big data allowances. A smart security system typically uses under 1GB per month — monitoring, alerts, and remote access included. Red Pocket offers prepaid SIMs on AT&T and Verizon towers from $6/mo. Tello starts at $5/mo on T-Mobile for 1GB. Using a $25/mo postpaid plan for a device that needs $6/mo of connectivity is a straightforward overpayment.

Key Takeaways

  • Alarm systems and smart security cameras use minimal data — a standard 1GB or 3GB prepaid data SIM covers most security setups for under $10/mo
  • Verizon and AT&T networks are recommended for alarm system SIMs — rural and suburban reliability is stronger than T-Mobile for security-critical applications
  • Red Pocket (AT&T or Verizon towers) offers prepaid SIMs from $6/mo — the most cost-effective option for always-on security connectivity
  • Dedicated M2M (machine-to-machine) or IoT SIM plans from some carriers offer lower rates for devices with minimal monthly data usage
  • Using a major carrier direct plan for an alarm system ($25–$40/mo) when a $6/mo prepaid SIM delivers identical connectivity is a common unnecessary expense

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


Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan on Verizon

Image of cell phone with Visible

Visible unlimited data only plan for $25/mo

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
  • No talk and text with unlimited data
  • Instant online activation
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

Image of cell phone with Total Wireless

Total Wireless 100GB data plan for $50/mo

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
  • No talk and text with 100GB data
  • Instant online activation
View Plans

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 17GB SIM card
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • No talk and text
  • 17GB data
$15/mo*
*25% Off for 3 Mths
See at Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile on T-Mobile vs T-Mobile

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year

CarrierNetwork Coverage4G/5G DataPriceAnnual Cost
T-MobileT-Mobile 4G & 5GUnlimited$75/mo$900/yr
Mint MobileT-Mobile 4G & 5G17GB$20/mo$225/yr
Savings$55/mo$675/yr

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

NETWORKOVERALLRELIABILITYSPEEDDATACALL
Verizon Coverage9596949694
AT&T Coverage9494959692
T-Mobile Coverage8688828982

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

CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Tello 2GB SIM cardT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage2GB$6/mo
Ultra Mobile 4GB SIM cardT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage4GB$10/mo$19/mo
H2O Wireless 2GB SIM cardAT&T 5G/4G Coverage2GB$10/mo
Tello 10GB SIM cardT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage10GB$13/mo
Mint Mobile Unlimited SIM cardT-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$15/mo$30/mo

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

Cheap carriers such as US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello offer great value prepaid data only SIM cards.

The cheapest data SIM card starts at $6 per month. Low-cost carriers have a selection of data plans so you only need to pay for the data you use.


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

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.

Best plan on AT&T

Boost Mobile vs AT&T plan price comparison

Updated: August 2026

PlanDataBoost Mobile Pricevs AT&T equivalent
Boost 2GB2GB$10/moAT&T 4GB plan — $30/mo
Boost UnlimitedUnlimited$25/moAT&T Unlimited Starter — $65/mo
You save$60/mo vs AT&T

Best plan on T-Mobile

Tello Mobile vs T-Mobile plan price comparison

Updated: August 2026

PlanDataTello Mobile Pricevs T-Mobile equivalent
Tello 5GB5GB$10/moConnect by T-Mobile 5GB — $15/mo
Tello UnlimitedUnlimited$25/moT-Mobile Essentials 2.0 — $65/mo
You save$45/mo vs T-Mobile

Best plan on Verizon

Visible vs Verizon plan price comparison

Updated: August 2026

PlanDataVisible Pricevs Verizon equivalent
Visible UnlimitedUnlimited$25/moVerizon Welcome Unlimited — $75/mo
You save$50/mo vs Verizon

Rob Webber

Founder, MoneySavingPro

I’ve spent 15 years testing phone plans in the UK and US. I’ve personally reviewed over 100 carriers and helped more than 50,000 people cut their phone bill. Every plan on this page has been evaluated against five criteria: value, coverage, customer experience, transparency, and range of choice. Carriers I recommend must earn it — affiliate relationships have no influence on my ratings.

Read my full methodology →