Looking to access fast internet speeds when you're away from home? With a 5G hotspot plan, you can connect your laptop to your phone or device using the carrier's 5G network.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs, provide the best 5G hotspot plans. These alternative carriers like Red Pocket or US Mobile have low-cost plans that are powered by the major US networks, so you'll receive the same quality 5G coverage.
We've compared 5G mobile hotspot plans with MVNOs below to help you find the best deal for you.
| Best T-Mobile 5G hotspot | Mint Mobile |
| Best Verizon 5G hotspot | US Mobile |
| Best AT&T 5G hotspot | Red Pocket |
| Best prepaid 5G hotspot | US Mobile |
| Best unlimited 5G hotspot | Mint Mobile |
Best T-Mobile 5G hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/mo** Only $45 for 3 Months Service
This Mint Mobile data only plan includes 4GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Best Verizon 5G hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
This US Mobile data only plan includes 4GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Best AT&T 5G hotspot data plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $25/mo
This Red Pocket data only plan includes 5GB data for only $25 per month. Red Pocket internet plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 500MB | 500MB | $10 | View Plan |
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
3GB | $20 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths | 25GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths | 100GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
100GB | $50 | View Plan |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Best prepaid 5G hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $10/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
This US Mobile data only plan includes 2GB data for only $10 per month. US Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Best unlimited 5G hotspot data plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $15/mo** Only $45 for 3 Months Service
This Mint Mobile data only plan includes unlimited data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Cheapest 5G mobile hotspot plans in 2022
5G hotspot plan benefits
- Lower prices: Save money on your mobile hotspot data with a plan from low-cost carriers like US Mobile.
- No long-term commitment: There's no contract, so you're not locked to one carrier and can change plans whenever it suits your needs.
- Bring your own hotspot device: If you love your current Wi-Fi hotspot there's no need to upgrade, you can bring your own device for easy activation.
- Same coverage: Powered by the same major US networks you can expect the coverage you know and love.
5G mobile hotspot plan features
- 5G data: Operating on the same US networks means you get access to their 5G coverage, where it's available.
- Unlimited data: How much data do you need? Get unlimited high-speed data plans for your mobile hotspot at an affordable price.
- Buy online: Low-cost carriers are online-based, making it easy to pick your data only plan without having to leave the house, and get it sent straight to your door.
Best 5G hotspot plan on T-Mobile
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare: T-Mobile 5G hotspot plans
Best 5G hotspot plan on Verizon
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare: Verizon 5G hotspot plans
Best 5G hotspot plan on AT&T
Compare: AT&T 5G hotspot plans
Cheapest 5G mobile hotspot plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | 1GB | $6 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | 6GB | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 15GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | $29 |
Switch to a cheap 5G hotspot plan
Changing your data only plan is simple and hassle free.
- Pick a plan. Customize your plan to fit your needs. Get just a little bit or set up your tablet with unlimited data.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bill is paid off and your mobile hotspot is unlocked to use on another carrier.
- Set up your new account. Keep your current mobile hotspot device active until your new one is set up. If you're buying a new Wi-Fi device it should come all ready to go. If not you'll get a new SIM card in the mail or in a store. Just follow your provider's instructions to activate it.
Comparing 5G hotspot plans
In addition to price, the right mobile hotspot data plan for you depends on several factors:
- Coverage - Mobile coverage used to be a big deal. Now, all of the major mobile networks boast very similar coverage areas. When you're shopping for a data only plan you'll want to look at the 5G coverage in the locations you'll be using your device. If you travel and need mobile data usage during those times check those zip codes as well.
- Speed - You'll want fast internet if you're powering compatible devices like your laptop and tablet. The good news is that most carriers deliver a 5G connection to enabled devices. This means that if your hotspot device or smartphone is capable of handling 5G data speeds then you will have a high-speed connection.
- Data Allowance - Your mobile hotspot usage will inform your decision as to what data allowance you need to buy. Packages are available in various sizes to meet all data usage needs, from 500 MB to unlimited. Of course the smaller the data bucket the less you'll pay. It's easy to add more data if you run out.
5G hotspot plans FAQs
Will 5G hotspot replace WiFi?
5G is still in the process of being rolled out and is not accessible for some people, so it's not likely anytime soon. WiFi works well to compliment 5G as there are many devices that can connect to WiFi but not cellular.
Does anyone offer unlimited 5G hotspot plans?
There's a number of unlimited mobile hotspot plans available, and you can save money with an MVNO offering plans starting from around $30 per month.
Recap
A 5G hotspot plan can give you peace of mind to make sure you have an internet connection when you're away from home.
As long as you have coverage with your cell phone provider you'll be able to access 5G speeds to connect your laptop or tablet to the internet, even when there's no WiFi.
MVNOs can save you up to $600 a year on a WiFi hotspot plan and operating on the main US networks, they provide you with the same quality coverage.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mint Mobile | Best T-Mobile 5G hotspot | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 US Mobile | Best Verizon 5G hotspot | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best AT&T 5G hotspot | 0 | 0 | 5GB | $25/mo |
| US Mobile | Best prepaid 5G hotspot | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Best unlimited 5G hotspot | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30/mo |
