As our society progresses, our cost of living at the same increases. From daily expenses to monthly recurring payments such as car loans, electricity, and tuition fees, there are so many bills on the table that we have to pay and we’re often left with little savings. However, it doesn’t have to be like this all the time. You can save a few extra bucks from your account by cutting on phone expenses and switching to a cost-effective cell phone carrier, namely, Cricket Wireless.
Whether you’re looking for limited or unlimited plans, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to give you a detailed discussion about the best Cricket Wireless plans you can grab without breaking your bank. In addition, we’re answering some of your frequently asked questions such as:
- What Is Cricket Wireless?
- How Does Cricket Wireless Work?
- How Good Is Cricket Wireless?
What is Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless is an affordable cellphone service that provides consumers with low-cost monthly plans that help them save a whopping amount of bucks as compared to big network names. Previously named as AIO Wireless, Cricket was bought by AT&T in 2014 and is operating as a no-contract subsidiary of AT&T. That means you can avail the same great coverage as the name brand, minus the hefty monthly cost.
How Good are Cricket Wireless Plans?
Cricket Wireless is as good as any of the cellphone carriers available on the market. Although just like them, it also has key strengths and weaknesses. We’ve listed them down to give you some idea. So, let’s dive right into it:
| Pros | Cons | |
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No long-term contract
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Data speed cap
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Cheaper than the usual AT&T wireless service
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A limited selection of nearly free phones and high-end devices
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No additional fees or overages
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Ability to bring your own phone and keep your current number
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Affordable devices
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As you can see, Cricket Wireless boasts an insurmountable number of feats that’s on par with other big-named cellphone carriers in the U.S. The best part of this service is that it offers a $5/month discount if you’re going to use their automatic payment feature. Moreover, this single digit can add up to a large number if you’re using the service for a long time.
One notable feature of Cricket Wireless is its own Wi-Fi hotspot device. This way, you can connect your devices to the internet while on the go.
The only drawback of Cricket Wireless is that it has a data speed cap, which can be pretty annoying especially when you’re streaming videos. However, you can remove this if you subscribe to Cricket More Plan that will be explained later.
How Does Cricket Wireless Work?
Cricket Wireless works the same as other cellphone carriers. It provides consumers a number of subscription plans covering calls, texts, and mobile data. For you to use the network, you can either buy a phone directly from the company or purchase an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with the GSM network.
After settling this, you can choose a plan directly from Cricket Wireless’ official website, input necessary details, and confirm your transaction. Wait for your Cricket Wireless SIM card to arrive within two to three business days.
Best Cricket Wireless Plans (Local & International)
Do you remember the feeling when you were scouring the web, looking for the best smartphone deals you can get at a lower price? That feeling is almost synonymous when you’re searching for the best Cricket Wireless plan. The only difference is that Cricket Wireless plans have less intimidating price tags compared to the latest smartphone. Here is the best Cricket Wireless Plans you can subscribe to, as well as which plan you should sign up for.
| 2 GB | 5 GB | Cricket Core | Cricket More | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cricket International
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❌
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✔️
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✔️
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✔️
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Cricket International Extra
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❌
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✔️
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✔️
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✔️
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Individual Country Add-on
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❌
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✔️
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✔️
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✔️
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Add 1 GB High-speed
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✔️
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✔️
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❌
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❌
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Mobile Hotspot
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❌
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❌
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✔️
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✔️15 GB included**
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Mobile Hotpot Add-ons
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❌
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❌
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✔️
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✔️
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1. Cricket Wireless 2GB Plan
Price: $30/month
Auto-pay: No
Group Savings: No
The first plan in the Cricket Wireless line is the Cricket 2GB Plan. It costs $30 per month and includes unlimited calls, texts, and picture messages in the US, including 2 GB of high-speed LTE data. This plan comes with an 8 Mbps speed cap, which is considered as a fast connection for most people. So that you won’t have any problems with streaming music and videos, as well as surfing the internet or managing your social media accounts.
Unfortunately, the 2GB plan does not support mobile hotspot but it does utilize a feature called “Stream More.” This component helps limit your video streaming to 480p video quality so that it doesn’t consume much of your data usage. It’s turned on by default but you can turn it off anytime if you prefer streaming videos in high-quality.
Take note that the Cricket 2GB Plan isn’t eligible for auto-pay and group discounts. If you want to have more data, you can add 1 GB for $10. However, this isn’t a wise option since it’ll cost you more than the 5GB Plan.
2. Cricket Wireless 5GB Plan
Price: $40/month
Auto-pay: Yes; $35/month
Group Savings: Yes
If you want the same features as the 2GB plan but with an increased high-speed data limit, Cricket 5GB Plan is a viable option. This plan costs $35 per month with auto-pay and it includes 5 GB LTE data or unlimited 2G data. Likewise, you’ll get unlimited calls, texts, and picture messages in the US and the Stream More feature to conserve your mobile data.
Still, Cricket 5GB Plan doesn’t support mobile hotspot and it also runs with the 8 Mbps speed cap. Similarly, you can add an additional 1 GB of data for $10 in case you run out of data for emergency purposes.
Aside from the higher data consumption, what separates the 5GB plan from the 2GB plan is its eligibility to auto-pay, group savings, and the ability to add international add-ons (more on #6).
3. Cricket Wireless Core Plan (Cheapest)
Price: $55/month
Auto-pay: Yes; $50/month
Group Savings: Yes
Starting at $50 per month (with auto-pay), Cricket Core Plan is the cheapest unlimited data subscription of the company. It comes with unlimited calls, texts, and picture messages in the US, as well as unlimited high-speed LTE so you can surf and stream all you want without worrying about your data consumption. However, take note that there’s a maximum download speed of 3 Mbps. If you’re used to surfing and streaming at higher internet speed, then this 3 Mbps speed cap can be a problem. Sure everything will work, from watching videos to managing your social media accounts, but the annoying load times can get in your nerves. If this happens, you’re better off with Cricket’s 2GB plan or just upgrade to the More Plan.
Additionally, the Core Plan doesn’t support mobile hotspots and video streaming is only limited to 480p with no option of upgrading it to higher quality.
One advantage of this plan is that you’ll get Mexico and Canada roaming. This way, you can connect with your friends and family from the said places without minding the excessive roaming charges.
If in case you need hotspot data, you can add it for $10 and you’ll get 10 GB of hotspot data included. You can also choose from other hotspot and international add-ons (discussed in #6) to customize the Core Plan according to your needs.
4. Cricket Wireless More Plan
Price: $60/month
Auto-pay: Yes; $55/month
Group Savings: Yes
If you’re looking for the best unlimited mobile network plan of Cricket Wireless, look no further than Cricket More. It’s one of the best cell phone deals on the market and the most subscribed to. For only $55 per month (with auto-pay), you’ll get the benefit of premium service with no data speed cap. This plan is highly recommended for people who are doing extra work while on the go. Compared to other Cricket plans with limited data speed, you won’t have to wait a long time for your content to load.
Additionally, you’ll get unlimited calls, texts, and picture messages to and from Mexico, Canada, and the US. The More Plan also comes with a 15 GB mobile hotspot. Moreover, you can always add additional hotspot data in case you’ve used up your allocated data. Plus, adding state-side international calling is also possible with this plan. Be aware, however, that if your local network is congested, your download speeds may be temporarily reduced.
5. Multi-Line Discounts for Cricket Wireless Unlimited Plans
What separates Cricket Wireless among other cellphone carriers is its unmatched family discounts. The 4 Line Plans are probably the best value plans on the AT&T network. So if you have family or a group of friends who are using a Cricket Wireless Plan, then signing up for the multi-line discounts is the best decision to help you save big.
How does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. When you avail of the Cricket Core Plan, then you’ll get the first line at full price, which is $55 per month. The second line gives you a $30 discount, resulting in $80 a month. Next, the third line allows you to grab the $75 discount or $90/month in total. Lastly, the fourth line gives you a further discount of $120 so you’ll have a $100 final bill at the end of each month. That’s a notch above other family discounts since you’ll be able to save more.
In case you want to get the fifth line, you just have to pay $25 for the extra line. All in all, that would be $125 per month.
6. Cricket Wireless Plan Add-Ons
Apart from the plan’s built-in features, you can opt for add-ons to customize your plan the way you like it. Cricket offers seven add-ons to choose from and these add-ons are compatible with different plans.
Data Only Add-Ons
Forgot to track your data consumption? Data Only Add-Ons allows you to add 15 GB of data to your plan. The cost is $10, whether that’s a one-time or monthly addition.
Mobile Hotspot Add-Ons
If you run out of mobile hotspot data, then you can add extra for one time or every month. For only $10, you’ll be given 15 GB of mobile hotspot data. Furthermore, this add-on is available on Cricket Core & More plan
Enable Mobile Hotspot Support
For $10, you can enable hotspot support on Cricket Core. This way, you can connect your laptop or tablet to the internet using your phone’s mobile hotspot even while you’re on the go.
Add 1 GB of High-Speed Internet
You can add an extra 1 GB LTE to your plan for $10. Furthermore, this add-on is compatible with the 2GB and 5GB plans.
Individual Country Add-Ons
Cricket also offers individual country add-ons. This allows you to get minutes, texts, and multimedia messaging to the following countries:
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Nicaragua
- Philippines
- Vietnam
This add-on is available on the 5GB, Core, and More plans.
Cricket Wireless International Call Rates and Plans
There are two viable options: “Cricket International” and “Cricket International Extra.”
If you choose Cricket Wireless International Plan, then you’ll be given unlimited calling from the US to landlines in 35 countries, and it costs $5 per month.
As for the Cricket Wireless International Extra, it has the same features as the International plan but it has support to multimedia messaging to 35 countries, as well as 1,000 minutes of mobile-to-mobile to 31 countries. Moreover, this add-on is available on the 5GB plan, Cricket Wireless Core, and Cricket Wireless More.
Device Protection
If you want to protect your device from any damages and unexpected circumstances, then why don’t you acquire Cricket’s Device Protection Add-On? You can choose from two Protect programs: Cricket Protect, and Cricket Protect Plus.
If you choose Cricket Protect, then you’ll have a $10 to $250 deductible and a device coverage for loss, theft, physical or liquid damage, and out-of-stock warranty issues. This option also comes with 16 GB of photo and video storage on the “myPhotoVault” app. Cricket Protect costs $8 per month.
On the other hand, Cricket Protect costs $11 per month and it has the same coverage as the Cricket Protect program. However, what sets it apart from is the US-based tech support through the “myExpert” app and an unlimited photo and video storage on the “myPhotoVault” app. Furthermore, these protection programs are available on all Cricket Wireless plans.
Bottom Line
We can all agree with the saying, “money doesn’t grow on trees.” So, switching to Cricket Wireless is the greatest investment you can do today. With affordable monthly fees and good service, you’ll not only save large numbers in the long run but also experience a reliable cellphone carrier service that doesn’t disappoint.
