Mobile tethering may be a very common feature, but it's one that's extremely useful. It lets you easily share your smartphone's data connection with a variety of other devices (e.g., laptops, tablets), giving you Internet access when you're on the move. It also comes in handy when you don't have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection. And the best part is that you don't need to have an expensive wireless plan for this, as majority of the best MVNO carriers allow mobile tethering on most (if not all) of their plans these days. While some of these prepaid plans come with dedicated mobile hotspot data, others have a fixed data allotment that's used for accessing the Internet on both the smartphone and the tethered devices.
Of course, there are many other factors that you need to consider when signing up with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Thankfully, the best MVNOs that allow tethering also offer a multitude of other perks, including everything from international usage benefits to multi-line savings, while also giving you access to the fastest networks in the United States. Read all about them and take your pick!
Share your mobile data between all your devices
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Best overall
Owned by Verizon, Visible makes perfect sense for anyone who uses a lot of data. It keeps things exceedingly simple with just two plans, both of which offer unlimited shared hotspot usage. While the base plan caps hotspot speed at 5Mbps, the higher plan doubles the speed to 10Mbps. It goes without saying that these speeds are more than enough for stuff like web browsing, music streaming, and even some basic video playback.
Long-term savings
Now owned and operated by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile continues to be a fantastic option for anyone who wants to save on their wireless service. It offers four plans with 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, and unlimited (capped at 40GB) high-speed data. All plans come with mobile hotspot functionality, but data is shared with the first three plans. However, the top unlimited plan includes 10GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data.
Best with international calling
If you want a prepaid plan that offers solid international usage perks, we suggest Boost Mobile. It offers three unlimited plans, of which the top two include calling and texting benefits to not only Mexico and Canada, but many other countries around the world. Both of these plans also include unlimited mobile hotspot functionality, but the data is pulled from your plan's allotment.
Best for data-heavy users
If you're the kind of person who's always online, US Mobile is one of the best prepaid carriers you can go with. It lets you pick from three unlimited plans, but the base unlimited plan is only available as an annual option and packs 5GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data. The two higher plans can be had monthly and come with 10GB and an incredible 50GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data.
Best with added perks
While Straight Talk has a number of plans to choose from, it's the unlimited offerings that offer the best benefits. There are four unlimited plans, of which the higher three include 10GB, 15GB, and 20GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data. In addition to that, the top two plans also bundle a Walmart+ membership and 100GB of cloud storage, allowing you to back up your files and media.
Best custom plans
Tello is a one-of-a-kind prepaid carrier that lets you configure a wireless that exactly fits your needs. From nothing to unlimited data and from zero to unlimited talk time minutes, you can use the 'Build Your Own Plan' tool to set up your ideal plan. You get shared mobile hotspot data with all plans (including the four pre-configured offerings), with the highest plan having 5GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data.
Best for international use
If you have to frequently travel out of the country, you're going to love Google Fi Wireless. You can choose from three plans, all of which offer calls, texts, and data in Canada and Mexico. The base and highest plans offer data access while you're traveling internationally to over 200 countries. All three plans come with shared mobile hotspot functionality, but the middle plan bundles 5GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data too.
Best multi-line savings
Metro by T-Mobile is the perfect choice if you and your family have all decided to go prepaid. It offers three unlimited plans, with the base plan having 8GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data and the two higher plan giving you 25GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data. However, it's the multi-line discounts that make Metro by T-Mobile a great choice. You also get 100GB of cloud storage via Google One.
Best on the AT&T network
Owned by AT&T, Cricket Wireless lets you stay connected even when you're in areas where other networks don't have reliable coverage. The prepaid carrier has four primary plans to choose from, but only the two highest options have mobile hotspot functionality. Even then, only the top-tier plan includes 15GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data, with the lower plan offering it as an add-on.
Choose the right MVNO for your mobile tethering needs
While mobile tethering is certainly a convenience, it's not always easy to predict just how much hotspot data you'll be needing. These days, almost everyone has access to Wi-Fi networks that offer unlimited data with little to no effort. However, there are situations (e.g., power outages, road trips) where it's essential to have enough data that you can not only use on your smartphone, but also on other devices.
If you mostly stay at home and are rarely away from a Wi-Fi network, you can't go wrong with Visible, which offers shared mobile hotspot data at speeds that are more than enough for casual use. Mint Mobile is also a fantastic option, and it even has a plan that includes 10GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data in case you need it. It's also worth mentioning that even if you use all your data allowance, connectivity still remains, only the speeds are reduced.
Conversely, if you often find yourself needing to use mobile hotspot functionality for work (or fun), we suggest considering options like US Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, which offer loads of dedicated mobile hotspot data. With these, you'll never have to keep tabs on your wireless plan's primary data allotment.
