Cheap data plans for tablets
Finding the cheapest tablet data plans doesn't have to be hard work or overwhelming.
MVNOs, also known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators, offer affordable data-only SIM cards for your tablet. Powered by the cell towers of the big three, you'll receive the same coverage at half the price.
With their prepaid plans you don't have to worry about additional charges at the end of the month, you only pay for what you need.
We've compared the cheapest tablet data plans from all MVNOs below to help you find the right deal for you.
Tello 1GB plan: Best cheap data only plan for tablets
US Mobile 4GB plan: Cheapest prepaid data plan for tablets
Mint Mobile 10GB plan: Cheapest 5G data plan for tablets
Tello Unlimited plan: Cheapest unlimited data plan for tablets
Red Pocket 20GB plan: Cheapest SIM card for tablets
Cheap data plans for tablets
Best cheap data only plan for tablets
- 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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello 1GB Data Only | 1GB | $6 |
Tello 2GB Data Only | 2GB | $10 |
Tello 5GB Data Only | 5GB | $15 |
Tello 10GB Data Only | 10GB | $20 |
Tello 8GB Data Only | 8GB | $25 |
Tello Unlimited Data Only | Unlimited | $29 |
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
Cheapest prepaid data plan for tablets
- 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.
| Plan | Data | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mobile 2GB Data Only | 2GB | $10 | ||
US Mobile 4GB Data Only | 4GB | $15 | ||
US Mobile 6GB Data Only | 6GB | $20 | ||
US Mobile 15GB Data Only | 15GB | $26 | ||
* FREE 10-Day Trial | ||||
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Cheapest 5G data plan for tablets
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo
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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB Data Only | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB Data Only | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB Data Only | 15GB | $25 |
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
Cheapest unlimited data plan for tablets
- 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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello 1GB Data Only | 1GB | $6 |
Tello 2GB Data Only | 2GB | $10 |
Tello 5GB Data Only | 5GB | $15 |
Tello 10GB Data Only | 10GB | $20 |
Tello 8GB Data Only | 8GB | $25 |
Tello Unlimited Data Only | Unlimited | $29 |
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
Cheapest SIM card for tablets
- 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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 1GB Data Only | 1GB | $10 |
Red Pocket 5GB Data Only | 5GB | $25 |
Red Pocket 20GB Data Only | 20GB | $40 |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Tablet data plan benefits
There are a number of reasons why Mobile Virtual Network Operators offer the best data only plans. With no contract, their prepaid data plans give you the freedom to choose the best carrier for your favorite connected devices.
Depending on your needs, there are plenty of benefits to prepaid plans with something for everyone, including 5G internet.
- Save money: Get the cheapest tablet data plans from low-cost carriers, with prices half the cost of a plan with one of the big three.
- Same great coverage: There's no sacrificing your coverage with MVNOs as they're powered by the same major networks. You can check your coverage details using your ZIP code.
- No contracts: With no commitment, you're free to change your hotspot or tablet data plan if your needs change.
- Bring your own capable device: If you don't want to upgrade your device, it's easy to bring your own device.
- Customize your plan: Choose how much data you need for your mobile device, from 1GB up to unlimited high-speed data.
Tablet data plan features
- High-speed data: Operating on the main US networks, you'll get access to 4G LTE data along with 5G where it's available.
- Mobile hotspot: Make sure your iPad, tablet, or other connected device has a high-speed data plan so you can use your device as a hotspot when traveling.
- Unlimited data: If you're a heavy data user, there are cheap unlimited data only plans available.
Best cheap tablet data plan on T-Mobile
Compare: cheap T-Mobile tablet plans
Best cheap tablet data plan on Verizon
Compare: cheap Verizon tablet plans
Best cheap tablet data plan on AT&T
Compare: cheap AT&T tablet plans
Best cheap tablet data plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB plan | 2GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 10GB plan | 10GB | T-Mobile | $20/mo |
| Tello Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $29/mo |
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $6/mo |
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
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 |
Cheap tablet data 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 a 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.
Comparing tablet 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.
Switch to a cheap tablet 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.
Bring your own device & save
Tablets and 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 or Android tablet to a new carrier you'll need to make sure that it's unlocked from your current carrier.
Tablet data plans FAQs
Can I get a data plan for a tablet?
Yes, you can purchase a cellular data plan from numerous low-cost carriers.
Who has the cheapest tablet data plan?
The cheapest tablet data plans are available from low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, Tello, and Red Pocket. They have data plans starting at $6 per month.
Recap
Getting a tablet data-only plan doesn't have to mean another expensive monthly cost. With MVNOs there's a range of plans to choose from and depending on how much data you want, plans can start from as little as $10 a month.
It's easy to choose your plan online and have it sent straight to your door, so you can pop your new data-only SIM card into your tablet and be up and running in no time.
Operating on the same US networks means you'll receive access to their 4G LTE data, along with fast 5G speeds, where it's available, depending on the carrier you choose.
