What's the Cheapest Tablet Data Plan for iPad?

We've rounded up all the best and cheapest data plans you can get for a cellular iPad.

Taking your iPad or tablet with you on the go is a great way to keep updated with work and school. While our phones have many of the same features, sometimes we need a tablet cellular connection to take advantage of the larger screen.

To stay connected, you’ll need a good data plan. Luckily, there are plenty of options. If you’re looking for a data-only plan for your iPad, we’ve found the cheapest options available below. No need to keep searching, now you can sign up for the plan that’s right for you.

Is Your iPad Carrier Locked?

Before you begin searching for a new plan, you need to check if your iPad is locked to a certain carrier. If it is, you won’t be able to switch it without unlocking it. It will probably be locked if you’re still making payments on it or purchased it through a carrier like AT&T.

You’ll also need to make sure the iPad you have can be connected to a cellular network. To check this, head to Settings and see if Cellular is listed below Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If it is, you can connect your iPad to a cellular network.

The Cheapest T-Mobile Tablet Data Plans

T-Mobile has two data plans available for your tablet.

For $5 per month, you get 500MB of data per month. This plan is great for those who use wearable devices like the Apple Watch and don’t need much data.

Related: T-Mobile Will Pay Off Your Phone If You Switch Networks

This plan also allows you to buy extra data, starting at $20 for 5GB. If you use your devices sporadically and still need data every now and then, this plan could work well for you.

For $10 per month, you get 2GB of high-speed data for your iPad. This is enough for occasional use, so it works if you’re going to have a Wi-Fi connection every now and then.

While this plan does have upgrades available, you can get unlimited data for $10 more per month, meaning you get unlimited data for $20 with Autopay.

The Cheapest Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited Plans

Metro by T-Mobile uses the same towers as T-Mobile but offers a cheaper data plan for your iPad. Its cheapest plan is the $15 per month unlimited plan, where you get unlimited data and streaming at 480p. This is still great quality on smaller screens like an iPad mini.

Metro by T-Mobile also has a $30 per month plan that also includes unlimited data. The difference is that this plan has full HD streaming. This option is great for those who need exceptional video quality on the go.

While it may seem cheaper than T-Mobile, you should know that T-Mobile prioritizes its own customers over Metro by T-Mobile customers. This means that even though the coverage is the same, there is a difference in data speed.

The question is whether it’s worth saving $5 per month for slower unlimited data. For some users, it might be. After all, that’s a saving of $60 per year.

The Cheapest FreedomPop Data Plans

FreedomPop is a unique option for those who need data on their iPad and don’t have a lot to spend. That’s because FreedomPop is a freemium plan with affordable data add-ons.

The cheapest paid data plan is the 1GB data plan. This plan is only $2.99 per month. For $12, you can get 4GB of high-speed data. At any time, you can buy affordable data packs to get more coverage.

Related: Best Mobile Hotspot Plans For Internet Access Anywhere

However, FreedomPop doesn’t get the best service. While its coverage map is large and you can get great data, the data isn’t as fast as other providers. For this reason, FreedomPop would be best for metropolitan areas or for those who need some savings.

The Cheapest Cricket Wireless Plan

While not the cheapest option, Cricket does make the cut as it has a few features that other plans don’t offer. Currently, Cricket uses the AT&T towers to provide data to its customers.

The most affordable plan offered is $35 per month for 20GB. While $35 is expensive, you do get coverage in Canada and Mexico, something other plans don’t advertise. For those who travel through North America frequently, Cricket is a great option.

The downside is that you’ll need a Cricket compatible device or hotspot. Even with this purchase, it’s still a more affordable option if you need coverage in Canada and Mexico.

The Cheapest AT&T Data Plans

AT&T offers a more expensive data plan available at $50 per month for 25GB. However, there is an alternative, prepaid plan that is more affordable when you buy data in advance.

With AT&T, if you purchase $300 worth of data upfront, it comes out to $25 per month for a 20GB plan. This is cheaper than Cricket, which has essentially the same coverage.

However, AT&T does not offer international coverage. An international data pack is $70 for 2GB. This would only be worth it if your destination only has AT&T service available. This plan is also only available if you make a large upfront purchase, which is inconvenient.

Related: How to Use Low Data Mode on Your iPhone or iPad

AT&T also has a $35 per month prepaid plan for 15GB. This is still expensive and barely makes the cut for cheap data plans. Yet, some might need AT&T for various reasons or already have an AT&T compatible device

Data Only Plans That Didn’t Make the Cut

While looking for data plans, you might notice that some big-name companies aren’t on the list. That’s because the data plans offered are too expensive or these companies don’t offer data-only plans.

For example, Verizon doesn’t offer any great deals. Its 5GB data plan currently comes with a price tag of $40 per month. If you have Verizon Unlimited, you should consider using your phone as a hotspot instead, as it’ll be cheaper.

Another carrier we left out was Boost Mobile, as it doesn’t offer separate data plans. This means you’ll need a plan with them to get an add-on data pack. That’s a shame, as Boost has a $5 per month for 1GB plan available, which would be the cheapest if it was a solo plan.

T-Mobile Is the Cheapest and Most Reliable Data Plan Available

After analyzing the most popular data plans for iPad, T-Mobile is the cheapest reliable plan. While Metro by T-Mobile has a more affordable unlimited plan and the same coverage, your connection might not be prioritized. For that reason, T-Mobile is the clear winner here.

Not only does T-Mobile have the cheapest minimal plan, available at $5 per month, but it also has the cheapest unlimited plan at $20 per month. No matter what your needs are, T-Mobile seems to have something cheap for everyone.

Are Cheap Data Plans Worth It?

With carriers advertising expensive data plans for your iPad, it’s easy to think that you need to pay a hefty price for a good plan. However, T-Mobile and other carriers mentioned show that isn’t true.

While there are some slight differences in coverage and speed, purchasing a data plan from a reputable carrier can get you the coverage you need at the price you can afford. No matter what your needs are, you have some great options here.