Need internet service for your tablets or other mobile devices? Don't want to leave your reliable network?
We've got the perfect solution to help you save money on an internet plan for your Wi-Fi hotspot and other compatible devices.
Whether it's streaming video or taking your work on the go, data only plans keep you connected wherever and whenever.
| Best prepaid data plan | US Mobile |
| Best unlimited data plan | Mint Mobile |
| Best 5G data plan | Ultra Mobile |
| Best tablet data plan | Red Pocket |
| Best hotspot data plan | Mint Mobile |
Best cheap prepaid data only plan
- 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 unlimited data only plan
- 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 data plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 3 GB
- Price
- $24/mo
This Ultra Mobile data only plan includes 3GB data for only $24 per month. Ultra Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 2GB | $19 | |
0 | 0 | 3GB | $24 | |
0 | 0 | 6GB | $29 | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $39 | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $49 | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $59 |
Pros
Simple account dashboard
Unlimited international talk and text
Nationwide coverage
Cons
Customer service
Benefits
Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile
Mobile hotspot use supported
Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries
International roaming credits available in $5, $10, or $20 denominations
International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations
Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day
Best tablet data plan
- 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
Best hotspot data plan
- 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
The best cheap data only plans
Cheap data only plan benefits
We love smaller wireless companies called MVNOs. because of their cheap cell phone plans. But did you know low cost carriers are also great for your data only devices?
Yup, it's true. If you're looking for AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon data only plans you'll save money by going with a smaller carrier.
Choose an affordable monthly plan with no minutes or texts, all without giving up your favorite network.
- Nationwide coverage: Smaller wireless carriers operate on the very same networks as the major carriers. Their service plans provide the same network coverage you're used to.
- High speed data: Because you'll be on the big 4G LTE networks you won't sacrifice speed either. Plus, MVNOs usually offer 5G at no extra cost, including ultra wideband where available.
- Much lower prices: Smaller carriers don't have the huge overhead costs associated with brick and mortar stores. So you get cheaper prices on data only plans for tablets and other compatible devices.
- No contracts: MVNOs sell no contract plans. Switch any time you find a better deal.
- Bring your own device: Already have a mobile hotspot? No problem, you can bring your own device.
- Customize your plan: Stop overpaying for data you don't need. Get anywhere from 1GB to 20GB of high speed data per month. You can even set up your hotspot or tablet with unlimited data.
- Great customer service: MVNOs outshine their larger counterparts when it comes to customer support ratings.
Best cheap T-Mobile data only plan
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare the best cheap T-Mobile data only plans
Best cheap Verizon data only plan
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare the best cheap Verizon data only plans
Best cheap AT&T data only plan
Compare the best cheap AT&T data only plans
Compare cheap data only 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 coverage comparison
Which prepaid data only plan is best for you? That depends on which network has the best coverage in your area.
Network performance ratings
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
Carrier customer service comparison
Wondering about customer support with a smaller company? On average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the major carriers. Check out the comparison chart below:
| 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 data only plans
Price is just one factor to consider when shopping for a data only plan for laptops, tablets or WiFi hotspot devices.
- Coverage: Data only SIM cards give you an internet connection over a cellular network. So you want to make sure you pick the one with the best coverage in your area. All three major networks have pretty solid nationwide coverage. For the best rural network coverage look at smaller carriers that offer Verizon data only plans. In urban areas T-Mobile data only plans offer great service and extensive 5G coverage.
- Speed: You need your plan to keep up with your demanding data only devices. With a mobile internet plan on one of the major 4G LTE networks you shouldn't have any issues with speed. The only time you might run into a problem is if you run out of high speed data. Even unlimited data only plans usually have a data cap. Once you've hit it you might experience 2G or 3G data speeds for the rest of the billing cycle.
- Data allowance: Low cost carriers are known for their flexibility. Customize your plan to fit your needs, whether that's 1GB or 20GB of high speed data per month. You can get unlimited tablet data, just keep in mind that unlimited doesn't mean unlimited at 4G and 5G speeds. It's simple to add more high speed data if you need to though.
How to switch to a cheaper data only plan
Don't worry if you've already got a data only plan. Switching is simple.
- Pick a plan. Consider how many connected devices you have and then choose the amount of data you need. Not sure? Get a clearer picture with our data usage calculator.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your current account is paid up and in good standing. If you're bringing a mobile hotspot device with you, make sure it's unlocked to use on another carrier.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your new one is ready to go. You'll get a data only SIM card from your new provider. Follow their instructions to activate your new plan.
Data only plans FAQS
Can you buy a data only plan?
Yes you can buy a data only plan to use with tablets or other mobile devices so you have access to the internet without Wi-Fi.
Who has the best data only plan?
The best value data only plans are available from MVNOs operating on the main US networks. Carriers such as Red Pocket Mobile and US Mobile offer prepaid plans.
Who has the best unlimited data plan?
Tello offers one of the best value data plans. As an MVNO they provide the same coverage as the major US networks they operate on, but plans are half the price. However unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to read the fine print.
Recap
Simplify your life and save hundreds by switching to a cheaper carrier. Keep your network, lose the contracts and hassles.
Compare data only plans to find the best fit for your devices and budget. Save even more money by consolidating all your needs in one place with a customized cell phone plan.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 US Mobile | Best prepaid data plan | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best unlimited data plan | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | Best 5G data plan | 0 | 0 | 3GB | $24/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best tablet data plan | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Best hotspot data plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20/mo |
