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Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Tello or Cricket Wireless is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Tello and Cricket Wireless coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
Tello vs Cricket Wireless plans
Tello unlimited talk & text plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
$8/mo
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
Cricket Wireless 5GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
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
Tello vs Cricket Wireless comparison
Tello plans start at $8 and Cricket Wireless plans start as low $30. With no contract, you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans when shopping for a deal with MVNO's like Tello and Cricket Wireless.
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $25/mo |
| Tello unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $8/mo |
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Cricket Wireless 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $40/mo |
| Cricket Wireless 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $30/mo |
Tello vs Cricket Wireless coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area by using our coverage checker.
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
Find the cheapest cell phone service in your area
Enter your ZIP code below to find the best cell phone service in your area.
Tello vs Cricket Wireless plan 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 | ||
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | Yes - Prepaid | Yes - Prepaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Sat 9am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | ||
| 5G | ||
| Taxes/fees included | ||
| VoLTE | ||
| WiFi Calling | ||
| Visual Voicemail | ||
| Multi-line Discounts | ||
| Multi-month Discounts | ||
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - Add on |
| International Roaming |
Tello vs Cricket Wireless customer service
Tello customer service
102 Tello customer reviewsContact Tello customer care
Call (866) 377-0294
Visit Tello customer support
Cricket Wireless customer service
46 Cricket Wireless customer reviewsContact Cricket Wireless customer care
Call (800) 274-2538
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.
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