The best prepaid data plans for tablets in 2025

Looking for the best prepaid data plans for tablets? You've come to the right place.

At MoneySavingPro we like to save you money, and that's why we love Mobile Virtual Network Operators, also known as MVNOs.

With no long-term contracts and operating on the same US networks, you'll find affordable data plans for tablets without any sacrifice.

Keep reading to find the best prepaid data plans for tablets to help you find the right deal for you.

Tello offers the best data only plan for low data users

Tello unlimited data only plan for $10/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text with 5GB data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello offers affordable, no-contract data-only plans, letting you stay connected with high-speed access on T-Mobile's 5G & 4G LTE network.

With completely customizable plans, you can pick the exact data amount you need-whether for light browsing or heavy streaming. Every plan includes mobile hotspot access, with a 5GB limit on unlimited plans, so you can share your data when necessary.

Getting started is hassle-free-you can activate your plan instantly with eSIM, or order a physical SIM card to be shipped to your door.

I compared Metro by T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Metro requires in-store activation and is more expensive. Ultra Mobile has great international calling perks, but its pricing is higher. Boost Mobile offers solid rates, though data-only options are more restricted.

For cost-effective, flexible data-only plans with no hidden fees, Tello is a top pick.

• Data-only plans on your terms – Pick the exact amount of data you need without paying for talk and text.
• Reliable T-Mobile coverage – Enjoy fast 5G & 4G LTE speeds at a lower price.
• Quick, easy setup – Activate instantly with eSIM, or have a SIM card shipped for convenience.

Visible offers the best unlimited data only plan

Visible unlimited data only plan for $25/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text with unlimited data
• Instant online activation

3.4

Read our Visible review

See at Visible

Visible makes unlimited data simple and affordable, offering one of the lowest-priced unlimited data plans on Verizon's network.

For $25/month, you get unlimited data and mobile hotspot access, making it an excellent option for tablets, mobile hotspots, and other connected devices. Hotspot speeds are capped at 5-10 Mbps, but you still benefit from nationwide coverage on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network.

With eSIM activation, you can get started instantly, avoiding the hassle of waiting for a SIM card. There are no multi-line discounts or premium priority data, but Visible remains one of the best budget-friendly choices for unlimited data. Customer support is available online only.

• Unlimited data for just $25/month – Reliable access to Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network with no hidden fees.
• Hotspot included – Connect other devices, though speeds are limited to 5-10 Mbps.
• Instant eSIM setup – Skip the wait and start using your plan immediately.

Total Wireless offers the best 100GB data only plan

Total Wireless 100GB data plan for $50/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text with 100GB data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Total Wireless review

See at Total Wireless

Total Wireless provides a budget-friendly 100GB data-only plan for $60/month, giving you reliable access to Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network without a contract.

It's a great fit for tablets, mobile hotspots, and users who need extra data for remote work, travel, or entertainment.

With no hidden fees or commitments, you can use the plan as needed and cancel anytime. However, multi-line discounts and unlimited options aren't available, and support is online-based.

• 100GB of high-speed data – A generous data plan for work, travel, and entertainment.
• Fast, reliable connection – Powered by Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network.
• No contracts or hidden fees – Just $60/month with no extra costs.

How to choose the best prepaid tablet data plan

What network coverage do you prefer?

Low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile boasts the fastest 5G speeds, according to this Opensignal 5G experience report 2023. If there's a particular network you prefer, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best carrier coverage in your area.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely you won't use a lot of data for things like video streaming, and your usage will be much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning you can pay less if you use less data. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.

Is hotspot data included?

Most carriers allow mobile hotspot use but have a data cap on the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers offer specific mobile hotspot plans.

What's the monthly price?

While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, MVNOs offer the best prepaid data plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers include these in the price, whereas the major providers, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.

How many lines do you need?

With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer additional discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own device or buy a new one?

While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant device upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own device. This means you take back control and only change your device when it suits you.

Are there any promotions?

Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the fine print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year contracts. Many MVNOs offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.

What perks are included?

Most big wireless plans include "free" TV subscriptions; however, these usually turn into a paid subscription that is automatically added to your bill a few months down the line. A few low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, do offer plan options with free subscription services, but we generally recommend keeping these subscriptions separate so you don't end up paying for things you don't need.

How long is the contract?

Low-cost carriers have no contracts, offering more flexibility. However, some, like Mint Mobile, require you to sign up for a 3-month plan minimum, but their cheap data plans still offer better value for money than the big 3 wireless carriers.

Compare the best cheap data plans to ensure you find the best deal.

The best prepaid T-Mobile tablet plan

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text
• Unlimited data

$25/mo

See at Tello

T-Mobile vs Tello comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Check out our review of the best prepaid T-Mobile tablet plans

The best prepaid Verizon tablet plan

Check out our review of the best prepaid Verizon tablet plans

The best prepaid AT&T tablet plan

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan

• AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
• Unlimited talk and text
• Unlimited data

$25/mo

See at Boost Mobile

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Check out our review of the best prepaid AT&T tablet plans

Compare the cheapest prepaid tablet plans

Tablet plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best prepaid tablet data plan?

Depending on how much data you need, there's a range of plans to choose from starting as low as $10 a month.

Some low-cost carriers offer mobile hotspot services so you can use your mobile device to tether to your laptop when you're away from home.

Powered by the same wireless networks means, you'll have access to their coverage, including the fast 5G speeds, where it's available.

Prepaid plan guides

• The best prepaid phone plans for 2025
• The Best Prepaid Unlimited Data Plans
• The best prepaid family phone plans for 2025
• The best no contract phone plans for 2025
• Cheap prepaid phone plans for 2025
• Best Prepaid Data Plans for Tablets
• Best Prepaid Data Plans for iPad
• Best Prepaid Hotspot Plans

How we choose the best providers and data plans

To select the best carriers and data plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

1. Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
3. Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
5. Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.

We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.