MVNOs, such as Cricket Wireless, are numerous, making the search for the perfect MVNO difficult for us consumers. Additionally, the website layout and the information can be a tad confusing, especially when you only want to know the details on the particular plans, the terms of service, the LTE coverage, and more.
This is why we want to help. We want to make the facts clear to you in a readable format, so you'll know what's all there is to know about both the bold and fine print.
We've put together a guide containing the details on the available Cricket Wireless cell phone plans, as well as on the LTE coverage, customer service, and more, so you won't get lost looking for the information you need.
Finally, we'll direct you to our cell phone plan comparison guide in hopes that you'll be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not Cricket Wireless is right for you.
Cricket Wireless Cell Phone Plans
The available Cricket cell phone plans are enticing, beginning at an affordable price (outside of tax and fees) per month for unlimited text, talk, and data access. Cricket is a prepay cell phone service, meaning no annual contract, activation fees, and more. Unfortunately, the only caveat with Cricket's service is that the high data speeds are capped.
Download speeds are maxed out at 8Mbps for LTE and 4Mbps on 4G. However, the data speeds are considerably high, despite the cap. If you plan on using a lot of data, you may want to opt for any of these unlimited data plans, but you should also know that you can adopt the Cricket Wireless unlimited data monthly plan, which includes not only unlimited voice and unlimited text but also unlimited data on its LTE network.
Furthermore, what comes with these prepay plans are add-on features, such as insurance, Cricket International, individual country add-ons, hotspot, or extra GB of high-speed data. However, these add-ons aren't compatible with all plans, so you'll need to review the plans' eligibility with certain add-ons.
Monthly Plans
Cricket Wireless' prepay plans begin at an incredibly affordable fee, which rivals the plan prices of Straight Talk and Virgin Mobile.
Beyond the cheapest plan are the three other plans, which are all eligible for the auto pay discount. The data of all four plans range between 1GB and Unlimited data. There is 1GB, the Basic plan, Smart plan, and Unlimited plans for you to choose from.
As for features of these individual monthly plans, all plans contain unlimited nationwide talk and text. However, the 8GB and Unlimited data plans include unlimited International texting to 38 countries and data access, plus unlimited talk and text to and from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. Unfortunately, the 1GB and basic plans lack many of these nifty features.
There is a talk and text plan for a smaller fee, which grants you unlimited calling and texting in the U.S. However, this plan is not eligible for the Group Save feature.
You can take a look at the prepay cell phone plans offered by other wireless carriers here.
Family Plans
Cricket Wireless doesn't specifically offer family plans, but instead Group Save discounts, which saves customers up to $100 per month when you add eligible lines to the plan.
The price of a Cricket Wireless family plan depends on the number of lines needed. Lines with a plan beginning at $40 per month are eligible. You'll receive no discount with the first eligible line, but with every line added, you'll save more. According to Cricket's official site, if you're a new customer, you can place an online order for up to five lines per transaction. If you need more lines, you can add them one at a time (up to nine lines) after you activate your service.
According to Cricket's official site, if you're a new customer, you can place an online order for up to five lines per transaction. If you need more lines, you can add them one at a time (up to nine lines) after you activate your service.
If these services don't interest you, opt for a true family plan instead and receive great benefits and perks. You can use our comparison tool to look at each family cell phone plan.
Unlimited Plans
Looking for unlimited plans? Many postpaid and prepaid carriers are picking up on the idea of delivering unlimited plans in order to create a more competitive environment. Cricket Wireless offers an unlimited plan for a monthly fee (minus the tax and fees) that rivals that of Boost Unlimited, CREDO Mobile, and more.
Furthermore, to help you save more, you can take advantage of a $5 auto-pay function that you can enroll in. With the unlimited plan, you'll receive unlimited high-speed data access, nationwide talk and text, international texting to 38 countries, and data access plus unlimited talk and text to and from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.
Furthermore, this plan is eligible for the group save discount, meaning that you can turn the plan into a family plan. Keep in mind that the download speeds are maxed out at 8Mbps for LTE and 4Mbps for 4G.
Also note that after you use 22GB of data, you will face some data throttling.
Cell Phones Offered by Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless' phone selection is varied. Not only does the prepaid carrier showcase smartphones, but it also lists basic phones.
The provider carries the latest, popular smartphones, from manufacturers including Apple iPhone, HTC, LG, Microsoft, ZTE, and Samsung (including the Samsung Galaxy series). Customers can sort through the phone selection by the operating system, manufacturer or by name, most popular, or the newest.
That being said, the wireless carrier's basic phone selection is small. To emphasize my point, the site only lists one basic phone.
Read More: If you'd like to compare smartphones, you can always take a moment to use our smartphone comparison tool.
Phone Insurance
Cricket Wireless offers a protection plan dubbed Cricket Protect. With one in four devices lost, stolen, or damaged every year, it's no wonder that a customer should be as protective as possible of their phones. Cricket Protect provides comprehensive coverage, fast and efficient replacement, and protection against unexpected replacement expenses.
The program protects the consumer's phone in the case of loss, theft, physical damage, liquid damage, and out-of-warranty malfunction. You'll receive either a new or refurbished device after you file a claim.
Depending on the phone model, the monthly premiums will run you between $7 and 10, with a limit of two claims per year.
However, you may first want to read "Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?" before you think of adopting the phone insurance.
Phone Activation
You can easily activate your phone on Cricket Wireless' service by visiting the activation page on Cricket's official site.
However, if you've purchased a universal Cricket SIM card kit - you can learn more about the SIM card here - or device from a non-Cricket retailer, then you will need to follow the Join page or call and chat with a Cricket Support associate.
Mobile Hotspot
Cricket Wireless provides customers with Mobile Hotspot, which is only compatible with eligible phones. With Mobile Hotspot, you can turn your phone into a hotspot that can be connected to by a laptop or tablet. You can share internet access with up to six devices at a time.
Unfortunately, the Mobile Hotspot feature is not available with the Unlimited plan or any plans under $50 per month. All you need is a compatible phone and the Smart plan. That being said, the Mobile Hotspot is considered an add-on, with a fee of $10 per month attached.
Related: Mobile Hotspot Plans
SIM Card
Need a Cricket SIM card? Cricket Wireless offers universal SIM cards, which contain your wireless profile data, in three sizes: standard (Mini), Micro, and Nano. If you're looking to obtain a SIM card through the carrier, you can order a universal SIM card kit for $9.99.
Deals, Promotions & Discounts
Cricket Wireless is home to fantastic "switch" deals. For instance, if you switch to the carrier, you will receive either the Microsoft Lumia 650 or the Samsung Galaxy Amp 2.
AARP members also benefit from the service, as they are eligible for a mail-in rebate if they buy a new phone. So if you are an AARP member, please don't forget about the mail-in rebate!
Finally, Cricket boasts its own loyalty program, titled Cricket Rewards. All you need to do is download its official smartphone app.
Related: To learn what steps you need to take to switch carriers, go here.
Cricket Wireless Coverage
Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T, meaning that they receive the carrier's solid network and fantastic nationwide coverage. Take a look at our nationwide coverage maps to see if AT&T services your area.
Cricket Customer Support
Cricket Wireless offers many forms of support to the customer. There's a comprehensive FAQ page that answers all of the general questions that you may have. However, if you're running into issues, you can also access the customer support chat window, dial up the customer service number, or connect with the service via Twitter and Facebook.
Customer service is generally pretty good. The responses are knowledgeable and quick, and the agents are rather friendly. However, people have complained about the service being a little pushy when it comes to upgrades.
How to Change Your APN Settings
If you're switching to Cricket Wireless, you may need to change your APN settings. You'll find the information you need below. Don't know how to change your APN settings? Go here.
| APN Settings | Solution 1 | Solution 2 | Solution 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| APN Name | Internet | Interent | ATT Phone |
| APN | ndo | ndo | phone |
| Proxy | |||
| Port | |||
| Username | |||
| Password | |||
| Server | |||
| MMSC | http://mmsc.aiowireless.net | http://mmsc.aiowireless.net | http://mmsc.mobile.att.net |
| MMS Proxy | proxy.aiowireless.net | proxy.aiowireless.net | proxy.aiowireless.net |
| MMS Port | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| MCC | 310 | 310 | 310 |
| MNC | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Authentication Type | PAP | ||
| APN Type | default, mms, fota, hipri, supl | default, mms, fota, hipri, supl | default, mms, supl, hipri |
| APN Protocol | IPv4 | IPv4 | |
| APN Roaming Protocal | |||
| Bearer | |||
| MVNO Type |
Recap
Cricket Wireless is honestly one of the better carriers out there. The plans are quite affordable, the customer service is speedy and knowledgeable, and the prepaid phone options are varied.
In fact, these available plans can rival the plans of Virgin Mobile, Straight Talk, and several Verizon MVNOs, if not most Verizon MVNOs. Furthermore, you can find similar unlimited plan prices with Boost Unlimited and the unlimited AT&T GoPhone plan. Unfortunately, the LTE data has a speed cap, though the cap is rather high.
Interested in seeing what other phone carriers may have? Then be sure to read our buyer's guide to cell phone plans.
