Categories
Review 2026
BestGuide Score
4.1
out of 5
Cricket Wireless earns a BestGuide Expert Score of 4.1/5.0, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable network coverage. It excels in Scalability, scoring 90% by leveraging AT&T’s network which covers 99% of the US population, but is held back by a 70% score in Customer Satisfaction due to reported service inconsistencies.
Cricket Wireless earns an Expert Score of 4.1 out of 5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as a leading provider of affordable cell phone plans. As a prepaid carrier wholly owned by AT&T, its primary strength is offering access to one of the nation’s largest and most reliable networks without requiring an annual contract. Our analysis of multiple expert sources and user data finds Cricket delivers exceptional value, particularly for families seeking multi-line discounts on unlimited cell phone plans.
While many Cricket Wireless reviews praise its straightforward pricing, where taxes and fees are included in the advertised monthly rate, we identified some limitations. All plans cap video streaming quality at 480p, and high-speed data can be slowed during times of network congestion. These trade-offs are common in the prepaid market but are important for potential customers to consider.
Compare Cricket Wireless with other top-rated mobile plans to see how it stacks up.
Cricket Wireless operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using its parent company AT&T’s network infrastructure. This allows it to offer prepaid, no-contract mobile plans at a lower cost than many major carriers. Customers can either bring their own compatible device or purchase one directly from Cricket. As of August 2020, Cricket offers nationwide 5G access on all its plans, covering over 99% of the US population.
The sign-up process can be completed online or at one of Cricket’s physical retail locations. Choosing to activate service in-store incurs a $25 activation fee per line, a fee that is waived for customers who sign up online. Plans are paid for in advance each month, eliminating the risk of overage charges. Customers can manage their account, monitor data usage, and make payments through the Cricket mobile app or website.
Cricket offers several plans, including options with fixed high-speed data amounts and two unlimited data plans. The fixed-data plans slow speeds to 128 Kbps after the monthly allotment is used. The unlimited plans provide unrestricted data usage, but speeds may be deprioritized and temporarily slowed during periods of heavy network traffic compared to AT&T postpaid customers. This is a key mechanism that allows MVNOs to offer cheaper cell phone plans.
Based on our analysis, Cricket Wireless is best for individuals and families who prioritize network reliability and predictable, low-cost cell phone plans over premium features. Customers looking for multi-line discounts can save significantly, with four lines on the top unlimited plan costing as low as $130 per month. The inclusion of taxes and fees in the sticker price makes it ideal for those who value budget simplicity.
However, Cricket Wireless is not the right fit for users who require high-definition video streaming or extensive mobile hotspot data. The 480p video streaming cap on all plans and the absence of hotspot data on the base unlimited plan are significant limitations for power users. Customers who frequently travel internationally outside of Mexico and Canada should also review Cricket’s add-on international roaming passes, as options may be more limited than postpaid carriers.
Cricket’s service is defined by a few core features that differentiate it in the crowded prepaid wireless market. These components create a specific value proposition for a particular type of mobile user.
AT&T Network Access
The most significant feature is access to AT&T’s nationwide network. This provides customers with extensive 4G LTE and 5G coverage that reaches 99% of Americans. For consumers in rural or underserved areas, this can be a decisive advantage over competitors who use other networks with less comprehensive coverage maps.
Multi-Line and Autopay Discounts
Cricket offers substantial savings for families and groups. The carrier’s unlimited plans feature progressive discounts, reducing the per-line cost as you add more lines. For example, the top-tier Supreme Unlimited plan drops from $60 for a single line to $32.50 per line for a family of four. An additional $5 monthly credit is available for enrolling in Auto Pay.
All-Inclusive Pricing
Unlike many mobile providers where the advertised price is lower than the final bill, Cricket’s monthly plan rates include all applicable taxes and fees. This pricing transparency simplifies budgeting and eliminates the surprise charges that are a common pain point in the wireless industry. The price you see advertised, such as the $30 for the 10GB plan, is the price you pay.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive Network Coverage: Utilizes AT&T’s network, which provides 4G LTE and 5G service to 99% of the U.S. population. | In-Store Activation Fee: A $25 fee is charged per line for activations completed at a physical retail store. |
| Transparent Pricing: Advertised monthly plan prices include all taxes and fees, ensuring no surprise charges on your bill. | Video Streaming Cap: Video playback quality is limited to Standard Definition (480p) across all available plans. |
| Family Plan Savings: Offers significant multi-line discounts, with four lines on an unlimited plan available for as low as $100 per month. | Data Deprioritization: As an MVNO, Cricket customer data may be slowed during times of peak network congestion to prioritize AT&T postpaid traffic. |
Yes, Cricket Wireless is a legitimate and established mobile service provider. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company has a long history in the U.S. wireless market. Its legitimacy was further solidified in 2014 when it was acquired by AT&T, one of the three major national network operators. It now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T.
As of 2022, Cricket Wireless served over 13 million subscribers, making it one of the largest prepaid carriers in the country. The company’s business model is transparent, offering prepaid services with no annual contracts, which is a common and accepted practice in the telecommunications industry. While customer service experiences can be inconsistent, the company’s core service and network backing are robust.
Our expert panel awards Cricket Wireless an Expert Score of 4.1 out of 5.0. This score is the result of a comprehensive analysis across five key criteria based on BestGuide’s proprietary methodology. This rating places Cricket above the industry average of 3.9 for prepaid mobile providers, primarily due to its superior network infrastructure.
The score breakdown reveals specific strengths and weaknesses:
Cricket’s highest score is in Scalability (90%), reflecting its nationwide footprint on the AT&T network. Its lowest score is in Customer Satisfaction (70%), which aligns with user reports of inconsistent support and billing issues. While the service offering is strong, the customer experience is a notable area for improvement.
Cricket Wireless offers some of the most affordable cell phone plans on the market, with prices that include all taxes and fees. Its pricing structure is straightforward and provides clear value, particularly for multiple lines. All plans include unlimited talk and text.
| Plan Name | High-Speed Data | Price (1 Line, with Auto Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| 10GB Plan | 10 GB | $30/mo |
| Smart Unlimited | Unlimited | $50/mo |
| Supreme Unlimited | Unlimited | $55/mo |
Multi-line discounts significantly reduce the per-line cost. For instance, four lines on the base Unlimited plan cost $100 per month ($25 per line). This pricing places Cricket in the lower range for mobile plans providers, making it a competitive choice for those seeking cheap cell phone plans without sacrificing network quality.
Cricket Wireless earns an Expert Score of 4.1/5.0, cementing its status as a top-tier provider of affordable, no-contract mobile plans. Its greatest asset is leveraging AT&T’s network, which delivers reliable 4G LTE and 5G coverage to 99% of Americans. For budget-conscious individuals and families, the combination of low-cost cell phone plans, all-in pricing that includes taxes, and substantial multi-line discounts presents a compelling value.
This Cricket Wireless review must also note its limitations. The service is not designed for power users. A universal 480p cap on video streaming and the potential for data deprioritization during peak hours are significant trade-offs for the lower price. Furthermore, its lowest evaluation score of 70% in Customer Satisfaction indicates that service experiences can be inconsistent. After compiling multiple Cricket Wireless reviews and data points, we find it is an excellent choice for users who prioritize coverage and cost above all else.
See our full Buyers Guide for the best mobile plans before making your decision.
What do experts say about Cricket Wireless?
Experts, including the BestGuide review panel, rate Cricket Wireless favorably for its value and network coverage. It earns an Expert Score of 4.1 out of 5.0, with its highest marks in Scalability (90%) due to its use of the AT&T network. However, experts also note its primary weakness is Customer Satisfaction, which scored 70%.
Is Cricket Wireless worth it in 2026?
Yes, for many consumers, Cricket Wireless is worth it. It provides a reliable and affordable alternative to more expensive postpaid carriers. If your priority is a strong network and a predictable monthly bill under $60 for a single line, and you can accept standard-definition video streaming, Cricket offers one of the best values available.
How does Cricket Wireless compare to other mobile plans?
Cricket competes primarily with other prepaid carriers like Metro by T-Mobile and Visible by Verizon. Compared to Metro, Cricket offers access to the AT&T network, which some users find has better coverage. Compared to Visible, Cricket has a larger network of physical stores but often has more restrictive data policies, such as the 480p video limit.
Does Cricket Wireless use the same towers as AT&T?
Yes. Cricket Wireless is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T and uses the exact same nationwide network of cell towers for its 4G LTE and 5G services. This means Cricket customers get the same coverage footprint as AT&T customers, which reaches 99% of Americans.
What happens if I use all my data on Cricket Wireless?
On plans with a fixed data amount, such as the 10GB plan, your data speeds are slowed to a maximum of 128 Kbps for the rest of your billing cycle once you exceed your high-speed allowance. You can still access the internet, but activities like streaming video will be difficult. Unlimited plans do not have a hard data cap but are subject to deprioritization.
How can I avoid the Cricket Wireless in-store activation fee?
To avoid the $25 per-line activation fee, you must purchase your plan and device (or bring your own phone) and activate your service through the Cricket Wireless website. The fee is only applied for activations and upgrades processed by an employee in a physical retail store.
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