Astound Mobile vs. Credo Mobile: Which Carrier is Better?

Astound Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s reliable network, offering affordable plans with good coverage in urban and suburban areas. This MVNO focuses on budget-conscious customers, providing simple plans and added perks like hotspot options. With a straightforward approach to pricing, Astound Mobile is a great choice for light to moderate data users looking for a no-frills experience at an affordable price.

Note: To purchase Astound Mobile cell phone plans, you must be an Astound Internet customer. 

Credo Mobile is a unique MVNO that combines competitive mobile service with a strong emphasis on social activism. Operating on Verizon’s reliable network, Credo Mobile provides excellent coverage nationwide, including in rural areas. What sets Credo apart is its commitment to progressive causes, donating a portion of its revenue to nonprofits and advocating for social change. While its plans may not always be the cheapest, Credo Mobile appeals to customers who value combining their mobile service with making a positive impact on the world.

Coverage & Reception — Astound Mobile vs. Credo Mobile

Astound Mobile and Credo Mobile leverage the networks of major carriers to provide reliable nationwide coverage. Astound Mobile operates exclusively on T-Mobile’s network, while Credo Mobile uses Verizon’s network to deliver service. Here’s how these networks compare:

T-Mobile Network (Astound Mobile)

T-Mobile’s network is a leader in 5G innovation, offering extensive mid-band 5G coverage alongside reliable LTE service. It excels in urban and suburban areas, providing fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks.

Strengths:

• Extensive 5G Deployment: T-Mobile’s mid-band 5G is unmatched in availability and speed, making it a top choice for urban users.
• Urban and Suburban Excellence: Performance in densely populated areas is exceptional, with reliable connectivity for most users.
• Innovative Features: T-Mobile continuously enhances its network with cutting-edge technology, such as standalone 5G.

Weaknesses:

• Rural Coverage Gaps: While improving, T-Mobile’s coverage in rural and remote areas is less comprehensive than Verizon’s.
• Deprioritization: As an MVNO, Astound Mobile users may experience slower speeds during network congestion.

Verizon Network (Credo Mobile)

Verizon’s network is renowned for its expansive reach and reliability, particularly in rural and suburban areas. With a strong LTE foundation and growing 5G capabilities, Verizon ensures consistent service nationwide.

Strengths:

• Rural Coverage Leader: Verizon’s network offers excellent service in rural regions, making it ideal for travelers and those in less populated areas.
• Dependable LTE: Verizon’s LTE network is extensive, providing stable connections even where 5G is unavailable.
• Balanced 5G Performance: While not as expansive as T-Mobile’s 5G, Verizon’s network offers a reliable mix of speed and coverage.

Weaknesses:

• 5G Availability: Verizon’s 5G coverage is growing but still lags behind T-Mobile in urban and suburban areas.
• Deprioritization: Like Astound, Credo Mobile customers may face reduced speeds during peak times.

Both networks deliver excellent performance overall. T-Mobile’s strength lies in its urban and suburban coverage, while Verizon stands out for rural reliability. Choosing between Astound Mobile and Credo Mobile often comes down to where you live and travel most frequently. If you’re in a major city, Astound’s T-Mobile coverage will likely meet your needs. On the other hand, Credo’s use of Verizon makes it a better option for those in rural areas or who prioritize extensive nationwide reach.

Plan Options — Astound Mobile vs. Credo Mobile 

Credo Mobile and Astound Mobile offer plans with varying amounts of high-speed data. Along with high-speed data, both carriers offer unlimited talk and text along with various features and add-ons. First up, let’s talk about Astound’s cell phone plans. 

Astound Mobile Plans and Pricing

Astound Mobile offers four plans, each with its own benefits and downsides. The four Astound Mobile phone plans are as follows: 

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• $15 per month for 1.5 GB
• $25 per month for 3 GB
• $40 per month for Unlimited (20 GB)
• $50 per month for Unlimited + (20 GB)

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1.5 GB

This plan is designed for users who only need mobile data for essentials, like occasional GPS navigation, checking email, or brief browsing sessions. With 1.5 GB of high-speed data, it’s perfect for those who primarily use Wi-Fi and just want reliable talk and text with minimal data on the go. This plan is the most cost-effective option in the lineup.

3 GB

While this plan won’t cover heavy usage, it’s a low-cost option for users who mostly rely on Wi-Fi but need some data for basic tasks on the go. Ideal for those who use limited data on social media or streaming apps away from home, it's a budget-friendly pick for minimal mobile data needs. There’s not much difference in how long 1.5 and 3 GBs of high-speed data will take you, but this plan is nice for those who want a little extra piece of mind while out and about. 

Unlimited

This plan offers 20 GB of high-speed data, which is suitable for moderate use, such as streaming music, occasional video, and browsing throughout the month. However, high-speed data users will consume this allocation quickly, so make sure to check your data usage before switching to this plan.

Unlimited +

Unlimited+ also offers 20 GB of high-speed data but also includes high-speed hotspot data and HD streaming while your data lasts. Once you hit the 20 GB cap, you are reduced to 3G data speeds, which will severely limit your usage. 

Credo Mobile Cell Phone Plans

Credo’s unlimited plan provides unlimited high-speed data, which separates them from other MVNOs. Few MVNO data plans offer the same. Credo Mobile has five cell phone plans. Each plan comes with unlimited talk and text, as well as the same 5G and 4G LTE coverage that Verizon users get. The phone plans at Credo Mobile are competitively priced and come with a variety of benefits and shortcomings, just like their competitors. Their four major plans are:

Unlimited data

This is Credo’s most expensive plan with all the bells and whistles they can provide. This cell phone plan provides immense value, but it is incredibly expensive at its opening price. That price becomes much more affordable as you add more lines. It is even less expensive with five lines than their 15 GB plan! Credo’s unlimited data plan is perfect for multi-line accounts that use lots of high-speed data every month. 

15 GB

Credo Mobile’s 15 GB cell phone plan is rarely a better choice than its unlimited cell phone plan. It starts at the same price as their unlimited plan and ends more expensively. The second line does reduce the cost per line by $25, an insane drop. This second line makes it much more affordable and significantly less expensive than Credo’s unlimited plan. 

Since Credo phone plans are a month-to-month affair, it is easy to jump between plans based on your needs. If you start with Unlimited and decide it’s not right for you, you can bump yourself up or down a tier. 

9 GB data

As we travel down their plans, the data allocations get smaller and smaller. A 9 GB monthly data allocation is not very much, but it lets you use your phone a bit while out and about. You will need to put some thought into limiting data usage, but it is a different equation than, say, Credo’s 3 or 1 GB cell phone plan. 

Credo’s 9 GB cell phone plan grants you just about 50% savings if you open a five-line cell phone plan, but the bulk of the savings come from the first two lines. As long as you have two other people with whom to open the account, you are in for some serious savings. 

1 and 3 GB 

Credo’s cheapest phone plans both have very small data allocations but start much less expensive than their other offerings. Like the other set data plans, they offer a few gigs of high-speed data each month, slowing your speeds down to a crawl if you exceed it. 

Credo’s limited-data plans are not well-priced compared to other MVNOs, so if you are looking for a low-data plan, we recommend MVNOs like Tello Mobile or Mint Mobile. 

Credo Mobile Multi-Line Savings

Credo Mobile rewards customers who add multiple lines with significant savings, making it an excellent choice for families. The discounts increase as more lines are added, making their plans competitively priced for multi-line accounts. Adding a second line often reduces the per-line cost by $25 or more, particularly for the 15 GB and Unlimited plans. Alongside that, families can mix and match plans to suit individual needs, letting low data and high data users jump on the same plan! 

Whether you’re a family of two or five, Credo’s multi-line savings make their plans more attractive, particularly for those who use high-speed data. Coupled with their social activism initiatives, Credo Mobile offers a compelling package for socially conscious families.

Customer Service  — Astound Mobile vs. Credo Mobile

Credo Mobile's contact information is 800-411-0848, or you can access its help page here. 

For Astound Mobile, you can contact them here: (800) 746-4726 or access their help page here. 

The Verdict

Astound Mobile shines with its straightforward, low-cost plans, making it ideal for individual users with Astound Internet who want reliable coverage without overspending. Its reliance on T-Mobile’s network ensures excellent performance in urban and suburban areas, particularly for data-heavy tasks like streaming and gaming. However, its requirement to be an Astound Internet customer limits its appeal to a specific audience. Additionally, the lack of family plan discounts and rural coverage might deter some users.

Credo Mobile stands out not only for its use of Verizon’s reliable network but also for its commitment to social activism. By donating a portion of revenue to progressive causes, Credo offers a unique blend of service and impact. It’s particularly appealing for families, thanks to significant multi-line discounts that make even its Unlimited plan competitive. While its single-line plans aren’t the cheapest, the combination of solid rural coverage and a focus on social change makes Credo an excellent choice for those who value purpose-driven spending.

• Go with Astound Mobile if you’re a current Astound Internet customer seeking an affordable and simple mobile solution with excellent urban and suburban coverage.
• Go with Credo Mobile if you’re drawn to supporting social causes, need strong rural coverage, or are looking to save on family plans with multiple lines.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to what you value most: affordability and simplicity with Astound Mobile or purpose and network reliability with Credo Mobile. You can always compare carriers at REALLY!

FAQ — Astound Mobile vs. Credo Mobile

Which network does Astound Mobile use?

Astound Mobile operates exclusively on T-Mobile's network, providing reliable coverage in urban and suburban areas. Its strength lies in T-Mobile's industry-leading 5G availability and fast speeds in densely populated regions. However, users in rural areas may find coverage less comprehensive than some competitors.

Which network does Credo Mobile use?

Credo Mobile uses Verizon’s network, known for its extensive rural and suburban coverage. Verizon delivers consistent service nationwide with a robust LTE infrastructure and growing 5G capabilities, making Credo a great choice for those in rural areas or who travel extensively.

Are there family plan savings with Credo Mobile?

Yes, Credo Mobile offers substantial multi-line discounts. Adding more lines reduces the per-line cost significantly, especially for the 15 GB and Unlimited plans. Families with up to five lines can enjoy even better savings, making Credo Mobile an appealing choice for families or groups.

Does Astound Mobile offer family plan discounts?

No, Astound Mobile does not currently offer family plan discounts. Its pricing structure is straightforward and aimed at individual customers. To use Astound Mobile, you must also be an Astound Internet customer.

How do Astound Mobile and Credo Mobile compare in pricing?

• Astound Mobile: Offers affordable plans starting as low as $15 per month, but these are only available to Astound Internet customers. Plans are designed for light to moderate data users.
• Credo Mobile: Has higher starting prices, but multi-line discounts make its Unlimited plan very competitive for families. Single-line plans may be less cost-effective than other MVNOs.

Which carrier offers better coverage, Astound Mobile or Credo Mobile?

It depends on your location and needs:

• Astound Mobile (T-Mobile): Best for urban and suburban areas, excelling in 5G coverage and speed.
• Credo Mobile (Verizon): Superior for rural and remote areas, with widespread LTE coverage and reliable service nationwide.

Do Astound Mobile and Credo Mobile throttle data?

Yes, both carriers are MVNOs, meaning they may prioritize data speeds for users of their host networks (T-Mobile for Astound and Verizon for Credo) during times of congestion. This deprioritization varies depending on location and network traffic.

Can I use my own phone with Astound Mobile and Credo Mobile?

• Astound Mobile: Yes, as long as your phone is compatible with T-Mobile's network and unlocked.
• Credo Mobile: Yes, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with Verizon's network. Check your phone’s compatibility before switching.

Who should choose Astound Mobile?

Astound Mobile is ideal for budget-conscious users already subscribed to Astound Internet services. It’s best for individuals who need reliable service in urban or suburban areas and do not require extensive rural coverage.

Who should choose Credo Mobile?

Credo Mobile appeals to socially conscious users and families who value giving back to progressive causes. It’s a strong choice for users who rely on extensive rural and nationwide coverage or need significant multi-line discounts.