Red Pocket vs Cricket: Which Carrier is Better?

Red Pocket vs Cricket—can't decide? Both are popular, budget-friendly options, but they cater to different needs. Red Pocket stands out with its reliable coverage on all major networks, ensuring a solid connection wherever you are. Meanwhile, Cricket offers straightforward plans with great perks and excellent customer support. Let’s explore the differences between Red Pocket and Cricket to help you find the right carrier for you.

We’ll highlight the key benefits of each carrier, providing you with all the information you need to decide confidently. After researching smartphones and plans from top providers, we've gathered the most reliable insights. Here’s what you can expect:

• A thorough comparison of coverage between the two carriers
• A detailed breakdown of pricing and features for each plan
• An overview of the standout perks offered by each provider

Compare Cricket to other Carriers

• Verizon, one of the largest U.S. carriers, offers reliable coverage, fast 5G speeds, and a range of plans.
• Visible, a Verizon-owned MVNO, provides affordable unlimited data plans with reliable nationwide coverage.
• AT&T, a leading telecom provider, is known for its reliable 5G network and diverse plan options catering to various needs.
• Boost Mobile, owned by Dish Network, is the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the United States, offering affordable prepaid plans with nationwide coverage.
• Metro by T-Mobile, a prepaid carrier owned by T-Mobile, offers affordable plans with reliable access to T-Mobile’s expansive 5G network.

Red Pocket Overview

Red Pocket Mobile is a standout mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), known for its extensive coverage and flexibility. By leveraging the networks of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, it offers nationwide 5G coverage. What sets Red Pocket apart is the option to select the network that best fits your needs when you sign up for one of their prepaid plans.

Cricket Wireless Overview

Cricket Wireless uses AT&T's reliable 4G LTE network, offering broad coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Its competitively priced plans include options for unlimited data, with $60 per month being a standout offer. As AT&T expands its 5G network, Cricket users with compatible devices can enjoy faster speeds and lower latency

Red Pocket Coverage

Red Pocket Mobile leverages AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon's networks, providing some of the fastest speeds and broad coverage available. As an MVNO, Red Pocket works with these major providers while offering its own platform, giving you more flexibility than carriers tied to a single network. To find the best option for you, check the coverage map in your area. Red Pocket’s map helps you easily identify which network offers the strongest signal, ensuring you get the best service possible.

Cricket Wireless Coverage

Cricket’s coverage is built on AT&T’s network, offering solid service for both 4G LTE and 5G in urban, suburban, and many rural areas. While remote regions may have limited coverage, urban areas generally enjoy strong service. However, during peak times, network congestion can cause slower speeds for Cricket users, as AT&T prioritizes its direct customers. In suburban areas, coverage is typically reliable, with fewer issues, ensuring most users experience good call quality and data speeds. To see the detailed coverage in your area, check out Cricket’s coverage map.

Coverage Comparison

When comparing coverage between Red Pocket and Cricket, the key difference lies in their network partnerships. Red Pocket Mobile operates on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks, giving you the flexibility to choose the network with the best coverage in your area. This ensures broad national coverage, including strong 5G service in many regions.

On the other hand, Cricket relies on AT&T's network, which provides excellent coverage in urban and suburban areas, but may face network congestion during peak times. Cricket also offers 5G service for compatible devices, though its coverage may not be as extensive as Red Pocket’s multi-network option.

Red Pocket Mobile Plans

Unlimited Annual Plan

Red Pocket Mobile’s Unlimited Annual Plan offers great value for $30 per month ($360 annually). It provides 30GB of full-speed data with hotspot access. After reaching the data cap, speeds drop to 64kbps, and hotspot usage is disabled.
Pros: Budget-friendly pricing
Cons: No separate hotspot data allocation
Best for: Average to heavy data users

20GB Annual Plan

The 20GB Annual Plan offers 20GB of full-speed data each month with hotspot access. Once the cap is exceeded, speeds are slowed to 64kbps, and hotspot access stops. It costs $25 per month ($300 annually), making it a cheaper option than the Unlimited Plan.
Pros: Competitive pricing, hotspot included
Cons: Requires a yearly commitment for the best deal
Best for: Average data users

Unlimited Monthly Plan

This plan offers 30GB of full-speed data with hotspot access each month. After reaching the data cap, speeds drop to 64kbps, and hotspot use is disabled. It costs $40 per month, with a first-month discount of 50% ($20).
Pros: Great introductory discount
Cons: No separate hotspot data allocation
Best for: Average to heavy data users

20GB Monthly Plan

The 20GB Monthly Plan includes 20GB of full-speed data with hotspot access. Once the data limit is reached, speeds slow to 64kbps. This plan costs $30 per month, with the first month discounted to $15.
Pros: Solid data allowance, hotspot access included
Cons: Annual plans offer better value
Best for: Average data users

5GB Annual Plan

Ideal for light data users, this plan provides 5GB of full-speed data each month. After reaching the data cap, speeds slow to 64kbps. It’s priced at $15 per month ($180 annually).
Pros: Hotspot access included
Cons: Deprioritized data during network congestion
Best for: Light data users

5GB Monthly Plan

This plan offers 5GB of full-speed data with hotspot access each month. After the cap is reached, speeds drop to 64kbps. It costs $20 per month, with a first-month discount to $10.
Pros: Affordable first-month pricing
Cons: Annual plans offer better value
Best for: Light data users

1GB Monthly Plan

Red Pocket’s smallest plan provides 1GB of full-speed data each month with hotspot access. After reaching the limit, speeds drop to 64kbps. The plan is priced at $10 per month, with a first-month discount of $5.
Pros: Budget-friendly introductory price
Cons: Limited data, no separate hotspot allowance
Best for: Lightest data users

Family Plan Offerings

Red Pocket’s family plans allow up to five lines under one account. Each line gets 20GB of full-speed data, and additional lines are priced at $20 per month after the first line at $30.
Best for: Families seeking affordable, reliable coverage

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

Red Pocket offers affordable, flexible plans suited for light to moderate data users. With the option to choose from multiple networks (Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile), it provides broad coverage and hotspot access, but speeds are deprioritized after hitting data caps. Family plans allow for shared data at competitive prices.

Cricket, operating on AT&T’s network, provides straightforward plans with reliable coverage, including unlimited data with a speed reduction after a certain limit. Cricket also includes hotspot access and international calling features, making it ideal for users who prefer simple, no-contract plans with extra perks.

Key Differences Between Red Pocket Mobile and Cricket

Unlimited Data Prioritization and Throttling

Red Pocket Mobile uses data prioritization, which may lead to slower speeds during peak usage or in congested areas. After reaching your data limit, speeds are reduced to 64 kbps, making activities like streaming challenging. However, these measures help keep their plans affordable for users who don’t require constant high-speed data.

Cricket, powered by AT&T’s network, offers reliable coverage, though data prioritization is limited. Customers on lower-tier plans, like the 5GB and 10GB options, may experience throttling during network congestion. Once the data cap is reached, speeds are significantly reduced, making these plans less ideal for heavy data users. However, the Unlimited Plan provides unlimited data, with throttling potentially occurring once a certain data threshold is exceeded, similar to Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan.

Customer Satisfaction, Service, and Accessibility

Red Pocket Mobile provides dependable customer support through both online and phone channels, making it easy for users to get assistance when needed. Support is available daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST, with options for live chat on their website and phone support at (888) 993-3888. These extended hours offer plenty of opportunities for users to resolve issues or ask questions, ensuring a seamless experience with the service.

Cricket provides customer support through phone, live chat, and in-store assistance, with in-store support being a standout feature for those seeking immediate help. While customer service is generally well-regarded, wait times can vary. Additionally, Cricket offers an online support center with FAQs, troubleshooting, and account management resources, complemented by a broad network of stores for convenient in-person assistance.

The Verdict

Red Pocket Mobile is a great choice for budget-conscious users who need flexible, no-frills plans with the option to choose from multiple networks. It offers affordable pricing but may experience slower speeds during peak times, especially for heavy data users.

Cricket, powered by AT&T's network, provides reliable coverage and simple, straightforward plans, with features like unlimited data (with potential throttling after a certain threshold) and hotspot access. While slightly pricier, it’s ideal for users seeking dependable service and easy-to-understand options without contracts.

Overall, Red Pocket is best for those looking for flexibility and cost savings, while Cricket is better for users who prioritize solid coverage and straightforward plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between deprioritized data and throttled data?

Deprioritized data occurs when your data speeds are slowed down during times of network congestion. This happens because your data is given a lower priority, especially on networks like Verizon's network or T-Mobile network, where priority data is reserved for users with higher-tier plans. Throttling, on the other hand, happens when your speeds are intentionally reduced after reaching your data cap, regardless of network traffic. If you frequently need more data, it's important to choose a plan with fewer restrictions on data usage to avoid throttling. Understanding these terms can help you select the best plan for your needs.

How can I check if a mobile carrier provides coverage in my area?

Most mobile carriers provide coverage maps on their websites, which can help you check the availability of cell phone service in your area. If you’re considering providers like Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, or Google Fi, these maps can give you a sense of service in your location. Additionally, a few MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer apps that allow you to test the coverage quality in your area. For users in rural areas, it’s especially important to ensure you choose a carrier with better coverage in less populated regions, such as Verizon's network or T-Mobile network.

Can I use my mobile plan internationally?

Many cell phone plans include options for free international calling or international roaming. This can be especially useful when traveling abroad, but the terms vary between providers. Some providers, such as Mint Mobile, Google Fi, and T-Mobile, offer affordable plans with global coverage that includes international calls, data, and texts. Always check with your carrier to confirm their international rates and ensure your plan suits your travel needs, helping you stay connected while abroad without paying high fees.

What happens if I exceed my data limit on a mobile plan?

Exceeding your data limit typically results in throttled speeds, where your data slows to a lower speed, such as 2G, after you reach your cap. For example, if you’re using Verizon's network or T-Mobile network and you’ve reached your data limit, you may experience reduced speeds for the remainder of your billing cycle. Some carriers offer the option to buy more data or continue using the internet at a slower speed, so it’s important to understand your plan’s terms before you hit your cap. With some affordable plans, you may have the option to get more data if needed, or you can opt for a plan that includes unlimited talk and text to reduce your reliance on data.

Can I switch carriers without changing my phone number?

Yes, most mobile carriers, including Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Google Fi, allow you to keep your current phone number when you switch providers. This process is known as number portability. Simply contact your new carrier, such as T-Mobile or Verizon, and follow their instructions to transfer your number. This ensures that you can continue making calls, sending texts, and using your device without any interruptions to your service. Switching is a great way to pay lower costs while keeping your phone and number.