Looking for the best 5G Internet plan? With MVNOs you'll find a great selection of data only plans with a range of data limits including unlimited.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are alternative carriers that are powered by the main US networks, offer all the same perks, but with plans starting as low as $5 per month. You could save yourself up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill with one of their low-cost plans.
We've broken down some of the best 5G data only plans below including pros and cons to help you find the best deal for you.
| Prepaid 5G internet | US Mobile |
| Unlimited 5G internet | Mint Mobile |
| Tablet 5G internet | US Mobile |
| Hotspot 5G internet | Mint Mobile |
| Cheap 5G internet | Red Pocket |
Best prepaid 5G internet service
- 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 5G internet service for unlimited
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Only $90 for 3 Months Service
This Mint Mobile data only plan includes unlimited data for only $30 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 5G internet service for tablets
- 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 5G internet service for hotspots
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** Only $60 for 3 Months Service
This Mint Mobile data only plan includes 10GB data for only $20 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 cheap 5G internet service
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10/mo
This Red Pocket data only plan includes 1GB data for only $10 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
Cheapest 5G home internet in 2022
5G internet service benefits
Mobile Virtual Network Operators offer affordable prices to get access to faster data speeds with their 5G internet plans.
Whether you're looking for 5G home internet or 5G internet on the go, there's something for everyone with a range of benefits.
- Save money: Wireless providers offer cheap data only plans that can reduce your phone bill by up to $600 a year.
- Good coverage: Using the same networks as the three main providers, you'll get the coverage reliability that you're used to.
- No commitment: No annual contract means no early termination fees if you want to amend your plan or changes carriers, you can cancel at any time.
- Custom plans: Pick how much data you want, ranging from 1GB up to unlimited.
5G internet features
- 5G home internet: For qualifying customers, 5G wireless could be ideal if you're in a rural area and could be a competitor to satellite internet.
- 4G LTE data speeds: If 5G is unavailable in your area, you'll get access to their high-speed 4G LTE data speeds.
- Unlimited data: If you're a heavy data user, you can get an unlimited data plan at half the cost compared with one from one of the big three.
Best 5G internet service on T-Mobile
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare: T-Mobile 5G internet service plans
Best 5G internet service on Verizon
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare: Verizon 5G internet service plans
Best 5G internet service on AT&T
Compare: AT&T 5G internet service plans
Cheapest 5G internet service plans
| Carrier | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB data only plan | 1GB | $6 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB data only plan | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile 6GB data only plan | 6GB | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile 15GB data only plan | 15GB | $25** Only $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello unlimited data only plan | Unltd | $29 |
Carrier customer service
As you can see in the comparison chart below smaller carriers crush the competition in terms of customer service:
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Tello | 4.6 |
| US Mobile | 4.6 |
| Red Pocket Mobile | 4.5 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
Comparing 5G internet service plans
Price is just one aspect of choosing a data only plan for laptops, tablets or mobile hotspot devices.
- Coverage: All three major networks now have some form of 5G coverage. T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G network, with AT&T coming in second and Verizon bringing up the rear. With 5G availability changing so quickly it's important to check the carrier's 5G coverage map to see how they measure up in your area.
- Speed: 5G speeds can vary quite a bit. For the most part you'll experience at least twice the speeds of 4G LTE data. In the few locations where ultra wideband (or mmWave) 5G is available you can get up to 10x times those speeds. Keep in mind that mmWave is still very sparse and only available in very localized areas, like big buildings and stadiums.
- Data allowance: Some MVNO monthly plans offer up to 20GB of high-speed data. Others have unlimited data only plans. Choose the provider that gives you the best fit. Most carriers make it easy to add more data if you run out before the billing cycle is over. Also bear in mind that unlimited data only plans aren't really unlimited. There's usually a data cap and when you reach it you'll be slowed to 3G speeds or lower.
- Device compatibility: In order to get the fastest wireless for your data only devices they need to be compatible with 5G technology. Just like with 5G cell phones there are now 5G compatible devices available like 5G tablets and mobile hotspot devices.
Switch to a cheap 5G internet service
Even if you already have a 5G data only plan switching is easy when you're ready to save money.
- Customize your plan. Pick a plan that fits your usage instead of overpaying for data you won't use. Not sure how much you need? Our data usage calculator can help with that.
- Prepare for the switch. If you already have a data only plan make sure your bill is paid off. Any mobile hotspot devices you own should be unlocked for use with another carrier.
- Set up your new plan. You'll get a data only SIM card from your new provider, either in the mail or from a store. Simply pop it into your tablet or mobile hotspot and follow the carrier's instructions to activate it.
5G internet service FAQs
Who has the best 5G service?
The best value 5G prepaid plans are available from MVNOs running on the main US networks like Tello and Mint Mobile. They give you access to the same 5G coverage where available while cutting the cost of your phone bill.
Who offers 5G internet service?
All three major networks, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer 5G. However coverage depends on the area you're in.
Which carrier has the fastest 5G service?
T-Mobile has the fastest 5G, with AT&T coming in second and Verizon third.
Recap
Data only plans are ideal if you travel or are away from home and want the peace of mind knowing you can access the internet, and MVNOs can save you hundreds of dollars.
Operating on the three major networks, you'll get access to 5G where it's available depending on the network you choose.
You could save further money by estimating your monthly data usage. On average we only use around 3 to 5GB of data per month, so could you choose a set data plan rather than unlimited? Unlimited never really means unlimited, and with a data cap that once reached your speeds will be slowed considerably.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 US Mobile | Prepaid 5G internet | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Unlimited 5G internet | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30/mo |
| US Mobile | Tablet 5G internet | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Hotspot 5G internet | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20/mo |
 Red Pocket | Cheap 5G internet | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $10/mo |
