9 Best Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Plans for Your Data Needs

We thrive on connectivity. Whether you travel for work or pleasure, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot plan is essential to access the internet.

However, you want to be able to access the internet without impacting the monthly data limit with your cell provider.

Many phone plans sell a standalone hotspot device to connect to the internet, and some let you use your cell phone. Both options provide internet connectivity so you can surf the web when you are away from home.

What Are the Best Cheap Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Plans?

Mobile Wi-Fi plans, also known as MiFi, are often affordable. You can get them through your cell provider, and the only cost is purchasing a mobile hotspot device if using your phone isn’t an option.

Here are the best cheap mobile Wi-Fi hotspot plans to connect to the web while you are on the go.

1. Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is a leader in the prepaid phone plan space. The carrier operates on the T-Mobile network and offers affordable data plans.

You can use your own device, so there are no additional purchases necessary. All data pulls from your monthly limit.

Available Data Plans

Mint Mobile is a bit unique in its pricing model. They offer plans in three, six, and twelve-month increments. You pay upfront for your chosen plan.

If you cancel before your plan ends, there is no refund. It may be best to try the three-month plan first to test it out if you choose Mint Mobile for your mobile hotspot needs.

They do offer a seven-day trial period to help you make your decision as well.

Here are the available plans:

All plans include unlimited talk and text. Data speeds for the unlimited plan begin slowing after 35 GB of monthly usage to 3G from 4G LTE data. Download speeds vary.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at Mint Mobile for your portable Wi-Fi hotspot needs:

Pros:

• Affordable data
• Unlimited data for just $30 a month
• Reliable service

Cons:

• Must purchase plans in at least three-month installments

Read our Mint Mobile review to learn more.

2. Tello

Tello is another no-contract cell phone provider that offers mobile hotspot plans. The carrier operates on the Sprint network and provides free tethering.

You can bring your own device or purchase a phone from Tello to access the internet. They also offer free international calling to numerous countries.

Available Data Plans

Tello sells monthly plans and allows customers to create their own plans. Here are the available data plans:

The first 25GB is 4G LTE, which then lowers to 2G for the remainder of the month. Download speeds vary from 3 Mbps to 6 Mbps for 4G to 64 Kbps for 2G data.

*Related: Are you looking for a no-contract phone plan that fits your needs? Read our Tello vs. Ting comparison to learn which provider is best for you.

Each plan includes unlimited talk and text.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at Tello for a mobile hotspot plan:

Pros:

• Free international calling to select countries
• Customizable plans
• Free tethering

Cons:

• Unlimited plan is more expensive than others

Read our Tello review to learn more.

3. Xfinity Mobile

Xfinity Mobile is a cell service available only to Xfinity Internet customers. If you use them for your home internet needs, they are a solid choice for mobile Wi-Fi hotspots since they allow you to get internet without cable.

Xfinity operates on the Verizon network, so you know the coverage is reliable. The carrier offers over 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots in its coverage area. However, you can only use them for 40 hours a month. Xfinity is proud to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Qualified customers can receive a credit of up to $30/month towards their Internet and mobile service. Learn more today!

Available Data Plans

Like other prepaid wireless plans, Xfinity offers all customers unlimited talk and text. You must purchase data separately. Here are the available data plans:

Note that the 1GB, 3GB, and 10GB plans can be used as family plans to share data. Unlimited is only for one line and can’t be shared.

Xfinity reduces speed to 1.5Mbps once you reach 20GB. They do use 4G and 5G plus offer free Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, so there should be little concern for speed prior to that cap.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at Xfinity Mobile for prepaid mobile hotspot access:

Pros:

• Free Wi-Fi hotspots
• Reliable coverage
• Flexible plans

Cons:

• Must be an Xfinity Internet customer
• Unlimited plan only available on individual line

Read our Xfinity Mobile review to learn more.

4. Ting

Ting Mobile is one of our favorite affordable cell phone providers. Unfortunately, they do not offer traditional Wi-Fi hotspot access, but they do provide free tethering.

Ting also operates on two networks, Verizon and T-Mobile.

*Related: Are you looking for a prepaid phone plan that fits your needs? Read our Ting Mobile vs. Mint Mobile comparison to learn which provider is best for you.

They also offer free talk and text for $10 per month.

Available Data Plans

Ting offers several plans for data needs. Those are:

All plans include unlimited talk and text with 4G LTE and 5G coverage. The plans are best for one-time needs and not recurring mobile needs.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at Ting for cheap Wi-Fi:

Pros:

• Coverage on two networks
• Pay for only what you use

Cons:

• Tethering only, so there’s no way to turn your phone into a hotspot.

Read our Ting review to learn more.

5. Verizon Wireless

Verizon isn’t necessarily affordable, but it’s the most reliable provider in the country, making their hotspot plans one of the best options available.

You can purchase a Wi-Fi hotspot device or turn eligible phones into an internet hotspot.

Available Data Plans

Where Verizon shines is its wide array of plans. Here are the available plans:

It’s important to note that Verizon does require a two-year contract and a one-time cost of $19.99. If you need significant hotspot data allowances or reliable internet access, Verizon is worth considering.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to keep in mind when looking at Verizon for hotspot plans:

Pros:

• Reliable coverage
• Flexible plans for virtually any need
• Can connect up to 15 tech devices

Cons:

• Requires a contract

Verizon isn’t always the most popular, but they offer reliable coverage in over 99 percent of the country.

6. Republic Wireless

Republic Wireless is a bare-bones discount cell phone provider. The carrier operates on the Sprint and T-Mobile networks.

With Republic Wireless, you can turn your phone into a hotspot. They also offer free tethering to customers.

Available Data Plans

Republic is best for people that have minimal hotspot data needs. Here are the plans they offer:

• Unlimited talk and text = $19.99 per month
• Data = $5 per GB

You can purchase up to 15GB of data per month.

The plan is simple and may not be the best fit for heavy data users. However, if you have minimal needs and like to keep costs down, it’s a good choice.

They do not advertise download speeds, but they do provide 4G LTE coverage.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at Republic Wireless for mobile Wi-Fi hotspot plans:

Pros:

• Affordable coverage
• Pay for only what you use
• Add data right from your phone

Cons:

• Does not work with iOS-based devices
• Bare bones compared to other providers
• Is only available to Dish customers

Unfortunately, you must be a Dish customer to use Republic Wireless.

7. Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is a no-contract cell phone company owned by AT&T. It runs on the AT&T network and allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

Not all phones can work as Wi-Fi-enabled devices with Cricket, but you can use their website to confirm if your device will work.

Available Data Plans

Cricket Wireless currently only offers hotspots through their unlimited monthly data plans that start at $55 per month. They also charge an additional $10 monthly to make that available.

Cricket offers 4G LTE coverage with maximum download speeds of 3 Mbps. If you like to use online streaming plans for video content, they limit speeds to 1.5 Mbps.

After using 10GB, the speed slows to 128 Kbps. They have a $60 a month plan that gives unlimited data and 15GB of hotspot data before being throttled.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at Cricket Wireless for your Wi-Fi hotspot needs:

Pros:

• Reliable coverage
• Coverage in Canada and Mexico
• $5 discount if you use auto-pay

Cons:

• Speed reduction sooner than with other providers

Cricket Wireless provides excellent coverage for people with moderate needs.

8. FreedomPop

FreedomPop is one of the cheapest mobile Wi-Fi hotspot plans available. The company provides 500 MB of data for free to all customers and operates on the AT&T and Sprint networks.

FreedomPop sells mobile hotspots for a one-time fee of $39.99. It allows you to connect up to ten Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously.

Available Data Plans

FreedomPop has several data plans. Those are:

• Basic 500MB (4G only): = Free and $0.02 per extra MB of data
• Pro500MB (4G and 3G): = $6.99 per month and $0.02 per extra MB of data
• Premium 3GB (4G and 3G):  3GB = $28.99 per month and $0.015 per extra MB
• Premium 4GB (4G and 3G): 4GB = $34.99 per month and $0.015 per extra MB

FreedomPop also sells speed-boosting for $4.99 a month. This gives you download speeds of 25 Mbps.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at FreedomPop for your mobile hotspot needs:

Pros:

• Free 500MB of data
• Reliable coverage
• Easy to upgrade

Cons:

• Not for heavy data users

FreedomPop is a good choice for those with moderate needs and fast download requirements.

9. Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile is a good choice for people who want a plan with easy-to-understand pricing. The carrier operates on the Sprint network and offers fast internet connectivity to customers.

Available Data Plans

Boost Mobile has just one mobile Wi-Fi plan. It’s $50 per month for 50GB of 4G LTE data. They do require you purchase a modem for $49.99 to connect.

However, if you prefer to use your phone as a personal hotspot, you can do that on any plan that costs $50 or more a month. If you need more data, you can purchase that for $5 per GB.

Download speeds range between 3 Mbps and 4 Mbps for 4G LTE coverage and between 600 Kbps and 1,400 Kbps on 3G. They do not throttle or cap your speed.

Pros and Cons

Here’s what to consider when looking at Boost Mobile for your mobile data needs:

Pros:

• One plan to choose from
• 50GB of data standard
• No throttling

Cons:

• Must purchase a device if you don’t have a compatible phone or plan

Boost Mobile is on the expensive end, but the speed can be worth it.

Mobile Tethering vs. MiFi

When researching how to access the internet on the go, you will come across the terms tethering and MiFi. Both allow you to get internet connectivity, but they differ in approach and suitability.

While they may seem similar, here’s what to know about the two choices:

Tethering: Tethering generally means that you use your cell phone as a mobile hotspot. This is perfect for connecting a laptop to work, and it often uses your phone data. You set everything up with your phone, and the process requires minimal technical know-how.

MiFi: MiFi is a brand name for a device you use to connect to the internet. It’s often not through your phone and requires a separate purchase. These devices usually offer faster speeds than tethering and other perks like increased security.

MiFi is typically best for someone who has heavy data needs or busy travelers. However, most people can use a cheap hotspot plan through their phones to meet their needs.

What to Know About Mobile Wi-Fi

There are a lot of terms you may hear when investigating mobile Wi-Fi hotspot plans. These might include:

• Kbps and Mbps: These mean kilobytes-per-second and megabytes-per-second, respectively. Data providers use these terms to explain their maximum upload and download speeds. If you deal with a lot of video or photos, you will require faster speeds. However, if you just surf the internet and do basic word processing, you will be fine with reduced speeds.
• SIM Card: A SIM card goes inside all mobile devices. It stores your data and has an identification number. These are needed to make calls, send texts, and access the web.
• High–Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD): HD video is better and clearer than SD video. Some hotspot plans limit customers to SD streaming only. You can try to stream HD with compatible plans, but beware of buffering or throttling.
• 4G and 5G: Each generation of mobile capacity is significantly faster than the previous version. As more carriers roll out 5G, it’s becoming more widely available. However, you may also encounter limitations to use the newer iterations.

Each mobile Wi-Fi hotspot plan is different. It’s essential to know the above terms so you can pick the best plan for your needs.

Bottom Line

Wi-Fi hotspot access is important for many people to work on the go. Whether you’re traveling for business or working out of the office, you need to be able to connect to the internet.

All of the above providers give reliable access so you can work when it’s convenient for you.

What do you look for in a mobile data provider? How much do you spend to access the internet while on the road?