Cricket Wireless: Benefits, Plans, and Affordable Phones

Cricket Wireless is a popular prepaid mobile provider in the United States and a subsidiary of AT&T.

Advantages of Choosing Cricket
Subscribers can enjoy a $5 discount by enrolling in auto-pay. This ensures bills are paid automatically, eliminating missed payments. Additionally, the "group pay" feature allows savings of $5 per family or friend line added. The Cricket Rewards app enables users to earn points through app usage, gaming, and more, which can be redeemed for discounts.

Travelers can opt for roaming packages like "Smart" and "Unlimited," offering free roaming in Mexico and Canada. Cricket’s plans are transparent with no hidden charges; users pay only for what they use based on their chosen plan.

Available Plans from Cricket
Monthly plans start at $30 and go up to $60, including unlimited talk, texts, and data (covering 2G, 3G, and 4G). Some plans also include international roaming options tailored to consumer needs. As of April 2017, Cricket introduced a new data management system where plans with over 22 GB of usage temporarily reduce speeds during peak times to stabilize the network. Additionally, the "Stream More" feature allows users to lower video quality to save data, and it can be toggled on or off.

Most unlocked smartphones compatible with Android or iOS can be used on Cricket. Costs depend on device memory (GB), network technology (LTE, HSPA, CDMA), screen size, and camera specs. Budget-friendly options under $50 include LG Risio 2, Alcatel One Touch Flint, and Coolpad Canvas. Devices under $100 like Samsung Galaxy Sol, HTC Desire 550, and Alcatel Pixi Theatre offer more features. For those seeking high-end devices, refurbished models such as Sony Xperia, Motorola Moto G+, and iPhones are affordable alternatives under $300.