Best Hotspot Data Plans of 2025

T-Mobile offers a true goldilocks solution for hotspot data with its Experience More plan. You get enough hotspot data for moderate use, all on the biggest and fastest 5G network in the U.S. If you run out, your tethered device will be limited to 3G speeds (about 2Mbps).

Separately from the hotspot data, the Experience Beyond plan comes with unlimited calling, texting, and high-speed mobile data. That means you can stream or game to your heart’s content on your smartphone while still having enough data to tether a laptop, camera, or tablet for work.

This plan is a reliable, all-in-one solution for staying connected and entertained on the go. If you act fast, you can take advantage of T-Mobile’s five-year price guarantee.

If you’re willing to spend a little more every month, consider Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan. You get plenty of hotspot data for working all day and playing all night, and it’s delivered over a network with an industry-best reputation for reliability (whether you’re in a city, suburb, or farther out). If you happen to run out of hotspot data, your tethered device will be slowed to 6Mbps.

Like our other recommendations, the Verizon plan includes unlimited calling, texting, high-speed data, and international roaming. If it’s available, you can tap into Verizon’s super speedy 5G UW (Ultra Wideband) network and enhanced video calling service.

If you’ll be on the road more than half the time and plan to use your Verizon line as the only way to connect to the internet, this plan is your best bet.

AT&T’s Unlimited Premium PL smartphone plan comes with a medium-sized bucket of hotspot data for a relatively high price, but you get the broadest 4G coverage in the U.S. That means even if you’re way out in the sticks, you’re likely to get at least a few bars. That data may be slow, but it’s a lot better than being stranded with a phone, a laptop, and no way to connect.

AT&T’s plan has enough hotspot data to tether a work laptop for a few hours a day throughout the month (or about a week if you’re clocking eight hours a day). After work or school, you can use the unlimited data on your smartphone for streaming, gaming, and staying in touch with family and friends.

If you spend less than half your workdays on the road but travel to rural areas often, we think you’ll be happy with this plan.

Visible charges about half as much as our other top picks, and you benefit from truly unlimited hotspot data. However, there’s a big downside: You’re limited to 15Mbps speeds on that tethered device. Furthermore, you’re guaranteed that 15Mbps clip on only one device at a time. That means you could potentially tether more devices to your smartphone’s hotspot, but their speeds will be even slower than on your first tethered device.

To be fair, you can do a lot with 15Mbps of download speed. It should work well to stream in standard definition, browse the internet, and check emails. It won’t be great for gaming or video calls, though, and managing big files could take all day.

If you’re on a budget but need a reliable hotspot connection, Visible+ Pro is a decent pick. It’s not going to win the Indy 500 of hotspot Wi-Fi, but it won’t leave you stranded, either. Plus, you get to piggyback on Verizon’s reliable 5G network without paying Verizon’s premium prices.

T-Mobile’s premium smartphone plan comes with even more data than Verizon’s plan, and you get mobile data in more than 215 countries. This plan is the most expensive one we recommend, but it’s the best way for globe-trotters to stay connected at all times.

In addition to 250GB of domestic hotspot data per month, this plan includes 30GB of mobile in Canada and Mexico and 15GB of mobile data in other countries every month. It’s enough to guarantee connection for the first several days of any trip abroad, and it means you don’t have to worry about finding a local SIM or eSIM the moment you land.

If you’re on a budget and don’t have time for a credit check or monthly bill, look to AT&T’s prepaid plans. You get 20GB of hotspot data, which is enough for occasional use when you can’t get on a regular Wi-Fi connection. Plus, you get unlimited calling, texting, and 16GB of high-speed data on your handset.

This isn’t a premium offering—there’s no other way to slice it. But it’s a good fit for people who want a little hotspot data but aren’t planning to tether regularly.

We no longer recommend data-only hotspot plans for most folks because you can get more data and flexibility with all-in-one smartphone plans that include calling and texting. However, standalone hotspot devices can be great if you need to connect multiple devices and don’t want to eat through your smartphone’s battery.

Data-only hotspot plans are inexpensive compared to mobile plans, so they can be a good budget choice if you already have a hotspot device you love. Most devices only work on one network, so shop for hotspot plans on that network.

If you’re buying a new hotspot device and a plan at the same time, go with T-Mobile’s $30/mo. Plan and its MiFi® X PRO 5G hotspot device. That way, you’ll have enough data to power a handful of devices for a short time, and you can buy data top-ups as needed. You’ll benefit from T-Mobile’s unparalleled 5G speeds in the U.S., plus you’ll get up to 5GB of hotspot data in Canada and Mexico and another 5GB of hotspot data in more than 215 other countries.