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Cricket Wireless is one of the leading prepaid wireless service providers operating in the US. Formerly known as Cricket Liberty, the company was created in 1999 by Leap Wireless. Later, in March 2014, AT&T acquired the brand, and since then, Cricket Wireless has been using AT&T’s network to provide nationwide coverage. The company faces competition from other Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) such as Metro, Boost Mobile, and Visible.Â
MVNOs offer more affordable plans by partnering with other large service providers. Cricket Wireless plans include unlimited calls, texts, and 5G/4G LTE data with 99% nationwide coverage. Signing up is easy as there are no annual contracts, credit checks, or hidden fees. Let’s dive into our comprehensive Cricket Wireless review so you can make a more informed decision.Â
What We Love About Cricket Wireless Plans
- Nationwide coverage
- 5G/4G LTE data
- Unlimited calling and texting
- Extra discount on multiple lines
- Decent customer service
- No long term contracts
- No mystery fees
- Bring your phone
- Easy switch-over and setup
- International texting
- Mexico and Canada’s usageÂ
- Wi-Fi Calling
- Cricket Call Defense
Cricket Wireless Prepaid Plans with Price
Cricket Wireless offers four primary plans. Two of those plans provide unlimited data, while the remaining two have a data cap. All plans include unlimited talk, text, and picture messaging in the US for a month of service. Some plans also include international usage for Mexico and Canada. As the price increases, you get additional perks. Check out the comparison table below for more details. Â
| No. of lines | Price | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30 | $40 | $55 | $60 | ||||
| 2 | $30/line | $35/line | $40/line | $45/line | ||||
| 3 | $30/line | $30/line | $30/line | $37/line | ||||
| 4 | $30/line | $28/line | $25/line | $33/line | ||||
| 5 | $30/line | $26/line | $25/line | $32/line | ||||
| Nationwide 5G | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Unlimited Nationwide Call | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Unlimited Nationwide Text | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Unlimited Nationwide Picture Messages | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| High Speed Data | 5GB | 10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | ||||
| International Texting | - | - | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Mexico and Canada Usage | - | - | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Hotspot data | - | - | - | 15GB | ||||
| Video Streaming | - | - | 480p | 480p | ||||
| Cloud Storage | - | - | - | 150GB | ||||
| HBO Max | - | - | - | Yes | ||||
| HD Voice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Cricket Call Defense | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
Single line plans begin at $30 and go up to $60. Those who need limited data with calling and text messaging can opt for the basic $30 single line plan. It includes 5GB of high-speed data, unlimited nationwide talk, text, picture messages, HD Voice, Wi-Fi calling, and Cricket Call Defense.Â
Wi-Fi calling can be helpful when reception is poor. Cricket Call Defense automatically blocks fraud or spam calls. The $30 plan is ideal for kids, elderly or other users who utilize phones for short periods. Â
With Auto Pay, you can save even more on single-line plans. Check out the Auto Pay prices below for single line plans.Â
| Standard Price | Auto Pay Price |
|---|---|
| $40/mo. plan | $35/mo. |
| $55/mo. plan | $50/mo. |
| $60/mo. plan | $55/mo. |
Multi-line plans get you even greater discounts. For instance, four-line plans begin at $30/line, and the top plan only costs $33/line. The best value plan is the $25/line plan for four lines, which gets you unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data. Stream video in SD quality, send texts to 37 countries, make Wi-Fi calls, secure your phone with Cricket Call Defense, and get free-roaming in Mexico and Canada. If you have a 5G compatible device, you can also enjoy ultra-fast internet speeds without any extra charge.Â
The above plans are intended to meet the needs of different users. If you’re always on the phone, go for the unlimited data plans; otherwise, choose the limited data plans. In our opinion, multi-line plans offer unbeatable value for your money. Â
Data Only Plans
Cricket offers Simply Data plans for customers looking for unfettered access to high-speed internet. It includes nationwide 5G access and usage in Mexico and Canada, but without voice support. Take a look at the plans below. Â
| Plans | Simply Data | Nationwide 5G Access | Mexico and Canada Usage | Voice Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35/mo | 20GB | Yes | Yes | - |
| $55/mo | 100GB | Yes | Yes | - |
Add On Features
Need more high-speed data? Want to make international calls? Or how about the mobile hotspot to connect more devices? Cricket Wireless has add-on plans for all these needs so that you can enjoy uninterrupted service at all times. Let’s learn about these plans in detail.Â
- High-Speed Data
Get 1GB high-speed data for $10/month. The add-on data will be utilized upon consumption of the primary plan data.
- Simply Data Add On
Simply Data Add On is for those who have subscribed to any Simply Data plan and have run out of data usage. You can get additional 15GB of data at just $10 for a month.Â
- Mobile Hotspot
Add 10GB of mobile hotspot data to the Cricket Core plan at just $10/month. After consumption of 10GB of data, the speed is reduced to 128 Kbps for the remaining billing cycle.
You can buy a mobile hotspot add-on if you want more hotspot data. It costs $10, getting you an extra 15GB of Mobile Hotspot data for the current month.Â
- International Calling
Cricket wireless offers two great plans for overseas calls – Cricket International and Cricket International Extra. It allows you to call landlines or mobile numbers in over 30 countries. Picture and video messaging are also available. Take a look at the table below to understand the difference between the two plans.
| Plan | Price | Landline Calling | Mobile to Mobile Calling | Picture and Video Messages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket International | $5/mo | Unlimited to 35 countries | - | - |
| Cricket International Extra | $15/mo | Unlimited to 35 countries | 1000 minutes to 31 countries | Unlimited to 35 countries |
Note – Check the list of compatible countries here. International Calling Add On can only be used with primary plans starting at $40/mo.Â
Choose the Individual Country Add-on plan to stay connected with friends and family in any other country. Plan pricing is between $10- $15, depending upon the country you select. You get 40-200 minutes a month with unlimited texting and MMS from the US. Click here to find available countries and learn more about the plan.
- Device Protection
No more worrying about accidental damages to your device as Cricket Wireless offers device protection plans. It includes coverage for physical damage, theft, or out-of-warranty issues. There are also some additional perks. Let’s look at the plans in detail.Â
Cricket Protect
Cricket Protect plan costs just $8/month and offers coverage for loss, theft, out of warranty issues, and physical or liquid damages. Replacement is done the next day. You can claim three repairs at max for a year in case of a cracked display. Plus, you also get 16GB of photo and video storage.Â
Cricket Protect Plus
Cricket Protect Plus plan costs $11/month and includes all the features of the Cricket Protect plan with some additional perks. For instance, you get unlimited screen repairs, unlimited photo and video storage in the myPhotoVault app, and tech help through the myExpert app.
Cricket Coverage and Data Speed
Cricket Wireless didn’t disappoint us in terms of coverage and data speed, thanks to AT&T’s nationwide network. Users get access to 4G LTE/5G data depending upon location. Check the Cricket Wireless coverage map on the website before buying the service.
 If AT&T’s coverage is strong in your area, you can choose Cricket Wireless without any worries. We didn’t witness bad reception, poor voice quality, or missed texts. Data speed was decent for streaming videos, scrolling social media, browsing, and occasionally downloading files. Â
Cricket Cell Phone Options
Cricket Wireless gives you more cell phone options than the majority of prepaid carriers. Get your hands on the latest devices, including an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, or various phones from Motorola. Great deals include iPhone SE at just $49.99, and iPhone 11 at $99.99 if you subscribe to a $60/mo plan for three months.
Cricket also offers a feature phone for your grandparents or kids. Alternatively, if you don’t want to spend money on a new device, you can bring your current smartphone to Cricket Wireless. Check the compatibility of your device here by entering the IMEI number. In our opinion, you should look for a 5G device to enjoy high-speed internet with your Cricket plan.  Â
Cricket Wireless Service Activation
If you have already purchased the service, activate your device by answering a few simple questions. You have to enter device type, purchase location, order number, and cricket phone number on the website. Alternatively, you can directly buy a brand new device with a cell phone plan from the Cricket website. Click here to activate your device and get further information. Â
Cricket Wireless Rewards
Cricket Wireless does not have a reward points program like other prepaid carriers but offers additional perks to help you save on your wireless service bill. For instance, users can opt for Auto Pay for an extra discount on some plans. Moreover, if you refer your friends and family to Cricket Wireless, you can earn up to $250 in account credits which can be used to cut costs on bills. You can view your account’s credits by signing in to My Account or the myCricket app. Â
Cricket Customer Service
Some prepaid carriers offer only online customer support. Cricket Wireless is an exception as they have over 4,300 stores in the United States, giving them an edge over their competition. To receive technical assistance, you can visit your nearest store directly. You can also chat with the support team on the website or call the following toll-free number:Â
1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) or 611 from your phone. Â
The timing is 9 am to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday. In our opinion, Cricket Wireless offers one of the best customer support in the MVNO industry. Â
Final Words
Cricket Wireless is a good choice for anyone looking to replace a big carrier contract plan. It offers a large coverage area, 5G connectivity, excellent customer service, and unlimited plans priced well below the top three carriers.
You also get fantastic discounts on multiple lines. Enjoy unlimited calls, text, picture messages, and international usage in Mexico and Canada. So what are you waiting for? Start saving with Cricket Wireless now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company owns Cricket Wireless?
AT&T owns Cricket Wireless.
How many lines can you have on Cricket Wireless?
You can add up to eight lines at Cricket Wireless, excluding your own account.
Does Cricket have 5G connectivity?
Yes, Cricket Wireless offers nationwide 5G connectivity using the AT&T network.
Does Cricket charge more for 5G?
No, there is no extra charge for 5G.
Can I get the Cricket activation fee waived?
Yes, the activation charge will not apply if you order directly from the website.
Does Cricket Wireless offer unlimited plans including calling and texting?
Yes, Cricket Wireless plans include unlimited calling, texting and picture messaging.
Can you get a free phone with Cricket Wireless?
You can get a Samsung Galaxy A12 or Cricket Dream 5G at $0 with Cricket Wireless if you bring your number and activate a $60/month plan.  Â
