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Are you looking for an unlimited data only plan for your tablet, iPad, or hotspot? At MoneySavingPro we're here to help you find the best and cheapest deal.
That's why we love Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs for short). If you've not heard of these low-cost carriers, you're not alone, but they're fast becoming the most popular way to get a good value deal on your cell phone plan.
Unlimited data doesn't have to come with an expensive price tag and we've compared some of the best deals with pros and cons to help you find the best data plan.
Best value unlimited data only plan with T-Mobile coverage.
Best overall data plan
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With Tello data-only plans there are no hidden charges or lengthy contracts, accommodating everyone from occasional to heavy data users. Check out our review about best unlimited hotspot plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Wide range of data choices
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Powered by T-Mobile's network, offering unbeatable benefits without breaking the bank.
- Build your own plan based on your data usage to save money.
- Being online-based means you can order your SIM card conveniently at home.
- Cheap data only plans that are perfect for iPad, tablet, or mobile hotspot devices.
Best unlimited plan for tablets
Visible unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited hotspot plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
Best unlimited plan for iPads
Total Wireless 100GB data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited hotspot plans on AT&T.
Pros
Cons
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | Unlimited data | Unlimited data | 100GB data |
| $75/mo | $25/mo | $20/mo* | $50/mo |
| $900/yr | $300/yr | $240/yr | $600/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $600/yr | $720/yr | $300/yr |
How to choose the best unlimited data only 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 T-Mobile unlimited data only plan
T-Mobile vs Tello comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Tello | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best T-Mobile unlimited hotspot plans
The best Verizon unlimited data only plan
Check out our review of the best Verizon unlimited hotspot plans
The best AT&T unlimited data only plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best AT&T unlimited hotspot plans
Compare the cheapest data only plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $6/mo |
| Tello 5GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $15/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
Unlimited data only plans FAQs
Depending on your needs you'll find the best value hotspot plans with unlimited data from MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators. Operating on the main US telecoms network carriers like US Mobile and Tello offer unlimited data at half the price.
The best is personal to what your hotspot needs are, but you'll find the best value with low-cost carriers like Tello.
Recap: What is the best unlimited data only plan?
Mobile Virtual Network Operators can help you save hundreds of dollars on your data only plan.
But do you really need unlimited data? If you can't do without unlimited data, MVNOs like Tello, US Mobile, and Boost Mobile provide a great option. But unlimited never really means unlimited. Often, with a data cap, once reached, your speeds are slowed considerably.
MVNOs make the switch over easy when you bring your own mobile hotspot device. Once you've chosen your plan, you can be up and running within a few days.
Best data plans
- Best Data Only Plans
- Best 5G Home Internet Plans
- Best Tablet Data Plans
- Best iPad Data Plans
- Best Mobile Hotspot Plans
- Best 5G Hotspot Plans on AT&T
- Best Prepaid Data Plans
- Best BYOD Plans
- Best MiFi 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
