Numerous hotspot plan providers exist, and choosing one can be challenging. Each provider typically offers several plans with varying features and capabilities. The first step in determining which plan will suit you best is to figure out how much data you need in one month.
Keep in mind that high-definition video streaming and similar activities use a ton of data, and a hotspot will have trouble keeping up if that’s its primary use.
Consider the following factors to determine which plan is best for you.
Connection Speed
Connection speed is crucial if you’ll use your hotspot connection for streaming or gaming. Your hotspot connection will likely be slower than you’re accustomed to at home. While many plans have 5G speed capacity that can reach over 100 Mbps, operating on a cellular network often means dramatically slower connection speeds during high-demand times or after you reach your data cap.
Many providers can offer only very limited 5G speed location availability, and some only allow a maximum of 4G regardless of where you are.
Data Limitations
You can use as much data as you like with an unlimited hotspot data plan. However, your speed will slow noticeably after you reach the high-speed data cap, usually between 50GB and 100GB. Ensure that you choose a plan with enough dedicated hotspot high-speed data available for your needs.
Location Availability
Your hotspot is likely to work well almost anywhere in a major metropolitan area. However, take the time to determine if your hotspot data provider offers service where you’re traveling to when you leave the city for rural destinations.
Device Compatibility and Quantity
Before paying extra for things like a 5G service plan or purchasing a dedicated hotspot receiving device, ensure your plan and devices are compatible. If your phone is acting as your hotspot and isn’t 5G compatible, consider getting a lower-cost plan that only runs on 4G. Likewise, you likely won’t need a dedicated hotspot device if your phone is an adequate hotspot receiver.
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FAQs
Yes, you can get truly unlimited hotspot plans from Visible, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Each cellular carrier gives you a plan that lets you always tether a device to your hotspot. You get a set amount of monthly premium hotspot data that connects you with high speeds (think: 30–200Mbps) over 4G LTE and 5G networks.
Is there a truly unlimited hotspot plan? ›
Yes, you can get truly unlimited hotspot plans from Visible, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Each cellular carrier gives you a plan that lets you always tether a device to your hotspot. You get a set amount of monthly premium hotspot data that connects you with high speeds (think: 30–200Mbps) over 4G LTE and 5G networks.
Which carrier has the best hotspot plan? ›
The five best mobile hotspot data plans
- Best overall: T-Mobile 10GB.
- Best for 5G: Verizon Pro.
- Best for cell phone hotspots: T-Mobile Go5G Plus.
- Best Best for AT&T: AT&T PREPAID 50GB.
- Best prepaid option: Visible+ phone plan.
- Best for international travel: Verizon TravelPass.
How many hours will 100GB of data last for? A 100 Gb of data plan will allow you to browse the internet for around 1200 hours, Stream 20,000 songs, or watch 200 hours of standard-definition videos.
Can you hotspot forever with unlimited data? ›
Hotspotting from your device might affect connected devices' speeds, especially if multiple devices are simultaneously using the shared connection. However, with unlimited data plans, the data allowance is usually not affected, but speeds might be subject to network congestion or carrier limitations.
Is there any mobile plan that offers unlimited data and hotspot? ›
U Mobile Prepaid U40 – RM40/month
The new plan costs RM5 more than U35 but you get “unlimited” hotspot, not just 3GB on the previous plan. So for RM40/month, U40 provides Unlimited 4G data with a speed cap of 6Mbps, unlimited calls to all networks and unlimited hotspot.
Does AT&T have an unlimited hotspot plan? ›
The best cellular plan for your phone's hotspot: AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL costs $85.99 for one line, and comes with totally unlimited cellular data and 50GB of high-speed hotspot data.
Is T-mobile hotspot unlimited? ›
The short answer is, no. You can't get truly unlimited data from a T-Mobile hotspot. Hotspots and hotspot plans rarely come with unlimited data. T-Mobile technically offers unlimited data on its hotspot plans, but the reality is that all your high speed 5G and 4G LTE data is capped at a certain amount.
Does Verizon have an unlimited hotspot? ›
Unlimited mobile plans: In addition to data-only plans, Verizon also offers unlimited mobile plans that include hotspot data as well. These plans will provide you with unlimited hotspot data and access to Verizon's 5G mobile network.
Is 100GB basically unlimited? ›
How much is 100GB of data? 100GB data (or 100,000MB) is functionally almost unlimited. Even with video streamed in high quality you could manage around 30 hours a month (depending on the source). Chances are you don't need that much, or would be fine with medium quality, which gives you a lot more.
Based on the above factors, a 100 GB data allowance should generally allow for a significant amount of Netflix streaming. With conservative estimates of data usage per hour, you can stream approximately 33-100 hours in SD, 25-33 hours in HD, or around 14 hours in UHD.
How much is a 100GB hotspot at AT&T? ›
AT&T Wireless data-only plans
| AT&T Wireless monthly data plans at a glance |
|---|
| Data plan | Eligible devices | Data amount |
|---|
| DataConnect | Tablet Mobile hotspot Laptop Connect LTE camera3 | 100GB: $100 ($90 per month with AutoPay and paperless billing) Overage: $10 per 5GB |
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You can use as much data as you like with an unlimited hotspot data plan. However, your speed will slow noticeably after you reach the high-speed data cap, usually between 50GB and 100GB. Ensure that you choose a plan with enough dedicated hotspot high-speed data available for your needs.
Can a hotspot replace home internet? ›
A hotspot is great for traveling—but it's not so great for using at home. If you're on the go, you can use a mobile hotspot for secure, reliable internet access in places where Wi-Fi is limited or nonexistent.
Is it cheaper to get a hotspot or Wi-Fi? ›
Home internet averages around $65/month. By contrast, the average phone bill that includes mobile hotspot can vary from as little as $35/month to as much as $90/month.
Can unlimited hotspot replace Wi-Fi? ›
While hotspots can serve as a viable alternative to home internet in some cases, replacing your router with a hotspot will likely compromise the speed and reliability of your connection. This is because hotspot plans rely on cellular data, while home internet relies on Wi-Fi data.
Is T-Mobile hotspot unlimited? ›
The short answer is, no. You can't get truly unlimited data from a T-Mobile hotspot. Hotspots and hotspot plans rarely come with unlimited data. T-Mobile technically offers unlimited data on its hotspot plans, but the reality is that all your high speed 5G and 4G LTE data is capped at a certain amount.
Does unlimited data mean unlimited hotspot Verizon? ›
What is the Verizon Plan Unlimited? This plan gives unlimited data on 5G Nationwide* / 4G LTE network. Plus HD video and Mobile Hotspot are included at no extra charge.
How long will 50GB of hotspot last? ›
Heavy usage
50GB is roughly enough data for any one of the following: 2500 Hours browsing. 10,000 Music Tracks. 600 Hours streaming music.
