The cheapest tablet data plans in December
Are you looking for the best plan for your tablet?
If you're one of the majority of Americans who use these handy portable devices you know how hard it is to find a reliable and affordable cellular data plan.
The wireless industry has undergone a lot of change over the past few years.
We're going to show you how those changes are to your benefit when shopping for a tablet or iPad data only plan.
- US Mobile: Best prepaid tablet plan
- Mint Mobile: Best unlimited tablet plan
- Ultra Mobile: Best 5G tablet plan
- Red Pocket: Best data only plan
- Mint Mobile: Best hotspot data plan
Best tablet data plans
Best prepaid tablet data plan - US Mobile
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4 GB
- Price
- $15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 4GB data only includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 4GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 2GB | $10 | |
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15 | |
0 | 0 | 6GB | $20 | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $26 | |
0 | 0 | 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
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free
Mint Mobile unlimited data only includes 0 mins, 0 texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
0 | 0 | 10GB | $20* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $25* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free |
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 tablet data plan - Ultra Mobile
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 3 GB
- Price
- $19.20/mo** 20% Off 1st Month
Ultra Mobile 3GB data only includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 3GB data for only $19.20 per month. Ultra Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 2GB | $15.20* * 20% Off 1st Month | |
0 | 0 | 3GB | $19.20* * 20% Off 1st Month | |
0 | 0 | 6GB | $23.20* * 20% Off 1st Month | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $31.20* * 20% Off 1st Month | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $39.20* * 20% Off 1st Month | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $47.20* * 20% Off 1st Month |
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 - Red Pocket
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Red Pocket 1GB data only includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 1GB | $10 | |
0 | 0 | 5GB | $25 | |
0 | 0 | 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
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
Best cheap hotspot plan - Mint Mobile
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 10 GB
- Price
- $20/mo** Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free
Mint Mobile 10GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 10GB data for only $20 per month. Mint Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
0 | 0 | 10GB | $20* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $25* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free |
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
Cheap tablet 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 tablet or 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. Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
Best cheap Verizon tablet data plan
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare: cheap Verizon tablet data plans
Best cheap T-Mobile tablet data plan
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare: cheap T-Mobile tablet data plans
Best cheap AT&T tablet data plan
Compare: cheap AT&T tablet data plans
Compare the cheapest tablet plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | 2GB | $10Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 4GB | $15** Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile | 6GB | $23.20** 20% Off 1st Month |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | $30** Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free |
| Red Pocket | AT&T | 1GB | $10 |
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 |
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 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.
Considerations when 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.
How to switch to a cheaper 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
How can I get mobile data on my tablet?
If your tablet or iPad has a SIM card slot then you can get cellular data coverage.
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 US Mobile, Tello and, Red Pocket. They have data plans starting $6 per month.
Recap
There are plenty of options when it comes to finding the right data only tablet plan.
Not only that but the same carriers that bring you great prices on data plans also offer prepaid cell phone plans at amazing rates.
Calculate your data needs, decide which network is best for you, then enjoy your savings!
