HomepageUtilitiesInternetNetZero 4G Mobile Broadband Review
Last updated on Mar 10, 2021

NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband Review

A good variety of data plans for light internet users ​

NetZero

  • Free plan includes 200 MB of data per month for one year with equipment purchase
  • Lower data packages useful for light users
  • Serves 26 states

How We Reviewed NetZero 4G

related highlight icon

8 hours of research

related highlight icon

6 data plans evaluated

related highlight icon

1 hotspot assessed

Advertiser Disclosure:
We recommend products and services based on unbiased research from our editorial team. We make money via affiliate links, which means if you click a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Any commissions we receive do not affect our recommendations; if you want to know more about how that works, read more.

Internet provider NetZero has been around since the 1990s, providing various types of connection services as technology has shifted. Today, in addition to other products, NetZero offers a 4G mobile broadband plan that is flexible and portable enough to go with you anywhere. With a variety of plans to choose from – even one that’s free – and no long-term contracts, there’s plenty to like about NetZero.

NetZero
NetZero

NetZero

Pros

Free plan available

Option to bring your own device

Cons

Free plan requires hotspot purchase

Monthly data caps at 8 GB

Netzero 4G Internet Plans and Prices

PlanPriceMonthly DataConnection TypeBest for
Free$0200 MBMobile BroadbandOccasional browsing
Basic$17.951 GBMobile BroadbandLight browsing and email
Plus$27.952 GBMobile BroadbandLight browsing and email
Pro$45.954 GBMobile BroadbandFrequent browsing and email
Platinum$63.956 GBMobile BroadbandFrequent browsing, gaming, and streaming
Platinum Plus$79.958 GBMobile BroadbandFrequent browsing, gaming, and streaming

* Data effective 3/22/20

For more details on these plans click here to learn more from our partner site, Allconnect.

Estimated Speeds

Since NetZero’s mobile broadband service relies on the 4G network, speeds depend on the strength of the signal and proximity to a cellular tower. However, NetZero advertises download speeds of up to 10 Mbps. This is pretty average for mobile broadband providers; FreedomPop offers speeds of 5 Mbps, while Verizon and AT&T advertise 12 Mbps.

NetZero Hotspot

When you sign up for a NetZero plan, you have two options: bring your own device or purchase their hotspot for $59.95. The NetZero Hotspot is a device that connects to the mobile broadband service and acts as a WiFi access point for other devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Up to 10 devices can be connected at once.

Pricing

NetZero is unique in that it offers a free plan that includes 200 MB per month of data for $0. The caveat is that this plan requires the purchase of their $59.95 Hotspot and only lasts for 12 months. Afterwardsyou’ll be forced to upgrade to a paid plan. Still, this isn’t a bad deal if you want to try out mobile broadband or simply need a backup connection to have on hand.

Who is each plan best for?

200 MBBest for one person, limited use
1 GBBest for one person, light use
2 GBBest for one person, light use
4 GBBest for one person, moderate use
6 GBBest for one or two people, moderate use
8 GBBest for one or two people, moderate use

Internet Availability

NetZero is available across most areas of the United States, but whether or not you can get NetZero in your specific region depends on the availability of 4G service. The most reliable way to find out if NetZero is available where you live is to visit their website and enter your home address. Speeds and plans may also vary depending on your geographic location.

Other Factors to Consider

NetZero has no long-term plans or commitments; unlike most internet providers, you won’t be locked into service for months or years if you decide you’re unhappy. To give you additional flexibility, NetZero lets you choose whether you want to bring your own device or purchase one of theirs, although you’ll have to opt for the latter if you want to take advantage of the free plan.

However, there are a couple things to keep in mind. NetZero does carry some hidden fees; for example, all plans are charged an additional $3.95 per month access fee. NetZero also doesn’t offer an unlimited data plan, which many competitors do. In fact, even the highest tier plan offered by NetZero is limited to just 8 GB. If you do a lot of heavy streaming, you may need to look at a different provider.

NetZero vs. Other Providers

 Starting PriceAvailabilityDownload SpeedsConnectionContract
NetZero$050 states10 MbpsMobile BroadbandNone
AT&T$5050 states12 MbpsMobile BroadbandNone required 
FreedomPop$050 states5 MbpsMobile BroadbandNone
Verizon Wireless$3550 states12 MbpsMobile BroadbandNone required

●  The Best Internet Service Providers

●  Verizon Fios Review

●  Frontier Internet Review

●  AT&T Internet Review

About the Authors

The Reviews.com staff is dedicated to providing you with all the deep-dive details. Our writers, researchers, and editors came together from Charlotte, Seattle, San Juan, Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Chicago to put this review together.