The best Cricket Wireless plans to get now are the 5GB plan for budget-conscious individuals who need a moderate data allowance, and the Smart Unlimited or Supreme Unlimited plans for those who want unlimited data with hotspot and international features. Choosing the right Cricket Wireless plan depends on your data needs, budget, and whether you require features like mobile hotspot or international calling.
What is Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless is a prepaid, no-contract mobile carrier that operates on the AT&T network. It offers monthly plans with capped-data and unlimited options, plus add-ons for hotspot and international calling on eligible plans. Cricket provides the same network coverage as AT&T but at a lower monthly cost, making it a popular choice for budget-minded users.
How does Cricket Wireless work?
Cricket Wireless works as a prepaid service where you pay for your plan each month. Plan features are tied to the line’s monthly rate plan, and some add-ons are only available on eligible plans. You can manage your account, including add-ons and plan changes, through the myCricket app by going to Manage Your Lines, selecting a line, then Edit Features.
Cricket Wireless 2GB and 5GB plans
The Cricket Wireless 2GB plan costs $30 per month and includes 2GB of high-speed data, with speeds reduced to 128Kbps after the monthly allowance is used. The 2GB plan is not eligible for auto-pay or group savings discounts. The 5GB plan costs $40 per month, or $35/month with auto-pay, and includes 5GB of high-speed data, with the same throttle to 128Kbps after the cap. Both plans have maximum download speeds of 8Mbps on LTE and 4Mbps on 4G. They include a 'Stream More' feature that limits video streaming to 480p quality by default to conserve data, and it can be turned off. On the 2GB and 5GB plans, you can add 1 GB of high-speed data for $10.
Cricket Wireless unlimited plans
Cricket’s unlimited plan lineup includes Select Unlimited, Smart Unlimited, and Supreme Unlimited. These plans differ in hotspot and roaming benefits. The Select Unlimited plan is the entry-level unlimited option, while Smart Unlimited and Supreme Unlimited offer additional features like mobile hotspot data and enhanced international roaming. The Cricket Core Plan has a maximum download speed cap of 3 Mbps and limits video streaming to 480p with no option to upgrade to higher quality. The Cricket More Plan includes 15 GB of mobile hotspot data, has no data speed cap, and includes unlimited calls, texts, and picture messages to and from Mexico, Canada, and the US. On the Cricket Core Plan, you can add 10 GB of hotspot data for $10. The exact data allowances and feature sets for each unlimited plan are documented on Cricket’s support pages.
Multi-line discounts on Cricket Wireless plans
Cricket Wireless offers multi-line discounts that allow you to save money by adding multiple lines to a single account. The more lines you add, the lower the per-line cost becomes. The multi-line discount for the Cricket Core Plan is structured as: first line $55, second line adds $25 (total $80), third line adds $10 (total $90), fourth line adds $10 (total $100), and a fifth line adds $25 (total $125).
Cricket Wireless plan add-ons and features
Eligible Cricket Wireless plans can add features like mobile hotspot data and international calling. For international calling, Cricket’s FAQs state that you dial the plus sign or 011 + destination country code + number. The 'Cricket International' add-on costs $5/month and provides unlimited calling from the US to landlines in 35 countries. Add-ons are plan-specific, so not all features are available on every plan.
Is a Cricket Wireless plan right for you?
A Cricket Wireless plan is a good fit if you want reliable AT&T network coverage without a long-term contract and at a lower price. Choose a capped-data plan like the 2GB or 5GB if you have light data needs and want the lowest cost. Choose an unlimited plan like Smart Unlimited or Supreme Unlimited if you need more data, hotspot capability, or international features. If you need device protection, note that T-Mobile purchases and billing are separate from Cricket’s offerings, and T-Mobile protection 360 is not a Cricket product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own phone to Cricket Wireless?
Yes, you can bring an unlocked GSM-compatible phone to Cricket Wireless. You will need to purchase a Cricket SIM card and choose a plan to activate service.
Does Cricket Wireless have a family plan discount?
Yes, Cricket offers multi-line discounts that reduce the cost per line when you add multiple lines to a single account. The discount applies to eligible plans, and the exact savings depend on the number of lines.
What is the data speed cap on Cricket Wireless plans?
Cricket Wireless caps maximum download speeds at 8Mbps on LTE and 4Mbps on 4G for its capped-data plans. Unlimited plans may have different speed limits, and some plans may experience temporary slowdowns during network congestion.
Can I use my Cricket Wireless plan in Mexico and Canada?
Some Cricket Wireless plans include roaming in Mexico and Canada. The specific roaming benefits depend on the plan you choose, with higher-tier unlimited plans typically offering more comprehensive coverage.
How do I add international calling to my Cricket Wireless plan?
You can add international calling features to eligible Cricket Wireless plans through the myCricket app or by contacting customer support. To place an international call, dial the plus sign or 011 + destination country code + the phone number.
