Cheap mobile hotspot plans
Are you looking for the cheapest data only plan for a mobile hotspot? At MoneySavingPro our priority is to save you money, that's why we love Mobile Virtual Network Operators.
Also known as MVNOs, these low cost carriers offer data plans starting under $10 per month and are powered by the main US networks so you don't have to give up coverage that you love.
Data only plans are great for peace of mind when you're travelling so you know you'll always have access to the internet, and below are some of the best deals to help you find the right plan for you.
| Cheapest hotspot plan | US Mobile |
| Prepaid hotspot plan | Ultra Mobile |
| Unlimited hotspot plan | Mint Mobile |
Best cheap hotspot plans
Cheapest hotspot data plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $10/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
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
Cheapest prepaid hotspot data 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 | 250MB | $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
Cheapest unlimited hotspot data plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Only $90 for 3 Months Service
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
Cheap 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.
Hotspot data 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.
Cheapest hotspot plan on T-Mobile
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare: T-Mobile hotspot data plans
Cheapest hotspot plan on Verizon
0mins
0texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare: Verizon hotspot data plans
Cheapest hotspot plan on AT&T
Compare: AT&T hotspot data plans
Best cheap mobile hotspot data plans
| Carrier | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB data only plan | 1GB | $6 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB data only plan | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile 6GB data only plan | 6GB | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile 15GB data only plan | 15GB | $25** Only $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello unlimited data only plan | Unltd | $29 |
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 |
Comparing prepaid hotspot data 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.
Cheap hotspot plans FAQs
Who has the cheapest unlimited hotspot?
MVNOs like Tello provide the best value unlimited data only SIM cards for mobile hotspots.
Who has the cheapest mobile hotspot plans?
Depending on how much data you need and which cell phone coverage works best in your area, with a low cost carrier like Tello, Red Pocket, and US Mobile you'll find data only SIM cards starting from around $6 a month.
Recap
Finding a cheap mobile hotspot plan doesn't have to be overwhelming. With MVNOs there's a variety of plans to suit all needs and budgets.
On average we only use around 3 to 5GB of data per month, so do you really need unlimited? You can use our free tool to estimate your data usage and save even more money by opting for a set data plan.
If you decide you do want unlimited data, there's plenty of unlimited hotspot plans with MVNOs you can choose from.
