Google Fi vs. Cricket: Which Carrier is Better?

When comparing Google Fi vs Cricket, it’s essential to consider your data needs and budget. Google Fi offers flexible plans with access to T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular networks, ideal for those who prioritize adaptable coverage, Wi-Fi calling, and international reach. Meanwhile, Cricket, a budget-friendly option on AT&T’s network, keeps things simple with affordable plans that deliver reliable service without extra add-ons.

In this article, we’ll highlight each carrier's strengths to help you make an informed choice. Here's what we’ll discuss:

• How coverage compare with each carrier
• Price differences and what you get for your money
• Unique features offered by each carrier

Compare Google Fi to other Carriers

• AT&T, a leading MNO (Mobile Network Operator), offers robust nationwide coverage and a wide range of premium phone plans.
• Spectrum Mobile, a Verizon MVNO for Spectrum Internet customers, offers reliable 5G coverage and great value.
• US Mobile, a flexible MVNO on Verizon and T-Mobile networks, offers customizable plans and nationwide 5G.
• T-Mobile, the second-largest U.S. carrier, delivers nationwide 5G and feature-packed plans.
• Mint Mobile, a T-Mobile MVNO, offers affordable prepaid plans with nationwide 5G coverage.

Google Fi Overview

Launched initially as Project Fi in 2015, Google Fi Wireless has grown significantly over the past nine years. It began as an “invite-only” service exclusively for the Nexus 6. Then it opened up to the public about a year later, initially supporting Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL models. Today, Google Fi is compatible with most popular smartphones, including Samsung, Motorola, the Moto G series, and of course, Google’s Pixel lineup—and even iPhones. While Google Fi works with a wide range of devices, it operates best on “Phones Designed for Fi,” which you can explore further on their website.

Cricket Overview

AT&T’s network, renowned for its extensive 4G LTE coverage across the U.S., powers Cricket’s reliable service. This broad reach provides Cricket customers with dependable connectivity in most urban and suburban areas and even in many rural locations. As AT&T continues to expand its 5G network, Cricket customers with compatible devices are able to enjoy faster speeds and lower latency in more places.

A notable strength of AT&T’s network—and therefore Cricket’s—is its solid performance in urban and suburban settings, where dense cell tower coverage often means strong signals and stable connections. However, Cricket users might notice slight differences in service compared to AT&T’s direct customers, especially during peak times, when data prioritization could affect speed and performance.

Google Fi Network: Speed and Coverage

According to Jeff Kenton, a Gold Product Expert on the Google Fi forum, “Extended coverage” areas indicate that Google Fi has a roaming agreement with another provider in those regions. This extended coverage typically applies in areas with dense trees, hills, or deserts, where cellular reach can be more challenging. While it may not always match the speed of primary 4G LTE and 5G areas, it does provide solid connectivity in remote locations.

Insider Tip: If you’re using a 5G phone, you’ll benefit from both 4G LTE and 5G technology. In areas primarily covered by 4G LTE (often shown in “medium green tones” on coverage maps), your 5G device will still operate as intended. Overall, Google Fi offers reliable nationwide coverage with both 4G LTE and 5G, and since it utilizes T-Mobile’s strong 5G network, your phone can leverage its full capabilities where 5G is available.

To view the full Google Fi Wireless Coverage Map click here.

Cricket Network: Speed and Coverage

Cricket’s coverage map reflects AT&T’s network since Cricket uses AT&T’s infrastructure. The map shows coverage for 4G LTE and 5G, with strong service in urban and suburban areas, as well as many rural regions. However, remote areas may have limited coverage.

Urban areas typically have excellent coverage, but peak times may cause slower speeds due to network congestion, especially for Cricket customers, as AT&T may prioritize its direct subscribers. Suburban areas enjoy solid coverage with fewer congestion issues, providing most users with good call quality and data speeds.

Coverage Comparison

Google Fi provides nationwide coverage with T-Mobile’s 5G network, offering solid connectivity in both urban and remote areas. Its extended coverage, which involves roaming agreements with other providers, is available in regions with challenging terrain, such as forests or deserts. While speeds may not be as fast as in primary 4G LTE or 5G zones, it ensures reliable service in these more isolated locations.

Additionally, 5G users on Google Fi can seamlessly switch between 4G LTE and 5G, even in areas where 4G LTE is the dominant coverage, ensuring your 5G device functions as expected. Compared to Cricket, which relies on AT&T's network, Google Fi's use of T-Mobile's 5G capabilities can offer an advantage in areas where 5G is available.

Google Fi Plans

Flexible Plan

The Flexible Plan is perfect for light users who prefer paying only for the data they use. Priced at $10 per gigabyte, it’s a cost-effective choice for minimal data needs. This plan supports hotspot tethering, with data shareable across devices like tablets. It also includes free texting within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, plus affordable international calling at $0.20 per minute to over 200 destinations. Data is usable in 200+ countries, but it’s best suited for short-term travel, as extended use beyond 90 consecutive days isn’t supported.

Price: $10/GB
Pros: Cost-effective for minimal use, shareable data, international features.
Cons: Charges per gigabyte can add up for heavier use.

Best for: Light data users who need flexibility and occasional international access.

Simply Unlimited Plan

The Simply Unlimited Plan is ideal for families or those looking for affordable, predictable costs. It includes 5GB of hotspot tethering per month, along with free texts and data usage across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. While it lacks extras like Google One storage or YouTube Premium, it’s a reliable option for everyday use and supports calls to over 200 international destinations.

Price: Varies by number of lines.
Pros: Affordable, reliable for multiple lines, includes international calling.
Cons: Limited hotspot data, lacks extra features.

Best for: Families or users seeking a budget-friendly, no-frills plan.

Unlimited Plus Plan

The Unlimited Plus Plan is designed for high-data users who value extra features. It offers unlimited hotspot tethering, 100GB of Google One cloud storage, and a year of YouTube Premium. This plan supports free calls and texts within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and offers data use in 200+ destinations. Free calls in 50+ countries and a 50GB threshold before potential speed reductions make it an excellent option for data-heavy users and frequent travelers.

Price: Varies by number of lines.
Pros: Unlimited hotspot, generous extras, robust international support.
Cons: Higher price point.

Best for: Heavy data users who need robust international features and premium add-ons.

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

Both Google Fi and Cricket offer solid plans with distinct benefits, depending on your priorities. Google Fi shines with its flexible, pay-for-what-you-use structure, excellent nationwide coverage (powered by T-Mobile's 5G network), and global connectivity options for frequent travelers. Its emphasis on using 4G LTE and 5G technology ensures reliable service in both urban and remote areas, with the added advantage of using multiple networks for extended coverage.

On the other hand, Cricket provides more straightforward pricing with its various plans, catering to users who prefer a set amount of data each month. Its integration with AT&T’s extensive network ensures strong coverage, especially in urban and suburban areas. The Unlimited + 15GB Mobile Hotspot plan is an excellent choice for those who need high data usage and hotspot capabilities. However, Cricket does not include international extras in most plans, which could be a limiting factor for those looking for global coverage.

Ultimately, Google Fi may be better for those who need international roaming, flexible plans, and more dynamic service, while Cricket is an appealing option for customers who prioritize budget-friendly, straightforward plans with solid coverage and no hidden fees.

Key Differences Between Google Fi and Cricket

Data Prioritization and Throttling

Google Fi, which utilizes T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular networks, generally offers strong data prioritization. This means Google Fi users are less likely to experience slow speeds, even during peak usage times, thanks to its multi-network infrastructure. However, throttling may occur if you exceed your high-speed data limit, particularly in the Unlimited Plus plan once you surpass 50GB of data. In 5G areas, Google Fi benefits from T-Mobile’s extensive 5G coverage, offering faster speeds with minimal throttling compared to single-network providers.

Cricket, powered by AT&T’s network, offers solid coverage, but data prioritization is more limited. Cricket customers may experience throttling during times of network congestion, especially on lower-tier plans like the 5GB and 10GB options. Once the data cap is reached, Cricket slows speeds significantly, making these plans less ideal for heavy data users. However, the Unlimited Plan offers unlimited data, though throttling may occur once a certain data threshold is exceeded, similar to Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Google Fi offers customer support primarily through online channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. The Google Fi app provides users with easy access to account management, billing, and troubleshooting. While it lacks extensive in-store support, the online support experience is generally considered user-friendly and efficient. Google Fi users can also get help through its comprehensive help center and community forum. Accessibility-wise, Google Fi's online presence and mobile app make it easy for users to manage their accounts on the go, with assistance readily available via digital platforms.

Cricket, on the other hand, provides customer support through multiple channels, including phone, live chat, and in-store support. Cricket’s in-store support is one of its key advantages, as customers can walk into a store for immediate assistance, which is especially valuable for those who prefer face-to-face interaction. The customer service experience is generally well-regarded, but wait times may vary depending on location. Cricket also offers an online support center, where customers can access FAQs, troubleshoot, and manage their accounts. Accessibility is strong with Cricket’s widespread network of physical stores across the country, giving customers an added layer of convenience for in-person support.

The Verdict

Ultimately, if you prioritize flexibility and international coverage with the latest network technology, Google Fi is the better choice. But if you're looking for an affordable, simple plan with strong support and the convenience of in-person service, Cricket might be more suited to your needs. Both carriers offer competitive options, but the best choice will depend on your specific usage, budget, and support preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Determine Which Provider Has Better Coverage in My Area?

To check coverage, visit Google Fi’s and Cricket Wireless’s interactive maps. Google Fi operates on T-Mobile’s network, offering extensive 5G coverage and seamless integration, while Cricket Wireless uses AT&T's network for reliable coverage, especially in urban and suburban areas. You can also use third-party tools or ask others about their experiences with these mobile carriers in your area.

What Should I Consider When Comparing Google Fi and Cricket Plans?

Consider how much data you typically use, your budget, and any international needs. Google Fi offers flexible data plans with options for Google Fi customers to save money and supports Android phones and international data. Cricket Wireless offers affordable unlimited data plans with fixed data, making it ideal for those who want a straightforward cell phone plan with no surprises. Cricket also provides multi-line discounts for families.

Do Google Fi and Cricket Have Contracts or Cancellation Fees?

Both Google Fi and Cricket are prepaid carriers with no-contract options. This means you can cancel or switch to a new cell phone plan anytime without penalties. However, if you’ve financed a new phone, such as a Google Pixel with Google Fi or new phones with Cricket, you’ll need to pay off the remaining balance if you decide to leave.

Is There a Major Difference Between Google Fi’s “Flexible” Plan and Cricket’s Unlimited Plans?

Yes, Google Fi’s “Flexible” plan is ideal for users who need capped data plans and only use a moderate amount of data. This plan is also a great option for Google Fi customers who prefer to save money. On the other hand, Cricket’s unlimited data plan provides a fixed price for unlimited high-speed data and unlimited calls, making it a more predictable option. Google Fi’s pricing offers additional flexibility with international coverage, while Cricket Wireless focuses on domestic network coverage.

How Does Customer Support Compare for Google Fi and Cricket?

Google Fi offers robust customer support via phone, chat, and email for managing your fi plan and account settings. Google Fi customers appreciate its responsive service. Cricket Wireless offers both online and in-store support, which can be convenient if you prefer face-to-face assistance at one of their many retail locations. Both providers offer reliable customer service, especially when it comes to managing prepaid plans, network coverage, and new phones.