T-Mobile vs Cricket - which carrier is best?
By Rob Webber - Last updated on November 7th, 2022
Looking to switch carrier but not sure if T-Mobile or Cricket Wireless is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
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T-Mobile vs Cricket Wireless: Reviews
Our Rating: View Plans | Our Rating: |
T-Mobile Review | Cricket Wireless Review |
Pros
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Cons
| Cons
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T-Mobile vs Cricket Wireless: Plans
T-Mobile Plans
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Magenta | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $70 |
Magenta Max | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $85 |
Cricket Wireless Plans
UnlimitedminsUnlimitedtexts
2GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $30 |
10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $40 |
Unlimited Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $55 |
T-Mobile plans start at $70 and Cricket Wireless plans start as low as $30. With no contract you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans shopping for a deal with MVNO's like T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless.
T-Mobile vs Cricket Wireless: Coverage
T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile's National 4G LTE Network
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T's National 4G LTE Network
T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area our coverage checker.
T-Mobile vs Cricket Wireless: Features
Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T |
Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
3G Network | GSM | GSM |
Mobile Hotspot | ||
Bring Your Phone | ||
Keep Your Number | ||
Contract | No - Postpaid | No - prepaid |
Credit Check | ||
Customer Service | 24/7 | |
Money Back Guarantee | ||
5G | 0 | 0 |
Taxes/fees included | ||
VoLTE | ||
WiFi Calling | ||
Visual Voicemail | ||
Multi-line Discounts | ||
Multi-month Discounts | ||
International Calls | ||
International Roaming |
Both T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless offer prepaid plans with no contract and you can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. So not only do you get the benefit of saving on a device, but you get the same great service on a cheaper plan.
T-Mobile vs Cricket Wireless: Phone Deals
If you're looking to upgrade, why not save money even more money and buy a refurbished phone?
With most smartphones only making minor changes each year, you can get the great smartphone features with big savings. Find the best unlocked phone deals by comparing phone prices compatible with T-Mobile or Cricket Wireless.
T-Mobile benefits
- Fast data speeds
- Strong coverage
- Taxes and fees included in price
- Good international options
Cricket Wireless benefits
- Service provided on its parent company AT&T's nationwide network
- Prepaid - no contract or credit check
- Bring your own compatible GSM device or buy a Cricket Wireless phone (at retail or with a discount if you're bringing your phone number from another carrier)
- Mobile hotspot data is available with unlimited data plans as an add-on feature, for an extra fee
- Free talk and text to and from Canada and Mexico with an unlimited data plan
- Use of your plan while traveling in Canada or Mexico with unlimited data plan
- Two tiers of international calling add-ons for 35 more countries
- Customer service available by phone and chat from 7am to midnight Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm Sunday
Compare Smartphone Prices
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T-Mobile vs Cricket Wireless FAQs
What's the difference between T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless?
The main difference between T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
What networks do T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless use?
T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T.
What phones are compatible with T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless?
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
Does a T-Mobile phone work with Cricket Wireless?
If your T-Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with Cricket Wireless. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Rob Webber
Rob has 15+ years experience in the US and UK running price comparison sites for cell phone plans, smartphone deals, TV, and internet. He loves thinking outside of the box to build tools that empower consumers to make more informed decisions.