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If you're looking to bring your own device to another carrier and just want a data only plan that doesn't cost you hundreds every month, you've come to the right place.
At MoneySavingPro we love MVNOs. These low-cost carriers have plans starting from as low as $5 a month, and they operate on the major networks, so you don't have to sacrifice your coverage.
With a BYOD plan, you can choose from a range of data allowances and we've broken down some of the best below.
Best BYOD plans on T-Mobile
Top 3 data plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile data only plan
Tello 5GB 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 byod 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 value prepaid data plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile data only plans have 5G and 4G LTE wireless coverage powered by the T-Mobile network, giving the same great service at a more affordable price.
Their range of data allowances includes an unlimited plan with up to 40GB of high-speed data. By committing for longer, you can save even more money. Check out our review about best prepaid hotspot plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Wide range of data options
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers high-speed data plans with 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage powered by T-Mobile.
- Mobile hotspot access is included with all plans, allowing you to tether your phone to other devices. There is a 10GB hotspot data limit on the unlimited plan.
- A 3-month minimum commitment is required, with 3, 6, and 12-month pricing plans available after the initial period. The longer you stay, the more you save.
- A hassle-free 7-day money-back guarantee is available.
- You can bring your own device and use the Mint Mobile app to monitor usage easily.
- International roaming comes at an extra cost.
Best unlimited data plan on T-Mobile
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.
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
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 | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Best BYOD plans on Verizon
Top 3 data plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon data only plan
Total Wireless 15GB data plan
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Best value prepaid data plan on Verizon
Total Wireless 40GB data plan
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best prepaid hotspot plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
Best unlimited data plan on Verizon
Visible unlimited data plan
- 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 Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  | |  |
| 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 |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot | 1.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $540/yr | $420/yr | $600/yr |
Best overall BYOD 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 the cheapest data only plans.
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
How to choose the best bring your own device 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 AT&T BYOD 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 BYOD plans
The best T-Mobile BYOD 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 BYOD plans
The best Verizon BYOD plan
Check out our review of the best Verizon BYOD plans
Compare the cheapest BYOD plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $0/mo |
| Total Wireless 0GB data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $0/mo |
| Total Wireless 0GB data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $0/mo |
| Total Wireless 0GB data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $0/mo |
| Visible 0GB data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $0/mo |
Bring your own device FAQs
The best value BYOD plans are provided by MVNOS. These low-cost carriers encourage you to bring your own phone, tablet or Wi-Fi device so you can save even more money.
Yes. Without the cost of upgrading your phone or data only device you'll be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars.
Recap: What is the best MiFI plan?
Mobile Virtual Network Operators make it easy for you to bring your own device.
If you're not looking to upgrade to the latest gadget, you could save hundreds of dollars by just purchasing a data only SIM card kit from one of these carriers.
With low-cost carriers like Mint Mobile and Tello, you'll find the best value plans, and there are no contracts, so you have the flexibility to change your plan at any time.
Data plan guides
- Best Data Only Plans
- Best Tablet Data Plans
- Best iPad Data Plans
- The Best Mobile Hotspot Plans
- Best MiFi Plans
- Best BYOD Plans
- Best Prepaid Data Plans
- Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans
- Best 5G Hotspot Plans on AT&T
- Best Data Only Plans on Verizon
- Best Data Only Plans on AT&T
- Best Data Only Plans on T-Mobile
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.