AT&T Prepaid is AT&T's own prepaid brand. Plans can be obtained directly from the carrier, in AT&T stores, or at select retailers such as Walmart.
Plan Specifications
AT&T prepaid offers smartphone plans, data-only plans, and Connected Vehicle plans. Their smartphone plans do not meet our criteria for mobile internet, so we do not track them.
We have occasionally seen reports of retail stores not being able to activate prepaid plans. Contacting AT&T over the phone seems to be the easiest way to activate a plan. If you want to go through a store, we recommend first calling to confirm a store will activate a prepaid plan.
We also keep Gear Center entries for AT&T Prepaid's RV Data Connect Plans and their now retired DataConnect Prepaid Unlimited Tablet Plan.
**TOP PICKS**
Top Pick Notes: AT&T Prepaid offers a plan that we consider a top pick worth focusing your research on. Here is the highlight of the plan we recommend and why we consider it a top pick.
Data Only: Mobile Internet
- Device: Hotspots, Routers
- Data/Pricing: 100GB for $90/mo
- Top Pick Notes: Under $1 per GB is inexpensive. Video Management can be changed to full High Definition easily.
- More Info: View the 'Data Only' tab on this page
Data Only
Previously AT&T offered a 100GB for $55/mo plan, that went up in price to $90/month in June 2022. Cricket Wireless also offers a similar plan for hotspot devices on AT&T's network that also increased in price in September 2022. There are some slight variations on the Cricket plan that may make it a worthwhile consideration. Members, see our comparison chart below (as well as some ongoing warnings about this plan).
These plans are only available for purchase in AT&T stores or by phone, or in Walmart stores. The 100GB plan which can only be purchased directly from AT&T. You can see information about them on AT&T's website but you can not sign up for them online.
Mobile Internet for Hotspots & Routers
- Biggest: 100GB - $90/month **TOP PICK**
- Best Value: 50GB - $55/month
- Essential Data: 15GB - $35/month
- Built in Savings Plan: $240 for 12 months - 20GB/month ($20/month)
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Direct Prepaid
- Plan Activation:
- Device Types Permitted: Hotspots, Routers, Tablets
- eSIM: Yes
- Autopay Discount: Not Specified
- Paper Free Billing: Not Specified
- Additional Fees:
- Activation Fee: Not Specified
- Monthly Carrier Fees: Yes (Administration & Other Fees)
- Taxes Extra: Yes
- Plan Period: Monthly, or 12 Months
- Lines Permitted Per Account: Not Specified
- Notes: Not Specified
- Data Allotments:
- On Device: Not Applicable
- Hotspot/Tethering: High-speed to plan cap (if any) is reached, then data is cut off.
- Additional Data Options: Data Add-ons are available. 5GB for $10/mo.
- Network Priority: Priority Data until cap is reached
- Video Streaming Throttle: Most plans come with Video Management (SD) which can be turned off to experience full HD video.
- Domestic Roaming: AT&T Prepaid seems to include some, but not full domestic roaming. It likely has similar limits to postpaid accounts.
- International Roaming: No
- Extras: Not Specified
Connected Car Plans
Several car manufacturers partner with AT&T to provide Connected Car Plans.
Mobile Internet for Connected Cars
- Unlimited - $25/month
- Unlimited 6 Months - $120/6 months
- Unlimited 12 Months - $225/12 months
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Direct Prepaid
- Plan Activation:
- Device Types Permitted: Connected car device, Vehicle
- eSIM: Yes
- Autopay Discount: Not Specified
- Paper Free Billing: Not Specified
- Additional Fees:
- Activation Fee: Not Specified
- Monthly Carrier Fees: Yes (Administration & Other Fees)
- Taxes Extra: Yes
- Plan Period: Monthly, 6 Months, or 12 Months
- Lines Permitted Per Account: Not Specified
- Notes: WiFi hotspot supports up to 10 devices (varies by manufacturer). Connected device use data from your plan. Returning devices connect automatically and use data unless hotspot is removed from retiring device settings.
- Data Allotments:
- On Device: Not Applicable
- Hotspot/Tethering: Not Specified
- Additional Data Options: Not Specified
- Network Priority: 22GB Priority, then Deprioritized
- Video Streaming Throttle: None
- Domestic Roaming: Not Specified
- International Roaming: Data can be used in Canada only at no additional charge.
- Extras: Not Specified
DataConnect RV Plans
AT&T has partnered with RV industry companies to offer special data plans for RV owners with manufacturer installed/provided connectivity equipment. These plans were ONLY available with specific equipment purchased and installed on RVs, and are restricted to use only in that equipment. Recently AT&T retired their Connected Car Department and now you can purchase these plans with any tablet, phone or hotspot that AT&T offers in their AT&T Prepaid Data Plans.
See our dedicated Gear Center entry on DataConnect RV Plans for more information.
Mobile Internet for DataConnect RV
- 100GB - $90/month
- 50GB - $55/month
- 15GB - $35/month
- 20GB - $20/month (when you prepay $240 for 12 months service)
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Direct prepaid
- Plan Activation:
- Device Type Permitted: Tablet, hotspot, integrated vehicle devices, or other connected device AT&T offers in prepaid
- eSIM: Yes
- Autopay Discount: Not Specified
- Paper Free Billing: Not Specified
- Additional Fees:
- Activation Fee: Not Specified
- Monthly Carrier Fees: Yes (Administration Fee & Other Fees)
- Taxes Extra: Yes
- Plan Period: Monthly, or 12 Months
- Lines Permitted Per Account: Not Applicable
- Notes: Not Specified
- Data Allotments:
- On Device: Not Applicable
- Hotspot/Tethering: High-speed to plan cap (if any) is reached, then data is cut off
- Additional Data Options: Data Add-ons are available. 5GB for $10/month
- Network Priority: Plans experience full network speeds until the data cap (if any) is reached, then data is cut-off.
- Video Streaming Throttle: Most plans come with Video Management (SD) which can be turned off to experience full HD video.
- Domestic Roaming: AT&T Prepaid seems to include some, but not full domestic roaming. It likely has similar limits to postpaid accounts.
- International Roaming: No
- Extras: Not Specified
We only track smartphone plans that meet our criteria for mobile internet, which is having at least 50GB of mobile hotspot data. Other smartphone plans may be available from the carrier other than those listed here.
If you want information on other available smartphone plans, our friend Stetson Doggett manages the website Best Phone Plans, which provides comprehensive information on all plans provided by each carrier.
Related News, Videos, & Status:
Video Stories
News Stories
Alternatives to Consider
Also consider some of our other top pick data plans:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Other Ways to Support Our Work At MIRC
Member Content
- Thoughts & Analysis - Favorite Features & Potential Downsides
- Deep Dive
- Notes
- Use in Routers
- Policies
- Comparison to Cricket Wireless
- Retired Plans
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links & Disclaimer
We don't sell stuff, we are primarily member funded. Some links below may be affiliate links (see our disclaimer), which also helps fund MIRC.
The vendors displayed below provide larger discounts to our MIAs that we have negotiated instead of displaying affiliate links while they are logged in.
MIA Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our Mobile Internet Aficionados (MIA) get special discounts from the below vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. With savings up to 11% off, you could save more than your membership cost!
AT&T Prepaid Hotspot & Tablet Plans
- While listed on their website, you must visit an AT&T or a Walmart store or call to activate. We do have some reports of this plan being activated over the phone through AT&T Prepaid if you have a new AT&T prepaid SIM card in hand.
Shopping for Cellular Data Plans
Finding the right plans for your needs is no easy task - quite simply mobile travelers using cellular data as their primary way online is not how most carriers have designed their plans. Many of us want plans that provide copious amounts of data.
Here's our video going over ways to get LOTS of data for use in your travels:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online. You also need the right gear, signal enhancing strategy and planning your travels around the options you carry with you. Head on over to our collection of guides:
-
Top Data Plan Picks
Our constantly updated list of the BEST data plans.
-
Which Carrier is Best?
Is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Dish best for your travels?
-
Selecting Data Plans
Our deep dive into understanding data plans and shopping for them.
-
Data Plan Pricing Grid
Our always updated spreadsheet comparing all data plans suitable for mobile internet.
-
Getting LOTS of the Data
Learn how to get lots of cellular data in your mobile internet arsenal.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of 