Mint Mobile vs. Cricket Wireless: Which is better for you?

Mint Mobile, one month at a Cricket Wireless Unlimited talk, text, and no data overages are included in all plans. You can upgrade your plan at any time, or add data to improve speed. Starting at $15/month at Mint Mobile Pros T-Mobile LTE network
Unlimited text and talk

Calls to Canada and Mexico are free

Hotspot available on all plans

All plans include 5G

Unlimited plan is limited to 35GB

Unlimited plan with 5GB hotspot data cap Start with just text and talk for 2GB, then move up to unlimited data with 15GB hotspot data. Starting at $30/mo Cricket Wireless Pros AT&T LTE Network

Service in Canada or Mexico (unlimited plans).

Unlimited text and talk

Multi-line discounts

15GB Hotspot Data (unlimited Plan) Cons SD Quality Videos (unlimited Plans)

Speed limits

5G is available only with the most expensive plans

Multi-line discounts are a benefit for Cricket, and the AT&T LTE network offers one of the best. T-Mobile's 5G network, which supports Mint, has been one the fastest-growing networks. If it is available in your area it will serve you well. To ensure that each network is available, make sure you check the coverage.

Mint Mobile vs. Cricket Wireless - What's the prepaid advantage?

Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless both operate as MVNOs. This means they don't create and manage their own networks but instead use other carriers' networks. Mint uses T-Mobile's network, while Cricket uses AT&T. This is a great way to connect on a network that has great coverage, but you don't need a contract.

Prepaid carriers can also offer a simpler experience which helps to keep costs down. Mint Mobile, for example, doesn't need to have storefronts and does not need invest in its network over time. T-Mobile and AT&T will, however, continue to expand and develop their networks to meet demand. However, Mint Mobile tested consistently fast and had high speeds.

Mint Mobile Cricket Network AT&T Minimum 3 Months 5G Access All Plans International Texting Not Included Mobile hotspot 5GB (unlimited Plan) 15GB (unlimited Plan) Mexico and Canada Calling from countries (unlimited Plans) Multi-line Discounts None

The best network will vary depending on where you are located and what device you use. Before you checkout, make sure you check Mint Mobile's coverage map or Cricket's coverage map. T-Mobile's 5G network, though, is still quite larger than AT&T. To access 5G, you will need a phone that supports sub-6 5G. Both carriers will be able to use the best Android phones available, due to their excellent network compatibility.

Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central

Remember that while Cricket's coverage is stronger in rural areas than in urban areas, coverage should be available for all.

Mint Mobile vs. Cricket Wireless - Mint Mobile's plans

Mint Mobile does not accept traditional contracts. Instead, Mint Mobile charges upfront for the term. It can be 3-6 months, 6-12 months, or 12-12 months. You will save more money over the long-term if you buy bulk. The best savings are made at twelve months. All plans include unlimited nationwide text, talk, and data. However, you can only use 5G and LTE per month. All plans include unlimited international texting.

The unlimited plan includes 5GB hotspot data and 35GB data slowed.

Unlimited 3 Months 4GB 10GB 15GB (introductory price $15/mo. ($45) $20/mo. ($60) $25/mo. ($75) $30/mo. ($90) 3 Months $25/mo. ($75) $35/mo. ($105) $45/mo. ($105) $45/mo. ($120) 6 Months $20/mo. ($120) $25/mo. ($150) $35/mo. ($210) $35/mo. ($210) 12 Months $15/mo. ($180) $20/mo. ($240) $25/mo. ($300) $30/mo. ($360)

If you require more data, you can add it at a $10 per 1GB rate or $20 per 3GB rate. If you feel that you will need more data every month, you can upgrade to the next plan.

Mint Mobile requires you to sign up for a longer term. This means that you must remember the 7-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up for a trial to get a Mint Mobile SIM card free of charge. If you do not want to pay the introductory rate, your first three months will be at the 12-month rate. You don't have to pay the entire year's fee if the network is not working for you.

Mint Mobile vs. Cricket Wireless - Cricket's plans

Cricket offers simple unlimited talk and text plans, with different amounts of 4G LTE data. All plans include taxes and fees. For example, the $30 plan will cost you $30 per month. All plans include unlimited talk, text and data. Prices will vary depending on how many 4G LTE data are purchased.

Remember Cricket's speed caps. Both data plans have a limit of 8Mbps LTE and 4Mbps older network. This will generally be sufficient for most things on your phone. However, if you download files or try to watch HD video, there may be some buffering.

Unlimited More plans remove the speed cap and come with a 15GB hotspot. This plan is best for heavy users. It comes with four to five lines and is very affordable.

2GB 10GB Unlimited Core + Unlimited + 15GB Mobile Hotspot(More). Data 2GB10GB Unlimited Unlimited Hotspot (More). 15GB International Text None None 37 Countries Max data speed 8Mbps-8Mbps 8Mbps Unlimited Hotspot No Limit 15GB Unlimited Unlimited Hotspot 15GB International text none None 37 countries Max data speeds 37 countries Max data speed 5G access None None Nationwide 5G entertainment perks None None HBO Max

Cricket allows you to save money by adding more lines to unlimited plans. The cost of the top unlimited plan is $33 per line for four lines. If you don't want to use texting and calling, Cricket offers data-only plans that can store up to 100GB.

Mint Mobile vs. Cricket Wireless - International coverage

For $5 per month, Cricket allows you to add international calling to 35 landlines in 35 countries. For $15 per month, you can add 1000 minutes to your mobile number and unlimited MMS messaging. Individual countries can be added for $10-$15 each month.

Cricket allows you to roam only in Canada and Mexico, as long as your total usage is not more than 50%. The unlimited plans include this. Unlimited plans include texting to 37 different countries.

Mint is a bit different, but maybe more direct. You pay per minute, text, and MB when roaming. You pay $0.05 per sent text, $0.25 per minute, or $0.20 per megabyte. These rates are $0.02 per text, $0.06/minute, and $0.06/megabyte for Canada or Mexico.

Mint Mobile calls to Canada or Mexico are included in the plan. The country determines the cost per minute of international calls. China is an example of this. It charges $0.01 per minute for landlines or mobiles, and France $0.18 for mobiles.

Although Cricket is less expensive if you intend to make international calls, you will likely have to pay more upfront. Mint, on the other hand is more flexible and makes sense for people who don't call as often.

Mint Mobile vs. Cricket Wireless - Which one is best for you?

Source: Android Central/ Samuel Contreras

Although Cricket's plans are more expensive than Mint, the cost of unlimited lines drops quite a bit. The Unlimited plan is slower and less popular for most people. However, Cricket can still be a great deal if you want to connect your entire family. Keep in mind that Cricket has better coverage beyond cities.

Mint Mobile is a better choice if you are price conscious, especially if your phone is unlocked. Mint Mobile plans are simple and T-Mobile's network reliable. You get more data if you sign up for at least three months.

Mint Mobile bundles offer savings Mint Mobile offers bundles that save you money. To increase your savings, buy large amounts of T-Mobile's LTE or 5G network data. Starting at $15/mo. at Mint Mobile

Tones of data Cricket Wireless More network to get more data. Starting at talk, text and 2GB data, Cricket has a plan for you. Unlimited plans are also available. With more lines, you can save even more. Starting at $30/mo Cricket Wireless