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3.5
Pros
Free talk and text with all plans
Unlimited data plans available
Available in retail stores
Multi-line discount available
Cons
Fastest data speed capped at 8 Mbps
Mobile hotspot use costs extra
One of the few MVNOs that charge an activation fee
The Atlanta-based company was founded in 1999 and bought by AT&T in 2013. Although owned by one of the big US networks ( AT&T ), you'll still find cell phone plans cheaper than going direct.
Cricket Wireless prepaid cell phone plans are not the cheapest from an MVNO, but you can still save hundreds of dollars a year with one of their plans.
Check out our full Cricket Wireless review to help you decide if this low-cost carrier is for you.
Cricket Wireless offers a range of plans, all with unlimited talk and text. With a mix of data limits including an unlimited data plan, there's something for everyone. They're not the cheapest MVNO on the market, but operating on the AT&T network gives you access to their nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
As a low-cost carrier, this means no contracts, no credit checks, and no hidden fees. With certain plans, you can pick from a number of add ons including mobile hotspot and international options.
If you're looking for a family plan, Cricket has some great money-saving options. The more lines you get the more you can save.
Savings comparison
AT&T vs Cricket Wireless comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage:Save $420 per year
Carrier
Network Coverage
4G/5G Data
Price
Annual Cost
AT&T
AT&T 4G & 5G
Unltd*
$75/mo
$900/yr
Cricket Wireless
AT&T 4G & 5G
10GB
$40/mo
$480/yr
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB
Savings
$35/mo
$420/yr
Cricket Wireless benefits
No contract: the days of being tied down in a lengthy contract have gone. No contract or credit check is needed, so you can change or cancel your plan at any time.
Powered by a major network: running on the AT&T network gives you access to the same quality coverage.
Lower prices: save up to $600 a year with a low-cost carrier.
Keep your phone:bring your own phone and keep your number with a hassle-free switch over.
Cricket Wireless coverage
Operating on its parent company AT&T, Cricket uses its 4G LTE network.
What network does Cricket use?
Cricket is powered by AT&T, the second-best 4G LTE coverage in the US according to OpenSignal. Only just beaten by Verizon with their nationwide coverage. You can check your ZIP code for AT&T coverage in your area.
Check the fine print when choosing your Cricket cell phone plan as data speeds are set at a max of 8Mbps on some plans.
Cricket Wireless data plans
Cricket Wireless 2GB plan
AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
Unlimited talk and text
2GB data
$30/mo
Cricket Wireless 10GB plan
AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
Unlimited talk and text
10GB data
$40/mo
Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan
AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
$55/mo
Cricket Wireless features
Carrier Features
Cricket Wireless
Networks
AT&T
Data Speed
5G & 4G LTE
3G Network
GSM
Mobile Hotspot
Bring Your Phone
Keep Your Number
Contract
No - prepaid
Credit Check
Customer Service
24/7
Money Back Guarantee
Carrier Features
Cricket Wireless
5G
0
Taxes/fees included
VoLTE
WiFi Calling
Visual Voicemail
Multi-line Discounts
Multi-month Discounts
International Calls
International Roaming
Mobile hotspot
With certain plans mobile hotspot is available. This can come in handy if you need to connect your laptop or tablet to a secure connection when you're away from home.
International calling & texting
Unlimited international texting is available to 37 countries on certain plans. Along with international roaming within Mexico and Canada. There are also additional add ons available for further international options.
Multi-line discount
Ideal if you're looking for a family plan with discounted prices, the more lines you have the cheaper the cost.
Cricket Wireless Family plans
Plan
1 line
2 lines
3 lines
4 lines
Cricket Wireless 2GB
$30
$60$30/line
$90$30/line
$120$30/line
Cricket Wireless 10GB
$40
$80$40/line
$120$40/line
$160$40/line
Cricket Wireless Unlimited
$55
$110$55/line
$165$55/line
$220$55/line
Cricket Wireless phone deals
Cricket Wireless offers a choice of cell phones to buy, including the latest from Apple and Samsung. But if you're looking to save your hard-earned dollars and don't want to upgrade, you can bring your own phone. Just be sure to check your phone is compatible with Cricket and AT&T.
You can contact Cricket's customer support by phone (Monday - Saturday 9 am to 9 pm ET, Sunday 10 am to 9 pm ET) or using their online chat (Monday - Saturday 9 am to 11 pm ET, Sunday 10 am to 11 pm ET).
Cricket Wireless customer support phone number: 1-800 274-2538
2. When your new SIM arrives swap it out with your old one.
3. Follow the instructions then enjoy your new low-cost plan.
Cricket Wireless FAQs
What network does Cricket use?
Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T's network.
What is the best phone from Cricket?
Cricket Wireless has a wide range for you to choose from, including newer iPhones such as the iPhone SE, and Samsung Galaxy devices. If your cell phone already works with AT&T or T-Mobile, you can bring this device to Cricket.
Does Cricket have a contract?
Cricket Wireless is a prepaid cell phone service provider with no annual contract.
Will my Cricket SIM card work in my Sprint phone?
You will need to get your Sprint device unlocked if you want to bring it to Cricket. Contact a Sprint customer rep before you make the switch and ask them to unlock your phone. You can also get an unlock code from alternative websites.
Recap
If you're looking for a family plan, Cricket Wireless has great discounts on multi-line plans, that even include unlimited data.
Even though it's not the cheapest MVNO available, you'll still get plenty of bang for your buck with a Cricket plan. Owned and powered by AT&T, you'll get a low-cost plan with AT&T's nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
International calling and mobile hotspot usage are available for certain plans, and they also offer a variety of add-on options.
If you're not sure Cricket Wireless is for you, why not check out more low-cost carrier plans available.
