AT&T launched its first mobile hotspot, AT&T Unite, for its GoPhone, a line of prepaid phones which can be customized with plans and packages.

“We’re excited to be introducing new data-only plans and adding the first mobile hotspot to our GoPhone lineup,” said Mark Collins, AT&T Mobility senior vice president of data and voice products. “We’re continuing to add more value and options for our customers, and with AT&T Unite, they can make the most of their wireless experience, while accessing the latest technology and network speeds.”

The device itself is from NETGEAR and features a 2.4-inch touchscreen display, up to 10 hours of battery life, ability to manage connected devices, change network and device settings,  and block unwanted devices from joining the network.

The device is priced at $99.99 and will be available in about 1,000 Walmart stores from November 12, 2013.  Just like the GoPhone, consumers will not have to deal with a carrier contract, credit checks or deposits.  And there are two available plans to choose from: 250 MB of data for $15 a week, and 5GB of data for $50 a month.

But is this the best prepaid mobile hotspot?  Or are there others that offer more for less?

Virgin OverDrive Pro 4G/3G

This device features a 1.7” hidden LCD display, can connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, uses EVDO Rev A Data Network/WiMAX which means the connection is fast, a microSD slot for storage, and you can choose from three plans without an annual contract.  There’s the $5 a day plan for 250MB of data, $25 a month for 1.5GB of data or $55 a month for 6GB of data.  Plus you can easily change the plans according to your needs so no more worrying over data overages or data capping.  The device itself costs $119 but if you purchase it online, it’s only $71.99.

Internet on the Go

This credit card-sized mobile hotspot is available at Walmart for $79.88.  It allows you to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, and no contracts to worry about.  But unlike others, it also has no plans for you to choose from, so you just pay what you use.  It also has no monthly service fee or activation fee.

T-Mobile Sonic 4G

You can choose between getting a contract or not.  Without a contract, the device costs $72 but you need a SIM starter kit for this device to work, so figure an additional $10 into the equation.  It has a microSD slot which can accommodate up to 32GB of additional storage space.

Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE

This comes with a hefty price tag at $229.99 if you go contract-less, but the big advantage is that you can use this bad boy whenever you travel abroad.  It connects up to ten Wi-FI enabled devices, has 15 hours of battery life with continued use, and you can track your data usage in real-time so you know not to go over your limit.

FreedomPop Photon

This device allows you to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices at once, has 6 hours of battery life, comes with 500MB FREE data monthly, you get an additional 500MN free data if you refer your friends to use FreedomPop or share unused data with your friends, and you can get more free data by completing offers.  The device retails for $99 and there are no contracts, so if you’re not happy with the service, you can just terminate it without any hassles.

So which is the best mobile hotspot?

If you are not a data hog and you can survive a month with just 500MB, then your best option is FreedomPop’s Photon as it offers that for free every month, plus you can get more by referring your friends to use the service or completing offers.

If you are a data hog but do not want your bill to skyrocket, Virgin’s plan is quite favorable and cheap.  You can choose whatever plan suits your lifestyle and if you think your current plan is not enough, you can easily upgrade to a new plan so you don’t go over your limit or get capped.  It’s better than what AT&T offers, and it’s much cheaper too.