Cricket Wireless Review: I Spent a Month Testing Cricket’s Revamped Plans

Cricket Wireless is one of the most well-known MVNOs. With numerous locations across the country, Cricket offers competitive phone plans operating on AT&T’s network. The carrier revamped its plans, adding an additional unlimited plan and more practical perks. We put its mid-tier unlimited plan to the test to find out if it's worth the price.

I tested the Smart Unlimited plan (priced at $45/month with autopay) for a full month and was thoroughly impressed. Not only did it deliver consistent coverage and top speeds, but the extras like 15GB of high-speed hotspot data and seamless roaming in Mexico and Canada were fantastic. Cricket may not be the cheapest MVNO, but it remains cheaper than major carriers, offering a plan for every budget. 

Read on to find out more about my experience with Cricket and whether it’s right for you.

Cricket Wireless’ plans and pricing

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Cricket now offers three unlimited tiers and one limited-data plan, with prices ranging from $35–$60/month. Each plan includes different perks, from Cricket’s 10GB plan to its premium unlimited option with free subscription services. 

Cricket Wireless offers four different phone plans, including a basic 10GB plan, and three unlimited options.  

All of Cricket’s plans qualify for a family plan, but only its unlimited plans have actual savings and multi-line discounts. The more lines you add, the lower your monthly phone bill will be. In fact, two of Cricket’s unlimited plans are cheaper than the carrier’s lowest-data option with three lines.

Finally, all of Cricket’s plans are eligible for a $5/month discount when you sign up with autopay. But remember that autopay takes effect after your first bill.

I put Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan to the test to see how it stacks up against other popular plans in the same price range. While it’s definitely more expensive than budget options like Visible’s and US Mobile’s $25/month plans, the service I experienced was easily the best I’ve ever used.

The coverage was flawless. I never lost a call, even on the move, and the data speeds stayed consistently fast. I also used the high-speed hotspot regularly to work from my laptop outdoors, and it never let me down. You can use your data in Mexico and Canada, which is perfect for quick trips or staying connected across borders.

Cricket is more expensive than other smaller carriers, or MVNOs. But in my experience, the reliable performance, generous hotspot, and seamless roaming make Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan well worth the investment—especially if you depend on your phone for work or travel.

Cricket Wireless family plans

Cricket Wireless provides family plan discounts on all of its standard plans, supporting up to five lines. But only Cricket’s unlimited plans offer actual multi-line discounts. The best value is on its Select Unlimited plan, which offers four lines for $100/month or just $25/line. The more lines you add, the better your savings, making Cricket a cost-effective choice for families seeking unlimited data on a reliable network.

When deciding which plan is best for you, consider the number of lines you need. The Sensible 10GB plan is best for a single line, but a family plan doesn’t lower the price. If you need to add more lines, consider upgrading to Select unlimited for maximum savings. Even Cricket’s Supreme Unlimited plan is cost-effective for a family of four, dropping to $32.50/line.

How I rated Cricket Wireless: WhistleOut’s metrics

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Price

Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan is Cricket’s mid-range unlimited plan. At $50/month, it’s $10/month more expensive than its basic unlimited plan, but costs $10/month less than the premium Supreme tier. It includes unlimited talk, text, and data, along with 15GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data. It also gets you international perks like unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada, full data roaming in both countries, and unlimited texting to over 200 countries.

It’s important to note that this plan does not include premium data, but instead deprioritizes data. That means your speeds may be slowed during times of network congestion. After a month of use, I can confidently say that I never experienced any major changes in speed. 

This plan works well if you regularly use hotspot data, travel to Mexico or Canada, or want more flexibility than a bare-bones unlimited plan. If you don’t need these extras, Cricket’s cheaper Select Unlimited plan might be a better fit. Or if you want the fastest possible data and extras like free HBO Max, you may prefer the Supreme Unlimited plan.

Score:  3.5 out of 5 

Value

Cricket's Smart Unlimited plan offers decent value for its price. It includes unlimited data (albeit deprioritized), 15GB of high-speed hotspot data, unlimited texting to over 200 countries, and the ability to use your data in Mexico and Canada. The plan also includes unlimited calling from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada. This combination of features makes it a practical choice for users who need reliable connectivity with useful international perks. However, at $50/month, it’s an expensive plan without premium data.

Score: 4 out of 5 

Data speeds

Cricket’s data speeds represent a major leap from its older pay-as-you-go era. While I started with Cricket years ago using basic flip phones, the Smart Unlimited plan offered consistently fast performance, with speeds measuring between 190–200Mbps across the San Diego area. Even with possible deprioritization, these speeds remained strong.

As an AT&T MVNO, Cricket operates on AT&T’s network to deliver strong, reliable performance, even on a deprioritized plan. Whether streaming, downloading, or browsing, the performance felt quick and dependable. For anyone familiar with Cricket’s past or considering a modern unlimited plan, the improved speed and reliability make it a compelling option.

Near a 5G node at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, I saw peak speeds of 314.40Mbps. I didn’t miss having premium data and didn’t have any issues with speeds over a month of use.

Score: 4.5 out of 5 

Coverage and network reliability

Cricket Wireless delivers optimal nationwide coverage by operating on AT&T’s extensive network. While AT&T is officially the nation’s second-largest 5G and 4G LTE network carrier, its reach is highly competitive.

Where T-Mobile’s rural coverage can be lacking, AT&T provides optimal signal strength and consistency. And while Verizon still leads in overall 4G LTE availability, AT&T’s 5G network offers extensive and reliable performance, placing it firmly ahead of Verizon and very close to T-Mobile in 5G footprint.

This balance makes Cricket a strong choice for customers (like myself) who want optimal coverage across both cities and rural areas, along with dependable 5G speeds wherever available.

Score: 4.5 out of 5 

Customer service

Cricket offers multiple customer support pathways, but you may not need them. During my testing, I didn’t have any problems with Cricket’s plan. The activation process was seamless, and service never faltered. That said, it’s reassuring to know Cricket offers multiple support channels, including online chatbots, phone support, and a broad network of in-store locations for personalized help.   

Score: 4 out of 5 

Signing up with Cricket Wireless

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Signing up with Cricket Wireless is a simple and flexible process. You can easily activate service online in just a few minutes, or visit one of their many retail stores for in-person assistance if you need more hands-on help.

When you sign up with Cricket, you have the option to choose between a physical SIM card mailed to your home or an eSIM for immediate digital activation. You can port-in your number with either method, too.

Whether you choose to sign up online or in-store, Cricket makes it straightforward to get started with reliable service on a widely available network.

Activating my Cricket plan

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Activating my Cricket plan with eSIM was lightning fast. After choosing the eSIM option during sign-up, I received a confirmation email with a QR code and clear, device-specific instructions tailored for both Apple and Android users. Since I used a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for testing, I followed the Android steps. Under settings, all I had to do was tap Add eSIM, and I was all set to go.

The entire process took two minutes, and my service was active immediately. Cricket’s detailed guidance and streamlined eSIM setup made activation hassle-free, even for someone not overly familiar with digital SIMs.

Cricket autopay

Cricket’s pricing works a bit differently than some other carriers. When I signed up for the Smart Unlimited plan, I was charged the full $50 for the first month. The $5/month autopay discount only starts from the second billing cycle onward.

That means your initial cost is higher than the advertised rate, which definitely stood out to me. At $50 upfront, it felt like a noticeable jump compared to my usual Visible plan, which costs just $25/month from day one.

It’s something to keep in mind if you’re budgeting carefully. While the autopay discount helps in the long term, the full price for that first month is part of the total cost of switching.

Did I like Cricket Wireless’ Smart Unlimited plan?

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The short answer: Yes, I really liked Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan. The coverage was the best I’ve had in years, reliable both in the U.S. and during a trip to Mexico. The hotspot worked perfectly every time, even at the beach. However, the plan is expensive considering that it doesn’t include premium data. Even though I never experienced slow speeds myself, the price is still hard to justify when cheaper options exist. You’re paying more for strong, dependable service, but you should be aware that premium data isn’t included.

I loved my month with Cricket, but if you’re looking for maximum savings, Cricket might not be your best bet. Other MVNOs offer lower-cost plans with fewer perks. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, you can save a lot more with other cheaper carriers.

Data allotment

Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan includes unlimited data, but it’s all deprioritized. That means your speeds can be slowed during times of network congestion. During my testing, I didn’t experience any noticeable slowdowns. Streaming, browsing, and maps all worked smoothly. But depending on your area and network traffic, your experience could vary.

If consistent high-speed performance is important to you, especially in crowded places like concerts or airports, you’ll need to upgrade to Cricket’s Supreme Unlimited plan. For an extra $10/month, the plan includes unlimited premium data that won’t be slowed, no matter how much you use or how busy the network gets.

So while the Smart plan offers great everyday value, heavy data users or those in busy urban areas might prefer the peace of mind that comes with Supreme.

Mobile hotspot

Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan includes 15GB of high-speed hotspot data that worked extremely well. I used the hotspot at the beach and in local parks to work on my laptop, join video calls, and even stream shows. Video calls remained clear and stable with no lag, and Paramount+ loaded content instantly. Netflix took a few extra seconds to buffer, but that’s been my experience on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, too. 

My hotspot speeds consistently reached over 100Mbps, making it feel just as fast as many home internet connections. For most users, whether working remotely occasionally, streaming lightly, or browsing, 15GB is plenty. If you rely on hotspot data daily for heavy uploading or high-definition video, you might need more. But for casual use, it’s a reliable and generously sized perk.

Full roaming

I put Cricket’s Mexico roaming to the test during a trip to Tijuana, and it delivered. After crossing the border, I headed straight for El Gordo. My phone switched instantly to AT&T Mexico’s network, and Google Maps guided me without a hiccup. While waiting for my order, I scrolled smoothly through Instagram and even posted a story from the taquería. 

The connection was fast and reliable. If you travel to Mexico often, this feature alone adds real value to Cricket’s unlimited plans.

Streaming and gaming

Cricket delivered exceptional performance for streaming and gaming while I was on the move. As someone who relies heavily on video calls, I was consistently impressed. Since I normally chat with family and friends in the car, I had a smooth connection driving through La Jolla, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Poway. I never experienced a single dropped call or lag. When I wasn’t on calls, I played Pokémon Go. The game loaded quickly, responded instantly, and never froze or glitched. 

Cricket’s reliability makes its slightly higher price easier to justify compared to smaller, cheaper carriers. If staying connected smoothly matters to you, especially across different activities and locations, Cricket’s performance truly stands out.

Cricket Wireless vs. the competition

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I tested Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan at $50/month (or $45/month with autopay) specifically to see how it stacks up against rivals in the same price range. Having used Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan for three months and Visible’s $25 plan for over a year, I can confidently say Cricket offers a noticeably better experience if you value coverage consistency and useful features.

While Mint and Visible are undeniably cheaper, Cricket provides reliable high-speed data, seamless roaming in Mexico, and a generous 15GB high-speed hotspot. My service remained strong everywhere from urban to rural areas, something I couldn’t always count on with cheaper alternatives.

That said, if you mostly stay on Wi-Fi, don’t need hotspot data, or don’t need international perks, cheaper carriers offer better value. But if you want dependable performance, gap-free coverage, and practical extras like hassle-free roaming, Cricket’s Smart Unlimited is easily worth the extra investment.

Cricket Wireless vs. Mint Mobile

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Mint Mobile’s new customer offer is undeniably compelling. Unlimited data for just $15/month initially drew me in too, especially with the option to pay for multiple months upfront. However, after three months, my renewal rate increased, and I noticed more gaps in coverage. While Mint includes unlimited texting to Canada, Mexico, and the UK, its international features are limited beyond that.

Cricket offers great value, though costlier than Mint and only offered on a monthly basis. It includes more hotspot data and better international perks, like unlimited data and talk in Mexico and Canada, plus texting to over 200 countries. Curiously, I experienced consistently faster and more reliable speeds with Cricket, even without a large premium data buffer.

At only $5/month more (with autopay) than Mint’s Unlimited plan, Cricket’s revamped Smart Unlimited plan is worth considering if you’ll use its perks. 

Check out our Mint Mobile review to see if it’s right for you.

Cricket Wireless vs. Visible

Visible’s $25/month base plan is a solid budget option. I’ve used it for over a year, and it works fine for light use. It runs on Verizon’s 4G LTE network and includes unlimited mobile hotspot, though speeds are capped at just 5Mbps. That’s enough for email and social media, but too slow for serious streaming, video calls, or large downloads.

Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan, at $50/month, is double the price. It includes access to AT&T’s fast 5G network, a generous 15GB of high-speed hotspot data, and seamless roaming in Mexico and Canada with full-speed data and talk. But you get what you pay for. Cricket’s signal was stronger and more consistent, and its perks were very useful.

If you’re on a tight budget, Visible offers undeniable savings. But if you need reliable high-speed data, usable hotspot speeds, or frequent cross-border connectivity, Cricket’s network performance and features justify the extra cost. For me, the upgrade is worth it for the peace of mind and flexibility alone.

Get more details on Visible’s cheapest plan in our full Visible review.

Recap: Would I recommend Cricket Wireless?

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I highly recommend Cricket Wireless based on my experience. Smart Unlimited is one of the best Cricket plans, balancing value and perks. I was consistently impressed by the reliable coverage, fast data speeds, and practical perks included even in their mid-tier plan. 

Whether or not Cricket is right for you depends entirely on your budget and whether features like hotspot or premium data matter to you. Cricket offers flexibility and strong network performance at multiple price points, making it easy to find a plan that fits.

For light data users, the Sensible 10GB plan offers an affordable, no-frills option. If you’re looking for unlimited data, Select Unlimited delivers the best value for families, with monthly prices dropping as low as $24/line for four lines.

If you need hotspot data, I suggest upgrading to Smart Unlimited for an extra $10/month. Otherwise, opt for Supreme Unlimited for an additional $20/month, which includes unlimited premium data, a 50GB hotspot, and HBO Max.