MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
We've got you covered if you're looking for an Alarm SIM card for your smart security system.
Using a SIM card in your alarm system works in the same way as a mobile device, it helps it communicate and notify you while you're away from home.
As you'll have to pay monthly for your SIM card, this is where MVNOs can help. These low-cost carriers have cheaper plans but operate on the same major US networks.
We've compared the best low-cost carrier SIM cards for alarm systems below.
Best SIM card with free trial
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 10 best free SIM cards.
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 AT&T SIM card for alarm systems
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 value prepaid AT&T data SIM card.
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 SIM card for alarm systems
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 value prepaid T-Mobile data SIM card.
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 Verizon SIM card for alarm systems
Total Wireless 15GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best value prepaid Verizon data SIM card.
Pros
Cons
Best data only SIM card
Total Wireless 40GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best data only SIM card.
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 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 | 1.5 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
What are the benefits of a prepaid data SIM card?
There's a range of benefits to choosing a cheap prepaid data SIM card from a low-cost carrier, you'll find the cheapest price with an MVNO.
- Lower price: MVNOs offer affordable plans when purchasing a SIM card with one of these low-cost carriers. With all the same options available but at half the price of going direct to one of the big three.
- Same excellent coverage: Being powered by the main networks, you'll get access to the same good coverage.
- No annual contracts: There are no 24 or 36 months commitments or hidden fees with prepaid data SIM cards.
- 4G LTE data speeds: You'll have access to the nationwide 4G LTE data speeds operating on the same wireless networks.
- 5G network: If your mobile device is compatible, you can find deals on 5G SIM cards with low-cost carriers, offering 5G at no extra cost on their data-only SIM cards.
The best alarm SIM card on T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 15GB | $20/mo | $225/yr |
| Savings | $55/mo | $675/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best prepaid T-Mobile data SIM card
The best alarm SIM card on Verizon
Check out our review of the best prepaid Verizon data SIM card
The best alarm SIM card on AT&T
Check out our review of the best prepaid AT&T data SIM card
Network coverage comparison
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: RootMetrics RootScore 2022 report
When it comes to 5G network coverage, T-Mobile scores the highest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.
Carrier customer service comparison
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| US Mobile TrustPilot score | 4.8 |
| Tello TrustPilot score | 4.4 |
| Red Pocket Mobile TrustPilot score | 4.4 |
| T-Mobile TrustPilot score | 1.5 |
| Verizon TrustPilot score | 1.3 |
| AT&T TrustPilot score | 1.2 |
What is an alarm SIM?
A SIM card, which stands for Subscriber Identity Module, is a small chip you insert into a device to connect it to a cellular network. Because a SIM card will work in a similar way for an alarm system as a mobile phone, utilize one in your security system to let it function as a communication device.
You can use a GSM SIM card, which is a part of the GSM network, to join a cellular network by sliding it into the SIM card slot on your alarm system. Given that the GSM SIM card runs on the GSM network, you'll have the choice between a 2G, 3G, and 4G network, where you'll pay a monthly fee to connect your alarm system and portable devices.
SIM card for alarm systems
If you need to connect your alarm system to a cellular network in the same way you would your mobile phone, you'll need to buy a SIM card and pay a monthly fee for this service.
Whether you opt for a prepaid SIM card or one with a plan, your alarm system will be able to function on your cellular network by using this technology. You'll need an alarm system SIM card to get the most out of your alarm kit, so think of these devices like mobile phones when creating a wireless home security system your family can depend on.
Once you activate your alarm system SIM card and insert it into your device, you'll have a security system connected to the internet.
Compare the cheapest prepaid alarm SIM cards
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $6/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $15/mo |
| Visible Unlimited SIM card | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Tello Unlimited SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Total Wireless 40GB SIM card | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 40GB | $40/mo |
How to switch to a cheap alarm SIM
Switching to a cheaper carrier is simple.
- Pick a plan. Consider how many connected devices you have, and then choose the amount of data you need.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your current account is paid up and in good standing. If you're bringing a device, make sure it's unlocked for use on another carrier.
- Set up your new plan. You'll get a data only SIM card from your new provider. Follow their instructions to activate your new plan.
Alarm SIM card FAQs
Cheap carriers such as US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello offer great value prepaid data only SIM cards.
The cheapest data SIM card starts at $6 per month. Low-cost carriers have a selection of data plans so you only need to pay for the data you use.
Recap: What is the best alarm SIM card?
MVNOs offer cheap SIM card plans for your home alarm system, so having peace of mind that your home is safe doesn't have to be another expensive monthly cost.
You can use your wireless security 24/7 or just occasionally, but with plans starting as low as around $6 a month, there are affordable options for all.
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 alarm SIM card
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value data-only plans available 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.
