You love your iPad, but you wish it could connect to the internet all the time. These days, most major wireless carriers offer data plans for iPads so you can connect to the internet, even when Wi-Fi is unavailable. In this article, I'll tell you about the best iPad data plans!
Table Of Contents
Apple SIM vs. eSIM
Some iPad models come with an Apple SIM, while others come with an eSIM.
The “e” in eSIM stands for embedded. eSIMs aren't tangible — they're forever embedded in the iPad. You'll never have to remove and reset the SIM card if its embedded in your iPad.
Apple SIMs are quite similar. They're embedded into an iPad and cannot be removed. The key difference is that Apple SIMs and the plans offered with them come directly from Apple.
Apple SIMs are also intangible. An Apple SIM allows you to pick what carrier you want to use from your tablet. If you want to change your carrier, go ahead. The eSIM also allows you to pick which carrier best suits your situation. Because carriers can be mixed and matched, long term contracts are eliminated.
Wireless Coverage
It's important to sign up for an iPad data plan with a carrier that has coverage in your area. Otherwise, you might not get good service! Fortunately, iPads with Cellular support many different LTE bands.
Check out our maps to see which wireless carriers have the best coverage in your area. Make sure the carrier you're thinking about choosing has good LTE coverage in your area, otherwise your iPad data speeds may be slow. If you plan to use your iPad data plan on-the-go, make sure to check your office and favorite vacation spots too!
Who Are iPad Data Plans Good For?
iPad data plans are great for travelers. When you take a trip to somewhere new, you can't be sure when you'll have access to Wi-Fi. iPad data plans give you the flexibility to pass time by streaming Netflix or get to your destination using a map app.
iPad data plans are great for people who are on the road a lot and use their iPad for work, such as real estate agents and salespeople. When you're on-the-go, you don't know when or where you'll have access to Wi-Fi. Macs don't have built into cellular yet, and it's often easier to do work on an iPad than an iPhone.
Does Your Cell Phone Plan Include Mobile Hotspot?
Every iPad can connect to your cell phone's mobile hotspot. If your cell phone plan includes mobile hotspot, you may be able to skip the iPad data plan.
Switching to a cell phone plan with mobile hotspot may be cheaper than purchasing a separate iPad data plan. Check out our other article to learn more about mobile hotspot and if a plan with this feature is a better option for you.
The Best iPad Data Plans
Verizon iPad Data Plans
Verizon offers data-only plans for iPads and other devices. Their wide range of plans include 2–100 GB of cellular data per month starting at just $20 / month. You have the flexibility to change the size of your plan at any time if you find that you need more or less data. For an extra $20 / month, you can add mobile hotspot to your plan too.
All you need to activate your Verizon data plan is your iPad's identification number, which can be found in Settings -> General -> About.
Type that number into Activating Existing Device on your Verizon account. Finally, choose how much data you think you'll need.
Need an iPad? You can purchase one directly from Verizon!
AT&T iPad Data Plans
AT&T offers three different types of iPad data plans — DataConnect plans, shared data plans, and unlimited plans.
The DataConnect 10 GB Plan gives you 10 GB of high-speed data and access to AT&T's Wi-Fi hotspot network for $50 / month. You'll be charged $10 / GB if you exceed this plan's high-speed data allotment.
The 15 GB DataConnect plan is similar. It includes an extra 5 GB of high-speed data for an additional $20 / month. This plan has the same $10 / GB overage charge as the 10GB DataConnect Plan.
AT&T also offers three unlimited iPad data plans. These plans include some features you'll probably find unnecessary, such as unlimited texting and 5G access. iPads support iMessage through your Apple ID, so you don't need unlimited texting. Apple doesn't currently offer a 5G iPad, so having access to those networks is useless.
AT&T's premium unlimited iPad data plan is the Unlimited Elite Plan. This plan has a high-speed data cap of 100 GB. You'll have a tough time exceeding it. If you do, your speeds may be throttled if AT&T's network is congested.
Unlike Mobile Share Plus, the Unlimited Elite Plan supports HD video streaming, which is great if you watch a lot of Netflix or Hulu.
If you really like the Unlimited Elite Plan, you may want to consider signing up for it for your smartphone. This plan includes 30 GB of mobile hotspot, which you could use to connect your iPad to the internet even if it doesn't have a data plan. The unlimited texting and 5G access may actually have some use on your cell phone too.
AT&T's middle-tier unlimited plan is called Unlimited Extra. It includes unlimited talk, text, and data as well as 5G access and 15 GB of mobile hotspot. The Unlimited Extra Plan has a high-speed data cap of 50 GB, which will be more than enough for most users. However, videos stream in 480p quality, which isn't ideal for those who mostly use their iPad to watch shows and movies.
The Unlimited Starter Plan is AT&T's least expensive unlimited plan for iPads. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of AT&T's other unlimited plans. Although unlimited data is included, your speeds may be throttled any time AT&T's network is congested. Videos stream in DVD-quality and mobile hotspot isn't included.
Need an iPad? You can purchase one directly from AT&T!
T-Mobile iPad Data Plans
T-Mobile has two great iPad data plans: Magenta and Magenta Plus.
The Magenta For iPad plan includes unlimited data and texting, as well as 3G mobile hotspot. Video streams in DVD-quality.
This is a great plan for frequent travelers, as it includes texting and 2G data in more than 210 countries. You can also enjoy unlimited texting and 5 GB of 4G LTE data in Canada and Mexico.
Magenta Plus For iPad has all the same features as the Magenta plan, plus 20 or 30 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot and HD-quality video streaming.
You can receive $40 off your T-Mobile iPad plan when you combine it with a voice line on the same account.
International Data Plans For iPad
Apple partners with some smaller carriers to help provide cellular data access for iPads. Below, we'll discuss some of your options.
EE Plans
EE is a United Kingdom carrier that has two iPad data plans: the Essential Plan and the Smart Plan.
The Essential Plan is a pretty basic iPad plan. It includes 2GB of 4G LTE data and roaming throughout the European Union. Existing customers can save 10% when they sign up for this plan!
EE's Smart Plan gives you 20 GB of 4G LTE data, Swappable benefits, roaming across the European Union.
The price of your EE iPad data plan depends on which model you purchase. For example, you can get the new 11-inch iPad Pro with a Smart Plan for just £54 / month.
Three Plans
Three is wireless carrier in the United Kingdom with two unique iPad data plans. Their first plan is called the 24 Month plan. These plans have a 24 month contract with seven different data allotment options: 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 100, and Unlimited GB.
| Data Amount | Go Binge | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | No | £26 / month |
| 5 GB | No | £27 / month |
| 10 GB | No | £29 / month |
| 20 GB | Yes | £30 / month |
| 40 GB | Yes | £31 / month |
| 100 GB | Yes | £34 / month |
| Unlimited | Yes | £36 / month |
That monthly price includes the iPad you select. You'll also be charge 3p / minute for voice calls, 2p / SMS text message, 1p / MB of internet browsing outside of this plan's package. Three's 24 Month iPad plan is a good option for people who can't afford a high upfront cost, but don't mind a recurring monthly bill.
Three also offers pay-as-you-go plans with a cellular data plan. You'll receive 1 GB for every month the plan is valid. There's a one month, three month, twelve month, and twenty-four month plan.
Three's Pay-As-You-Go plans have a higher upfront cost, but you won't have to worry about monthly bill afterwards unless you plan on sending SMS text messages from your iPad. It costs 10.2p / SMS text. These fees will add up quickly, so make sure to set up iMessage on your iPad. You can send and receive iMessages for free when your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Which Plan Should I Choose?
If your wireless carrier offers an iPad data plan, it probably makes the most sense to stick with them. However, now might be a good time to switch wireless carriers, especially if there's a tablet data plan on a different carrier that you'd prefer.
You can save a lot of money on your monthly bill by switching carriers online. Check out our cell phone plan comparison tool to find a new great cell phone plan today!
If you don't need a long-term plan, Always Online's Prepaid plan is probably your best option. Their flexible plans are perfect for family vacations!
iPad Data Plans: Explained!
We hope this article helped you find the perfect data plan for your iPad. Make sure to share this article on social media with friends and family to teach them about the best iPad data plans. Need help choosing a plan? Leave a comment down below!
