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With the best iPad eSIM, you can stay connected even when there's no Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for affordable prices, you'll find a range of plans available with MVNOs like Mint Mobile.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are low-cost carriers that are powered by the same US networks, but they offer plans starting from around $10 a month.
We've compared the best iPad eSIMs below to help you decide on the right eSIM deal for you.
Best eSIM with free trial
Tello 5GB data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
All of Tello's plans are available on eSIM. There are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts, with an option to customize your own plan to your needs. Check out our review about best free eSIM service.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Tello offers clear and affordable plans with the ability to customize to fit your needs. Pay only for what you use by selecting the amount of data, minutes, and texts you need.
- By choosing a fixed data plan, you can save you even more money.
- Plans include free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico.
- Powered by T-Mobile's network for reliable service without the high price tag.
- Quick and easy online activation process with just a few clicks.
Best AT&T eSIM for iPad
Mint Mobile 15GB data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Powered by the T-Mobile network, with a Mint Mobile eSIM plan, you can enjoy the same coverage at a fraction of the cost.
With a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan that offers up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text with all eSIM plans. Check out our review about the cheapest data plans for ipads.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
Cons
- International roaming is extra
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all eSIM plans.
- The unlimited plan has a 10GB hotspot data limit and requires a minimum commitment of 3 months.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- After the initial three months, you can choose from committing to 3, 6, or 12 months.
- If your phone supports eSIM, you can bring your own device instead of buying an expensive iPhone.
- If you're looking for a new smartphone, there are plenty of options available, such as iPhones and Samsung devices. With a 0% finance option over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily track your usage and monitor all plans for multiple lines.
- International roaming is available but at an extra cost.
- Calls to Canada and Mexico are free, but calls to other international countries will have additional charges.
Best T-Mobile eSIM for iPad
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
All of Tello's plans are available on eSIM. There are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts, with an option to customize your own plan to your needs. Check out our review about best prepaid data plans for ipad.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Wide range of plan options
- 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 eSIM for iPad
Total Wireless 15GB data plan
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best byod plans.
Pros
Cons
Best data only eSIM plan
Total Wireless 40GB data plan
- Verizon coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans for ipad.
Pros
Cons
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 | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $540/yr | $420/yr | $600/yr |
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
All of Tello's plans are available on eSIM. There are no hidden fees or lengthy contracts, with an option to customize your own plan to your needs.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Wide range of plan options
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the best iPad eSIM plan
What network coverage do you prefer?
Low-cost eSIM carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a network that already works best for you, you can choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to think so, but the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. So, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's a fair bet your cellular data usage is much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers and stop paying for what you don't use. 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 hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly price?
While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly eSIM plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; big carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are notorious for this.
How many lines do you need?
With big wireless, you only get the lowest 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 further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many prepaid eSIM providers offer financing options and refurbished phone deals.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the fine print, it often reveals unneeded perks and long contracts. Many MVNOs offer discounts for new customers and transparent pricing.
What perks are available with an eSIM?
Most MVNOs offer a range of perks and add-ons that can enhance your wireless experience. These can include things like international calling plans, data rollover, and even unlimited streaming on certain apps. Big wireless carriers may offer similar perks, but they often come at an additional cost. Also, be wary of "free" subscriptions to streaming services. We suggest keeping these services separate to avoid price hikes.
How good is the customer service?
Most eSIM carriers have excellent ratings when it comes to customer support. With smaller customer bases, they are often able to provide more individualized and hands-on support compared to the big carriers. Many MVNOs have dedicated customer service teams that are readily available to assist you with any questions or concerns.
What international features are available?
Most eSIM carriers offer free international calls to many countries. If this is high on your priority list, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this feature. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a provider that includes this. For international travel, checking the carrier's mobile data roaming availability is vital to avoid unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.
Do they have parental controls?
Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.
Check out our comparison of the best prepaid eSIM plans to ensure you find the best deal.
Best iPad eSIM on T-Mobile
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- No talk and text
- 15GB data
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 | ||
Compare: T-Mobile iPad eSIM plans
Best iPad eSIM on Verizon
Compare: Verizon iPad eSIM plans
Best iPad X eSIM on AT&T
Compare: AT&T iPad eSIM plans
Cheapest iPad eSIM plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 5GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $19/mo |
| Mint Mobile 20GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $15/mo |
| Total Wireless 40GB data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 40GB | $40/mo |
| Visible unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $35/mo |
iPad eSIM FAQs
Mint Mobile, US Mobile, and PureTalk are some of the MVNOs offering eSIMs along with all three major networks, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Some of the prepaid carriers that currently offer eSIM are Mint Mobile, Visible, and US Mobile.
Recap: What is the best eSIM for the Apple iPad?
There's no need to worry about additional monthly payments leaving you out of pocket, as you could save up to $600 a year on your iPad plan with an MVNO.
eSIMs make it even easier to switch carriers; there's no more waiting for a physical SIM to be delivered. Once you've picked your plan online, you'll be sent a QR code for instant connectivity.
MVNOs offer prepaid plans, so you can say goodbye to long-term contracts and only pay for what you really need.
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