No matter how much data you need, you'll find the best data-only plans from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator who could save you hundreds of dollars without compromising quality.
MVNOs operate on the same cell towers as the main US networks, but with plans at half the price, they offer the best budget option.
We've compared all data-only plans from MVNOs to help you find the best options for you.
| Prepaid data only | US Mobile |
| Unlimited data only | Mint Mobile |
| 5G data only | Ultra Mobile |
| Tablet data only | Red Pocket |
| Hotspot data only | Mint Mobile |
Best prepaid data only 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 unlimited data only plan
- 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 data only plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 3GB
- 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 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Ultra Mobile review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Mobile 250MB - 12 Mths | 250MB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
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 data only plan for tablets
- 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
Best data only plan 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
Cheapest data plans in 2022
Data only plan benefits
With a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, you'll find an affordable price on data-only mobile plans for tablets and other mobile gadgets.
There's a variety of deals including mobile hotspot and 5G internet plans, so you'll find something suitable for everyone. Whether it's for watching Netflix, checking emails, or browsing the internet.
- Same nationwide coverage: Operating on AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon's networks you'll get the same cellular service you're used to. You can find the best coverage in your area with our coverage map.
- Low price: MVNO data-only plans offer a good choice of plans at budget-friendly prices.
- No long-term commitment: There's no need to be stuck in an expensive contract that doesn't work for you. With MVNOs there's no contract, so you can change carriers at any time to make sure you have the best option for you.
- Bring your own device: With technology ever-changing, you don't have to upgrade to the latest device with these low-cost carriers. They give you the option to bring your own device so there's no hefty upfront fee.
Data only plan features
- 4G LTE data speeds: Get access to 4G LTE data internet speed from wireless providers, helping you to stream video, listen to music or browse the internet.
- 5G speeds: With an MVNO, 5G is supplied at no extra cost. As long as your phone is compatible, you can access top speeds where it's available.
- Mobile hotspots: Whether you have a separate hotspot device or you want to use your phone's hotspot, a data-only plan with a low-cost carrier offers the best budget option.
- Unlimited data: How much data do you need? If you're looking to get an unlimited data only plan you'll find a range of affordable options with wireless providers like Mint Mobile.
Best data only plan on T-Mobile
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare: T-Mobile data only plans
Best data only plan on Verizon
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare: Verizon data only plans
Best data only plan on AT&T
Compare: AT&T data only plans
Best prepaid data only 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 coverage comparison
| 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 |
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.
Switch to a cheap 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
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 only 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
With Mobile Virtual Network Operators you'll find a low price on a data-only plan without sacrificing features or coverage.
Data-only plans are a great way to stay connected to the internet using cellular service when there's no Wi-Fi available. Operating on the main US networks, you'll get the same internet speed with 4G LTE data or 5G speeds, where it's available.
If you're looking for unlimited plans, there's plenty to choose from at an affordable price, however, is it truly unlimited data? Make sure to check the carrier's fine print as unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 US Mobile | Prepaid data only | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Unlimited data only | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | 5G data only | 0 | 0 | 3GB | $24/mo |
 Red Pocket | Tablet data only | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Hotspot data only | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20/mo |
