Cricket Wireless Review: What to Know Before Switching

Cricket Wireless Review: What to Know Before Switching

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If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is Cricket Wireless good?” — welcome to your one-stop-shop for answers. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this budget-friendly wireless provider: what plans they offer, how the service actually performs, and if it’s the right fit for your phone bill and lifestyle. Let’s dive in!

What is Cricket Wireless?

Cricket Wireless has been around the block—since 1999, to be exact. These days, it’s a subsidiary of AT&T, which means you’re getting access to AT&T’s nationwide network (a major win) but with prepaid, no-contract plans that won’t make your wallet cry.

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They’re all about simple pricing, no surprise fees, and some solid family plan discounts. If you’re all about affordable phone plans and don't need all the bells and whistles, Cricket might just be your perfect match.

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But! (There’s always a but.) Be aware that data speeds can be deprioritized during peak times, especially if you’re not on one of their premium plans. More on that in a sec.

Plans & Pricing

Cricket Wireless keeps things pretty straightforward with four main plans:

• 5GB Plan – $30/month
  
  
• 10GB Plan – $40/month
  
  
• Unlimited Plan (no hotspot) – $55/month
  
  
• Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot – $60/month
  
  

They also offer multi-line discounts, which means you can get your whole fam on board and save some serious cash.

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Pro Tip: Cricket sometimes runs promos where you can get three months for the price of two. Keep an eye out for those!

My Review of Cricket Wireless

Here’s how Cricket scored in my (very scientific) Goji grading system:

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Price: B+

Cricket is cheaper than the big guys but pricier than some smaller MVNOs like Mint or Tello. It’s a solid middle-of-the-road option.

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Value: A-

You get AT&T’s reliable network with no contracts, which is pretty sweet. Plus, their family plans can save you a lot if you're bundling up with others.

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Performance & Speed: B

Speeds are generally good, but they can be slowed down during busy times—especially if you’re not on their more expensive unlimited plan.

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Coverage & Reliability: A

Thanks to AT&T, coverage is strong across most of the U.S. You can check out Cricket’s full coverage map here. Click here to see Cricket's coverage at your address.

☎️ Customer Service: B

Customer support is okay, but don’t expect white-glove service. Their app and website make it easy to manage your account, though.

What I Liked & What I Disliked

✅ What I Liked

• No contracts—freedom!
  
  
• Uses AT&T’s network, which is great for most people.
  
  
• Easy to understand plans. No complicated fine print.
  
  
• Decent app for account management and autopay.
  
  

❌ What I Didn’t Like

• Data deprioritization can be frustrating during busy hours.
  
  
• No international roaming unless you’re in Mexico or Canada.
  
  
• Hotspot only on premium plan. Boo.

How the Cricket Unlimited Plan Compares to Similar Plans

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Let’s see how Cricket’s Unlimited plan stacks up against similar unlimited plans from major carriers and a few popular MVNOs.

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Cricket Wireless – Unlimited 15GB Hotspot ($60/month)

• Premium Data: Unlimited
• Hotspot: 15GB
• Extras: Uses AT&T network, includes HBO Max, roaming in Mexico and Canada

AT&T – Unlimited Starter ($66/month)

• Premium Data: None (data deprioritized anytime)
• Hotspot: 5GB
• Extras: Roaming in Mexico and Canada

T-Mobile – Essentials ($65/month)

• Premium Data: 50GB
• Hotspot: Unlimited (at 3G speeds)
• Extras: Roaming in Mexico and Canada

Verizon – Unlimited Welcome ($65/month)

• Premium Data: None
• Hotspot: Not included
• Extras: Roaming in Mexico and Canada, add-ons available for perks like Disney+ and Apple One

Boost Mobile – Unlimited Premium ($60/month)

• Premium Data: 50GB
• Hotspot: Unlimited
• Extras: Uses AT&T or T-Mobile networks

Mint Mobile – Unlimited (12-month prepay) ($25/month)

• Premium Data: 40GB
• Hotspot: 10GB
• Extras: Must prepay 12 months in advance, runs on T-Mobile’s network

Visible by Verizon – Visible+ ($35/month)

• Premium Data: Unlimited
• Hotspot: Unlimited
• Extras: Verizon network, roaming in Mexico and Canada