Ever wonder why people choose MVNOS over major networks, is it the price, features, or just overall affordability? As the number of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOS) in the States is increasing by the day, many people find themselves wondering about making a choice. In this blog, we will talk about Cricket Wireless versus US Mobile. Which is better? And a few other factors for you to decide before you switch.
Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless service provider owned by AT&T Inc. Although Cricket was founded back in 1999 by Leap Wireless International, AT&T acquired it in 2014, and has been operational since then.
What’s the difference between Cricket Wireless plans and US Mobile plans?
Plans and pricing are some of the most important things about picking a wireless carrier. At US Mobile we have six main plan types—Unlimited All, Unlimited bundles, Family Plans, Custom Plans, and Pooled Plans. At Cricket Wireless, we find two kinds of plans, unlimited talk, and text with different data bundles or totally unlimited all (T&C Apply).
Cricket Wireless Data Plan Vs. US Mobile Data Plan
At US Mobile, we don’t call it a data-only plan, in fact, you can create your own custom plan through our custom plan builder and select the data bundle of your choice (Up to 15 GB).
At Cricket, however, we don’t see much options in terms of data choices, there are no data only plans, in fact, what you can do is go for the either the 2 GB or the 10 GB bundle with unlimited talk and text. So if you need a limited data plan, you would have to pay for talk, text any ways.
Cricket Wireless Unlimited Bundles vs US Mobile Unlimited Bundles
At US Mobile, there’s no catch you can add as many lines as you want under one single account by logging into your dashboard and get discounts on choosing an Unlimited All plan.
With Cricket Wireless, you can add up to 5 lines on one single account and get discounts by choosing the Cricket Core plan, Cricket More plan, and Cricket 10 GB plan (with unlimited minutes and unlimited texts). If you wish to add more lines under your Cricket account, you’d have to locate a store and get in the queue to do so!
Here’s a quick break-down of the multi-line discounts:
US Mobile – Unlimited All Plan | Cricket Wireless – Core Plan | Cricket Wireless – 10 GB Plan | Cricket Wireless – More Plan |
1st line: $45 | 1st Line: $55 (no discount) | 1st Line: $40 (no discount) | 1st Line: $60 (no discount) |
2nd line: $30 (First line also becomes $30) | 2nd Line: $80 ($30 discount) | 2nd Line: $70 ($10 discount) | 2nd Line: $90 ($30 discount) |
3rd line: $25 (All lines become $25) | 3rd Line: $90 ($75 discount) | 3rd Line: $90 ($30 discount) | 3rd Line: $110 ($70 discount) |
4th line: $25 | 4th Line: $100 ($120 discount) | 4th Line: $110 ($50 discount) | 4th Line: $130 ($110 discount) |
5th line: $25 | 5th Line: $125 ($150 discount) | 5th Line: $130 ($70 discount) | 5th Line: $160 ($140 discount) |
*For all data usage, Cricket may temporarily slow speeds if the network is busy. Data speeds max of 8Mbps; video streaming max of 1.5 Mbps at SD quality (about 480p).
What’s Next?
We know that plans and pricing, are not the only decision-making factor when it comes to choosing a carrier. Therefore we have catered to some other preferences as well, such as:
International Roaming
Let’s take a look at the international roaming options available by the two carriers. Cricket Wireless has international unlimited minutes and unlimited texts including MMS available for 37 countries. All you need is a $40 plan to be able to qualify to add an international country feature. On US Mobile, you have international incoming calls available on both SIM cards i.e. Super LTE and GSM, but you will only get international texts (incoming & outgoing) on the GSM SIM card.
As far as international data is concerned, you don’t need to worry when it comes to US Mobile, all you need is an eSIM compatible phone and you’ll be able to use data in 114 countries with a few taps on the US Mobile app!
Extra perks
Not only are you getting an unlimited line at a discounted price, in fact, but, with US Mobile you are also getting top-notch music, video, and gaming benefits for FREE.
How does it work?
When we talk about customizability, we don’t want to restrict you to talk, text and data plans only. To be able to choose what you want is inherent in our culture. And the same applies to our streaming perks. Whether you want to binge-watch your favorite episode on Apple TV or stream quality music on Spotify, the choice is yours.
Here are 3 simple steps to get extra perks:
- Get unlimited lines.
- Pick one perk with 3 unlimited lines and two perks with 4 unlimited lines. Just make sure to verify it with us.
- After your first month, we will apply service credit towards the line’s autopay that earned the perk.
Mobile Phones – Don’t Look Elsewhere!
If you’re one of those who like to purchase phones from the carrier, do not worry, both Cricket Wireless and US Mobile have phones available on their website along with affordable phone deals. US Mobile sells unlocked phones with free SIM cards whereas if you purchase a phone from Cricket Wireless, it’ll be locked for 6 months, but you can also get a few android phones for $0 if you port your number to Cricket with a minimum of $60 plan!
Customer Service – Get Treated like Family!
When it comes to customer service, most carriers consider it to be the last thing on their list of things. Cricket Wireless has specific timings for their live chat and calls, however, when it comes to US Mobile the customer support is 24/7 via chats, emails, and calls. Facing network issues and dealing with customer service can be a hassle, but at least you know where you’re going to get 24/7 support!
Cricket Wireless vs US Mobile: Which one should you get?
At US Mobile, we treat you like our family, which allows us to be honest and straightforward. Folks at Cricket Wireless are pretty good and may have some great offers. But if you don’t want to compromise on excellent customer service, amazing plans, and discounts, look no further and make the switch now. You can also check out our blog post on questions, you might have before switching.
Click here to get a free Starter Kit by using the promo code FREESIM!