Cricket Wireless has transformed from a regional player to one of America's most popular MVNOs, serving over 12 million customers. As AT&T's primary prepaid brand, Cricket offers the perfect balance of network quality and affordability.
In this comprehensive review, we'll examine Cricket's plans, coverage, customer service, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right choice for your wireless needs in 2025.
Cricket Plans and Pricing 2025
Cricket offers four straightforward plans, all including unlimited talk and text. Here's what you'll pay in 2025:
10GB Plan
- ✓ 10GB high-speed data
- ✓ Unlimited talk & text
- ✓ Mobile hotspot included
- ✓ Mexico & Canada texting
Unlimited
- ✓ Unlimited high-speed data
- ✓ No data speed limits
- ✓ 10GB mobile hotspot
- ✓ Mexico & Canada usage
Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot
- ✓ Unlimited premium data
- ✓ 15GB mobile hotspot
- ✓ HBO Max included
- ✓ 150GB cloud storage
Simply Data (iPad/Tablet)
- ✓ 20GB high-speed data
- ✓ For tablets & hotspots
- ✓ No phone service
- ✓ AT&T 5G network
Multi-Line Savings
Cricket offers significant discounts when you add multiple lines:
*Prices shown for 10GB plan. Higher tiers have similar multi-line discounts.
Network Coverage and Performance
AT&T Network Access
Cricket operates on AT&T's extensive network, providing:
- ✓ 99% Coverage: Covers 99% of Americans with reliable service
- ✓ 5G Access: All plans include 5G where available (no extra charge)
- ✓ No Roaming: Native AT&T coverage means no roaming fees
Speed Performance
*Speeds may be temporarily slowed during network congestion
Coverage Quality
Based on AT&T network performance data
Pros and Cons
Pros
- + AT&T Network: Access to one of America's best networks
- + No Contracts: Month-to-month flexibility
- + 5G Included: All plans include 5G at no extra cost
- + Multi-line Discounts: Save up to $20/month with 4 lines
- + Wide Phone Selection: Latest iPhones and Android phones
- + HBO Max Included: On $60 plan
- + Retail Stores: 5,000+ locations nationwide
Cons
- - Speed Caps: Max 8 Mbps on basic plans during congestion
- - Limited International: Only Mexico & Canada included
- - Hotspot Limits: Even unlimited plans cap hotspot data
- - No Priority Data: Always deprioritized vs AT&T postpaid
- - Activation Fees: $25 online, $35 in-store
How Cricket Compares
See how Cricket stacks up against other popular MVNOs:
| Carrier | Network | Basic Plan | Unlimited | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket | AT&T | $30/mo | $55/mo | Mexico & Canada |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | $15/mo | $30/mo | Mexico & Canada |
| Visible | Verizon | $25/mo | $25/mo | Mexico & Canada |
| Lycamobile | T-Mobile | $15/mo | $50/mo | 100+ countries |
| Metro | T-Mobile | $40/mo | $50/mo | Mexico |
💡 Pro Tip: If you need extensive international calling, Lycamobile offers calling to 100+ countries starting at just $23/month.
Who Should Choose Cricket?
Cricket is Perfect For:
- ✓ AT&T Network Fans: Want AT&T coverage without the high cost
- ✓ Families: Multi-line discounts make it very competitive
- ✓ Rural Users: AT&T has excellent rural coverage
- ✓ Store Support Seekers: Prefer in-person help at retail locations
- ✓ Mexico/Canada Travelers: Included roaming is convenient
Consider Alternatives If You:
- × Want Lowest Prices: Mint Mobile or Visible offer cheaper plans
- × Need International Calling: Very limited beyond North America
- × Heavy Hotspot User: Even unlimited plans cap hotspot data
- × Want Fastest Speeds: Cricket caps speeds on some plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cricket throttle data speeds?
Cricket doesn't technically "throttle" but their basic plans have maximum speed caps. The $30 and $55 plans are capped at 8 Mbps, while the $60 plan gets full AT&T speeds. During network congestion, all Cricket users may experience slower speeds as they're deprioritized below AT&T postpaid customers.
Can I bring my own phone to Cricket?
Yes! Most unlocked phones work with Cricket. Your phone needs to be compatible with AT&T's network (GSM). You can check compatibility on Cricket's website using your phone's IMEI number. iPhones 6 and newer, and most Android phones from the last 5 years will work perfectly.
How is Cricket's customer service?
Cricket offers multiple support channels including phone (1-855-246-2461), online chat, and 5,000+ retail stores. Store support is a major advantage over online-only MVNOs. However, phone wait times can be long during peak hours. The Cricket app and website self-service options are quite good for basic account management.
Does Cricket offer 5G service?
Yes! All Cricket plans include 5G access at no extra charge where AT&T 5G is available. You'll need a 5G-capable phone to access the network. Cricket supports both regular 5G and the faster 5G+ in select cities, giving you the same 5G coverage as AT&T customers.
What's the difference between Cricket and AT&T?
Cricket is owned by AT&T and uses the exact same towers, but there are key differences: Cricket plans are much cheaper (saving 40-50%), Cricket customers get lower network priority during busy times, some Cricket plans have speed caps, and Cricket doesn't offer some premium features like international roaming beyond Mexico/Canada. For most users, the savings far outweigh these limitations.
Can I switch from AT&T to Cricket and keep my number?
Absolutely! You can port your number from AT&T (or any carrier) to Cricket. The process usually takes just a few hours. You'll need your AT&T account number and PIN. Don't cancel your AT&T service until after the port completes - Cricket will handle the cancellation automatically once your number transfers.
Final Verdict
Cricket Wireless Score
Overall Rating for 2025
Strengths
- • Excellent AT&T network coverage
- • Competitive pricing with multi-line discounts
- • 5G included on all plans
- • Extensive retail store support
Weaknesses
- • Speed caps on basic plans
- • Limited international options
- • Network deprioritization
- • Activation fees
Bottom Line: Cricket Wireless is an excellent choice for anyone wanting AT&T's reliable network at a fraction of the cost. While you'll face some limitations like speed caps and network deprioritization, the combination of nationwide coverage, affordable pricing, and retail support makes Cricket one of the best mainstream MVNO options in 2025.