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How to choose the best Verizon prepaid hotspot plan
Does Verizon have coverage where you live?
Verizon MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE network. Verizon scores the highest for 5G video and gaming experience, according to this Opensignal 5G Experience Report 2023. If you're new to Verizon, you can use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need a Verizon unlimited data plan? They 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 your cellular data usage for things like video streaming will be much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with the best data only plans, meaning you can pay less if you use less.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Mobile hotspot data usage is typically allowed by most Verizon MVNOs, although there's a restriction on the amount of data that can be used for tethering. The limit varies depending on the chosen carrier and plan, with specific Verizon mobile hotspot plans to compare.
What's the monthly price?
Unlimited plans with Verizon can cost around $75-90 per month, but Verizon tablet data plans range from $10-50 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers include these in the price, whereas Verizon doesn't.
How many lines do I need?
With Verizon, you only get the advertised price if you buy four lines. But with MVNOs on the Verizon network, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Plus, many low-cost carriers now offer additional discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own device or buy a new one?
Do you really need a new device? While Verizon loves keeping its customers locked into a constant device upgrade cycle or offering free phones or device accessories, you can bring your own device to Verizon MVNOs as long as you have a capable device that's compatible with the network.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Promotions from Verizon can seem great at first glance. But once you read the fine print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year contracts. Most Verizon low-cost carriers provide new customers with introductory discounts upon signing up, and their pricing is significantly more transparent.
Are there any free perks?
Many of Verizon's wireless plans come with TV subscriptions that are advertised as "free," but they often convert into paid subscriptions that are automatically included in your bill after a few months. Some budget-friendly carriers, like US Mobile, do provide plan choices that include free subscription services. However, we suggest keeping these subscriptions separate to avoid unnecessary expenses.
How long do I have to commit?
Low-cost carriers on Verizon's network have no contracts, providing much more flexibility. Although some require you to sign up for a 3-month plan minimum, their cheap data plans still offer better value for money than going direct to Verizon.
Check out our Verizon data only plans to ensure you find the best deal.
Compare the cheapest prepaid hotspot plans on Verizon
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible data only plans | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Total Wireless data only plans | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $30/mo |
| Total Wireless data only plans | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 40GB | $40/mo |
| Visible data only plans | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $35/mo |
| Total Wireless data only plans | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 100GB | $50/mo |
If Verizon isn't giving you the best coverage, check out the best T-Mobile prepaid hotspot plans and AT&T prepaid hotspot plans.
Verizon prepaid hotspot plans FAQs
Yes, you can get prepaid hotspot data plans on the Verizon network. The best deals can be found with a Verizon MVNO like US Mobile.
The cheapest prepaid hotspot data plan with Verizon 5G & 4G LTE coverage starts at $5 per month and is available from US Mobile.
Recap: What is the best prepaid hotspot plan on Verizon?
Not all MVNOs offer data only plans, but you'll still be able to find an affordable plan with the data limit you're looking for.
With a range of cheap data only plans, you don't need to buy a flashy new gadget as it's easy to bring your own device.
Low-cost carriers offer flexible and customizable plans, and with no contract, there's no commitment. So if you're unhappy, you can amend your plan or cancel without worrying about early termination fees.
Verizon data plan guides
- Best Data Only Plans on Verizon
- Best Tablet Data Plans on Verizon
- Best iPad Data Plans on Verizon
- Best Hotspot Data Plans on Verizon
- Best MiFi Plans on Verizon
- Best Prepaid Hotspot Plans on Verizon
- Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans on Verizon
- Best Data Only Plans
- Best Tablet Data Plans
- Best iPad Data Plans
- Best Mobile Hotspot Plans
MoneySavingPro methodology
At MoneySavingPro, we're all about finding and sharing affordable cell phone plans that offer the best value for money. We put a lot of care into looking at all the options out there, focusing on what's best for you, the consumer. Our goal is to help you save money by showing you cheaper alternatives to the expensive plans from the big wireless companies.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we intentionally don't include plans from the big wireless networks in our reviews. This is because of their expensive pricing and fees and lack of transparency.
Verizon MVNOs operate on the same Verizon network, and we research each Verizon low-cost carrier with the features and benefits it offers. This includes coverage, easy activation, eSIM compatibility, multiline discounts, and special discounts for specific demographics such as military, students, seniors, and more.
We also examine additional perks like pay-as-you-go options, unlimited plans, kids plans, senior plans, and smartwatch plans, evaluating them for their individual benefits and overall value.
We did consider these other Verizon alternatives: Total Wireless, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Tracfone, and Visible, but we discounted them because we still don't consider these to be good value for money.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content every 3 months. To make sure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
