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.
| Best prepaid internet plan | US Mobile |
| Best unlimited internet plan | Mint Mobile |
| Best tablet plan | US Mobile |
| Best hotspot plan | Mint Mobile |
| Best cheap data plan | Red Pocket |
Best prepaid 5G internet
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4 GB
- Price
- $15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
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 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 2GB | $10 | |
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15 | |
0 | 0 | 6GB | $20 | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $26 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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 for unlimited data
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** $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 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 Months Service |
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 for tablets
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 2 GB
- Price
- $10/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
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 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 2GB | $10 | |
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15 | |
0 | 0 | 6GB | $20 | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $26 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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 for hotspots
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 10 GB
- Price
- $20/mo** $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 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 Months Service |
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
- 1 GB
- 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 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 1GB | $10 | |
0 | 0 | 5GB | $25 | |
0 | 0 | 20GB | $40 |
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
The best cheap 5G internet plans
Cheap 5G internet benefits
If you're in the market for a 5G data only plan your best bet is an MVNO. These smaller carriers that sell cheap cell phone plans also help you save money on internet service for tablets and mobile hotspot devices.
Want the fastest wireless internet connection available at up to half off what the major carriers charge? No problem.
MVNO plans offer service on the big three networks without the high prices.
- Same great coverage: Low cost cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the major carriers. Stay on your favorite network regardless of whether that's AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.
- High speed data: No need to sacrifice speed for better prices. You get 5G hotspot data wherever it's available on the host network. Speeds average twice as fast as 4G LTE and up to 40x faster where ultra wideband is available.
- Much lower prices: Most MVNOs operate solely online. Without the high overhead of brick and mortar stores they can afford to sell their data only plans much cheaper.
- No contracts: One of the great things about low cost carriers is that they sell no contract phone plans. Same goes for their data only plans for tablets and hotspots. No commitments, switch any time you want.
- Bring your own device: If you've already got a mobile hotspot like a MiFi you can bring your own device. Just keep in mind that if you want 5G speeds you'll need a 5G hotspot device.
- Customize your plan: Smaller carrier plans offer the flexibility you need. Choose from a wide range of options from 1G to 20GB of high speed data per month. You can even set up your tablet with unlimited data.
- Great customer support: Concerned about customer care? MVNOs get higher overall customer service ratings than the big providers. Read our carrier user reviews before making your decision.
Best cheap T-Mobile 5G internet
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare the best cheap T-Mobile 5G internet plans
Best cheap Verizon 5G internet
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare the best cheap Verizon 5G internet plans
Best cheap AT&T 5G internet
Compare the best cheap AT&T 5G internet plans
Compare cheap 5G internet plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | 2GB | $10Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 4GB | $15** $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile | 6GB | $29 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 15GB | $25** $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Red Pocket | AT&T | 1GB | $10 |
Carrier customer service comparison
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 |
Considerations when comparing 5G internet 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.
How to switch to a cheaper 5G internet plan
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 FAQs
Who has the best 5G plan?
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?
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?
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 | Best prepaid internet plan | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best unlimited internet plan | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30/mo |
| US Mobile | Best tablet plan | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Best hotspot plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best cheap data plan | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $10/mo |
