Compare Data SIM plans for your iPad or tablet

Having a data SIM for your iPad is an absolute godsend. All that said, they can be an expensive convenience if you don't know what you're looking for. This is why we've whipped up a buying guide, explaining which devices you can use with them and how to spot a bargain. Read on to discover how getting data on-the-go is SIM-plicity itself.

How do you choose a good Data SIM plan?

When it comes to getting what you want out of a data SIM, you really need to find the answers to three important questions.

Firstly, what is the data-per-dollar rate of the contract? Take the time to do a bit of basic division with how much you're paying and the number of gigabytes (GB) you're getting. Obviously, you should also factor in any minimum cost clauses in any prospective agreement.

Secondly, and this is true of all contracts, you really need to know the terms of what you're getting into. Some companies may obfuscate additional fees a little, or try to hide them completely. The biggest landmine to watch for is to know what happens when you go over the deal's allotted data amount. Will the service stop, like an expended phone card, or will you be given no warning and sneakily get charged at a higher rate?

Lastly, before agreeing to lay down your hard-earned money you ought to weigh in any additional extras you might be eligible for. Will the contract get you access to exclusive content? If there's nothing listed you might even consider asking the service provider what they can throw in. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

What device do you need to use a Data SIM?

You really can't go past an Apple iPad for your on-the-go entertainment as delivered via a data SIM. That said, iDevices aren't the only game in town. Obviously, there are a ton of Android powered tablets that accept data SIMs just as easily. Some laptops have SIM slots too.

If you've got a spare phone lying around in a drawer, you can use a data SIM to turn it into a portable modem. Once your SIM is installed, you can then setup that glorified electronic brick to be your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot. This way you can tether all of your other non-SIM capable devices to suckle at its Internet providing teet. Last tip: just be sure to have a pre-charged power bank with you as well, lest your old phone run out of juice prematurely. Read more about using a data-SIM in a smartphone here.

How much data do you need?

Everybody's basic data needs are different and if you're traveling for long periods of time while working on the go, your Internet needs can fluctuate even more. That said, we have a range of guides about how much data different apps and programs use.

• How much mobile data do you need?
• How much data does Netflix use?
• How much data does Google Maps use?
• How much data does TikTok use?
• How much data does Zoom use?

That's the deep end stuff taken care of. If you're only after data to periodically check emails and do some light Internet browsing then you can get away with a much smaller allotment. 300MB will often suffice for these tasks.

Why sign up for a contract?

Ah, contracts. The ball and chain that can potentially yield you a sweet deal with extra benefits while also opening you up to a worst nightmare risk of becoming shackled to a subpar service provider. 

Once again, the proposition of a contract comes down to personal preference and your own situation. The usual trade off to locking yourself in is securing yourself a bunch more data, or some other reward. In some cases, it's cheaper to commit to something long-term. However, if it's your first time dealing with a service provider it could be in your interest to suss them out with a shorter courting period that allows you to pivot out of any less-than-optimal situation. Most providers offer contract-free plans now. 

Doing a bit of online homework beforehand can give you a better lay of the land. We're living in the age of the empowered, disgruntled (and sometimes way too entitled) customer. A quick scan of a company's Google reviews or a peruse of their Facebook page will let you smell a rat pretty quickly.