Are you searching for affordable plans with excellent network coverage? If yes, then turn to Cricket Wireless and enjoy the utmost flexibility and convenience without breaking the bank.
It is an MVNO that uses the network and infrastructure of other providers. It is mainly powered by AT&T coverage and offers exciting deals to pamper budget-savvy customers.
Although Cricket Wireless is one of the biggest names in prepaid, switching to this MVNO is worth it or not is still the most confusing question for new users.
But there’s no need to panic as we are here to assist. Keep scrolling the page and find detailed Cricket Wireless Reviews here to check if this service provider is worth switching to. Moreover, the guide also outlines different plans, network coverage, customer service, and other essential information that help you make an informed choice. So, let’s get started.
Pros and Cons
Ready to switch mobile providers? Well, it’s not as simple as it may seem. Prepaid phones like Cricket Wireless are widely appreciated for their convenience and easy plans, but for such a low price, is the service even good?
If this question is bothering you as well, then wait no more and find out some pros and cons to get an overall idea. However, you are advised not to make any decision based on them and keep on reading the review to the end to find out Is Cricket Wireless good or not.
Pros
- Great family discounts
- One of the best 4G LTE and 5G data coverage networks.
- Free HBO max included with the $60/ month plan.
- Super affordable
- No annual contract
- No overages
- Plenty of add-on features to customize your experience
- Hotspot tethering is available
Cons
- Less reliable coverage in rural areas
- Customer service needs improvement
- Poor phone selection
- The basic plan is quite pricey as compared to other similar providers.
Cricket Wireless Plans
So now that you are aware of the basics of Cricket Wireless, it’s time to roll out the plans and check whether this provider lives up to the hype or not. Remember that this provider offers multiple plans, based on the number of lines. A total of 5 lines are available to choose from. Let’s find out more about Cricket Wireless Plans here, so you can make the appropriate choice.
| 5GB | 10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot | |
| Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data | 5GB | 10GB | Unlimited high-speed | Unlimited Premium |
| Streaming | / | / | 480p | 480p |
| Hotspot | / | / | / | 15GB |
| International | / | Canada and Mexico usage Unlimited texts to 37 countries | Canada and Mexico usage Unlimited texts to 37 countries | Canada and Mexico usage Unlimited texts to 37 countries |
| Cost | $30/mo | $40/mo for 1 line $35/mo for 2 lines $30/mo for 3 lines $28/mo for 4 lines $26/mo for 5 lines | $55/mo for 1 line $40/mo for 2 lines $30/mo for 3 lines $25/mo for 4 lines $25/mo for 5 lines | $60/mo for 1 line $45/mo for 2 lines $37/mo for 3 lines $33/mo for 4 lines $32/mo for 5 lines |
| Learn More | View Plans> | (opens in a new tab)” rel=”noreferrer noopener” class=”ek-link”>View Plans> | View Plans> | View Plans> |
All 4 plans offer unlimited talk and text with the difference lies in their cost. The more lines you opt for, the less amount you have to pay. These plans offer nationwide 5G access, thus assuring excellent data speed and network coverage.
Furthermore, all plans offer HD voice and Wi-Fi calling facilities with compatible devices. What’s more, these plans let you enjoy unlimited talk, text, and picture messages in the US.
Running out of data allowance? Don’t freak out as Cricket Wireless offers add-on cell phone plans to get you covered. Add-on plans begin from $10/ month and offer different services, based on your needs. However, you can get a Device Protection plan for $8/ mo and Cricket International plans for $5 per month.
Cricket Wireless network and coverage
Remember that there’s no point in investing in a provider that offers poor coverage and bad performance, no matter how cheap the plans are. Hence, it is recommended to check the Cricket Wireless network coverage map of the service provider and make sure that it offers strong signals in the areas you are residing and roam around.
Speaking of coverage, Cricket Wireless is an MVNO, powered by the AT&T network, covering the maximum population in the country. While the data speed will never become Cricket’s claim to fame, its overall service coverage is incredibly good. Since it uses the AT&T network, you can expect the same coverage that you would get with a more expensive carrier.
In addition, Cricket Wireless offers nationwide 5G access to its customers, which in turn makes it worth giving a try. However, the only downside is that your internet speeds can be deprioritized in favor of AT&T users during busy hours or in crowded areas. In simple words, you might face slow speed or network drop during the peak time because its parent network gives priority to its own users and not you.
Cricket Wireless International calling from USA
Cricket Wireless has incorporated an international calling option with almost all Cricket Wireless Plans so you can stay connected with your loved ones without paying additional charges. Cricket International and Cricket International Extra will help you make an international call and send unlimited text messages.
Cricket plans include:
- Unlimited international text messages (SMS only) to 37 countries.
- Unlimited calling to and from mobile phones and landlines in Mexico and Canada.
- Unlimited picture, text, and video messages to and from mobile phones in Canada, Mexico, and the US. You will also get high-speed data access while traveling in Canada or Mexico.
Before you opt for the Cricket wireless plans, remember that calls and messages to the Northern Territories of Canada from the USA are not included.
Along with this, Cricket Wireless also offers two international features that allow you to call mobile or landline numbers, namely Cricket International and Cricket International Extra.
- Unlimited calling to landline numbers in 35 countries, including Brazil, Israel, Peru, and Taiwan.
- It is only available with plans starting at $40/ month.
- $5 per monthly plan cycle
- You can cancel it at any time.
- Unlimited calling minutes to landline numbers in 35 countries.
- Unlimited picture and video messages from the US to 35 countries.
- $15 per monthly cycle
- 1000 minutes of mobile-to-mobile calling to 31 countries
- It is only available with plans starting at $40/ month.
- Cancel at any time.
The countries included in Cricket Wireless Plans are Argentina, Canada, Austria, Belgium, China, Columbia, Australia, France, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Nigeria, Netherlands, Ireland, Malaysia, India, Romania, Switzerland, Peru, Spain, South Korea, and many more.
If you often make international calling, you may consider Tello, Gen Mobile and Twigby. All there phone plans provide unlimited free international calls to dozens of countries without extra charges.
Cricket Wireless international roaming
Before you make up your mind about Cricket Wireless, you must be aware of the fact that this service provider supports international roaming in just two countries, namely Canada and Mexico. Also, it doesn’t currently offer any travel add-ons, making it quite difficult for you to roam internationally.
Cricket Wireless Plans let you use unlimited talk, text, and data while traveling to Canada and Mexico. Users can simply text and call Canadian or Mexican numbers like they are still in the US.
Remember that you may face trouble making calls from your Cricket cell phone plans in Mexico if you get connected with the Nextel network. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot roam internationally with Cricket Wireless. All you have to do is turn your WiFi on, connect with the public network, and use Wi-Fi calling feature to get in touch with your family and friends in the US.
If you want international roaming service, you may consider Ultra Mobile, Ultra subscribers can buy INTL Roaming credit by using UpRoam in $5, $10 and $20 denominations. The rate is 0.25¢ per minute to make & receive calls while roaming internationally and 0.05¢ to send an SMS text message from outside the US, receiving SMS messages are free while International Roaming.
Customer service
Cricket Wireless Reviews cannot be completed without discussing the customer support service of this service provider. Keep in mind the fact that you should only invest in the telecom provider that offers good customer service so you can get rid of all your queries in time.
Speaking of Cricket Wireless customer service, just don’t expect too much, as there’s a treasure trove of awful experiences, recorded by users throughout the country. Customers can establish a connection with the agents by 611 from their phone. The service is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sunday.
You can also connect with the Cricket Wireless agents through online chat but that might be time-consuming for those looking for an instant solution. All and all, there’s quite a wide scope for improvement, when it comes to Cricket Customer Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cricket Wireless is an American Wireless service provider, owned and powered by the AT&T network. The company was acquired by AT$T in 2014 and re-launched with 4.5 million subscribers. Since Cricket uses the AT&T network, it means that the company offers the same coverage as offered by AT&T.
Yes, absolutely. Cricket Wireless offers excellent network coverage, thanks to the AT&T network. It offers good data speed and you can easily enjoy easy downloading and uploading. However, it also comes with some disadvantages, like you cannot use hotspot tethering with Unlimited.
Also, it faces data deprioritization, which means that AT&T customers will be given more value in busy crowded streets and peak hours.
Cricket uses AT&T’s network, and thus offers the same coverage as you would get with this expensive carrier. Cricket Wireless is an MVNO, which means that it operates on other’s networks and infrastructure. In the case of Cricket, that other network is AT&T.
Yes. Since Cricket Wireless is powered by the AT&T network, it supports a 5G coverage with all its plans. All you must have is a compatible phone with which you can enjoy 5G data speed. It strives to give you the best 5G network experience at an affordable price.
However, you should know that 5G is only available in major towns and cities.
Final Verdict
That’s all about the Cricket Wireless Review. We hope our guide has helped you in answering the question – Is Cricket Wireless good. Cricket Wireless is one of the leading MVNOs, that offers excellent plans at a much more reasonable price. It is owned and operated by AT&T network, hence, you are sure to enjoy excellent coverage with the least or no call drops.
All and all, this telecom service provider is worth giving a try, especially if you are looking for a good network, unlimited data allowance, and international calls without breaking the bank.
Cricket is precise as advertised. It’s affordable, gives solid coverage, and doesn’t offer blazing internet speeds.