You don't always have access to Wi-Fi when you need it.
There are times you may need to log on for work, send a few emails, or access something online while out and about. A mobile hotspot plan makes doing so a breeze.
With a simple pocket-sized device and an affordable mobile data plan you can hop on the internet on your computer, tablet, or any other connectable device no matter where you are.
| Best cheap plan | US Mobile |
| Best prepaid plan | Mint Mobile |
| Best unlimited plan | Mint Mobile |
| Best 5G plan | Ultra Mobile |
| Best no contract plan | US Mobile |
| Best data plan | Red Pocket |
Best cheap mobile hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 2GB
- 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 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 prepaid hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free
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 unlimited hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free
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 hotspot 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 | 0.25GB | $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 no contract internet service
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4GB
- 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 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 data only plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $25/mo
This Red Pocket data only plan includes 5GB data for only $25 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 | 0.50GB | $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 hotspot data plans in 2022
Mobile hotspot plan benefits
With MVNOs you can access the internet wherever you are with your mobile hotspot and a data only plan.
You can use your tablet, iPad, or other hotspot devices for video streaming, checking email, or browsing the internet when you're away from home. Depending on your location you'll be able to connect with nationwide coverage from the major US networks; Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
- Lower prices: Save money on your mobile hotspot data with a plan from low-cost carriers like US Mobile.
- No long-term commitment: There's no contract, so you're not locked to one carrier and can change plans whenever it suits your needs.
- Bring your own hotspot device: If you love your current Wi-Fi hotspot there's no need to upgrade, you can bring your own device for easy activation.
- Same coverage: Powered by the same major US networks you can expect the coverage you know and love.
Mobile hotspot plan features
- 4G LTE data: Get 4G LTE data speeds so you can stream video, listen to music or browse the internet even when traveling.
- 5G data: Operating on the same US networks means you get access to their 5G coverage, where it's available.
- Unlimited data: How much data do you need? Get unlimited high-speed data plans for your mobile hotspot at an affordable price.
- Buy online: Low-cost carriers are online-based, making it easy to pick your data only plan without having to leave the house, and get it sent straight to your door.
Best cheap T-Mobile hotspot plan
0mins
0texts
10GB
4G/5G data
$20/mo*
$2.00 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
Compare: T-Mobile mobile hotspot plans
Best cheap Verizon hotspot plan
0mins
0texts
15GB
4G/5G data
$26/mo
$1.73 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $648 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 15GB | $26/mo | $312/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $54/mo | $648/yr | |
Compare: Verizon mobile hotspot plans
Best cheap AT&T hotspot plan
AT&T vs Red Pocket comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $420 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Red Pocket | AT&T 4G & 5G | 20GB | $40/mo | $480/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $35/mo | $420/yr | |
Compare: AT&T mobile hotspot plans
Best hotspot data plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | 1GB | $6 |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | 2GB | $10Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 4GB | $15** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile | 6GB | $29 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 15GB | $25** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
Carrier network coverage
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
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 |
Mobile hotspot plans pros & cons
Pros
- No contracts: It's easy to switch if you find a better internet plan from another carrier.
- Flexible plans: Choose the amount of data that you want to pay for.
- Cheaper for all your wireless needs: Get a cheap cell phone plan and mobile hotspot features all from one low cost carrier.
Cons
- Limited availability: Not all MVNOs sell data only SIM cards. Several do though, so you can typically find what you need at a great price.
- Relies on cellular signal: Mobile hotspots use your carrier's wireless network coverage. So if you're in an area with a spotty signal your hotspot will be spotty too.
Mobile hotspot vs tethering
There are two types of mobile hotspot plans available through smaller carriers.
Mobile hotspot
- Requires a separate portable device that provides internet to things like your laptop or tablet.
- It's handy if you need to power multiple connected devices at a time.
- It has its own data allotment so you don't have to worry about using up your phone plan.
Tethering
- Most modern smartphones have a feature that lets you share your phone data with other devices.
- You need a cell phone plan that specifically allows you to share your data.
- It can be a drain on battery life.
- There's typically a data cap on how much of your phone plan you can use as a hotspot.
Switch to a cheap mobile hotspot 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 tablet 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 mobile hotspot device active until your new one is set up. If you're buying a new Wi-Fi device it should come all ready to go. If not you'll get a new SIM card in the mail or in a store. Just follow your provider's instructions to activate it.
Comparing mobile hotspot plans
In addition to price, the right mobile hotspot 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 laptop and 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 hotspot speeds where available at no extra charge.
- Data Allowance - Your mobile hotspot 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.
Mobile hotspot plans FAQs
Who has the best mobile hotspot plans?
The best hotspot plan is personal to you. There are some great value deals with low cost carriers like US Mobile, especially for light use.
Who has the cheapest mobile hotspot plan?
You'll find the cheapest hotspot plans with a low cost carrier like US Mobile or Tello. Running on the same major networks offering you nationwide coverage but with prices starting from as low as $6 a month.
Recap
The takeaway from all of this information is that MVNOs are changing the mobile data landscape. You have more options than ever for cheap plans that meet your needs.
The most convenient way to handle all of your data needs is to consolidate everything into one package.
Rather than purchasing separately, consider building your own cell phone plan with service for your phone and your data only devices.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 US Mobile | Best cheap plan | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best prepaid plan | 0 | 0 | 10GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Best unlimited plan | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | Best 5G plan | 0 | 0 | 3GB | $24/mo |
| US Mobile | Best no contract plan | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best data plan | 0 | 0 | 5GB | $25/mo |
