Before diving into the cricket wireless pros and cons, it is must to know what actually cricket wireless is. Cricket Wireless is an MVNO that uses AT&T to provide network service to its users. It is a reliable, affordable, simple and good coverage network provider. Cricket Wireless plans include unlimited talk, text and picture messaging in the United States as well as HD voice. Each Cricket Wireless plan also provides 5G access on capable devices. It also offers wifi calling service. It has even been named one of the best full-service MVNOs by the American Customer Satisfaction Index in 2024. In this article we are going to explore the pros and cons of Cricket Wireless.
Cricket Wireless Pros and Cons
Although cricket wireless is a famous network operator, there are a few disadvantages associated with it. We have enlisted some core Cricket Wireless Pros and Cons.
Cricket Wireless Pros
- Affordability
Cricket wireless offers a plan for every need.Their plans are affordable and have no overage charges. Cricket wireless also offers family discounts. One of the plans that is worth noticing is the 15 GB plan, It charges $60 for 1 line whereas charges $160 for 5 lines with 5G internet! Which is a wow bundle.
- Excellent Coverage
Cricket wireless provides reliable nationwide coverage. If you are located near AT&T towers then you can avail an uninterrupted network and high speed streaming whereas distant areas might face some glitches.
- No Annual Contracts
Cricket wireless allows its customers to be contract free. The customers are not bound to the plans for over a year rather they can choose plans according to their need and ease. They can avail the facility to switch plans every month if they wish.
- Fast 4G,5G Network
One of the biggest advantages of cricket wireless is its fast 5G internet. Users can talk, text, and stream faster than ever on their 5G network. It is available on all their plans. Taxes are included in the price of the plans. Cricket Wireless’s high-speed data is fast enough to do most things online, including streaming SD video. Listed below is the download/upload speed
5G+: 110 – 321 Mbps
5G: 34 – 184 Mbps
4G LTE: 7 – 56 Mbps
- Reward Programs
Cricket wireless allows its customers to earn extra credit points. If you have maintained your account well i.e your payments are done in due time, then you will be rewarded with credit points. Moreover by completing challenges like referring a friend, you can earn credit from $25 to $250!
- Transparent pricing
Cricket wireless have no hidden fee in their plans. All their plans are transparent which helps users to maintain their budget. All the taxes are included within their plans upfront.
- Cricket Protect
Cricket protects is a cricket network facility that covers for loss, theft, damage (including liquid), and out-of-warranty malfunction. If the claim is approved, you’ll receive a new or refurbished replacement device. You’ll just pay the deductible. That too with only $8/month charges!
- User-Friendly App
Cricket Wireless has a user-friendly app that allows you to make payments, check data, view usage, change your plan or add more features to it. The main account holder can choose to share the account username and password to allow other lines to view account information. Additionally, they can turn on account PIN security to limit other users from making certain account changes or purchases.
- Wifi Calling
Cricket wireless offers wifi calling for a selected range of mobiles that have the necessary accommodations built in. The list is provided on their website.
Cricket Wireless Cons
- Throttled Internet
Cricket Wireless customers may experience throttled internet speeds if the network is busy.
- High Prices For Single Lines
Cricket wireless offers affordable family(multi line) plans, but its single line plans are very expensive. For example the 15GB internet plan charges $160 for 5 lines but $60 for a single line.
- Customer service Issues
Cricket Wireless customers are often heard complaining about the poor customer help and services, long waiting hours and incomplete information from the staff.
- Limited International Roaming
Cricket wireless provides network roaming only in Canada and Mexico. Thus making its customers restricted to limited international services. This is something that needs to be taken care of.
- Limited High End Phones
Cricket Wireless does not support devices like the latest Samsung or Google Pixel models. So if you are someone who loves the latest and high tech devices then you’re going to be a bit disappointed.
Cricket Wireless Plans
Now that we have gone through Cricket Wireless Pros and Cons. Let’s have a quick look at the cricket wireless plans:
| 5GB | $30 | $30/line | $30/line | $30/line | $30/line |
| 10GB | $40 | $35/line | $30/line | $28/line | $26/line |
| Unlimited | $55 | $40/line | $30/line | $25/line | $25/line |
| Unlimited + 15GB Mobile Hotspot | $60 | $45/line | $37/line | $33/line | $32/line |
Customer Reviews
- “Cell phones are necessities. Cricket provides quality services and their prices are competitive. I’m a long-time customer and I’ve witnessed firsthand how they’ve grown as a company”- Mike Gonzales
- “Cricket is not a pushy company and it treated me as a customer with dignity, which I thoroughly respect. I think Cricket is a great value and I would recommend them.”- RachelOrem, UT
- “I have stayed with Cricket for 10 years. It is clear, simple and fast. That’s the best thing about Cricket.”-Christine H.
- “If I have to describe Cricket wireless in two words it would be reliable and affordable”-Michele V
- “Best cell phone company I’ve ever worked with. They are easy to switch to, provide excellent service in all areas at the best prices for those services.”-Catherine Collazo
- I’ve had cricket for a couple of years and I’m very pleased with the service. I’ve gone into the mountains for a vacation and had service when nobody else in my family did”- Sierra Beck
Frequently Asked Questions
In this article we have discussed various features, cricket wireless pros and cons, plans, customer reviews and services. Here are a few questions you might have in mind:
- How many customers does Cricket Wireless have?
It provides wireless services to more than thirteen million subscribers in the United States .
- Is Cricket the same as AT&T?
Cricket Wireless is a prepaid carrier owned by AT&T and it exclusively uses the AT&T network.
- Does Cricket Wireless really offer unlimited data?
Yes, for its unlimited plans, cricket wireless offers unlimited text, calls and data access.
- Is Cricket Wireless deprioritized?
Yes, Cricket Wireless plan has deprioritized data. You may temporarily experience slower speeds during times when the network is busy.
- Can I use my Cricket Wireless phone as a hotspot?
Yes, but for some plans that specifically include hotspot data packages.
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