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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.
What is the best prepaid plan for hotspots?
Tello: Best cheap prepaid hotspot plan
US Mobile: Best prepaid BYOD plan
Boost Mobile: Best prepaid data SIM card
Mint Mobile: Best prepaid 5G hotspot plan
Tello: Best prepaid hotspot plan for unlimited data


Tello: Best cheap prepaid hotspot plan
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
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
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
This Tello data only plan includes 1GB data for only $6 per month. Tello internet plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
Tello 1GB data plan: $6/mo
Tello 2GB data plan: $10/mo
Tello 5GB data plan: $15/mo
Tello 10GB data plan: $20/mo
Tello unlimited data plan: $29/mo

US Mobile: Best prepaid BYOD plan
Verizon & T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* 100 Days FREE Trial
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
No international calling
Phone selection
This US Mobile data only plan includes 2GB data for only $10 per month. US Mobile internet plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
US Mobile 100MB data plan: $2/mo
US Mobile 500MB data plan: $5/mo
US Mobile 2GB data plan: $10/mo
US Mobile 4GB data plan: $15/mo
US Mobile 6GB data plan: $20/mo
US Mobile 15GB data plan: $26/mo

Boost Mobile: Best prepaid data SIM card
AT&T & T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* $15 for 3 months service
Nationwide coverage on AT&T & T-Mobile
5G & 4G LTE data speeds
Buy online and no credit checks
Bring your own phone
Cheapest unlimited data plan
No data only plans
This Boost Mobile data only plan includes 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile internet plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
Boost Mobile 5GB data plan: $5/mo
Boost Mobile 1GB data plan: $8/mo
Boost Mobile 2GB data plan: $10/mo
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan: $12.50/mo
Boost Mobile 15GB data plan: $20/mo

Mint Mobile: Best prepaid 5G hotspot plan
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* Only $45 for 3 Months
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
This Mint Mobile data only plan includes 15GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile internet plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
Mint Mobile 20GB data plan: $15/mo
Mint Mobile 15GB data plan: $15/mo
Mint Mobile 5GB data plan: $15/mo

Tello: Best prepaid hotspot plan for unlimited data
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
What are the benefits of prepaid hotspot plans?
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 wireless networks, you can expect the coverage you know and love.
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.
The best prepaid hotspot plan on T-Mobile
0 mins
0 texts
15GB
4G/5G data
$15 /mo*
$20/mo
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $615 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 |
15GB |
$20/mo |
$225/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$50/mo |
$615/yr |
Check out our review of the best prepaid T-Mobile hotspot plans
The best prepaid hotspot plan on AT&T
0 mins
0 texts
5GB
4G/5G data
$5 /mo*
$15/mo
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $750 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T |
AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$75/mo |
$900/yr |
Boost Mobile |
AT&T 4G & 5G |
5GB |
$15/mo |
$150/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$60/mo |
$750/yr |
Check out our review of the best prepaid AT&T hotspot plans
The best prepaid hotspot plan on Verizon
0 mins
0 texts
6GB
4G/5G data
$20 /mo
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $720 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 |
6GB |
$20/mo |
$240/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$60/mo |
$720/yr |
Check out our review of the best prepaid Verizon hotspot plans
Network 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 RootScore 2022 report
When it comes to 5G network coverage, T-Mobile scores the highest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.
Carrier customer service comparison
CARRIER |
TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
---|---|
4.8 |
|
4.4 |
|
4.4 |
|
1.5 |
|
1.3 |
|
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.
Cheapest prepaid mobile hotspot plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 2GB |
$10/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | 5GB |
$15/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 15GB |
$20/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 20GB |
$25/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/mo |
How to switch to a cheap 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. Ensure your old bills are paid, 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 an 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 phone, you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send you in the post.
How we picked the best prepaid hotspot plans
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value prepaid mobile hotspot plans available and ranked them based on various factors.
The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.
We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month, or more frequently as necessary.
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: What is the best prepaid mobile hotspot plan?
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 switchover.
With prepaid plans, there's no lengthy contract, so you can choose to amend or cancel your plan if your needs change.
- Tello: Best cheap prepaid hotspot plan
- US Mobile: Best prepaid BYOD plan
- Boost Mobile: Best prepaid data SIM card
- Mint Mobile: Best prepaid 5G hotspot plan
- Tello: Best prepaid hotspot plan for unlimited data