Verizon vs Cricket - which carrier is best?
Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Cricket Wireless or Verizon is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Cricket Wireless and Verizon coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
Cricket Wireless vs Verizon: Reviews
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Cricket Wireless Review | Verizon Review |
Pros
| Pros
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Cons
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Cricket Wireless vs Verizon: Plans
Cricket Wireless vs Verizon: Coverage
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T's National 4G LTE Network
Verizon is powered by Verizon's National 4G LTE Network
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T and Verizon is powered by Verizon. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area our coverage checker.
Cricket Wireless vs Verizon: Features
| Carrier Features | Cricket Wireless | Verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | ||
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | No - prepaid | No - Postpaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | 24/7 | |
| Money Back Guarantee | ||
| 5G | 0 | 0 |
| Taxes/fees included | ||
| VoLTE | ||
| WiFi Calling | ||
| Visual Voicemail | ||
| Multi-line Discounts | ||
| Multi-month Discounts | ||
| International Calls | ||
| International Roaming |
Both Cricket Wireless and Verizon offer prepaid plans with no contract and you can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. So not only do you get the benefit of saving on a device, but you get the same great service on a cheaper plan.
Cricket Wireless vs Verizon: Phone Deals
If you're looking to upgrade, why not save money even more money and buy a refurbished phone?
With most smartphones only making minor changes each year, you can get the great smartphone features with big savings. Find the best unlocked phone deals by comparing phone prices compatible with Cricket Wireless or Verizon.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE | $18/mo | $20/mo | $24/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini | - | $26/mo | $30/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 | - | $30/mo | $35/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro | - | $33/mo | $37/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 | - | $35/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | - | $37/mo | - |
Cricket Wireless benefits
- Service provided on its parent company AT&T's nationwide network
- Prepaid - no contract or credit check
- Bring your own compatible GSM device or buy a Cricket Wireless phone (at retail or with a discount if you're bringing your phone number from another carrier)
- Mobile hotspot data is available with unlimited data plans as an add-on feature, for an extra fee
- Free talk and text to and from Canada and Mexico with an unlimited data plan
- Use of your plan while traveling in Canada or Mexico with unlimited data plan
- Two tiers of international calling add-ons for 35 more countries
- Customer service available by phone and chat from 7am to midnight Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm Sunday
Verizon benefits
- Most reliable nationwide coverage
- Mix and match family plans
- Streaming services included with some plans
- Wide variety of plans
- Discounts on multi-line plans
Verizon vs Cricket Wireless FAQs
What's the difference between Verizon and Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless is a low-cost carrier that is powered by Verizon. Cricket Wireless offers cheaper cell phone plans while still providing the same national 4G LTE coverage.
Is Cricket Wireless as good as Verizon?
Cricket Wireless is powered by Verizon, so you can expect the same coverage. Cricket Wireless offers the same cell phone service at a lower cost. However, some customers may notice slower speeds during busy periods due to deprioritization.
Do Verizon phones work with Cricket Wireless?
Most Verizon phones should work with Cricket Wireless. Ensure the device is unlocked and then you can bring your own phone to Cricket Wireless. You can use our IMEI checker to see if your phone is compatible.
Does Cricket Wireless use Verizon network towers?
Yes. Cricket Wireless operates on the Verizon network, so you'll receive the same national 4G LTE cell phone coverage.
