Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is Cricket Wireless?
- Pros and Cons of Cricket Wireless
- Pros
- Cons
- Cricket Wireless Plans
- Unlimited Data + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot
- Unlimited Data Plan
- 10 GB Data Plan
- 5 GB Data Plan
- Customer Reviews
- Cricket Wireless vs. Competitors
- Cricket Wireless vs. AT&T
- Cricket Wireless vs. Visible Wireless
- Cricket Wireless vs. Hello Mobile
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Picking the best cell phone plan can be tough. There are so many companies offering different plans. Some people stay with the same carrier for years without checking if there’s a better option out there. Cricket Wireless is one of those companies you might want to check out. They offer affordable plans with great coverage. Let’s see if Cricket Wireless is a good choice for you!
2. What Is Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless is a type of cell phone provider known as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). This means they don’t own cell towers. Instead, they use towers from a bigger company, AT&T, to give their customers good service.
3. Cricket Mobile Wireless Pros and Cons
Here’s a detailed table outlining the pros and cons of Cricket Wireless, summarized from various reviews:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable Plans: Cricket offers competitive pricing, including great family discounts. | Limited High-End Phones: Lacks flagship devices like the latest Samsung or Google Pixel models. |
| No Contracts: Cricket’s plans are all prepaid, with no long-term contracts required. | Data Deprioritization: During peak times, Cricket users may experience slower speeds. |
| Reliable Coverage: Powered by AT&T’s network, offering strong nationwide 4G and 5G service. | Limited International Roaming: Only supports roaming in Canada and Mexico. |
| Unlimited Plans: True unlimited data plans are available, unlike some competitors. | Customer Service Issues: Mixed reviews with reports of poor customer service experiences. |
| Wi-Fi Calling: Available on compatible devices, providing added flexibility. | Throttled Speeds on Basic Plans: Data speeds may be slower on cheaper plans. |
| No Hidden Fees: Taxes and fees are included in the plan prices. | Limited Device Selection: Only 37 phones available, fewer than competitors. |
| HD Voice and International Options: Features like HD voice and international texting/calling included in some plans. | No Travel Add-ons: Does not offer travel add-ons for international roaming beyond North America. |
| Add-on Options: You can customize your plan with add-ons like extra data or device protection. | No Google Pixel Support: Cricket doesn’t sell Google Pixel phones. |
| User-Friendly App: The myCricket app is well-reviewed and simplifies managing your account. | Deprioritization in Crowded Areas: Speeds can slow down significantly in busy areas. |
Cricket Wireless offers strong value for the price, especially for families and those who need solid coverage across the U.S. However, it’s important to consider potential downsides like slower speeds during peak hours and a limited selection of high-end phones.
4. Cricket Wireless Plans
Here’s a look at some of the most popular plans Cricket Wireless offers:
| Plan | Price (per month) | Data | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot | $60 | Unlimited High-Speed Data | 15 GB Hotspot |
| Unlimited Data Plan | $55 | Unlimited High-Speed Data | None |
| 10 GB Data Plan | $40 | 10 GB of High-Speed Data | None |
| 5 GB Data Plan | $30 | 5 GB of High-Speed Data | None |
Unlimited Data + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot — $60/month
This plan gives you unlimited high-speed data and 15 GB of hotspot data. Hotspot data lets you use your phone’s internet on other devices, like a laptop or tablet. It’s perfect if you travel a lot and need the internet on the go.
Unlimited Data Plan — $55/month
This plan is similar to the one above but without the hotspot data. You get unlimited high-speed data, which is great if you use your phone for streaming or social media every day.
10 GB Data Plan — $40/month
This plan gives you 10 GB of high-speed data. If you use too much, your speed slows down, but 10 GB is enough for light users who only use their phones for texting, checking email, or light browsing.
5 GB Data Plan — $30/month
The cheapest plan gives you 5 GB of data. It’s good for people who don’t use their phones too much, but if you go over the limit, your data will get slow.
5. Customer Reviews
Here’s what real customers have to say about Cricket Wireless:
- “Great service and good coverage! I’ve had no issues with calls or texts.” – Amy B.
- “I love the multi-line savings. We have 4 lines, and it’s so much cheaper than other carriers.” – John M.
- “The data can slow down during busy times, but overall it works well for me.” – Sarah L.
- “The 5 GB plan is perfect for my needs. I don’t use my phone much, so I’m happy with it.” – Kevin P.
- “I switched from AT&T to save money, and I’m glad I did! Same coverage at a lower price.” – Rebecca W.
6. Cricket Wireless vs. Competitors
Cricket Wireless vs. AT&T
Cricket uses AT&T’s network, so you get the same coverage as AT&T customers. But AT&T customers get faster speeds when the network is crowded, while Cricket users may slow down. However, Cricket’s plans are much cheaper.
Cricket Wireless vs. Visible Wireless
Visible is another MVNO that uses Verizon’s network. Like Cricket, Visible offers unlimited data, but they don’t have smaller plans for people who don’t need unlimited data.
Cricket Wireless vs. Hello Mobile
Hello Mobile is better for low-data users. Their plans start at $20/month, which is cheaper than Cricket. But if you need unlimited data, Cricket’s plans are a better choice.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bring my own phone to Cricket Wireless? A: Yes, you can bring your own phone as long as it’s unlocked and compatible with Cricket’s network.
Q: Does Cricket Wireless have 5G? A: Yes, Cricket Wireless offers 5G coverage in areas where AT&T has 5G service.
Q: Does Cricket Wireless have a contract? A: No, Cricket Wireless plans are prepaid, so you don’t need to sign a contract.
Q: Can I use my Cricket Wireless phone as a hotspot? A: Only some Cricket plans come with hotspot data. You’ll need to choose a plan that includes it.
Q: How do I save money on Cricket Wireless? A: You can save money by getting a multi-line plan. The more lines you have, the cheaper it gets.
Q: What happens if I go over my data limit? A: If you’re on a limited-data plan, your data speed will slow down once you use up your monthly allowance.
8. Conclusion
Cricket Wireless offers affordable cell phone plans with great coverage, thanks to AT&T’s network. If you need unlimited data and want to save money, their multi-line plans are an excellent option. However, if you need a cheaper, low-data plan, you might want to look at other options like Hello Mobile. Overall, Cricket Wireless is a great choice for people who use a lot of data and want reliable service without the high prices of major carriers.