- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
- Limited international roaming
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At a glance
- Value for money: Red Pocket is known for providing affordable plans, flexible network coverage, and excellent customer care, giving customers great value for money.
- Coverage: Excellent coverage on the T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T networks.
- Customer experience: Red Pocket customers generally had positive reviews of coverage, pricing, and plan options. There were mixed experiences with customer service wait times and effectiveness
- Transparency: The price you see is what you pay with Red Pocket. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
- Range of choice: Wide array of plans available, including data-only plans, each providing different data allowances to perfectly align with the specific needs of each individual.
Red Pocket Mobile review: An in-depth analysis
With a wide range of cell phone service providers available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that best fits your needs.
That's where I come in – I've done all the research for you so you can save money without using up your precious time.
In this review, I'll get into the various aspects of Red Pocket Mobile, including its plans, network choices, performance, customer support, and alternatives, to help you make an informed decision.
So, let's see if Red Pocket Mobile is the right cell phone service provider for you.
What is Red Pocket Mobile?
Red Pocket, an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), is a low-cost carrier that operates off all the major networks– AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. This means you'll get great coverage you already trust.
Providing prepaid phone plans for nearly 20 years, they have stood the test of time by helping you cut your monthly phone bill by half.
What makes Red Pocket Mobile different?
Red Pocket Mobile plans stand out from other MVNOs because they have partnerships with all three of the big wireless carriers. So whether you currently use a GSMA (AT&T), GSMT (T-Mobile), or CDMA (Verizon) network, you can switch to a cheaper cell phone plan with Red Pocket Mobile.
Likewise, if you find the network you selected isn't giving you the coverage you hoped for, they'll switch you to a different major network at no cost.
Family plans even allow you to mix and match any of the available networks for each line.
Plans & pricing
What are the best Red Pocket plans?
Red Pocket 1GB plan
- AT&T & Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket 5GB plan
- AT&T & Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket 20GB plan
- AT&T & Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
How does Red Pocket Mobile compare to AT&T?
How much does Red Pocket Mobile cost?
They have plans ranging from $5-$40 per month depending on some variables, like your data needs and whether you want to pay monthly or yearly.
Is Red Pocket Mobile a good value?
They offer great value and simplicity with their plans. You could save up to $600 per year even though you'll have the same features and coverage as a plan direct from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. They are competitively priced and have access to coverage that other MVNOs don't, making them good value for money.
Compare Red Pocket vs other carriers
- AT&T vs Red Pocket
- Boost Mobile vs Red Pocket
- Lycamobile vs Red Pocket
- Mint Mobile vs Red Pocket
- Red Pocket vs Boost Infinite
- Red Pocket vs Consumer Cellular
- Red Pocket vs Cricket Wireless
- Red Pocket vs Kroger Wireless
- Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Optimum Mobile
- Red Pocket vs PureTalk
- Red Pocket vs Reach Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Spectrum Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Straight Talk
- Red Pocket vs Tello
- Red Pocket vs Total by Verizon
- Red Pocket vs Tracfone
- Red Pocket vs Twigby
- Red Pocket vs Ultra Mobile
- Red Pocket vs US Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Visible
- Red Pocket vs Xfinity Mobile
- T-Mobile vs Red Pocket
- Tello vs Red Pocket
- US Mobile vs Red Pocket
- Verizon vs Red Pocket
Network coverage
What network does Red Pocket Mobile use?
You have your choice of all major wireless networks - Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. You can check which network has the best coverage in your area with the Red Pocket Mobile coverage map before you decide which network is the best fit for your needs.
What is the difference between CDMA, GSM, GSMT, and GSMA?
CDMA and GSM are two different technologies used by mobile networks. GSMT is GSM with T-Mobile compatibility, and GSMA refers to GSM that has AT&T compatibility.
When choosing a mobile carrier like Red Pocket, it's important to consider the network technology that best suits your needs and geographic location.
Does Red Pocket Mobile have good coverage?
No matter which one of the networks provides the best coverage in your area, you're covered. Typically, one or more of these will give you the service you need to stay connected.
Does Red Pocket Mobile have 5G coverage?
If you have a 5G compatible device, you can access the fast 5G network (where it's available) at no extra cost with Red Pocket Mobile 5G plans. Find out how the 5G networks have compared in this OpenSignal 5G Experience Report from 2023.
Red Pocket Mobile 5G coverage map
How fast are Red Pocket Mobile data speeds?
Data speeds vary depending on your network, location, and device.
Customer service
Does Red Pocket have good customer service?
Experiences with the customer care team are all over the map. This is because these interactions are unique to each person and instance.
Some third-party review sites like the Red Pocket Mobile Trustpilot scores and Reddit have high ratings. In contrast, others, like BBB, report terrible experiences.
Then, falling somewhat in the middle are customers from Amazon and our own reviewers. Find out what current customers are saying with Red Pocket Mobile customer reviews.
Red Pocket customer reviews roundup
- Red Pocket MoneySavingPro rating: 2.8 stars (151)
- Red Pocket Trustpilot rating: 4.4 stars (3,300+)
- Red Pocket Amazon rating: 3.2 stars (36)
- Red Pocket Google rating: 4.2 stars (300)
How do I contact customer service?
They have probably the biggest variety of ways to reach out. Here are the options I found on Red Pocket's website
- Call: 1-888-993-3888 Daily (8 am to midnight ET)
- Text: 1-305-842-3314 Daily (8 am to midnight ET)
- Live Chat: Click the live chat bubble in the lower right-hand corner of the website Daily (8 am to midnight EST)
- Create Ticket: Open your own customer care ticket using their form 24/7
User experience
What are reviewers saying about Red Pocket?
Most reviews are generally positive in terms of plan options, pricing, transparency, and coverage. But not everyone's experience is the same.
What are some common complaints about Red Pocket Mobile?
Even though most people have positive interactions, there are a few common issues that have surfaced.
Some people have reported long wait times, unresponsive reps, unresolved problems with connectivity, and a failure to issue refunds.
A significant number of complaints flooded in after the 3G shutdown, causing many to have dropped calls or lost service. This was a problem across several providers, not just Red Pocket.
SIM activation
Is it easy to switch?
Because they are online-based, it's quick to compare, choose, and purchase your Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards. Once your new SIM card arrives, it's easy to follow the steps. Activating your new line should take under 15 minutes.
Does Red Pocket support eSIM?
You can also choose to activate your plan instantly if your phone is eSIM compatible. I have an iPhone 14, which is eSIM-only, so I couldn't choose a physical SIM card even if I wanted to wait around to activate my line.
Phone selection
What phones do they have?
If you're interested in a new phone, you can find a range of Red Pocket Mobile phones to choose from, just like a phone and plan bundle from one of the big guys, but with affordable options.
Can I bring my own phone to Red Pocket?
Don't want to spend money on a phone upgrade? No problem; you can easily bring your own phone and keep your existing number with a Red Pocket bring your own phone plan. You'll just need to check your cell phone is fully compatible.
Is my phone compatible?
You get the choice of any major wireless network, which means most GSM and CDMA phones are compatible. Use our compatibility checker and double-check on their site before signing up.
Red Pocket Mobile features
My viewpoint - Is Red Pocket any good?
Short answer: Red Pocket is vying for a spot at the top. With plans ranging from $5 to $40 a month, they are a low-cost MVNO carrier known for providing affordable plans, flexible network coverage, and excellent customer care. Operating on the AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile networks allows customers to enjoy the same quality service without the hefty price tag. Of course, there is no one carrier or plan that is the best blanket decision for everyone. So, we took the time to compare carriers and plans so you can decide the best phone plan for you.
Is Red Pocket Mobile worth it?
Red Pocket offers a range of cheap phone plans tailored to suit the needs of each individual.
Operating on all of the three big networks, you'll get the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage and be able to switch instantly. It also means a cost-savings of over half since, according to J.D. Power, the average monthly price is $157. And it's safe to assume that these prices will continue to rise unless customers take back control from big wireless.
Also, bringing your own phone is a great way to save even more money. With hassle-free switching, you can also keep your current phone number.
You'll find a low-cost plan whether you're looking for no data or unlimited data, and the best news is there's no contract. If your needs change, so can your plan.
Red Pocket Mobile FAQs
You can order a SIM card kit from Red Pocket's website. They ship their SIM cards free of charge and arrive within 2-5 business days. Third-party retailers like Target, Walmart, eBay, and Amazon also sell them, but I suggest you buy directly from Red Pocket's website to streamline the process.
There are several different options out there, such as Cricket Wireless, Mint Mobile, and Tello. Compare the best prepaid cell phone plans to find the right plan for you.
If you're looking for data plans, you'll find a range of data plans from Red Pocket Mobile on the AT&T network suitable for use with tablets and other mobile devices. Check out the best data only plans on the AT&T network.
You can use your mobile hotspot data from any Red Pocket plan to tether to your laptop so you can continue working without Wi-Fi. It will draw on your data allotment, but you can get a separate data plan. Check out the best Red Pocket Mobile hotspot plans. These are great if you work on the go and don't want to rely on a Wi-Fi connection or use up your plan data allowance.
Red Pocket Mobile family plans are a great money-saving option when buying more than one unlimited data plan line. At the time of publication, the unlimited family plan was $40 for the first line and $30 for each additional line.
You can compare the best Red Pocket Mobile deals to see what savings are currently available. These deals change regularly. At the time of publication, they were promoting 50% off the first month of service and refer-a-friend credits.
Wi-Fi calling and texting are supported if you choose GSMA or GSMT (AT&T or T-Mobile) networks. If you're struggling for a signal, you can connect to Wi-Fi to make calls and receive texts.
They offer free international calling to 80+ countries with all of their plans. For roaming, global internet credits are available at an extra cost.
Recap: Is Red Pocket Mobile the best cell phone plan?
While no one carrier or plan is the best for everyone, Red Pocket Mobile is worth considering as a cost-effective alternative to the big wireless companies. After all, why not get the same coverage as the big three at half the price?
Remember these things when making the decision about the right phone plan for you:
- Plans: They offer a range of plans to accommodate different data allotments and network speeds, giving users the flexibility to choose what suits their needs.
- Coverage: They stand out from the competition because they have partnerships with all three of the major carriers, giving you the most flexible coverage.
- Phones: They have new and certified refurbished phones available for purchase, or you are encouraged to bring your own unlocked, compatible device.
- Customer experience: User experience is generally positive, but there are some mixed reviews about timeliness.
- Promotions: There are new deals and incentives all the time. Make sure you check for the most up-to-date offers.
I've done the research, and now you are armed with all the knowledge you need to make the best choice for yourself.
How we reviewed Red Pocket Mobile
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
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