The cheapest prepaid data only SIM in January
Data only SIM cards are ideal for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots. You'll find the best value SIM cards with MVNOs.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are low cost carriers that operate on the same major US networks, but offer discounted cell phone plans. Growing more popular, there's so much choice when it comes to carriers and plans.
At MoneySavingPro we like to take away the confusion and overwhelm, so we've compared and broken down the best data only SIM cards.
Take a look below to find your perfect deal.
- Mint Mobile: Prepaid data SIM
- US Mobile: iPad data SIM
- Ultra Mobile: Hotspot data SIM
- Mint Mobile: Tablet data SIM
- Red Pocket: Alarm data SIM
Cheap data only SIM card benefits
We love Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs. If you're on the lookout for cheap cell phone plans, they're the best route to go down.
Want to stay on the same network, keep your phone and number, plus get greater flexibility?
Yep. You've got it. Forget the major carriers. Plans include everything you need, but come at a much better price with an MVNO.
- Nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big four carriers.
- High-speed data: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you'll get lower speeds.
- Much lower prices: Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
- No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement.
- Bring your own device: You can bring your own device. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
- Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
- Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd!
Best cheap data only plans
Best prepaid data only SIM card
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4 GB
- Price
- $45** $45 for 3 Months Service
This Mint Mobile 4GB SIM kit includes 4GB data for $45 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 Months Service |
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 iPad data only SIM card
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 6 GB
- Price
- $20Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
This US Mobile 6GB SIM kit includes 6GB data for $20 for 1 month of wireless service. US Mobile internet 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 | |
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
Best hotspot data only SIM card
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 3 GB
- Price
- $24
This Ultra Mobile 3GB SIM kit includes 3GB data for $24 for 1 month of wireless service. Ultra Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 2GB | $19 | |
0 | 0 | 3GB | $24 | |
0 | 0 | 6GB | $29 | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $39 | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $49 | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $59 |
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 tablet data only SIM card
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10 GB
- Price
- $60** $60 for 3 Months Service
This Mint Mobile 10GB SIM kit includes 10GB data for $60 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile internet plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 Months Service | |
0 | 0 | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 Months Service |
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 alarm data SIM card
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $10
This Red Pocket 1GB SIM kit includes 1GB data for $10 for 1 month of wireless service. Red Pocket internet 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
Compare cheap data only plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15** $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile | 0 | 0 | 6GB | $29 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 0 | 0 | 15GB | $25** $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Red Pocket | AT&T | 0 | 0 | 1GB | $10 |
Best cheap T-Mobile data only SIM card
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare the best cheap T-Mobile data only plans
Best cheap Verizon data only SIM card
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare the best cheap Verizon data only plans
Best cheap AT&T data only SIM card
Compare the best cheap AT&T data only plans
What is a data SIM card?
A data only SIM card is a SIM card that doesn't come with any minutes or text messages. You only receive data.
Prepaid data SIM cards are perfect if you need a tablet SIM card and you want to go online but there's no WiFi available.
Those who would use a data-only SIM card are mainly those who have a data-only device, like a tablet or a hotspot device. That way, they can access the internet in areas that WiFi is not accessible. For instance, say that WiFi is not accessible in a certain location in Maine, but the 4G LTE network is available.
Someone in need of internet access for business, school, etc. would then be able to secure mobile broadband internet via tablet or mobile hotspot and a bring your own phone plan. That way, the person can connect to the internet and check anything essential.
Data SIM card sizes
There are different sizes of SIM cards. What you need for a SIM card size is dependent on the device you own.
The iPad requires a Nano SIM card. Older tablets might require either a micro SIM card or a standard SIM card.
Most SIM cards are 3-in-1 tricut, meaning that they're one size fits all. Simply cut the card to the size you need to fit the device. Before you buy a device, make sure you know what size SIM card you'll need to activate it.
How to switch to a cheaper data only plan
Don't worry if you've already got a data only plan. Switching is simple.
- Pick a plan. Consider how many connected devices you have and then choose the amount of data you need. Not sure? Get a clearer picture with our data usage calculator.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your current account is paid up and in good standing. If you're bringing a mobile hotspot device with you, make sure it's unlocked to use on another carrier.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your new one is ready to go. You'll get a data only SIM card from your new provider. Follow their instructions to activate your new plan.
Data only SIM card FAQs
Can I get a data only SIM card?
Yes. You can get a data only SIM card which is ideal for tablets and hotspots.
What is the best data only SIM card?
The best data only plan depends on how much data you need and your budget. Estimate how much data you really use so you're only paying for what you need.
What is the cheapest prepaid data SIM?
The cheapest prepaid data SIM plans start at $5 per month. Low cost carriers have a range of data plans so you only pay for what you use.
Recap
MVNOs can save you hundreds of dollars on your data only plan, and with no contracts you have the flexibility to change or cancel at any time.
Do you really need unlimited data? On average we use around 3 to 5GB of data per month, so it's worth checking your data usage to see if you can choose a set data only SIM card.
Data only SIMs use a cellular network to provide you access to Wifi. If you're unsure on the best network you can check coverage using the ZIP code of the areas you plan to travel to.
