| Prepaid iPad plan | US Mobile |
| Unlimited iPad plan | Mint Mobile |
| 5G iPad plan | Ultra Mobile |
| Cheap iPad plan | Red Pocket |
Best prepaid iPad data plan
- Minutes
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- Texts
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- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
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 iPad data plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
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- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 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 iPad data plan
- Minutes
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- Texts
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- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0.25GB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service |
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 cheap data only plan
- Minutes
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- Texts
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- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
500 | 500 | 0.50GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $40 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $50 |
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 iPad cellular plans
Best cheap iPad 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 |
Cheap iPad data plan benefits
Low cost carriers called MVNOs are great for cell phone plans. But these smaller carriers also pack a punch if you need a cheap mobile hotspot plan.
Need an internet service plan for your iPad? Want to save money without sacrificing your wireless network or data speeds?
You've got it. Forget the major carriers. Get T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T data plans at up to 50% savings.
- Nationwide coverage: Smaller cell phone carriers operate on the exact same networks as the big four carriers. Many already offer 5G network coverage where available at no extra cost.
- High speed data: Get hotspot services on the same networks the big providers use. You'll get the same lightning fast hotspot speeds you're used to, ideal for streaming video and playing games.
- Much lower prices: MVNOs have lower overhead costs because most of them operate solely online. That means you pay less for your mobile internet plan.
- No contracts: Low cost carriers don't make you sign contracts. Switch carriers any time you find a better deal on a mobile hotspot plan.
- Bring your own device: No need to buy an expensive hotspot from the carrier. Bring your own device to save even more money.
- Customize your plan: Choose the data only plan that fits your needs. Get anywhere from 1 GB of data per month all the way up to unlimited.
- Great customer support: Customer service ratings are consistently higher with MVNOs.
Best cheap Verizon iPad data plan
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4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
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Compare: Verizon iPad data plans
Best cheap T-Mobile iPad data plan
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0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare: T-Mobile iPad data plans
Best cheap AT&T iPad data plan
Compare: AT&T iPad data plans
Carrier coverage comparison
Which network is best for powering your prepaid mobile hotspot? 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
Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in 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 iPad data plans
In addition to price, the right tablet 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 4G LTE 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 iPad or tablet. The good news is that most carriers deliver a 4G LTE connection to enabled devices. This means that if your hotspot device or smartphone is capable of handling LTE speeds then you will have a high-speed connection. Even better, many low-cost carriers give you 5G data speeds were available at no extra charge.
- Data allowance - Your data 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.
How to switch to a cheaper iPad 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 iPad with unlimited data. Not sure how much you need? Check out our data usage calculator to find out.
- 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 iPad plan active until your new one is set up. If you're buying a new device it should come all ready to go. If not you'll get a new SIM card in the mail. Just follow your provider's instructions to activate it.
Bring your own iPad & save
iPads can cost up to $1,000. The most economical choice is to bring your own device to your new carrier. Benefits of keeping your own tablet include:
- Avoiding monthly device payments or a large upfront outlay
- Getting the most out of your tablet's lifespan instead of creating more e-waste
- Keeping all of your data like photos and passwords rather than having to transfer everything to a new device
If you bring your Apple iPad to a new carrier you'll need to make sure that it's unlocked from your current carrier.
iPad data plans FAQs
How can I get a SIM card for my iPad?
If your tablet or iPad has a SIM card slot then you can get cellular data coverage.
What is the best cellular data plan for an iPad?
Yes, you can purchase a cellular data plan from numerous low cost carriers.
Who has the cheapest iPad data plan?
The cheapest iPad data plans are available from low cost carriers, such US Mobile, Tello and, Red Pocket. They have data plans starting $5 per month.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 US Mobile | Prepaid iPad plan | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Unlimited iPad plan | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | 5G iPad plan | 0 | 0 | 3GB | $24/mo |
 Red Pocket | Cheap iPad plan | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $10/mo |
