5 Cheap Data Only Plans USA

Tired of shelling out extra bucks on your wireless bills and now want to make some savings? Well, then switch to the cheap data only plans and keep using your phone the exact same with just with money in the bank.

Long gone are the days when customers used to have a few phone plans, as now is the time when we are fortunate to have access to some of the world’s best and most affordable data-only options. Such plans are typically cheaper than traditional cell phone plans that include voice minutes. They also allow you to use your phone as a hotspot, which can be convenient if you need internet access on the go.

There are more options than ever, giving you an opportunity to save money on your cell phone bills. But with so many choices, it can be hard to know which one is the best for you. But don’t panic as we will help you sort through the options and find the perfect data-only plan for your needs. The guide also covers some practical and useful points you should keep in mind when making a final choice.

Best Cheap Data-only Plans  

Choosing data only phone plans is a bit of a challenge. Unlike your home internet service where your options are often limited by your location, data-only plans are available in abundance, making it tricky to choose an option of good value.

To help you narrow down your options, we have compared all the latest and cheapest plans for you so you can make an easy choice.

1. Tello

Counted among the leading mobile carriers, Tello is definitely one of the top choices for getting the best cheap data only plans. While the prepaid market is flooded with network carriers, Tello stands out when it comes to value. With plans as low as $5 a month, this MVNO can be easily positioned as one of the cheapest options overall currently.

Tello currently operates on the T-Mobile network and specializes in offering basic plans for extremely competitive prices. While this carrier offers tons of mobile phone plans, you can also create your own to avoid shelling out unnecessary bucks. These custom-made plans are simply good, whether you want to enjoy data allowance or just look forward to unlimited calling and texting.

Unlike some other networks that claim to be the cheapest out there, Tello never hard caps data allowance. It means that you’ll simply be throttled down to slower speeds when exceeding the allowance rather than being completely out of data. Here, we have laid out the custom data only plans you can opt for with Tello.

Data	Minutes	Texts	Price
1GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$9/ month
2GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$10/ month
5GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$14/ month
10GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$19/ month
15GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	$24/ month
Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	$25/ month

One of the things we absolutely love about Tello is flexibility. These custom-made plans renew every month, thus giving you the freedom to upgrade the plan and cancel it altogether.

However, while Tello offers tons of great options that definitely make it worth trying, it also comes with some serious drawbacks that you should also keep in mind when making a commitment. First, Tello doesn’t offer family plan options. While its cheap plan options are fantastic, there are no bespoke family options or discounts if you are searching for a multiple-line solution.

Another thing that might disappoint users is its unlimited data value. It’s no denying that Tello’s unlimited data plan is cheaper than the big carriers, The unlimited data plan caps out at 35GB per month for high speed data, then throttling speed.

But whatever be the case, Tello still manages to stand out as one of the best value options and is worth giving a try. For more details about Tello, you can check our Tello Mobile review.

2. Mint Mobile

If you don’t want to pay big bucks for lots of data, then look no further as Mint Mobile is definitely the carrier to turn to. It provides 4 plans: 5GB, 15GB and 20GB. The unlimited data plan is especially attractive when it comes to Mint, as it costs just $30 per month. However, it’s worth noting that it is just an introductory offer for the first three months of service – after that, you’ve got to sign up for 12 months to keep the $30 monthly rate.

There’s no second thought that Mint Mobile is best for those really on a budget. Mint has created a unique pricing scheme that offers affordable rates for those customers who buy their data upfront for multiple months.

But this thing slightly offsets the prepaid benefit of not committing to lengthy contracts, but it does mean that Mint can offer dirt-cheap plans all around. The Mint mobile plans still provide internet connect after the data cap, however, after which the speed will be automatically reduced to just 128Kbps.

To cut through the clutter, we have mentioned the cheap data only phone plans offered by Mint Mobile in the table mentioned below.

Data	3 Months	6 Months	12 Months
5GB	$15/mo.	$20/mo.	$15/mo.	View Plans »
15GB	$20/mo.	$25/mo.	$20/mo.	View Plans »
20GB	$25/mo.	$35/mo.	$25/mo.	View Plans »
Unlimited (40GB)	$30/mo.	$35/mo.	$30/mo.	View Plans »

However, if we compare this Unlimited Plan by Mint Mobile with its competitors like Visible, it definitely seems more restricted. The throttled speed limit of 128Kbps is only enough for light browsing. Also, its mobile hotspot allowance is also capped at just 10GB a month, which is way lesser than most unlimited plans.

But, if we draw a comparison between Mint and its neck-to-neck competitor, Visible in the long run, there’s a huge difference in terms of price, you can find the detailed difference and get more info in this comparison article to help you make your decision.

3. US Mobile

Founded in 2015, US Mobile touts budget-friendly packages for users who look for wireless coverage but want some flexibility in the talk, text, and time they use every month. This carrier offers good bargains for those who need cellular service but not a lot of voice minutes or data.

Once used to only rely on T-Mobile, it now also uses Verizon’s infrastructure to ease the customers. The addition of the Verizon network undoubtedly broadens US Mobile’s appeal, as this network remains the fastest wireless network in the US, with the most extensive coverage.

However, subscribers shouldn’t expect too much as they cannot benefit from both networks. When you order your SIM card from US Mobile, you have to pick either T-Mobile or Verizon CDMA network, and this in turn limits your network connectivity.

Here, we have listed some of the custom-made plans that include different data allowance and no text and voice minutes. You can build your own data only plans with US Mobile.

Data	High Speed Data	Minutes & Texts	Price
2GB Light Plan	2 GB	Unlimited	$10/mo. $8/mo. ( pay annually)
By the Big 2GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data)	2 GB	Unlimited	$10/mo.
By the Big 10GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data)	10 GB	Unlimited	$20/mo.
Unlimited Flex	10 GB	Unlimited	$17.5/mo.
Unlimited Starter	35 GB	Unlimited	$25/mo. $22.5/mo. ( pay annually)
Unlimited Premium	100 GB	Unlimited	$44/mo. $32.5/mo. ( pay annually)

While the basic 2GB plan is available at $8/ mo, the unlimited premium plan offered by US Mobile costs $32.5 per month. However, it offers tons of features, such as 100GB of 5G data, 50GB hotspot data, and the best-in-class coverage, all of which make this plan worthy of the splurge. So, to recap, with US Mobile you get incredible coverage, tons of hotspot tethering, and super-fast speeds. 

4. Boost Mobile

With no contracts and generous pricing, Boost Mobile is the next best mobile carrier offering cheap and affordable data only plans. This flexible MVNO rents T-Mobile and AT&T’s networks to deliver uninterrupted wireless services and ease the customers.

Boost mobile plans are affordable, family-friendly, and flexible. If you are specifically looking for prepaid carrier service, Boost definitely merits some consideration while saving your money. It is a virtual network operator that offers its services through T-Mobile’s network.

This carrier offers plans in 3 and 12-month contracts. The more you commit, the higher discounts you’ll get. While it isn’t going to be the biggest name in your search for the best cell phone plans, Boost still somehow manages to stand out from the crowd for its varied collection. To ease your search, we have rounded up to data-only plans offered by Boost Mobile. Check them out and make a choice accordingly.

Plans	Data	Hotspot	Price
Monthly Plans
2GB/mo	2GB	2GB	$15/mo
5GB/mo	5GB	5GB	$25/mo
Unlimited	Unlimited	12GB	$40/mo
Unlimited Plus	Unlimited	30GB	$60/mo
3 Months Plans
5GB/mo	5GB	5GB	$15/mo
Unlimited	Unlimited	12GB	$30/mo
12 Months Plans
1GB/mo	1GB	1GB	$8.33/mo
5GB/mo	5GB	5GB	$14/mo
15GB/mo	15GB	15GB	$20/mo
Unlimited	Unlimited	12GB	$25/mo

Boost is appropriately placed at the third position on the list of cheap data only plans as it sits somewhere in the middle of the available phone plans, not as expensive as US Mobile or T-Mobile, but more than what Mint Mobile offers. 

Boost also offers two versions of the same Go Unlimited plan available at $50 and $60 per month, with the main difference being a higher cost and more hotspot cap on one of them. It also added a perk of free health care advice to its $60/ mo plan. Boost also offers a $10 a month discount if you bring your own phone to the plan.

In the nutshell, Boost Mobile manages to make it into our list of the best phone carriers offering data-only plans. While we aren’t going to compare it to the likes of big carriers but for the price, Boost does have something to offer budget-minded customers. For more details about Boost, you can see our article: Boost Mobile reivew.

5. Visible

The best-value unlimited data plan, Visible is a great choice for those looking to keep their wireless bills down without making too many sacrifices in regard to perks or data allowance caps.

This network operator features two major plans, namely Visible and Visible+. While you can sign up for Visible at just $25 per month, Visible+ is a bit pricey and is available at $45/per month. However, both plans not only vary in terms of price but features as well.

Visible reduces the price of its basic unlimited plan to $25, which is identical to Mint’s monthly rate only without the year-long commitment. In addition to the unlimited data allowance, this plan also features unlimited mobile hotspots, spam protection, and unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.

In addition to the basics, Visible has also introduced a new Visible Plus plan that offers much more to customers for an extra $15 per month.

For $45/ month, you are getting unlimited data, calling, and texting, 5G ultra-wideband, and international roaming and calling facility. Best of all, you can use 50GB of data without seeing your traffic slowed.

Both Visible and Visible+ offer truly unlimited data with no hidden caps or speed throttling. Moreover, these plans have unlimited hot-spotting, so you can easily share your allowance with others without having to worry about the limits.

Keep scrolling the page and find what Visible and Visible+ plans have to offer in the table mentioned below.

So, all in all, Visible always remains on the list of cheap prepaid data only plans for offering the true experience of unlimited data allowance, along with tons of extras, and that too at an affordable price. So, get all the data you need for a low monthly price with Visible and enjoy excellent and nationwide 4G LTE and 5G support.

Things to consider when choosing data-only plans

Before choosing data-only plans or a carrier, spend some time thinking about your needs. The internet is loaded with a vast majority of plans but not all of them are created equal. So, how do you choose the right data-only plan for you?

Here, we’ve put together some of the important things you should consider when making your decision. Read them thoroughly and make a wise decision that you won’t regret later.

Determine your needs and expectations from a data-only plan

Data plans are becoming increasingly popular as people move away from traditional forms of communication such as voice calls and text messages. However, before you choose a data plan, it is important to consider what exactly you need from it.

Do you want to be able to stream video or music? Do you need unlimited data? How much data do you actually use each month? These are all important questions to ask yourself before signing up for a data-only plan.

If you primarily use your phone for social media and email, then you probably don’t need unlimited data. A lower-priced plan with a smaller data allowance will likely suffice. However, if you like to stream video or music on your phone, then an unlimited data plan is a good option.

What kind of network coverage are you looking for?

Coverage is an important consideration when choosing any cellular plan, but it’s especially important for data-only plans. Make sure to check the coverage map for the carrier you’re considering to make sure you will have good reception in the areas where you use your device most often.

Types of Data Plans

Data-only plans vary in terms of various things, be it speed, price, or data allowance. In general, it is always best to assess your own usage patterns before choosing a data-only plan. By doing so, you can ensure that you are not overpaying for features that you do not need.

Budget matters the most

The next thing to consider is how much money you’re willing to spend on your data plan. There are a variety of pricing options available, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.

Some plans may offer unlimited data for a fixed monthly price, while others charge by the gigabyte. Pay-as-you-go plans can also be an option for those who don’t want to commit to a long-term contract.

Additional Perks

Finally, it’s important to think about what other features are included in your data plan. While some carriers offer additional services like hotspot access or free streaming with certain plans, others might give you a discount if you sign up for auto-pay or add multiple lines to your account.

Weigh all of these factors before making your final decision so that you can choose the best data plan for your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

So, that’s all about the cheap data only plans. We hope the guide has helped you narrow down your options and let you make the most appropriate choice. Since there are plenty of options available on the market, subscribers need to make a wise decision by keeping every single aspect in concern, be it the price, data allowance, network, or extra perks.

If you are a casual data user looking for data-only plans for just light browsing, then opt for Tello and US Mobile, but if you are a heavy-duty user looking for uninterrupted gaming or streaming services, then opt for the Visible or Mint plans. The final choice boils down to your preferences and requirements; hence, make it correctly to avoid any regrets later on.