Millions of Americans have lowered their cell phone bills by switching from one of the major wireless carriers to discount prepaid brands, including Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS). But how do you know which prepaid carrier to choose?
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile and directly compare the two service providers’ plans and pricing, coverage, phone selection and more to help you decide which is best for you.
This article was updated in May 2024 and I review it every 12 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.
Cricket Wireless vs. Metro by T-Mobile
When it comes to comparing phone service providers, there are several factors to keep in mind. Many phone service providers offer similar prices but different amounts of high-speed data, coverage or customer service options. For these reasons, here are the four main categories that I considered while comparing Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile:
Throughout this article, you’ll find more detailed information on Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile including direct comparisons in each of these categories.
Before we begin, you can check out the main similarities and differences between Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile in the table below. As you’ll see, the biggest difference is that Cricket Wireless relies on AT&T’s network and Metro by T-Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network.
| Cricket Wireless | Metro by T-Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid or Postpaid Plans | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Starting Price for One Line | $30 per month | $35 per month ($30 with autopay) |
| Typical Download Speeds | 5G: 34-321Mbps 4G LTE: 7-56Mbps | 5G: 79-375 Mbps 4G LTE: 13-61 Mbps |
| Activation Fee | $25 (in-store only) | $25 |
| BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) | Yes (Check compatibility) | Yes (Check compatibility) |
| Phones for Sale | Yes | Yes |
| Network | AT&T | T-Mobile |
| Unlimited Data Options | Yes | Yes |
| Family Plan Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Taxes & Fees Included | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | In stores and by phone | In stores and by phone |
Plans and Pricing
First, let’s take a look at the cell phone plans available from Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile.
Both are prepaid carriers, which just means that you pay for service in advance. That way, there are no surprise overage charges on your bill. Another advantage of prepaid service is that no credit check is required.
Cricket and Metro have unlimited and fixed data plans, plus significant discounts if you have two or more lines.
There are four main data plans to choose from with both providers, but the differences are in the fine print. Take a look at the plans and some of the key factors below.
All of the prices include taxes and fees — what you see is what you pay.
Cricket Wireless Plans
| Plan | Price | Multiline Discounts | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB | $30 | None | - Unlimited talk, text and 5GB of high-speed data access - $10/1GB additional data usage - No mobile hotspot - 2 GB Cloud Storage included |
| 10GB | $40 ($35 with autopay) | 2 for $70 3 for $90 4 for $110 5 for $130 | - Unlimited talk, text and 10GB of high-speed data access - $10/1GB additional data usage - No mobile hotspot - Mexico & Canada included on new accounts - 2 GB Cloud Storage included |
| Unlimited | $55 ($50 with autopay) | 2 for $80 3 for $90 4 for $100 5 for $125 | - Unlimited talk, text and data - $10 for 10GB of mobile hotspot - Mexico & Canada included - Unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries included - 2 GB Cloud Storage included |
| Unlimited + Hotspot | $60 ($55 with autopay) | 2 for $90 3 for $110 4 for $130 5 for $160 | - Unlimited talk, text and data - 15GB of mobile hotspot - Mexico & Canada included - Unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries included - 150 GB Cloud Storage included |
Metro by T-Mobile Plans
| Plan | Price | Multiline Discounts | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB | $35 ($30 with autopay) | None | - Unlimited talk, text and 5GB of high-speed data access - Speeds reduced after allowance is used - No mobile hotspot |
| $40 Unlimited | $40 | 2 for $80 3 for $90 4 for $100 5 for $125 | - Unlimited talk, text and 35GB of high-speed data access - Speeds reduced after allowance is used - No mobile hotspot - T-Mobile Tuesdays and one year VIX Premium subscription included |
| $50 Unlimited | $55 ($50 with autopay) | 2 for $85 3 for $115 4 for $145 5 for $175 | - Unlimited talk, text and 35GB of high-speed data access - Speeds reduced after allowance is used - 8GB mobile hotspot - T-Mobile Tuesdays, 100 GB Google One membership and one year VIX Premium subscription included |
| $60 Unlimited | $65 ($50 with autopay) | 2 for $95 3 for $125 4 for $155 5 for $185 | - Unlimited talk, text and 35GB of high-speed data access - Speeds reduced after allowance is used - 25GB mobile hotspot - Unlimited texting to 210+ countries and destinations - T-Mobile Tuesdays, 100 GB Google One membership and one year VIX Premium subscription included |
As you can see, you’ll get the same deal for $30 at either carrier: 5GB of high-speed data and no mobile hotspot. However, you’ll have to enroll in autopay to get this price at Metro by T-Mobile. The other key difference is that once you hit your high-speed data allotment with Metro by T-Mobile, download speeds will be reduced. If you need additional data after your 5GB data allotment with Cricket Wireless, you’ll have to pay $10 per GB.
For $40, Metro by T-Mobile offers more high-speed data (35GB followed by unlimited slower speeds compared to 10GB capped) as well as a few additional perks. However, Cricket Wireless’ 10GB plan is slightly cheaper with autopay for a single line and multiline discounts make it cheaper for two or four lines.Â
For $50 (autopay required for this price with either carrier) you’ll get a slightly better deal at Metro by T-Mobile. With Metro, you’ll get 35 GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds plus 8GB of mobile hotspot. However, if you have three or more lines, Cricket Wireless’ basic unlimited plan offers a much better deal.
This is also true for $60 ($55 with Cricket Wireless with autopay). You’ll get a much better deal on three or more lines with Cricket Wireless plus 50GB of additional cloud storage. However, Metro by T-Mobile does offer more mobile hotspot data with its premium unlimited plan.
Network Coverage
Whether you’re making a call, sending a text or using 4G/LTE or 5G data to browse the web, you want to make sure that your cell phone provider has reliable network coverage where you live and travel.
Start by entering your address and checking the coverage maps on Cricket and Metro’s websites:
Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T and uses its network — the same towers and the same coverage. Meanwhile, Metro customers use T-Mobile’s network. Customers on either network may experience slower speeds at busy times due to prioritization.
According to the mobile broadband consumer disclosures, Cricket Wireless’ typical download speeds on 5G networks begin at 34 Mbps and range through 321 Mbps (including 5G+ connections). 4G LTE users can expect download speeds between 7-56 Mbps. Metro by T-Mobile lists typical 5G download speeds between 79-357 Mbps. 4G LTE users can expect download speeds between 13-61 Mbps. Of course, actual download speeds depend on a variety of factors.
To get a more comprehensive overview of the service in your area, enter your ZIP code on the coverage maps of AT&T and T-Mobile as well. You can also check out our article on the best cell phone service for more information on coverage.
Phone Options
Both Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile offer customers the option to either buy a new phone or bring a compatible device.
Keeping your current phone is a great way to save money when switching to a new service provider. You can get a SIM card from Metro by T-Mobile for $10, or from Cricket Wireless for $2.99. These SIM cards will work with a paid-off, unlocked device that’s compatible with the carrier’s network. Alternatively, if your phone is eSIM compatible, you may be able to activate your service instantly and avoid paying for a physical SIM card with either carrier.
If you do want to keep your current phone, locate its IMEI number to check its compatibility. Then, enter that number online:
If you don’t have a device that you want to bring with you to your new service provider, you may be able to find an affordable option online. Check out our top picks for where to buy an unlocked phone to get started.
Alternatively, you may choose to purchase a new phone from your new carrier.
The latest high-end Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices are among the phone options with these two carriers, but they’re perhaps best known for free phone promotions.
Typically, the free phones that they offer as an incentive for signing up are budget phones that sell for $350 or less.
If you pass on the free phone deal and purchase a new device from these carriers, it’s best to pay for it in full. There may be special monthly payment plans available, but beware of being locked into one specific carrier. If your phone isn’t paid off, you may not be able to bring it with you to the next carrier if a better deal comes available.
Since phone deals change frequently, you’ll want to check the links below for the latest sales:
Customer Service
Reviewing customer service is never easy because any one person’s experience could be very different than another’s, so I dug up a recent study from J.D. Power that ranked non-contract full-service cell phone carriers — and Cricket Wireless was #2.
However, Metro by T-Mobile wasn’t far behind in this study, and both exceeded the industry average.
Some of Cricket and Metro’s prepaid competitors only offer customer support by chat, but these two companies stand out by having physical stores and toll-free numbers where you can turn for help.
That makes either provider a top contender if being able to walk into a store or call someone up for assistance is important to you.
Before you sign up for service, you can always call up Cricket and Metro to talk to them about what they offer and see if you’re comfortable with the level of customer service.
I’ve provided the toll-free numbers to reach out to customer service below:
- Cricket Wireless: 1 (800) 274-2538
- Metro by T-Mobile: 1 (888) 863-8768
Final Thoughts
Is Cricket better than Metro by T-Mobile or the other way around? It’s all going to depend on what you need from a cell phone provider.
I’ve tried to lay out the key similarities and differences throughout this article so that you can make the best decision for your cell phone service needs. To recap, here’s what to do next:
- Check the coverage maps. Enter your ZIP code on both Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile’s coverage maps to see if you’ll have service in your area. Cricket Wireless utilizes AT&T’s network while Metro customers have access to T-Mobile’s towers. For these reasons, you may want to also check the coverage maps on AT&T and T-Mobile’s websites for a more comprehensive overview of coverage in your area before you switch.
- Make sure your device is compatible. If you plan on bringing your own phone, make sure it will work with the service provider you’re leaning toward before paying for a plan. Whichever provider you choose, know that you’ll still have to pay $25 activation fee (unless you activate Cricket Wireless online) and purchase a SIM card ($10 from Metro or $2.99 from Cricket Wireless). If you activate your service with an eSIM, you can avoid the one-time SIM card fee.
- Check the prices and review the latest deals. If you’re looking for a family plan, be sure to check the specific discounts you’ll get with each provider. Also, take the time to compare each plan and only pay for the data that you need. Both of these companies frequently offer free phone deals as well, so if you plan on buying a new phone, check out the latest offers from both providers.
If you want to continue your research, read our full reviews of Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile. Also, check out our frequently updated list of the best cell phone plans and deals!
Have you used Cricket Wireless or Metro by T-Mobile in the past? Let us know in our Clark.com Community or check out the latest conversations around cell phones.
Article Updates
- May 2, 2024: Cricket Wireless now charges for additional data usage on fixed data phone plans.
- May 2, 2024: Added typical download speeds for each carrier based on the latest information on each company’s website.
- May 2, 2024: Autopay is now required to get the $30 plan at Metro; $35 for the first month. Other than the $40 Unlimited promo plan, all plans increased by $5/month unless using autopay.
- May 2, 2024: Metro’s $50 and $60 unlimited plans now include 8GB and 25GB of mobile hotspot, respectively.
- May 2, 2024: Updated J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study to the latest publication.
