Best Prepaid SIM Card for Hotspots in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Updated October 21, 2024

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No matter how much data you're looking for, the cheapest hotspot SIM card can be found with low-cost carriers like US Mobile.

MVNOs, operate on the same cell towers as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, so depending on the carrier you choose, you'll receive the same nationwide coverage but at half the price.

We've compared the cheapest hotspot SIM card deals from all low-cost carriers to help you find the best mobile hotspot plans.

Best SIM card with free trial

Tello 5GB SIM card

• T-Mobile coverage
• No talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

5GB

data

$10/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best AT&T SIM card for hotspots

Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card

• T-Mobile coverage
• No talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

15GB

data

$15/mo*

$20/mo

See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2

Read our Mint Mobile review

$675 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best T-Mobile SIM card for hotspots

Tello Unlimited SIM card

• T-Mobile coverage
• No talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How T-Mobile compares

Best Verizon SIM card for hotspots

Total Wireless 15GB SIM card

• Verizon coverage
• No talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

15GB

data

$30/mo

See at Total Wireless

2

Read our Total Wireless review

$540 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best data only SIM card

Total Wireless 40GB SIM card

• Verizon coverage
• No talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

40GB

data

$40/mo

See at Total Wireless

2

Read our Total Wireless review

$420 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Visible Unlimited SIM card

• Verizon coverage
• No talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Visible

3.4

Read our Visible review

$600 in annual savings

How Verizon compares

Tello Unlimited SIM card

• T-Mobile coverage
• No talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

How to choose the best value prepaid data SIM plan

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.

The cheapest hotspot data SIM on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• No talk and text
• 15GB data

$15/mo*

*$45 for 3 Months

See at Mint Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year

Check out our review of cheap T-Mobile data SIM cards

The cheapest hotspot data SIM on AT&T

Check out our review of cheap AT&T data SIM cards

The cheapest hotspot data SIM on Verizon

Check out our review of cheap Verizon data SIM cards

Comparing mobile hotspot SIM plans

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.
• Unlimited plans: If you use a lot of data for browsing the internet, video streaming, listening to music, or you're looking for a data only SIM card for tethering, the good news is you can get unlimited hotspot data for half the price.
• Tablets & iPads: You'll find a range of iPad data SIM cards and tablet data SIM cards to help you stay connected.
• Cellular devices: Whether you're looking for a cheap SIM card for alarm systems or a GPS tracker SIM card MVNOs offer the cheapest solution.
• High-speed hotspot data: Ideal for travelers, you can stay connected on your laptop, even if there's no WiFi using cellular networks.

Hotspot data 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.

Compare cheap mobile hotspot SIM plans

Hotspot SIM card FAQs

Recap: What is the best SIM card for hotspots?

With MVNOs, a hotspot data SIM is easy to purchase online and is sent straight to your door.

If you're looking to get an unlimited hotspot allowance, make sure to check the carrier's fine print, as unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited.

With a cheap data only plan, you can use it with your hotspot devices to tether your laptop so you can check emails, browse the internet, and more, even when there's no Wi-Fi connection.

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 choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and 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.