The best mobile wifi hotspot plans fall into two categories: plans that include hotspot data as a feature of your phone plan, and standalone data plans for dedicated hotspot devices. To choose the right one, start by deciding whether you need occasional tethering from your phone or a dedicated device for heavy, multi-device use.
How to choose the best mobile wifi hotspot plans
The market splits cleanly into two models. The first is a phone plan with a built-in hotspot allowance, where your smartphone acts as the hotspot. The second is a standalone hotspot device, like a Verizon Jetpack or MiFi, that has its own data plan and connects Wi‑Fi devices to the cellular network. Ask yourself these questions:
- How much data will you use each month? Light email and browsing need less than 5 GB; streaming or remote work may need 30 GB or more.
- Do you want to drain your phone battery or keep it charged? Standalone devices run on their own power.
- How many devices will connect at once? Most phones support 5-10 devices; dedicated hotspots often support 15-30.
- What is your budget? Phone-plan hotspot data is often bundled with your service; standalone plans are a separate monthly cost.
How to check if your phone and plan support a hotspot
Before shopping for a plan, verify that your phone has the built-in hotspot feature. The steps are nearly identical across devices:
- On an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot. If you see that option, the phone supports hotspot data.
- On an Android phone, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering or a similar path. If you see options like Wi‑Fi hotspot, the phone supports hotspot data.
- Verizon notes that the feature may appear in Settings or the App menu, and may be named Personal Hotspot on iOS or Portable Wi‑Fi Hotspot on Google devices. If the option is present, the phone is compatible.
- Cricket Wireless confirms that hotspot support is available only on an eligible phone, and the menu path above is the way to check eligibility. If the option is missing, the device does not support hotspot data on that carrier.
Major carrier plans with hotspot data
Postpaid plans from major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile typically include a high-speed hotspot data allowance as part of the monthly service. This is the "phone plan add-on" model: you pay for unlimited talk, text, and data, and a portion of that data is reserved for tethering. Verizon states that all currently available smartphones are compatible with its Mobile Hotspot feature, and the feature comes preinstalled on compatible devices. The Verizon 5G Get More plan includes 50 GB of mobile hotspot data with 5G Ultra Wideband access. Verizon offers add-on hotspot plans: Essential (15 GB), Plus (50 GB), Pro (100 GB), Premium (150 GB). Verizon prepaid hotspot plan options: $40/month for 5 GB, $50/month for 15 GB, $75/month for unlimited. AT&T postpaid Unlimited Extra plan has 15GB hotspot data, Unlimited Elite has 40GB. AT&T DataConnect plans: 25GB for $50/month or 40GB for $75/month. AT&T prepaid tablet hotspot plans: starting at $35/month for 15GB, $55/month for 100 GB. T-Mobile Magenta MAX plan costs $85 monthly and includes 40GB 5G/4G hotspot allowance, then unlimited 3G, and includes free Netflix access. These plans are best if you already subscribe to a major carrier and want hotspot access without a separate device or bill.
Prepaid and MVNO plans with hotspot data
Prepaid carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Visible and Cricket Wireless offer hotspot data as a more affordable alternative. These plans often include restrictions. For example, Cricket Wireless says hotspot support is available only on an eligible phone, and if you do not see the hotspot option in your phone settings, you cannot use the feature on that plan. Visible offers unlimited hotspot data, but speeds are capped and the tethered device is limited to one at a time. The Visible Unlimited Mobile Wifi Hotspot plan costs $40/month, and Visible hotspot data speed is capped at 5 Mbps. These plans are ideal for budget-conscious users who need basic tethering and are willing to accept speed caps or deprioritization during peak hours.
Standalone mobile hotspot device plans
Dedicated hotspot devices, such as Verizon Jetpacks or MiFi units, are separate gadgets that share the Verizon network connection with Wi‑Fi devices. They require their own data plan, separate from your phone plan. T-Mobile standalone hotspot device plans: $5/month for 500MB, $10 for 2GB, $20 for 5GB, $30 for 10GB, $40 for 30GB, $50 for 50GB. T-Mobile's flagship hotspot device is the Inseego MiFi M2000, costing $14/month, with WiFi 6 support for up to 30 devices. These are the right choice if you do not want to drain your phone battery, need to connect many devices at once (often 15-30), or require a consistent connection for work or travel. Standalone plans are sold by carriers and by specialty providers like Karma Mobility, which focuses solely on hotspot services.
1. Verizon 5G Get More
Verizon is easily the best network provider when it comes to mobile hotspot plans. It generously provides hotspot data through its mobile data plans, enough to last you a month. Out of the four Verizon unlimited plans, the 5G Get More is what we recommend. Although it's evidently pricey, it's also the most dependable WiFi alternative as it gives you 50 GB of mobile hotspot data with 5G Ultra Wideband access. Of course, Verizon also has add-on hotspot plans if you need more. For starters, they have the $20 Essential Plan that will grant users 15 GB of premium hotspot data. It will temporarily go slower for the rest of the month when you exceed the data cap. On the other hand, the more expensive Plus, Pro, and Premium hotspot plans provide 50 GB, 100 GB, and 150 GB of data respectively. It also unlocks access to the 5G Ultra Wideband for supported devices. If you can't transform your smartphone into a hotspot device, you can choose among Verizon's hotspot devices instead. If you don't require constant mobile hotspots, there are prepaid plans for you to take up. For an introductory price of $40/month, you’ll get 5 GB of shared mobile and hotspot data. You can also opt for Verizon's 15 GB for $50/month or unlimited for $75/month plans as alternatives.
2. Visible Unlimited Mobile Wifi Hotspot
Visible is one of the cheaper options on our list with a single unlimited data plan for just $40/month. For the price you're paying, you'll already get an unlimited mobile hotspot data allowance. However, the catch is that the data speed is capped at a small 5 Mbps and the tethered device is limited at one at a time. This plan is a fantastic option if you're a casual Internet user who does light activities like stream music, surf the web, and check emails. However, if you perform heavy-duty activities like gaming, binge-watching, and streaming, this plan is not ideal. Do note that Visible is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) of Verizon, which means that it will be deprioritized during peak hours. Expect your signal and connection speeds to be affected during these times.
3. AT&T Unlimited
If you’re currently subscribed to AT&T for all your internet needs, check out its range of DataConnect mobile hotspot plans. With this range of data-only plans, you can get a 25GB plan for $50 per month or a 40GB plan for $75 per month, autopay discount included. AT&T also offers prepaid mobile hotspot plans for tablets with a starting price of $35/month for 15GB. To get the biggest bang out of your buck, get the $55/month plan for 100 GB. However, if you are looking for an all-rounder mobile hotspot plan that includes texts and minutes, you must get one of AT&T's postpaid unlimited plans. The $75/month Unlimited Extra plan has 15GB allocated for mobile hotspots while the $85 Unlimited Elite has 40GB.
4. T-Mobile Magenta MAX
Magenta MAX is T-Mobile's best mobile service if you are looking for an unlimited plan that already has consumable hotspot data. For $85 monthly, it grants you a 40GB 5G/4G hotspot allowance. When you hit the cap before the next billing cycle, the hotspot speed will reduce to unlimited 3G for the remainder of the month. Aside from a generous hotspot allowance, what makes Magenta MAX worth it is the free access to Netflix that it provides to its subscribers. T-Mobile also offers a variety of mobile hotspot devices at affordable rates, with the cheapest plan being just $5/month for 500MB. For just $5 more, you get 2 GB of data. If you're a heavy data user, you can choose 5GB for $20, 10GB for $30, 30GB for $40, or 50GB for $50. Like Verizon, T-Mobile has its own flagship hotspot device: the Inseego MiFi M2000. This device is yours for $14/month, giving you WiFi 6 support for up to 30 devices at a time.
5. U.S. Cellular Unlimited
U.S. Cellular offers standalone hotspot plans that require you to also purchase a mobile hotspot device. However, you will no longer need it if you also plan to get mobile phone service from the provider. Similar to other carriers, U.S Cellular unlimited data plans are inclusive of hotspot data allowance you can share with other devices. iPhones and Android phones also have built-in hotspot features, so no need to purchase an extra portable modem. Out of U.S. Cellular deals, the $70 unlimited plan has the most hotspot access in the tune of 30GB. That is, of course, on top of unlimited text, minutes, and mobile data. The $5 cheaper plan, on the other hand, has 15GB hotspot access in it. You can get both plans for up to four lines to avail of a generous discount. Even if you go prepaid, U.S. Cellular still has something to offer that includes hotspot access. Getting the Unlimited Plus worth $65 will give you access to 20GB of hotspot data.
6. Cricket Wireless Unlimited
Cricket Wireless only has one mobile plan with a hotspot data allowance in it, and that's the $60 unlimited. On top of the unlimited 5G mobile data access, this mobile plan has a 15GB hotspot data at 4 Mbps to 8 Mbps speed. However, the mobile hotspot speeds will be slowed to 128 Kbps for the rest of the billing cycle when you reach the cap. For Cricket Wireless plans that have a high-speed data allowance but not a hotspot, like the $30/month for 5 GB and $40/month for 10 GB, you have to add $10/month to unlock internet tethering on a compatible device. All data shared through mobile hotspot will count towards the monthly mobile data allotment of the plan. If your current device is not compatible to be a hotspot device, you can get Cricket Wireless' Turbo Hotspot 2 device and pair it with your plan. The Turbo Hotspot 2 costs $79.99 on its own. This little hotspot also packs a powerful punch, capable of supporting up to 15 devices with dual-band WiFi.
7. Straight Talk Wireless
Straight Talk Wireless offers some of the cheapest rates on our list, starting at $15/month for 2 GB of 4G LTE data. You get better deals the more GB you pay for, with their 20 GB plan at a cool $75/month. Despite these cheaper rates, Straight Talk Wireless offers you great download and upload speeds at 31.1 Mbps and 15.6 Mbps respectively. You can also pick up Straight Talk Wireless' in-house hotspot device, which is good for connecting to a maximum of 10 devices at a time.
8. Boost Mobile Data Hotspot Plan
For just $50/month, Boost Mobile offers you 35 GB of 4G LTE data for your WiFi hotspot. You'll have to pair your plan with Boost Mobile's Coolpad Surf, which will cost you $49.99. This hotspot device is good for a maximum of 45 hours on standby or 6.4 hours of uninterrupted use. It allows simultaneous connections on 15 devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. If you don't want a standalone hotspot device, you can get one of Boost Mobile's bundled phone plans instead. Starting at $15, their capped mobile plan will provide you with a shared mobile and hotspot data consumable. You may also opt for the $50 or $60 unlimited plan, which grants you 12GB and 30GB of mobile hotspot data respectively.
9. Net10 Wireless Hotspot Plan
Net10 Wireless really outdoes almost every service provider on this list with the range of mobile hotspot data plans it provides. Among its selection of standalone mobile tethering plans, the 10 GB at $50 dollar plan is our favorite. Although it's not as generous as that of Verizon or T-Mobile, its validity period of 60 days attracts people who casually need a hotspot connection. For those who prefer their hotspot data plan mixed with their regular mobile plan, Net10 Wireless has the Super Unlimited offer which has limitless mobile data and a hotspot data allowance.
10. Karma Mobility
Karma stands out from the crowd as it solely specializes in mobile hotspot services, don't expect to see them tout your good ol' smartphones and tablets. Its latest offering is Karma Voyage, a wireless modem that will cost you a pretty penny at $79.99. While this hotspot device is expensive, it gives you quality coverage in more than 50 countries. For the data plans, Karma's offerings start at $10/month for 1 GB of LTE data. Karma also offers Voyage Bundle, which includes a ZTE wireless modem and a hotspot data allocation ranging from 1 GB to 10GB, all of which have unlimited roll-over.
11. Solis Wifi
Solis Wifi is an all-in-one mobile hotspot. It does not just give you 4G LTE data, but also serves as a 4700 mAh power bank. This nifty device also connects with a maximum of 10 devices in one shot. The best part about Solis? For its fantastic functionality, its basic model will only cost you $119.99, excluding data. Top up the amount to $179.99 and you'll get even greater functionality, including Bluetooth, remote camera, speaker, and microphone. For the data plan, Solis Wifi offers a monthly recurring subscription and a pay-per-GB plan. The monthly plan ranges from $6 for 1 GB of data to $200 for 100 GB of data. Any unused data will expire at the end of the billing cycle. Solis Wifi pay-per-GB offering, on the other hand, is more flexible. You can pick between 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB that costs $35, $60, and $100 respectively. The good thing is they won't expire.
12. Roaming Man Hotspot Daypass
Roaming Man does away with the stiff monthly plan. Instead, it lets you pay for the Internet you use on a per-day basis, great if you're traveling to an area with a poor connection for only a few short days. Rates start from $7.99/day for 1 GB. You can rent Roaming Man for a minimum of five days. You can also pick up one of Roaming Man's hotspot services at Glocalme.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my mobile hotspot without using data?
Connecting to a mobile hotspot typically uses your data plan. However, it is possible to create a local network (LAN) through Wi‑Fi tethering without using cellular data, though this requires technical knowledge and is not a standard feature of most carrier plans.
How much data do mobile hotspots use?
Data usage depends entirely on what you do on the tethered device. Common activities include email (less than 1 MB), web browsing (about 40 MB per session), streaming music (about 80 MB per hour), and streaming video (125 MB or more per hour for Netflix). Most carriers provide tools to track your hotspot data consumption.
Should I use a mobile hotspot as my home network?
Mobile hotspot plans are designed for temporary or portable internet access, not as a permanent home network replacement. Most plans have data caps or speed reductions after a limit, making them unsuitable for heavy, consistent use like streaming, remote work, or gaming. A dedicated home broadband connection is a better choice for a primary network.
What is the difference between a phone hotspot and a standalone hotspot device?
A phone hotspot uses your smartphone’s cellular connection and battery to share data with other devices. A standalone hotspot device is a separate unit with its own battery and data plan, often supporting more simultaneous connections and lasting longer on a charge. Standalone devices are better for heavy use or when you need to keep your phone’s battery available for other tasks.
Do all prepaid plans include hotspot data?
No. Many prepaid and MVNO plans restrict hotspot data to specific plans or require an eligible device. For example, Cricket Wireless offers hotspot data only on certain unlimited plans, and only if your phone shows the hotspot option in settings. Always check the plan details and your phone’s compatibility before purchasing.
For the wider topic, see hotspot data allowances.
