Phone carriers love to make you think you need to pay more for great service, but that's not true. Tello and Cricket Wireless are two budget-friendly options that prove you can cut your bill without sacrificing coverage.
But while both carriers help you save, they take very different approaches.
Tello lets you build your own plan, paying only for the minutes, texts, and data you actually use. Cricket Wireless, on the other hand, offers multi-line discounts and perks that may make it a better fit for families.
Tello vs Cricket Wireless plans
Winner: Tello
Tello gives you full control over your plan, letting you choose exactly how much data, talk, and text you need. You can get a basic plan for as little as $5 per month, and even Tello's unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.
Cricket Wireless keeps things straightforward with four pre-set plans. Its cheapest option starts at $30 per month for 5GB of data, while its unlimited plans range from $55 to $60 per month.
If you're looking for the lowest possible monthly bill and full customization, Tello is the better option. But if you prefer simple, no-fuss plans, Cricket Wireless might be a better fit.
Tello plans
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $8/mo |
| Tello 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $9/mo |
| Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Tello 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $14/mo |
| Tello 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $19/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
| Tello 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $24/mo |
Cricket Wireless plans
Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Wireless 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $30/mo |
| Cricket Wireless 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $40/mo |
| Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Tello vs Cricket Wireless coverage
Winner: Tello
Tello operates on T-Mobile's network, which provides strong 5G speeds in metro areas.
Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T's network, which can mean better service in rural areas and stronger overall reliability.
But as Tello operates on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G and LTE network, it means you get the same coverage and speeds as T-Mobile customers, without the premium price.
According to OpenSignal's 2025 report, T-Mobile ranks number 1 for 5G availability, making it a great choice for city and suburban users. If you live in a rural area, it's best to check coverage in your location first.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Cricket Wireless coverage
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Cricket Wireless coverage map
Data performance: Who gives you faster speeds?
Winner: Cricket Wireless
Both carriers provide access to 5G and 4G LTE, but Cricket Wireless has a key advantage when it comes to high-speed data allowances.
Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, meaning you'll get full-speed data until you hit that limit.
Cricket Wireless offers higher priority data, especially on its unlimited plans. The $60 unlimited plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, meaning Cricket may provide better speeds in high-traffic areas.
If you want the highest high-speed data allowance and better performance in congested areas, Cricket Wireless has the edge. But, if you stay under 35GB per month, Tello is a more affordable choice.
Perks and extras: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Tie
Both low-cost carriers offer different additional features. Tello keeps things simple and budget-friendly, while Cricket Wireless offers a few more perks and benefits.
- Tello includes free international calling to over 60 countries, making it a great option for those who regularly call abroad.
- Cricket's most expensive unlimited plan also includes free HBO Max and mobile hotspot data.
If you're looking for a simple, low-cost plan with international calling, Tello is the way to go. But if you're a family or someone who wants to bundle entertainment features, Cricket Wireless may be the best choice.
Tello vs Cricket Wireless features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Cricket Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Sat 9am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | No |
| Visual Voicemail | No | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best value?
- Best for budget-conscious users → Tello
- Best for coverage → Tello
- Best for international calling → Tello
- Best for families & perks → Cricket Wireless
If you want the lowest-cost plan with full customization, Tello is the better choice. If you need multi-line discounts, better rural coverage, or premium perks, Cricket Wireless is worth considering.
Find out more with our Tello review
See our Cricket Wireless review for more
Tello vs Cricket Wireless FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Cricket Wireless are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Tello phone is unlocked it should work with Cricket Wireless. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Why you can trust me
I've spent over a decade testing mobile carriers, breaking down pricing tricks, and helping people save money without sacrificing service. At MoneySavingPro, we don't just compare plans-we test networks, analyze fine print, and uncover hidden fees so you don't have to.
I've personally tested carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Visible, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing against the big networks. If a provider isn't worth your money, I'll tell you. And if there's a better way to cut your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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