Every iPad can connect to Wi-Fi networks to get online, but only some models can access cellular networks provided by phone companies such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. These networks are the same ones your iPhone uses.

Just like choosing a carrier for your iPhone, there are a lot of choices when researching the best monthly iPad data plan. Fortunately, these plans are a little more straightforward than phone plans: just decide how much data you need and you're basically set.

Which company offers the best iPad data plan for you depends on your needs. To help you make the best choice, here’s a comparison of the data plans offered by the four major phone companies.

There aren’t many ways to save on the price of a monthly data plan. The prices are, in fact, the prices. One possible way to save is to switch from one provider to another. Your new phone company may have a promotional deal that offers a temporary discount on your monthly costs.