The Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans to Power Your Other Devices

There are two types of unlimited hotspot plans: those that feature an unlimited amount of throttled, slow hotspot data speeds; and those that feature a specific amount of high-speed hotspot data (like, say, 30GB), after which speeds are slowed way down.

While the latter of these types of plans can technically be classified as unlimited since you never run the risk of overages or the complete shutoff of your hotspot data, in effect they’re limited, since the speeds you get after you exceed your high-speed threshold can be virtually unusable.  

Read on to learn about each of the unlimited hotspot plans we've selected and why we think they’re worthy of your consideration, plus we’ll tell you why some of these plans offer nearly enough data to replace your home internet plan.

Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans for Lower Data Usage

If you use hotspot data sparingly, perhaps just once a week, you don’t necessarily want to pay the big bucks for tons of high-speed hotspot data you won’t use. If that’s you, we’ve handpicked a selection of entry-level plans that fit that bill.

These plans offer a suitable amount of hotspot data for occasional use, ensuring you stay connected when needed without paying for excess capacity you won’t use. 

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Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans for Moderate Data Usage

Major carrier unlimited plans tend to feature bigger mobile hotspot data allowances, ideally suited to users who tap into their hotspots multiple times a week. In this list, we've highlighted two great plans from AT&T and Verizon. 

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Best Hotspot Plans for Heavy Data Usage

These premium plan selections are for power users and digital nomads who rely heavily on hotspot data to power their devices. 

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Why Use a Hotspot Data Plan?

Hotspot data plans mean your phone can provide a reliable internet connection when you don’t have Wi-Fi. This is useful for plenty of different activities. Whether it’s streaming your favorite TV shows in high definition, engaging in competitive online gaming, or conducting smooth, uninterrupted video calls, hotspot data plans help you stay connected.

The main thing to keep in mind is that most carriers set a quota of high-speed hotspot data. Once you exceed this limit, your internet speeds will be reduced, or you might face extra charges for additional data usage. 

Unlimited mobile hotspot plans are unlimited in theory, in that the plan won’t cut off your hotspot capability or charge you for going over any mobile hotspot data limit. But you will get reduced speeds. Many plans will limit our hotspot speeds to 3G once you reach a certain amount of usage, which is slower than the average Wi-Fi connection.

Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans for Home Internet

If you're in a pinch and for whatever reason, you don't have or don't want to get WiFi at home, you can use phone plans with hotspot data as home internet. Unfortunately, no cell phone plans come with unlimited high-speed hotspot data. However, it may be possible to get by on some of the premium plans we mentioned above, which have enough high-speed hotspot data to act as home internet if you need.

For example, Verizon Unlimited Ultimate, AT&T Unlimited Premium PL, T-Mobile Experience More and T-Mobile Experience Beyond likely have enough hotspot data for home internet to tide you over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a genuinely unlimited hotspot plan?

Yes, there are plans that offer unlimited hotspot data, but they come in two forms. Some give you a set amount of high-speed data before slowing down, while others offer unlimited data at reduced speeds from the start. So, while you can get unlimited data, the speed may vary depending on the plan.

How long does 100GB of hotspot last?

A 100GB hotspot can last from a few days to over a month, depending on usage. Light activities like web browsing or emails use minimal data, so it could last weeks. Streaming HD video or online gaming uses more, potentially using 100GB in about 30-50 hours.

Who has the best hotspot plans?

The major carriers generally offer the best mobile hotspot plans. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T generally include generous mobile hotspot allowances with their unlimited plans.