How to choose the best data plan for hotspots
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 T-Mobile hotspot plan
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- No talk and text
- Unlimited data
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 hotspot plans
The best AT&T hotspot plan
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
See at Boost Mobile
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $612 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 | $288/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $612/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best
The best Verizon hotspot plan
US Mobile 6GB data plan
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- No talk and text
- 6GB data
$18/mo*
*30 Day FREE Trial
See at US Mobile
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $684 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 6GB | $18/mo | $216/yr |
| Savings | $57/mo | $684/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best Verizon hotspot plans
Compare the cheapest hotspot data plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 5GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $15/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
| Visible unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
Mobile hotspot vs. tethering
There are two types of mobile hotspot plans available through smaller carriers.
Mobile hotspot
- Requires a separate portable device that provides internet to things like your laptop or tablet.
- It's handy if you need to power multiple connected devices at a time.
- It has its own data allotment, so you don't have to worry about using up your phone plan.
Tethering
- Most modern smartphones have a feature that lets you share your phone data with other devices.
- You need a cell phone plan that specifically allows you to share your data.
- It can be a drain on battery life.
- There's typically a data cap on how much of your phone plan you can use as a hotspot.
Mobile hotspot plans FAQs
Recap: What is the best hotspot plan?
The takeaway from all of this information is that MVNOs are changing the mobile data landscape. You have more options than ever for cheap hotspot plans that meet your needs.
The most convenient way to handle all of your data needs is to consolidate everything into one package.
Rather than purchasing separately, consider building your own data only plan with service for your hotspot device.
Data plan guides
- Best Data Only Plans
- Best Tablet Data Plans
- Best iPad Data Plans
- Best Mobile Hotspot Plans
- Best MiFi Plans
- Best BYOD Plans
- Best Prepaid Data Plans
- Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans
- 10 Best Data Only Plans on Verizon
- 10 Best Data 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.
