Understanding Cricket Wireless
Our deep dive into Cricket Wireless Review 2024 aims to give folks an honest look at what Cricket Wireless has got going on, like their services and how well their network stands up. Let’s break it down into what they’re offering and how their network’s holding up.
Services and Offerings
Cricket Wireless has put together plans catering to all sorts of needs. You’ve got choices of prepaid and postpaid, meaning you can mix freedom with wallet-kindness. Plus, no need to tie yourself into those lengthy commitments.
Key Services
- Unlimited Plans: They’ve got talk, text, and data coming at you with these unlimited plans. The Cricket Wireless Unlimited + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot Plan lets you tether 15 GB without slowing you down even when everyone’s hogging the network.
- Multiple Line Discounts: Up to five lines can jump on a plan together, with discounts for extras. If you’ve got a family, that’s a sweet deal.
- No Annual Contracts: Those prepaid deals? Yep, no strings attached—literally. No scary credit checks or contracts stretching into infinity. Breathe easy.
Special Offers
Throughout the year, Cricket throws out Cricket Wireless deals and discounts to sweeten the pot. Think phone upgrades, cheeky sales, and newbie exclusive offers.
Network Coverage and Performance
Cricket Wireless rides on AT&T’s 4G LTE and 5G superhighways, spreading coverage far and wide with solid reliability. Take a peek at the Cricket Wireless Coverage Map, and you’ll see they’ve got 99% of the U.S. in their and, plus a dollop of AT&T’s 5G goodness.
5G Coverage and Speeds
5G cities? Yep, they’re in more than 24,000 of them across the good old US of A, with national 5G coverage standing at 43.3% (Clark.com). They’re moving data at a median speed of 61.17 Mbps. For some context, look at Verizon Wireless with just 14.5% coverage but similar speed.
| Network Provider | 5G Coverage | Median Download Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket Wireless | 43.3% | 61.17 |
| Verizon Wireless | 14.5% | 59.73 |
Network Reliability
Thanks to tagging along with AT&T’s well-built setup, Cricket Wireless dishes out data speeds you can rely on and a network that keeps on ticking (US News). Expect smooth sailing even in busy areas or during peak chaos times.
For those eyeing how Cricket fares against other players, scoop up our comparisons with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint Mobile.
This run-down of Cricket Wireless’ offerings and network chops gives ya a clearer picture of what they bring to the table. Now, you can figure out if they’re the right call for you and your calling needs.
Cricket Wireless Plans
Plan Options
Cricket Wireless has you covered with plans for every pocket and preference. Check out what they have to offer:
| Plan Name | Price (monthly) | Data Allowance | Hotspot Data | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB Plan | $30 | 2 GB high-speed data | Not included | Unlimited talk & text, Mobile Hotspot is a no-go |
| 10 GB Plan | $40 | 10 GB high-speed data | Not included | Unlimited talk & text, roaming buddies with Mexico & Canada |
| Unlimited Plan | $55 | Unlimited high-speed data | Not included | Send texts from the U.S. to 37 countries, speed around 3 Mbps |
| Unlimited + 15 GB Hotspot | $60 | Unlimited high-speed data | 15 GB per month | Send texts from the U.S. to 37 countries, 5G access with a snazzy device (see coverage map 2024) |
Family matters? Cricket throws in discounts for multiple lines, which makes everyone happy. Tacking on extra lines to the $55 plan could save you up to $70 a month. How’s that for some extra savings?
They also roll out promos like a $75 3-month starting plan that rolls over to $120 every 3 months—that’s if you’re on Auto Pay.
Features and Benefits
Cricket Wireless tosses in a buffet of features and perks across their plans:
- Speedy Data: All plans gear you up with high-speed data, featuring nationwide 5G. But hey, if you burn through it all, you’ll hover at 128 Kbps until the next billing cycle kicks in (Cricket Wireless Plans).
- Texting Bonanza: With unlimited plans, you’ve got unlimited texting from the U.S. to 37 far-off lands—minus the selfies and video clips, though.
- Save with Auto Pay: Enroll in Auto Pay on plans $40 a month and up for a handy $5 bill credit. Managing your bills is cake, and you save a little dough along the way. It’s one of our best cell phone service deals.
- Hotspot Calling: A few plans let you play hotspot hero. For $60 a month, you get 15 GB of Mobile Hotspot power per line monthly. Exceed that, and you’re back to trotting along at 128 Kbps.
- Global Texting: Text like you’re an international spy from the U.S. to 37 countries. Again, just not the picture or video kind.
| Benefit | Eligible Plans | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Pay Discount | $40/month and above | $5 bill credit when you enter the Auto Pay circle |
| Multi-Line Discount | All eligible plans | Sling up to $70/month by adding extra lines |
| Mobile Hotspot Data | $60/month plan | 15 GB Mobile Hotspot data per line each month; speeds slashed to 128 Kbps after blowing past the cap |
| Global Texting | Unlimited plans | Unlimited U.S.-to-the-world texts to 37 countries, sans picture and video messages |
Cricket Wireless stands as a laid-back and feisty choice in the low-cost carrier game. To see if it’s your match, check out our deep dive into cricket wireless pros and cons and see how it squares up with rivals like Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and AT&T).
Device Upgrade Process
Moving up to a new gadget with Cricket Wireless? It’s as easy as pie and won’t dent your wallet. Let’s chat about how you can upgrade and what shiny new tech is up for grabs.
Eligibility and Requirements
Before you grab that new phone, there are a few hoops to jump through (Cricket Wireless):
- Plan Check: Make sure you’re on a plan of at least $30/month.
- Quick Switch: Once you set up the new phone, feel free to tweak your plan or features all you want.
- Keep It Clean: Your account needs to be up and running smooth as butter.
Follow these steps, and you’re golden for an upgrade with Cricket. If you’re just getting started with them, bring your own device and tap into their ticket to stress-free 5G (Groupon).
Available Devices
Cricket’s got a buffet of phones, no matter if you’re an Apple fanboy or an Android aficionado.
Here’s what’s cookin’ in their lineup:
| Device | Price Buckets | Sweet Deals |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE | $99.99 – $349.99 | Score it as low as $9.99 if you switch (Groupon) |
| Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Free | Yours for free when you’re the new kid on the block (Groupon) |
| Motorola Moto G Stylus | $89.99 – $199.99 | Snag some discounts Cricket Wireless |
Phones under a hundred bucks from big names like Apple and Android? Yup, they’ve got you covered (Groupon). Hunt down the best deals on their cricket wireless phone upgrade deals 2024 page to snag one perfect for you.
Want to zip through downloads? Cricket’s got a 5G network that comes in like a flash, with speeds ranging from 12.27 Mbps to 31.63 Mbps—perfect for streaming SD videos, watching endless cat clips, and all your net shenanigans (Clark.com).
Stay in the know about the coolest cricket wireless deals and discounts. Curious if Cricket is the top apple in the bunch? Compare with other big dogs like Verizon and T-Mobile by checking out our detailed reviews.
User Experience and Satisfaction
Customer Service Excellence
In 2024, Cricket Wireless got a big high-five for delivering killer customer service and an impressive online vibe. According to the 2024 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Study by J.D. Power, Cricket nailed it with 848 points, topping the full-service MVNO segment. This victory shows Cricket’s knack for making sure users feel super connected while keeping the costs in check.
The head honcho of AT&T Prepaid Portfolio and Cricket Wireless cheered about bagging the best customer service award for the fifth year, which just proves their crew is all about making things easy-peasy for customers and keeping the bills nice and light. It’s a shoutout to Cricket Wireless for being a star player in the full-service MVNO game.
User Reviews and Ratings
Listening to what folks have to say is key for any mobile provider worth its salt. Cricket Wireless has been scoring big with users, thanks to satisfied reviews and high marks. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) has Cricket smiling as one of the top full-service MVNOs of 2024, all thanks to its rock-solid service and customer-first mindset.
The 2024 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Study looked at how folks felt about their customer service interactions, chatting with over 17,000 users, who found Cricket Wireless killing it in several spots. The study zoomed in on:
- Store Service
- Phone Service
- Digital Service
Cricket’s knack for making customers happy across various channels has earned it some serious thumbs-up. From about 17,949 customers checking in with support over the past three months, Cricket Wireless has turned heads with its multi-channel help desk and high satisfaction scores.
| Criteria | Score/Points |
|---|---|
| Store Service | 8.5/10 |
| Phone Service | 8.2/10 |
| Digital Service | 8.0/10 |
| Overall Satisfaction | 848 points |
| J.D. Power Rating | Best Customer Service 2024 |
If you’re eyeing Cricket Wireless as a possible new mobile hangout, these awards and happy customer reviews shout quality service and smiles all around. Check out our detailed comparisons and is cricket wireless worth it? insights for more dish.
For more phone scoop, you might want to peek at reviews of other big players like Verizon Wireless and AT&T, that’ll help you make a smart choice.
Evaluating Cricket Wireless
Pros and Cons
When we’re checking out Cricket Wireless, it’s all about weighing the good and the not-so-good of what they’ve got to offer.
Pros:
- Rock-Star Customer Service: They’ve been crowned the king of customer service in the MVNO gang, nabbing 848 points. (Cricket Wireless).
- Handy App: Their app’s a dream, letting you peek at your data or settle your bill with a couple of taps. (Clark.com).
- Loads of Support Options: Get help on the phone or through online chat, your choice (Clark.com).
- Top-Tier Rating: Earned a badge of honor from the American Customer Satisfaction Index in 2024 (Clark.com).
Cons:
- Data Limits: You might feel like you’re crawling online during busy times.
- Patchy in the Boonies: Coverage can fade in those wide-open rural spaces, even on AT&T’s network.
- Pricey Abroad: Traveling can hurt your wallet when it comes to roaming.
For those of you who love tables, here’s Cricket Wireless’s scoreboard:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rock-Star customer service | Data limits |
| Handy app for everything you need | Patchy in the boonies |
| Loads of support options | Pricey abroad |
| Top-tier American Customer Satisfaction Index recognition 2024 (Clark.com) |
Value for Money
Cricket Wireless lets you surf the radio waves without breaking the bank. Forget annual contracts—monthly taxes are folded right into the plan, so no nasty surprises (Cricket Wireless). With plans drawn up for frugal folks like us, you get dependable service minus mind-boggling bills.
They serve up a smorgasbord of renowned phones at sweet prices, so finding something to suit your fancy is a breeze. With Cricket Wireless, we get to juggle affordability and reliability like a pro juggler at a carnival. It’s no wonder they’re listed among AT&T’s top MVNO picks, highlighting their trustworthiness (Clark.com).
Looking for more insights or comparisons? Stroll through our other pieces on Verizon Wireless Review 2024, AT&T Review 2024, and T-Mobile Review 2024.
Latest Deals and Discounts
Cricket Wireless is constantly rolling out sweet deals and discounts so you don’t have to break the bank for the latest gadgets and plans. Right now, let’s talk about their 2024 Tax Time Device Sale and some cool phone upgrade offers they’ve got going on.
Tax Time Device Sale
Cricket Wireless kicked off their 2024 Tax Time Device Sale on March 8, bringing you a lineup of shiny new devices at prices that’ll make your wallet happy (Cricket Wireless).
| Device | Regular Price | Tax Time Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket Magic 2 5G | $499.99 | $379.99 |
| iPhone 16 | $799.99 | $699.99 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | $899.99 | $799.99 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $999.99 | $899.99 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $1,099.99 | $999.99 |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | $399.99 | $349.99 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Black Titanium) | $899.99 | $799.99 |
These deals don’t discriminate—they’re up for grabs whether you’ve been with Cricket forever or are just hopping on board. Pair these nifty discounts with Cricket’s easy-on-the-pocket plans that feature calls and messages within the U.S., plus data you can use over in Mexico and Canada too (Cricket Wireless). Sniff out more sweet deals in our best cell phone service articles.
Phone Upgrade Deals
Sticking with Cricket? Awesome. They’re rewarding loyalty with killer phone upgrade deals. Catch the newest tech without shelling out too much. Some deals might let you switch devices for even under $100, with budget-friendly options from Apple and Android starting at just $9.99 when you make the switch (Groupon).
| Device | Regular Price | Upgrade Deal Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | $199.99 | $99.99 |
| LG Stylo 6 | $279.99 | $129.99 |
| Moto G Power 5G | $249.99 | $119.99 |
| iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | $399.99 | $199.99 |
Heads up, there might be some small print such as eligibility requirements like having service with Cricket for a certain time. For the lowdown on all of this, hop onto our phone upgrade deals guide.
Want to squeeze every drop of value from Cricket? Make sure you’re in the loop by signing up for their newsletters and peeking at their promotions page regularly. For more dirt on what Cricket brings to the table, good and not-so-good, check out our cricket wireless review 2024.
By staying in sync with Cricket’s latest deals and promotions, folks can really make their mobile experience pop. Whether it’s scoring the latest tech gizmo or snagging a seasonal discount, Cricket’s got some of the best offerings around to keep customers hooked.
Comparing 5G Speed
Let’s see how Cricket Wireless stacks up against the competition when it comes to 5G speed. Buckle up for a quick tour of the numbers that matter.
Speed Test Results
Cricket Wireless hops onto AT&T’s bandwagon for its 5G service. The coverage map shows that they’re beaming 5G to 43.3% of the U.S. As per the tests, download speeds hit 61.17 Mbps. Not too shabby!
| Provider | 5G Coverage (%) | Download Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket Wireless | 43.3 | 61.17 |
| Verizon Wireless | 14.5 | 61.17 |
| AT&T | 78.1 | — |
| T-Mobile | 31.5 | 152.34 |
Comparison With Competitors
Sizing up Cricket against the big players, some cool patterns pop up. Verizon’s coverage is 14.5% of the U.S., with matching median speeds. T-Mobile, though, rolls out their version of 5G like it’s a hot cake, covering a larger crowd with a zippy speed of 152.34 Mbps (Coverage).
For those hunting for deals, Cricket holds its own among wallet-friendly and MVNO options. Look at Visible for instance; running on Verizon’s backbone, they offer access to 5G depending on your plan, giving Cricket a run for its money (Android Police).
Want to see the bigger picture? We’ve got more scribbles on the wall with:
- AT&T review 2024
- T-Mobile review 2024
- Verizon Wireless review 2024
Even if your budget’s snug, Cricket offers pretty solid bang for your buck with respectable network zing. For the thrifters guide, see our hottest Cricket Wireless deals and discounts and find out if hooking up with Cricket Wireless is the right move for you worth it.
Hidden Fees and Considerations
Picking the right mobile carrier can feel almost like choosing between pizza toppings; there’s a lot to consider, and hidden fees are one part of it. Here in our Cricket Wireless Review 2024, we dish out what you might not find on the menu—those sneaky extra costs lurking behind Cricket Wireless’s tempting offers.
Transparency in Pricing
Cricket Wireless keeps things simple—or tries to, at least—with plans kicking off at $30 a month, sweetening the deal with unlimited talk, text, and a hit of high-speed internet. But once you’ve binged through that data, speeds drop to a snail-paced 128 Kbps (Clark.com). They brag about being as clear as a sky in the middle of nowhere, dodging annual contract traps and overage fees. Plus, join the Auto-Pay club and you might score $5 off plans $40 and up.
Additional Charges Analysis
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of these extra charges that’ll sneak up on you like a cat waiting for treats:
| Charge Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Activation Fee | $25 |
| Re-Activation Fee | $15 |
| SIM Card Kit | $9.99 |
| Phone Upgrade Fee | $25 |
| Service Fee (In-Store Payments) | $3 |
Consider the activation fee like a cover charge at a club, standard across the board at $25 when you first sign up. Get your service pulled out of suspension? That’s $15 to turn the lights back on. New SIM card? That’ll be $9.99, please.
Trying to keep your phone fresh with an upgrade will cost you another $25, unless you catch one of their special promotions. But carefully weigh those Cricket Wireless phone upgrade deals 2024 to figure out if they’re worth juggling.
And then there’s the embedded $3 charge in-store for simply paying your bill. Avoid that silly fee by sticking to online payments.
While these charges might not drain your wallet instantly, they sneakily pile up over time, especially if you’re prone to shaking things up with your device often. Keep this in mind when weighing out the pros and cons of Cricket Wireless and when pondering if Cricket Wireless is worth it.
Compare the mobile giants—it doesn’t hurt to peek at the Verizon Wireless review 2024 or the AT&T review 2024. Those hidden fees and sneaky extras aren’t just facts—they’re your keys to making a smart choice without feeling blindsided. Cheers to not letting those suppliers pull a fast one on ya!
