HomepageUtilitiesInternetFreedomPop 4G Mobile Broadband Review
Last updated on Nov 12, 2025

FreedomPop 4G Mobile Broadband Review

A wireless carrier for those looking for 4G mobile broadband on a budget. ​
FreedomPop

FreedomPop

  • Free cell phone service
  • Up to 67% savings on annual plans
  • Network compatible with GSM and CDMA phones
  • Free talk and texting among FreedomPop subscribers
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How We Reviewed FreedomPop

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8 hours of research

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6 plans evaluated

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1 free plan assessed

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FreedomPop is a Red Pocket Mobile brand that runs on AT&T’s nationwide GSMA network with 4G LTE/5G access where available. Its headline offer is a $0/month eSIM “free plan” with a small recurring data allowance (widely cited as 100 MB/month) intended for ultra‑light/backup use on eligible eSIM devices; current allowances and any one‑time activation fee are posted on FreedomPop’s eSIM page and can change with promotions. Coverage follows AT&T’s footprint—check addresses on the FreedomPop coverage map. Sources: plans, eSIM, coverage.

For ongoing use, FreedomPop sells paid monthly plans with unlimited talk & text plus data buckets that commonly range around 1–3 GB (~$10–$15), 5 GB (~$20), and larger or “Unlimited” high‑speed buckets around ~$30 per line—verify current pricing on the live plans page or via independent listings. Bring your own unlocked phone and activate digitally via eSIM on supported models; the free tier is frequently promoted for iPhone eSIM (XR/XS and newer) per Apple’s eSIM guidance (About eSIM on iPhone), while many recent Samsung Galaxy models also support eSIM (e.g., S24/S23/S22, Z Fold/Flip, and select A‑series—confirm per Samsung support). Taxes/fees and a small one‑time activation charge (often ~${10}) may apply; hotspot and post‑cap behavior vary by plan and are disclosed at checkout.

Pros

✓ $0/month eSIM line for ultra‑light or backup use (free eSIM offer)
✓ Simple, low‑cost paid tiers (~1–20 GB around ~$10–$30/month; verify live pricing) (plans, WhistleOut)
✓ Uses AT&T’s 4G LTE/5G footprint; broad LTE (>99% of Americans) and growing mid‑band 5G+ capacity where available (coverage)
✓ Fast digital BYOD activation; broad eSIM support on iPhone and many Samsung Galaxy models (Apple, Samsung)

Cons

✗ Free eSIM plan is generally limited to eSIM‑capable devices (often promoted for iPhone) with a tiny monthly data allowance; activation fee may apply (eSIM offer, BestMVNO)
✗ No truly unlimited high‑speed data with guaranteed priority; MVNO deprioritization can slow speeds during congestion (plans)
✗ Hotspot, throttling after cap, and top‑up pricing vary by plan—confirm details at checkout (plans)
✗ As with many telecom services, satisfaction sits around the mid‑70s/100 for wireless overall (MVNOs often rate a bit higher), while online retail averages around 80; ISPs and pay‑TV remain among the lowest (ACSI Telecom, ACSI Retail/E‑commerce)

FreedomPop 4G Internet Plans and Prices

Price
Download/Upload Speeds
Connection Type
Best for
Free eSIM (iPhone)
$0/month
Small monthly data allowance (commonly 100 MB) on AT&T 4G LTE/5G; MVNO deprioritization may apply (details)
eSIM on compatible phones (free tier often promoted for iPhone); one‑time activation fee may apply (Apple eSIM)
Ultra‑light use, backups, emergency calling/texts; check coverage
1 GB (unlimited talk & text)
~$10/month (verify live)
4G LTE/5G where available; speeds vary by location (Speedtest Global Index)
Cellular (AT&T network via MVNO)
Very light users (maps, messages, email)
5 GB (unlimited talk & text)
~$20/month (verify live)
4G LTE/5G access; data subject to plan cap (plans)
Cellular (AT&T network via MVNO)
Light users (browsing, social, music streaming)
10 GB (unlimited talk & text)
~$30/month (verify live)
4G LTE/5G; speeds vary with congestion (MVNO deprioritization)
Cellular (AT&T network via MVNO)
Moderate users (daily browsing, social, some video)
20 GB (unlimited talk & text)
~$30–$35/month (verify live)
4G LTE/5G; post‑cap rules vary by plan (see checkout)
Cellular (AT&T network via MVNO)
Heavier smartphone use; occasional hotspotting (confirm availability)
Premium Voice (add‑on)
Varies by offer
Native cellular calling & SMS (not VoIP) (FreedomPop support)
Add‑on feature where applicable
Reliable calling via the native dialer
Hotspot/tethering
Varies by plan
Draws from high‑speed data; confirm plan rules (plans)
Cellular tethering (if allowed on plan)
Sharing data with a laptop or tablet
Top‑ups and add‑ons
Price varies
Add data/minutes/texts when you run out (plans)
Account add‑ons (see checkout)
Occasional overages without changing plans
Activation fee
Often ~${10} one‑time (promo‑dependent)
N/A for throughput; charged at signup (eSIM)
eSIM digital activation
One‑time setup for new lines
Network & coverage
AT&T LTE >99% population; 5G nationwide ~290–295M; mid‑band 5G+ ~190–200M+ POPs (global mobile median in the low‑50 Mbps per Ookla)
Cellular (MVNO on AT&T); see coverage map
Check ZIP on the coverage tool before switching

Data effective 11/12/2025

Estimated Speeds

FreedomPop performance reflects AT&T network conditions where you live, your device, and your plan. As an MVNO, traffic can be deprioritized during congestion. Where 5G is available, capacity and responsiveness generally improve—especially on AT&T’s mid‑band 5G+ layer that expanded to roughly 190–200M+ people by late 2024—though results vary by location and load. For context, global median mobile download speed sat in the low‑50 Mbps range in late 2024 according to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. Independent U.S. tests in 2024 also show differing operator strengths (e.g., speed leadership vs. reliability) (RootMetrics, Opensignal). Use reliable Wi‑Fi for bandwidth‑heavy tasks and confirm local signal on FreedomPop’s coverage map.

Pricing

The $0/month eSIM tier is unique for keeping a line active at no ongoing cost, but it includes only a tiny monthly bundle. FreedomPop’s own pages list the current configuration at checkout; industry coverage consistently cites 100 MB of free monthly data (subject to change) (FreedomPop eSIM; BestMVNO). If you plan to call and use data regularly, review the paid plan tiles on the plans page for 1–20 GB options, any “Unlimited” high‑speed buckets, hotspot allowances, and post‑cap rules. FreedomPop also describes “Premium Voice” for native calling/SMS where applicable (support article).

Regulatory changes in 2024–2025 increase transparency: the FCC restored Open Internet rules (no blocking, throttling, paid prioritization) and requires standardized broadband labels showing total monthly price, typical speeds, latency, and data allowances—helpful when comparing MVNO offers and any fees (FCC Open Internet; Broadband Labels). Note: the federal ACP subsidy wound down in 2024, which may affect affordability for some households (FCC ACP). Several states (e.g., California) now enforce “all‑in pricing” rules that discourage hidden mandatory fees, so expect clearer price displays online.

Who is each plan best for?

  • Free eSIM: Best for an ultra‑light backup line, emergency use, or verification codes on an eligible eSIM phone (offer)
  • 1 GB: Best for very light use (maps/messages/email) on a single device
  • 5 GB: Best for light users who browse and stream music occasionally
  • 10 GB: Best for moderate users who browse/social/stream regularly
  • 20 GB: Best for heavier smartphone use and occasional hotspotting (confirm hotspot availability on your plan)

How Fast is FreedomPop 4G Internet?

FreedomPop rides AT&T’s network, so your speeds depend on local signal quality, spectrum, and congestion. MVNO traffic may be deprioritized versus postpaid users at busy times. AT&T’s 5G footprint is broad (nationwide 5G reaches roughly 290–295M people), and its mid‑band 5G+ capacity layer continues to expand—bringing faster median speeds where available. 5G rollouts continue to widen capacity, and 5G‑Advanced features from 3GPP Release 18/19 are beginning to reach networks and devices, aiming to improve efficiency, latency, and reliability over time (3GPP R18; R19). If mobile data is your primary connection for heavy streaming or gaming, pair it with robust Wi‑Fi or consider a plan with larger data buckets.

Internet Availability

FreedomPop’s footprint mirrors AT&T’s 4G LTE/5G coverage across the U.S. Use the coverage map to check service at your address, and consider cross‑checking official U.S. mobile layers via the FCC’s BDC Mobile Maps. eSIM works on iPhone XS/XR and newer (U.S. iPhone 14+ are eSIM‑only) per Apple; many recent Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Z and select A‑series models support eSIM as documented by Samsung. The free tier is limited to compatible iPhones; paid plans may support a broader set of devices—confirm by checking your IMEI during signup.

Other Factors to Consider

For a primary line with predictable data, compare FreedomPop with low‑cost mobile options such as Visible ($25/month unlimited, taxes/fees included on Verizon’s network), Mint Mobile (lowest monthly rates with multi‑month prepay; Unlimited includes a high‑speed data cap before reduced speeds), Tello (month‑to‑month build‑your‑own plans and a low‑cost “unlimited” option with a finite high‑speed allotment on T‑Mobile’s network), Boost Mobile ($15/month for 5 GB), and Cricket ($30/month for 5 GB with taxes/fees included). None of these offer a truly free plan, but they provide larger monthly data buckets and, in some cases, taxes‑included pricing.

Here’s how the two compare:

FreedomPop vs. Visible (two low‑cost mobile options)

Starting Price
Availability
Download Speeds
Connection
Contract
FreedomPop (AT&T network)
Free (eSIM)
50 states
Varies by location; 4G LTE/5G access; MVNO deprioritization (coverage)
Cellular
No
Visible (Verizon network)
$25/month (taxes/fees included)
50 states
Varies by location; unlimited data; hotspot 5 Mbps to one device (Visible plans)
Cellular
No

That said, for a no‑cost backup line, it’s hard to beat FreedomPop’s $0/month eSIM. For a primary plan with regular data use, unlimited or larger‑bucket options from Visible, Tello, and Mint Mobile often deliver better value and predictability.

Starting Price
Availability
Download Speeds
Connection
Contract
FreedomPop
Free (eSIM iPhone) or ~$10+ for paid tiers
50 states
Varies by location; 4G LTE/5G access (global median in low‑50 Mbps per Ookla)
Cellular
No
Visible
$25/month unlimited (taxes in)
50 states
Varies by location; unlimited data; hotspot 5 Mbps (see plan details)
Cellular
No

That said, for a no‑cost backup line, it’s hard to beat FreedomPop’s $0/month offer. For a primary plan with regular data use, unlimited options like Visible or budget tiers from Tello and Mint Mobile often deliver better value and predictability.

Starting Price
Availability
Download Speeds
Connection
Contract
FreedomPop
Free (eSIM iPhone) or ~$10+ for paid tiers
50 states
Varies by location; 4G LTE/5G access (global median in low‑50 Mbps per Ookla)
Cellular
No
Visible
$25/month unlimited (taxes in)
50 states
Varies by location; unlimited data; hotspot 5 Mbps (see plan details)
Cellular
No

That said, for a no‑cost backup line, it’s hard to beat FreedomPop’s $0/month offer. For a primary plan with regular data use, unlimited options like Visible or budget tiers from Tello and Mint Mobile often deliver better value and predictability.

Starting Price
Availability
Download Speeds
Connection
Contract
FreedomPop
Free (eSIM iPhone) or ~$10+ for paid tiers
50 states
Varies by location; 4G LTE/5G access (global median in low‑50 Mbps per Ookla)
Cellular
No
Visible
$25/month unlimited (taxes in)
50 states
Varies by location; unlimited data; hotspot 5 Mbps (see plan details)
Cellular
No