Looking for a prepaid plan for your mobile hotspot? We're here to make it easy and help you find the best plan for you.
MVNOs offer low-cost cell phone plans, powered by the same US networks, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile but with data only plans starting from under $10 a month you could save yourself up to $600 a year.
With no contracts, prepaid data only plans give you the flexibility to make changes to your plan at any time and we've compared some of the best for you below to help you choose the best option.
| Cheap prepaid hotspot | Tello |
| Prepaid BYOD plan | US Mobile |
| Prepaid 5G hotspot | Mint Mobile |
| Unlimited hotspot | Tello |
| Prepaid hotspot SIM | Red Pocket |
Best cheap prepaid hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $6/mo
This Tello data only plan includes 1GB data for only $6 per month. Tello 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 Tello review
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Best prepaid BYOD 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 prepaid hotspot plan for 5G
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** 3 Months FREE: $60 for 6 mths 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
Best prepaid hotspot plan for unlimited data
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $29/mo
This Tello data only plan includes unlimited data for only $29 per month. Tello 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 Tello review
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Best prepaid hotspot SIM card
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 20GB
- Price
- $40/mo
This Red Pocket data only plan includes 20GB data for only $40 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
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
Cheap prepaid mobile hotspot plans
Prepaid hotspot plan benefits
- 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.
Prepaid hotspot 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 prepaid hotspot plan on T-Mobile
Compare: prepaid T-Mobile hotspot plans
Best prepaid hotspot plan on Verizon
0mins
0texts
6GB
4G/5G data
$20/mo
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare: prepaid Verizon hotspot plans
Best prepaid hotspot plan on AT&T
Compare: prepaid AT&T hotspot plans
Cheapest prepaid mobile hotspot plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB data only plan | 2GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB data only plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15** 3 Months FREE: $45 for 6 mths service |
| Mint Mobile 10GB data only plan | 10GB | T-Mobile | $20** 3 Months FREE: $60 for 6 mths service |
| Tello unlimited data only plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $29 |
| Boost Mobile 5GB data only plan | 5GB | AT&T & T-Mobile | $5** 66% Off for 3 Months |
Carrier network coverage
| 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
| 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 prepaid hotspot plans
The best way to be happy with your data plan, in the long run, is to make sure all your bases are covered.
- Network coverage: All three major networks have extensive nationwide 4G LTE coverage. Still, you'll want to check out coverage maps to be sure the carrier you choose has the strongest service. There are some variations in 5G network coverage too, so you'll want to consider if that's a major factor for you.
- Data speeds: You'll enjoy 4G LTE data speeds most of the time, regardless of network. Many smaller carrier plans include 5G at no extra cost, where available of course. In order to get 5G hotspot speeds, you will need a 5G compatible device.
- Data allowance: There's a plan to fit virtually everyone's needs. If you do need a truly unlimited data only plan bear in mind there's still usually a data cap. Once you reach this amount your internet connection will be throttled to 2G or 3G speeds. Be sure to read the fine print so you know how much high-speed data you actually get.
- Device compatibility: When you bring your own device to a new carrier you want to make sure it will work on the network. You can check MiFi and other compatible devices the same way you would with your device. Generally, that means entering the IMEI number into the carrier's website to be sure it'll work with your new plan.
Switch to a cheap prepaid hotspot plan
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
Prepaid hotspot plans FAQs
What is the cheapest prepaid hotspot plan?
MVNOs operate on the main US networks and provide the best value for money. With plans starting at around $10 with carriers like Tello and Red Pocket Mobile.
Can I buy a prepaid hotspot plan?
Yes, MVNOs provide prepaid data only plans for hotspots.
Recap
With a range of data only plans from 1GB to unlimited there's something for everyone.
MVNOs provide the same nationwide coverage by operating on the big three networks while saving you money on your cell phone bill. With prepaid hotspot plans you'll have the flexibility to make any changes without the worry of additional fees.
Low cost carriers like US Mobile make it easy for you to bring your own device with a quick and easy switch over.
With prepaid plans there's no lengthy contract, so you can choose to amend or cancel your plan if your needs change.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Cheap prepaid hotspot | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $6/mo |
 US Mobile | Prepaid BYOD plan | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Prepaid 5G hotspot | 0 | 0 | 10GB | $20/mo |
| Tello | Unlimited hotspot | 0 | 0 | Unlimited | $29/mo |
 Red Pocket | Prepaid hotspot SIM | 0 | 0 | 20GB | $40/mo |
