Consumer Cellular vs Cricket: Which Carrier is Better?

When comparing Consumer Cellular vs. Cricket, the biggest differences are in network coverage and plan variety. Consumer Cellular uses both T-Mobile and AT&T networks, offering affordable, flexible plans suited for light to moderate users. Cricket, operating on AT&T’s network, delivers reliable coverage with simple and cost-effective plans.

In this article, we’ll break down the strengths of each carrier to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what to expect:

• A comparison of the coverage offered by each carrier
• A detailed look at how plan prices align with the data provided
• An overview of the features included in each carrier’s plans

Compare Consumer Cellular to other Carriers

• Mint Mobile, a T-Mobile MVNO, delivers affordable prepaid plans with nationwide 5G coverage, ideal for budget-conscious users seeking premium service.
• Google Fi, a T-Mobile MVNO owned by Google, offers flexible plans with extensive international roaming.
• Boost Mobile, owned by Dish Network, is the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the United States, offering affordable prepaid plans with nationwide coverage.
• AT&T, the third-largest wireless carrier in the U.S., is known for its expansive 5G network and versatile plan options.
• Visible, a digital-only prepaid carrier by Verizon, offers affordable unlimited plans on Verizon's reliable 5G and 4G LTE networks.

Consumer Cellular Overview

Consumer Cellular is an MVNO that uses the AT&T and T-Mobile networks to provide affordable, flexible plans, especially for seniors. Consumer cellular products are available in retail locations like Best Buy and Target, making them easily accessible. It offers reliable coverage and budget-friendly pricing, making it a great choice for light to moderate users. However, high-speed data isn’t prioritized during peak times, which might result in slower speeds in congested areas. If you’re looking for dependable service at a lower cost, Consumer Cellular's plans are worth considering for their affordability and flexibility.

Cricket Overview

Cricket’s service relies on AT&T’s extensive 4G LTE network, offering broad coverage across urban, suburban, and many rural areas. Cricket Wireless's plans are competitively priced, with various options including monthly contracts, different data allotments, and cost benefits, particularly highlighting the value of unlimited data options. As AT&T expands its 5G network, Cricket customers with compatible devices can enjoy faster speeds and lower latency in more locations. AT&T’s network is particularly strong in urban and suburban areas, where dense cell tower coverage ensures stable connections. However, Cricket users may notice slight differences in performance compared to AT&T’s direct customers, especially during peak times when data prioritization can affect speed. Cricket also offers unlimited high-speed data for $60 a month, making it a standout feature among its plans.

Consumer Cellular Coverage

Consumer Cellular is an MVNO that relies on T-Mobile and AT&T networks to provide coverage. Since it doesn’t own its infrastructure, it doesn’t have the same priority access to network resources as major carriers, which may result in slower speeds during peak times or in densely populated areas. However, for users who mainly rely on their phones for calls and texts, Consumer Cellular offers reliable service at an affordable price. You can easily check their coverage map online to see if it meets your needs in your area.

Cricket Wireless Coverage

Cricket’s coverage map is based on AT&T’s network, as it uses AT&T’s infrastructure. The map highlights coverage for both 4G LTE and 5G, offering strong service in urban and suburban areas, as well as many rural locations. However, remote regions may experience limited coverage. Urban areas generally have excellent coverage, but during peak times, network congestion may lead to slower speeds, especially for Cricket customers, as AT&T tends to prioritize its direct subscribers. Suburban areas typically have solid coverage with fewer congestion issues, ensuring most users experience good call quality and data speeds.

Coverage Comparison

Consumer Cellular uses T-Mobile and AT&T networks, providing strong coverage in most urban and suburban areas. However, since it doesn't own its infrastructure, users may experience slower speeds during peak times or in densely populated regions.

Cricket, which operates on AT&T’s network, offers excellent coverage, particularly in urban and suburban areas. It also supports 4G LTE and 5G service. While coverage is solid, Cricket users may face slower speeds during peak times due to AT&T prioritizing its direct customers.

Both provide dependable service, but Cricket might have a slight edge in urban areas due to its focus on AT&T's network.

Consumer Cellular Plans

Unlimited Plan

This plan provides unlimited data with 50GB of high-speed usage each month. Once you hit the 50GB limit, speeds slow to 2G, which is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and texting. However, for activities like streaming or gaming, WiFi is recommended. Hotspot access is included, but speeds also slow after 50GB. There are no overage fees, making it a great option for heavy data users.
Cost: $55/month, or $50 with Autopay
Pros: Excellent value for heavy data users
Cons: Speeds reduce after 50GB
Best for: Those needing flexibility and plenty of data.

10GB Plan

This plan offers 10GB of data each month, with hotspot usage included within the data limit. Once the 10GB is exhausted, data access is suspended, providing clear boundaries for your data usage.
Cost: $40/month, or $35 with Autopay
Pros: Hotspot access included
Cons: Strict data limit
Best for: Moderate data users who need hotspot access.

5GB Plan

Aimed at light data users, this plan provides 5GB of data with hotspot access until the data limit is reached.
Cost: $30/month, or $25 with Autopay
Pros: Hotspot access included
Cons: Limited data allowance
Best for: Light data users needing basic mobile services.

1GB Plan

Ideal for minimal data users, this plan offers 1GB of data each month, which can be used for hotspot access. Once the 1GB is consumed, data access is completely stopped.
Cost: $25/month, or $20 with Autopay
Pros: Hotspot access supported
Cons: Higher cost per GB
Best for: Those who mostly rely on WiFi and need occasional mobile data.

Family Plan Options

Consumer Cellular offers discounts for multi-line accounts, with savings increasing as more lines are added, making it a budget-friendly choice for families.
Cost: Discounts for multi-line accounts
Best for: Families wanting to share an affordable mobile plan.

Cricket Plans

Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot

Cricket Wireless’ Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot plan offers unlimited premium data that doesn’t slow down, no matter how much you use. It also includes 15GB of high-speed hotspot data, which reverts to unlimited deprioritized data once the cap is reached. Additionally, the plan includes an ad-supported Max tier and 150GB of cloud storage.
Price: $60/month (before $5 Autopay discount)
Pros: Separate hotspot access, premium data, additional features
Cons: Hotspot speeds deprioritized after 15GB
Best for: Heavy data users and those who want added features

Unlimited

The Unlimited plan offers unlimited deprioritized data, meaning there’s no speed cap, but speeds may slow during congestion. Hotspot access isn’t included, though you can add 10GB of hotspot data for an extra $10. This plan is best for users with heavy or average data needs.
Price: $55/month (before $5 Autopay discount)
Pros: Unlimited data
Cons: Hotspot access not included
Best for: Heavy and average data users

10GB Plan

This plan provides 10GB of full-speed data before throttling to 2G speeds once the cap is hit. While you can still browse and send texts or emails, streaming and gaming will require WiFi. This plan doesn’t offer hotspot access and is ideal for those who use less data or have reliable WiFi.
Price: $40/month (before $5 discount)
Pros: Full-speed data
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Lighter data users

5GB Plan

Offering 5GB of full-speed data, this plan slows to 2G speeds once the cap is reached. Hotspot access is not included. This plan is a solid choice for users who rely on WiFi or use only a small amount of data.
Price: $30/month (no Autopay discount)
Pros: Full-speed data
Cons: No hotspot access, higher cost per GB
Best for: Light data users with good WiFi

Family Plan Offerings

Cricket Wireless family plans allow up to 5 lines on one account, with users sharing data across all lines. This option is suitable for families looking to consolidate their plans while managing data use.
Best for: Families looking for shared data plans.

Plan Comparison

Consumer Cellular offers flexible, affordable plans ideal for light to moderate data users. It provides a variety of options, including hotspot access, and offers discounts for multi-line accounts. However, data speeds slow after a certain limit.

Cricket, using AT&T’s network, offers straightforward plans with solid coverage and features like unlimited data (with speeds reducing after a set threshold), hotspot access, and international calling. It’s a reliable choice for users who prefer simple plans without contracts.

Consumer Cellular is great for flexible, budget-friendly plans, while Cricket is better for those seeking reliable coverage and simple, no-contract options.

Key Differences Between Consumer Cellular and Cricket Wireless

Unlimited Data Prioritization and Throttling

Consumer Cellular offers plans with a set amount of high-speed data, making it a solid choice for those with moderate or occasional data needs. Once the data limit is reached, speeds slow down significantly until the next billing cycle. This structure provides an affordable option for users who mainly use their phones for light browsing, texting, and other basic tasks, allowing them to stay connected without breaking the bank.

Cricket, backed by AT&T's network, provides reliable coverage, though data prioritization is more limited. Customers on lower-tier plans, such as the 5GB and 10GB options, may experience throttling during periods of network congestion. Once the data cap is reached, speeds are significantly reduced, making these plans less suited for heavy data users. However, the Unlimited Plan offers unlimited data, though throttling may occur once a specific data threshold is exceeded, much like Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Consumer Cellular is recognized for its excellent customer service, available through both phone and online chat. The provider offers simple, easy-to-understand services, catering especially to seniors and those less familiar with mobile technology, ensuring clear communication and support. If you need to sign up for specialized plans or adjust your service, contacting Consumer Cellular is essential.

Cricket offers customer support via phone, live chat, and in-store assistance. In-store support is a key advantage, allowing customers to get immediate help in person. While customer service is generally positive, wait times can vary. Cricket also has an online support center for FAQs, troubleshooting, and account management, with a wide network of stores for convenient in-person support.

The Verdict

In summary, Consumer Cellular is a great choice for light to moderate data users, offering affordable plans with reliable service, especially for seniors or those seeking simplicity. However, data speeds slow significantly after hitting the cap. On the other hand,

Cricket, powered by AT&T’s network, provides solid coverage and in-store support, making it ideal for users who prefer face-to-face assistance. While its plans offer more data flexibility, customers may experience throttling during peak times, especially on lower-tier plans.

Both are strong contenders, but Consumer Cellular excels in budget-friendly options, while Cricket offers better coverage and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which carrier offers better coverage for rural areas—Consumer Cellular or Cricket?

Consumer Cellular’s plans, powered by T-Mobile and AT&T networks, offer reliable coverage in many rural areas, though performance can vary based on location. Cricket Wireless offers solid coverage as well, using AT&T’s network, but you may experience congestion during peak times. It's important to review the coverage map for both providers to ensure your specific area is covered. Both provide decent rural coverage, but depending on your region, one may suit you better.

What should I consider when choosing between Consumer Cellular and Cricket for a family plan?

When selecting a family plan, key factors to consider are the number of lines needed and each family member’s data usage. Consumer Cellular’s multi-month plans offer discounts for additional lines, and its senior plans are a great option for older adults. Cricket Wireless's plans provide flexibility with single line or two lines, plus affordable options that support unlimited talk, text, and mobile hotspot data. Choose based on your family’s need for data, coverage, and budget.

Are there any hidden fees with Consumer Cellular or Cricket plans?

Both companies are fairly transparent about their pricing. Consumer Cellular's plans have no overage fees, but once you reach the data cap, speeds slow significantly. Cricket Wireless charges for additional data beyond your plan’s limit, and throttles speeds after hitting the cap. Be mindful of possible activation fees or device charges if you opt for a new phone or a multi-line plan.

Can I use my existing phone with Consumer Cellular or Cricket?

Yes! Both Consumer Cellular and Cricket Wireless offer the option to bring your own device, provided it is unlocked and compatible with their networks. If you want to keep your old phone number, both companies allow number portability. Make sure to check the compatibility of your current phone with the coverage and service online to ensure smooth activation and performance.

How do Consumer Cellular and Cricket compare when it comes to international coverage?

Cricket Wireless offers solid international options, including international texting and calling to over 200 destinations. With Cricket, you can use your mobile hotspot data in more than 200 countries. Consumer Cellular offers international calling at competitive rates but has more limited international data coverage. For frequent travelers, Cricket’s nationwide coverage and global roaming options are an advantage.