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If you need access to Wi-Fi when you're traveling data only SIM cards can help keep you connected.
With T-Mobile MVNOs, you'll receive the same quality coverage, but their low-cost plans can save you up to $600 a year.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are low-cost carriers operating on the same wireless networks but at half the price. MVNOs have been growing in popularity and are one of the easiest ways to save money on your wireless device bills.
We've compared all data only SIM cards with T-Mobile MVNOs for you to take a look at below.
Best prepaid T-Mobile data only SIM card
Tello 5GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users. Check out our review about best data SIM cards on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Tello SIM cards are cost-effective for all budgets. You can customize your plan based on your usage and select the number of minutes, texts, and data that suits you.
- Check your monthly data usage before purchasing a SIM card, as opting for a set data plan could lead to even greater savings.
- Tello operates on T-Mobile's network, so you can enjoy all its exceptional advantages without breaking the bank.
- There are no discounts for multiple-line purchases, and each line will be billed at full price as an individual line, but it still saves hundreds of dollars due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Ordering your new Tello SIM card is as simple as a few clicks, and it will be delivered straight to you.
Best T-Mobile data SIM card for tablets
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs on the T-Mobile network, allowing customers to benefit from excellent service at a more affordable price. They offer various data packages, including an unlimited SIM card plan with up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text for all SIM cards.
Mint Mobile's clear communication highlights how customers can achieve greater savings by committing to longer-term plans. Check out our review about best tablet data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all SIM cards
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all SIM cards with a 10GB hotspot data limit on the unlimited plan.
- To sign up for Mint Mobile, you need to commit to a minimum of 3 months upfront. After the initial three months, you can choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to upgrade to an expensive iPhone. But they also offer options for new smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.
- Download the Mint Mobile app to easily track your usage and manage multiple SIM card plans.
- One drawback is that international roaming and calls to countries outside of Canada and Mexico come at an additional cost.
Best T-Mobile data SIM card for iPads
Tello Unlimited SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users. Check out our review about best ipad data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$45 for 3 Months | |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 5GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Best T-Mobile data SIM card for hotspots
Total Wireless 15GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best hotspot data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
Cons
Best T-Mobile unlimited data only SIM card
Total Wireless 40GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited hotspot plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
Cons
Visible Unlimited SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | How do T-Mobile plans compare? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|  | |  |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 15GB data | 40GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $30/mo | $40/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $360/yr | $480/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $540/yr | $420/yr | $600/yr |
Tello Unlimited SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the best value prepaid data plan on T-Mobile
- Network coverage: 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.
- Data allowance: 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.
- Hotspot data: 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.
- 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.
- Number of lines: With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy 4 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.
- Bring your own device or buy new: 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.
- Deals & 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.
- Perks & add-ons: 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.
- No contracts: 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 data SIM card plans to ensure you find the best deal.
T-Mobile network coverage
When it comes to 5G network coverage, T-Mobile scores the highest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.
If T-Mobile isn't giving you the best coverage, check out the best Verizon data only plans and AT&T data only plans.
Comparing T-Mobile data only SIM plans
With an AT&T MVNO, you'll find the best data only plans for tablets and other mobile gadgets.
There's a variety of prepaid data plans, so you'll find something suitable for everyone, whether it's for watching Netflix, checking emails, or browsing the internet.
- Nationwide coverage: Smaller cell phone carriers operate on the exact same networks as the big three carriers. Many already offer 5G network coverage, where it's 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: AT&T 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.
SIM cards for international travelers
In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.
Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.
However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.
A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.
How to switch SIM cards
To remove the SIM card from your T-Mobile device, all you need is the SIM card remover tool provided to you when you bought your device or a small paper clip.
- If using the paperclip, unfold it and gently insert the end into the small pinhole in the SIM tray.
- Press gently until the SIM tray pops up, you do not need to use much pressure.
- Pull the SIM tray out gently, be careful the SIM card does not fall out.
- Swap your SIM card over, ensuring you have aligned the SIM correctly.
- Re-insert the SIM tray into the device.
Compare cheap prepaid T-Mobile data SIM plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 5GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $24/mo |
| Mint Mobile 20GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $15/mo |
| Tello 2GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $6/mo |
| Mint Mobile 5GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
T-Mobile data SIM card FAQs
T-Mobile MVNOs offer a variety of prepaid plans. You just purchase a SIM card kit, with no need to upgrade your handset.
T-Mobile MVNO prepaid plans start from around $10.
When you receive your SIM card, pop it into your device and follow the activation instructions.
Recap: What is the best data only plan on T-Mobile?
Do you really need unlimited data? One of the first places you can save money on your data only SIM is by choosing a custom data plan.
On average, we only use around 5GB a month, so by opting for a set data limit plan, you could get more bang for your buck.
Data SIM card guides
- Best Data Only SIM Card
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Hotspots
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for iPads
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Alarm Systems
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for GPS Trackers
- Best Prepaid SIM Card for Tablets
- Best Value Prepaid AT&T Data SIM Card
- Best Value Prepaid T-Mobile Data SIM Card
- Best Value Prepaid Verizon Data SIM Card
How we picked the best T-Mobile data only plans
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value data only plans available on T-Mobile's network and ranked them based on various factors.
The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.
We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month or more frequently as necessary.
